The two Titled Douluo from earlier could only be considered irrelevant now.

That boy… he's someone highly valued by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

But so what?

My granddaughter is actually married to that boy.

Even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect can't act unreasonably, can they? Besides, their little princess is spoiled to the core—would she really go around chasing boys?

My granddaughter is a stunning beauty. When the time comes, I'll teach her a few tricks so she won't be easily taken in by that brat Ma Hongjun.

A sly, mischievous smile appeared on Dugu Bo's face.

But...

"The poison in your body… was it really cleared after you... did that thing... with that boy?"

Dugu Bo struggled to get the words out, his old face turning completely red.

Dugu Yan avoided his eyes. Her beautiful, clear eyes flickered nervously.

Even though she felt embarrassed and frustrated, she still nodded firmly.

Dugu Bo's heart tensed like a bowstring pulled to the limit.

"Did… did he do anything else to you besides that?"

He just couldn't let it go.

Could it really be that… that's the only way to detoxify?

I haven't detoxified myself yet...

If this really is the only method, I… I can't do it... not with that kid...

Damn it!

Before he could think any further, Dugu Bo felt his mind short-circuit.

His old, green-haired face darkened completely.

Nonsense!

How is that even possible?!

I'm already this old—there's no way I'd throw away my dignity like that!

If I really had to do something like that with that kid… I might as well be dead!

His gaze at his granddaughter unconsciously became pleading.

Please… please don't say anything I can't accept.

"It seems… that's all..."

Dugu Yan nervously twisted her fingers like a guilty little girl, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dugu Bo felt like he'd been struck by lightning. His vision went dark, and he nearly collapsed.

"Grandpa!" Dugu Yan rushed forward and held him up, her face full of concern.

"Are you okay?"

She couldn't bear anything happening to her grandfather. He was the only family she had left.

"No... I'm fine..."

Struggling to stay steady, Dugu Bo felt a sour bitterness well up inside him.

I can't accept this. I really can't accept it...

How could this possibly be the only way?!

Clutching his chest, he stumbled, barely able to stand.

"Grandpa, if you're not feeling well, why don't you come back with me to rest?"

Dugu Yan suggested with worry in her voice.

"No, no... you go back first. Grandpa still has things to do."

Dugu Bo patted her head gently. His eyes were kind, but there was a trace of sadness hidden deep within.

He didn't want his granddaughter worrying about him.

"Okay..."

Although reluctant, Dugu Yan nodded slightly. Her grandfather clearly had something important to handle.

Now that she'd finally said what was on her mind, and seeing that her grandfather wasn't angry, Dugu Yan felt relieved.

As she walked away, her footsteps felt much lighter.

But the moment Dugu Yan left, Dugu Bo's expression completely collapsed.

His entire figure seemed to wilt.

On the way back,

Countless times, confusion and hesitation flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes.

But in the end, he just couldn't overcome the hurdle in his heart.

Knowing that death was likely near made him feel completely drained, as though all his energy had been sucked away.

Yanyan… only has me left. If I die, she'll be left all alone...

A deep sorrow surfaced in Dugu Bo's eyes.

Back when Yu Tianheng was by her side, the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Clan could at least serve as a support for her.

But now…

Now, his only choice was to pin all his hopes on that brat, Ma Hongjun.

After all, that boy is now married to Yanyan. He doesn't seem like someone who would turn his back on others. He should be given the responsibility and recognition he deserves.

With a heart full of conflicting thoughts, Dugu Bo walked step by step back to the Yin-Yang Ice and Fire Eyes.

When he saw the red-haired boy meditating next to the spring, his eyelids twitched uncontrollably twice.

Ma Hongjun was still stabilizing his cultivation.

Sensing Dugu Bo approaching, he slowly opened his eyes. A flash of fire flickered in his pupils, and the light around his body gradually dissipated. Letting out a long breath, the red-haired boy stood up.

His aura had become even stronger.

Feeling the transformation within himself, a wave of excitement surged in Ma Hongjun's heart.

As expected of this legendary treasure land.

It hadn't even been that long, yet his strength had improved significantly.

Seeing Dugu Bo standing nearby, Ma Hongjun remembered the promise they had made.

"Alright, come over. I'll detoxify you first."

The red-haired boy was visibly excited.

He reached out to grab Dugu Bo's wrist.

The poison in Dugu Bo's body had been festering for years. Completely clearing it was a huge task!

Before, it might have given him a headache.

But now, with his soul power surging, detoxifying Dugu Bo was almost effortless.

Ma Hongjun couldn't wait to give it a try.

However, Dugu Bo suddenly jumped back, frantically waving his hands.

"No, no, no need!"

He shook his head like a drum, refusing flat out.

Sweat beaded on his forehead.

Just thinking about... doing that with this boy made his heart thump like it was about to explode.

Ma Hongjun stared at the old monster, utterly baffled.

What's with this old guy? Why's he acting so weird after just going out for a while?

Before, he was constantly pestering me about detoxifying him—he couldn't wait to get rid of the poison.

But now that I'm offering, why is he acting like I'm trying to kill him?

"What's wrong with you?"

Ma Hongjun asked, genuinely confused.

"I... I'm fine..."

"Actually... I think... there might be other ways to detoxify..."

"I... I can hold on a bit longer..."

Dugu Bo stammered with an awkward smile.

The poison was eating away at him. He knew he wouldn't last much longer.

But even so... he wanted to hold out, just a little longer.

Maybe... maybe there was another way.

If this really was the only way… he would rather die.

Ma Hongjun was speechless.

Hold on?

If you wait any longer, you'll really die.

Death is practically at your doorstep, and you're still not in a hurry?!

"I'm telling you, the poison has already corroded your organs."

"Right now, I'm probably the only one in the world who can cure you."

Ma Hongjun's expression grew serious.

As for Tang San, Ma Hongjun was certain—Tang San, in his current state, couldn't possibly cure Dugu Bo.

Besides, the original flow of fate had already been disrupted. He would never let Tang San meet Dugu Bo in this life.

Dugu Bo trembled.

Yes, yes...

I know you can do it...

But... but I just can't accept your method...

Swallowing nervously, Dugu Bo's palms grew clammy with cold sweat.

"You really... really don't want it?"

Ma Hongjun tilted his head and asked again.

"No, no, absolutely not!"

Dugu Bo waved his hands like a fan.

If I were a woman, maybe...

But I'm a man! How could I ever do something like that?!

Ma Hongjun stared at the old monster, totally lost.

He could only shake his head in defeat.

Forget it. Detoxifying myself isn't hard anyway. Sooner or later, when this old man figures things out, he'll come running, begging for help.

Since he's unwilling now...

There's no need for me to force him.