"Speak."
Du Gubo's voice was still wary, but a trace of curiosity slipped in. No matter how reclusive he was, family matters were no small thing. If this young man truly had a solution…
Seeing the shift in his attitude, Gu Han knew the time was right.
"The poison in Senior Dugu and Brother Dugu," Gu Han began, "is the same. Most likely, it comes from your martial soul itself."
Du Gubo's brows twitched. "Mm. You guessed right."
The martial soul and its master were one. For generations, the Blue-Scaled Snake line had never been able to solve the problem of their own venom. Since it was already exposed, there was no point in hiding it.
Dugu Xin's eyes lit up at the confirmation. So it was his martial soul causing the problem. He turned to Gu Han with clenched fists, respectful and hopeful.
"Please teach me, Brother Gu."
"When a beast-type martial soul absorbs a soul ring," Gu Han explained, "the excess toxins enter the body. If they can't be refined… they accumulate. That's the source of your martial soul's hidden danger."
"Enough with the preamble, boy. Get to the point."
Du Gubo's temper was quick. The fact that he hadn't thrown Gu Han out already meant he believed him capable.
Gu Han chuckled. "Alright. If the toxins can't be refined, they can be stored temporarily—in a soul bone. It's not a cure, but it can buy time. Unless it's an external soul bone, though, the storage is limited."
Du Gubo's eyes suddenly lit up. "Why didn't I think of that!?"
Without even avoiding Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo, he began circulating his soul power, guiding the venom into his trunk bone. Moments later—
"Sure enough!"
When his gaze returned to Gu Han, there was now approval in it.
"What's your name, boy?"
"Gu Han. Greetings, Senior Dugu."
"Haha! No need to be so polite. Xin'er and I both owe you. We won't fight you for this human-faced demon spider." He paused. "As for joining Spirit Hall… think it over carefully."
"The Hall's doors are always open to you," Gu Han replied with an easy smile. He wasn't in a rush—he still held the method to completely purge Du Gubo's poison. In time, the old poison master wouldn't be able to resist.
"Senior," Gu Han added, "remember—soul bones have a limit. Once it's full, the toxin will erupt. The pain will be worse than death. If you must, store it in limb bones. When it reaches the brink… you can still cut off the limb to survive."
Du Gubo threw back his head and laughed. "Straightforward. I like that!"
"Xin'er, we're leaving."
"Mm."
Dugu Xin bowed to Gu Han. "Brother Gu, we'll share a drink someday. Farewell."
"Wait."
A clear voice cut in.
Everyone turned toward the petite girl who had spoken. Yue Guan and Ghost had mentioned she was Spirit Hall's saintess, but… why stop them now?
"I don't know what guidance the Saintess has for us?" Du Gubo asked.
"Senior Dugu," Bibi Dong said calmly, "since you hunted this soul beast, I won't take it. I also have other goals—this human-faced demon spider should be yours."
Her words stunned the group. Giving up a soul ring already in hand?
"Senior sister…" Gu Han started, but caught the subtle wink she threw him. His lips curled, and he sat back to watch.
"Xiao Dongdong, you—"
"Elder Yue Guan," Bibi Dong interrupted lightly, "our target is the Purple-Winged Demon Spider. This one is fine, but I want a higher-grade soul ring."
Her tone was direct, but it spared Du Gubo's pride.
Gu Han's heart eased. His stories and lessons hadn't been in vain—she was learning to win people over.
Du Gubo hesitated. Truthfully, he'd been reluctant to give it up. But if he took it now, would that make him look greedy?
Sensing his wavering, Bibi Dong tugged Yue Guan's sleeve. The Chrysanthemum Douluo chuckled behind his hand. "Old Poison, since our Saintess has said so, this soul beast is yours. If you feel awkward… you could always owe her another favor."
"This… I… owe the Saintess, then…" Du Gubo's face reddened. First time in his life being so thick-skinned.
"Hahaha! Old Ghost, Xiao Dongdong, Xiao Han—let's go."
Yue Guan led them away, hips swaying proudly.
Du Gubo's mouth twitched. For some reason, he suddenly wanted to kick that backside.
"Dead Chrysanthemum," he muttered, "you'd better pray you don't embarrass me… or I'll bury you myself."
"Father?"
Dugu Xin followed his gaze and quickly shook his head. His father wasn't that kind of man. He must just be thinking of payback.
Du Gubo snapped back to his senses and smacked his son on the head. "What are you staring at? Absorb the soul ring!"
"O-okay!"
Dugu Xin hurried to the unconscious human-faced demon spider, summoned his martial soul, and began the absorption.
As for the old poison master… he was already half in the bag.
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