"Old monster, are you really that eager to see me go?" Tang San looked at Dugu Bo's somewhat lonely back.
Dugu Bo said mildly, "Can I keep you here for the rest of your life? The outside world holds far broader horizons—that's where you ought to be. Without sufficient experience, what right do you have to reach the rank of Titled Douluo in the future?" He made no effort to hide his admiration for Tang San. Had their ages not been so far apart, perhaps this could have been called mutual appreciation between kindred spirits.
The air seemed to grow somewhat heavy. Neither Tang San nor Dugu Bo spoke again. Tang San did not answer Dugu Bo's question. Instead, he walked over and stood beside the old man, gazing at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well before them, brow slightly furrowed, lost in quiet thought.
After a long while, the crease between Tang San's brows suddenly smoothed, as though something had clicked into place. He looked at Dugu Bo with an air of absolute confidence. "Old monster, you still owe me two favors, right?"
Dugu Bo nodded. "My word has always been my bond. As long as it doesn't violate my principles, I'll agree."
Tang San let out a mischievous chuckle. "Good then—I've already decided on the other two."
"You've decided?" Dugu Bo's brows knitted together in a deep frown. *This brat—what does he take my promises for? Doesn't he realize how invaluable those three promises are? With my strength as a Titled Douluo, there's precious little in this world I can't accomplish.*
Tang San nodded, his gaze sweeping around the perimeter of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. "My second condition is this: I want to take whatever herbs I need from here, and you won't stand in my way."
"That's it?" Dugu Bo looked at Tang San with exasperation. The herbs surrounding the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well were certainly precious, but for a Titled Douluo who had already reached the peak of his power, they weren't all that important. The fact that he was willing to hand over the Ruyi Hundred Treasure Pouch to Tang San had already been tacit permission for the boy to take any herb he pleased.
Tang San said, "So—are you agreeing or not?"
"Agreeing. Why wouldn't I agree to something so simple?" Dugu Bo replied flatly—and in doing so, was also subtly reminding Tang San not to squander his conditions so lightly. Better to hold them in reserve for when they truly mattered.
Tang San said thoughtfully, "This one's too easy, then. The next condition is a bit harder. I'm not sure if you can manage it."
Dugu Bo declared with pride, "What could possibly be difficult for me?"
Tang San probed cautiously, "So you're saying you'll agree?"
Dugu Bo was no impetuous youth. Cunning and shrewd as he was, he would hardly make promises lightly. "Tell me first—what exactly is your condition?"
Tang San smiled. "It's actually quite simple. Our Shrek Academy is rather lacking in teaching staff, and we could use someone to lend the place some gravitas. My third condition is to invite you to Shrek Academy as a senior advisor…"
"Out of the question." Dugu Bo cut Tang San off before he could finish. "The thing I've feared most my entire life is having my freedom restricted. This is a matter of principle. I can't agree. You little monster—you actually want me to serve as a bodyguard? Not even the royal family of the Tian Dou Empire has ever tried to chain me down."
Tang San said with a touch of annoyance, "Who's chaining you down? Come if you want, leave whenever you feel like it—it's just a title, nothing more. At least that way, I'd have a legitimate reason to see you. It's not like I'm asking you to be a lifetime advisor. Once I graduate, you can go do whatever you want—who's going to stop you?"
Dugu Bo paused, lowering his gaze to Tang San. Tang San was looking back up at him, and in those eyes was an emotion Dugu Bo had never seen from the boy before—a blend of three parts hope and seven parts quiet pleading.
"Just a title?" Dugu Bo asked, his tone tinged with doubt.
Tang San nodded hastily. "Of course. Do you really think anyone would try to tell a Titled Douluo what to do? Naturally, if you happened to be free and felt like offering us some guidance now and then, I wouldn't object."
Dugu Bo let out a huff of disdain. "You little monster still need my guidance? It'd be good enough if you didn't come around and lecture *me*."
Tang San's face lit up with delight. "So that means you're agreeing?"
A faint smile crossed Dugu Bo's face. "As long as those teachers of yours don't kick me out. Let's go."
"Go? Go where?" Tang San asked, puzzled.
Dugu Bo said, "I never drag my feet when I've made up my mind. Since I've agreed to be this advisor of yours, I might as well escort you back and bring my granddaughter along so you can treat her."