Chapter 20: Boy! You Deserve to Die!

The suffocating pressure lifted as Dugu Bo withdrew his murderous aura.

Only then could Lin Xiao finally draw a deep breath, gasping as though he had just surfaced from drowning. His limbs trembled, his throat ached, and cold sweat soaked his clothes.

It was the first time in his life he had truly faced death.

The oppressive force of a Titled Douluo's killing intent wasn't something an ordinary spirit master could bear. In that moment, Lin Xiao realized how truly fragile life was in this world—a single thought from someone stronger could snuff it out like a candle in the wind.

And yet…

He smiled.

The sight puzzled Dugu Bo.

"What are you laughing at?" the old man asked, narrowing his poisonous green eyes.

Lin Xiao's trembling subsided, and his voice steadied.

"I'm not laughing at anything, Senior Dugu."

"I'm just… happy."

Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow.

"Happy?"

"Yes," Lin Xiao continued, his voice laced with clarity. "Because I've just been reminded of my place in this world. I'm weak. A mere ant—one whose life could be crushed in an instant."

"And that fear… that helplessness—it's something I needed to feel."

A pause.

"Without this lesson, perhaps I would have realized it too late."

Lin Xiao's words struck something in Dugu Bo.

This kid… he's not scared? Most would be groveling on the floor, begging for their life. But instead, this boy had gained clarity from the experience—a realization of his insignificance, yet without losing his will.

For the first time, Dugu Bo's amusement flickered into genuine curiosity.

Inwardly, Lin Xiao reflected on his journey.

Ever since arriving in this strange world, a part of him had clung to his memories of his previous life. When the Evil Fire Phoenix first erupted within him, a thought had crossed his mind:

"What if this is just a dream? Maybe if I die here, I'll wake up on Blue Star…"

But when death truly came knocking, his survival instinct had kicked in. It wasn't a dream. The pain, the fear, the will to live—it was all real.

Now, standing before Dugu Bo, that lesson solidified. Strength rules this world, and he was still weak. The admiration from others, the miraculous power of the Nine-Hearted Begonia—none of that mattered yet.

"You're still just a level 10 spirit master," Lin Xiao reminded himself.

"Respect the strong. Learn from the wise. And never forget how small you are in this world."

Dugu Bo's voice cut through Lin Xiao's thoughts.

"You said your martial spirit has defects too? Explain."

Lin Xiao bowed respectfully.

"Senior Dugu, my martial spirit is the Evil Fire Phoenix."

"It's born with a flaw—an uncontrollable buildup of evil fire. If I don't release it regularly, it will eventually consume me from within and cause my death."

Dugu Bo's expression darkened as Lin Xiao continued.

"The evil fire also produces a toxic effect. Without purging it, my body will deform—bloated and grotesque. My physical appearance and temperament would deteriorate, becoming volatile and vulgar."

Dugu Bo remained silent, but Lin Xiao could sense a subtle shift in the old man's demeanor.

"I wasn't willing to let my martial spirit control my fate."

"I searched ancient texts and found references to soul masters whose lineages ended prematurely due to martial spirit defects."

A sharp glint appeared in Dugu Bo's eyes as Lin Xiao spoke.

"Then, I read of a possible solution—a mythical land where ice and fire coexist, and where immortal herbs might cure even the most devastating defects."

At that, Dugu Bo's expression turned cold again.

"Enough riddles, boy. What does this have to do with me?"

Lin Xiao met his gaze fearlessly.

"Senior, the Green Phosphorus Snake is one of the strongest beast martial spirits in history. And yet, unlike the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan or the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, your bloodline didn't spread. Why?"

"Because the Green Phosphorus Snake has defects too, doesn't it?"

The courtyard fell into an eerie silence.

Dugu Bo's fingers twitched ever so slightly.

"You tread dangerous ground, boy."

Lin Xiao pressed on, his voice steady.

"Your family should have flourished like the other great clans. Yet, it hasn't. Why else would Miss Dugu Yan be your only relative?"

"It's the same curse that plagues my spirit—only yours manifests differently."

For a moment, Dugu Bo's venomous aura weakened, replaced by something unexpected—sorrow.

Lin Xiao seized the opportunity.

"But you found a way to suppress the defect, didn't you, Senior?"

"Otherwise, you wouldn't have survived long enough to become the Poison Douluo."

"I want to learn from you—to find a solution for myself and… to save Miss Dugu Yan from the same fate."

Dugu Bo stared at him, unmoving.

"And why should I help you?"

"Because I suspect your method is incomplete," Lin Xiao replied honestly. "It only works for you, doesn't it?"

"But if we work together, maybe we can both find a permanent solution."

Dugu Bo's face was like stone. Then, his voice softened—just a fraction.

"You mentioned… a treasure land where ice and fire coexist?"

Lin Xiao nodded.

"An ancient text spoke of it."

Dugu Bo leaned forward sharply, a rare urgency flashing across his face.

"Where is it? Let me see the book!"

Lin Xiao sighed, feigning regret.

"It was old—so fragile that when I brought it into the sunlight, it turned to dust."

Dugu Bo's eyes went wide with fury.

"You reckless fool! Ancient books kept underground can't survive exposure to air!"

Lin Xiao kept his expression calm, though inwardly he smirked.

"The book is gone, Senior, but I memorized most of its contents. If I saw the place it described, I could recognize it."

Suddenly, Dugu Bo's eyes lit up with a predatory gleam.

"Boy…" His voice dropped dangerously low.

"You deserve to die for being so careless."

Lin Xiao didn't flinch.

"Then help me find that place, Senior. And perhaps… save both your granddaughter and yourself."

The tension between them thickened like a coiled serpent.

And for the first time, Dugu Bo smiled—not with mockery, but with genuine interest.

"You're clever, boy."

"Let's see if you're clever enough to survive what comes next."