Fortunately, although You Xing lacked Divine Sense and Divine Power, making it impossible for him to simulate the system's Meridian Strengthening and Marrow Cleansing, he possessed the Godly Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength, a furnace that could melt anything!
Although the Godly Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength did not aim to forge a perfect Celestial Divine Body but rather followed a purely physical violence route, it was still far better than this inefficient enhancement.
With a thought, You Xing immediately used the Godly Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength, transforming his body into a furnace and beginning the rapid refinement of Immortal Spiritual Energy.
When the last trace of Immortal Spiritual Energy was refined into Dragon-Elephant Micro-particles, You Xing focused his mind and observed that forty percent of the physical micro-particles had completed the transformation from giant elephant to dragon elephant.
'After all, it's not like the Ice-Fire Immortal Herb, which is specifically used for physical enhancement, but rather a portion of Immortal Spiritual Energy split from the Immortal Herb. To achieve such an effect is already quite remarkable. Moreover… fifty percent of Dragon-Elephant Micro-particles is basically the limit of my current understanding of the Dragon-Elephant Chapter.'
The cultivation of Godly Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength required not only resources but also the practitioner's comprehension to keep up.
Of course, the process of absorbing heavenly materials and earthly treasures was the best form of training. By accumulating a large amount of heavenly materials and earthly treasures, as long as it did not involve the two major barriers of entering each chapter and fully cultivating them, one could basically forcefully pile it up.
You Xing felt that his understanding of the Dragon-Elephant Chapter had improved again.
In the Dragon-Elephant Chapter, when all micro-particles were transformed into Dragon-Elephant Micro-particles, it represented a 99-level Ultimate Douluo's physical body, over ninety percent was a 98-level body, over sixty percent was a 97-level, and over thirty percent was a 96-level, while below thirty percent was a 95-level.
You Chen's recent breakthrough, although not much of an increase, had significantly enhanced his physical strength.
He silently clenched his fist: 'I am truly terrifyingly strong now.'
...
On the other side.
Dugu Yan was in her room, unusually looking a bit down as she pondered. Suddenly, the door was pushed open.
"Grandpa!"
Seeing the visitor, her expression instantly brightened, and she rushed forward to embrace him like a fledgling swallows returning to the nest.
However, Dugu Bo still noticed the fleeting sadness on Dugu Yan's face.
Dugu Bo asked, "What's wrong? Are you still sad about parting with your friends?"
"No, it's not about that… but I can't say it's completely unrelated."
Dugu Yan spoke contradictorily, and upon realizing her inconsistency, she bashfully slapped Dugu Bo's chest and forcefully changed the subject, "Let's not talk about that. Grandpa, how did you meet You Xing… no, You Xing's teacher? You've never mentioned it before!"
"Never mentioned it?"
Dugu Bo shook his head: "Actually, I've mentioned it more than once. How about you guess?"
Seeing Dugu Bo's teasing expression, Dugu Yan immediately felt a little annoyed.
"Grandpa, do you think I can't guess?"
"No, how could that be? My clever granddaughter is the smartest in the world!"
Dugu Bo quickly denied it three times.
"Forget it."
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes and said, "Since you've mentioned it more than once, it probably isn't that hard to guess. But I need to ask a few more questions."
"Go ahead." Dugu Bo crossed his arms, looking calm.
"Is this person related to the Tiandou Royal Family?"
"No."
"Not at all?"
Dugu Yan frowned slightly. In her eyes, the person her grandfather interacted with the most and mentioned by name would be someone from the Tiandou Royal Family, yet it turned out to be completely unrelated?
"Is this person famous? Is he someone well-known?"
"Hmm, should I say famous? Or not famous?"
This question caught Dugu Bo off guard.
"What's the answer?" Dugu Yan asked, dissatisfied.
"Feels like I answered two questions at once, forget it."
Dugu Bo mumbled and replied, "To your generation, he might not be particularly famous, but in my generation and the next, basically everyone has heard of his name."
"Oh~"
Dugu Yan's eyes lit up: "So, he's the kind of powerful person who was famous for many years and then suddenly became quiet!"
Dugu Bo blinked, as if in some sense it was the opposite?
"Wait! I'm about to guess it! One more question, let me think!"
Seeing Dugu Yan deep in thought, Dugu Bo watched her with interest, smiling.
After a while, Dugu Yan finally stopped thinking and asked, "Is this person related to the Three Great Sects?"
Dugu Bo's expression became strange: "He is not from the Three Great Sects, so, Yanyan, where exactly are you guessing?"
"Ah?"
Dugu Yan looked surprised. Hearing Dugu Bo's words, she lowered her head somewhat dejectedly and chuckled, "When it comes to someone who was famous for many years and then suddenly quiet, I thought it might be that Clear Sky Douluo, haha, did I guess wrong? Darn, I guessed wrong! Now I can't think of who it could be!"
Dugu Yan became increasingly frustrated. She had thought that someone who could earn Dugu Bo's high regard and teach someone like You Xing, at the very least, would be a Titled Douluo, which narrowed it down significantly, and she quickly locked onto Tang Hao.
Now that she was denied, she couldn't think of anyone else.
Seeing Dugu Yan's troubled expression, Dugu Bo rubbed his forehead and said, "Didn't I say? The person I've mentioned more than once, I think I only mentioned Tang Hao once or twice when introducing you to Titled Douluo, so it barely counts as more than once. But, can't you think of anyone else from You Xing's surname?"
"You Xing? You surname—ah!"
Dugu Yan's eyes widened in disbelief: "You mean Grandmaster You Chen!? But, but isn't Grandmaster You Chen just a Soul Master?"
—Feeling like I could surpass him in a few years.
This thought Dugu Yan did not voice.
Especially when she recalled the scene of You Xing defeating the Royal Fight Team without even releasing his Martial Soul. If the disciple was that strong, then even if the teacher's soul power level was a bit lower, he should still possess combat power at the Soul King level, right?
Dugu Bo, unaware of Dugu Yan's offensive thoughts, nodded when his granddaughter spoke the correct answer.
Seeing Dugu Yan's astonished expression and her judgment of You Chen's strength, he frowned slightly and said, "Yanyan, do you think Grandmaster You Chen is too weak, so you lost interest in the idea of becoming his disciple?"
"Ah? No, no."
Dugu Yan waved her hands repeatedly, but her somewhat careless attitude revealed her subconscious thoughts.
Seeing this, Dugu Bo did not intend to explain You Chen's strength to Dugu Yan right now, as that would, in a sense, be betraying his Brother Chen.
He changed the subject and said, "Don't worry, Yanyan, the so-called apprenticeship is actually just a pretense."
"Ah?"
Dugu Yan hesitated and asked, "Then… I don't have to worry about leaving the academy?"
"Just listen to me finish." Dugu Bo said calmly.
Although he wasn't particularly stern, it was the first time Dugu Yan saw Dugu Bo speak with such a serious face, and she immediately quieted down.
Dugu Bo finally began to explain: "You should have some inkling; I have a far greater interest in Grandmaster You Chen than an ordinary theoretical scholar. At least, that's not a normal attitude for a Titled Douluo towards a theoretical scholar. Yanyan, my changes should be quite obvious now, right?"
Dugu Bo pointed to his face, and Dugu Yan nodded: "Yes, you look at least thirty years younger! Actually, I've been waiting for you to explain, it wouldn't be that this is the work of Grandmaster You Chen, right?"
"Exactly."
Dugu Bo calmly revealed the shocking truth to Dugu Yan: "In fact, I have been poisoned for a long time, and it was Grandmaster You Chen who helped me resolve it not long ago."
"Poisoned, wait! Grandpa, are you saying that a Titled Douluo who plays with poison is poisoned? You're not joking with me, are you?" Dugu Yan looked shocked.
"I'm not joking with you."
Dugu Bo said seriously: "Yanyan, actually, like me, you are also poisoned, poisoned by this Martial Soul Poison!"
Then, amidst Dugu Yan's shock, Dugu Bo slowly revealed the truth, even informing her of the cause of her parents' deaths at that moment.
He believed that Dugu Yan was now qualified to know the truth of that year, the truth that his father died because of Martial Soul poisoning, leading to both him and his wife's tragic deaths… and this would also help Dugu Yan understand the dangers and severity of Martial Soul poisoning.
"No wonder, no wonder you take me to that strange Ice-Fire Spring every so often… it turns out it was to suppress the poison?"
Dugu Yan's expression became somewhat dazed.
After learning the truth, many previously hard-to-understand things suddenly connected smoothly.
Then came the sobs due to her parents' deaths.
After comforting Dugu Yan for a while, Dugu Yan finally returned to normal.
She had already figured out the truth behind the so-called "apprenticeship" and asked, "So, actually, Grandpa, you're not asking me to become a disciple, but rather asking Grandmaster You Chen to help me detoxify, right? But… why make it so complicated?"
She couldn't understand why it had to be such a roundabout way.
Dugu Bo sighed softly and said, "Because the method to save you requires imparting some of Grandmaster You Chen's secrets, so it's not much different from becoming a disciple. Grandmaster You Chen must ensure that you won't expose the inheritance, so you can't stay in this academy. Of course, if you really don't want to leave, I will also ask Grandmaster You Chen to think of another way, but… that way, we can't guarantee the timing, nor can we ensure the success rate like we can with this method.
Moreover, because of Grandmaster You Chen's kindness in treating me, I have already promised to leave Tiandou City for a while to handle some matters for him. This means that if you stay here, I might not be able to take care of you like before. So… that's why I had You Xing act out that scene earlier."
Dugu Bo even took the time to patch things up.
Hearing this reasonable explanation, Dugu Yan immediately understood the whole process.
Although she was a bit curious about how Prince Xue Xing would resolve things, even Dugu Yan knew that her grandfather loved her, but just like adults would keep some things secret from their pampered children, there were some matters that wouldn't be shared with her.
She simply nodded: "Since that's the case, Grandpa, I understand. I will go and consult Grandmaster You Chen properly!"
"That's not necessary."
Dugu Bo shook his head and said, "Grandmaster You Chen has already entrusted his secrets to me. Once I finish handling the remaining trivial matters in Tiandou, after you and I leave together, I will personally teach you."
Dugu Yan's eyes widened in surprise: "Ah? Grandpa, you've already obtained the method to detoxify me? By the way, since Grandmaster You Chen has already treated you once, it's not surprising that you know. But… if that's the case, why make it so complicated?"
Dugu Bo saw through Dugu Yan's thoughts, his expression stern, and said, "Yanyan, it seems I really need You Xing to give you a lesson. Do you think that just because I'm a Titled Douluo with great power, I can disregard the source of the inheritance and take it without asking? Have you considered that doing so would offend Grandmaster You Chen? In a sense, Grandmaster You Chen is not only a lifesaver to me but also to you. How can you think of taking advantage of your benefactor?"
"Taking advantage… it's not like it's that serious, right?" Dugu Yan mumbled, feeling a bit wronged.
Seeing Dugu Yan like this, Dugu Bo couldn't help but feel a headache coming on, thinking about the dangerous business he might get involved in in the future.
The only fortunate thing was that after You Xing's earlier actions, Dugu Yan had already lost much of her resistance to leaving the academy.
That night, even You Xing did not expect that he had only shown his face at the Tiandou Royal Academy for a total of ten minutes, and someone was already unable to sit still.
Mainly, in some eyes… that person should be busy and overwhelmed due to revealing a tendency towards the Martial Soul Hall.
"What did you say? Teacher's… disciple, You Xing appeared at the Tiandou Royal Academy and was mingling with Jade Phosphorous Douluo?"
The one unable to sit still was, of course, Qian Renxue.
Clearly, because she had forcibly suppressed the public opinion against Bibidong, her situation in Tiandou had become less than wonderful over the past year. Previously, her control over Tiandou had regressed, and the coup plan was at great risk of failure. She had also allocated a good number of people to keep an eye on news related to You Chen.
Moreover, with Tiandou right beside her, she had always maintained a high level of attention towards the Tiandou Royal Academy, which is why she noticed You Xing's appearance immediately.
Upon receiving this report from her subordinate, Qian Renxue's expression fluctuated: 'Given how much Teacher values You Xing, he wouldn't let him come out alone. So, Teacher is currently in Tiandou City? No, I can't be so hasty! What's important now is, what's going on with that Jade Phosphorous Douluo? When did Teacher get to know him? Or is Jade Phosphorous Douluo also connected to that SkyNet Organization?'
"Master."
Spiny Seahorse Douluo suddenly appeared to advise: "According to the information we have, Jade Phosphorous Douluo Dugu Bo's appearance suddenly became younger, causing the members of the Royal Fight Team at that time not to recognize him. I suspect… this is very likely the work of Grandmaster You Chen."
After all, any anomaly attributed to "Grandmaster You Chen" would become reasonable, and it wasn't that Spiny Seahorse Douluo was a You Chen fan, but because he knew that his young master was a You Chen fan.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled: "Younger… this is a phenomenon of revitalized vitality. Yes, Teacher wouldn't let You Xing run around alone, but if a Titled Douluo he has helped is by his side, he can rest assured. This also explains why Jade Phosphorous Douluo is connected to Teacher. Ci Xue, show me Dugu Bo's activity patterns over the past two months."
"Understood."
Qian Renxue took the action records provided by Spiny Seahorse Douluo and quickly discovered a clue.
"Got it, Dugu Bo last appeared in Tiandou City just a week ago! Teacher is very likely still in Tiandou City!"
Qian Renxue showed an excited expression.
"Master."
Serpent Spear Douluo suddenly interrupted, saying: "Master, you said Grandmaster You Chen wouldn't let You Xing go out alone. Is it possible that he arranged for other guards, and it was this guard who dealt with Jade Phosphorous Douluo? The information didn't mention it simply because he didn't appear?"
Qian Renxue calmed down, but being interrupted by the Serpent Spear made her face darken: "She Long."
Serpent Spear Douluo lowered his head: "Subordinate is here."
Qian Renxue couldn't help but retort: "Hasn't anyone told you that if you can't say anything nice, you should keep your mouth shut? I just said 'it's possible,' do you think I didn't consider the possibility you mentioned?"
Serpent Spear Douluo looked somewhat confused, while Spiny Seahorse Douluo silently turned his face away.
"Ha…"
Qian Renxue sighed deeply, then looked at Spiny Seahorse Douluo and said, "Ci Xue, keep a close watch on You Xing's movements. If he ever finds himself alone, notify me immediately."
Spiny Seahorse Douluo frowned slightly: "Master, it seems You Xing is completely following Jade Phosphorous Douluo. With all due respect, it's probably very difficult for us to find such an opportunity."
Qian Renxue's expression darkened: "Ci Xue, even you don't know how to speak? If we really can't find such an opportunity, then look for a chance when Dugu Bo and You Xing are alone. Don't say you and She Long can't handle taking a child with at most Soul Master level from a Poison Douluo who only knows how to use poison."
Spiny Seahorse Douluo bowed deeply: "Master, the Grand Offering has instructed us that at least one of us, She Long or I, must stay by your side…"
Qian Renxue shouted angrily: "You are my subordinate now! Are you listening to your grandfather or to me!? I have made up my mind! Just do it!"
"Understood." Spiny Seahorse Douluo reluctantly complied.
At Qian Renxue's gesture, the two Douluos immediately vanished from sight again.
But their conversation continued.
Serpent Spear Douluo looked at Spiny Seahorse Douluo with a somewhat wronged expression: "The young master wasn't like this before…"
Spiny Seahorse Douluo replied flatly: "You've seen the pressure the young master has been under during this time, haven't you? It's not that the young master has changed; she… is just about to be overwhelmed by the pressure."
As Spiny Seahorse Douluo finished speaking, he couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.
In fact, what he really wanted to say to Qian Renxue was that
in the current situation, she shouldn't go out on her own because of You Chen's whereabouts.
...
The next morning, as Dugu Yan left for school, or rather to say goodbye to her companions, Dugu Bo directly headed to the prince's mansion.
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