Chapter 53: An Unexpected Immortal Herb & Does Your Disciple Need a Fiancée?
Seeing both of them turn their eyes toward him, Dugu Bo forced a stiff smile.
"Actually, there isn't just one ice attribute plant here. I had previously dug up another high year ice attribute herb for research, though I'm not sure if it's one of those 'immortal herbs' you mentioned. Why don't you both take a look?"
As he spoke, a half meter long vine appeared in his hand. It hadn't been specially processed, and its roots were still intact with clumps of soil attached, clearly having been freshly unearthed.
The moment Guang Ling and Han Li saw it, their faces lit up with joy as they exclaimed in unison, "Frostvine of Ice Shards?!"
"Oh? So you recognize it? That makes things easier. I already said that as long as you save Yan Yan, all my possessions are yours this is part of it. Here, catch."
With that, Dugu Bo casually tossed it toward Han Li, who carefully caught it and examined it closely.
From a distance, the vine appeared to be a mix of blue and white. But upon closer inspection, its stems were semi transparent, with faint white specks of light twinkling inside, resembling a miniature starry sky. The snowflake shaped leaves only added to its breathtaking beauty, making it seem more like an art piece than a plant.
However, when Han Li reached the top of the vine, his brows furrowed slightly though he soon relaxed, as if realizing something.
Guang Ling, noticing the change in his expression, lowered his voice and asked, "Han Li, is something wrong?"
Han Li looked up, shook his head, and replied with a smile, "No, nothing's wrong. In fact, it's the perfect ice attribute herb for you, Master. Even the Eight Petal Ice Crystal Grass doesn't come close in terms of compatibility. The only pity is that it hasn't fully matured yet. But if you're willing to wait a few years, it will be incredibly useful to you."
"How long until it matures?" Guang Ling asked impatiently.
"Given the environment here, no more than ten years." Han Li answered with certainty.
"Only ten years? That's nothing I can wait."
Guang Ling beamed with joy as if he could already see himself stepping into the ranks of the ultimate Douluo.
Han Li didn't interrupt his master's excitement but instead turned toward Dugu Bo.
He bowed deeply and solemnly. "Thank you, Senior Dugu, for your generosity. I promise that I will completely cleanse the poison from both you and your granddaughter, eliminating all hidden dangers. As for our previous agreement regarding your protection, consider it null and void you needn't trouble yourself over it."
This particular immortal herb, which hadn't even appeared in the original story, was invaluable to his master. It was well worth making this concession.
Seeing Han Li's much improved attitude and hearing him directly void their previous deal, Dugu Bo was initially delighted. It seemed he had gambled correctly.
But then, he frowned something didn't feel right.
Wait… this deal was too good.
From what Han Li just said, he intended to heal them and then part ways. But Dugu Bo was still eyeing that secret behind Han Li's thousand year second spirit ring.
It might not benefit him personally, but Yan Yan's talent wasn't exceptional. She had little chance of reaching Title Douluo on her own, and this secret might just be the key to changing her fate.
If he had never heard of it, it wouldn't matter. But now that he knew, how could he just let this golden opportunity slip away?
Before, he had already lowered his psychological bottom line he had even agreed to join Spirit Hall. Now, he'd be free, but he'd lose the secret forever?
Watching the golden goose fly away without getting even a feather that was more painful than never knowing about it in the first place!
"Senior? Senior?"
Seeing Dugu Bo's face shift rapidly between expressions, Han Li couldn't quite figure out what he was thinking. After waiting a moment, he finally called out.
"Oh, you're done speaking?" Dugu Bo responded absentmindedly.
"Yes, I've finished. But although I've agreed, Senior, I'll need some time. I have to take care of things here first before I can begin detoxifying you." Han Li, though sensing something off, still spoke seriously.
"Oh, alright… no, wait, this won't do!"
Dugu Bo suddenly reacted strongly, causing Guang Ling to instinctively draw his bow and aim an arrow at him, ready to eliminate him on the spot.
"Wait! Don't shoot! I'm not trying to attack or back out of the deal!"
Dugu Bo spoke so fast that his words nearly blurred together.
The instant Guang Ling had aimed at him, he had felt his hairs stand on end. He quickly retracted his hands and stood perfectly still, not daring to make any sudden moves.
Then, with a stiff smile, he looked at Han Li. "Don't misunderstand me, I meant that this Frostvine of Ice Shards was already part of my promised payment. It rightfully belongs to you. I, Dugu Bo, am a Title Douluo, and my word is as solid as iron. If I said I'd protect you, I won't go back on my promise. Isn't that right?"
"Well… I suppose so."
He scratched his brow, sounding a little frustrated. "It's just… I've always valued my freedom, and I really can't see myself joining any faction. How about a compromise? I'll only be responsible for protecting you but I won't join Spirit Hall. Would that be acceptable?"
"Or, in exchange for that, could you tell me the secret behind the thousand year second spirit ring? I promise to use it solely for my granddaughter and not share it with anyone else. What do you think?"
Ah, so that's what this old fox was after!
No wonder he reacted so strongly just now he had his eyes on Han Li's spirit ring secret. He wanted to secure a better future for his granddaughter, afraid that once she was healed, the master and disciple would cut ties completely.
Han Li glanced at Guang Ling, and they exchanged a brief look. Guang Ling gave a slight nod he found this arrangement acceptable.
After all, Dugu Bo was just a lower tier Title Douluo. If they had to bring him back to the Elder Hall, Guang Ling himself would feel uncomfortable.
Having him directly follow Han Li instead was actually a great solution.
Seeing that his master had no objections, Han Li turned to Dugu Bo and nodded.
"That sounds reasonable. But as for this whole 'follower' thing, there's no need for that. Senior Dugu, you are one of the top powerhouses on the continent. What right do I, Han Li, have to accept your allegiance? Simply ensuring my safety in times of danger will be more than enough. What do you think?"
"And about the spirit ring secret?" Dugu Bo asked again.
"That's easy. When treating your granddaughter, I will use this method to help her. Afterward, I will continue assisting her with her cultivation. However, I hope you understand, Senior this technique is a confidential secret of Spirit Hall. I cannot reveal the details. Even if I agree to help, I can only assist directly. Would that be acceptable?" Han Li replied apologetically.
"That's fine! As long as it works, that's all that matters. I have no interest in prying into Spirit Hall's secrets." Dugu Bo waved his hand and readily agreed.
"Many thanks for your understanding, Senior." Han Li bowed again.
"Alright, alright, enough with the formalities. I don't have all these stiff rules just relax!"
Dugu Bo, now in a fantastic mood, felt completely relieved. With both his and his granddaughter's issues resolved, he was at ease. He even started looking at Han Li more favorably.
This kid is good. Way better than his bow wielding master.
Well spoken, level headed, powerful, and well connected not to mention good looking.
Too bad he's a bit too young...
Wait he's only seven years younger than Yan Yan?
Actually, that's not too bad.
From the looks of it, they don't even seem that far apart in age. They could start getting familiar now and see where it leads.
With this thought, Dugu Bo's eyes lit up, his gaze on Han Li becoming increasingly eager.
Seeing the old man grinning, nodding to himself, and looking rather creepy, Guang Ling frowned and coldly asked, "Dugu Bo… What the hell are you scheming now?"
Dugu Bo laughed and said, "Hey, no need to be so tense, Guang Ling. I just wanted to ask does your disciple need a fiancée? Would he consider my granddaughter?"
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