Oscar had already intended to tell Dugu Bo about this method. Now that Dugu Bo himself asked again, Oscar did not hold back.
"This method… depending on how you look at it, it can be both difficult and simple," Oscar said slowly, his gaze steady on the elder. "Senior, you should be familiar with venomous snakes, yes?"
Dugu Bo froze for a moment, unable to understand the connection. In the end, he could only nod and wait for Oscar to continue.
Oscar did not keep him guessing.
"Since your martial soul is the Jade Phosphor Serpent, why not follow the way of snakes? While you do not have a venom sac like a true serpent, soul masters possess an advantage over soul beasts: we can absorb soul bones to enhance our strength."
"If you were to use a soul bone as your venom sac, channeling all your poison into it… Then even if it cannot completely cure you, it should greatly alleviate the torment for both you and Sister Yan."
Dugu Bo's eyes widened. He stood silent for a moment, then his face flushed—not from anger, but from excitement.
"Good! Very good! Why didn't I think of this before? Perhaps… perhaps this is the path forward for my Jade Phosphor Serpent!" His voice trembled with exhilaration, muttering as though speaking to himself.
After a long pause, his eyes shone with a fierce light.
"Little Ao, I will personally test your method. If it truly works, then no matter what troubles you face in the future, you may come to me. I will not refuse."
He could not help but curse inwardly at his own stupidity. Such a simple approach—why had it never occurred to him?
But truly, it was not strange. On the Douluo Continent, soul masters mostly cultivated in rigid, traditional ways. Who would ever think of using a soul bone in such a manner? Yet when Oscar spoke of it, the possibility was undeniable.
At this moment, all of Dugu Bo's doubts about Oscar vanished completely. To come this far, he would be a fool to continue questioning.
Still, another thought flickered in his mind: Could it be that this boy has taken a liking to my granddaughter?
After all, why else would Oscar go to such lengths for them, if not for Yan'er? True, Oscar might be trying to curry favor with a Titled Douluo. But after these hours of interaction, Dugu Bo could tell—Oscar was not a brainless child.
No, there had to be more. And the most likely reason… was his granddaughter.
Only now did he notice: at some point, Oscar had started calling Yan'er "sister."
Oscar himself remained unaware of Dugu Bo's musings. Instead, he reminded:
"Your Majesty, as a Titled Douluo, you surely understand the rarity of soul bones. If possible, please help Sister Yan obtain one that truly suits her."
Oscar's concern was genuine. He feared that Dugu Bo, desperate to ease Yan'er's suffering, might hastily give her an unsuitable soul bone. Although unlikely, Oscar knew well how precious soul bones were. Even for a Titled Douluo, acquiring one of good quality—let alone one perfectly suited—was no simple task.
And of course, Oscar's care for Dugu Yan was not without his own thoughts.
In his mind, if there was a chance, he would gladly unite with her. She herself was outstanding, and she came with Dugu Bo—an overwhelming force in battle—and the treasure of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
Though they had just met, Oscar believed he stood a chance. Since he had decided, he would naturally guide things toward the best possible outcome.
Dugu Bo nodded.
"I understand. I will make sure to find a ten-thousand-year soul bone suited to Yan'er."
As he spoke, a cold gleam flashed in his eyes. His expression was resolute and grim—he had already set a target.
Having gained the answer he sought, Dugu Bo could no longer sit still. He immediately began experimenting right where they were. Though two hours until dawn were not enough for conclusive results, he could already feel the feasibility of Oscar's suggestion.
By the time the sun rose, Dugu Bo's entire spirit was renewed. For the first time in over a decade, he felt genuine joy. The last time he had been this happy was when he broke through to Level 90.
Now with hope in his heart, he longed for an even more perfect solution. And so, at first light, he led Oscar and the others toward his medicine garden.
In his view, though he did not fully understand the herbs within, their presence in such a unique place was enough. If Oscar could identify even one useful plant, it would prove the site's worth. With the environment's special properties, Dugu Bo was confident he could cultivate the necessary herbs.
That was his true goal. And though this might trouble Oscar, he trusted the boy would not refuse—after all, he was a Titled Douluo.
Besides, Dugu Bo had taken a liking to Oscar. If he truly became his grandson-in-law, all the better.
After all, Oscar was the first true friend Dugu Yan had made in fifteen years. Their meeting had been brief, but perhaps that was why it felt genuine. To Dugu Bo, this was proof that Oscar could indeed be trusted with her.
Leading the group swiftly, they reached the depths of the Sunset Forest in less than half a day. There, before them, stood a deadly formation of poison.
Dugu Bo paused to explain: to protect his medicine garden, he had enshrouded the entire mountain range with his venom. The toxins here were enough to kill any soul master beneath Titled Douluo. Even a Contra as strong as Gai Yue would melt into a puddle of pus within fifteen minutes inside.
Such was the terror of Poison Douluo.
But with Dugu Bo guiding the way, they had nothing to fear.
Following him through the formation and into a dense forest, they ascended a hill nearly five hundred meters tall. Soon, they reached their summit.
What awaited them caused Shao Xin and Gai Yue to gasp in shock.
Before their eyes lay a massive inverted cone-shaped basin. They stood upon its rim. From below, thick steam billowed upward—humid, hot, carrying a strange fragrance.
It was a sensation none of them had ever felt before. Even Oscar, though he already knew what this place was, had to suppress his excitement.
To keep appearances, he spoke aloud:
"Is this… a hot spring?"
Dugu Bo gave him a sidelong glance.
"You certainly know a lot."
Oscar chuckled.
At the very least, I can recognize the smell of a hot spring. Senior, is your medicine garden by the edge of one? That would indeed be quite the place.