Chapter 14: Madam Ye… You Don't Want Anything to Happen to Your Daughter, Right?
Hu Yanzhen suddenly seemed to recall something. A sinister smile crept onto his face as he looked at Ye Qingyu.
"Madam Ye… you wouldn't want anything to happen to your daughter, would you?"
"I advise you to think carefully before making a decision. Not just anyone can join Spirit Hall. This time, with a Cardinal and myself here—"
The Red-Robed Cardinal also stared coldly at Ye Qingyu, his aura surging.
Ye Qingyu clenched her fists.
Today… this likely wouldn't end peacefully.
Could it be that the Nine Heart Begonia Clan, after so many generations, will fall in my hands?
How unwilling I am…
Lingling… you must stay strong…
As for compromise?
She never considered it.
Rather than living under Spirit Hall in humiliation—
she would rather die.
Just then—
a voice came from outside the hall:
"No need to think about it. The two of you can get lost."
Hu Yanzhen, already barely holding back his temper, exploded in anger.
"Who dares speak so arrogantly?!"
A figure in a black robe slowly walked in—
Dugu Bo.
He casually picked at his ear, looking completely unconcerned.
"Why are you shouting? Think your voice is impressive?"
Moments earlier—
he had just arrived at the Nine Heart Begonia residence with Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan.
The guard had urgently told Ye Lingling to flee on her mother's orders.
Sensing something was wrong—
Dugu Bo came ahead alone.
"Dugu Bo?!"
"Why is he here?!"
Hu Yanzhen and the Cardinal both cursed inwardly.
If it were another Soul Douluo, they could still fight.
But Dugu Bo—
his Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor martial soul gave him overwhelming advantage against those below Titled Douluo.
They still didn't know—
he had already broken through.
If they did—
they wouldn't even be talking.
They'd already be running.
Dugu Bo stopped in front of Hu Yanzhen, who towered like a black iron tower.
"I say, Hu Yanzhen—you're a Sect Master and a Soul Douluo."
"Being Spirit Hall's dog is one thing…"
"But two grown men bullying a weak woman?"
"Aren't you ashamed?!"
The last sentence—
he shouted.
At that instant—
his aura erupted.
Hu Yanzhen and the Cardinal's expressions changed as they hurriedly circulated their soul power to resist.
Behind him—
Ye Qingyu let out a breath of relief.
Looking at Dugu Bo's back, she couldn't help but feel puzzled.
Our clan doesn't have much connection with the Dugu family…
Why would he come here and help me?
Did we just drive away wolves… only to invite tigers?
The Cardinal stepped forward, standing beside Hu Yanzhen, facing Dugu Bo directly.
"We are not your match."
"But are you certain you want to oppose Spirit Hall?"
"I suggest you think carefully."
Though not especially strong—
he wasn't afraid.
After all—
Spirit Hall stood behind him.
He didn't believe Dugu Bo would dare kill a Cardinal.
Doing so would mean war with Spirit Hall—
a price no Soul Douluo could bear.
Dugu Bo smiled faintly.
"Don't you know? I hate being threatened the most."
As his words fell—
he casually waved his hand.
Slap—!
The Cardinal was instantly sent flying, smashing into the wall.
Everyone in the hall froze in shock.
Even Ye Qingyu's lips parted slightly.
That was a Cardinal of Spirit Hall—
and Dugu Bo actually struck him.
Only Hu Yanzhen's expression changed drastically.
He stared at Dugu Bo.
"You… you've broken through?!"
At that moment—
he had clearly felt an overwhelming surge of soul power.
And the Cardinal being sent flying—
he hadn't even reacted in time.
That was not something a Soul Douluo could do.
Slap—!
Without warning—
Dugu Bo struck again.
This time, Hu Yanzhen was sent flying as well.
The Cardinal had just struggled to stand—
only to see Hu Yanzhen's massive body crashing toward him—
slamming him back to the ground.
After a long moment—
the two finally got up.
The once-arrogant Cardinal's face was as dark as storm clouds.
"Let's go!"
The two left in disgrace.
Dugu Bo didn't stop them.
He could easily kill them—
but the aftermath wouldn't be worth it.
Soon after—
the doors burst open again.
"Mom! Mom!"
Ye Lingling rushed in, quickly arriving at Ye Qingyu's side.
"Mom, are you alright? Why is that old man from Elephant Armored Sect here again?"
Ye Qingyu gently held her daughter's hand.
"I'm fine. Thanks to Senior Dugu."
"Grandpa! Aunt Ye!"
Behind her, Dugu Yan followed in, greeting them.
"Yanyan, you're here too," Ye Qingyu said with a soft smile.
She then led Ye Lingling forward and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Senior Dugu, for your help earlier."
"Without you, this wouldn't have ended well."
Ye Lingling also bowed.
"Thank you, Grandpa Dugu!"
Dugu Bo waved it off casually.
"No need to be polite. Anyone would've acted in that situation."
New tables and chairs were brought in—
the previous ones had been destroyed by the earlier clash of auras.
After sitting down, Dugu Bo said:
"That old bastard from Elephant Armored Sect really is something else."
"Getting involved with Spirit Hall is one thing—but dragging you into it too?"
Ye Qingyu brushed aside a strand of hair.
"Senior, you may not know—Hu Yanzhen has long wanted to annex our clan."
"But we're not completely defenseless. He didn't dare go too far before."
"Now, with Spirit Hall backing him… he finally dares to force our hand."
Dugu Bo nodded.
He knew a bit about the Nine Heart Begonia Clan.
If nothing else—
there were at least one or two Titled Douluo who owed them favors.
That alone—
was enough to make Hu Yanzhen cautious.