The aftermath of the battle between Dugu Bo and Yu Yuanzhen brought a crowd of sect members who had gathered around the edge of the battlefield. Their faces were painted with a mix of awe and fear, too intimidated to approach the two Titled Douluos but clearly curious about what had happened.
Among them stood a man whose presence radiated authority and indignation: Yu Luomian, Vice-Sect Leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Liu Erlong's father.
Yu Luomian wasted no time making his presence known. As soon as the tension from the fight disappeared, he stormed forward. "Liu Erlong! What is the meaning of this? What are you doing with these outsiders?" His gaze then darted to us, settling on Dugu Bo and me with an accusatory glare. "Did you attack the clan leader?"
Before Liu Erlong could respond, Yu Yuanzhen raised a hand to silence him. "Enough, Luomian. I invited them here. This was a sparring match, nothing more." His tone carried the weight of an unchallengeable order. Even I could have believed the lie. "Disperse, all of you. There's nothing more to see. Return to your duties."
The crowd hesitated for a moment but quickly obeyed. Yu Luomian, however, lingered, his face a storm of disbelief and barely restrained fury.
Yu Yuanzhen then turned to us, his demeanor softening slightly. "Would you join me for tea? We can discuss matters further in a more civilized setting."
Dugu Bo nodded graciously, and we followed Yu Yuanzhen into the clan's inner quarters, leaving the battlefield behind. Yu Luomian followed us, his anger was palpable.
Once we were seated in a spacious room, servants brought tea, and the atmosphere grew tense as we exchanged polite conversation. Finally, I addressed the sect leader directly.
"Elder Yu, I can remove the poison from your body if you wish, I know how uncomfortable Grandpa's poison can be," I offered.
Yu Yuanzhen's eyes narrowed slightly in consideration before he gave a small nod. "If you are capable, I would be grateful."
I stood up and activated my external spirit bone, the Eight Spider Lances emerged from my back with a menacing elegance. Before I could begin, Yu Luomian leaped to his feet, his face contorted with alarm.
"What are you doing? How dare you attack the clan leader in our own halls?" he shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at me.
Yu Yuanzhen's voice cut through his stupidity like a blade. "Sit down, Luomian."
Reluctantly, Yu Luomian sank back into his seat, though his glare remained fixed on me. Ignoring him entirely, I focused on the task at hand. The Eight Spider Lances extended toward Yu Yuanzhen, their sharp tips glowing as they drew the poison from his body. In less than a minute, the process was complete, and Yu Yuanzhen looked visibly relieved.
I retracted my lances and returned to my seat as if nothing had happened. Yu Yuanzhen examined his hands, flexing his fingers. "Impressive," he said, nodding in approval. "You have an amazing External Spirit Bone and your control over it is remarkable."
"Thank you, Elder Yu," I replied, bowing slightly before resuming my place at the table.
Yu Yuanzhen leaned forward. "Now, tell me about this academy of yours. What are its goals, and why is Erlong joining you?" He asked my Grandpa.
Grandpa looked at him and with a proud smile he spoke, "You are asking the wrong person, the academy won't be mine. I will just be one of the teachers, my grandson, Dugu Bei, will be the dean of the academy," he said looking at me.
I could see that surprised the Sect Leader for a moment, but he regained his composure right away. Looking at me he says: "That is unexpected, I have received many surprises today. But the question is the same. Why do you want Liu Erlong in your academy?"
I explained everything I had shared with Liu Erlong about the academy's purpose, its rigorous standards, and my vision for creating an institution that would train monsters. I told him I met Liu Erlong when she was fighting criminals and those were the values I wanted my academy to teach.
I continued explaining some more details and when I said that the minimum requirement to become a teacher in the academy was being a Titled Douluo, Yu Luomian burst into laughter.
"What nonsense," he scoffed. "Do you truly think you can achieve such ideals? And Titled Douluos as teachers, that is simply insane."
I turned to him with a calm, measured look. "I didn't ask for your opinion."
Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin both smirked, clearly enjoying the exchange. Yu Luomian's face darkened, his pride hurt. Sensing his growing irritation, he turned his attention to his daughter.
"And you, Erlong," he sneered. "You've always been a disappointment, but this, allying with these outsiders? Betraying your clan? You're nothing but a traitor."
The room fell silent, the air heavy with tension. Slowly, I turned to face him, my expression shifting to one of cold disdain.
"Listen, you pathetic excuse for a father," I began, my voice dripping with sarcasm and venom. "I suggest you remain silent while the intelligent people speak. Actually, I have a better idea. Why don't you take yourself for a walk and stop bothering us with your dog face?"
For a moment there was silence, then the room erupted into laughter. Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin both doubled over, unable to contain themselves. Even Yu Yuanzhen allowed a faint smile to cross his usually stoic face. Yu Luomian, however, looked as though he might explode. He shot to his feet, his 8 spirit rings were already visible.
Pretending to be scared, I quickly darted behind my grandfather, hiding behind him like a frightened child. "Grandpa," I said in an exaggeratedly cute voice, "the ugly man wants to attack me."
Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin were practically crying with laughter at this point, and even Yu Yuanzhen seemed to be struggling to maintain his composure. Dugu Bo, never one to miss an opportunity, patted my head and said, "Don't worry, little one. The big, bad dog won't hurt you while I'm here."
That comment sent the room into another round of hysterics, and Yu Luomian, his face purple with rage, stormed out of the room. The sound of the door slamming behind him was proof of his humiliation.
Yu Yuanzhen shook his head, still smiling faintly. "I apologize for his behavior. Luomian… has his flaws."
"No need to apologize, Elder Yu," I replied, my tone light. "I find him quite entertaining."
With that, the conversation shifted back to more pleasant topics, and the tea session continued without further interruptions. The mood remained light and the earlier tension dissipated completely. As I sipped my tea, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The encounter with Yu Luomian had been nothing, but delightful.
By the end of the conversation, I leaned toward Liu Erlong and whispered, "I can't wait to see your father's face when you are back as a Titled Douluo in less than ten years. Don't forget to invite me to come along," I added.