Chapter 1 – Rebirth in Poison (Final Draft)
A sharp, metallic tang filled his nose.
When his eyes opened, the first thing he saw was green — walls painted with jade hues, drapes embroidered with serpentine patterns, and a ceiling carved with coiling dragons. The second thing he noticed was that his body… was small. Weak. Childlike.
What the hell…?
He sat up too quickly, a sharp ache stabbing through his temples. Tiny hands — not his hands — pressed against his forehead.
Memories that weren't his own slammed into him in waves. The name Dugu Chen. The identity: grandson of Dugu Bo, twin to Dugu Yan. The world: Douluo Dalu, a place he'd only read about in fiction.
His breath caught. "No way… this can't be real."
"Chen-ge? You're awake?"
The voice was soft but carried a teasing lilt. He turned to see a little girl about his size, dressed in green robes, her purple hair tied up in a neat bun. Big, bright eyes full of worry — and recognition.
Dugu Yan. His sister.
Something inside him twisted painfully at the sight. She looked so innocent, so untainted by the tragedies that would come in her original timeline.
"I… I'm fine," Chen said, his new voice light and boyish.
"You fainted again," Yan said, crossing her arms with a pout. "Grandpa said you need to rest more. You're too weak!"
Chen forced a smile. Weak, huh? Not for long.
When she finally left to fetch the healer, he stared down at his trembling hands, heart racing.
Then—
> Ding!
Library of Heaven's Path activated. Analysis permissions granted.
A translucent screen of text appeared in his mind, startling him.
> Subject: Dugu Chen (Emerald Poison Serpent Martial Spirit)
Age: 6
Physical Condition: Frail. Toxin resistance at 18%.
Flaws:
– Martial spirit foundation unstable (risk of collapse by age 12).
– Poison control inefficient (leakage rate 42%).
– Cultivation technique flawed (lifespan reduced by 15 years).
Chen froze, eyes wide.
Then, slowly, a grin curved his lips.
So this is the Library of Heaven's Path, huh? Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
He clenched his fists. The fear, the confusion — they burned away, replaced by a sharp, focused clarity.
He'd been given a second chance. And this time, he wouldn't just survive.
He'd rewrite everything — the poison curse, the Dugu clan's fate, even the script of this world.
Because now, he had the truth in his hands.
---
Chapter 2 – The Flaws of Poison (Revised)
The morning air was sharp and cool, carrying the faint scent of herbs from the gardens outside.
Chen sat cross-legged on the polished wooden floor of his room, eyes fixed on his tiny hands.
Alright… let's see what you can really do.
He exhaled slowly and summoned his martial spirit.
A faint green glow bloomed around his wrist, and a tiny emerald serpent uncoiled, its beady eyes staring up at him.
It wasn't impressive — barely the size of a ribbon snake — but he could feel its faint pulse echoing in his soul.
The Library's mechanical chime rang in his mind.
> Martial Spirit: Emerald Poison Serpent
Age: 6
Potential: Medium-high
Flaws:
– Venom sac impure (high chance of self-poisoning at Rank 20 breakthrough).
– Spiritual link unstable (risk of collapse under strain).
– Poison efficiency: 38% (severe energy waste).
Chen's lips thinned.
So this is why the Dugu Clan is cursed. The poison eats us from the inside out — and no one ever noticed the real reason.
His tiny fingers curled into a fist.
Fine. If nobody could figure it out before, I'll do it myself. I have the Library now. That means I have no excuse to stay weak.
Closing his eyes, he began to circulate his energy as he remembered from the inherited memories.
It was clumsy at first, full of leaks and missteps.
Each time, the Library highlighted the flaws:
> Warning: Circulation path incorrect. Adjustment required.
Suggestion: Redirect flow through the secondary vein to reduce toxin buildup.
He followed every instruction, shifting his breathing, adjusting his focus.
The difference was immediate — the stinging burn in his veins dulled, and the serpent's faint glow deepened, becoming sharper, purer.
By the time the first hour passed, Chen was sweating and shaking, but alive.
And for the first time since waking in this frail body, he didn't feel sick.
---
The day passed quietly.
While Yan played in the courtyard, Chen disappeared into empty storerooms or quiet corners of the estate, practicing.
Breathing. Circulating. Adjusting.
Each session ended with the Library's precise, emotionless updates:
> Condition Update:
– Poison leakage reduced: 42% → 23%
– Toxin resistance increased: 18% → 27%
– Martial spirit stability: Slight improvement
By nightfall, as the last glow of sunset painted his room gold, Chen stared at his reflection in the polished copper mirror.
His face was still that of a thin, frail boy — but his emerald eyes burned with something sharper.
A quiet, dangerous smile tugged at his lips.
One day. Just one day, and I've done what Grandpa couldn't in decades.
No one knew. Not yet.
And that was fine.
For now, he would keep building quietly, brick by brick, until the day came when the world would have no choice but to notice.
Because when that day arrived, the name Dugu Chen would no longer be whispered in pity.
It would be spoken in fear.
---
Outside, in the garden, an old man paused mid-step.
Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed, a flicker of instinct tugging at the edge of his senses.
For the briefest moment, he thought he'd felt a shift — a subtle ripple in the poisonous aura that clung to his grandson's quarters.
"…Hmph. My imagination," he muttered, shaking his head.
But as he walked away, the unease lingered, a quiet whisper that something in the Dugu Clan was beginning to change.
---
Chapter 3 – Bonds of Blood (Final Rewrite)
"Yan, stop moving."
Chen's sharp tone froze his twin mid-step.
She swayed, pale and trembling, purple veins spiderwebbing across her wrist — the sign of a poison backlash flaring too early.
"I—I'm fine," Yan tried to insist, but her voice cracked. "It'll… it'll go away—"
"No," Chen said flatly, already guiding her to the bench under the courtyard tree. "Sit. Close your eyes. Breathe with me."
She hesitated but obeyed, her small frame trembling as he adjusted her posture and guided her breathing.
Steady now… release pressure, balance the flow…
The Library's emotionless notes chimed in his mind:
> Subject: Dugu Yan (Emerald Poison Serpent)
Condition: Poison imbalance, stage one.
Recommendation:
– Slow breathing pattern.
– Minor venom release to reduce pressure.
– No high-output techniques for 48 hours.
Minutes passed.
Slowly, the purple lines faded, and her trembling eased. Yan opened her eyes, blinking at him in relief.
"…Better," she whispered. Then, smiling faintly, "Thanks, big brother—"
"Chen!"
The voice cracked like a whip.
Both children froze.
Dugu Bo stood in the doorway, his sharp emerald eyes locked on them.
One look at the way Yan's wrist no longer pulsed with poison energy, and his expression darkened.
"You little brat," he snarled, stalking into the courtyard, his aura pressing down like a storm. "Are you trying to kill her? Playing with poison like it's a toy?!"
Yan flinched, but Chen stood his ground, staring up at his grandfather without blinking.
"I wasn't playing," he said evenly. "I knew what I was doing."
"You knew?" Dugu Bo barked out a harsh laugh. "You? A six-year-old with a snake the size of a worm? You think you understand what you're messing with? Poison isn't some game, Chen — it kills without mercy!"
"I'm not wrong," Chen said, his voice calm but steady. "Her circulation was unstable. If I hadn't balanced it, she could've collapsed."
For a moment, the courtyard fell into tense silence.
Then Dugu Bo's lips pulled back in a dangerous grin.
"Fine," he growled, venom in his tone but a glint of something else in his eyes. "If you're so sure you're not just playing with fire…"
He turned, his heavy steps echoing against the stone.
"…Then next time, brat, you're going to prove it. On me."
Yan gasped, staring at her grandfather in shock.
Chen, though, only smiled faintly — the kind of quiet smile that promised trouble.
"…Alright," he said softly. "I'll show you."
---
Chapter 4 – The Venomous Truth (Family Tone)
The room stank faintly of bitter herbs and poison.
Dugu Bo sat cross-legged on the floor, his emerald serpent spirit coiled lazily around him, tongue flicking in irritation.
"You've got some nerve, boy," he grumbled, eyeing Chen with sharp emerald eyes. "Messing with poison like that. You think you're smarter than your old grandpa, huh?"
Chen kept his gaze steady. "I wasn't guessing, Grandpa. I knew what I was doing."
Dugu Bo snorted, though a flicker of pride crossed his face before vanishing.
"Cheeky little snake. Fine. You want to prove you're not an idiot? Then look at me."
Chen blinked. "You're serious?"
"Dead serious," the old man said, tapping his chest. "If you can really see what you claim, then tell me what's wrong. And if you're wrong…" His lips curled into a thin smirk. "…you'll be scrubbing snake pits for a month."
Yan, perched nervously in the corner, gasped. "Grandpa!"
But Chen just smiled faintly. "Alright," he said. "But don't get mad when I tell you the truth."
Dugu Bo chuckled darkly. "Hah. Try me."
Closing his eyes, Chen summoned the Library. The world blurred until only the sound of invisible pages turning filled his mind.
> Subject: Dugu Bo
Martial Spirit: Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor
Cultivation: Rank 92 Title Douluo
Primary Flaws:
– Venom saturation nearing critical levels (risk of internal collapse).
– Toxin cycling inefficient (48% loss per circulation).
– Spiritual link instability (periodic backlash, risk of spirit collapse).
– Severe organ damage: liver, lungs, and meridians corroded.
Chen opened his eyes slowly.
"…Grandpa," he said quietly, "your poison's been eating you alive for years. Every time you use too much power, you're burning through your body. That's why the pain keeps getting worse, isn't it?"
For a long moment, Dugu Bo said nothing. His serpent hissed softly, coiled tighter around him.
Then the old man huffed, a dry laugh escaping. "Hmph. Took you six years to notice, eh? Guess you really are my grandson."
Yan looked horrified. "Grandpa, you—"
"Quiet, girl," Dugu Bo said gently, though his tone stayed rough. His gaze never left Chen. "So? What's your plan, brat?"
"I can stabilize the venom flow," Chen said firmly. "Not cure it. Not yet. But I can stop the worst of the damage. If I do that, you'll last longer. Fight harder. And…" His eyes softened. "…you won't have to hurt so much anymore."
For a heartbeat, Dugu Bo just stared at him. Then, slowly, a low rumble of laughter built in his chest.
"Heh… Hahaha! Bold little snake!" He slapped his knee and shook his head. "Alright, boy. Do your worst. Let's see if you're all talk."
This time, Chen's grin was confident.
"You'll see, Grandpa," he said. "I don't make promises I can't keep."
---
Chapter 5 – First Treatment
The chamber was silent except for the faint hiss of Dugu Bo's Jade Phosphor Serpent spirit coiled along the floor.
Yan sat in the corner, biting her lip, clutching her sleeves nervously.
"Alright, brat," Dugu Bo grumbled, settling cross-legged in the center of the room. "I'm here. Do your magic. And don't think I'll go easy on you if you mess up."
Chen ignored the bluster, stepping forward with calm, deliberate movements.
"Relax your spirit energy, Grandpa," he said. "I need to see the natural flow before I touch anything."
Dugu Bo's brow twitched. No one had ever talked to him like that. But after a low growl and a grumble about "arrogant little snakes," his aura settled, poison energy dimming until it was only a simmer under the surface.
Chen closed his eyes.
The Library stirred, pages fluttering in his mind.
Subject: Dugu Bo – Poison Circulation Scan
Current Flow: Unstable. Venom pockets clustered near heart meridian.
Critical Risk: Backlash possible if flow interrupted violently.
Solution:
– Compress poison in lower dantian.
– Redirect excess along outer meridian.
– Stabilize with gradual release through breath.
"Got it," Chen whispered.
He pressed his small hand against his grandfather's wrist, channeling the faint spiritual energy he could muster. Dugu Bo snorted at the feeble attempt.
"Your spirit power's weaker than Yan's first snake bite. You think that—"
Then his eyes widened.
The moment Chen's energy threaded into his system, something shifted. The chaotic venom flow… steadied. Not much, but enough to ease the constant burning ache that had been his companion for decades.
"…Hah," Dugu Bo muttered, voice quieter now. "Not bad, brat. Not bad at all."
Yan leaned forward, wide-eyed. "Is it working?"
Chen didn't answer. His brow furrowed deeper, sweat beading along his temple as he guided the poison flow bit by bit.
Almost there… steady, don't force it…
Minutes passed.
Finally, Chen pulled his hand away, panting softly.
"…Done. For now."
Dugu Bo flexed his fingers experimentally. The constant sharp sting along his meridians had dulled, the pain reduced to a faint throb.
"…Hah," he said again, but this time there was a faint, almost proud grin tugging at his lips. "Looks like you're not just spouting nonsense after all."
Yan's face lit up. "I told you Chen-ge wasn't lying!"
Dugu Bo barked a laugh and ruffled her hair roughly. "And I told you not to put too much faith in a cocky brat. But…" His eyes softened as they shifted back to Chen. "…Maybe I was wrong."
Chen smirked faintly, though exhaustion weighed in his limbs.
"This is just the first step," he said. "I can stabilize it for a while. But to fix it completely, I'll need more—more spirit power, more knowledge… and rare herbs."
Dugu Bo chuckled, his voice dark and amused.
"Heh. Rare herbs, eh? Well, brat, you've got the right grandpa for that."
Chapter 6 – Into the Poison Forest
The forest was alive with venom.
Thick, acrid mist coiled low across the ground, hissing softly where it touched bark and stone. Twisted trees, their roots blackened by years of toxic seepage, loomed like silent sentinels.
Yan stood at the edge of the clearing, her nose wrinkled.
"Ugh. It stinks here."
"Good," Dugu Bo said gruffly as he adjusted the basket slung over his shoulder. "Means the weaklings keep their distance. Come on."
Chen followed, calm but alert. His senses were on edge, the Library whispering warnings with every step.
Area Scan:
– High venom concentration detected.
– Spirit Beasts present: Serpent types (1,000 – 3,000 years).
– Rare herb signatures detected deeper within.
Perfect, Chen thought, eyes glinting. If I can map these herbs, I'll have a better foundation for Grandpa's cure — and maybe find something to strengthen Yan and me too.
Yan clung closer to Chen's side as they walked. "I don't like this," she muttered. "Something's watching us."
"It's the forest," Chen said, his voice calm. "Everything here wants to eat you. Just don't give it a reason."
Dugu Bo barked a laugh from ahead. "Listen to the brat, Yan. He's smarter than he looks."
They pressed deeper, the air growing heavier, until Chen's eyes caught a faint glow through the mist — a cluster of bright green flowers growing from a cracked stone.
"Grandpa," Chen said, pointing. "Emerald Bloom. Good for stabilizing poison circulation and strengthening meridians."
Dugu Bo raised a brow. "Hmph. Sharp eyes. That's an old favorite of mine. Go grab it, brat. Carefully — roots too."
Chen crouched, carefully digging the herb free. As he worked, the Library chimed again.
Emerald Bloom
– Grade: Mid-tier rare herb.
– Effects: Stabilizes toxin flow, strengthens internal meridians.
– Optimal pairing: Jade Venom Grass (boosts potency by 35%).
Noted, Chen thought. If I find Jade Venom Grass, I can refine this for Grandpa.
A sudden hiss broke the quiet.
From the trees, a two-headed serpent slid into view, scales shimmering with dark green light. Its forked tongues flickered as its golden eyes locked on the intruders.
Yan stiffened. "Th-that's—"
"Twin-Fang Viper," Dugu Bo finished with a grunt, stepping forward lazily. "Only about a thousand years old. Barely worth my time."
The serpent coiled tighter, ready to strike — but Dugu Bo's aura flared, washing over the clearing like a tidal wave.
The viper froze, trembling.
Chen, however, didn't look afraid. His eyes were locked on the beast, calculating.
Subject: Twin-Fang Viper (1,200 years)
– Venom Potency: Medium-High
– Core Value: Compatible with Emerald Poison Serpent bloodline.
– Potential Use: Spirit ring option (support-type venom control).
Interesting… Chen thought, mind racing. If Yan takes this ring, her venom control will double. And if I—
"Stop staring and keep moving, brat," Dugu Bo barked, already walking past the subdued beast. "We're not here for that snake. Yet."
Chen smirked faintly and followed. Not yet, huh? We'll see about that.
By the time they returned to the valley, Chen's basket was filled with carefully harvested herbs — and his mind was filled with new plans.
Plans for his grandfather.
For Yan.
And for the path he was carving in this poisonous world.
---
Chapter 7 – Awakening and Refinement
The valley workshop smelled of herbs and venom.
Chen stood over a stone cauldron, carefully grinding Emerald Bloom roots while thin green smoke curled upward.
Behind him, Dugu Bo leaned lazily against the wall, arms crossed.
"You sure about this, brat? One wrong step and that mix'll eat your hands off."
"I'm sure," Chen said flatly, his small hands moving with surgical precision. "If I stabilize the Bloom with Jade Venom Grass powder first, the reaction won't trigger. Then I can bind it with Snake Lotus resin to control the flow."
Yan wrinkled her nose from the doorway. "It still stinks."
"That means it's working," Chen muttered, his gaze sharp. The Library whispered instructions only he could hear, every motion guided by flawless knowledge.
> Refinement Complete:
– Product: Emerald Stabilizing Tonic
– Effects: Reduces poison backlash by 40% for 12 hours. Strengthens meridians with repeated use.
– Note: Safe for Rank 20 and below, diluted dose required for younger bodies.
Chen poured the glowing liquid into a jade vial and turned to Dugu Bo.
"Drink this, Grandpa. Half the vial. Slowly."
The old man raised a brow but didn't argue. One sip… and his eyes widened faintly. The constant burn in his meridians dulled, his breathing eased.
"…Hah," he chuckled, a rare note of satisfaction in his voice. "Not bad, brat. Not bad at all."
Yan perked up. "Does that mean it's safe for me too?"
Chen smirked. "A diluted version, yes. It'll strengthen your foundation before your first ring."
That got her grinning ear to ear.
---
Two weeks later, the valley bustled with quiet excitement.
Today was the twins' Spirit Awakening.
Yan fidgeted in her new training clothes, glancing nervously at the circle carved into the stone floor.
"Chen-ge… what if my spirit is weak?"
Chen shook his head. "It won't be. You're a Dugu. Our bloodline is strong."
Dugu Bo stepped forward, his Jade Phosphor Serpent spirit coiling behind him in full majesty.
"Enough chatter. Sit, both of you."
The ritual began. Poison energy flooded the chamber, cold and suffocating. Chen sat cross-legged, calm, while Yan trembled beside him.
A sharp snap rang out.
From Yan's body, a green serpent manifested — smaller than Dugu Bo's but elegant, its eyes bright with untamed venom.
"The Jade Phosphor Serpent," Dugu Bo said, his tone proud despite his gruffness. "Good. Strong foundation, girl."
Then all eyes turned to Chen.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then — a sudden, deafening roar.
A strange energy burst from Chen's core, flooding the room with emerald light. Behind him, a serpent appeared — not entirely like Dugu Bo's. Its scales shimmered with an iridescent glow, and faint golden lines traced its body.
"…What the—" Dugu Bo's eyes widened. "That's… not just the Jade Phosphor Serpent."
The Library whispered:
> Spirit Awakening Complete:
– Martial Spirit: Emerald Heaven Serpent
– Attribute: Venom + Purification (Unique Hybrid)
– Potential: Unknown — No recorded limit
Chen exhaled slowly, eyes opening — glowing faintly emerald-gold.
"…Looks like we'll need stronger rings than we planned," he murmured.
Dugu Bo threw his head back and laughed, a sound full of pride and venomous joy.
"Hahaha! That's my grandson!"
Yan stared, awe and excitement mixing in her gaze.
"Chen-ge… you're amazing…"
Chen smiled faintly, but his thoughts were sharp, cold, and determined.
With this spirit, and the Library… Tang San won't stand a chance.
---
Chapter 8 – First Hunt
The Poison Valley was quiet at dawn, mist curling like lazy snakes over the swampy ground.
Chen adjusted the straps of the herb satchel slung across his shoulder, eyes sharp.
"Yan, stay close. No wandering."
Yan puffed her cheeks. "I'm not a kid anymore, you know."
"You're younger than me by five minutes," Chen replied dryly, scanning the trees. The Library murmured softly in his mind, mapping the area, marking signatures of nearby spirit beasts.
Dugu Bo trailed behind them, his steps silent but his aura sharp and oppressive.
"This is a hunt, brats," he said gruffly. "Not a stroll through the garden. Focus, or you'll end up snake food."
They didn't have to wait long.
A rustle in the brush, a faint hiss — and then a serpent spirit beast slithered into the clearing. Its scales were deep emerald, its body thick and coiled with venom.
Target Identified:
– Species: Jade Fang Serpent
– Age: 420 years
– Venom potency: Moderate-High
– Compatibility:
– Yan: 85% (perfect first ring)
– Chen: 60% (support compatibility only)
Chen's eyes narrowed. "Yan, that one's yours. Perfect match."
Dugu Bo smirked, watching. "Then take it, girl. Show me you've got some bite."
Yan hesitated, then summoned her Jade Phosphor Serpent spirit. Venom hissed around her hands as she lunged, her strikes clumsy but fierce.
The serpent lashed at her, but Chen stepped in when it tried to flank her, tossing a cloud of powdered venom herbs that made the beast recoil in pain.
With that opening, Yan struck — her serpent spirit sinking phantom fangs into the beast. It collapsed with a hiss, venom neutralized.
Breathing hard, Yan looked down at her first kill. "I… I did it."
Chen placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice calm but approving.
"Good. Now absorb it. Focus on the flow — let the poison guide you, not overwhelm you."
Under Dugu Bo's watchful eye, Yan sat cross-legged, her serpent spirit coiling around her protectively as the ring's glow sank into her.
Minutes later, she exhaled sharply, her aura flaring with new strength.
Yan – Spirit Ring Obtained
– Ring: Jade Fang Serpent (420 years)
– Skill: Venom Lash – Direct venom channeling through attacks.
She turned to Chen, grinning wide. "Chen-ge! I feel so much stronger!"
Chen smiled faintly. "Good. You'll need it."
Hours later, deeper in the forest, Chen stopped abruptly.
His eyes locked onto a faint, flickering glow across the swamp. A serpent spirit beast rested there, its scales shimmering faint gold among the emerald.
Target Identified:
– Species: Golden-Banded Emerald Serpent
– Age: 980 years
– Venom potency: Extreme
– Compatibility:
– Chen: 97% (optimal first ring)
– Additional Notes: Ring contains purification affinity.
A slow grin spread across Chen's face.
"…Perfect."
Dugu Bo noticed his look and snorted. "You've got guts, brat. That one's dangerous."
"I know," Chen said, stepping forward. "That's why I want it."
The serpent sensed them, its body coiling tight, venom dripping from its fangs.
The battle was quick but sharp. Chen didn't overpower it — he out-thought it. He guided its strikes into the mud, used its weight against it, and when the moment was right, Dugu Bo's oppressive aura pinned it for the final blow.
As the serpent fell, Chen knelt beside it, steadying his breathing before beginning the absorption process.
Pain seared through his veins — pure venom clashing with his still-weak body. But the Library whispered guidance, correcting his pathways, stabilizing the wild flood of power.
Minutes passed like hours until finally, the energy settled.
Chen – Spirit Ring Obtained
– Ring: Golden-Banded Emerald Serpent (980 years)
– Skill: Venom Purge – Passive purification and venom control, enhancing poison attacks and resisting foreign toxins.
Chen stood slowly, his eyes glowing faint gold for an instant before dimming.
Dugu Bo studied him, expression unreadable.
"…Hmph. You're more dangerous than I thought, brat."
Chen smirked faintly.
"That's the idea, Grandpa."
Chapter 9 – Venom and Control
The valley was quiet, the night air thick with the scent of herbs.
Chen stood in the workshop, guiding a swirl of emerald mist above his palm. His first spirit ring glowed, steady and calm, as the poison condensed into a crystal-clear orb.
Skill Activated:Venom Purge
– Stabilizes and refines toxic energy.
– Auxiliary Effect: Purifies internal poison flows.
Chen studied the purified liquid that dripped into a jade vial, his lips curving in a faint smile.
If this works, Grandpa won't have to fight his own poison every day. And maybe… maybe he can actually rest for once.
Outside, under the old willow tree, Dugu Bo sat cross-legged with his shirt open at the collar. Venomous steam leaked faintly from his pores, the usual sign that his Jade Phosphor Poison was stirring again.
Chen approached, calm but focused.
"Grandpa," he called gently. "Let me try something. I think I can help stabilize the venom inside you."
Dugu Bo cracked an eye open, his gaze sharp but curious.
"You, huh? With one little ring, you think you can fix what's been gnawing at me for decades?"
Chen didn't flinch. "I can't fix it yet," he admitted. "But I can make it hurt less. Let me try."
There was a pause.
Then Dugu Bo huffed, closing his eyes again. "Fine. But if this backfires, brat, you'd better be ready to run, because Yan won't save you from my boot."
Yan, sitting nearby with her arms wrapped around her knees, frowned. "Don't scare him, Grandpa. Chen-ge knows what he's doing."
"Hmph," Dugu Bo muttered, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Chen knelt, pressing a glowing hand over Dugu Bo's back. Emerald-gold light pulsed, threading into the old man's meridians. The venom fought at first — a wild, raging thing — but Chen's control was sharp, steady.
Slowly, impossibly, the poison stilled.
Dugu Bo's shoulders relaxed. The burning pain that had been with him for years faded to a faint whisper. For the first time in decades, the ache was… quiet.
His eyes opened slowly, disbelief flashing there.
"…You… you really did it," he said, voice low and rough. "The pain— it's almost gone."
Chen sat back, a bit pale but smiling faintly.
"It's not a cure. Not yet. But if we repeat this and combine it with the right herbs, I think we can build a full detox formula. One that lasts."
For a long moment, Dugu Bo just looked at him. Then he reached out, a rough, calloused hand ruffling Chen's hair.
"You really are my grandson," he said with a quiet pride that made Yan blink. "Sharp as a blade, steady as a mountain."
Yan's lips curled into a small grin. "Told you, Grandpa. Chen-ge's amazing."
"Hmph," Dugu Bo grumbled, though his eyes were warm. "Amazing or not, you're both still brats. Don't get cocky."
Chen chuckled softly, letting the warmth of that rare moment settle in his chest.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. I'm just getting started."
Chapter 10 – Into the World
For years, the Poison Valley had been their cage and sanctuary.
But now, with his Venom Purge skill stable and the detox formula improving, Chen finally convinced Dugu Bo to leave for a short trip.
"Rare herbs don't walk themselves into the valley," Chen said flatly while packing vials and notes.
"And if you want that full cure sooner, Grandpa, we need ingredients we can't grow here."
Dugu Bo grumbled but didn't argue. "Fine. But the moment anyone gets nosy, we're gone. Understood?"
Yan grinned, adjusting the twin daggers strapped to her hips. "Finally! I was starting to forget what the outside world even looks like."
They traveled under the cover of dawn, Dugu Bo's presence masking them from most spirit beasts. Chen kept his senses sharp, memorizing the terrain, the herbs, the shifting patterns of spirit energy in the wild.
By midday, they reached the outskirts of a mid-sized trade town near Heaven Dou City — a bustling place where merchants and low-level spirit masters gathered.
It was there the first spark of trouble found them.
At the herb market, Chen quietly bartered for a batch of Blue Silver Grass essence, knowing it would boost the detox formula's stability. Yan, bored, wandered toward a stall selling blades.
And then…
"Watch it, brat!"
A young man in ornate robes — clearly from some wealthy clan — shoved past Yan, nearly knocking her into a display.
Yan's eyes flared with temper, but before she could react, the man sneered. "Country bumpkins shouldn't touch what they can't afford. Move."
The market went quiet.
Chen turned slowly, his gaze cold and sharp. Dugu Bo, standing a few paces away with his hands behind his back, raised a brow but didn't move. He was curious to see what his grandson would do.
Chen's voice was calm, almost casual.
"Apologize."
The young man scoffed. "Do you have any idea who I—"
He didn't finish.
Chen's first spirit ring flared faintly, invisible to all but those sensitive to energy. A thin thread of controlled poison mist coiled around the arrogant youth's wrist — harmless, but cold enough to make his skin crawl.
The man froze, color draining from his face as something primal screamed danger.
"…S-sorry," he stammered, stepping back.
Yan blinked, then grinned at her brother. "You didn't even touch him."
Dugu Bo chuckled under his breath. "Hmph. Sharp and ruthless. Just like I taught him."
Chen said nothing, simply returning to his herbs. But inside, the Library hummed.
Data logged: target aura signature, clan crest identified. Minor threat. No action required… for now.
That night, as they camped outside town, Dugu Bo leaned back against a tree, eyeing Chen through the firelight.
"You handled that well, brat. But remember — the outside world isn't as simple as scaring a fool. Some snakes bite back."
Chen nodded, eyes reflecting the flames.
"I know, Grandpa. And when they do… we'll be ready."