Yang Yunhai continued,
"Just right. Cultivating in this pool will not only help me speed up the absorption of the medicinal power in my body, but also allow me to cultivate my soul power faster. Grandpa Dugu, you should go outside to hunt soul beasts and obtain a soul bone. I'll wait for you here."
"In addition, as far as I know, torturing a soul beast to increase its resentment before death can raise the probability of a soul bone dropping to some extent. Also, the higher the bloodline level and the deeper the cultivation of the beast, the higher the drop rate. Grandpa Dugu, perhaps you can make good use of the corrosive nature of the Biphosphorous Snake venom."
"However, this method goes against the natural order. If it's not necessary, Grandpa Dugu, it's best that you refrain from using it in the future."
So that's it. No wonder my luck seemed so good before, Dugu Bo thought to himself.
Still, the fact that Xiao Hai was willing to tell him such a secret touched him deeply. He quickly said,
"Don't worry. Although I'm not exactly a good man, I have my own principles. I won't do anything that goes against the natural order."
Unless someone provokes me first!
Yang Yunhai smiled. "Then you should go, Grandpa Dugu."
"Alright." Dugu Bo nodded, then continued, "This trip may take several days, maybe even longer. Fortunately, I brought you a lot of supplies this time. I'll put them all here for you."
He walked toward a nearby clearing as he spoke.
One by one, he took supplies out of his soul tool and placed them on the ground.
Afterward, under Yang Yunhai's gaze, he turned and left.
That evening, at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Thinking about how Yang Yunhai had been away for many days to make an antidote for her, and that this had left Zhu Zhuqing alone in the valley every night, Dugu Yan felt a wave of guilt.
At the dinner table, she turned to Qin Ming.
"Teacher Qin Ming, tonight I plan to stay with Zhuqing, and tomorrow I'll go to the training ground with her."
The other team members glanced over and instantly understood, showing expressions of comprehension.
Xiao Hai really is a good person, they all thought to themselves.
For the sake of curing Dugu Yan's old ailment, Yang Yunhai had gone to great lengths. No one could dislike a friend like that.
"Alright." Qin Ming nodded. "It's good to keep Zhuqing company. I can tell she's been thinking about Xiao Hai these days."
"Also, there's one more thing." His tone paused as he looked around the group. "About that trip to Heaven Dou City's Great Spirit Arena we mentioned last month,once Xiao Hai returns and Yan's condition is resolved, we'll rest for a few days, then start the training plan."
"Got it." Everyone nodded in agreement.
After dinner, Dugu Yan went straight to the valley.
As soon as she stepped out of the forest path, she saw Zhu Zhuqing sitting in a chair at the door, staring at the sunset in a daze.
Her heart tightened, guilt rising, and she waved as she called out, "Zhuqing."
In a moment, she reached her and said reassuringly, "Zhuqing, don't worry. With my grandpa there, Xiao Hai will be fine."
"Mm." Zhu Zhuqing gave a small nod.
"Hehe, Zhuqing, I came here today to share your bed," Dugu Yan said with a smile.
After experiencing life on the run, understanding her eldest sister's true intentions through their trip to Soto City, and walking side by side with Yang Yunhai until now, Zhu Zhuqing had learned to put herself in others' shoes.
She easily guessed Dugu Yan's thoughts.
Not wanting Dugu Yan to feel guilty, she forced a small smile. "It's getting late. Let's cultivate soul power together first."
"Alright, Zhuqing. You're my role model now," Dugu Yan said with a grin.
Talking as they went, the two returned to the room to cultivate.
Seven days later, at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
"Yin'e." As the word left his lips, the graceful figure beside Yang Yunhai faded away.
"Xiao Hai, Grandpa is back," Dugu Bo's voice came first, followed by his figure drifting down.
"Grandpa Dugu, did you get the soul bone?" Yang Yunhai asked with a smile as he walked up.
"Yes. I have to say, Xiao Hai, your method really works. This time, I specifically targeted high-quality, poison-attribute soul beasts." Dugu Bo's smile widened. "My luck was good,a left arm bone from a nearly 30,000-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider."
"A top-tier poison-attribute beast with both strength and speed. That is indeed good luck," Yang Yunhai replied with a smile.
"I hunted quite a few high-year ones, but only this one dropped a bone. We'll make do with it." Dugu Bo nodded.
"The drop rate for soul bones is already low. Grandpa Dugu, getting two in a row is extremely lucky." Yang Yunhai laughed.
"That's true." Dugu Bo nodded, then chuckled. "Xiao Hai, since I met you, I feel like my luck has turned around. My poison will be cured, and soul bones seem to come so easily. Before, I killed plenty of soul beasts with poison, but never got a single soul bone."
"When bad luck hits, even drinking water can chip a tooth. But when good luck comes, nothing can stop it," he sighed.
That's why Xiao Hai is my Dugu family's destined benefactor,and I must tie him to the family as a grandson-in-law!
"Maybe so." Yang Yunhai smiled without commenting further.
"Alright, enough about that. You've stayed here long enough. Your little girlfriend must be waiting anxiously at home. Let's go,pack your things, and we'll head back." Dugu Bo composed himself and said.
"Alright, Grandpa Dugu." Yang Yunhai nodded and quickly ran back into the cave to pack up.
Soon, he left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well with Dugu Bo.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy, in the afternoon.
"Grandpa Dugu, I'm going back to the valley first. You should hurry and bring the medicine to Sister Yan," Yang Yunhai said as soon as they entered the academy.
"Alright, go ahead." Dugu Bo nodded knowingly with a smile.
After saying goodbye, Yang Yunhai ran straight toward the valley.
Dugu Bo headed to the team dormitory instead, arriving first and knocking on the door. Qin Ming opened it.
"Teacher Qin Ming, where's Yan?" Dugu Bo asked directly.
"Senior Dugu, Yan is probably in Xiao Hai's valley with Zhuqing, training. While Xiao Hai has been away these days, Zhuqing stayed there alone, and Yan didn't want her to be lonely, so she's been keeping her company," Qin Ming said politely.
"…I see." Dugu Bo fell silent, a trace of guilt flashing across his face as he nodded slightly. "Then I'll go straight there."
With that, he turned and left.
Not long after, Yang Yunhai finally arrived at the valley.
Looking up, he saw Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing pulling logs together on a hillside.
Is she here out of guilt to keep Zhuqing company? Yang Yunhai wondered.
"Zhuqing, Sister Yan!" he called out loudly, raising his hand.
The two stopped their work immediately. In the next second, Zhu Zhuqing untied the rope from her waist and quickly ran toward him.
Dugu Yan followed right behind.
Yang Yunhai smiled, jogged forward, and pulled Zhu Zhuqing,her hair damp with sweat and hesitant to come too close,into his arms. She lowered her head and said softly, "I'm all sweaty."
"It's fine. I've been running all this way, so I'll be washing up later anyway," Yang Yunhai said with a smile.
Mainly because the wind's already blown me clean, he added in his heart.
Off to the side, watching the affectionate pair, Dugu Yan couldn't help but think of Yu Tianheng, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes.