Chapter 54: Two Choices

"Now, I'll give you two options!"

Dugu Bo extended a finger. "First, I owe you a favor. You can ask me to do something for you anytime. Of course, it must be something within my capabilities."

Cheng Xiao nodded silently, waiting for the rest.

"Second, I'll take you as my disciple. From now on, you'll be under my wing, and no one will dare to bully you in Heaven Dou City. You can rest assured and no longer need to engage in petty schemes. But there's a condition: you need to teach my old friend the meridian techniques to prolong his life."

This was something Dugu Bo had thought about for a long time yesterday, the only thing he could do for his good friend.

He wasn't willing to involve his granddaughter, but taking on a disciple was acceptable. This kid deliberately befriended influential figures, and he understood his intentions. With his identity and strength as a Title Douluo, he could protect him.

Originally, he wasn't very willing. With this kid's innate soul power, the so-called apprenticeship would be just a formality, unlikely to achieve much. It was purely using his reputation as the "Poison Douluo" to protect him for a lifetime. But for the sake of his friend living a little longer, he reluctantly accepted him as a formal disciple, removing the word "formal" that he had initially planned.

Cheng Xiao was stunned. He had never thought about becoming Dugu Bo's disciple. After all, in his plan, the only thing he could get from Dugu Bo was the Heavenly Strife Grass.

He originally planned to grab the Heavenly Strife Grass and leave...

Before Cheng Xiao could respond, Ye Renxin spoke up in dissatisfaction, "If you're interested in this kid's talent, don't drag me into it!"

Dugu Bo's words made him feel as if he coveted the unique skills of the Cheng family. Ye Renxin had led an impeccable life, and he couldn't afford to tarnish his reputation before he died.

With a serious expression, Ye Renxin turned to Cheng Xiao and said, "Xiao Cheng, don't listen to this old guy's nonsense. If he values your talent, but doesn't want to admit it, you don't need to consider me if you want to be his disciple."

"You... are too rigid and muddled!" Dugu Bo cursed.

"Don't be so verbose!"

Seeing two old men nearing two hundred years old quarreling, Cheng Xiao couldn't help but smile wryly. He quickly intervened, "Seniors, please. Regardless of whether I become Master Dugu's disciple or not, I have already decided to pass on this unique skill to Master Ye."

The two fell silent, suddenly at a loss for words. They avoided each other's eyes.

Dugu Bo cleared his throat. "This kid is quite good. I like him."

Ye Renxin's expression was complex. With his personality, he was unwilling to accept such a favor, especially since his time was running out, making it difficult to repay such kindness. But he couldn't let go of his inner obsession.

For a moment, Ye Renxin was torn, unable to speak.

Seeing Ye Renxin's hesitation, Cheng Xiao understood. He said, "Master Ye, you don't need to worry. I am not a healing-type soul master. I firmly believe that this skill can only reach its full potential in the hands of a healing-type soul master."

If you're going to do someone a favor, do it big. Cheng Xiao wasn't a stingy person. Trying to build a good relationship by being stingy would only make people look down on him for being petty.

Moreover, whether the combination of the Nine-Hearted Sea Begonia's soul power could produce that effect was also unknown. He couldn't be bothered to try it himself, so he might as well give it to Ye Renxin to worry about.

Ye Renxin sighed softly. "How can I repay you for this?"

"Hahaha, everyone's happy with this! What repayment? This kid will be my disciple from now on. Talking about repayment is too formal." Dugu Bo patted his old friend's shoulder, comforting him. Then he joked, "If you really feel guilty, just marry your granddaughter to him. Then our two families will be one big family!"

"Senior Du, I apologize sincerely. I know my talents are insufficient. If I were to become your disciple, I'm afraid I would tarnish your reputation. Therefore, I choose the first option."

"Hahaha, cough... cough..."

Dugu Bo's laughter abruptly turned into coughing fits. After struggling to stop, his face turned red. He glared fiercely at Cheng Xiao and gritted his teeth, "You brat, what did you say?! Say it again."

Is this kid out of his mind? Dugu Bo couldn't believe it. As a Title Douluo, offering to take him as a disciple, he actually refused? Refusing a Title Douluo? Do you know the value of a Title Douluo? Even a pig would choose to become a disciple of a Title Douluo! Is this kid dumber than a pig? His red cheeks turned black in an instant. Dugu Bo's eyelids twitched. Since this kid came to his house, he seemed to have never had a good time, always losing face because of this brat.

Could this kid be sent by Chrysanthemum Douluo, that non-male non-female dog, to specifically annoy me? At this moment, Dugu Bo seriously doubted Cheng Xiao's background.

Seeing Dugu Bo getting angry, Cheng Xiao was helpless but unwilling to change his mind. He insisted, "Senior, I choose the first option."

In a short time, Cheng Xiao had already considered various pros and cons very clearly. This wasn't a rash decision.

What he needed to consider now, especially, was how to conceal the issue of the second thousand-year soul ring. That was the most urgent matter.

There were many ways to solve this problem, and taking him as a disciple was not impossible.

But the primary condition was that this person had to be strong enough to withstand the various threats from major forces.

Indeed, a Title Douluo already had enough reputation.

However, Dugu Bo was not the best choice for taking him as a disciple.

In terms of strength, among the Title Douluo, Dugu Bo's strength could be considered the weakest. Although his poison could instantly wipe out a city, for high-level combatants, there were many ways to defend against it, and without his poison, Dugu Bo's strength would be greatly reduced.

Not to mention that he wasn't even a match for Chrysanthemum Douluo. Let alone other Super Douluo above level ninety-five, he couldn't even beat a single Sword Douluo or Bone Douluo.

In terms of power, Dugu Bo was truly a lonely individual. If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Martial Soul Hall, or even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were determined to act against him, Dugu Bo could only protect himself at most and could not guarantee his safety.

In terms of personality, Dugu Bo was unpredictable, with fluctuating moods and a bit of a short temper. He was indeed difficult to get along with. Especially with the situation of him harboring an externally attached soul bone, Cheng Xiao was a bit apprehensive. If it were exposed, would Dugu Bo cut off his hand and take the soul bone for his granddaughter?

Before fully integrating the externally attached soul bone, he truly didn't dare to be too intimate with Dugu Bo.

From whichever aspect you looked at it, Dugu Bo was not a good candidate for taking him as a disciple.

Compared to him, if it weren't for the inopportune timing and Ye Renxin's imminent demise, he would prefer to become Ye Renxin's disciple.