After Broad Hill released Dugu Bo, he put his arm around Han Li's shoulders and went to the other side, setting up a simple Soul Power barrier to isolate their voices. However, he still didn't retract his Martial Soul, and his Spiritual Power remained locked on Dugu Bo.
"Little Li, you're really not going to kill him? You even want to save him? You know, this guy doesn't have a good reputation. Bibi Dong sent people to recruit him many times before, but she didn't succeed. Even if you save him, can you be sure he won't betray us later?" Broad Hill, knowing a lot about Dugu Bo's past, was naturally full of distrust towards him.
"I can't be sure, but killing him won't benefit us much either. At most, we'd get one or two Soul Bones, and he's full of poison, so it's hard to say if we could even use them. Besides, Master, he's still a Titled Douluo, even if he's not your match, he's still one of the top people on the continent."
"The benefits of saving him far outweigh killing him directly. I'll be traveling the continent eventually, and you can't always be with me, right? Aren't you trying to reach the Peerless Douluo level? He's a ready-made helper. From what happened just now, it's clear that his granddaughter is his weakness. He won't betray us easily without absolute certainty," Han Li said, turning his head to point at the still-stunned Dugu Bo, analyzing the situation logically.
"What you said makes sense. He was willing to die to have you save his granddaughter, so he's not a completely bad person," Broad Hill said, stroking his chin with his left hand, the one not holding the Ice Fire Bow, as he pondered.
"So, next, we'll see what price he's willing to pay."
Han Li shrugged, indicating that it was time to go back and negotiate. By this time, Dugu Bo had recovered from his daze.
"Thank you for not killing me."
Seeing the master and disciple return to him, Dugu Bo bowed to Broad Hill with lingering fear. He was truly on the verge of death.
"No need to thank me. If Little Li hadn't insisted on saving you, you would have died long ago," Broad Hill said, waving his hand dismissively.
Dugu Bo didn't mind Broad Hill's attitude. He turned his head slightly and looked at Han Li, his eyes now more eager and with a hint of gratitude.
He knew very well that Broad Hill was right. He was able to survive this time entirely because of Han Li's actions. Most importantly, Han Li possessed the means to cure him and Du Gu Yan.
"First, I thank you, young friend, for saving my life. I swear on my Martial Soul that I will never reveal what happened here to anyone, not even my granddaughter."
Dugu Bo knew that Broad Hill's killing intent stemmed from this place, so he immediately addressed that concern. Then, he bowed again, "Dugu Bo is willing to offer everything in the hope that you can cure my granddaughter. As long as she can be cured, I will be at your disposal, without any hesitation."
"Even if it means committing suicide?" Broad Hill suddenly interjected.
"As long as I can see Yan Yan cured with my own eyes, even if it means committing suicide."
Dugu Bo said decisively. His son had died before his eyes, causing him unbearable pain, but he hated himself even more. Now that he saw the hope that his granddaughter could escape this curse-like poison, he had enough courage to sacrifice himself.
"That won't be necessary. I can't bear to see a Titled Douluo like you die like that. I suppose you had a good calculation in mind when you asked me to save you," Han Li said, looking at the little old man in front of him with a playful smile. This Poison Douluo was not stupid at all.
The previously righteous Dugu Bo couldn't help but blush under his gaze, not expecting Han Li to directly expose his thoughts.
It was true that he was willing to commit suicide for Du Gu Yan, but if he could, he still wanted to live. So, after swearing on his Martial Soul, he directly told Han Li that he could be at his disposal.
He also had his own little thoughts. He was still a Titled Douluo, and no force wouldwhether it's too much or too little (dislike having too much or too little). Since they didn't kill him right away, then if he joined them, they couldn't just not treat him and let him die, right?
It was a bit of a gamble, but he had no choice. Broad Hill had warned him that this place no longer belonged to him. He had so little to his name, and the most valuable thing was his own strength. If he wanted to satisfy Broad Hill, he had to give up his freedom. This was the best he could think of.
Of course, if the master and disciple only treated Du Gu Yan and not him, he would accept it. Being able to spend a few more years with his granddaughter and help her escape her suffering would still make him endlessly grateful. After all, not dying now was a guaranteed win for him.
Having heard Han Li's words, Broad Hill now understood and glared at Dugu Bo. Sure enough, this guy was no good. After sparing his life, he was still playing tricks.
Han Li shook his head and smiled, not minding. Even if Dugu Bo's personality was unconventional and he valued loyalty, it wasn't like he could be completely honest with someone who had almost killed him upon their first meeting. That was nonsense. It was better to build a relationship slowly.
"Senior, don't worry about it. It's human nature, I understand. I just hope you can keep your promise. After I cure you and your granddaughter, you can protect me when I need it. As for your assets, you can keep them for your granddaughter's dowry," Han Li said, not playing any games and directly stating his conditions, ending with a joke.
"Okay, I can swear on my Martial Soul again that if I violate this oath, I will die a horrible death."
Dugu Bo's expression became serious, and he answered solemnly.
"Good, then it's settled," Han Li said, nodding casually. Saying more now was meaningless. It was better to wait until after the treatment and then make a Martial Soul oath. After all, people in Douluo believed in that.
Just as Han Li was about to turn around and go with his master to search for Immortal Herbs, Dugu Bo hesitated and said, "Um, why don't you introduce yourselves first? I still don't know who you are. I need to know who I'll be working for in the future, right?"
Han Li stopped in his tracks. It seemed like they really hadn't introduced themselves since they met. He had overlooked that, and Broad Hill hadn't said anything either. This was a bit awkward.
But it was just a thought that flashed through his mind. Han Li quickly returned to normal. After all, as long as I'm not embarrassed, then the other person is the one who's embarrassed.
Han Li decisively ignored Broad Hill, who was trying to suppress a smile. It wasn't the first time his master had wanted to see him make a fool of himself. No need to mind it.
He looked at Dugu Bo again, first pointing at Broad Hill and introducing him, "Broad Hill, Fifth Elder of the Spirit Hall's Elder Hall, a level 97 Super Douluo of the Power Attack System, my Master."
"As expected, you're from the Spirit Hall. I knew it."
Dugu Bo wasn't surprised by this. Although he was unwilling to join the Spirit Hall and be restricted, he didn't doubt the Spirit Hall's power. On the continent, only the Spirit Hall could hide such a strong person he didn't recognize.
Han Li didn't respond to his words and pointed to himself, continuing, "I am Han Li, seven years old, a level 23 Great Soul Master of the Power Attack System."
"You're only seven years old?"
Dugu Bo pointed incredulously at Han Li, who was already over 1.6 meters tall, and doubted the Soul Power level he had stated, "Are you sure you didn't say it wrong? Level 23?"
"No, you didn't mishear, and I didn't misspeak."
As he spoke, Han Li calmly summoned the Ice Fire Bow, restoring his two Soul Rings, one yellow and one purple, to their normal state, allowing them to appear above his head.
"A thousand-year second ring? How did you do it?"
Dugu Bo exclaimed once again, pointing at the Soul Rings above Han Li's head with wide eyes, not noticing that he had already violated a taboo in the Soul Master world.
"A secret, my secret, Spirit Hall's secret. Once you gain my approval later, I don't mind telling you. I'm always very generous to my own people, but not now." Han Li shook his head at him, speaking very frankly.
Dugu Bo took several deep breaths, watching intently as Han Li retracted his Martial Soul and Soul Rings. Although his heart was still unwilling to believe it, the truth was right in front of him, and this could not be faked.
His breathing couldn't help but quicken. Although he almost inexplicably lost his life, perhaps this encounter was a good thing for him.
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