"Yan Yan, what's wrong?"
Ye Yu noticed that something was off about Dugu Yan. Her beautiful eyes, as green as emeralds, were tinged with red. Her delicate hands clenched and relaxed repeatedly, and it was clear she had something on her mind but was hesitating to speak.
Ye Yu asked her with concern.
"N-nothing!"
Dugu Yan forced a smile and claimed it was nothing.
But with just one glance, Ye Yu could tell—
Something was definitely wrong.
As for what the problem might be—
After a brief moment of thought and analysis, Ye Yu quickly deduced the answer.
Earlier, Dugu Yan had said that her grandfather, Dugu Bo, had gone into seclusion to cultivate.
Now, chances were high that Dugu Bo had returned.
And what's more, he must have discovered the relationship between him and Dugu Yan—and was completely against it!
To be honest, knowing that his relationship with Dugu Yan had been exposed to Dugu Bo—
Just imagining the possible fallout made Ye Yu's heart feel heavy with anxiety.
Though he had long prepared himself to risk everything—life and death included—for this gamble...
If he succeeded, he could obtain the immortal herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and soar to new heights!
If he failed, then he would undoubtedly be killed by Dugu Bo, that old poison freak!
With Dugu Bo's twisted personality, coupled with how highly he valued his granddaughter—
Given Ye Yu's current strength and status—
Dugu Bo would definitely not approve of him.
Even though Ye Yu had presented a solution to the Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison, it likely wouldn't change things.
Putting himself in Dugu Bo's shoes—
Ye Yu figured the old man would most likely react just like that.
What Dugu Bo would do next, he couldn't be sure.
But given Dugu Yan's personality, she would definitely try to protect him.
On top of that, Ye Yu had also offered a solution to the Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison—
That counted as a tremendous favor to the Jade Phosphor Serpent family.
Surely the old poison master wouldn't kill him, right?
Ye Yu quietly pondered.
Evening came swiftly.
Ye Yu, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling left Heaven Dou Imperial Academy together.
Because of Dugu Bo, neither Dugu Yan nor Ye Yu was in the mood for strolling or enjoying the city.
But just as they were about to part ways, Dugu Yan insisted on following Ye Yu home.
At first, Ye Yu thought Dugu Yan was worried that her grandfather might try to harm him—
So she wanted to stay close and protect him.
But later, based on what she said…
She actually intended to solidify their relationship and turn it into a done deal!
Ye Yu immediately broke into a cold sweat.
Sure, that method might be effective…
But Ye Yu was almost certain—
That old poison freak Dugu Bo was definitely hiding nearby, watching them in secret.
If he agreed now—
Dugu Bo would probably jump out at the critical moment and ruin everything.
So there was no point in going along with it.
Instead, he might as well act like a proper gentleman and show that he was thinking of Dugu Yan's reputation.
That way, he could earn some favorability points with Dugu Bo.
And just as Ye Yu expected—
Dugu Bo was indeed hiding in a grove nearby at that very moment.
Hearing his beloved granddaughter insist on going home with this punk named Ye Yu—
And even hinting at forcing the matter by making it a done deal to make him, her grandfather, back off—
Dugu Bo's face instantly darkened.
Filial piety! This was too much filial piety!
It was outrageously "filial"!
"Yan Yan… does your grandfather already know about us?"
"And he's against us being together?"
Seeing how adamantly Dugu Yan insisted on coming home with him, Ye Yu acted like he'd just realized something. He reached out and gently grasped her fragrant shoulders, meeting her eyes seriously.
Dugu Yan trembled slightly. Her eyes immediately turned red as tears welled up. She nodded sadly and sorrowfully.
"A-Yu, I'm sorry!"
"But even if it costs me my life, I will stay by your side!"
Dugu Yan spoke with firm resolve.
"Silly girl, don't say things like 'life or death.'"
Ye Yu gave her a light flick on the forehead, then pulled her into his arms. He gently caressed her long violet hair, comforting her softly.
"I can understand why Grandpa Dugu doesn't approve of me."
"But believe me—there's nothing in this world that can stop me."
"You should go home for now."
"I'll find the right time to meet Grandpa Dugu face-to-face and convince him to accept us."
"But…"
Dugu Yan bit her lip, eyes brimming with tears. She was clearly still worried.
"Yan Yan, don't you trust me?"
Ye Yu held her shoulders, locking eyes with her, expression full of sincerity.
Thinking of everything Ye Yu had done since they met—
All the seemingly impossible feats he had accomplished—
Dugu Yan chose to trust him once again.
After they parted ways—
On the way home—
Right before reaching his house—
Ye Yu suddenly stopped walking and chuckled lightly.
"Senior Dugu, I know you're there. You can come out now."
"How did you know I was here, brat?"
Caught off guard by being discovered, Dugu Bo's brows furrowed. With a flash, he appeared from the shadows and asked in a low voice.
"I didn't actually sense you, Senior. I just figured you'd be here and took a shot in the dark."
Ye Yu shrugged and smiled casually.
"No harm in trying, right?"
Dugu Bo: "…"
"You've got some nerve, brat."
Dugu Bo felt a bit stifled inside, but kept a calm face and replied coolly.
"Senior Dugu, may I speak with you privately?"
Since they were already at the doorstep, Ye Yu invited Dugu Bo in for a proper talk.
Naturally, Dugu Bo accepted.
Inside the main hall—
Once Dugu Bo was seated, Ye Yu poured a cup of hot tea for him and respectfully presented it.
"Please, Senior Dugu."
Dugu Bo accepted the tea and took a few sips. His eyes revealed some complex emotions as he spoke.
"Brat, I didn't expect you to have some talent and guts."
"You even found a way to resolve the Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison and are genuinely devoted to Yan Yan."
"If your spirit and innate talent were stronger, I might have considered allowing you two to be together."
"But unfortunately, your spirit and aptitude are far too mediocre."
"So I still cannot approve of this relationship—do you understand?"
"I understand."
Ye Yu smiled slightly, sat down nearby, picked up his own teacup, and sipped calmly.
"But, Senior Dugu, spirit and talent are not set in stone."
"I'm not sure if Yan Yan told you—but I've already found a method for spirit evolution."
"Please believe in me!"
"In the future, I will evolve my spirit step by step, become a powerful expert, and gain the strength to protect Yan Yan!"
Seeing Ye Yu's calm and confident demeanor even under pressure, Dugu Bo couldn't help but admire him a little.
But when it came to Ye Yu's claims, Dugu Bo still looked down on them.
"Hah… a method for spirit evolution?"
"Brat, a method is just that—a method. What matters are results."
"Talking big won't get you anywhere!"
"In any case, I won't approve of you and Yan Yan. Name your price."
"How much money or benefits do you want to leave her willingly?"
Realizing that Dugu Bo was trying to buy him off—
Ye Yu's heart stirred slightly, but he also relaxed.
It seemed that Yan Yan must have said something to the old poison freak—
He didn't dare to lay a hand on Ye Yu.
Otherwise, Ye Yu would have already been melted into a pool of toxic sludge by now.
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin