"Xiaohan, Your Highness is truly bold."
Once they had put some distance between themselves and the last location, Ghost was the first to break the silence, his tone tinged with admiration.
With just a few words, they had not only gained a favor from the famously stubborn Dugu Bo, but had also planted the seed of him possibly joining the Spirit Hall.
To Ghost, that was no small feat. A man like Dugu Bo, if he wanted to refuse, would reject you on the spot. The fact that he hadn't? That meant he was already wavering.
"Thank you for your praise, Senior Ghost," Gu Han replied modestly. "I merely saw that Senior Dugu was a man of strong temperament… so I tried to appeal to that."
"Don't be modest," Ghost countered. "You should know—our Spirit Hall has invited the old poison many times. No matter how good the conditions, he always refused. He only wanted to roam free in the world."
Yue Guan, walking alongside, nodded. "I've fought him for half a lifetime—I know his temper. The fact that he didn't refuse you immediately is already a very good sign."
Then Yue Guan's eyes flashed with surprise. "But I never expected… the old poison is actually poisoned himself. No wonder he's looking more and more green."
Gu Han smiled faintly. "It's nothing strange. Although Senior Dugu loves his freedom, it's clear he's a man of loyalty and sentiment. If the curse on his clan's martial soul can be solved, I believe he'd be willing to pay a price for it. After all, even if he doesn't care for himself… he must care for his descendants."
"That's true," Yue Guan agreed. "No man would want his children or grandchildren to suffer the same pain."
The thought made him shiver. Enduring that kind of torment every day… if it were him, he might not be any better off.
Gu Han turned his gaze toward Bibi Dong, the corners of his lips curving. "Still, Senior Sister, you were the truly bold one—giving up a spirit ring to win his goodwill."
"It's nothing," Bibi Dong said with a casual wave. "We came here for the Purple-Winged Demon Spider. As for the Man-Faced Demon Spider, there are plenty of those. Besides…" Her lips quirked upward. "Trading a thousand-year-old spirit beast for the goodwill of a Soul Douluo—who might even become a Title Douluo in the future—is a bargain."
"Xiao Dongdong really has grown up," Yue Guan said warmly.
Ghost spoke up again, his tone shifting to business. "The Purple-Winged Demon Spider is cunning. Even though we have a lead on its location, catching it won't be easy. Prepare for a long stakeout."
Bibi Dong nodded without hesitation. "That's why I bought plenty of food, insect repellent, and other supplies."
Satisfied, Ghost said no more. They pressed deeper into the forest as the sky darkened.
"It's getting late. This clearing will do—let's set up camp here," Ghost suggested.
He turned to Yue Guan. "I'll hunt for some game. You stay and guard Her Highness and Xiaohan."
"No problem," Yue Guan replied, unconcerned. Even if a ten-thousand-year beast appeared here in the thousand-year zone, he could protect the two without issue.
"I'll gather firewood," Gu Han said. Dry branches were easy to find. Soon, a bonfire crackled in the clearing.
"Brother, let's roast chicken legs!" Bibi Dong said, pulling out four or five drumsticks from her soul tool. They had been cooked in advance and frozen—just a bit of heat, and they'd be ready.
"Alright," Gu Han said, setting up a wooden rack over the flames. Once the legs were in place, the savory aroma began to fill the air.
Bibi Dong crouched beside the fire, eyes sparkling as she stared at the sizzling meat.
Yue Guan chuckled as he finished pitching the tent. "Xiao Dongdong, you seem unusually excited."
"Hehe, I've always been in Spirit Hall. This is my first time really camping outdoors."
"…Still a child at heart," Yue Guan said, shaking his head with a smile.
Before long, the chicken legs were hot through. Gu Han handed them out. "Here—Senior Sister, Senior Yue Guan."
"Thank you, Brother."
They were still eating when Ghost returned, holding four limp rabbits by the ears.
"Ha! Lucky day. Four Soft-Bone Rabbits." He tossed them onto the ground.
Bibi Dong's nose twitched at the scent, and she looked at Gu Han, eyes bright. "Brother, in those knight stories you told me, the heroes always roasted rabbits over a fire. I want to try it too!"
Gu Han gave her a strange look. "I thought you'd say rabbits were too cute to eat…"
"Che, I'm not that kind of person," Bibi Dong snorted. "In the wild, you eat whatever you can catch. You said so yourself—it's the first rule of survival."
"…Senior Sister is indeed smart," Gu Han said with a smile. "Alright, I'll prepare the rabbit for you."
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