Ye Yin took a cautious step back, holding up his hands. "You can't blame me for that! I told you to hold still, but you just had to try and predict my move."
Before Dugu Yan could retort, the spectral image of her Jade Phosphor Serpent Spirit automatically materialized behind her. A faint, dark mist emanated from its form, and she could feel a surge of pure, refined energy spreading through her own body from the fruit she had just consumed.
"It feels like... all of my attributes have been enhanced," Dugu Yan murmured, shocked by the profound and immediate effect.
Ye Yin nodded. "See? This stuff is an absolute treasure. Are you sure you don't want the rest?" He held up the jade box, showing her the Marrow Cleansing Fruit and the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma nestled inside. "This next one will cleanse your marrow and bones, improving your natural talent and comprehension. The one after that will solidify your foundation, helping you overcome the negative side effects of your poison spirit in the future."
Dugu Yan swallowed hard. The alluring fragrance of the treasures was incredibly tempting, and the tangible benefits of the first fruit were undeniable. Still, her pride warred with her desire. "Hmph!" she snorted, turning her head away. "I don't want them!"
"Are you really sure?" Ye Yin asked, his tone calm and reasonable. He wasn't teasing her anymore; he was simply stating a fact. "Your grandfather was very insistent. He believes these are the keys to your future."
[Resentment from Dugu Yan +30!]
Her resentment was no longer just about his annoying spirit ability; it was about the infuriating fact that he was right. Her grandfather would want this for her, and deep down, she knew refusing was foolish.
Finally, her pride could no longer fight against logic and the undeniable temptation. With a furious growl, she lunged forward and snatched the entire jade box from his hands. "Fine! I'll take them! But don't you dare think this changes anything between us!"
She furiously unceremoniously stuffed the Marrow Cleansing Fruit into her mouth, chewing it with an angry expression that softened into awe as a second, even more potent wave of energy washed through her.
"You... you scoundrel," she grumbled, her voice lacking its earlier venom. "Why do you have to be so infuriating?"
Ye Yin just shrugged. "It's a gift."
[Resentment from Dugu Yan +60!]
"What! Are! You! Talking! About!" she fumed, her anger flaring up once more at his smug attitude. "I'm so angry!"
Seeing her about to lose her temper completely, Ye Yin simply sighed. He had fulfilled his promise to Dugu Bo. There was no need to antagonize her further. He turned to leave the room.
"Wait," she called out, her voice softer now. She had already consumed the last treasure, the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma, and the combined effect of the three items was making her feel stronger and clearer than ever before. The chronic backlash from her own poison, a subtle ailment she had lived with her entire life, was fading away.
She looked at him, her expression a complex mixture of anger, grudging respect, and confusion. "Why... why are you helping me?"
Ye Yin paused at the door. "I'm not. I'm helping your grandfather. He made me a good offer. You just happen to be the beneficiary."
[Resentment from Dugu Yan +50!]
She was suffering in silence, completely disarmed. She regretted ever thinking she could intimidate Ye Yin in a deserted room. Then again, she had a feeling he would have been just as infuriating and effective out in the open. Being here at least spared her the public humiliation of being so thoroughly outmaneuvered.
"Don't get the wrong idea," Ye Yin said over his shoulder, his hand on the doorknob. "The score between 'Sunny Happy Big Boy' and you isn't settled. This was just business."
With that, he unlocked the door and left, leaving Dugu Yan alone in the room, empowered by priceless treasures but more resentful of him than ever.
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