Half an hour later, under the relentless suppression of Meng Shenji's powerful spirit energy, Dugu Yan finally regained consciousness.
Her collapse was a result of the toxic nature of her own spirit power, which had begun to harm her body. Thankfully, her spirit power was still at a relatively low level. If she had been as strong as her grandfather, Dugu Bo, even Meng Shenji, a Spirit Douluo, would have been powerless.
"What happened to me?" Dugu Yan murmured. With the toxins in her body temporarily suppressed, she looked as if nothing had happened.
"Yan, thank goodness you're awake. Here, eat this to recover your strength." Yu Tianheng offered her a small pancake. Recognizing it, Dugu Yan didn't refuse, taking a small bite from her boyfriend's hand.
The pancake was no ordinary food; it was a creation of a food-type Spirit King, brought by Bai Baoshan himself. Food-type Spirit Masters who could reach the Spirit King level were exceedingly rare.
This particular Spirit King specialized in restoring physical strength and healing injuries. His pancakes were highly nutritious and ideal for swift recovery. Though not as miraculous as the creations of Zhang Lao, a renowned food-type Spirit Douluo from Nan Feihuang's family, they were still immensely effective.
After finishing the pancake, Dugu Yan's pale complexion returned to its usual healthy glow.
"Thank goodness," Yu Tianheng sighed in relief. "Yan, you scared me to death. Do you have any idea how worried I was?"
"Yan-jie, what happened to you? You suddenly collapsed—it terrified all of us!" Ye Lingling chimed in, her voice filled with concern.
"Dugu Yan, have you experienced anything like this before?" Meng Shenji asked gravely.
Dugu Yan shook her head. "No, this is the first time I've fainted. But I feel fine now. Maybe I've just been overdoing it with my cultivation and battles recently."
"Perhaps," Meng Shenji said thoughtfully. "In that case, refrain from training or fighting for the next few days. Rest is just as important as hard work. Remember, haste makes waste."
"Understood. Thank you, Teacher Meng," Dugu Yan replied obediently.
Meng Shenji, however, had missed a crucial detail. While suppressing Dugu Yan's spirit power, he had noticed the strong toxicity within it. But as a poison-type Spirit Master, such characteristics were normal for her, so he dismissed it as unremarkable.
---
"YAN-YAN!"
A thunderous shout suddenly echoed from the hallway. The office door burst open with a resounding crash, and in strode an elderly man clad in emerald-green robes. His long, slender figure was matched by his strikingly green hair and beard. A faintly acrid scent surrounded him.
"Grandfather!"
Dugu Yan's cry confirmed the man's identity: the infamous Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, known for his ruthlessness and unparalleled mastery over poison.
It was unsurprising he had appeared; after Dugu Yan's collapse, the academy had sent Spirit Douluo Zhi Lin to fetch him personally.
"Lord Poison Douluo, please don't worry. Dugu Yan has already regained consciousness and is recovering well," Qin Ming said respectfully.
"Grandfather, you're overreacting! It was just a bit of overexertion from training. There's no need for you to rush all the way here," Dugu Yan said as she threw herself into her grandfather's arms, a hint of playfulness in her voice.
Despite her words, she couldn't hide the joy she felt at her grandfather's obvious concern.
"Hmph, as long as you're fine," Dugu Bo said, his tone softening as he stroked her hair affectionately.
The rest of the group was stunned. The cold and merciless Poison Douluo, known for his deadly reputation, showing such tender care? It was a sight they'd never expected to see.
But Nan Feihuang saw through the facade. He could sense the deep worry in Dugu Bo's eyes—worry that stemmed from painful memories. After all, it was the very same toxic backlash that had claimed Dugu Yan's father.
Dugu Bo didn't dare share his fears with his granddaughter. She was still so young. How could he tell her that her condition might ultimately lead to her death?
After ensuring Dugu Yan was settled in her dormitory, Dugu Bo turned to the group standing outside her door.
"So, you're Yan-yan's teammates?" His piercing gaze swept over the group. "She mentions you often when she's home. Not bad. You're decent enough."
"Your praise is too kind, Lord Poison Douluo," they replied in unison, bowing respectfully.
Dugu Bo's sharp eyes lingered on three individuals: Nan Feihuang, Ye Lingling, and Yu Tianheng.
He looked at Nan Feihuang first. Such extraordinary talent at such a young age—this boy was unlike anyone Dugu Bo had ever seen. Not even Tang Hao in his prime seemed to possess this level of promise.
Then, his gaze shifted to Ye Lingling. The Nine Heart Begonia, the continent's most renowned healing spirit. If nurtured properly, she might help ease the toxic backlash plaguing Dugu Yan.
Lastly, Dugu Bo's gaze fell on Yu Tianheng. His expression grew colder. This brat had dared to steal his beloved granddaughter's heart. It was a miracle he hadn't already poisoned the boy.
"Lord Poison Douluo," Yu Tianheng greeted, bowing deeply. Despite the tension, his demeanor remained calm. As the heir to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he couldn't afford to lose composure.
"You're supposed to be one of your clan's two prodigies, but you can't even defeat a ten-year-old." Dugu Bo's words were laced with scorn, clearly referencing Yu Tianheng's loss to Nan Feihuang.
Yu Tianheng flushed slightly but maintained his poise. "Lord Poison Douluo is right. My skills are lacking compared to Feihuang's. I'll simply have to work harder to make up for the difference."
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow, impressed by Yu Tianheng's calm acceptance. He had expected anger or defensiveness but was met with humility instead.
"Not bad," Dugu Bo thought. "He's talented, composed, and from a respectable lineage. Fine, he can stay by Yan-yan's side—for now."
Still, it would be a long time before Dugu Bo would truly approve of him.
Just as Dugu Bo turned to leave, Nan Feihuang spoke up.
"Lord Poison Douluo, wait a moment. I have something I'd like to discuss with you—privately. It's a message from my mother."