Chapter 49

After much consideration, Ye Chen finally raised his head and looked seriously at Dugu Bo, saying, "I refuse!"

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's eyes widened in anger, and his hair began to move without wind, influenced by the intense fluctuations of his soul power.

A green poisonous mist emanated from his body, and within moments, the nearby plants were reduced to powder by the poison.

Suppressing his anger, Dugu Bo shouted at Ye Chen, "What are you thinking, boy? My granddaughter is beautiful and kind-hearted, and the dowry I've prepared is so generous that anyone else would accept immediately. But you—"

As he spoke, a surge of soul power burst forth, sending Ye Chen flying dozens of meters away.

Nearby, Dugu Yan turned pale and stood in a daze, as if her soul had left her body.

"Senior, you've misunderstood."

Ye Chen got up from the ground, dusted himself off, and said with a smile, "I have my reasons for refusing. Please listen to my explanation."

"Explanation? There's no need for an explanation. A refusal is not a misunderstanding."

Dugu Bo, furious, had his martial spirit automatically summoned. The enormous Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor stared coldly at Ye Chen, its hissing emitting a fearsome green gas, as if it would kill him instantly upon release.

"It really is a misunderstanding." Ye Chen shrugged helplessly, then took out a transparent, snake-shaped bone arm from his storage ring and said seriously, "I refuse because of a custom from my hometown. The groom's family must provide the betrothal gift. Of course, the Dugu family wouldn't care for ordinary treasures, so I wish to use this 'spirit bone' right arm as the betrothal gift for Yan'er."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's anger quickly dissipated, and Dugu Yan's expression brightened with joy and happiness.

"Why didn't you say so earlier? We could have all been happy from the start."

Dugu Bo laughed heartily, clapping Ye Chen on the shoulder so hard that he nearly dislocated it.

"Grandfather!"

Dugu Yan protested coquettishly, prompting Dugu Bo to realize he'd gotten carried away. He then straightened Ye Chen's collar and accepted the spirit bone right arm.

"Alright, I'll accept the betrothal gift, and from now on, the Sunset Valley is yours."

Dugu Bo was overjoyed, feeling that his efforts to matchmake were not in vain. His granddaughter deserved a talent like Ye Chen.

Suddenly, Dugu Bo's smile froze as he examined the snake-shaped bone arm in his hand, exclaiming, "Is this the poisonous right arm bone from a 30,000-year-old Black Venom Snake? This is too valuable."

Recognizing the preciousness of the spirit bone, Dugu Bo felt its weight, appreciating Ye Chen's sincerity toward Yan'er.

"Poison Douluo, I'm glad you like it. This is a betrothal gift for Yan'er, so it can't be taken lightly."

Ye Chen's words made Dugu Bo feel the gravity of the situation, fully understanding Ye Chen's intentions.

Turning to Dugu Yan, Dugu Bo patted her head gently, saying, "Yan'er, I can rest assured leaving you with Ye Chen. He's a rare gem; cherish him well." With that, he nudged Dugu Yan toward Ye Chen.

"I disagree."

A loud voice suddenly came from afar. Two figures quickly flew into the valley, and within moments, arrived at the scene.

"Yu Tianheng, what right do you have to disagree? This is between Ye Chen and me; it has nothing to do with you."

Seeing the newcomer, Dugu Yan immediately retorted. She liked Ye Chen and wanted to marry him; no one could stop her.

"Sister Yan, have you forgotten how good I've been to you? Before Ye Chen came to the academy, everyone said we were a perfect match. Have you forgotten that?"

Yu Tianheng shouted, unable to accept the current situation. Knowing that Dugu Bo had brought the two to Sunset Forest, he suspected something significant was happening. His suspicions were confirmed upon arrival, realizing Dugu Yan and Ye Chen were getting married. He felt it was unfair, having known her first.

"Those were just your assumptions. I never agreed to be with you, did I?"

Dugu Yan responded coldly, glancing at Ye Chen, worried he might be upset by Yu Tianheng's antics.

"You—"

Yu Tianheng wanted to say more, but the old man beside him stopped him, then looked at Dugu Bo.

"Old Poison, Yan'er is still young, and you want her to marry already? I didn't want to interfere in the children's affairs, but I really like Yan'er, and my grandson has had many interactions with her recently. I was hoping she could marry into our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."

The elderly man in black smiled at Dugu Yan, saying, "Little girl, I shamelessly came to tell you that if you marry Tianheng, you'll become the future matriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."

This offer was highly tempting, as the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was one of the top three sects in the Heaven Dou Empire. The elder's promise meant that Yu Tianheng was the designated heir, destined to wield great power and receive widespread respect.

Hearing this, Dugu Yan was furious but restrained herself out of respect for the elder's status, only managing to say, "Impossible."

At this moment, Ye Chen stepped forward, standing in front of Dugu Yan, and said, "The toughest part of a person is their beard; no matter how thick-skinned, it can pierce through. But why don't you have a beard?"

With a smile, Ye Chen faced the black-clothed elder, matching his imposing manner without faltering.

"So, you are Ye Chen!"

The elder frowned slightly. He had heard of the major events in Heaven Dou City, involving four Super Douluo fighting a mysterious strongman, all linked to a young man named Ye Chen, who had drawn much attention.

"And you must be Yu Yuanzhen, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's patriarch?"

Seeing Ye Chen confront him directly, showing no respect, Yu Yuanzhen laughed, "A young hero indeed, daring to speak to me like this. Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"

Ye Chen grinned, "Kill me? If you're not afraid of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's destruction, then go ahead and try."

"Outrageous! You dare threaten me?"

Yu Yuanzhen's eyes widened in anger, emitting thick lightning serpents from his body. His immense soul power caused surrounding crystals to explode, scattering debris everywhere.

"Try me, and see what happens."

Ye Chen smiled calmly, unafraid.

Seeing this, Yu Yuanzhen was angry but also somewhat wary. Everyone knew of Ye Chen's close ties with the Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's four Super Douluo. It wasn't worth offending these powerful factions over a potential granddaughter-in-law.

"Grandfather, kill him! Yan'er can only be mine."

Yu Tianheng's eyes were full of malice, shouting, "Ye Chen, see if you can still be arrogant now. When you're dead, I'll take good care of Yan'er."

Hearing this, Ye Chen swung his arm, delivering a heavy slap to Yu Tianheng, leaving a red handprint on his face, swelling it like a pig's head.

"Kill me? You dare!"

Ye Chen glared at Yu Yuanzhen, chest puffed out, "I'm right here. Go ahead, kill me if you can."

Dugu Bo's palms began to sweat. No one expected Ye Chen to be so bold in front of a Super Douluo. It was unclear where he got his courage from, but it was impressive.

"Kill him, grandfather! Hurry!"

Yu Tianheng, holding his swollen face, shouted.

"Shut up!"

Another slap came, but this time from Yu Yuanzhen, sending Yu Tianheng tumbling through the air.

Yu Yuanzhen, with a dark expression, said, "Alright, alright, young hero. But remember, I, Yu Yuanzhen, will come for you someday." With that, he grabbed Yu Tianheng and flew away.

"Not seeing you off!"

Ye Chen waved after him, his eyes filled with anger.

Trying to take his wife was a great humiliation for any man, and he vowed to avenge it one day.

"Are you alright?"

Dugu Bo asked with concern. Ye Chen shook his head, "I'm fine, just very annoyed. I need to soak in the hot spring to wash off this bad luck." He then jumped into the Eyes of Ice and Fire, where his fallen angel martial spirit emerged, and the healing ability began to repair his body, which was being continuously eroded by the spring water.

"This boy is incredibly resilient and determined, no doubt a dragon among men."

Thinking this, Dugu Bo approached Dugu Yan, saying softly, "Yan'er, you go too. I'll guard the valley for you. Seize the moment."

Dugu Bo used a large portion of his soul power to protect Dugu Yan, saying, "The alternating hot and cold in that spring is too strong; I can't protect you for long. Make the most of your time. Go!" He then flew out of the Sunset Valley, leaving the blushing young lady standing there, clenching her fists.

"Thank you for your support, Floating Wounds, and Sad Laughter."

(End of the chapter)