Yu Tianheng stood up and paced back and forth: "Besides, what does that Lin Yuan have? Other than a bit of talent, what else does he have?"
"In terms of background, I am the first direct heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan! One of the Upper Three Sects!"
"In terms of strength, I've long been a Rank 31 Spirit Elder. Since entering the academy, I haven't lost a single match in the Spirit Arena!"
"Whether it's family background, strength, or age and experience, in what way am I not stronger than that wet-behind-the-ears kid?"
The more Yu Tianheng spoke, the more sense it made to him, to the point where he even fooled himself.
Yu Feng and Oscar exchanged a look, both seeing a trace of helplessness in each other's eyes.
Boss... this is a classic case of self-deception.
That Lin Yuan... though young, his temperament, his looks, and that talent—if you really compared them, other than being younger and having no background, everything else really doesn't seem inferior to yours.
And speaking of background, Lin Yuan seems to have a deep connection with the Sword Douluo Chen Xin, and he's also on good terms with that Little Demoness from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
In their hearts, they felt that their boss truly couldn't compare to the other guy.
His spirit power was higher now, but that was just taking advantage of the age difference... A few days later.
At the foot of the mountain of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
With the trip to the Sunset Forest concluded, the trio of Lin Yuan, Dugu Bo, and Dugu Yan finally returned to this familiar academy.
Just as they entered the gates, Dugu Bo slowed his pace and turned to look at Lin Yuan with a serious expression: "Kid, since you've returned safely, I won't linger here any longer."
"If there's anything urgent, remember to contact me through Yan Yan."
"During this coming period, I plan to handle an old matter from years ago, so I might leave Heaven Dou City for a while."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan was somewhat surprised and took her grandfather's arm: "Grandpa, we just got back, why are you leaving again?"
"Is it something dangerous?"
Dugu Bo patted his granddaughter's head: "Don't worry, it's just a grudge that needs to be settled."
"Before, I was heavily poisoned and didn't dare to act lightly. Now that I'm unburdened, my cultivation has even progressed to Rank 94."
"It's time to settle some scores with that fellow."
At this point, Dugu Bo looked at Lin Yuan, his tone carrying a hint of a request:
"Lin Yuan, that thing you used before called 'one-word battle armor' has truly astonishing defensive power and amplification."
"If you have the time, could you also make one for Yan Yan?"
"While I'm away, I'm still somewhat uneasy about this girl's safety."
"Even though her Spirit has evolved, she's still too green in front of true powerhouses."
Lin Yuan naturally understood Dugu Bo's concerns upon hearing this.
This Old Poison was going to find the Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan to settle a score.
He smiled and nodded in agreement: "Don't worry, Senior."
"I already have a concept for Sister Yanyan's battle armor. Once I have a bit of free time, I'll start crafting it."
"However..."
Lin Yuan changed the subject, looking at Dugu Bo with a glint in his eyes: "Actually, you don't have to be in such a hurry to leave in the next couple of days."
"Although you've broken through to Rank 94 and your spirit power is much purer, don't you want to try taking it a step further?"
Dugu Bo was stunned: "A step further? What do you mean?"
Lin Yuan said: "For example, condensing that inner elixir inside you into a complete Soul Core!"
"You know how to condense a Soul Core?!"
Dugu Bo's breathing quickened as he looked at Lin Yuan in disbelief.
"I know a thing or two," Lin Yuan followed up. "However, condensing a Soul Core is an extremely dangerous matter; one slip-up and your body could explode."
"You need a top-tier powerhouse by your side to act as a Protector and guide you with mental force."
"Coincidentally, I'll check if my Master is around these next few days."
"If he is, I'll have him act as your Protector to help you condense a Soul Core!"
Hearing this, Dugu Bo was so moved his beard trembled.
Having that Rank 99 super Douluo Zhao Yun protect him?
What kind of treatment was this?
"This... won't this be too much trouble for your Master?"
Dugu Bo felt somewhat overwhelmed by the favor.
Lin Yuan waved it off: "Not at all. We're all on the same side. If you're stronger, you'll be better able to look out for me and Sister Yanyan in the future, right?"
Dugu Bo took a deep breath and heavily patted Lin Yuan's shoulder.
A thousand words condensed into one: "Good!"
...Afterward, Dugu Bo left first to prepare the adjustments needed to condense a Soul Core.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan and Dugu Yan walked side-by-side toward the teaching building.
The two had "disappeared" for a month, and their sudden appearance now instantly spread through the entire Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
In particular, some saw Dugu Yan intimately holding Lin Yuan's arm, the two talking and laughing like a perfect couple.
For certain people, this news was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.
Outside the Mimicry Cultivation Ground.
Bang!
Yu Tianheng smashed a fist into a tree trunk, sending fallen leaves flying.
"Damn it! Are they really together?! Talking and laughing?!"
Beside him, Yu Feng and Oscar exchanged a glance, both enjoying the drama.
Oscar added fuel to the fire: "Boss, I saw it with my own eyes just now."
"Sister Yanyan's gaze—tsk tsk—it was practically dripping with affection."
"If you don't act now, it won't just be a green hat on your head; it'll be the entire Great Plains."
Yu Tianheng trembled with rage, his face turning ashen.
"Let's go! I want to see exactly what kind of love potion that Lin Yuan has given Yan Yan!"
...Lin Yuan was chatting with Dugu Yan about the design concepts for the battle armor when suddenly, the path ahead was blocked by three figures.
Leading them was Yu Tianheng, his face as dark as water.
Behind him, Yu Feng and Oscar stood with arms crossed, watching with playful expressions.
Yu Tianheng didn't erupt immediately.
He took a deep breath, trying to adjust his stiff facial muscles to calm his emotions.
Yu Tianheng ignored Lin Yuan and looked intensely at Dugu Yan: "Yan Yan, why were you out for so long this time?"
"Do you know how much I've worried about you this past month?"
"I kept thinking that once you returned, I'd definitely find you to go Cultivate in the Mimicry Ground together."
However, faced with Yu Tianheng's words, Dugu Yan's reaction was cold enough to chill one's heart.
She didn't even let go of Lin Yuan's arm; instead, she pressed her body even closer to him.
Lin Yuan could even clearly feel the startling softness and elasticity coming from his arm.
"Yu Tianheng."
Dugu Yan spoke coldly, her green eyes devoid of any emotion: "Haven't I said this many times?"
"My relationship with you isn't that close."
"Please don't call me Yan Yan; you can call me Dugu Yan."
"As for where I go and who I go with, that is my private business. What does it have to do with you?"
...