Faced with Dugu Bo's offer, Ye Yu was indeed tempted.
Because through this opportunity, he might be able to enter the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and obtain a few immortal herbs.
However, after taking a deep breath, Ye Yu still suppressed that thought.
Because it simply wasn't worth it!
As a commoner-born orphan without any background, the thing Ye Yu lacked most was exactly that—status and protection.
If he could win over Dugu Yan, and in doing so gain Dugu Bo's approval, he could become the son-in-law of the Bilin Clan and secure the protection of the Poison Douluo.
This would fill the biggest gap in his life!
Moreover, Dugu Bo was aligned with Prince Xue Xing and Fourth Prince Xue Beng, while Ye Yu was currently acting as Xue Qinghe, who was in fact Qian Renxue in disguise.
Such a background would allow him, no matter how things evolved in the future, to observe the political landscape and choose his allegiance wisely—whether to side with Spirit Hall, or with its opposition.
Most importantly: "To be human is to have emotions."
Although Ye Yu initially approached Dugu Yan with ulterior motives, after more than six months of interaction, he had successfully won her over. Dugu Yan had truly fallen for him.
Even if Ye Yu hadn't fallen quite as deeply, his feelings for her were still genuine.
If he chose to accept Dugu Bo's deal and took the treasures in exchange for leaving her, even if he tried to make amends later, Dugu Yan would be heartbroken.
He didn't want that to happen.
Although Dugu Bo strongly opposed their relationship right now, Ye Yu felt that after offering a solution to the Jade Phosphor Poison, Dugu Bo's perception of him might not be entirely negative.
The old poison master's disapproval most likely stemmed from his spirit and innate talent being too weak for his liking.
But that was something Ye Yu could change.
In the future, if he could improve in those areas, he might gain full approval.
On the other hand, if he agreed to the deal now, wouldn't that just prove he didn't truly love Dugu Yan?
This cunning old man was testing him!
And if Dugu Bo discovered Ye Yu's heart wasn't sincere, any goodwill might instantly turn to hostility.
So, Ye Yu made his decision.
No matter what Dugu Bo offered, he would never leave Dugu Yan!
"Senior Dugu, my feelings for Yan Yan are genuine!"
"Unless you kill me, no matter how much money or how many treasures you offer—"
"I will never leave her!"
"If she doesn't give up on me, I'll never let her down!"
Ye Yu stood up, facing Dugu Bo's dark and menacing gaze, his tone resolute.
"Young man, are you certain about this?!"
Seeing that Ye Yu would rather die than leave his granddaughter, Dugu Bo was secretly satisfied.
But his face remained cold and gloomy. He stood up and released a terrifying soul power pressure, pressing it down directly onto Ye Yu.
In an instant, Ye Yu felt as if he were being crushed by a massive mountain. His bones and muscles trembled uncontrollably, groaning under the immense burden.
His face turned red, his fists clenched tightly, and pain showed on his face.
But this only strengthened Ye Yu's belief—
Dugu Bo wouldn't actually kill him!
And so, even with his body trembling and sweat pouring down like rain, Ye Yu clenched his teeth and didn't give in.
He had the Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone—he wouldn't die so easily!
"Senior... Dugu... I won't give up on Yan Yan... even if it means death!!"
Seeing Ye Yu's stubborn defiance, Dugu Bo's expression grew even darker, and he increased the soul pressure again.
But when he sensed that Ye Yu was close to his limit...
He remembered his granddaughter's vow and reluctantly withdrew the pressure.
Although this brat's martial spirit and innate talent were quite mediocre, in terms of wisdom, ability, and courage, he was more than decent.
And most importantly, he was truly devoted to Dugu Yan.
Plus, Ye Yu had come up with a method to solve the Jade Phosphor Poison plaguing their clan.
This made Dugu Bo feel some appreciation for the boy.
"Young man! I'll give you one more chance."
"What will it take for you to leave Yan Yan?"
After sitting back down, Dugu Bo coldly posed what sounded like a final ultimatum.
"Senior Dugu…"
With the pressure gone, Ye Yu collapsed in sweat, gasping for air and nearly falling to his knees.
He forced himself to stand up and clasped his fists respectfully.
"This junior repeats what I said—I will never leave Yan Yan."
"I understand your concerns, Senior."
"So let's make a bet."
"A bet?" Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes.
"I know my martial spirit and innate talent are lacking right now."
"But I'm confident I can evolve my spirit and grow stronger in the future."
"Until then, Yan Yan and I will maintain proper boundaries. We won't publicly announce our relationship."
"If within three years, I can evolve my martial spirit to meet your expectations and earn your approval—"
"Then I hope you'll give us your blessing."
"If I fail in three years, I'll leave Yan Yan voluntarily."
At that, Ye Yu deeply bowed to Dugu Bo.
"Very well!"
The bet was fair and reasonable. Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes in thought, then nodded in agreement.
Hearing this, Ye Yu's tired but handsome face finally showed a smile.
"However, Senior Dugu," Ye Yu added, "since Yan Yan and I often go out together, even with Miss Lingling around, it's inevitable that some may gossip."
"I respectfully ask you to accept me as your disciple. That way, we'll avoid unnecessary misunderstandings."
"Also, to evolve my spirit, I need to study medicine and poisons in depth."
"I've heard you are the top expert in pharmacology and toxicology in the Heaven Dou City."
"I humbly ask for your guidance!"
With that, Ye Yu gave Dugu Bo another sincere and respectful bow.
Good heavens!
Dugu Bo squinted his eyes and let out an amused snort.
This boy was cunning indeed!
He had just rejected Dugu Bo's bribe, vowing he'd never leave Yan Yan.
Then, after proposing a fair compromise, he immediately asked for this "favor."
While it seemed somewhat justified—
Wasn't this still a kind of deal?
Even so, after thinking it through, Dugu Bo chose to agree.
"Fine! For Yan Yan's sake, I'll accept you as a registered disciple."
Ye Yu had passed his trial with integrity.
Although his martial spirit and innate potential were still weak, his abilities, talent, and courage were all top-notch.
If he could overcome that one flaw—
He'd be a fine match for Dugu Bo's granddaughter.
And if Ye Yu truly had the confidence to evolve his martial spirit—
Then Dugu Bo didn't mind helping him out.
Besides, after just one meeting, it was hard to judge the boy's true character.
By taking him in as a disciple, Dugu Bo could slowly observe what kind of person he really was.
It was a safe bet.
"Ye Yu greets his teacher!"
Upon hearing Dugu Bo's acceptance, Ye Yu's face lit up with excitement. He clasped his fists and gave a deep bow.