Dugu Bo

Dugu Bo

The sun sank in the west, and dusk gilded Heaven Dou City with a golden rim. After bidding Ye Lingling farewell, Dugu Yan shot toward Sunset Forest like a streak of emerald light. Her jade-like hair streamed wildly in the wind, while complex emotions flickered in her green eyes. The unprecedented lightness within her left her both confused and uneasy—if she truly had some hidden ailment, why had Grandfather never mentioned it?

"What exactly have you been hiding from me, Grandfather?" she murmured softly, her toes tapping against the treetops as she swept over the forest like a swallow.

After passing through the Poisonous Fog of Sunset Forest, a rich medicinal fragrance rushed toward her. Dugu Yan landed lightly at the entrance to a hidden valley, where the sight before her seemed like paradise beyond the mortal world—strange flowers and exotic plants competed in splendor, all manner of rare treasures glowing faintly in the twilight. At the center of the valley stood a simple wooden cottage. Before it, in the herb garden, a familiar dark-green figure bent over to tend the medicinal plants.

"Grandfather!"

Hearing her voice, Dugu Bo looked up, surprise flashing through his green eyes. "Yan Yan? At this hour—" Before he could finish, the girl had already thrown herself into his arms like a gust of wind.

The old man's body swayed slightly before he caught his granddaughter firmly. His somewhat rough hand gently stroked her long hair, and his voice unconsciously softened. "What's wrong? Did that brat Yu Tianheng make you angry again?"

"Grandfather, is there something wrong with my body?" Dugu Yan raised her face and looked straight into his eyes.

Dugu Bo's pupils suddenly contracted. His withered fingers seized his granddaughter's wrist like lightning. A moment later, an unusual radiance bloomed across his aged face. "The accumulated poison in your body has actually decreased by twenty percent?!" His voice trembled with excitement before he burst into hearty laughter. "Heaven bless the Dugu Clan! Yan Yan, this is wonderful news!"

A warm tear fell onto Dugu Yan's cheek. She stared blankly at her grandfather—this Poison Douluo, renowned for his cold ruthlessness, was actually weeping with joy.

"Grandfather..." she called softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Dugu Bo suddenly came back to himself and gripped his granddaughter's shoulders tightly, urgency blazing in his eyes. "Quick, tell Grandfather. How did you do it?"

Dugu Yan recounted everything that had happened in the Zither Room that day. When she spoke of Feng Yao's zither sound, an unconscious gleam appeared in her green eyes. "That zither sound was very special. It felt as though it could penetrate the body... and then I spat out a mouthful of Poison Blood..."

"Zither sound to expel poison... the force of vibration... How did I not think of that?" Dugu Bo muttered, his dark-green hair stirring despite the lack of wind. He paced back and forth, then abruptly stopped and solemnly explained every flaw of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul. When he spoke of his son and daughter-in-law's deaths, his voice choked several times. "Your parents died because of this too..."

Dugu Yan's face turned pale, and her slender fingers unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.

"But now things are different!" Dugu Bo suddenly seized his granddaughter's hand, hope blazing in his eyes. "This Feng Yao... Yan Yan, take Grandfather to see him tomorrow! No, we'll go right now!"

"Grandfather!" Dugu Yan held back the agitated old man. "It's already late. There's no need to rush. Don't scare him."

Dugu Bo drew a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. "You're right... Grandfather was too impatient." He lovingly stroked her hair. "Come. Grandfather will brew you something to replenish your blood. While expelling the poison is a good thing, forcing it out so suddenly could damage your Meridians."

As he turned away, a profound light flashed in the old man's eyes. Feng Yao—the young man capable of curing Jade Phosphor Snake Poison—who exactly was he? No matter what, he had to meet this young man himself.

The night was cool as water, and clear moonlight shone through the carved window lattice. Feng Yao reclined lazily against an embroidered bed, his long fingers lightly tapping its edge as his gaze casually followed the drifting shadows of clouds outside.

"Looks like that person won't be coming tonight..." He yawned softly, a faint smile curling at his lips.

Since he knows proper etiquette, Feng Yao thought, splitting off a sliver of his attention while meditating, there shouldn't be any danger tomorrow.

Feng Yao stretched, his silk sleeping robe rippling like water with the motion. He sat cross-legged, his hands hovering over his knees as he gradually entered meditation. Moonlight edged his handsome profile in silver, while his long lashes cast faint shadows beneath his eyes. He looked like a silent jade sculpture.

The night watchman's clapper sounded long and distant outside. It was the third watch. Feng Yao's breathing gradually became deep and even, his Soul Power slowly circulating through his Meridians.

The following morning, dawn had only just broken, and the morning dew had yet to fade.

Dugu Bo brought Dugu Yan to the inn where Feng Yao was staying early in the morning. For a Title Douluo, finding Feng Yao was far too easy.

Dugu Yan had changed into a brand-new emerald-green fitted outfit, a silver-threaded belt around her waist accentuating her snow-white skin. Standing before Feng Yao's door, she nervously twisted her fingers together. "Grandfather, didn't we come too early?"

For once, Dugu Bo had changed out of his usual dark-green robe. He wore a deep teal brocade long robe instead, and even his dark-green hair, which he usually left loose, was tied up with a jade hairpin to make himself look as kindly as possible. Hearing her words, he said slowly, "Yan Yan, you're Grandfather's only granddaughter now. Grandfather has waited far too long for this day."

As soon as he finished speaking, Feng Yao's door opened with a creak. Feng Yao stood inside in a plain white robe, looking at the grandfather and granddaughter in surprise. He paused briefly, then bowed elegantly. "Miss Dugu, Your Excellency Dugu, good morning to you both."

Sunlight fell upon Feng Yao, casting his long silhouette across the corridor. A few stray locks hung over his forehead, making him seem all the more refined and ethereal.

Dugu Bo swept his sleeve, his green eyes fixed on Feng Yao as he bluntly asked, "Cut the pointless formalities. Was it you who hurt my Yan Yan yesterday?"

A blush immediately rose on Dugu Yan's pretty face. Her slender fingers unconsciously twisted the corner of her clothes, but she was too embarrassed to expose her own grandfather's excuse.

Feng Yao smiled faintly. "If Senior has come seeking treatment, you may speak plainly. As for yesterday's matter, Miss Dugu has already forgiven me."

"What arrogance!" Dugu Bo snorted coldly. "Then tell me, what illness does my Yan Yan have?"

Feng Yao raised his hand unhurriedly, his moon-white sleeve glowing softly in the morning light. "Senior rose so early that you likely haven't had breakfast yet. Why not allow this junior to treat you? We can talk while we eat."

Impatience appeared on Dugu Bo's face, and he was about to flare up when his granddaughter gently tugged at his sleeve. Dugu Yan gave a graceful bow. "Then we'll trouble you, Student Feng."

Inside the elegant private room, exquisite breakfast dishes gave off tempting aromas. Once the attendant withdrew, Dugu Bo impatiently tapped the table. "You can tell us now, can't you?"

"Miss Dugu has been poisoned by a severe toxin. The poison is hidden in her bloodline and originates from her Spirit Rings." Feng Yao picked up a crystal shrimp dumpling, his tone as calm as if discussing the weather.

With a clang, the teacup in Dugu Bo's hand fell to the floor. His expression darkened as he stared fixedly at the young man who continued eating with composure. His slightly hoarse voice tightened. "How do you know?"

Feng Yao gracefully set down his bamboo chopsticks, his fingertips brushing lightly over the rim of his cup. "Senior bears the title of 'Poison'; it is your proudest ability. If this junior is not mistaken, the Spirit Beasts you chose were all highly venomous creatures, correct?"

Dugu Bo's expression changed drastically, his green pupils shrinking violently as remorse filled his eyes. His wrinkled hands trembled slightly, revealing a vulnerability rarely seen in a Title Douluo.

"A Martial Soul is the manifestation of a Spirit Master's bloodline, while the Spirit Rings absorbed are the bloodline powers of Spirit Beasts." Feng Yao's voice flowed like a clear spring. "When you used them to strengthen your Martial Soul's poison, that toxicity was also passed on to your descendants, hidden within their bloodline..."

"I was the one who harmed them..." Tears streamed down Dugu Bo's old face, his hoarse voice saturated with regret.

"Grandfather..." Dugu Yan gently held the old man's trembling hand.

Feng Yao handed him a plain handkerchief. "Senior need not blame yourself. In this Spirit Master world where the strong devour the weak, without such strength, I'm afraid..." He did not finish, but his unfinished words said enough.

Dugu Bo drew a deep breath, hope rekindling in his eyes. "Is there a way to cure it completely?"

"If my guess is correct, Miss Dugu's poison is already far more potent than that of others her age, isn't it?" Feng Yao looked at Dugu Yan and spoke softly.

Dugu Bo sighed faintly and nodded. "That's right. I never wanted Yan Yan to walk the same path as me, but if she does not absorb Spirit Beasts with powerful poison, her resistance to poison will only weaken, and her life may be in danger."

"Poison deposits at the level of a Title Douluo are far too difficult to cure completely." Feng Yao gently shook his head. "It would be better to change our approach. Rather than seeking a complete cure, seek preservation. Just as a venomous snake stores its poison in a venom sac, if the deadly poison can be channeled into a Spirit Bone..."

As he spoke, Feng Yao's smiling gaze slowly settled upon the grandfather and granddaughter.

"Brilliant!" Dugu Bo slammed his palm onto the table and rose to his feet, a sharp light exploding from his eyes. He paced back and forth, his dark-green hair moving without wind. "How did this old man not think of it?!"

"As for Miss Dugu..." Feng Yao looked at the quietly seated girl. "Her poison is still relatively shallow. With guidance from the zither sound, and once she acquires a suitable Spirit Bone..."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo threw back his head and laughed, his voice shaking the rafters. "Good! Good! Good!" He shouted the word three times, making the leaves outside rustle. "I've searched for a solution all my life, only to find it in a Zither Master's hands!"

Suddenly, Dugu Bo's smile vanished. He cupped his hands and bowed solemnly. "Little Friend Feng, this old man has an unreasonable request..."

Feng Yao hurriedly stepped aside to avoid the gesture. "Senior is honoring this junior too greatly."

"Could you teach this old man the method of using zither sound to expel poison?" Dugu Bo asked in a low voice. "No matter the condition, as long as this old man can fulfill it..."

The teacup in Feng Yao's hand trembled slightly. Thinking he had misheard, he asked in disbelief, "Senior means... you wish to learn the zither?"

The private room suddenly fell silent. Dugu Bo's old face reddened, while Dugu Yan covered her lips and let out a soft laugh.

Feng Yao immediately rose and returned the bow. "This junior was impolite. It is this junior's honor to receive Senior's interest." Sincerity filled his smiling eyes. "Giving a man a fish is not as good as teaching him to fish. To exchange skills with Senior and discuss methods of sound therapy would also greatly benefit this junior's zither arts."

Like a sulking child, Dugu Bo turned his face away, his dark-green hair swaying slightly. He deliberately kept a stern face, but could not hide the slight upward curve of his lips. "Hmph, at least you have some sense. But this old man never takes advantage of others. If there's anything you want, as long as this old man can do it—"

Before he could finish, Feng Yao smilingly cut in, "As it happens, this junior does have an unreasonable request."

This unabashed attitude instead made Dugu Bo's eyes light up, and a weight lifted from his heart. He appreciated this sort of straightforward temperament. "Speak!"

"This junior has not yet enrolled anywhere and would like to borrow Senior's influence to use a Mimicry Cultivation Environment at Heaven Dou Royal Academy." Feng Yao blinked, smiling with harmless innocence.

Dugu Bo's eyes widened as he stared at him as though looking at some strange creature. "That's all the ambition you have? You seek out a Title Douluo over such a trivial matter?"

"Actually..." Feng Yao pretended to be embarrassed as he slowly continued, "this junior has one more request."

"Why are you dawdling?!" Dugu Bo impatiently flicked his sleeve, stirring up a medicinal fragrance.

Feng Yao drew a deep breath as if gathering his courage. "I heard that Senior has an herb garden. This junior would like to ask for a few medicinal ingredients."

"You understand medicinal theory too?" Dugu Bo suspiciously examined the seemingly delicate Zither Master before him. He was indeed quite handsome. Then inspiration struck him, and he suddenly understood. Narrowing his eyes teasingly, he looked back and forth between Feng Yao and his granddaughter. "Oh—I understand now!"

"Senior sees clearly." Feng Yao's smile grew ever more obedient, making him look exactly like a fox begging for food.

Dugu Bo waved his hand. "Fine! This old man will personally speak with Heaven Dou Royal Academy. From now on, you can attend school with Yan Yan." Then he deliberately put on a stern face and shot Feng Yao a disdainful glance. "As for the medicinal ingredients, come with this old man to the herb garden and take them yourself. It will also let this old man see your treatment methods."

At the first light of dawn, the three made their way deep into Sunset Forest through glistening morning dew. A faint dark-green aura surrounded Dugu Bo, and the Soul Power of a Title Douluo formed an invisible barrier that blocked all the poisonous mist along the way. He brought them down a cliff, and the view suddenly opened up before them—the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eyes revealed a breathtakingly magnificent sight beneath the morning sun.

The scorching yang spring and the freezing yin spring intertwined, sending up misty vapor. At the boundary between the two springs, rare medicinal herbs gleamed beneath the nourishment of ice and fire. Green leaves spread everywhere, while the Mysterious Fragrant Silk Immortal Product blossomed with a dreamlike blue-violet glow. The Lovesick Heartbreak Red, radiant as a ruby from stem to petal, swayed gently in the breeze.

"What a place of heaven-made wonder..." Feng Yao could not help murmuring in admiration, his eyes reflecting the miraculous scene.

Dugu Bo stood with his hands behind his back, his dark-green hair flying in the morning breeze as pride shone in his eyes. He waved his hand, his sleeve carrying a medicinal fragrance. "Boy, use any herbs here as you please. Treating Yan Yan comes first. As for gathering herbs..." He paused meaningfully. "There will be plenty of time."

Feng Yao drew a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the surging excitement in his heart. Every one of the Immortal Grade herbs before him could create a Title Douluo. His fingertips trembled slightly, but he quickly calmed himself and turned toward the green-haired girl beside him.

"Miss Dugu, please sit," Feng Yao said gently.

Dugu Yan pursed her lips in a smile, a hint of mischief flashing through her green eyes. "No need to be so formal. Just call me Sister Yan." She lightly sat cross-legged, her jade-like hair falling over her shoulders and gleaming softly in the morning light.

Feng Yao smiled and did not decline. "Then I'll trouble you, Sister Yan." He sat down on the ground, his hands hovering before him. The Fuxi zither slowly appeared across his knees, ancient patterns flowing over its body.

When the first note rang out, the entire Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eyes seemed to fall silent. Feng Yao's long fingers danced gracefully across the strings, two yellow Spirit Rings flashing alternately and refracting magnificent colors in the spring water's reflection. Strange sound waves spread outward like ripples.

Dugu Bo's pupils narrowed, and he unconsciously held his breath. He could clearly sense that the sound waves contained some profound force, one that resonated with the organs within his body. The spring water began to bubble faintly, and the Immortal Herbs around them swayed gently with the melody, as though responding to the beautiful music.

Feng Yao was completely immersed in the melody, fine beads of sweat appearing at his temples. Every pluck of his strings was incomparably precise. Thread-like sound waves coiled around Dugu Yan, guiding the poison within her body to slowly flow.