The journey back to my new home was surreal. Dugu Bo, now my so-called grandfather, carried me with surprising care, his powerful presence shielding me from the dangers of the forest. I didn't cry or make a sound, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. This man had saved me, naming me Dugu Bei and claiming me as family. For now, I had no choice but to accept my fate.
When we arrived, I was taken aback. The house, nestled near the outskirts of the Sunset Forest, was far bigger than I had expected. Its structure was sprawling, with ornate carvings and sturdy wooden beams that spoke of wealth and status. It was clear this was no humble abode. Yet the air around it carried a faint, acrid scent, a reminder of the poison that Dugu Bo wielded so effortlessly.
"Not bad, huh?" Dugu Bo's voice broke through my thoughts. He glanced down at me with a faint smirk, as though he could sense my awe. "It's far from the cities, but that's for a good reason. My poison isn't something most people can tolerate. Living here ensures no accidents happen."
He pushed open the heavy front doors, revealing an interior that was both elegant and functional. Richly woven rugs covered the wooden floors, and shelves lined with bottles of vibrant liquids hinted at his expertise in poison-making. Despite the isolation, it was clear this was the home of a Spirit Douluo of great renown.
Before I could take in more, a voice called out from deeper inside the house. "Father! You're back!"
A tall man with striking features and an air of confidence strode into the room. His emerald-green robes, similar to Dugu Bo's, indicated their shared lineage. His sharp eyes immediately landed on me, widening in surprise.
"Who's this?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
"This," Dugu Bo announced, his tone laced with pride, "is Dugu Bei, my new grandson."
"Grandson?" the man repeated, his brow furrowing. He stepped closer, studying me with a mixture of astonishment and delight. "Well, aren't you a handsome one?"
I shrank back slightly, unused to the attention. He crouched down to my level, his expression softening. "You've got quite the look," he said with a chuckle. "Those eyes… they're sharp, just like Father's. But your face… you're like a little prince."
His words made me uneasy. I knew why. My features resembled Bibi Dong's far more than I liked to admit. The delicate structure of my face, and the faint golden hue of my hair, it was unmistakable. Yet I forced myself to remain still, burying the surge of anger that rose within me at the thought of her.
"Dugu Xin, enough gawking," Dugu Bo said, a hint of impatience in his voice. "I've already decided. He's part of our family now."
Dugu Xin straightened, nodding slowly. "I see. But Father, have you considered our poison?" His tone grew serious, a shadow of worry crossing his face. "He's just a baby. Our poison aura could harm him."
Dugu Bo's smirk returned. "Oh, I've thought of that. Believe me." He shifted me in his arms, holding me up slightly as if to present me. "I tested it already. Just a small amount of poison—barely enough to be noticeable. And do you know what happened?"
Dugu Xin's eyes widened. "What?"
"Nothing," Dugu Bo said, his voice filled with amusement and wonder. "No reaction. The poison didn't affect him at all. In fact, it… recoiled. As if it was afraid to touch him."
Dugu Xin's jaw dropped. He looked at me with renewed astonishment, his expression a mix of disbelief and awe. "That's… impossible. Even we have to control our poison carefully to avoid harming ourselves. For it to fear him?"
Dugu Bo nodded, his gaze shifting to me. "This boy is special. I don't know why yet, but I intend to find out. For now, he'll stay here, with us. I'll ensure he's protected and trained."
Dugu Xin's worry didn't entirely fade, but a smile broke through his concern. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Welcome to the family, Dugu Bei. I suppose I'm your uncle now."
I didn't respond, still processing everything. These people were strangers, yet they'd accepted me without question. It was a stark contrast to the cold abandonment I'd experienced just days ago.
Dugu Bo carried me further into the house, Dugu Xin following close behind. My new life had begun, surrounded by poison and power. I didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: I would never forget the betrayal that had brought me here, but if these people treat me well, I would never forget that, either. And I would use every opportunity to grow stronger and protect this new family, while I destroy my previous one.
For now, I would watch, listen, and learn.