"Behold my… sword strike!"
Sword Douluo's right hand formed a sword gesture, slicing through the air.
"Defend with all your strength!"
The three academy elders activated their martial souls in unison, unleashing all twenty-four soul rings. Their Martial Soul Avatars were already released as they combined their powers to counter the massive sword descending from the heavens, stretching hundreds of meters.
"Boom!"
A deafening explosion echoed, and the three elders spat blood as they were blasted backward.
They stood no chance against a peak Douluo's single attack, especially one renowned for unparalleled offensive power like Sword Douluo's strike!
"Uncle Sword! Please show mercy!"
Ning Fengzhi's voice rang out just then.
Sword Douluo smirked faintly before altering his sword gesture.
The colossal sword in the sky shifted direction, slicing toward a distant mountain peak instead.
"Screech!"
A sharp, piercing sound split the air. Everyone braced themselves for the impending chaos of quaking earth and collapsing mountains.
Yet, contrary to expectations, all turbulence abruptly ceased.
Could it be that Sword Douluo's attack, though visually impressive, lacked real power?
Some couldn't help but entertain such thoughts…
But in the next moment, their eyes widened in shock.
On the distant mountain, a deep fissure appeared, slashing diagonally across its entirety.
"Rumble…"
The entire mountain peak crumbled, collapsing amidst a cascade of rocks and trees, which fell like rain.
Everyone stood paralyzed, overwhelmed by the devastating power.
A single sword strike—its terror was beyond imagination!
As news of these events at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy spread to the imperial city, Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong had already returned to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect alongside Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.
The aftermath of the Soul Hunt wouldn't die down so easily. The entire imperial city was abuzz with discussions:
From Qin Jian breaking through level nine, then smashing through the hidden level five challenge…
To him forfeiting his hunting quota for Ning Rongrong…
From being invited to join the Five Element Academies and the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy…
To Sword Douluo's duel with the three academy elders…
From assisting Shui Bing'er of Skywater Academy…
To shielding Dugu Yan from Yu Tianxin…
From his solo hunt of the Two-Winged Gale Demon Wolf…
To Sword Douluo's terrifying sword strike…
This year's Soul Hunt had been eventful beyond measure. The fervor surrounding it wouldn't fade anytime soon.
And amidst all these stories, one name stood out: Qin Jian. Even Sword Douluo's intervention revolved around him.
For a time, Qin Jian's fame soared to the point where stepping outside meant being swarmed by admirers.
Yet Qin Jian paid no heed to the attention. His thoughts lingered on whether Poison Douluo Dugu Bo would come looking for him.
As it turned out, he didn't have to wait long. Early the next morning, Dugu Bo arrived at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Inside the Reception Hall
Ning Fengzhi stood and addressed Qin Jian as he entered, "Qin Jian, Poison Douluo says he wishes to speak with you privately. What do you think?"
Although Dugu Bo's visit was unexpected, with Sword Douluo as Qin Jian's teacher, Ning Fengzhi wasn't overly concerned.
The moment Qin Jian entered, he felt a pair of snake-like eyes fixed on him. Maintaining a calm expression, he replied, "Uncle Ning, I expected this. Please don't worry."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's remaining doubts eased, and he left the room quietly.
"You call Ning Fengzhi 'Uncle'?"
Dugu Bo didn't immediately bring up the Jade Phosphor Serpent venom. Instead, he remarked on this.
Qin Jian chuckled. "It's Sect Master Ning's kindness that allows me to address him so."
Dugu Bo nodded slowly, inwardly raising his estimation of Qin Jian.
"Let's get to the point, then. Yan Yan told me you've detected the accumulation of Jade Phosphor Serpent venom in her body, enough to threaten her lifespan…"
Dugu Bo's serpent-like gaze locked onto Qin Jian, as if a venomous snake loomed over him.
"Not just her," Qin Jian said calmly. "In my observation, Senior's condition is far worse—one could say it has reached a critical stage."
Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed dangerously. "If not for your connection to Sword Douluo, I might have already struck you down."
"Why bother, Senior…"
Qin Jian spread his hands. "I merely brought it to your attention with good intentions. No malice intended."
Dugu Bo snorted coldly. "Good intentions? Hardly. You said you could cure us, yet here you are waiting for me to seek you out."
Qin Jian smiled, neither confirming nor denying. "Indeed. There is something I need from Senior, which is why I resorted to this tactic."
"So, you really can detoxify Yan Yan and me?"
In an instant, Dugu Bo appeared before Qin Jian, his gaze a mix of icy menace and faint hope.
But Qin Jian showed no fear.
His understanding of Dugu Bo's character—and the fact that he prioritized his granddaughter in his words—assured Qin Jian that Dugu Bo wasn't truly malicious, just eccentric.
"Perhaps Yan Yan misunderstood. I cannot detoxify you…"
The moment Qin Jian spoke, Dugu Bo's expression turned chillingly cold. "Are you toying with me?"
"Calm down, calm down…"
Qin Jian hastily gestured to placate him. "How could a mere level 20 Soul Master dare deceive a Titled Douluo?"
"It's not me who can detoxify you—it's a friend of mine."
Qin Jian explained, "But he isn't here yet. It might take three or four years before he arrives. At that time, he can cure both Senior and Yan Yan."
Dugu Bo's expression didn't soften. Instead, he asked indifferently, "What do you want?"
Qin Jian blinked. "I've heard that Senior possesses a treasure trove in the Sunset Forest. I'd like a specific flower from there."
Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed slightly. "Which flower?"
"A tulip," Qin Jian replied. "There's only one in your treasure trove, so it won't be hard to find."
"Wait here."
Dugu Bo's figure shot out, disappearing instantly.
"How did he agree so easily?" Qin Jian frowned in confusion.
Moments later, Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi entered the reception hall.
"Jian'er, what did that old poison want from you?" Sword Douluo asked eagerly.
Qin Jian composed himself. "Teacher, no need to worry. I merely wanted to exchange for a treasure for Rongrong."
"For Rongrong again…"
Ning Fengzhi's gaze softened as he looked at Qin Jian.
Sword Douluo nodded. "If he tries anything, come to me."
"Understood."
Qin Jian nodded gently.
Poison Douluo's return was astonishingly swift. Within half a day, he stood before Qin Jian again.
"Is this the flower you wanted?"
Qin Jian looked over and immediately broke into a sweat.
How had Dugu Bo mistaken the Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum for a Beautiful Silk Tulip?
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