Obtaining the soul rings this time was a great success. After Dugu Bo acquired his ninth soul ring, he officially became a Titled Douluo—and even obtained a head soul bone.
The soul skill from Dugu Bo's ninth soul ring was Jade Phosphor Divine Light, and the soul bone skill was Medusa's Gaze, the signature ability of Medusa herself.
Catherine also successfully acquired her eighth soul ring, officially becoming a Contra and a Spirit Master. This was also her first soul bone.
Her eighth soul skill was Double Wing Cross Kill, and the soul bone granted a defensive skill called Golden Wing Armor, which could form a protective shell of golden feathers.
…
With the soul ring hunts concluded, Yuan Changqing and the others quickly left the Star Dou Forest. Everyone who gained soul rings this time had been incredibly fortunate.
Upon returning to Xingdou Town, they rested for another night.
That evening, while everyone was enjoying dinner at the hotel, Yuan Changqing turned to Dugu Bo and asked, "Old Poison, now that you've become a Titled Douluo, have you thought about your title?"
Everyone perked up at the question, curious. This was their first time witnessing the rise of a Titled Douluo, and they were eager to know what name Dugu Bo would choose for himself.
Dugu Bo thought for a moment. His Martial Soul was the Jade Phosphor Snake King, and its defining trait was poison. That alone made the answer obvious.
"I'll go with 'Poison.' From now on, I'll be known as Poison Douluo," Dugu Bo announced with a grin.
Everyone chuckled at how fitting the title was.
Yuan Changqing laughed and said, "Well then, we'll have to start calling you Your Excellency, Poison Douluo."
The others chimed in with playful cheers. "Poison Douluo, Your Excellency!"
Dugu Bo laughed heartily. "Hahaha! That's the first time I've been called that, and it feels pretty good. But seriously, just stick with 'Old Poison'—I like that better."
After the lively dinner, they returned to their rooms to rest. The next morning, Yuan Changqing said farewell to his sister-in-law and uncle and began the journey home.
…
Heaven Dou City
After a long journey from the Star Dou Forest, Yuan Changqing and the others finally returned to Heaven Dou City.
Before parting ways, Yuan Changqing asked Dugu Bo, "Old Poison, now that you're a Titled Douluo, are you planning to register with the Spirit Hall?"
"Of course," Dugu Bo said without hesitation. "I want the name 'Poison Douluo' to echo across the entire Douluo Continent."
Yuan Changqing didn't expect that answer, but nodded without saying much.
He did, however, offer a warning. "Just be cautious when you go to register. The Spirit Hall isn't an easy force to deal with. For a rogue Titled Douluo like you, they'll surely try to win you over."
Dugu Bo waved it off. "I've always been a free spirit. I won't let myself be bound by Spirit Hall. I'm just registering; it's not like they can force me to join."
"That's not a guarantee," Yuan Changqing said seriously. "If they can't recruit you openly, they might move against you in the shadows. You might not care, but you've got a family to think about now."
Dugu Xin nodded in agreement. "Father, I think Brother Yuan is right. Honestly, what's the point of registering? Whether you're registered or not, you're still a Titled Douluo."
Dugu Bo hesitated, then muttered, "The Spirit Hall is the most powerful force on the continent. Surely they wouldn't stoop to such dishonorable tactics…"
Yuan Changqing smiled wryly. "Who knows? But it's always better to be cautious."
Dugu Bo nodded, finally taking the words to heart. "Thanks for the reminder, Changqing. I'll think about it."
Ultimately, Yuan Changqing knew Dugu Bo would make his own choice.
"Alright then, Old Poison, Brother Dugu—this is where we part. Let's get together for tea sometime. Or come visit me."
"Will do," Dugu Bo replied.
…
After returning from the hunt, Yuan Changqing focused on accelerating the construction of the formation base, waiting for the academy's holiday period to begin setting up the Seven Stars and Moon Treasure Land.
The family had grown stable over the past few years. However, due to their late start, manpower was becoming stretched thin, which limited the expansion of their business ventures.
Currently, most operations were still based in and around the Balak Kingdom, with some cooperation from Catherine's family in Heaven Dou City.
Although Catherine's family had developed slightly earlier, their strength was limited, and so was their reach.
Yuan Changqing had begun to consider bringing Dugu Bo's family into the fold to form a business alliance for mutual development. With a newly ascended Douluo like Dugu Bo on their side, they'd have more confidence in dealing with future challenges.
…
"Catherine, I want to ask your opinion on something," Yuan Changqing said one afternoon.
Catherine looked puzzled. "Husband, you're the head of the family now. Why ask me? Just make the decision."
"Ahem. Well, it doesn't only concern our family—it also involves your father's side. That's why I'm asking you."
"Oh, I see. Then you shouldn't be asking me," she said, smiling. "Go talk to my dad directly."
Yuan Changqing sighed. "Fine, fine. Let's go visit your father's house together sometime soon."
"Hehe, sure! But what's this all about?"
"Curious?"
"Very!"
"I'm not telling you yet," Yuan Changqing teased, turning around.
Catherine quickly grabbed his hand and shouted, "What's gotten into you? Playing games with me now?"
They playfully bickered for a while until Wang Yuyan, hearing the commotion, came over and saw the two of them wrestling.
"Brother Changqing! Sister Catherine! What are you two doing?"
Catherine called out dramatically, "Sister Yuyan, help! Your brother's rebelling—I need backup!"
Yuan Changqing quickly explained, "It's nothing serious—we're just joking around. Alright, alright, Catherine. Let's get back to business."
The three of them sat down together, and Yuan Changqing finally explained.
"Catherine, I just wanted you to come with me to your parents' house to discuss some business plans."
Catherine asked, "Business? Isn't our family's business doing well?"