Chapter 56: Outdoor Battle? (Seeking collection, recommendation votes, monthly votes!)
Looking at Gu Xuan's expression of disbelief, she herself found it hard to believe, and it was the first time she had ever seen Gu Xuan show such an expression.
This perfectly confirmed the fact that Gu Xuan found the truth hard to believe. Who was Gu Xuan? The favored Son of Heaven of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. What hadn't he heard of or seen?
Since even Gu Xuan looked utterly incredulous, one could imagine how astonishing the information Dugu Yan had just spoken was.
"Are you certain?" Gu Xuan couldn't help but cup Dugu Yan's small face, asking with disbelief.
Dugu Yan blinked her eyes, which moved slightly as if recalling something. She then nodded very seriously and replied, "If your description is accurate, then I can confirm it."
Hearing this, Gu Xuan no longer doubted, giving Dugu Yan the feeling that he trusted her completely. Gu Xuan couldn't resist pecking her small lips excitedly, saying:
"Yanzi, you're saved, Yanzi!"
Dugu Yan felt a slight sweetness on her lips and immediately smiled radiantly, like a flower. She was certain she hadn't made a mistake; as long as Gu Xuan's description was correct, her grandfather's medicine garden was the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Upon hearing that she was saved, her heart suddenly felt a sense of rebirth. This poison had tormented her for over a decade; now that there was a chance to remove it, hadn't she gained a new life?
Gu Xuan excitedly grasped Dugu Yan's shoulders and seriously asked, "Yanzi, if, as you say, Senior Dugu's medicine garden is the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, why hasn't he used the medicinal herbs inside to develop an antidote? Senior Dugu is an expert in using poison, so his knowledge of pharmacology shouldn't be poor. Or is it that there are no medicinal herbs inside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?"
Hearing this, Dugu Yan recalled Dugu Bo's helplessness when facing the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. She glanced around to confirm they were alone, then leaned close to Gu Xuan's ear and whispered, "Little Xuan, I'll tell you the truth, but you mustn't tell anyone else."
Gu Xuan naturally wrapped his arm around her slender waist and nodded, "Don't worry, I promise to keep it a secret."
Dugu Yan continued to whisper to Gu Xuan, "Actually, that place was also discovered by Grandpa accidentally. Although that location suppresses the snake venom in our bodies, Grandpa doesn't recognize the things inside, so..."
Dugu Yan didn't need to finish her sentence; even if Gu Xuan wasn't a Transmigrator, he could guess the rest. If they didn't recognize the contents, they naturally couldn't utilize them.
Gu Xuan sighed slightly inwardly. To be honest, if the True Son of Heaven of the Douluo Continent wasn't Tang San, the Transmigrator, it would certainly have been Dugu Bo's Family. What a pity, gaining a treasure but not recognizing it, ultimately becoming a wedding dress for Tang San.
Moreover, ten thousand years later, the Green Scaled Snake Family lost ownership of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well entirely, and it became the property of God King Tang. Truly... truly the human heart has fallen, and fate plays tricks on man.
But things were different now. Although Gu Xuan coveted the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, this cheat-like treasure land, he would absolutely not wipe the slate clean, walk away, and take everything with him.
Because what he intended was to take Dugu Bo, along with the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Why? Your granddaughter is my wife, and my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is a large and prosperous enterprise. I'll give you a betrothal gift, so you should return a dowry, right?
As for what this dowry would be, that's easy. Dugu Bo, you've drifted half your life; we'll provide for you in your old age. Living here with your in-laws isn't foreign territory, so you don't need to worry about anything else.
As for that so-called treasure land, since you, Senior, obtained the treasure but didn't recognize it, we will take it and utilize it. When the time comes, benefits certainly won't be lacking.
Furthermore, since your granddaughter has become Gu Xuan's wife, are you worried he won't give you benefits?
Gu Xuan couldn't help but feel a little excited internally. Not only did he want the granddaughter, but the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and Dugu Bo himself must also be brought into his possession!
Of course, to accomplish all this, nothing in the intermediate steps could go wrong. If the execution was poor and caused the other party to feel disgusted, it would be a huge loss.
After hearing Dugu Yan's words again, Gu Xuan fell into thought.
Then Dugu Yan asked again, "Since you recognize this treasure land, doesn't that mean you also recognize the things inside?"
Gu Xuan rubbed Dugu Yan's soft waist and replied, "I can't guarantee I recognize everything. After all, I only saw these things in ancient texts; I haven't been there myself. If possible, I'd like to go and see it personally."
Hearing this, the worry hanging in Dugu Yan's heart finally subsided. As long as he recognized them, that was enough.
As for going to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, others might not be allowed, but Gu Xuan, who was her boyfriend and recognized this treasure land, certainly wouldn't have any issues.
In the eyes of others, her grandfather was moody and ruthless, but to her, he treated her like a treasure.
Moreover, Gu Xuan had previously said that this treasure land likely contained treasures that could help detoxify her grandfather. If they actually found them, wouldn't both she and her grandfather be able to escape the affliction of the Green Scaled Snake Poison?
Thinking this, Dugu Yan began to feel faintly excited. If this were true, she wouldn't have to worry about her own safety in the future and choose spirit rings with weak toxicity.
Her third Spirit Ability was indeed powerful in toxicity, but that was achieved by sacrificing her first two Spirit Abilities.
If she had absorbed powerful poison-attribute Spirit Beasts from the start, the power of her third Spirit Ability would be even greater now.
Therefore, being afflicted by the Green Scaled Snake Poison had even limited the full exertion of her strength.
Now that there was a way to solve this problem, how could she not be excited?
Dugu Yan rested her head on Gu Xuan's shoulder, pondered for a moment, and said, "Little Xuan, why don't we go find my grandfather right now? He's been inside Heaven Dou City recently."
As soon as she said this, Gu Xuan was slightly moved. Dugu Yan wanted to detoxify quickly, and how could Gu Xuan not want to quickly go to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for a cheat boost?
But Gu Xuan suppressed the excitement in his heart. It wasn't the right time yet, because it was too late. It was already past eight o'clock, and the sky was dark. Going to find Dugu Bo at this hour would be somewhat inappropriate.
After thinking it over, Gu Xuan softly said, "You're silly. The sky is dark now, and there's no need to rush. It won't be too late if we go tomorrow."
Dugu Yan looked at the sky upon hearing this and saw that it was indeed dark, with stars already scattered across the heavens. After a moment of thought, she replied, "Alright."
She then thought of another problem. Since she was already together with Gu Xuan, and they were alone, a single man and woman, and the sky was dark, how should they rest?
Together?
But isn't that too soon?
Not together?
She was still in Gu Xuan's arms, and she really enjoyed this comfortable feeling; she didn't want to leave for a single minute.
What should she do? Wouldn't sleeping together right after getting together be too fast? But she was reluctant to separate now.
Gu Xuan seemed to have seen through her thoughts. He didn't rush to rest but picked her up in a princess carry and walked to a patch of grass outside the pavilion.
Gu Xuan took out a five-meter-long, three-meter-wide fleece blanket from his spirit tool, spread it directly on the ground with a wave of his hand, and then placed Dugu Yan upon it.
As Dugu Yan blushed slightly, he lay down next to her. Dugu Yan immediately felt her heart rate accelerate.
This... is this going to be an outdoor battle?
Dugu Yan didn't dare to think about it. Although she hadn't experienced it, she had read storybooks and novels where the male and female leads first got to know each other through an outdoor battle.
This... this is too exciting!
PS: Typographical errors will be corrected after the update.Chapter 57: Arrival (Seeking collection, recommendation tickets, monthly tickets!)
However, under Dugu Yan's shy expression, Gu Xuan simply put his arm around her slender waist, pulled her into his embrace, and then... there was no 'then' after that.
Looking at the starry night sky, it must be said that although the Douluo World doesn't have Bandit King, Douma Continent, or Ultraman, the various sceneries here are as beautiful as paintings, something Gu Xuan could only appreciate in 2D in his previous life.
"It's truly beautiful~" Gu Xuan couldn't help but exclaim.
But the next moment, the 'ah' stretched endlessly: "Ah..."
Gu Xuan only felt his waist being gripped, then rotated 360 degrees without a blind spot for two turns.
Dugu Yan at this moment was staring at Gu Xuan, a mix of shyness, indignation, and annoyance. She had originally thought Gu Xuan was going to... going to do 'that' to her, but he just stopped there?
She had built up her mental fortitude for so long, and that was it?
Dugu Yan was already seventeen; what maiden doesn't yearn for spring?
On the Douluo Continent, many girls her age already had two children.
She just didn't expect that this guy would lie down just to watch the stars?
God, watching stars with such a soft and comfortable blanket! This is clearly Spirit Beast fur, extremely valuable. Why are all rich people as wasteful as you?
Dugu Yan was truly furious. Seeing Gu Xuan's leisurely expression, she couldn't help but grab the soft flesh on Gu Xuan's waist and give him a couple's 'SP'.
"Yanzi! What are you doing? Let go! Let go!" Gu Xuan couldn't help but shriek.
He was a Spirit Master, and even a three-ring Spirit Elder who already possessed three spirit rings, but he was also a human. As a human, under his girlfriend's hands, no matter how good his physical constitution, the defense of the soft flesh on his waist remained zero.
Such a woman is truly terrifying!
Dugu Yan looked at Gu Xuan's pained yet oddly satisfying expression, and her inner displeasure instantly vanished. She quickly released Gu Xuan and went up to hug him with a look of distress.
"What's wrong, Little Xuan? Did I hurt you? I just wanted to try; I saw other couples play like this," Dugu Yan stuck out her tongue, saying with a beaming smile.
Gu Xuan looked at Dugu Yan's exquisite face, wanting to say something but unable to. How could he have known that this girl suffered because of her own wild thoughts, and because he didn't follow the script?
Gu Xuan sighed helplessly, stroked the lovely girl's face in his arms, and a bitter gourd-like smile appeared on his pained face: "Yanzi, we shouldn't play these kinds of games."
"Lue lue lue..." Dugu Yan stuck out her tongue. After being playful for a bit, her mood returned to what it was before, and she no longer had those kinds of fantasies.
Leaning in Gu Xuan's embrace, looking up at the beautiful stars in the night sky, her mind was filled with thoughts of seeing her grandfather tomorrow and then going to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to detoxify.
She had played all day and was actually a bit tired, so with these beautiful fantasies, she unknowingly fell asleep.
It was unclear whether it was due to fatigue, or the warmth brought by having someone to rely on in her arms.
After hearing the cat-like breathing, Gu Xuan couldn't help but look down at Dugu Yan in his arms and found that the girl had already fallen asleep.
Sighing softly, Gu Xuan's right hand's spirit tool once again flashed with a precious light. A huge, silver-white cover with a diameter of five meters appeared, looking like a small fortress when carried.
This silver-white fortress was a type of spirit tool, with a concealment function, and it emitted a unique scent to repel mosquitoes, flies, rats, and ants. It was truly essential for travel and home use.
Only a powerful organization like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School could allow Gu Xuan to have such good things to squander freely.
The silver-white cover enveloped Gu Xuan and Dugu Yan, but the stars outside were still visible.
This thing allowed one to see out from the inside, but outsiders couldn't see in. Moreover, because of its concealment function, if one didn't observe carefully, they wouldn't even know it was there... The night passed uneventfully. When the first ray of sunlight fell on the second morning, Gu Xuan's eyelids twitched. He opened his eyes, his grey-black pupils momentarily flashed by the sunlight. When he tried to get up, he realized there was someone else on him.
At this moment, Dugu Yan was pressing down on Gu Xuan's right arm, her right hand restlessly gripping Gu Xuan's firm chest muscles, and a crystal-clear thigh, like white jade, pressed against Gu Xuan's leg, clamping him tightly.
Because she was lying on her side, large expanses of Dugu Yan's fair skin were brazenly displayed before Gu Xuan. If Gu Xuan hadn't been a true gentleman, he probably would have been unable to resist 'shooting out like a dragon'... Of course, this was because he didn't want to lose his primal yang so early. After all, Gu Xuan was truly afraid of getting addicted to such things. Some things are either zero times or countless times, and Gu Xuan didn't want to gamble, because he knew very well what his 'bird' was like.
Because of Gu Xuan's movements, Dugu Yan was also startled awake. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and Dugu Yan slowly opened her eyes.
Looking at Gu Xuan, who was so close, she couldn't help but peck him, only then realizing this wasn't a dream—it was real!
After a peaceful night's sleep, she woke up, and he was still there. Gu Xuan had really confessed to her! This guy had long harbored ill intentions towards her! Her poison truly had a cure!
Various emotions surged, and Dugu Yan couldn't help but embrace Gu Xuan tightly, that excitement and thrill once again filling her mind.
"Little Xuan, what is this?" Dugu Yan asked, confused, looking at the spirit tool covering them.
Gu Xuan smiled slightly and replied, "It's a spirit tool. You fell asleep last night, and to avoid waking you, we had to make do here for the night."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan became pensive. She looked at Gu Xuan, then at herself, and then narrowed her eyes, saying, "You didn't do anything to me last night, did you?"
Gu Xuan's face darkened upon hearing this. He pinched her cheek and replied, "What, are you implying you wanted me to do something to you?"
Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan seemed to recall something, and her pretty face instantly flushed crimson. The scenes from her dream last night replayed, making her too shy to look Gu Xuan directly in the eye.
As an untouched maiden, she had actually had such a dream last night!
Fortunately, this was just a small interlude. Gu Xuan and Dugu Yan didn't linger today; after tidying up, the two rented a carriage and returned to Heaven Dou City.
Compared to Gu Xuan, Dugu Yan was actually more eager to get results quickly.
So, by noon, the two had already arrived at Dugu Yan's family mansion. Their family also had a residence in Heaven Dou City, which Prince Xue Xing had gifted to Dugu Bo.
It occupied a considerable area, truly a grand villa.
The plaque above the mansion's gate was engraved with four bold, elegant characters: Dugu Residence.
At the entrance, an old man who appeared to be fifty or sixty years old was sweeping the ground. Upon seeing Dugu Yan, he put down his broom and respectfully approached Dugu Yan, saying, "Young Miss, why have you returned?"
"Uncle Fu, I have something urgent to discuss with Grandpa. Is he home now?" Dugu Yan smiled at the old man.
The Dugu Residence didn't have many servants. This Uncle Fu was the steward, and when he had nothing to do, he would also sweep the courtyard to get some exercise.
Uncle Fu's Spirit was a broom, and he was also a level thirteen Spirit Master, possessing one yellow spirit ring.
Hearing Dugu Yan's words, Uncle Fu glanced at Gu Xuan but didn't say much. He just smiled and replied, "The master is here. He's been in the medicine room these past few days, so he's probably there now. Young Miss can go directly."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan grinned at Uncle Fu, then pulled Gu Xuan and walked into the mansion. As they left, Gu Xuan and Uncle Fu exchanged glances, and Gu Xuan also smiled slightly.
It wasn't until the two figures disappeared from Uncle Fu's sight that the old man stroked his beard and chuckled, sighing, "The Young Miss has finally blossomed. After so many years, this is the first time she's brought a boy home."
PS: Typos will be corrected after posting.
Revised and revised, revised and revised, I'm numb!Chapter 58: Dugu Bo (Seeking collection, recommendation tickets, and monthly passes!)
Upon entering the estate, Little Xuan followed Dugu Yan, winding through the halls. Since it was his first time, Little Xuan was unfamiliar with the place.
The only feeling he got was simplicity. Honestly, for the estate of a Titled Douluo, it was truly too plain. There were basically no decorative green plants, and everything was swept spotlessly clean.
It could be said that any noble with even a little wealth would have a courtyard far better than Dugu Bo's residence.
From this, it was evident that Dugu Bo truly disliked fame and fortune, living a simple, modest life with his beloved granddaughter.
There were very few servants in the courtyard. Aside from Butler Fu, there were only seven elderly women in their fifties left. They usually took care of Dugu Bo's daily life, but most of the time they were cleaning, as Dugu Bo rarely needed them.
Dugu Yan was also quite familiar with these people and didn't put on any airs of a Young Miss, perhaps because they had been together since she was young.
As they walked, Dugu Yan introduced Little Xuan to the layout and situation inside, clearly already treating Little Xuan as one of her own.
After walking inside the residence for about fifteen minutes, Dugu Yan and Little Xuan stopped at a quiet courtyard. This was where Dugu Bo usually refined his medicine.
Little Xuan and Dugu Yan stood still. Dugu Yan said to Little Xuan, "My grandfather often prepares poison here, so you shouldn't go in. I'll go in and call him."
Little Xuan did not refuse. It wasn't that he feared the poisons, but rather he wanted Dugu Yan to go in first and explain the situation to Dugu Bo so that the other party would be mentally prepared.
Little Xuan waited outside the courtyard. After Dugu Yan had been inside for about fifteen minutes, Little Xuan suddenly felt as if he had been targeted by some primeval ferocious beast. In an instant, he resembled a startled wildcat, and three spirit rings—two yellow and one purple—instantly rose around his body.
With his Spirit attached, Little Xuan's hands turned into silver-white Bone Claws, and he fiercely attacked behind himself.
A straight arm extended, easily clamping down on Little Xuan's Bone Claw. At the same time, a slightly hoarse voice gently sounded: "Your reaction speed is quite good."
Little Xuan looked up and clearly saw the person's appearance. He was two meters tall, standing straight like a javelin, wearing a simple green robe. His hair and beard were entirely green, and his eyes were also dark green. He was gently scrutinizing Little Xuan.
Little Xuan instantly recognized this person—who else could it be but Dugu Bo?
Little Xuan immediately retracted his Bone Claw, recalled his Spirit into his body, and concealed his spirit rings. He bowed deeply to Dugu Bo: "Junior Gu Xuan of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School greets Senior Dugu."
Watching the respectful bow from Little Xuan, Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction. Although he never cared for these superficial formalities, it didn't mean he couldn't sense the respect others showed him when they bowed.
"No need for formalities, kid. I hear you and my Yan Yan are together?" Dugu Bo waved his hand, his tone instantly becoming sharp.
Just then, Dugu Yan walked out of the courtyard and glared at Dugu Bo: "Grandpa! Didn't you promise me before that you wouldn't make things difficult for Little Xuan?"
Dugu Yan pouted her small lips. Dugu Bo's serious expression immediately froze, and he instantly replaced it with a smiling face, walking over to Dugu Yan: "Yan Yan, where did Grandpa make things difficult for him? Grandpa was just asking a normal question."
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at her grandfather and said, "Wasn't I clear enough? I practically told you everything about Little Xuan except the color of his underwear, and you still need to ask?"
Hearing this, Dugu Bo couldn't help but pause, what kind of talk was that?
Little Xuan, standing nearby, was also somewhat dumbfounded. What kind of vulgar language was that?
"Ahem, alright, Yan Yan, Grandpa won't ask anymore." Dugu Bo lovingly stroked Dugu Yan's little head and said softly.
Watching this scene, Little Xuan's favorable impression of Dugu Bo increased again. The old man might be a little ruthless toward outsiders, but he was truly incomparable when it came to his own family.
Looking at the original work, it was also clear that after Dugu Bo became friends with Tang San, even though Tang San completely messed up the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for him, Dugu Bo still protected Tang San during the ambush incident that occurred during the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, standing against the pressure alone in a one-versus-two fight. This was enough to prove the old man's character and temper.
Although Sword Douluo later entered the fray to help, before that, the old man was alone. Without courage and loyalty, how could he be so reckless?
After calming Dugu Yan, Dugu Bo whispered to his precious granddaughter, "Yan Yan, I need to talk to this kid alone for a few moments. Why don't you go out and play for a bit?"
Hearing this, Dugu Yan was resigned, but she wasn't an unreasonable child after all. She gave Dugu Bo a few instructions, then walked up to Little Xuan.
Dugu Yan whispered, "Little Xuan, my grandpa is just cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Don't be afraid."
Watching Dugu Yan comfort him as if he were a child, Little Xuan gave a helpless smile. He originally wanted to playfully pinch Dugu Yan's nose, but since Dugu Bo was present, Little Xuan had to give up the idea. After all, it would only be the two of them soon, and he didn't want the old man to get angry at him for flirting with his granddaughter.
Little Xuan smiled gently, nodded, and replied, "Don't worry. I may not have other talents, but I'm good at reading faces. Senior Dugu won't make things difficult for me."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan felt relieved, nodded, and let Little Xuan follow Dugu Bo inside.
Dugu Bo glanced at Little Xuan, smiled at Dugu Yan again, and then said to Little Xuan, "Let's go."
The two men entered the courtyard one after the other, but Dugu Yan did not leave; she waited by the courtyard gate.
Entering the courtyard, Little Xuan saw a small herb garden inside, growing over a dozen medicinal herbs, all of which Little Xuan recognized.
These medicinal herbs were all potent poisons, and each one was highly effective and difficult to find on the market.
Without stopping, Little Xuan followed Dugu Bo into one of the rooms. There was nothing else inside the room, only a desk and two prayer mats, with a tea set placed on the desk.
Dugu Bo sat down casually on one of the prayer mats and said to Little Xuan, "Have a seat. This old man has many questions for you!"
Dugu Bo's attitude toward Little Xuan was quite good, showing no signs of coldness or suspicion previously.
This was indeed the case. As long as Dugu Yan explained his situation clearly, let alone Dugu Bo, no one else would find any suspicious points, because everything seemed completely natural, without any manipulation involved.
This was because every step Little Xuan took was carefully considered, the goal naturally being to make everything seem organic.
Little Xuan was not reserved. He sat down on the prayer mat across from Dugu Bo and replied, "Thank you, Senior Dugu, for granting me a seat."
Hearing this, Dugu Bo waved his hand and said, "Cut the formalities. This old man doesn't like these superficial things. Although I don't know what methods you used to trick my precious granddaughter, until you have my approval, if you dare take advantage of Yan Yan, forget that your grandfather is Gu Rong—even if you were the Heavenly King, I would make you suffer."
As soon as Little Xuan sat down, Dugu Bo gave him a warning. Little Xuan was not annoyed by this; after all, Dugu Bo was doing this for Dugu Yan. If he didn't give a warning now, and Dugu Yan was bullied later, that would truly be painful!
If it were Little Xuan's daughter bringing home a boy she had only known for a little over a month and saying he was her partner, Little Xuan would be much harsher than Dugu Bo.
Want to sit? There wouldn't even be a place for you to stand.
However, if Dugu Bo knew that Little Xuan and Dugu Yan had slept while embracing each other last night, and that they might have taken that final step if Little Xuan hadn't had such strong self-control, what would Dugu Bo think?
Little Xuan, in any case, dared not even think about it. If the old man truly flew into a rage, he would be in deep trouble.
As for worrying that Dugu Bo would try to harm Little Xuan's life, that was completely out of the question. Setting aside Little Xuan's current relationship with Dugu Yan, just the fact that Little Xuan hailed from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and was Gu Rong's grandson meant his life was safe.
Dugu Bo might be crazy, but with Dugu Yan as his weakness, his madness had limits.
Inside the room, the conversation between the two men began.
PS: Typos will be fixed after posting.
I'm numb. The last chapter was truly revised again and again. It was finally posted, but changing the title caused it to be blocked again. I'm completely numb.
I truly didn't expect writing fanfiction could be targeted by the review system. It's infuriatingChapter 59: The Test (Seeking Collection, Recommendation Tickets, Monthly Passes!)
Gazing at Gu Xuan, Dugu Bo said indifferently, "I'll only say this much about you and Yan Yan's matter. I won't interfere with you young people's affairs."
Saying that, Dugu Bo paused, then continued, "But I heard from Yan Yan that you, kid, have a way to solve the poison in her body?"
Hearing this, Gu Xuan knew the main event was coming. He replied naturally, "That's right, but the medicinal ingredients needed are difficult to gather all at once. However, Yanzi told me that you, Senior, have a medicinal garden, which might be the legendary Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. So we came directly today."
"If that's true, as long as we can find suitable medicinal ingredients from it, Sister Yan's poison will definitely not be a problem. It's even possible that your poison, Senior, could also be improved."
Listening to these words, Dugu Bo's eyes flickered slightly. Dugu Yan had already explained to him that Gu Xuan had deduced their Green Scaled Snake Family's poison himself, which ruled out the conclusion that this kid was a fraud.
But no matter what, hearing such words from a fifteen-year-old child still made him somewhat incredulous. After all, he had lived for nearly eighty years and hadn't found a way to solve his own poison, yet this brat in front of him swore he had a solution?
"Kid, do you know the consequences of deceiving me? Don't think you can use this method to deceive Yan Yan and win her favor. With me, you won't have such an opportunity." Dugu Bo's tone was unquestionable; he was testing Gu Xuan.
Gu Xuan smiled helplessly upon hearing this and said, "Senior, let's not talk about the matter between Yanzi and me for now. If I didn't have absolute certainty, do you think I would rush over so eagerly?"
Saying that, Gu Xuan began to recall the simple dozen or so herbs in the courtyard earlier, and spoke lightly:
"Withered Bone Corpse Poison Vine, its toxicity is fierce. An ordinary person who consumes even a little will turn into withered bones in an instant. Even a Spirit Master who consumes an overdose will be beyond salvation, requiring bones to nurture it."
"Crimson Green Water Vine, its toxicity is fierce, similar to the Withered Bone Corpse Poison Vine. However, this plant requires the first drop of dew from early morning every seven days, watered with snake venom, to survive. It usually only grows in places where highly venomous snakes and insects infest."
"Soul Refining Grass..."
Gu Xuan enumerated the characteristics and effects of each poisonous herb, and with each one he mentioned, Dugu Bo secretly marveled at Gu Xuan.
It wasn't that he hadn't suspected that Dugu Yan had told Gu Xuan all this beforehand, but there were several herbs among them that even Dugu Yan didn't recognize, yet Gu Xuan could identify each one.
After finishing talking about all the poisonous herbs, Dugu Yan smiled slightly: "Senior, you must have spent a lot of thought cultivating these herbs, I presume."
Dugu Bo stared intently at Gu Xuan, then slowly exhaled a turbid breath after a long while, saying calmly, "Indeed, you truly are a small Prodigy. At such an age, to be able to recognize these medicinal ingredients is enough to prove your pharmacological attainments."
Seeing the last trace of gloom on Dugu Bo's face recede, Gu Xuan was also very happy internally. At least this initial contact had dispelled Dugu Bo's suspicions.
"Senior, I came here for your medicinal garden, and I'll just tell you this: Yanzi's poison cannot be delayed. The sooner it's resolved, the sooner she can be free from pain." Gu Xuan directly brought up Dugu Yan, because Dugu Yan was the person he cared about most in the world now.
Hearing Gu Xuan's words, Dugu Bo's heart warmed slightly, then he replied, "Yan Yan has already told me about your matter, and you must already know that place, if nothing goes wrong, it must be the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well you mentioned. It's just a pity that this old man possessed a treasure but didn't recognize it."
"If you can truly use the things in there to solve Yan Yan's poison, then I will agree to your marriage. If not, then you, kid, are just a glib-tongued, dishonest fellow."
Dugu Bo said, a flash of wisdom in his eyes, and continued, "I won't waste words with you, kid. The moment you can remove the snake venom from Yan Yan's body, is the moment I will agree to you two being together."
Dugu Bo could see Gu Xuan's feelings for Dugu Yan, which is why he said this. After all, only in this way could Gu Xuan fearlessly seek out detoxifying medicinal ingredients for Dugu Yan, no matter the difficulties and dangers.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has a vast foundation, which is much stronger than him alone.
Of course, it's very possible, as Gu Xuan said, that there are detoxifying medicinal ingredients within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. If that's the case, then he would have no worries.
His only concern in the world now was Dugu Yan. As long as the trouble with Dugu Yan was resolved, he would have nothing to worry about.
Moreover, having reached this stage in his life, he had made too many enemies. If Dugu Yan could have a future with Gu Xuan, with the power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she could also be protected from harm by enemies. This would be killing two birds with one stone.
Of course, all these prerequisites depended on Dugu Yan's willingness. If Dugu Yan was unwilling, even the King of Heaven wouldn't be able to make it happen!
However, looking at Dugu Yan's demeanor towards Gu Xuan, that girl is probably very willing!
Hearing Dugu Bo's words, Gu Xuan smiled confidently and replied, "Then this Junior will await the day I can call Senior 'Father-in-law'."
Gu Xuan should call Dugu Yan's father 'father-in-law', but since her father is no longer around, as Dugu Yan's grandfather, he would naturally be 'Grandfather-in-law'.
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo snorted, "It's still too early!"
"Let me ask you, who is your master in this pharmacological Legacy? I still need to test you. If you're a half-baked practitioner, call your master. I wouldn't dare to use Yan Yan as your Medicine Apprentice." Dugu Bo said.
A Medicine Apprentice refers to a unlucky person who tests medicine for an alchemist. Medicine Apprentices typically don't live long due to constantly consuming various medicines.
Gu Xuan naturally allowed Dugu Bo to test him. In both Alchemy and pharmacology, he had received the true Legacy of Yang Wudi. The only thing he might lack was some experience.
"This Junior's master is Yang Wudi, the Clan Chief of the Breaking Clan." Gu Xuan replied.
"Yang Wudi? So it's him!" Dugu Bo heard the name Yang Wudi, which affirmed Gu Xuan's lineage.
This world was the world of Spirit Masters, and few people delved into Alchemy and pharmacology. The Breaking Clan was a well-known Family with an Alchemy Legacy.
"I heard that the Breaking Clan has pledged allegiance to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, but how old are you, kid? Pharmacology is so extensive and intricate, how much essence could you have grasped at such a young age?" Dugu Bo stared at Gu Xuan, but all he saw was confidence.
This confidence was not blind, but full of assurance.
"Senior, just test me; the results will be the best explanation." Gu Xuan said confidently.
"Good kid, to have such spirit, you truly live up to being a descendant of the old Bone Dragon." Dugu Bo couldn't help but praise him inwardly.
He wasn't very familiar with Gu Rong, but they were both strong experts of the older generation. Having reached the Titled Douluo Realm, they had some contact.
But Dugu Bo said openly, "Alright, let me see how much strength you, kid, possess. If you can satisfy me, we will depart for the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well immediately. Otherwise, let your teacher come instead."
"Alright." Gu Xuan still replied confidently, full of assurance.
Dugu Bo didn't waste any more words, simply extended three fingers, and said directly, "Three tests."
"First, within one hour, use the herbs in my outdoor medicinal garden to create a poison that will kill at least a Spirit Elder-level Spirit Master upon consumption."
"Second, create an antidote yourself that can neutralize the poison you made after consuming it, ensuring no after-effects."
"Third, I have an item here called Nine-Segment Emerald. Let it bite you once. As long as you can detoxify yourself, the test will be considered passed."
After speaking, Dugu Bo continued, "I warn you, if you don't have the strength to play the hero, I won't care about your life or death."
Listening to these words and the proposed tests, Gu Xuan felt a sense of excitement, because none of these were difficult.
Moreover, because he knew that Dugu Bo had used the Nine-Segment Emerald to test Tang San in the original work, he had already collected an antidote for the Nine-Segment Emerald as a backup. He never expected it to come in handy now?
"Senior, I should be able to use my own medicinal ingredients, right?" Gu Xuan asked his final question.
Dugu Bo nodded upon hearing this: "As a pharmacist, one naturally uses their own medicinal ingredients, but for the first test, you can only use the herbs in my medicinal garden."
With that, Dugu Bo said no more, pushed open the door and walked out, his voice slowly drifting back: "I'll come to inspect the poison in an hour."
PS: Typos will be corrected after initial release.
Chapter 57 will probably be out in two days; it's been under review again and again.
If I have time later, I'll create a group and send you the original version so you can help me figure out which word got flagged foChapter 60: Recognition (Seeking favorites, Recommendation Tickets, Monthly Passes!)
Dugu Bo left the courtyard and immediately came face-to-face with Dugu Yan, who was waiting. Dugu Yan didn't look at Dugu Bo; instead, she craned her neck to look behind him.
Failing to spot Gu Xuan, Dugu Yan glared at Dugu Bo and asked sweetly, "Grandpa, where is Little Xuan?"
Instead of receiving concern from his precious granddaughter, he heard this, making Dugu Bo feel like his heart had stopped. He wore a bitter expression. Sure enough, a girl's heart belongs elsewhere once she grows up!
Dugu Bo recounted the three tests he had set for Gu Xuan to Dugu Yan, lest this girl cause trouble.
The first two conditions were fine; Gu Xuan had told her about his Alchemy capabilities, so there shouldn't be any issues.
But upon hearing the third condition, Dugu Yan immediately lost her composure. She stared at Dugu Bo in disbelief: "Grandpa, that's the Nine-Section Emerald! Are you trying to kill Gu Xuan?"
The Nine-Section Emerald is an extremely venomous snake, small in stature and entirely emerald green. If an ordinary person were to be contaminated by even a trace of the Nine-Section Emerald's venom, they would certainly be beyond saving.
Even a Spirit Master cannot withstand the Nine-Section Emerald's potent venom. Dugu Bo's Nine-Section Emerald had already reached the hundred-year level; it was no longer an ordinary snake but a Spirit Beast.
Even a Spirit Master at the Spirit Ancestor level who lacked resistance attributes would definitely not live past a short while after being bitten by the Nine-Section Emerald.
Gu Xuan is only level thirty-three! If he were bitten by the Nine-Section Emerald, wouldn't he immediately be attending his own funeral?
Dugu Bo looked at Dugu Yan, who resembled a bristling kitten because of Gu Xuan, feeling a bit jealous inside. He gently explained, "Yan Yan, Grandpa is not someone without a sense of propriety. I am testing this boy's ability to ensure that if his capabilities are insufficient, how could I confidently entrust you to him for treatment?"
"How overbearing is the snake venom of our Jade Scale Family? A slight mistake could lead to a backlash against oneself. I am doing this for your own good."
Hearing Dugu Bo's words warmed Dugu Yan's heart; she naturally knew that Grandpa was doing all this for her. However, she was still extremely worried about Gu Xuan: "B-but Gu Xuan is only level thirty-three. If he can't resolve the Nine-Section Emerald's venom, then... wouldn't he be..."
Seeing Dugu Yan's worried expression, Dugu Bo felt a slight twinge of jealousy and explained, "Don't worry. That boy agreed without the slightest hesitation. Although we've only spent a short time together, I can tell he's not the type of mediocre person who makes empty boasts. He won't do anything he isn't confident about."
"Besides, isn't Grandpa here? Even if we take ten thousand steps back and say he truly lacks the ability, Grandpa will still protect him."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan managed to calm down. Dugu Bo was right; Gu Xuan never did anything he wasn't confident about. She had simply been overly worried... After Dugu Bo left, Gu Xuan went to the flowerbed in the courtyard. His Spirit manifested, his second spirit ring shone brightly, and his hands transformed into Dark Golden Bone Claws as he began picking poisonous herbs.
His Bone Claws naturally possessed a certain degree of resistance because they were entirely bone and could resist some low-level toxins.
After using his second Spirit Ability, this Spirit Ability, derived from the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, could completely resist most toxins. Unless it was an extremely corrosive poison, Gu Xuan had nothing to fear.
Refining a poison capable of incapacitating a Spirit Elder level Spirit Master was not difficult for the current Gu Xuan. As long as the Materials were sufficient, he could refine it in minutes.
After gathering the medicinal herbs, he went straight to the room where Dugu Bo usually prepared medicine in the courtyard, took out his Pill Furnace, and began mixing the medicine.
After barely thirty minutes, Gu Xuan had finished refining the poison. Without stopping, he immediately took out Materials from his spirit tool and refined an antidote pill.
His spirit tool was now frequently stocked with various medicinal herbs, either because he needed them for daily use or to deepen his Alchemy techniques.
Only an hour, or rather, half an hour, had passed, and Gu Xuan had already finished refining the poisons and antidotes for the first and second tests.
Gu Xuan did not wait for Dugu Bo to return; he went straight out the door to look for him.
Just as he reached the outside of the courtyard, he saw Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo. The moment Dugu Yan saw Gu Xuan, she rushed over, inspecting him thoroughly.
"How are you? Are you alright?" Dugu Yan asked with concern.
Gu Xuan shook his head and smiled slightly, "I'm fine. The items have been refined."
Saying this, Gu Xuan took out two Porcelain Bottles and stepped forward to hand them to Dugu Bo: "Senior, please inspect them."
Dugu Bo took the Porcelain Bottles, opened them, and sniffed lightly. His gaze toward Gu Xuan immediately became bright and admiring. He couldn't help but praise him: "Excellent. You finished making the poison and antidote in half an hour. At such a young age, to have this level of attainment in the Dao of Alchemy—I recognize your abilities."
However, Dugu Bo then changed the subject, saying, "But the most difficult part is still the third test. I will remind you one last time: I hope you think clearly."
Hearing this, Gu Xuan smiled slightly. His spirit tool flashed with precious light, and with a flick of his wrist, he handed over another Porcelain Bottle.
"Senior, this is the antidote I prepared concurrently. It can detoxify any snake venom, provided the snake Spirit Master is below level fifty. I believe this should be sufficient," Gu Xuan said with a slight smile.
Dugu Bo was slightly surprised upon hearing this. He took the Porcelain Bottle, opened it, and sniffed, instantly feeling a shock in his heart.
"Hundred Flowers Jade Dew Pill? Truly, heroes emerge from the youth." Dugu Bo exclaimed.
"Alright, there's no need to test it. With this Hundred Flowers Jade Dew Pill, having my Nine-Section Emerald bite you would just be a waste of venom," Dugu Bo said, shaking his head slightly.
He hadn't expected it; this boy was truly a capable individual. Dugu Bo remembered Dugu Yan mentioning that Gu Xuan was only fifteen years old. To have such attainment at such a young age—his future is promising.
Before Gu Xuan could celebrate, Dugu Yan chuckled from the side: "Grandpa, I told you! Little Xuan truly has genuine talent."
Since the examination was certified, Dugu Bo no longer held any contempt for Gu Xuan. Alchemy, like a Spirit Master Cultivating spirit power, respects those who are proficient first.
Gu Xuan's current attainment in the Dao of Alchemy was worthy of his attention.
"Yes, yes, Yan Yan is right. Grandpa was blind," Dugu Bo said, smiling at Dugu Yan.
Then he softly said to Gu Xuan, "Little Xuan, may I call you that?"
Gu Xuan nodded and smiled, "You are Yanzi's grandfather, so of course. It is also Junior's honor."
Hearing Gu Xuan's reply, Dugu Bo also smiled and said, "Little Xuan, I was mistaken before, but that was also for Yan Yan's sake. I hope you won't take it to heart."
Hearing this, Gu Xuan was slightly surprised internally. How could he have expected Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo, to instantly become so amicable? Even if it was for Dugu Yan, wasn't this excessive?
But Gu Xuan didn't know that Dugu Bo was quite satisfied internally. Now that Gu Xuan's ability had been recognized, he naturally greeted him with a smile. After all, this brat would be his future grandson-in-law.
That was just how Dugu Bo was: once he genuinely accepted and recognized someone, he completely dropped all pretense.
PS: Typographical errors will be corrected after initial posting.