"Senior, the flower you brought is a chrysanthemum, not a tulip…" Qin Jian cautiously reminded.
Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm a master of poison; how could I mistake it? If I say it's a tulip, then it's a tulip."
Qin Jian froze, then earnestly studied Dugu Bo's expression. After a moment of silence, he asked solemnly, "Senior, what price do you want me to pay?"
"Hahaha…"
Dugu Bo suddenly burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the room. "I'm starting to like you, kid. Smart!"
After laughing for a while, he sat on a nearby chair, took a sip of water, and said, "You're asking me to wait three or four years. How do I know you're not just trying to trick me? You'll have to earn my trust."
Qin Jian shook his head and replied, "Senior, you know I'm Sword Douluo's personal disciple and a member of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Why would I deceive you?"
Dugu Bo snorted coldly. "While the reputations of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and Sword Douluo are impeccable, I, Dugu Bo, have walked my own path as a lone wolf for my entire life. I can't place my hopes on your sect's reputation."
"Senior, just tell me—what will it take for you to trust me?" Qin Jian asked directly.
Dugu Bo's serpent-like pupils fixed on him as he slowly replied, "Since you've promised to cure the poison in Yan Yan and me, I want you to share the same poison we have."
Qin Jian was stunned.
He hadn't expected Dugu Bo to be so cautious. He had assumed that Sword Douluo's and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's backing would be enough.
He could report this matter to Ning Fengzhi instead, but that would lead to unpredictable outcomes—especially given Dugu Bo's eccentric temperament.
Moreover, this was the last thing he could do for Ning Rongrong before they parted ways.
"What's the matter? Backing out?"
Dugu Bo sneered coldly. "Don't think you can use Sword Douluo or the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to pressure me. Your sect may be powerful, but I stand alone. I doubt your sect master would want to provoke a Titled Douluo to the point of no return."
"Senior…"
Qin Jian smiled faintly as he lifted his head. "Please administer the poison."
"Hm?"
Dugu Bo was taken aback. "You truly dare to take my Jade Phosphor Serpent Venom? You know that the poison I directly administer is far stronger than what Yan Yan bears. If you can't neutralize it, you'll die even sooner than me. Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Please administer the poison, Senior," Qin Jian said, clasping his fists.
Dugu Bo was visibly moved. "Before I proceed, can you tell me what drives you to make such a sacrifice, kid?"
A gentle expression appeared on Qin Jian's refined features. "For the one I love…"
The cold, snake-like chill in Dugu Bo's eyes dissipated.
"Kid, I must admit, your personality does strike a chord with me…"
Behind him, his massive Jade Phosphor Serpent spirit began to slither closer to Qin Jian.
"But business is business. Once you find someone to cure the poison in Yan Yan and me, we'll talk about camaraderie then."
Hiss…
The Jade Phosphor Serpent opened its massive jaws, releasing a foul stench that filled the air.
It was then that Qin Jian understood the source of Dugu Bo's notorious smell.
Thud!
The serpent paid no heed to Qin Jian's thoughts, sinking its fangs into his left hand. Green venom spread visibly through his veins, slowly coursing through his bloodstream.
Moments later, Dugu Bo withdrew his spirit.
"All right. Originally, I intended to administer enough poison to give you only five years to live. But I changed my mind and halved the dose. You'll survive at least ten years," Dugu Bo said.
Qin Jian nodded lightly.
He wasn't concerned about the poison in his body. One day, he would inevitably meet Xiao Wu and cross paths with Tang San. By then, neutralizing the poison would be a trivial matter.
"The marks on your left hand will fade soon. Don't worry. I'll fetch that tulip for you…"
The decisive Dugu Bo disappeared as quickly as he came.
Qin Jian looked down at his left hand, where green veins snaked across his skin, creating a terrifying sight.
"Jian'er, I heard Emperor Xue Ye has brought Xue Qinghe to propose to Rongrong. Come with me to check it out…"
At that moment, Sword Douluo entered the reception hall.
"Teacher, what did you say?!"
"Jian'er! What happened to your hand? Did Dugu Bo poison you?!"
Their shocked voices overlapped.
"Teacher, it's just a deal. Don't worry."
Qin Jian urgently asked, "Please, tell me more about this proposal involving Xue Qinghe."
Sword Douluo frowned at his hand before responding, "You know our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has always supported the Heaven Dou Empire. The sect master is also the crown prince's mentor. This proposal is meant to solidify the alliance between the sect and the royal family."
Qin Jian's brow furrowed tightly. "This never happened before. Where did things go wrong? Or is this just a false alarm that won't amount to anything?"
"Teacher, let's go and take a look."
Qin Jian hid his left hand in his sleeve.
Sword Douluo looked at him and said, "Jian'er, you can't let go of Rongrong, can you?"
"No, Teacher. I'll never let her go," Qin Jian replied.
Sword Douluo nodded slightly and led the way outside.
When they arrived at the assembly hall's entrance, they hadn't yet stepped inside when Ning Rongrong's furious voice rang out.
"Father! I won't marry him! I love Qin Jian!"
Qin Jian paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the hall.
Inside, Ning Fengzhi was addressing the emperor and the crown prince. "Your Majesty, Qinghe, as you can see, Rongrong has already pledged her heart to Qin Jian. Discussing a proposal between Qinghe and Rongrong now would be highly inappropriate."
Hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, Qin Jian let out a sigh of relief.
As he and Sword Douluo entered, all eyes turned toward them.
From Qin Jian's perspective, the most prominent figures were Emperor Xue Ye and Ning Fengzhi, seated at the highest positions. Beside them were Xue Qinghe and Ning Rongrong. No one else was present in the hall.
"It's been a while, Qin," Xue Qinghe greeted casually, showing no sign of resentment.
Qin Jian nodded and, after paying respects to the emperor with Sword Douluo, walked to Ning Rongrong's side.
"Brother Jian…"
Without hesitation, Ning Rongrong clung to Qin Jian's left arm. "I want to be with you!"
Qin Jian smiled and replied, "So do I."
"Wait, Brother Jian, what happened to your hand?!"
Ning Rongrong's touch had exposed his hand, and the green veins immediately drew everyone's attention.
"It's nothing…"
Qin Jian brushed it off nonchalantly, hiding his hand again. "It'll fade soon."
"Are you sure? Where did this come from?" Ning Rongrong pressed.
Before Qin Jian could answer, Sword Douluo glanced at Xue Qinghe and said, "Jian'er, didn't you make a deal with Dugu Bo and take his poison for Rongrong's sake?"
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