...
The courtyard was deathly silent.
The only sound was the rustling of the wind blowing through the poisonous weeds.
Dugu Bo stared wide-eyed at Xuan Hao.
He had lived most of his life and considered himself knowledgeable, but no one had ever explained the theory of martial spirits as thoroughly as this eight- or nine-year-old child before him.
Genetic factors? Directed mutation? Energy resonance?
These unheard-of words seemed to construct a completely new worldview in Xuan Hao's words.
"you..."
After a long while, Dugu Bo swallowed hard, looking at Xuan Hao with a complicated expression:
"You... also understand martial spirit theory research?"
Isn't this kid a bandit who collects protection money?
Isn't he a battle maniac with monstrous talent?
How did he suddenly transform into a master of martial spirit theory?
"I know a little bit."
Xuan Hao smiled modestly, reverting to his harmless demeanor.
"I'm a very curious and studious person."
"Whether it's fighting, making money, or doing academic research, I try my best to learn something useful."
"After all, it's always good to have more skills, and having more skills means having more career options."
"Who knows when we might need it?"
"No, that's getting off-topic."
Xuan Hao waved his hand, put down his teacup, and steered the conversation back on track:
"Let's get back to the poison in you and your grandson."
"Solving this problem isn't actually that difficult. I have two methods, one slow and one fast."
"The slow approach is to combine medication with gradual conditioning.
This process is very gentle but also very long, probably taking three to five years, and I will also have to spend time on it."
"To be honest, I don't have that patience."
"Therefore, I recommend using the faster one."
"The quick way is simple, but I'm missing a few key ingredients.
And as far as I know, these ingredients can only be found in your herb garden."
"So, this is still a dead loop."
Xuan Hao looked at Dugu Bo and shrugged:
"Give me your herb garden, and I'll go in and find the herbs.
Once I have everything, I guarantee I can completely cure your poisoning within a year.
Are you in or not?"
Dugu Bo fell silent.
His dark green eyes gleamed, clearly indicating that he was engaged in a fierce internal struggle.
That medicinal herb garden was the culmination of his life's work, his precious sanctuary for his retirement.
But compared to his and Yanyan's lives, especially Yanyan's future...
"call..."
After a long while, Dugu Bo exhaled a long breath, his eyes becoming resolute.
"Alright! I agree!"
Dugu Bo stared intently at Xuan Hao, "As long as you can cure Yanyan, why shouldn't I give you that herb garden!"
"but..."
Dugu Bo changed the subject, his tone now tinged with doubt and seriousness, "Kid, just how confident are you?"
"The venom of the Azure Phosphorus Snake is no joke; the slightest mistake could lead to utter destruction.
Judging by your age, you don't seem to be an expert in toxicology.
Are you sure you're not playing with my granddaughter's life?"
"I don't really know much about drugs."
Xuan Hao shrugged frankly, "In fact, I know absolutely nothing about using poison."
"You..." Dugu Bo was so angry that he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.
You don't understand poisons, yet you want to give me an antidote?
Are you using me as a guinea pig?!
What's the rush?
Xuan Hao calmly said, "Just because I don't understand poison doesn't mean I can't cure it.
Everything in the world has its counterpart.
As long as I find something to counteract your snake venom, what does it matter if I understand toxicology or not?"
"Moreover, even if your old bones are deeply poisoned, I may not be able to restore you to your peak condition.
But Dugu Yan's poisoning is still mild, and I am 100% confident that I can make her like a normal person again, or even... better than before."
Upon hearing the word "100%", Dugu Bo's eyelids twitched.
"Alright! I'll trust you this time!"
"However, I have one more condition."
"Go ahead," Xuan Hao nodded.
"if..."
Dugu Bo glanced at Dugu Yan, who looked worried, a hint of affection and reluctance flashing in his eyes.
He then turned to Xuan Hao, his tone becoming extremely solemn, even carrying a hint of entrusting his son to someone else:
"If something unexpected happens during the treatment, or if this old man doesn't make it..."
"I want you to swear that you will take care of Yanyan for the rest of your life!"
"We can't let her suffer the slightest grievance, and we can't let anyone bully her!
Can you do that?"
Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan's eyes instantly reddened: "Grandpa..."
That's it?
Xuan Hao raised an eyebrow and snapped his fingers readily, "No problem! Consider this... after-sales guarantee."
"Now that we've reached an agreement, when shall we depart?"
"Anytime is fine," Dugu Bo said.
"Don't rush, I need to go back and prepare too."
Xuan Hao stood up and dusted himself off.
"I've been out for most of the day.
If I suddenly disappear, the people who are secretly following me will get worried."
"If we were to demolish your villa in the future, I would feel really bad."
Dugu Bo's eye twitched suddenly.
"Someone secretly following us?"
He subconsciously looked around, and although he didn't feel anything, a chill ran down his spine.
It was so powerful that even a Title Douluo like him couldn't detect its presence...
"A Title Douluo?" Dugu Bo asked in a low voice.
"Of course."
Xuan Hao looked at him like he was an idiot. "Otherwise, do you think I've lost my mind?
That I would dare to come here all by myself and argue with a Title Douluo like you?
And even try to take over your territory?"
"I may be arrogant, but I don't mind living a long life."
"Without someone protecting me, would I dare talk to you like that?"
Dugu Bo: "..."
So all that "I'm not afraid to die" act was just an act? This kid's confidence comes from hiding outside!
"Alright, let's go."
Ignoring Dugu Bo's constipated expression, Xuan Hao turned and walked out.
"See you at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy tomorrow morning."
As he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned back to look at Dugu Yan, who was still in a daze.
"You should pack your things too.
This trip will probably take a while before you come back.
You'll have to disappear for a while as well."
"Huh? I'm going too?"
Dugu Yan was stunned.
"Nonsense, if you don't go, who am I supposed to detoxify for? Air?"
...
Tian Dou Royal Hotel, Top Floor Suite.
Back in familiar territory, Xuan Hao's tense nerves finally relaxed a little.
Na'er had been busy at the academy all day and was exhausted.
As soon as she got back to her room, before she even had a chance to wash up, she hugged the soft pillow that was bigger than her and fell asleep on the sofa.
There was a trace of drool on the corner of her mouth.
She looked completely unguarded, like a newborn kitten.
Xuan Hao took a blanket and covered her with it, then sat down on the single sofa next to her, gently stroking the Qiankun Ring that he had taken from the royal treasury.
The purpose of this trip to Sunset Forest was ostensibly to detoxify Dugu Bo and his grandson, and also to gather all the magical herbs there.
But in reality, Xuan Hao had another, deeper concern in his heart.
The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well is known to the world as one of the three great treasure basins, a paradise for plant-type soul beasts.
But he knew very well what the true nature of that place was.
That is the place where the Ice Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King, two of the Nine Dragon Kings, perished!
Moreover, the dragon souls of these two dragon kings remain undying and still slumber beneath the abyss.
He was still unsure of what the Silver Dragon King thought of him.
Although he possesses both the Golden Dragon and Silver Dragon Martial Souls, his meager bloodline is nothing compared to the true Golden Dragon King; it wouldn't even be enough to fill the Silver Dragon King's teeth.
To think that one could obtain the complete power of the Dragon God's bloodline by devouring him is nothing short of a pipe dream.
In truth, the golden dragon bloodline of the three-eyed golden lion in the Star Dou Great Forest is probably even stronger than his.
So, why did the Silver Dragon King seek him out?
In addition, he was unsure about Na'er's condition.
The girl's bone age is over six years old.
He had tried to awaken her martial soul a couple of days ago, but it failed and nothing came of it.
There was no fluctuation of soul power, and no manifestation of martial soul.
It has neither the legendary Silver Dragon King's companion artifact, the "Silver Dragon Spear," nor the Silver Dragon King's iconic martial soul.
She seemed to be an ordinary person, a porcelain doll with no talent for cultivation.
So, what exactly is Na'er?
Part of the Silver Dragon King?
He needed to figure this out:
since his Golden and Silver Dragon Martial Souls could stimulate and attract the Silver Dragon King, they would inevitably stimulate the dragon souls of the two dragon kings at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
Will Na'er's memories be awakened then?
If the true Silver Dragon King awakens...
Does the little girl Na'er, who used to call him "brother," feed him snacks, and snuggle in his arms, still exist?
Or will he be replaced by that high and mighty Soul Beast Lord who regards humans as ants?
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