Dugu Bo paid no mind to the fact that Oscar, without realizing it, had begun to call Dugu Yan "sister." His thoughts were in turmoil, as though he had grasped something important, yet could not fully hold onto it.
Even as he pondered Oscar's words, a powerful surge of soul power suddenly rippled out. Everyone turned toward the source, just in time to see Shao Xin's figure. Around him floated two yellow, two purple, and three black soul rings. The aura of a Soul Sage radiated from his body.
Unnoticed by the others, time had already slipped by—Shao Xin had successfully absorbed his seventh soul ring.
He slowly opened his eyes, joy overflowing across his round face. From today forward, he was a Level 71 Soul Sage. In the original timeline, this was a level he would only have reached three years later.
It could truly be said that ever since Oscar had joined Shrek Academy, everyone had made remarkable progress. Even Gai Yue was no exception.
Although Gai Yue had been Oscar's teacher for more than two years, the bond between them had grown deeper than simple master and disciple. Gai Yue knew well: without Oscar, there was no way he could have broken through to Level 85 so quickly.
But Gai Yue was not one to voice such words. Instead, he preferred to prove it through action, like how he had not shown the slightest thought of retreat when standing before Dugu Bo.
Seeing that Shao Xin had completed his absorption, Oscar and Dugu Bo ended their conversation for the time being, while Dugu Bo suppressed his excitement and continued to think deeply.
Oscar stepped forward and smiled at Shao Xin.
"Teacher Shao, congratulations. To reach Level 70 at your age—your future may even hold the chance of striking at the realm of a Food-type Titled Douluo."
Hearing his blessing, Shao Xin's naturally kind, round face beamed with joy.
"Little Ao, your talent surpasses mine. Perhaps it won't be long before you overtake me. But still—thank you for your kind words. I'll certainly strive toward that goal!"
At this moment, Gai Yue descended from the great tree, walking over to Shao Xin.
"You absorbed it well. You're already close to Level 72. Stabilize your foundation, and it won't be long before you break through again."
Shao Xin chuckled.
"All thanks to you, Teacher Gai, for capturing that Spirit Tree Den for me—it was a perfect match."
Dugu Bo, on the side, also studied Shao Xin carefully. Judging by appearance, Shao Xin was around forty-five years old. For a Food-type Soul Master to reach the Soul Sage realm at this age was indeed impressive talent.
It only made Dugu Bo more curious about Shrek Academy. Gai Yue, a Level 85 Contra, was Oscar's teacher, while Shao Xin, a fellow Food-type, could provide professional guidance.
Had Oscar not mentioned his academy, Dugu Bo would have believed he came from a great clan that had personally gathered such instructors for him.
Dugu Bo even offered a few words of congratulations, leaving Shao Xin flustered yet honored, only able to respond with a humble smile.
The only pity was that the Spirit Tree Den did not yield a soul bone. Still, its essence was an excellent tonic for medicinal cuisine—a fine harvest nonetheless.
Because of Shao Xin's success, the group lingered a while longer in celebration. But before long, the conversation returned to Oscar.
Dugu Bo had latched onto Oscar's earlier words—about herbs. His own medicine garden held many plants. Most he understood only vaguely, but Oscar, with his deep knowledge of pharmacology, might recognize them.
If Oscar could discover something useful within, then Dugu Bo would gain far more than he lost.
What's more, as Oscar had reasoned, since the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well could suppress his poison, then surely the herbs that grew within might also hold remedies. Perhaps he had overlooked treasures simply because of his limited learning.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. After some hesitation, Dugu Bo resolved to take Oscar to his garden. The matter of securing a third soul ring for Dugu Yan could be postponed.
After all, a soul ring could always be absorbed later, and the soul power from cultivation would still be there. But detoxification was another matter—especially for Dugu Yan.
The poison within her body only grew stronger as her cultivation rose. If she absorbed her third soul ring now, the venom would surely intensify, making treatment even harder.
Thinking of this, Dugu Bo decided: better to gamble on Oscar and see if his medicine garden held a cure.
He gently patted Dugu Yan's head.
"Yan'er, we won't rush your third soul ring just yet. After hearing Little Ao, I want to take him to my medicine garden first. Perhaps we'll find herbs that can help relieve your poison. If so, we might free you from needless suffering sooner."
After a moment of thought, Dugu Yan nodded obediently.
"Grandfather, I'll listen to you."
Dugu Bo then turned to Oscar.
"Little Ao, my medicine garden lies within the Sunset Forest, not far from here. Why don't you all come with me to take a look?"
Oscar glanced at Gai Yue and Shao Xin, then turned to his teacher.
"Teacher, saving a life is greater merit than building a seven-storied pagoda. And besides, I truly feel a fondness for Sister Dugu Yan. Let's spend a little extra time to see what we can do."
The fact that Oscar sought his opinion pleased Gai Yue deeply. Of course, he would not refuse. Helping another at no cost, while winning the goodwill of a Titled Douluo, was an opportunity worth seizing.
"Follow your own heart. As your teacher, I will always be your support," Gai Yue replied calmly.
Shao Xin, now understanding more of the situation, clapped Oscar on the shoulder.
"Good lad! That's the spirit of Shrek. I support you too!"
Oscar grinned and turned back to Dugu Bo.
"Your Majesty, then we'll trouble you to lead the way at dawn."
Dugu Bo nodded, but pressed further:
"But what of the other method you mentioned—the one to ease the poison?"
As he asked, Dugu Yan fell silent once more. But this time it wasn't from sadness.
It was because of Oscar's words.
First, he had called her sister. Then he said he felt a "fondness" for her. She understood he likely meant it out of sympathy, because they shared common ground.
But still… it was the first time she had ever heard such words—from someone she also felt drawn toward.
Dugu Yan did not fully understand love or what it meant to like someone. But she knew that her heart felt different toward Oscar.
Though they had only known each other for a few short hours, some things defied explanation.
Sister, fine. But fondness? Hmph! At least say it to me in private, not in front of everyone… she grumbled inwardly, cheeks burning.