As evening fell, Marco and Ye Lingling returned home together after a day of training. The lingering glow of the sunset bathed the courtyard of the Li residence, cloaking the tranquil estate in a golden veil.
"Father, Mother, we're back," Marco and Ye Lingling greeted Li Zhaoyan and Ye Qingwan as they entered the parlor, where the couple was enjoying tea.
Ye Qingwan set down her teacup with a gentle smile. "Marco, Lingling, you're back? How was today's training?"
Li Zhaoyan also looked up, concern in his eyes. "Your auras seem steady, and your Soul Power has improved. It appears the training was fruitful."
Ye Lingling said softly, "Brother was amazing today—he could hold his own against Teacher Yan Ming!"
Marco sat opposite his parents, his expression slightly grave. "Father, Mother, two important things happened at the academy today that I'd like to report."
Li Zhaoyan raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? What matters have you so solemn?"
Marco took a deep breath. "First, Senior Dugu Bo wishes to pay us a visit and bring his granddaughter Yanzi along."
Ye Qingwan looked surprised at this. "Dugu Bo? Why would he suddenly want to visit us?"
Li Zhaoyan pondered, "Dugu Bo... I've crossed paths with him once. He walks the line between righteousness and wickedness, with an unpredictable temper. Why does he want to see us?"
Marco explained, "During training today, Yanzi suddenly collapsed. I used my Azure Flame to treat her, and unexpectedly, her condition improved significantly. Senior Dugu Bo is likely coming because of this."
Marco thought to himself, "Dugu Bo's sudden visit is probably due to my Azure Flame's ability to treat Yanzi's Spirit Soul Backlash..."
He paused before continuing, "The second matter: Crown Prince Xue Qinghe visited the academy today, and the three deans asked me to accompany him. His Highness seemed quite interested in me."
Hearing this, Ye Qingwan's face showed worry. "His Highness the Crown Prince? Marco, royal affairs are the most complicated—you must be careful in your dealings."
Ye Lingling added quietly, her tone concerned, "His Highness did seem to admire Brother quite a bit, even having him serve as a guide for the academy tour. But Yanzi's sudden collapse today was truly worrying."
Li Zhaoyan remained calm. "The Crown Prince's appreciation is a good thing, but we must indeed remain cautious. It's best not to get involved in royal conflicts."
He looked at Marco with approval in his eyes. "But Marco handled it well—showing proper respect while maintaining distance."
Marco nodded. "Don't worry, Father. I know my boundaries."
He then shifted the topic, his expression growing more serious. "Regarding Senior Dugu Bo's visit, I have some speculations I'd like to discuss with you."
Li Zhaoyan motioned for him to continue. "What speculations?"
Marco organized his thoughts. "While treating Yanzi today, I discovered her body had accumulated significant toxins. These toxins seem to originate from her Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul itself—it's a case of Spirit Soul Backlash."
Ye Qingwan covered her mouth in surprise. "Backlash from the Martial Soul itself? How is that possible?"
Li Zhaoyan also furrowed his brow. "Spirit Soul Backlash? Such cases are indeed rare, but not without precedent. Some special Beast Martial Souls, particularly poison-type ones, can indeed exhibit backlash phenomena."
Marco continued, "My Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit seems capable of purifying these toxins. After today's treatment, Yanzi felt much more relaxed, as if a heavy burden had been lifted."
He pondered for a moment before voicing his speculation, "I suspect Senior Dugu Bo might also be suffering from the same Spirit Soul Backlash."
Ye Qingwan suddenly realized something and said with concern, "Marco, are you saying... Dugu Bo is visiting because he knows you can treat Yanzi?"
Li Zhaoyan also looked grave, "Dugu Bo walks the line between good and evil, and his temper is unpredictable. If he discovers you can treat the backlash from the Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison..."
Ye Lingling worriedly added, "Yanzi is my close friend. It would be wonderful if we could help her. But Senior Dugu Bo's temper..."
A glint flashed in Li Zhaoyan's eyes, "This speculation makes sense. Dugu Bo's Azure Phosphorous Serpent Spirit Soul is indeed unique, making backlash highly probable."
Ye Qingwan grew more anxious, "If that's truly the case, then Senior Dugu Bo's purpose for visiting becomes clear. Is he seeking Marco's help?"
Li Zhaoyan said seriously, "Marco, you must be especially cautious. Dugu Bo's actions are hard to predict, and improper handling could lead to trouble."
Marco nodded, "That's what I thought too. However..."
He hesitated slightly, "My understanding of toxins is limited. Although the Azure Flame can purify them, the specific mechanisms and effects require further study."
Marco proactively suggested, "Father, Mother, I think we should consult Uncle Yang. He specializes in toxin research and has the deepest understanding of poisons. He might provide professional insights."
Ye Qingwan immediately agreed, "Marco is right. Wudi focuses on toxin research and is indeed the most authoritative in this field."
Li Zhaoyan nodded, "Correct. Although Wudi primarily studies poison creation, he also has profound knowledge of antidotes. The Breaking Clan truly has unique expertise in this area."
He looked at Marco with approval, "Marco has considered this thoroughly. This matter indeed requires professional advice."
Ye Qingwan remained uneasy, "After all, Dugu Bo is a Titled Douluo with an unpredictable temper. If mishandled, there could be trouble."
Li Zhaoyan smiled calmly, "No need to worry. Although Dugu Bo walks between light and darkness, he still has principles. Moreover..."
A hint of confidence flashed in his eyes, "Even if problems arise, I can handle them."
Marco felt touched, knowing his father was comforting his mother. He said earnestly, "Father, Mother, I will handle this carefully. Since Senior Dugu Bo approaches with courtesy, we shall naturally receive him with courtesy."
Ye Lingling added softly, "Yanzi is my good friend. It would be wonderful if we could help her."
Li Zhaoyan nodded with satisfaction, "Very good. Marco is becoming more mature, and Lingling is very sensible."
After a moment's thought, he decided, "Here's what we'll do: I'll contact Wudi."
Ye Qingwan breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good. You should inform Wudi as soon as possible."
Marco also nodded, "Thank you, Father."
Li Zhaoyan thought further and added, "As for the visit timing, let's set it three days from now. This gives us time to prepare and consult Wudi first."
Ye Qingwan expressed concern, "Is three days enough? What about Wudi's side..."
Li Zhaoyan said confidently, "That's enough. Wudi is decisive by nature; three days should be sufficient for him to provide preliminary feedback."
He turned to Marco: "Ke'er, continue observing Yanzi's condition over these three days, but do not bring up the matter of Spirit Soul Backlash proactively. When Senior Dugu Bo visits, we'll decide how to respond based on his attitude."
Marco replied respectfully, "Yes, Father. I will be careful."
Ye Lingling said softly, "I will also help Brother keep an eye on Yanzi's condition."
Ye Qingwan remained uneasy: "Ke'er, Lingling, you must be extra cautious. Dugu Bo walks the line between righteousness and wickedness, and his temper is unpredictable. Handle this with care."
Marco said earnestly, "Don't worry, Mother. I understand the gravity of the situation."
Ye Lingling also nodded: "Mother, we will be careful."
Li Zhaoyan patted his wife's hand: "Qingwan, there's no need to worry. Ke'er knows his limits, Lingling is sensible, and I am here as well."
Only then did Ye Qingwan feel slightly reassured, murmuring, "I'm just concerned about the children... They're still so young, yet they have to face such matters..."
Marco walked to his mother's side and comforted her gently: "Mother, I am no longer a child. Over the years, Father has taught me much, and I know how to handle these situations."
Ye Lingling also nestled close to her mother: "Mother, Brother and I will look out for each other."
Li Zhaoyan looked at his children with gratification: "Ke'er and Lingling have truly grown up. Qingwan, you should have faith in them."
Ye Qingwan gazed at her children, who now stood taller than her, tears welling in her eyes as a relieved smile spread across her face: "Yes... Ke'er and Lingling have really grown up."
She wiped the corner of her eye and said softly, "Since it's decided, let's proceed with this arrangement. We will receive Senior Dugu Bo in three days, and until then, we'll first seek Wudi's opinion."
Li Zhaoyan nodded: "Good, I will contact Wudi tonight."
He looked at Marco and Ye Lingling: "You two should go rest. You must be tired from today's training."
Marco and Ye Lingling bowed and took their leave: "Father, Mother, we will return to our rooms then."
After returning to his room, Marco did not rest immediately but sat by the window in deep thought. The day's events had indeed been numerous and required careful reflection.
"Dugu Bo's visit... Qian Renxue's approach... and the issue of Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison..." Marco pondered inwardly. "Dugu Bo's sudden visit is indeed because my Azure Flame can treat Yanzi's Spirit Soul Backlash. This man treads the line between good and evil, so caution is necessary."
He felt grateful: "Fortunately, Father and Mother are so understanding and supportive. Especially Father, who immediately agreed to consult Uncle Yang—that suggestion is indeed the most appropriate."
Thinking of Yang Wudi, Marco felt deep respect. The leader of the Breaking Clan, who specialized in poison research, was truly the foremost authority on toxins. With his input, handling the Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison would be more assured.
As for Qian Renxue... Marco remained wary: "The Spirit Hall's ambitions are too great; it's best to keep our distance. Still, superficial courtesy must be maintained."
He took a deep breath and resolved firmly: "The most important thing now is to improve my strength. Only with sufficient power can I face all challenges."
With this in mind, Marco began his cultivation. Releasing his Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit, azure flames circulated around his body as his Soul Power gradually increased.
Meanwhile, Li Zhaoyan arrived at the study, took out a special Communication Soul Guidance Device, and began contacting Yang Wudi.
"Wudi, I have something to consult you about..." Li Zhaoyan briefly explained today's events, focusing his inquiries on the issue of Spirit Soul Backlash.
Yang Wudi's voice came through the communicator: "Spirit Soul Backlash? This phenomenon indeed exists, particularly with poison-type Martial Souls. The Jade Phosphor Serpent is a top-tier poison Martial Soul, making backlash highly probable..."
The two discussed potential scenarios and handling methods in detail. Yang Wudi promised to provide more detailed suggestions within three days.
After ending the communication, Li Zhaoyan showed a satisfied expression. With Yang Wudi's assistance, he felt more confident in handling the Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison issue.
He walked to the window, gazing at the twinkling stars in the night sky, thinking to himself: "Marco has truly grown up and can now stand on his own. But as a father, I still need to safeguard his journey."
Dugu Bo's visit in three days would be a crucial moment. Li Zhaoyan had already formed plans in his heart, determined to properly confront this Poison Douluo who walked the line between righteousness and evil.