Chapter 37: One Who Masters Poison Must Understand Medicine, One Who Masters Medicine Must Understand Poison

"Please, this way," Yang Wudi said to Dugu Bo.

"Hmm~"

Dugu Bo stepped into the reception hall first, followed by the others.

"I wonder, Your Grace," Yang Wudi said once inside, "how did you come to know that my Yang clan knows poison?"

Dugu Bo's gaze swept across the people seated below, but Yun Yibai could feel that Dugu Bo's eyes were fixed squarely on him.

"Oh? From the way you're asking, Clan Leader Yang, are you saying this old man is unwelcome here?" Dugu Bo leaned his chin against his wrist and tilted his head with a lazy smile as he looked at Yang Wudi.

"You misunderstand, Your Grace."

"No one explicitly told me your clan was skilled in poison," Dugu Bo said casually, fiddling with his teacup.

"But someone did mention that your so-called 'Fallen Clan' has made notable achievements in the field of alchemy."

In truth, Dugu Bo's description was an understatement. The Yang clan's accomplishments in alchemy were not just "notable" — they were unmatched across the entire continent.

The rise of the Clear Sky Clan (Hao Tian Sect) owed much to the Yang clan. By excelling in alchemy, the Yang clan had compensated for the Clear Sky Clan's shortcomings. However, due to their secretive nature and strict confidentiality around medicinal techniques, the Yang clan remained distant from the Clear Sky Clan. The former sect master of the Clear Sky Clan had even voiced dissatisfaction about it in the past.

In recent years, under Yang Wudi's leadership, the Yang clan had migrated and settled within the Star Luo Empire. They'd managed to live more prosperously than the other three single-attribute clans by relying on the sale of their alchemical goods to both great empires.

If Yang Wudi didn't have real strength and pride in his background, he wouldn't be contemplating forming a new sect in alliance with the four single-attribute clans.

No other clan had made such balanced progress in both martial strength and "side professions" like alchemy.

"I bear the title 'Poison,'" Dugu Bo said calmly, "and after studying toxins for so many years, I've naturally developed a strong grasp of medicinal theory as well."

"One thing I've learned very clearly—those who master poison must also master medicine; those who master medicine must also master poison."

As he said this, Dugu Bo's gaze locked straight onto Yang Wudi.

Yang Wudi remained silent. Dugu Bo's logic wasn't something he had expected — but he couldn't deny its truth. That was exactly how he had developed his skills.

Seeing Yang Wudi's silence, Dugu Bo smirked. "So, I take it that's your tacit agreement."

"How would Your Grace like to compare our skills?" Yang Wudi asked after a moment.

"No rush," Dugu Bo replied. "There's no need for us to rush into a poison duel just yet."

"Truth be told, I came on a bit of a whim. I've heard that your 'Fallen Clan' excels not only in alchemy but in martial skill as well."

"I happen to have brought along three juniors who are fairly gifted. Why not have them spar with the younger generation of your clan first?"

Yang Wudi looked at Dugu Bo in surprise. He couldn't quite figure out the man's intentions. The Dugu Bo standing in front of him seemed different from the one he'd heard about.

According to the rumors, Dugu Bo was a cold, reclusive, and ruthless Title Douluo. His name was synonymous with venom and death — a terrifying figure who brooked no defiance.

What's more, the death of the Lord of Senmu City and his son a few days ago had indeed been at the hands of this very man.

Yet this version of Dugu Bo, though still arrogant and aloof, wasn't the indiscriminate killer the rumors made him out to be.

Yang Wudi didn't believe Dugu Bo had come all this way just to show off three young talents. There had to be more to this than he let on.

Still, his eyes drifted once more toward Yun Yibai, Dugu Yan, and Oscar.

"Very well," Yang Wudi agreed.

He was also curious to see what kind of Spirit Masters these youths were — especially the one who had remained calm under his spiritual pressure. And he hadn't forgotten that strange flying spirit skill they had used either.

"You three — come introduce yourselves to Clan Leader Yang."

"Greetings, Clan Leader Yang," Yun Yibai stepped forward and said politely. "I am Yun Yibai, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Fifteen years old. Rank 40, Attack-type Battle Spirit Elder."

Yang Wudi was momentarily stunned.

"Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon? Rank 40 at fifteen?"

Though his voice remained calm and measured, his mind was far from settled.

Based on Yun Yibai's surname, he guessed he was a descendant of a female member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan who had married out. But what puzzled him was—why would such a promising young talent be following Dugu Bo?

"Young man, were you born with full innate spirit power?" Yang Wudi asked, one of many questions swirling in his mind.

"My innate spirit power was level seven," Yun Yibai replied.

"Impossible," Yang Wudi's gaze sharpened. "Surely you know that lying to a strong cultivator does you no good."

"Young man," he continued, "I've never heard of a Spirit Master with only level seven innate power reaching rank 40 by the age of fifteen."

"That's right. No need to exaggerate, lad. Stay grounded," one of the Soul Saints nearby added in agreement.

Yun Yibai smiled, completely unfazed by the doubt or the atmosphere. "With Senior Dugu present, do you think I'd have any reason to lie to you, Clan Leader Yang?"

"This kid is indeed at rank 40," Dugu Bo spoke up. "And yes — his innate spirit power was just level seven."

Yang Wudi realized he'd overreacted. But he couldn't be blamed. The shock was too great — a fifteen-year-old Spirit Master with only level seven innate power, yet already at rank 40? It was unheard of — even impossible by common standards.

There were plenty of full innate power Spirit Masters who hadn't reached that level by fifteen!

"Spirit Elder? You haven't acquired your fourth spirit ring yet?"

"I had a breakthrough on the way here. Haven't had time to acquire the ring yet."

Dugu Bo looked at Yun Yibai and secretly cursed in his heart:

"This kid's no dragon — he's a little fox. No wonder Yan Yan is so into him. What a crafty brat."

"I still don't think this is possible," Yang Wudi muttered. "There are so many full innate power Spirit Masters who haven't achieved this, and yet you, with just level seven... Unless…"

A sudden realization flashed in his mind. He quickly pressed Yun Yibai further.

"Did you, perhaps, consume some sort of rare natural treasure?"

If it weren't for everyone present, Yun Yibai's grin might've reached from ear to ear. The question had landed exactly where he wanted it to.

"Natural treasure?" he repeated blankly.

Oscar and Yun Yibai immediately launched into their usual routine.

"What is this 'natural treasure' you speak of? I've never heard of such a thing," Yun Yibai said innocently.

Oscar, internally: "Bro… where's my name in all this?"

Yang Wudi began explaining patiently. "Natural treasures — spirit herbs, celestial plants, and rare items that enhance cultivation."

Yun Yibai responded, "Well, if we're talking like that… when I was about eight, I stumbled upon a strange herb by chance. It smelled nice, so I just… ate it."

Dugu Bo: "…"

This brat had such a lucky encounter?!

"Young man!" Yang Wudi suddenly stood up and took a step forward, unable to contain his excitement. He grabbed Yun Yibai's shoulders, his composure gone, his eyes full of urgency.

"Can you describe what that herb looked like?!"