Chapter 35: Yang Wudi’s Speculation

"That Po Zhi Clan has probably already learned about us. Now, they're scrambling to dig up information on us!"

Ever since Dugu Bo eliminated the city lord and his son in Sémù City yesterday, the trio—Yun Yibai, Dugu Yan, and Oscar—returned to their inn and have stayed inside, keeping a low profile.

Early the next morning, the three gathered in their room, sipping morning tea.

"So, that means we've flipped the situation?" Dugu Yan asked quietly.

"Yes. Grandfather's actions yesterday completely shifted the balance." They didn't mention the city lord and his son—after all, their deaths were barely noteworthy to them.

"Dugu Senior presented himself as merely a Soul Saint at best. A mid-town like this hardly expects one to show up."

"That will certainly alert the Po Zhi Clan behind the scenes here."

"Let's wait patiently for a day or two and let them stress out first."

"I get it now!" Oscar finally grasped the plan.

"Little Oz, you still have much to learn," Dugu Yan chided affectionately.

"But your performance yesterday was excellent!" she praised warmly.

"It's all thanks to Boss. I used to think you must be some trafficker or something!" Oscar laughed.

"If not for his training, sparring sessions, coin-making ventures, and even herbal baths to strengthen me—I wouldn't be where I am now."

"Honestly, it was my third spirit skill that changed everything—giving me air-combat capability, letting me dodge and counter."

"That giant emerald bird was attacking me—if Boss didn't intervene, I'd be toast. He killed the beast for me, and that gave me my third skill."

Dugu Yan added, "And it was my third skill—the Jade‑Scale Poison Ring—that set me on my path too."

Though chatting casually, Dugu Bo overheard every word.

"That brat… he's even using me!" he thought gruffly. He acknowledged that yesterday's events were unexpected—but he was impressed that Yun Yibai already had an effective strategy in mind afterward.

Yun Yibai's expectations proved right—the Po Zhi Clan was certainly on edge.

Though hidden in this remote city, the Po Zhi Clan remained the behind-the-scenes ruler. Though weakened and intentionally hiding their power, a dying camel is still bigger than a horse—they still had resources, especially a network of intel collectors.

For years they've dealt with harassment from the Spirit Hall and related forces, so their intelligence network was always active. Plus, as manufacturers of medicines, herbs, and pills, information was key—just as priceless as ingredients.

Now, Yang Wudi of the Clan's territory held the latest report in his hands. He studied the text with narrowed eyes, drumming his fingers nervously.

"Green hair, green eyes, moody and narrow-minded, killing those who displease her…" the notes said.

According to witnesses, the mysterious powerful figure referred to the poison-skimmer Dugu Yan as "his granddaughter."

Yang Wudi whispered, "None of that matches anyone but Poison Douluo Dugu Bo."

A few days ago, Dugu Bo didn't seem to conceal himself while in town. With enough time, the Po Zhi Clan could trace enough clues to connect the dots.

"At first I thought it was just some minor operative from Spirit Hall—but who knew it'd be such a serious player?" His jaw tightened in contemplation.

"Poison Douluo Dugu Bo—a titled Douluo of the Heavenly Dou Empire—but why is he here, in the heart of the Star Luo Empire, in Po Zhi Clan territory?"

He shook his head, looking incongruous with his own otherwise stalwart expression. Yang Wudi was born for battle—hard, muscular, and powerful. Now, he was lost in thought—a rare sight.

"Just how did we earn the enmity of someone like him?" he muttered.

He didn't want to admit it out loud, but doubts plagued him.

Yes, Dugu Bo might be avoidable—to a single man. But Yang Wudi represented the entire Po Zhi Clan. They weren't dealing with a fool—he was the weakest Douluo, yet deadly in poison arts.

He paced the room, restless.

A day later, one of the clan's disciples entered to report.

"Clan Leader, someone's arrived at our gate!"

"Who?" Yang Wudi asked, alarmed.

"The same three young people from the incident at Sémù City!"

He frowned. As feared, they had come straight for the Po Zhi Clan.

Yet Dugu Bo had not shown himself—so perhaps it hadn't reached total crisis... yet.