Ba-dump—ba-dump—
Dugu Yan's heart pounded so fiercely she thought it might burst straight from her chest. Heat crept up her neck, blazing across her cheeks until her entire face glowed red.
His presence… was overwhelming.
Sunlight spilled like liquid gold over his small frame, the rays catching in his silken hair. Shadow and brilliance entwined around him, as if celestial sprites circled in invisible orbit. To her trembling eyes, Subei was no ordinary child standing in a hall—he was a fallen immortal, stepping from the clouds to enlighten fools below.
Every glance, every line of his face, whispered like divine poetry.
A Beauty Too Great
For Xiao Wu and others, who had lived close beside him, the shock had dulled over time. They had adjusted, their aesthetic baseline raised to impossibly high standards. Beside Subei, even handsome young men looked plain; ordinary folk appeared outright ugly. They had grown accustomed to a reality forever warped by his beauty.
But Dugu Yan—this was her first time.
The rush was absolute.
It was, in her mind, like finding a swan of silver-and-crystal soaring among earthbound ducks. One glimpse shattered perspective forever.
At her side, even Dugu Bo, the ruthless Poison Douluo, inhaled sharply. A man who had survived storms of war and venom, steeped in cruelty and logic, found himself sighing: So it was all true. The rumors weren't exaggeration—they were understatement.
If this child grew to manhood? If he matured to youth? Then the continent itself might break from sheer obsession.
Already, Dugu Bo sensed danger for his granddaughter. The way her eyes glazed, the way her legs trembled as if she wished to move closer but could not—he knew. She was finished.
"Beauty is a curse," he muttered inwardly. "And Yan'er… this curse you cannot escape."
Politeness Against Expectation
When Subei approached, golden robes shimmering softly with his step, his voice came calm and courteous: "Elder Dugu."
He bowed with humility, his tone neither arrogant nor distant.
Dugu Bo blinked. He had expected pride, the inflated arrogance of a boy exalted and worshipped by thousands. Yet here stood Subei, graceful, humble, knowing etiquette beyond years. It disarmed him entirely.
"Tiandou royal guest, Dugu Bo," he answered formally, his tone subdued. "I greet the master of Shenyan Hall today."
The title Douluo lowered his guard without realizing.
A Granddaughter's Collapse
Dugu Yan gathered herself enough to curtsy. Her soft voice wavered: "Little girl Dugu Yan… pays respect to Lord Shenyan."
But her crimson cheeks betrayed her.
Dugu Bo's temples pulsed. Yan'er… that tone… your shy little flutter never once appeared before your classmates. Is this what love at first sight looks like?
He thought grimly of her vows only days ago—how she boasted she was not some girl swayed by faces. How strong her "concentration" had been. He almost laughed in bitter irony.
She was gone. Entirely gone.
The System Speaks
Even as tea was served, the calm rippled in Subei's mind.
Ding! Xiao Ai's light voice chimed:
[Congratulations to the host for completing the strategy: Dugu Yan.]
[Reward ①: Poison resistance increased to Level C.]
[Reward ②: Advanced antidote ×10.]
[Reward ③: Soul power level +2.]
[Mission Options triggered!]
① Shake hands with Dugu Yan → Poison resistance rises to Level B.
② Embrace Dugu Yan → Poison resistance rises to Level A.
③ Receive a kiss from Dugu Yan → Gain Phosphorous Snake Venom Antidote (phased) and top skill: Healing Poison Nerves.
Subei's calm composure cracked inside. ...It's here! Jackpot!
The Dance of Courtesy
"Please, serve tea to our honored guests."
Maid Shi Yi, elegant and smiling, poured steaming Bi Luo Chun into crystal cups. Subei reached out his delicate fingers, extending toward Dugu Bo with a warm smile.
"I have long admired Senior Dugu's fame. A master of poison, unique in the world. To finally welcome you… it is my great honor."
Even the venomous serpent could not resist the warmth in that grasp. His large, battle-scarred fingers touched the boy's jade-like hand only lightly, trembling as if handling holy relic.
Grace. Gentleness. Unreality.
When hands parted, his chest still tingled.
"Poison is a lonely craft," Subei continued smoothly. "Few understand its artistry. But Shenyan Hall does."
Simple flattery—but Dugu Bo's eyes shone. A man who had suffered ridicule and suspicion his whole life now basked in acknowledgement from lips too beautiful to deny. Pride in his poison simmered to delighted heat.
The Trap Springs
Then Subei turned to face Dugu Yan. His eyes curved, lips softened.
"And this enchanting young lady… could she be your granddaughter?"
"Yes," Dugu Bo admitted cautiously. "This is Yan'er. She insisted to meet you. I—I could not stop her will."
"Fate, then," Subei said lightly. "No need for formality. Just call me Xiao Bei."
At that, he extended a pale hand toward her. His voice was soft, tuned to pierce the heart: "Do you mind, Sister Yan, if I call you that?"
Her pulse roared.
He wants—he wants to shake my hand!
Her palms dampened with sweat. But I touched poison earlier… will it harm him?
What if it repels him? No, if I refuse, he may think me cold. I cannot—won't—lose this!
With a reckless heartbeat, she wiped her hand against her dress. Even if I poison him, there's antidote later. Touch him now, think later!
Their palms closed.
Pop! The unexpected slick of sweat made a tiny embarrassing smack.
Dugu Yan wanted to faint from shame.
But before she could spiral, a warmth pulled her forward.
The Hug
Subei drew her in, his slight frame against hers. He held her only for a second, his voice reassuring: "Don't be afraid. The Shenyan Hall's guardians are kind. You are welcome here."
The hug was gentle, brief, entirely proper. And yet her knees weakened, clamping together, her body burning hotter.
When he released her, she felt robbed—as though air itself abandoned her.
I didn't breathe him in enough!
I need more…
The Kiss
Decision burned fierce in her. Dugu Yan, when have you ever been timid? Didn't you swear you'd seek your prince? Here he stands. Younger, smaller—but absolute.
Her eyes shook once—then steadied. She stepped forward suddenly, brushed his cheek, then pressed her lips, soft but sure, against his own stunned expression.
Her very first kiss stolen—in broad daylight.
Subei's eyes widened—before Xiao Ai's voice chimed in triumphant melody:
[Mission complete! Reward unlocked: Antidote to Biphosphorous Snake Venom acquired. Top Skill unlocked: Healing Poison Nerves.]
At the side, Dugu Bo palmed his forehead, groaning.
Yan'er, Yan'er… the world truly falls.
--
Unlock 50 exclusive advanced chapters for just $10 – don't miss out! Check the synopsis/description for the link! 🚀
Loved this fic? 🔥 Then you'll absolutely binge my other hits — "Douluo Dalu: Ten Thousand Years Early System!" & "Douluo Dalu: The Godly Drunkard System" — don't miss out!