Chapter 44: Dugu Yan Visits

Chapter 44: Dugu Yan Visits

Life had returned to its usual quiet pace for the Po Zhi Clan. Late one morning after class, Yang Potian's family was about to have lunch when his father returned, this time accompanied by a young girl.

The girl was about the same height as Yang Potian, roughly 1.5 meters tall, with short, deep purple hair that gave her a bold, spirited look. Though not an absolute beauty, she had an exotic allure, with striking green eyes that carried a mysterious charm. Something about her seemed familiar to Yang Potian. Despite her young age—around ten or so—she already had the makings of a beauty, with a hint of a curvaceous figure and graceful poise.

"Potian, Ping'an," Yang Zhentian began, "let me introduce you. This young girl is Dugu Yan. Her father and grandfather have come to the Po Zhi Clan for medical treatment, and she'll be staying with us for a while. I hope you all get along well."

Yang Zhentian continued, introducing his family to the girl. "Yan Yan, this is my wife, Niu Jinfeng. You can call her Auntie. These are my children, Yang Potian and Yang Ping'an, both eight and a half years old." He then gestured to the youngest, two-year-old Yang Tianyue, saying, "This is my daughter, Yang Tianyue."

Yang Potian and Yang Ping'an promptly greeted her.

"Hello, my name is Yang Potian, and I'm eight and a half."

"Hello, I'm Yang Ping'an, also eight and a half."

The girl replied with a slight air of haughtiness, "Hello, I'm Dugu Yan. I'm ten and a half years old."

Sensing some awkwardness in the introductions, Niu Jinfeng warmly pulled Dugu Yan closer. "Yan Yan, don't mind these two little rascals. Treat this as your home," she said reassuringly.

Meanwhile, Yang Potian was busy connecting the dots: So, this girl is Dugu Yan! He recalled that in the original story, Dugu Yan was about seven years older than Tang San. Her visit to the Po Zhi Clan was likely due to her father, Dugu Xin, who had come for treatment.

According to the plot, Yang Potian thought, she'll soon join the Tiandou Royal Academy and eventually meet Yu Tianheng, her future partner. Both are descendants of Titled Douluos, making them a strong political match. Dugu Bo might have even encouraged the connection to ensure she has a stable future, aware that he might not live long due to his condition.

As it was, Dugu Yan was simply a ten-year-old child. Yang Potian wasn't particularly interested in her arrival, although Niu Jinfeng seemed quite pleased to have her around.

Dugu Yan settled into the household, and the next morning, Yang Potian and Yang Ping'an began their regular training in the backyard practice grounds.

Since reaching the rank of Grand Soul Master, Yang Potian had increased his weighted training, wearing the weights constantly, even while sleeping. Each arm bore a five-kilogram weight, and he carried a 30-kilogram chest plate, bringing the total weight to 50 kilograms. Though it took time to get used to, the strenuous hill runs had gradually helped him adapt. After every medicinal bath, he could feel his body getting stronger, and it seemed his core martial spirit was strengthening as well.

Inspired by Yang Potian, Yang Ping'an also took up weighted training after acquiring his first soul ring, albeit with lighter weights. Each day, he pushed himself to exhaustion.

The training ground was lined with various practice spears crafted to resemble the clan's signature Po Soul Spear but with varying weights and blunt edges for safety.

Since his martial spirit awakened, Yang Potian had spent two years mastering the basics, especially spear-thrusting techniques, which closely aligned with the clan's spear techniques. At this point, he could perform many of the Po Zhi Clan's spear moves with precision.

Every morning after training, Yang Ping'an would challenge Yang Potian to a sparring match. At first, Potian was hesitant, but he knew that sparring was crucial for improvement, so he agreed. Yang Ping'an wielded a standard Po Soul Spear weighing about 30 pounds, while Yang Potian preferred a heavier spear, typically over 100 pounds. Since advancing to Grand Soul Master, he'd been using a spear weighing 200 pounds, though this was with his added bodyweight training.

Considering that Yang Potian's martial spirit alone weighed nearly 300 pounds, the choice of a heavy spear suited his style. In their sparring sessions, Yang Potian usually emerged the victor. Although the heavy spear lacked flexibility, it excelled in strength and impact. Each time Yang Ping'an faced Potian's attacks, he had to defend with all his might. Their weapons often clashed with such force that the impact sent tremors up Ping'an's arms.

As the two practiced, Dugu Yan appeared, watching their sparring match with an intrigued look. When they finished, she greeted them with a slight nod.

"Good morning, Yan Yan!" Yang Potian and Yang Ping'an said in unison.

She seemed curious about their training. "Yang Potian, Yang Ping'an, why are you two up so early training with spears? Don't Soul Masters usually focus on cultivating soul power? Why are you so intent on training physically?"

"Yan Yan," replied Potian, "we're Weapon Soul Masters, so we have to practice with our weapons regularly. It's how we become skilled with our martial spirits."

Dugu Yan's interest seemed piqued. "Since you're both Soul Masters, why don't we spar?" she suggested. "My father and grandfather never let me duel with others, and training alone is so boring." She added confidently, "Don't worry—I'll fight both of you at once."

Yang Potian felt a bit exasperated. Dugu Yan's martial spirit is the Jade Phosphor Serpent, and all her abilities are poison-based, he thought. Most early-stage Soul Masters wouldn't willingly face a poison Soul Master; it's far too risky.

Just then, Niu Jinfeng joined them in the training yard, eager to watch the show.

"Potian, go ahead and spar with Yan Yan," she encouraged. "Don't worry, I'll be here to keep everyone safe."

Dugu Yan seemed confident as well. "Don't worry, Auntie. I'll make sure to control my poison carefully."

At her declaration, Niu Jinfeng, Potian, and Ping'an all exchanged skeptical glances. Where did she get the confidence to take on both of us? they wondered.

(End of Chapter)

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