Chapter 19: Dugu Bo Returns, Temptation, and Pressure

The weather had turned cooler.

The autumn wind swept through the courtyard, stirring up fallen leaves with a soft rustle. The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the ground. In the fading light, a thin figure moved with precision, every motion carrying an indescribable grace.

Lin Xiao continued practicing his Five Animal Exercises, his focus unwavering. Dugu Yan had mentioned that her grandfather, Dugu Bo, might return soon.

So, Lin Xiao moved back to the Dugu estate.

Three months had passed since his first session of body forging through the Evil Fire.

The fire couldn't be forced to erupt at will—it needed time to accumulate. Only when its intensity exceeded what Lin Xiao's meridians could withstand would the next round of body forging begin. Until then, he pushed himself to the limit with brutal training.

"If you don't die from practice, practice until you're close to death. If you're dying, use the Nine-Hearted Begonia to recover."

Both Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan had tried similar training. But unlike Lin Xiao, they couldn't endure the same level of suffering. Watching him torture himself, yet remain calm and collected afterward, made them realize the depths of his determination.

They could only imagine the kind of agony Lin Xiao had endured—worse than death, perhaps.

Even though Lin Xiao was younger than both girls, they had started treating him not as a child, but as someone to look up to. They tried to emulate his discipline and resolve.

"Huh—"

Lin Xiao exhaled deeply after completing another set of movements. A thin mist of vapor escaped his lips, his breath stretching out like a thread of smoke for over three meters—a sign of powerful internal strength.

"Where did you come from, little thing? What are you doing in my house?"

A cold voice suddenly echoed through the courtyard.

Lin Xiao turned, startled. At the entrance stood an old man with green hair, his eyes dark and venomous. A chill spread through the air, like the icy gaze of a snake eyeing its prey.

It was Dugu Bo.

Lin Xiao immediately understood who he was dealing with and bowed respectfully.

"This junior, Lin Xiao, is a friend of Miss Dugu Yan."

Dugu Bo's sharp gaze lingered on Lin Xiao, intrigued by the boy's calm demeanor. Most people would have collapsed from fear under his pressure.

But this little brat dared to look him in the eyes and even managed to respond politely?

Still, Dugu Bo was no fool.

"Yanyan's friend?"

"Would my granddaughter, Dugu Yan, really be friends with a child? Even if you are, you couldn't have been living here for long."

His tone grew colder as a sinister pressure began to coil around Lin Xiao like a snake tightening its grip.

"I asked—what are you doing in my house?"

A cold sweat formed on Lin Xiao's forehead.

He knew the real test had come.

Winning Dugu Yan's trust had been easy. She was young and innocent. But Dugu Bo was different—an eccentric and suspicious Titled Douluo with decades of experience. One wrong move, and Lin Xiao could be dead in an instant.

But instead of fear, Lin Xiao smiled calmly.

"Your Majesty, Poison Douluo, I have been waiting for your return."

The response only deepened Dugu Bo's suspicion. His eyes narrowed.

"You? Waiting for me?"

His killing intent intensified.

"Who do you think you are? Are you even qualified to wait for me?"

"I've always heard that the Poison Douluo has a strange personality—detached from worldly affairs, disdaining the company of hypocrites and flatterers. But today, I see that reputation falls short of the truth."

"You are not just detached, but genuine. A man who has no need for deception."

Lin Xiao's tone remained steady as he spoke—flattery, yes, but genuine admiration coated every word.

"It is no wonder Miss Dugu Yan has inherited your straightforward nature. She's honest, sincere, and I am proud to call her a friend."

Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow.

It was rare for anyone to praise him so earnestly—especially someone who didn't seem to be groveling. His mood lightened, ever so slightly.

"You flatter me, boy. I don't like people who try to curry favor. But I'll give you a chance. Speak your purpose, and if I find it worthy, perhaps I'll listen. If not—"

"I'll crush you where you stand."

Lin Xiao took a deep breath.

This was the moment of truth.

"I seek your help because my own martial spirit carries a deadly defect."

The courtyard fell eerily silent.

Dugu Bo's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by cold suspicion. His aura surged with murderous intent, pressing down on Lin Xiao like a crushing boulder.

"Who told you such nonsense?" Dugu Bo's voice was like ice.

The defect of the Jade Phosphorus Snake was a secret—one that Dugu Bo had never shared openly. If someone were to exploit this weakness, it could mean death for him and his entire family.

Lin Xiao trembled under the overwhelming pressure but stood firm.

"Senior Dugu—"

His voice, though shaking, was resolute.

"I know because… I suffer from the same fate. My martial spirit is just as flawed."

"I didn't come here to exploit you. I came to propose cooperation. If I can save myself, I might be able to save Miss Dugu Yan as well."

The words "Save Yanyan" hung in the air.

The crushing pressure paused—hesitated—and then, like a tide retreating from the shore, Dugu Bo's aura withdrew.

His eyes narrowed, not with suspicion now, but with curiosity.

"You have my attention, boy."

"Speak."