Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

"Brat, are you trying to get yourself killed?"

When Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan saw Cheng Xiao step between the two of them, cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead. He waved his hand in an attempt to recall the blades he had just sent out.

Dugu Bo was equally shocked. He hadn't expected Cheng Xiao not only to refrain from running but to move head-on toward their attacks. This was the attack of two Titled Douluo, and even though it wasn't a spirit ability, no ordinary spirit master could withstand such power.

But was Cheng Xiao an ordinary spirit master? Clearly not.

As soon as Cheng Xiao unleashed the Song of Protection, his figure vanished from his original position. He wasn't foolish enough to directly confront Titled Douluo-level attacks with his rank 40 spirit power. The reason he released the Song of Protection was merely to test its defensive capabilities.

Clang! Clang…

Although Yue Guan quickly withdrew most of the petal blades he had sent out, a few still managed to collide with the barrier created by the Song of Protection. The sharp blades rained down like a storm upon the shield, and with each impact, a crackling noise echoed as spiderweb-like fractures spread across the barrier.

The shield lasted for about five seconds before it shattered completely, the fragments dispersing in the air. Both Yue Guan and Dugu Bo witnessed this scene unfold with astonishment in their eyes.

What kind of ability was that? How could it withstand the attacks of Titled Douluo for such a long time? Cheng Xiao's spirit power level was only around rank 40—how could he possibly block their attacks? This was beyond anything they could comprehend.

However, upon confirming that Cheng Xiao was unharmed, both Yue Guan and Dugu Bo sighed in relief simultaneously.

"Chrysanthemum Guan, what's your relationship with Cheng Xiao?" Dugu Bo asked. He had clearly heard Yue Guan's earlier slip of the tongue, but he wanted to confirm it directly.

"Old Poison, why do you care about my relationship with Cheng Xiao?" Yue Guan sneered at Dugu Bo, but seeing the latter's grim expression, he couldn't help but laugh. "Old Poison, I don't mind telling you—Cheng Xiao is my one and only disciple. What? Do you plan on harming him?"

"He's your disciple?" Dugu Bo's shock was evident. He finally understood why Cheng Xiao's previous condition seemed so peculiar. The person Cheng Xiao mentioned, someone not inferior to Dugu Bo himself, turned out to be none other than Yue Guan!

"Exactly, Old Poison! You didn't expect that, did you?" Yue Guan grinned smugly, thoroughly enjoying the sight of Dugu Bo's shocked expression.

"Teacher, please say less." Seeing the tension escalate between the two, Cheng Xiao quickly interjected, trying to smooth things over. But Dugu Bo's deep, probing gaze left Cheng Xiao feeling uneasy.

"Heh, no wonder you made me agree to that strange condition earlier. It was all part of your plan, wasn't it?" Dugu Bo chuckled coldly.

Cheng Xiao scratched his head awkwardly, unsure of what to say. After all, the relationship between Dugu Bo and Yue Guan was rather complicated.

"Cheng Xiao, how did you end up getting involved with this Old Poison?" Yue Guan descended from the air, eyeing the two of them suspiciously.

"Teacher, let's not dwell on that for now. I'm going to have lunch with Mr. Dugu. We can talk as we walk," Cheng Xiao said, shifting the conversation to avoid further tension.

"You're having lunch with this Old Poison?" Yue Guan exclaimed, grabbing Cheng Xiao's face with both hands in disbelief. "You're not worried about him poisoning you?"

Yue Guan then glared at Dugu Bo. "Old Poison, if you dare harm my disciple, I won't let you off!"

"Scram!" Dugu Bo shot Yue Guan an annoyed glance, grabbing Cheng Xiao by the arm and preparing to leave. Of course, Yue Guan wasn't about to let Dugu Bo walk off with his disciple. After all, he had come to Heaven Dou City for a reason.

Thus, Cheng Xiao found himself dragged along by both Yue Guan and Dugu Bo, each holding one of his arms, as they escorted him into a lavish hotel. To avoid drawing attention, Yue Guan booked a private suite at his own expense. Dugu Bo, not missing the opportunity, made Yue Guan pay for nearly every expensive dish on the menu. Whether they finished the food didn't matter—what mattered was that Dugu Bo didn't have to pay a cent.

"Old Poison, can you even eat all this?" Yue Guan snapped in frustration as Dugu Bo kept ordering more and more. Although Yue Guan wasn't short on money, seeing his nemesis enjoying himself at his expense felt more painful than being killed.

"Heh, Chrysanthemum Guan, you're still this stingy even in front of your disciple? What's the matter? Spent all your money on that Old Ghost?" Dugu Bo smirked, clearly enjoying Yue Guan's irritation.

The sight of his lifelong rival annoyed yet helpless was immensely satisfying to Dugu Bo—especially since Yue Guan had once hunted him to the brink of death. The opportunity for some petty revenge was too good to pass up.

And so, amidst the bickering of the two Titled Douluo, Cheng Xiao slowly finished his lunch.

An hour later, after much explaining and appeasing, Cheng Xiao finally managed to calm the two old men down. They sat back, sipped their tea, and eased their throats after the long verbal sparring.

Once the waiter had cleared the table, Dugu Bo suddenly asked, "Kid, are you saying that this old chrysanthemum actually knows the uses of those herbs? You're not messing with me, are you?"

"Old Poison, I wouldn't want your lousy herbs even if you gave them to me for free," Yue Guan retorted dismissively.

"Teacher, these herbs are truly extraordinary," Cheng Xiao said with a smile. "If you see them for yourself, you might even thank Mr. Dugu."

"Thank him? Don't joke with me." Yue Guan scoffed. He had spent decades researching plants and herbs and was confident that only the legendary Immortal Herbs could pique his interest.

Wait a minute—herbs that even Dugu Bo didn't recognize, but whose value was clear to him… Could Cheng Xiao be talking about Immortal Herbs?

As the thought crossed his mind, Yue Guan's expression changed. He turned to Dugu Bo, asking seriously, "Old Poison, do you really not recognize those herbs?"

Dugu Bo's face darkened. "Do you think I'd be sitting here chatting with you if I did?"

"Fantastic!" Yue Guan slammed the table in excitement, standing up abruptly. "Old Poison, take me to see those herbs immediately! I've been waiting my whole life to see something like this!"

"Take you? Why should I?" Dugu Bo sneered.

"You wretched Old Poison, you always ruin things at the critical moment!" Yue Guan fumed. "Cheng Xiao, convince him! Your teacher is about to go crazy!"

Seeing Yue Guan's eager expression, Cheng Xiao turned toward Dugu Bo. Before he could say anything, Dugu Bo rose from his seat.

"Kid, I still owe you one more favor. Let's go. I always keep my promises!"