Dugu Bo entered the ancestral hall and immediately spotted Dugu Shuo, who was seated cross-legged in meditation.
Positioned at the center of the smoke-filled hall, Dugu Shuo remained motionless, seemingly oblivious to Dugu Bo's arrival.
Frowning, Dugu Bo shifted his gaze to the memorial tablets arranged within the hall. Among them were the tablet of his neglectful father, Dugu Hai, and that of his elder brother, Dugu Hao. At the very bottom, to his surprise, was the tablet of his own son, Dugu Xin.
"Second Uncle, your mind is unsettled," Dugu Shuo remarked, facing the inner sanctum of the hall without turning around.
The sight of his son Dugu Xin's tablet had already stirred discomfort in Dugu Bo. Now, witnessing Dugu Shuo's unnerving composure, his anger flared.
"Dugu Shuo, how can you remain so calm? Xue Ye the Great is on the verge of death at any moment. What exactly are you planning?" Dugu Bo demanded sharply.
"Second Uncle, I told you—your mind is unsettled! The succession of the Heaven Dou Empire's throne is a matter of imperial significance. How could the final decision possibly rest solely with our Dugu Family? Remaining patient and observing the situation is the wisest course of action," Dugu Shuo replied with unwavering calm.
Circling Dugu Shuo in disbelief, Dugu Bo retorted coldly, "Last time, you assured me you would intervene to save Xue Ye the Great before his life was endangered. Yet now, it seems you're content to let him die from poison!"
He had thought he'd overestimated his nephew's ruthlessness, only to realize Dugu Shuo was even more merciless than he'd imagined—and without a shred of guilt for his deception.
Rising leisurely, Dugu Shuo met his furious uncle's gaze and stated coldly, "Second Uncle, you, a Douluo renowned for using poison, are perceived throughout the Spirit Master World as narrow-minded and ruthless in eliminating threats. Since when did the poisoning of Xue Ye the Great evoke your pity? The continent is a volcano ready to erupt at any moment. What Heaven Dou needs now is a vigorous and capable emperor. Even if cured, Xue Ye would remain a feeble invalid—and far too many desire his death. Are you truly willing to sacrifice your own life to save him?"
Infuriated, Dugu Bo shot back, "Xue Qinghe is the prime suspect in the poisoning of the Second and Third Princes, with Yang Wushuang of the Spirit Hall as the perpetrator. It's highly likely Xue Qinghe is backed by the Spirit Hall. How can such a person be allowed to ascend the throne?" He fought the urge to strike Dugu Shuo down on the spot but knew well that even he couldn't cure Xue Ye's poison—only his nephew held that capability.
"Second Uncle, do you genuinely wish to save Xue Ye the Great?" Dugu Shuo asked, feigning surprise.
Without hesitation, Dugu Bo declared, "Prince Xue Xing once saved my life, and the Heaven Dou royal family has always treated me well. I, Dugu Bo, pride myself on keeping my promises. I cannot stand by and watch Xue Ye the Great die unjustly!" His tone dripped with contempt, clearly despising Dugu Shuo's evasive stance. The Heaven Dou royal family had placed immense trust in the Dugu Family, designating Dugu Shuo as their expert against poison assassinations, yet this very expert was fundamentally disloyal. Dugu Bo concluded that his nephew was the true cold-blooded Poison Douluo.
"Second Uncle, the poison afflicting Xue Ye the Great is called 'Seven-Colored Mottled.' It is a secret art of the Destruction Clan, administered by Yang Wushuang."
"If Second Uncle truly wishes to save Xue Ye the Great, then have Prince Xue Xing seek out Yang Wudi!
As far as I know, Yang Wudi is also in Heaven Dou City, and the Li Clan is currently undertaking large-scale construction to merge the Four Single Attribute Clans!
Behind the Four Single Attribute Clans stands the Clear Sky Sect, while the one who administered the poison is from Spirit Hall.
How Second Uncle chooses to act is your freedom, but if handled improperly, should any misfortune occur...
I will take good care of Yan Yan. You may go with peace of mind, Second Uncle!"
Dugu Shuo spoke these words in a haunting tone.
Within the ancestral hall, Dugu Bo felt a chill run through his body, an unsettling sensation creeping over him.
"You're cursing me, aren't you?"
Dugu Bo's expression shifted between light and shadow, but extracting the source of the poison from Dugu Shuo's lips was already the limit.
This nephew was determined not to wade into these muddy waters.
What a cunning fox!
"Second Uncle, you might think I'm too cold-blooded, but debts have their creditors and grievances their origin. The one who administered the poison was from the Destruction Clan, so only someone from the Destruction Clan can provide the antidote!
Moreover, Feng'er has a good relationship with the Crown Prince and is eagerly awaiting His Highness's succession to realize grand ambitions!" Dugu Shuo concluded.
At this, Dugu Bo completely lost his imposing demeanor. What Dugu Shuo said was indeed reasonable.
However, before coming here, Dugu Bo had already thoroughly considered the relationships between all parties and wasn't so easily fooled.
"Dugu Shuo, your refusal to act stems solely from fear of Spirit Hall.
But aren't you afraid of being perceived by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Clear Sky Sect as attempting to align with Spirit Hall?
Currently, the various forces in Heaven Dou are uniting. How will others view you if you act this way!
If I were you, I would publicly reveal the truth about Xue Ye the Great's poisoning, then join forces with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Clear Sky Sect to treat him at the palace. Then the Dugu Family could truly earn others' respect!"
Dugu Bo retorted mockingly.
Dugu Shuo, however, smiled as if it mattered little. "I can assure you that His Highness the Crown Prince has no connection whatsoever with Spirit Hall.
The notion that the Crown Prince might be supported by Spirit Hall is merely your speculation.
The Dugu Family will always support the future of the Heaven Dou Empire.
The Crown Prince's actions have already demonstrated his capability to lead the Heaven Dou Empire in unifying the continent. Why not seize this opportunity to facilitate His Highness's ascension? Only through the strengthening of the Heaven Dou Empire can we oppose Spirit Hall!
Relying solely on the strength of various great clans will never match Spirit Hall's power. Arming the Heaven Dou Empire and strengthening its military might is what ensures the safety of our family.
Second Uncle, your perspective on the broader situation remains too naive!"
Of course, Dugu Shuo wouldn't admit that he and Dugu Feng had already decided on a path of low-profile development.
Being the bird that sticks its head out was out of the question.
That poison was clearly administered by Spirit Hall.
Dugu Shuo also wondered what exactly the relationship was between Xue Qinghe and Spirit Hall. Or was Spirit Hall's goal to instigate internal conflict within the Heaven Dou royal family?
But what did that have to do with the Dugu Family?
If the sky fell, the most powerful Clear Sky Sect and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would bear the burden.
Was it the Dugu Family's place to worry?
He understood the Dugu Family's advantage perfectly: possessing the deepest understanding of all factions' situations while remaining in the shadows.
The Clear Sky Sect wanted their genius Tang San to mature.
Spirit Hall's Pope Bibi Dong was advancing toward becoming the continent's strongest.
And wasn't the Dugu Family also waiting for their own genius, Dugu Feng, to grow and flourish?
Everything must now make way for my son's growth.
The Dugu Family must maintain a low profile and cannot become a thorn in Spirit Hall's side.
Dugu Shuo only wishes to lead the Dugu Family to temporarily follow behind the Clear Sky Sect and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
You bear the pressure first.
Let my son develop a bit more!
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