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Dugu Bo's figure flickered, and he hurried towards the place where he usually taught Ouyang Zi how to refine medicine.
A short while later.
He saw Ouyang Zi concentrating on refining medicine in a clearing in the forest.
Under her spirit power's control, various herbs were systematically undergoing steps such as refining and fusion, occasionally emitting beams of light of various colors.
Dugu Bo's figure quietly appeared at the edge of the forest, and he quietly watched Ouyang Zi's busy figure, his heart filled with complex emotions.
After a long time, he slowly walked over.
Ouyang Zi heard footsteps, looked up, and seeing Dugu Bo, a brilliant smile appeared on her face:
"Master, why are you here?"
Dugu Bo said:
"Ouyang Zi, how is the refining going?"
Ouyang Zi happily said:
"It's going very smoothly! I found the correct formula for some incorrect configurations after less than 10 re-refinements!"
Dugu Bo forced a smile and said to Ouyang Zi:
"Ouyang Zi, Master has something to tell you."
Ouyang Zi blinked, obediently stopped what she was doing, and stood up:
"Master, what is it?"
Dugu Bo took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the distance:
"Master is going to Spirit Hall with Zhuge Lan."
Ouyang Zi's eyes instantly widened, her face full of disbelief:
"Spirit Hall? Master, that's a dangerous place. Why are you suddenly going there?"
Then Ouyang Zi said with a slight tremble in her voice:
"This Spirit Hall... he just attacked our home... putting my family in a crisis of extermination. Master, don't go!"
Dugu Bo sighed:
"I know, Spirit Hall has become increasingly arrogant over the years, with many unsavory dealings. This time they resorted to foul play again; they captured one of Zhuge Lan's friends, so we have no choice but to confront them."
Ouyang Zi anxiously grabbed Dugu Bo's sleeve:
"But Master, that's too dangerous. Spirit Hall has countless masters. What if something happens to you? I don't want you to go."
Dugu Bo gently patted Ouyang Zi's hand:
"Ouyang Zi, there are some things Master must do. This is Master's responsibility. Master cannot stand by and watch Spirit Hall act recklessly without intervening."
Ouyang Zi's eyes reddened:
"But Master, I can't bear to part with you. I don't want you to take risks. It's truly too dangerous..."
Dugu Bo's gaze softened:
"Ouyang Zi, Master also can't bear to part with you. But if we don't stop Spirit Hall, more people will be in danger in the future."
Ouyang Zi bit her lip:
"Then Master, you must be careful. You must return safely."
Dugu Bo nodded:
"Master will. Ouyang Zi, during the time Master is away, you must take good care of yourself. Continue to diligently study the art of refining medicine, and don't be lazy."
Ouyang Zi wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes:
"I understand, Master. I will work hard on refining medicine. When you return, I will definitely refine even better poisons."
Dugu Bo smiled and said:
"Good, Master believes in you. You are Master's most beloved disciple."
Ouyang Zi suddenly remembered something and took out a small bottle from her person:
"Master, this is a new healing medicine I refined. I tried it, and its effect is several times better than ordinary healing medicines, and it can also restore a small amount of spirit power. Master, please take it with you; it might be useful."
Dugu Bo took the bottle, and looking at Ouyang Zi's serious expression, his heart was filled with emotion:
"Ouyang Zi, thank you."
Ouyang Zi shook her head. She stepped forward and hugged Dugu Bo:
"Master, this is what I should do. You must return safely. I will wait for you here."
Dugu Bo stroked Ouyang Zi's head, tears streaming down his face:
"Ouyang Zi, if you encounter any difficulties or dangers while Master is away, go find your clan leader or Bai Chenxiang, do you understand?"
Ouyang Zi nodded:
"I understand, Master."
Dugu Bo further instructed:
"Also, when refining medicine, pay attention to the heat and the combination of herbs. Don't rush for success, do you understand?"
Ouyang Zi obediently said:
"I've remembered it, Master."
Dugu Bo was silent for a moment, then slowly said:
"Ouyang Zi, if Master doesn't come back..."
Ouyang Zi immediately covered Dugu Bo's mouth:
"Master, don't say such things. You will definitely come back safely."
Dugu Bo smiled:
"Okay, Master won't say it anymore. Ouyang Zi, you must be strong. No matter what happens, face it bravely."
Ouyang Zi nodded vigorously:
"I will, Master."
Dugu Bo took one last look at Ouyang Zi, then turned and prepared to leave.
Ouyang Zi shouted loudly from behind:
"Master, you must return safely!"
Dugu Bo did not turn back, only waved his hand, and his figure gradually disappeared into the forest.
Ouyang Zi watched Dugu Bo's departing direction, and tears couldn't help but stream down her face.
She silently prayed in her heart, hoping that Master would return safely.
Dugu Bo walked further and further into the forest, his figure appearing somewhat solitary under the dappled tree shadows.
His steps were heavy yet firm, each step so difficult.
His heart was in turmoil.
Ouyang Zi's innocent face kept appearing in his mind, and those repeated calls of "Master" seemed to still echo in his ears.
He wished he could always stay by Ouyang Zi's side, watching her grow from an ignorant child into a graceful young woman, watching her achieve success in martial arts, and watching her find her own happiness.
After a while, Ouyang Zi wiped away her tears and returned to her refining position.
She opened the medicine furnace and continued refining medicine. She knew that she couldn't disappoint Master.
She had to work hard to improve her refining skills.
When Master returned, she would give him a surprise.
Dugu Bo caught up with Zhuge Lan's pace.
Zhuge Lan looked at his haggard face, knowing at a glance that he had experienced sadness. He couldn't help but shake his head.
He sighed and patted Dugu Bo's shoulder. He comforted Dugu Bo:
"Old Poison, I know you can't bear to part with Ouyang Zi. It's rare to have such a little girl by your side; you must have treated her like your own daughter long ago. But our trip to Spirit Hall is for justice and to save my friend. Don't worry, we will definitely be safe. I guarantee it with my life, Zhuge Lan."
Zhuge Lan's eyes were like brilliant stars, radiating unwavering determination.
Dugu Bo slightly raised his head and took a deep breath, his weathered face filled with complex emotions.
After a moment, he nodded slightly:
"Of course I believe you. It's just hard on Ouyang Zi; she's still so young, yet she has to worry about me."
His words were full of tenderness and guilt towards Ouyang Zi.
"She is very sensible and strong. You should believe in her."
Zhuge Lan's voice was steady and powerful.
The two stopped talking, but their steps unconsciously quickened, resolutely heading towards Spirit Hall.
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