"Could I use the Dark Blue Silver Emperor to filter out the Bilin Snake Poison in Dugu Yan's body?" Yin Xuan thought, frowning.
His original plan was pretty simple—find a poison expert to help get rid of the Bilin Snake Poison inside Dugu Yan and her grandfather, Dugu Bo. That way, the two could finally be rid of the constant threat.
Yin Xuan exhaled, long and deep.
"Yin Xuan, why don't you bind me again like you did before?" Dugu Yan asked, looking shy and eager, cheeks slightly tinted with embarrassment.
Honestly, it had felt surprisingly nice earlier.
She wanted to feel it again.
Yin Xuan was curious himself—he wanted to test if things would turn out as he imagined. Since Dugu Yan suggested it, he had no reason to object.
So—
"Second Soul Skill, Shadow Binding."
Three thick vines of Dark Blue Silver Emperor shot up from the ground, slowly wrapping themselves around Dugu Yan's slender frame.
"You might feel weak during this," Yin Xuan said quietly, reassuring her, "but don't worry, you'll be fine."
Dugu Yan nodded, still a little bashful but full of anticipation.
Being bound by three thick vines... it looked a bit wild, honestly.
Yin Xuan paid close attention to every bit of power, making sure he wouldn't hurt her.
Dugu Yan could feel her energy slipping away, her body getting weaker—but then, she felt completely relaxed, mind and body both settling into a rare lightness.
While the Dark Blue Silver Emperor drained her spirit power, it also pulled the toxins out. The vines began to show faint purple spots, symbolizing the extracted poison.
After cleaning it out, Yin Xuan sent the purified power, free from poison, right back to her.
"Ying~"
As her energy rushed back, Dugu Yan felt incredibly satisfied. The poison leaving her system made the sensation even more intense, and she couldn't help but let out a little moan.
Of course, Yin Xuan wasn't a perpetual motion machine.
His Second Soul Skill took a lot out of him, and even with the Blue Silver Domain, his recovery couldn't keep up. He could try stealing life force from surrounding Blue Silver Grass, but honestly, there wasn't really a reason to push himself that far.
Not long after, Yin Xuan couldn't maintain the skill—his vines slipped away, releasing Dugu Yan.
He checked his Dark Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul and saw that it too was marked with the same purple spots, stained with the Bilin Snake Poison. Luckily, the poison didn't invade him—just stayed in the Spirit.
"Yin Xuan, are you okay?"
Before Dugu Yan could enjoy her sudden lightness, she saw Yin Xuan pale and slumped on the ground, even weaker than she'd been before.
She rushed over, worry etched all over her face, checking him up close.
Yin Xuan shook his head, "I'm alright, just burned through too much spirit power. One night's rest and I'll be fine."
Dugu Yan looked apologetic, "Sorry, I really didn't think about how it would affect you."
"Rest a bit, then I'll treat you to a big meal," she said, grinning.
Yin Xuan laughed, "Just one meal? That's not enough for what I lost."
Her cheeks went red as she remembered the little wager they'd made before fighting.
"We made a deal, remember?"
"If I won, you'd be my boyfriend; if you won, I'd be your girlfriend."
"You won, so... I accept defeat. I'm your girlfriend now."
She bit her lip, lowered her head, her face glowing with embarrassment. Even though she was young, her figure was already quite mature.
Yin Xuan smiled bitterly inside.
This kind of initiative—it's a bit intimidating!
He chuckled, "Let's confirm the relationship first, then build our feelings together."
Dugu Yan laughed, "Are you serious? I get it if you think it's too fast."
"Let's start as friends, let you get used to my personality first. Otherwise you might call me bossy and unreasonable later."
Yin Xuan gave her a warm smile, "You're pretty considerate."
Her personality made her easy to like—she wasn't overbearing. She could see things from someone else's point of view.
She stole a glance at Yin Xuan, heart fluttering. 'Is this love at first sight?' she wondered. 'He really is handsome, has a great temperament, and makes me feel comfortable. I'll introduce him to Grandpa tomorrow—Grandpa will definitely like him.'
Yin Xuan had no idea what she was thinking. He stood up and grinned, "Alright, enough daydreaming. Didn't you say you'd treat me to a big meal?"
Dugu Yan jumped up, "Right, I need to feed you well—it's my fault you're wiped out!"
He looked at her, speechless, "Don't say it like that."
"Are you shy?" she teased, curling her finger under his chin.
Despite their age difference, Yin Xuan's spirit power was so high, and with that hundred-thousand-year Spirit Bone, he looked just as grown-up as she did.
They looked like equals, walking side by side.
"Yin Xuan, can I hold your arm?" Dugu Yan asked softly.
He raised his eyebrows, "So you actually want to try out what it's like to be a couple?"
She blinked, "Am I that obvious?"
Yin Xuan just nodded.
"Hehe—" She giggled, a bit embarrassed.
He thought she'd drop it, but—
"So, can I?" she asked again.
Yin Xuan rolled his eyes.
Seeing her hopeful gaze, he reached out, put his strong arm around her waist, pulled her close.
Her school uniform fit perfectly, smooth and cool to the touch, like it was tailored just for her. He had no clue what fabric it was, but it felt different from his own uniform, which was a world apart.
She was swept up in a wave of emotion, face flushed, hands shyly covering her cheeks.
"Isn't that Dugu Yan from the Heaven Supreme Class? Why's she in that guy's arms?"
"No way. Dugu Yan—the proud one—being hugged like that?"
"I'm so jealous of that dude!"
"Her grandpa's a Titled Douluo, he really scored big!"
As they left the Mimicked Cultivation Area, more students crowded the road. Everyone started whispering, staring.
In Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Dugu Yan was practically famous—every student knew her.
Yin Xuan's bold move stirred up the crowd.
"What are you staring at?! Look somewhere else!" Dugu Yan snapped, her tone switching from sweet to fierce in a second, scolding everyone who dared stare.