Dugu Bo seemed to think of something, and his ice cold expression suddenly softened. Sizing up Tang San, at the corners of his mouth gradually floated a smiling expression.
From Tang San’s point of view, he would rather see Dugu Bo’s stinky face. Unwillingly looking at his smiling appearance, he couldn’t help shiver all over,
“Old freak, what are you smiling about?”
Chapter 069: Xiao Wu: Promise Never To Leave Me
Part 1 (TL by Bagelson)
Dugu Bo did some calculations on his fingers,
“When I consider it carefully, actually, my granddaughter is just seven years older than you. It’s not too much. When you’re eighteen, she will only be twenty five. Convenient for you kid.”
Tang San said with great alarm,
“Convenient? Yeah right! I don’t want that granddaughter of yours.”
Dugu Bo grinned, grabbing Tang San’s shoulder,
“You think this is up to you? Even if you’re well versed in poisons, can you dissolve aphrodisiacs? Later this old man will have you try some love teas and other such things, once the rice is cooked, I’ll see what you do then.”
“You……”
Tang San saw the serious look on Dugu Bo’s face. He, who hadn’t even been afraid when confronting threats to his life, couldn’t help turning pale with fright right now,
“Old…… Eh, no, senior Dugu. I know I did wrong, please don’t play with me, alright?”
Dugu Bo grandiosely said:
“Who’s playing with you? I spoke of facts, nothing more. Don’t tell me my granddaughter doesn’t suit a little devil like you? Even if you’re a cunning little freak, your talent isn’t an issue, and your future prospects are boundless. If my granddaughter could follow you, it would put me at ease.”
“Isn’t it the same if she follows Yu Tian-Heng? That Yu Tian-Heng still has the support of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan’s whole school at his back. According to Teacher, Yu Tian-Heng will very possibly be the next leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan. How could I compare with that kind of power. Besides, who can say if your granddaughter has already cooked her rice with Yu Tian-Heng, cooked rice can’t be cooked again.”
Dugu Bo looked distracted a moment, his complexion immediately becoming unsightly once again,
“This is actually possible. Enough, we’ll talk about it later.”
Seeing Dugu Bo had apparently dropped the notion, Tang San breathed out in relief. By now the two had already reached the Academy gate.
The Blue Tyrant Academy signboard had already disappeared, replaced with an enormous horizontal board inscribed with golden letters, the words ‘Shrek Academy’ written in huge, glorious golden characters. It was signed by Flender.
Without waiting for Dugu Bo to step forward, Tang San hastily ran over. He couldn’t dare let Dugu Bo walk first, if by any chance he came into conflict with the teacher at the gate house, it would be difficult to sort out.
With Dugu Bo’s temper, who knew when he might flare up?
Tang San ran forward, exchanging a few words with the guard at the gatehouse. The guard hastily ran into the Academy.
“Old freak, let’s wait here a moment. Don’t forget what you promised me, you can’t harm anyone from Shrek Academy.”
Dugu Bo was a Title Douluo. Only Tang San had been at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and at most he was the only one in danger, but here was different. If Dugu Bo hadn’t promised not to harm anyone, he really wouldn’t have dared bring him here.
Dugu Bo raised his head, looking down his nose at Tang San without saying a word.
After a moment, the sound of activity within the Academy attracted Tang San’s attention.
Flender, Grandmaster, Liu Erlong as well as Zhao Wuji, Lu Ji-Bin, Shao Xin, and Li Yu-Song, altogether seven people quickly walked out from the Academy gate towards them.
The assembly of these seven could be said to be the strongest lineup of the present Shrek Academy, clearly they weren’t here to receive Tang San. Their target was naturally that one with the Spirit Master World’s highest title, the Poison Douluo that once defeated the Golden Iron Triangle.
These seven were all at least sixtieth rank Spirit Masters, adding a complete Spirit Master formation, further adding the Golden Iron Triangle’s spirit fusion ability, even if they couldn’t quite stand up to Dugu Bo, they could still block him.
When the Academy gate guard had reported that Tang San and an old man who seemed to be Dugu Bo had returned to the Academy, Flender, Grandmaster and the others understood that with Dugu Bo here, until they figured out his motive, this was necessary.
“Teacher.”
Tang San looked at Grandmaster, hurriedly waving his hand at everyone.
A moved radiance flickered in Grandmaster’s eyes, but just as he stepped forward he was pulled back by Flender. Just this tiny action showed how cautious everyone were right now.
Grandmaster was no doubt the weakest of everyone here, but he was an absolutely necessary existence in the Golden Iron Triangle’s spirit fusion ability. If he was attacked by Dugu Bo alone, there wouldn’t be any chance of him returning alive, and the other six naturally also wouldn’t be able to stop Dugu Bo.
As Dugu Bo saw Flender’s actions, the corners of his mouth twitched, with difficulty keeping himself from showing a disdainful expression, thinking, ‘who do you seven think you are? If this old man wanted to do something, even slaughtering this whole Heaven Dou imperial capital wouldn’t be impossible.’
Even though Dugu Bo wasn’t considered the most powerful among Title Douluo, there absolutely wasn’t anyone who could compare to his poison in mass murder.
Tang San naturally didn’t have any misgivings, and quickly stepped forward to meet everyone,
“Teachers, I’ve returned.”
Grandmaster looked at Tang San with an inquiring gaze.
Tang San nodded to Grandmaster, indicating he was fine.
“Dean Flender. I would like to talk to you about something.”
Flender constantly kept his gaze on Dugu Bo, only now hearing Tang San speaking to him made him turn his gaze back,
“Little San, what is it? He hasn’t made things troublesome for you has he?”
Tang San shook his head,
“No, senior Dugu has been very good to me. He’s taught me a lot of poison related knowledge. Dean Flender, senior Dugu wants to be an advisor at our Academy, what do you think?”
“What?”
Not just Flender, including Grandmaster, everyone present cried out in surprise practically simultaneously, their gazes becoming strange. Everyone looked at each other, for a moment speechless.
Who was Dugu Bo? A Title Douluo. Let alone this Shrek Academy, even the Heaven Dou Empire’s number one academy Heaven Dou Imperial Academy didn’t have a Title Douluo present.
Tang San looked at everyone’s astonished expressions, and probingly asked:
“Is it no good?”
Flender swallowed,
“Is what you said true?”
Tang San nodded,
“Senior Dugu promised, only he said he wouldn’t always stay at the Academy. And only as an advisor.”
Flender and Liu Erlong simultaneously looked toward Grandmaster. Among the trio, Grandmaster was always the wise corner with a plan.
Grandmaster’s rigid face twitched once,
“This is excellent. Even though Dugu Bo has only ever done as he wished, this person’s reputation is excellent, if he promised something he would surely see it through. Flender.”
While Grandmaster spoke, he signaled to Flender with his eyes.
The two had been brothers for so many years, how wouldn’t Flender understand Grandmaster’s meaning. Hastily waving his hand, he brought everyone forward to greet Dugu Bo.
“Senior Dugu, greetings.”
Flender, extremely enthusiastic, was the first to step towards Dugu Bo with a smile. Even though the smile seemed a bit sinister on his face,
the light in his eyes was sincere.
Dugu Bo nodded to Flender, something like returning the politeness.
“I promised the little freak to be your advisor here, I don’t know whether you’re willing?”
Dugu Bo had never been a person fond of indirectness, and with his position it was also completely unnecessary. He immediately got right to the point with his purpose in coming.
Promising Tang San to come here was admittedly because it was Tang San’s condition, but at the same time the peculiar friendship he had with Tang San was an important factor.
Flender said without the slightest hesitation:
“Of course we are. You coming to this Academy will simply bring light to our humble Shrek Academy. Let alone being an advisor, even if you wanted to be dean it would be no problem.”
Dugu Bo clearly wasn’t interested in Flender’s cordiality. Waving his hand, he said:
“Being dean doesn’t suit me, I haven’t the time to be teaching students. Moreover, my method of cultivation is unsuitable for the vast majority of Spirit Masters. Since you agreed, find me a quiet place to stay. I’ve returned with that little freak Tang San. I’m tired, I’ll rest first.”
Flender immediately agreed. Even if there was nothing prepared in advance, dealing with such ad hoc circumstances wasn’t difficult,
“Then follow me, senior.”
While speaking, he led the way ahead, bringing Dugu Bo into the Academy.
When Dugu Bo passed by Tang San, his lips moved, saying something to Tang San. He then followed Flender away.
Of course he wasn’t really tired, only he always most disliked inconvenience, and didn’t want to be chatting with everyone here.
Watching Flender lead Dugu Bo away, Liu Erlong couldn’t help but ask Tang San:
“Little San, how did you do it? This old freak agreeing to come to our Academy. It’s really too inconceivable.”
Tang San smiled slightly, saying:
“Perhaps it’s because we’re something of kindred spirits. I accidentally helped him with a matter. He said it was because of our friendship that he agreed to come.”
Grandmaster said:
“No matter how, this is excellent.”
“Teacher, is everyone well?”
He naturally meant the other six of the Shrek Seven Devils. Being gone for half a year, Tang San had greatly missed his teachers and companions. Especially Xiao Wu.
Grandmaster nodded with a smile, saying:”
“They’re all very well. I haven’t told them what you’ve been doing before, only saying you’ve been cultivating in seclusion. If you had returned a few days later, maybe we wouldn’t have been here.”
“Why?”
Grandmaster said:
“In this past half year they have all made not inconsiderable progress. Ma Hongjun, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing have all broken through the thirtieth rank, and already possess their third spirit rings. Oscar’s spirit power has also advanced two ranks, and Xiao Wu has even advanced three ranks. Dai Mubai is in seclusion, attacking the fortieth rank bottleneck. Attacking the bottleneck is a bit difficult, but he should succeed soon. Once he has broken through to the fortieth rank, we will go hunt spirit beasts together to obtain his fourth spirit ring.”
Part 2 (TL by Bagelson)
Listening to Grandmaster, Tang San couldn’t help secretly sigh in admiration. Even though he himself had progressed a lot, his companions hadn’t stayed idle either. Each one’s strength had increased a lot, and now they had all finally reached the thirtieth rank. The Shrek Seven Devils’ fighting strength would no doubt increase significantly.
“Teacher, I’ll go see them.”
Tang San was already somewhat impatient to see his comrades.
Grandmaster smiled and rubbed Tang San’s head, saying:
“You’ve only just returned, won’t you rest a bit first?”
Tang San shook his head,
“I’m not tired. And I still have gifts for everyone.”
Grandmaster said:
“Then come on, I’ll go with you. Erlong, all of you are busy.”
Tang San glanced at Grandmaster, then again at Liu Erlong. The two’s expressions were like always, and no change could be seen on the surface. Even though they didn’t seem intimate, he could feel that Grandmaster seemed to be able to calmly accept Liu Erlong’s existence.
Liu Erlong nodded, her gaze not resting on Grandmaster for long, and brought the teachers in the direction of the Academy’s main building.
Watching them gradually disappear in the distance, Tang San couldn’t help asking:
“Teacher, you and aunt Erlong……”
Grandmaster indifferently said:
“Children shouldn’t ask about adult matters. Let’s go. Your comrades are all cultivating in mimicry environments.”
Grandmaster didn’t bring Tang San towards the teaching bloc, but rather directly towards the forest in the back.
While walking, Grandmaster asked:
“Little San, what did Dugu Bo teach you? What’s actually going on with you and him?”
This question had been in Grandmaster’s heart for a very long time, ever since Tang San showed up after the Golden Iron Triangle fought Dugu Bo, Grandmaster knew Dugu Bo wouldn’t so easily take a shine to Tang San’s character. In this past half year he had practically constantly been worrying about Tang San, after all, Tang San was his only disciple, and even more like a son to him.
Tang San said:
“Dugu Bo kidnapping me was originally because of Dugu Yan. Dugu Yan should have told her grandpa about the time I defeated her, making Dugu Bo interested in my Eight Spider Lances. So he kidnapped me to research the poison in my Eight Spider Lances.”
“Then what happened after? From what Dugu Bo said, it seems you helped him?”
Tang San nodded:
“Something like that. Dugu Bo’s poison skills had some defects. I happened to discover a way to make up for those defects. So out of gratitude he taught me a lot of things relating to using poison. If it wasn’t for that, perhaps I would’ve been unable to return to see you alive.”
Tang San didn’t explain it in too much detail, he could never tell Grandmaster about him coming from Tang Sect. This time together with Dugu Bo not only increased his level of poison use, at the same time it also gave him the best excuse for the Tang Sect poison techniques. Dugu Bo would never tell people that Tang San’s poison was his own. With the world’s number one Poison Douluo as cover, nobody would ever doubt the origin of Tang San’s poison techniques.
“So it’s like that.”
Grandmaster knew on an even deeper level that, originally, having told Dugu Bo about Tang San’s history, the reason why Dugu Bo didn’t dare kill Tang San and instead taught him poison, was greatly related to Tang San’s past. Recalling this, he also felt more at ease.
“Little San, in this time you’ve been constantly studying poison with Dugu Bo, but you mustn’t neglect your spirit power cultivation. Your companions all have sky high talent, if you have fallen too far behind, you will perhaps never be able to catch up. How high is your current spirit power rank?”
Tang San said:
“Thirty seven.”
“En.”
Grandmaster responded automatically, but he reacted very quickly, his footsteps immediately halting, his expression even stiffening a bit more,
“What did you say? Your spirit power is already at the thirty seventh rank?”
Tang San earnestly said:
“Yes! Last time at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, under that board members pressure my spirit power reached the thirty fourth rank. Later cultivating at senior Dugu’s place, I advanced three ranks. Senior Dugu’s place had a lot of precious plants, perhaps it’s because that kind of environment suits my cultivation. Therefore, my spirit power advanced very quickly, already reaching the thirty seventh rank.”
Grandmaster showed a smile,
“It seems that my worries were
completely unfounded. Even while learning poison under Dugu Bo, your spirit power growth was the fastest of everyone. I’m relieved. In less than half a year the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Grand Spirit Fighting Competition will begin. If it continues like this, perhaps, at that time you will also have had the chance to rush to the fortieth rank. If it’s truly like that, then, it might be impossible for you Shrek Seven Devils not to leave a mark.”
Just as he said this, Grandmaster stopped walking. Ahead was a shrubbery, almost as tall as a person, appearing extremely dense. Grandmaster smiled slightly, and yelled towards the shrubbery,
“Xiao Wu, take a break, come see who’s here.”
Hearing the words ‘Xiao Wu’, the smile on Tang San’s face immediately froze, his eyes revealing a deep and grateful mind. He knew that Grandmaster had first brought him to see Xiao Wu because he and Xiao Wu were the closest. Xiao Wu was precisely the person he was most urgent to see.
With a flicker, a white silhouette flashed out of the shrubbery. A pink tender face brimming with childishness, that pair of exceptionally slender taut beautiful legs, further that unbeatably slender yet extremely agile little waist, as well as the scorpion braid hanging to the ground, could it be anyone but Xiao Wu?
“Grandmaster, you’ve come……”
Xiao Wu didn’t finish speaking, because in her eyes had already appeared that person she had waited for the most.
Her pupils contracted practically instantly,
“Ge——”
Not caring about Grandmaster’s presence, Xiao Wu threw herself into Tang San’s embrace, her slender thighs as usual twisting around Tang San’s waist, pulling him close. She nestled her pink tender young face deep in Tang San’s shoulder, her own shoulders trembling fiercely.
Tang San could clearly feel Xiao Wu’s frantic heartbeats. Seeing Xiao Wu again, how couldn’t he be moved?
Wrapping his arms around Xiao Wu, the rims of his eyes were immediately somewhat red.
Right now Xiao Wu was still a bit taller than Tang San, and her completely hanging on Tang San gave a somewhat strange impression.
Grandmaster tactfully didn’t look at them, his gaze instead turning into the distance.
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48 Page 124