Chapter 86: Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng
Royal Combat Academy of Tiandou.
In a rest area.
After Qin Ming's advice, the members of the Imperial Combat Team had managed to shake off much of the gloom caused by their loss.
Oslo and Yufeng sprawled on the sofas, while the Shimo brothers sat meditating in the corner of the room. Ye LingLing greeted them briefly and then left the rest area.
"Tiantian, can you step outside for a moment? I have something to say to you," Dugu Yan said, biting her lip. Her green eyes glinted as she hesitated, finally gathering the courage to speak to the resting Yu Tianheng.
"Mm?" Yu Tianheng blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Alright."
He stood and followed Dugu Yan, leaving the rest area.
As soon as the two left, the atmosphere inside the room changed instantly. The heavy mood from their defeat dissipated, and the remaining four exchanged glances, each wearing an expression of idle curiosity.
Yufeng raised his eyebrows and teased Oslo, "Captain might have been upset by the match, but it looks like he's going to be in luck in the love department. Just look, Yan Zi's about to launch her full-on attack!"
Ever since Dugu Yan joined the Tiandou Royal Combat Team, it was obvious to everyone that she had feelings for Yu Tianheng, though he had been oblivious to her repeated displays of affection.
Yu Tianheng was the direct heir of the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus clan, while Dugu Yan was the granddaughter of the Poison Douluo. Their families were well-matched, and their union was widely accepted by everyone.
Oslo raised an eyebrow as he noticed the Shimo brothers' gazes were also fixed on the door, curious about what was unfolding. He laughed and said, "Well well, looks like you two big, bold guys aren't as serious as we thought!"
The Shimo brothers chuckled innocently.
Meanwhile, Dugu Yan led Yu Tianheng down a winding path, eventually arriving at a small pond with a rock garden nearby.
Noticing Dugu Yan's silence, Yu Tianheng couldn't help but speak, "Yan Zi, this loss wasn't your fault. It was just that Dai Yao was too strong."
"No, that's not what I want to talk about," Dugu Yan shook her head, her voice firm.
"What is it, then?" Yu Tianheng asked.
"How long have we been at the Tiandou Royal Academy?" Dugu Yan didn't answer his question, instead turning to look at the fish swimming in the pond, her gaze distant.
"It's been some time now," Yu Tianheng thought for a moment before replying.
"Yes, it's been a while," Dugu Yan murmured, her lip caught between her teeth, her hands tightly clasped.
"What's going on?" Yu Tianheng frowned, sensing something more serious in her tone.
Dugu Yan forced a bitter smile, stood still for a moment, then slowly spoke, "All this time, haven't you noticed my feelings for you?"
"I've known," Yu Tianheng replied quietly, and fell into silence.
Dugu Yan turned back with a look of hope. Her long green hair swayed gently as she said, "If you know, then why have you always ignored it?"
Yu Tianheng remained quiet. His throat tightened, and his eyes avoided meeting hers.
Seeing his reaction, Dugu Yan's expression slowly faltered. The joy in her eyes faded, and her lips lost their smile. They both fell into a heavy silence, the air between them thick with unspoken words.
She let out a small, bitter laugh. "I see. You know about the condition of my body. You're from the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus clan—how could you not know why the people of the Green Scales Snake lineage are so few?"
The Green Scales Snake was highly toxic, and even a brief touch could turn a person into poison in mere moments. But this poison was deadly even to its own people. It lurked in the bodies of those with the Green Scales Snake martial soul, and once it accumulated to a certain point, it would trigger an internal eruption, killing the soul master.
Because of this, members of the Green Scales Snake family often died young. Their lifespan was far shorter than that of most soul masters.
Dugu Yan's father had been no exception. His cultivation had advanced slowly and could not prevent the poison in his body from growing, which led to his early death when she was still young.
This was a secret among the Green Scales Snake family, but the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus clan, with its long-standing lineage, had guessed this possibility after her father's passing.
In the original novel, the Poison Douluo was only able to clear the poison from his body with Tang San's help, extending his life. But Dugu Yan had been immersed in poison even before birth, and her lifespan was far shorter than that of a normal soul master.
If Yu Tianheng stayed with her, it meant he would lose his wife at a young age—something the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus clan would never allow!
The future head of the clan could not marry someone who was destined to die young. Even if she were the granddaughter of the Poison Douluo, what did it matter? The Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus clan did not need such a marriage of convenience.
Seeing Yu Tianheng's silence, Dugu Yan steeled herself and said, "Look me in the eyes."
Yu Tianheng hesitated, slowly lifting his gaze. When his eyes met hers, his heart seemed to stop for a moment. Her green eyes were like a deep lake, shimmering with a soft, mournful light. Her long lashes cast shadows beneath her eyes, and there was no longer the usual confidence and liveliness, only a fragile, sorrowful look that pained him deeply.
"Tell me the truth. From the moment you joined the Imperial Combat Team, have you ever had feelings for me?" Dugu Yan asked, biting her lip.
Yu Tianheng took a step back, wanting to say something but finding it hard to speak. Thoughts of his family's responsibilities, his father's wishes, and the fate of his third uncle, Yu Xiaogang, all weighed heavily on him.
He closed his mouth, unable to say anything.
There was no question that he cared for Dugu Yan, but his family had strictly forbidden him from further involvement with her.
Not long ago, he had returned to his family, arguing with his father as to why he couldn't be with Dugu Yan. He was willing to endure the pain of losing his wife young.
Though his father had never explicitly rejected the idea, the lack of approval was clear enough. The pressure from his family and the expectations surrounding him were overwhelming, suffocating him with despair.
But Yu Tianheng refused to give up. The pride of the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus ran through his veins, just as it did in the arena. He would face every obstacle, even in love, and eventually, he would overcome it to be with Dugu Yan.
But until he could resolve the challenges before him, he would not say a word to her.
This was the way of the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus clan.
Seeing his reaction, Dugu Yan gave a sad smile, tears pouring from her eyes. She immediately turned away, covering her face with her arms to hide her tear-streaked face.
Her voice choked as she said, "I understand."
Without another word, she ran off.
Seeing Dugu Yan's heartache, Yu Tianheng felt a pang in his chest. His eyes were resolute, and his fists clenched tightly. "Yan Zi, wait for me. Being with me now will only hurt you. But once I convince my family, I will come for you."
Back in the rest area.
When Yu Tianheng returned alone, looking dejected, the others exchanged looks, unsure what to say.
After a long pause, Yufeng cautiously approached and whispered, "Boss, are you alright?"
Yu Tianheng let out a heavy sigh, trying to clear the frustration within him. He steadied himself and forced a weak smile. "I'm fine."
But his expression clearly didn't match his words. Yufeng thought to himself, but didn't dare ask further.
An hour later, when everyone had left, Yu Tianheng stood up slowly. His eyes had a newfound brightness.
He was going back to his family!
He would resolve all the obstacles once and for all!
(End of chapter)