Looking at the sunlight outside, Dugu Bo had calmed down once again. Or perhaps he still held onto a sliver of hope in his heart. Thinking back now, his earlier reaction had been excessive. Ye Tian had only mentioned that Dugu Xin was poisoned—he hadn't said anything else. Maybe the kid had simply deduced it from the medicinal soup at the door and Xin's screams? It wasn't certain that he already knew about the flaw of the Azure Phosphorous Serpent Spirit.
But when Dugu Bo walked out of the room with Dugu Yan, his heart sank. The looks in Qian Renxue and the others' eyes had changed significantly—they seemed pitying, even compassionate. Especially the child from His Excellency's family, who stared at his Yan'er with immense sympathy.
"Greetings, Your Excellency," Dugu Bo murmured, bowing in a daze, his heart pounding. Dugu Yan followed suit with a bow.
Jin E merely nodded.
Ye Tian's voice drifted leisurely under the sweltering eaves, "Senior Dugu, it seems your son's symptoms have eased somewhat."
"Indeed, thanks to your pills, young friend," Dugu Bo replied, his movements slightly stiff as he straightened up, though his words carried genuine gratitude.
"Then, may we set off now?" Qian Renxue stepped forward at that moment.
Finding the Immortal Herbs sooner would not only enhance their talents but also resolve the Dugu Family's Martial Soul flaw. It was best not to delay any further.
"Of course!" Dugu Bo suppressed his inner turmoil and nodded respectfully. He knew that among these people, Qian Renxue was the most esteemed.
"Thank you for your trouble, Senior," Ye Tian smiled, handing two bottles of pills to Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo stared at the bottles in surprise. Ye Tian explained with a smile, "Senior, the terrain in Sunset Forest is complex. Taking a carriage in would be too conspicuous. When we get closer, I'm afraid your son will have to accompany us on foot, which may be taxing."
"Young friend Ye Tian is right. I thank you on Xin's behalf," Dugu Bo said, snapping out of his reverie and taking the two bottles with some astonishment.
A slight shake of the bottles told him the total number of pills inside was around sixty. But what surprised him wasn't the quantity—it was the shelf life of these 'pills' made by Ye Tian, a Food-type Soul Master.
Food-type Soul Masters typically cultivated slowly—who would bother spending time storing their own Soul Skills? It was laborious and unrewarding, a futile effort. Yet Dugu Bo noticed that Ye Tian seemed to be an exception. He had already observed the small bottle in Jin Yue'er's hand, which clearly indicated that Ye Tian indeed had a habit of storing 'pills.'
Was this a quirk unique to geniuses? Dugu Bo didn't understand.
Unaware of Dugu Bo's convoluted thoughts, Ye Tian harbored no hostility and feared none from Dugu Bo either. He simply wanted to obtain the Immortal Herbs and make some friends along the way. Maintaining respect for his elder, he said courteously, "Since the journey is because of us, it's only right that I take responsibility for your son's well-being."
Hearing this, Dugu Bo looked at Ye Tian with surprise. Those with exceptional talent were often arrogant, even conceited, but Ye Tian seemed free of such flaws. Unconsciously, Dugu Bo's wariness toward Ye Tian and the others diminished slightly.
"Young friend, you are very considerate."
"I shall have someone prepare the carriage to Sunset Forest immediately."
As soon as the words fell, Dugu Bo was about to leave with Dugu Yan.
"Wait!"
At that moment, Jin Yue'er called out to stop them.
Under Dugu Yan's somewhat bewildered gaze, Jin Yue'er strode forward directly, walking up to her. She stuffed the small bottle that Ye Tian had just given her into Dugu Yan's arms.
The words she spoke...
Made even Dugu Bo's expression change dramatically!
"Little sister, these ten Marrow Cleansing Pills are for you... you must stay strong~"
Jin Yue'er clenched her fist and waved it encouragingly.
Her eyes full of pity and encouragement, she continued earnestly:
"Ye Tian is very powerful!"
"He'll be able to cure your illness very soon."
"!!!"
As Jin Yue'er's words fell,
Dugu Bo immediately widened his eyes, his dark green pupils rapidly contracting.
All sense of hope vanished from his heart!
They actually, actually already knew about the Dugu Family's Martial Soul defect!
And even claimed they could cure it?!!
Dugu Bo's body stiffened as if struck by lightning, standing frozen in place like a wooden chicken.
Was it true or false?!
Dugu Bo turned his gaze toward Ye Tian.
But Ye Tian merely smiled, offering neither any promise nor explanation.
Dugu Yan was completely stunned.
She looked up at Dugu Bo, but after a long while still didn't receive any hint from her grandfather.
Out of curiosity about the 'Pill',
Dugu Yan took it upon herself to accept the bottle handed over by Jin Yue'er.
Not forgetting to respond softly:
"Thank you, sister."
"Haha... you're welcome! Consider these Marrow Cleansing Pills as my greeting gift."
Jin Yue'er beamed with joy.
From now on, she had another little sister!
Dugu Yan didn't respond, instead shifting her gaze to Ye Tian.
Marrow Cleansing Pill?
Which of that guy's Soul Skills was this? Such a strange name.
"Can it really be cured?"
Thinking of Jin Yue'er's words, Dugu Yan couldn't help but murmur to herself.
Fear in her eyes.
She dreaded the arrival of that terrifying-looking pain,
Nor did she want to end up like Dugu Xin just now,
Twisting on the bed, drooling, looking like a fool.
"Of course!"
Jin Yue'er stated firmly.
She trusted Ye Tian one hundred percent.
"Alright Yue'er, come back now, don't delay their business."
Ye Tian reminded helplessly.
Only then did Jin Yue'er pat Dugu Yan's head and step back.
Dugu Bo took a deep breath,
Finally calming down again.
He didn't dare to easily believe what Jin Yue'er said,
For fear of being used or deceived.
Even though Golden Crocodile Douluo himself had arrived, it seemed there was nothing to gain from them.
But this was precisely the important reason why the Dugu Family had always kept it hidden. Human hearts were treacherous—who knew how many charlatans they would encounter once their family's defect was exposed?
After all, their defect was different from other families' Martial Soul defects...
It was life-threatening at all times.
Inevitably, some weak descendants would lose their senses and seek any cure in desperation, only to be betrayed and even cause the Dugu Family's lineage to be cut off.
But whether it was Ye Tian's two Purple Soul Rings,
Or Golden Crocodile's arrival, and the unknown effects of those two types of pills.
All gave Dugu Bo a glimmer of hope.
Leaving him no choice but to take things one step at a time.
All these reasons were why Ye Tian didn't bother with excessive explanations.
Even if he were to mention the so-called 'Immortal Herb extraction method' now, would it really dispel the doubts of someone like Dugu Bo? Not necessarily.
"Your Excellency, please wait just a moment."
Dugu Bo bowed to Golden Crocodile Douluo, apologizing for the delay.
He then reached out to take Dugu Yan's hand and leave.
But Dugu Yan withdrew her hand and shook her head.
"Grandfather, let Yan Yan arrange for the carriage instead. You should first deliver the medicine to Father and help him out."
"Yan Yan!"
As soon as she finished speaking,
Without waiting for Dugu Bo's response, Dugu Yan swung her arms and ran off directly.
This left Dugu Bo somewhat puzzled,
But he wasn't too worried. Although there were no servants in the Dugu residence, they had managed to recruit some gate guards.
Just after turning the corner,
Dugu Yan could no longer contain her curiosity. She glanced back,
Then quietly opened the bottle given by Jin Yue'er.
Her emerald eyes reflected the purplish-black pill. Seeing it was identical to the one Dugu Xin had taken, she hesitated no longer and immediately popped it into her mouth.
As soon as it entered,
The pill dissolved into warm liquid on her tongue, sliding down her throat and settling in her stomach.
Immediately after, a wave of warmth spread from her Pill Field.
"Ah—Mmph!"
Dugu Yan's eyes trembled as she couldn't help but moan in comfort, then hurriedly covered her small mouth, blushing as she scampered away.
"Yan Yan!"
With a whoosh, Dugu Bo appeared at the corner, watching Dugu Yan covering her mouth and fleeing in panic, his face full of confusion.
He couldn't help but turn his gaze toward Ye Tian and the others.
"Uh, hehe."
Ye Tian smiled apologetically and explained:
"Senior Dugu, there's no need to worry. She probably took a Marrow Cleansing Pill and couldn't hold back."
"Pfft, haha! So that's what happened."
Jin Yue'er couldn't hold back her laughter, and Qian Renxue also smiled faintly.
Only Dugu Bo was left utterly bewildered.
What exactly were the effects of Ye Tian's Soul Skill? Why did she need to hold back?
Was it some kind of stimulant?
"I apologize for the embarrassment in front of Your Excellency and young friends. Please excuse me for now, and forgive my neglect."
"It's no trouble. We were the ones who visited unannounced. Senior should go bring your son out first. I believe the carriage will be ready soon."
Despite the strangeness in his heart,
Dugu Bo still maintained proper etiquette. After bidding farewell and listening to Ye Tian's words, he turned and walked into the house without looking back.
Perhaps Xin'er had already made some discoveries.
But when Dugu Bo turned into the inner room, his face once again filled with astonishment.
"Xin'er, what's wrong with you?!"
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