Jade Scale Poison Dragon

"What... is the second option?"

he asked urgently.

"Second, root out the evil."

Jiang Zhen's gaze swept across the Herb Garden before finally settling on one spot.

"Treating the symptoms is inferior to treating the root cause. The backlash from your Martial Soul's poison stems from an inherent flaw in the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor bloodline itself. It cannot perfectly control such potent venom."

"If your Martial Soul can evolve, making up for that flaw—or even turning poison into power—then the problem will naturally be resolved."

"Martial Soul Evolution?"

Dugu Bo's breath caught. That was a legendary opportunity!

"Do you see that Immortal Herb shaped like an earth dragon, golden all over, with faint scale patterns on its leaves?"

Jiang Zhen pointed at a peculiar plant. "It is called the Earth Dragon Golden Melon, and it contains a trace of Ancient Earth Dragon bloodline essence."

"Its medicinal potency cannot directly transform you into a dragon, but it is enough to stir the faint dragon bloodline within your Martial Soul and stimulate your Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor Martial Soul to transform toward a higher level."

"Once it succeeds, the very nature of your Martial Soul will improve greatly. Your control over poison will increase substantially, and the backlash will naturally disappear. It will also be of tremendous benefit to breaking through in cultivation."

Watching Dugu Bo's eyes grow brighter and brighter, he added one final warning:

"But there is also risk. The Earth Dragon Golden Melon's medicinal nature is tyrannical, and the absorption process will be agonizing. Moreover, no one can guarantee that Martial Soul Evolution will succeed. If it fails, the consequences will be unpredictable."

Two methods—one safe but only treating the symptoms, the other risky but addressing the root cause—were laid clearly before Dugu Bo.

As for the even more exquisite, epoch-making method of "condensing a poison-attribute Soul Core," Jiang Zhen did not mention a single word about it.

This method was too consequential. Not only could it completely solve the poison problem, it could also turn poison to one's own use, condense a Soul Core, and bring a qualitative leap in both Soul Power and combat strength.

But he had only just met Dugu Bo. Though they were bound by an oath, they were far from the point of opening their hearts to each other, much less passing on such a core Secret Method.

Perhaps it could serve as a means of further control and reward in the future, but for now, it was too soon.

Dugu Bo stood where he was, his expression shifting constantly as his inner heart fell into a fierce struggle.

The two choices concerned both his and his granddaughter's future.

The valley was silent. Only the spring waters of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye gurgled softly, as though waiting for his decision.

A monumental choice lay before Dugu Bo. Each method had its advantages and disadvantages, and they clashed fiercely in his mind.

The expedient solution might prolong his life, but it would leave endless future troubles, like carrying firewood to put out a fire. It could never last.

The cure, though its risks were unknowable, carried the hope of completely breaking free from fate—and perhaps even reaching a higher realm!

For Yan Yan, for the future of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Clan, he had to gamble!

The struggle in Dugu Bo's eyes gradually faded, replaced by an unwavering resolve.

He suddenly raised his head and looked at Jiang Zhen. "Young Master Jiang, I choose the second path! Rather than cling miserably to life, I would rather gamble on a future!"

Jiang Zhen was not surprised by his choice.

A true strong person never lacked the courage to take risks, especially for the sake of those closest to them.

"Good."

Jiang Zhen nodded and walked over to the strange Earth Dragon Golden Melon.

The Immortal Herb was entirely golden, with thick leaves patterned like dragon scales. At its crown hung three fist-sized fruits shaped like miniature earth dragons, radiating a dense aura of utmost yang and strength.

Jiang Zhen plucked all three fruits, wrapped them in Soul Power, then turned and handed the three golden melons to Dugu Bo.

"The Earth Dragon Golden Melon bears three fruits together. Their medicinal properties are linked, and none can be spared. One is for you, one for your granddaughter, and the last one... keep it safely. It may have another use in the future."

Jiang Zhen cautioned.

Dugu Bo received the three heavy objects of hope, which concerned both his and his granddaughter's future, with trembling hands. He was too excited to contain himself.

"Thank you!"

He bowed deeply, then said impatiently, "I shall take it at once!"

Desperate to save his granddaughter, he wished he could experience the medicinal effect immediately, then hurry back and give it to Yan Yan.

"Wait."

Jiang Zhen stopped him again.

"The Earth Dragon Golden Melon is supremely fierce and potent. The poison accumulated Inside the Body is already deep, and your Meridians are fragile. If you consume it directly, I fear you will suffer harm before gaining any benefit."

As he spoke, his figure flickered through the Herb Garden again. Before long, he returned with several supporting ten-thousand-year spirit herbs.

One resembled ganoderma, crimson throughout, and emanated a gentle Life Aura;

another had azure leaves covered in condensed dew, capable of calming the mind and protecting the Meridians.

"Consume this Crimson Blood Ganoderma together with the Dew Condensing Blue Heart Grass. First protect your heart meridians and primary channels, then take the Earth Dragon Golden Melon. That will ensure nothing goes wrong."

Dugu Bo accepted the spirit herbs. Looking into Jiang Zhen's calm Eyes, which seemed to see through everything, the last trace of doubt in his heart vanished, replaced by profound gratitude and admiration.

This young master's meticulousness and extraordinary methods far exceeded anything he had imagined.

He no longer hesitated. He immediately sat down cross-legged and first consumed the Crimson Blood Ganoderma and Dew Condensing Blue Heart Grass.

Once he felt his body enveloped by a warm current and had adjusted himself to peak condition, Dugu Bo took a deep breath. A trace of determination flashed through his eyes as he swallowed one Earth Dragon Golden Melon whole!

The fruit melted the instant it entered his mouth, as though he had swallowed a mouthful of molten lava!

An indescribably violent, scorching energy exploded inside him, madly washing through every limb and bone in his body!

"Urgh—!"

Dugu Bo could not help letting out a pained groan. His skin instantly turned bright red, veins bulging, while the sweat that had just seeped out evaporated into white vapor.

He circulated his Soul Power with all his strength, guiding the violent medicinal energy.

At that moment, the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor Martial Soul within him was thoroughly stirred by the essence of the Earth Dragon bloodline and emerged from his body of its own accord!

The enormous phantom of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor raised its head and released a silent roar toward the sky.

Yet it did not attack. Instead, it suddenly coiled back, wrapping layer upon layer around the struggling Dugu Bo!

Emerald green Poison Mist and golden Earth Dragon energy intertwined, collided, and fused wildly, eventually forming a gigantic cocoon whose surface constantly bulged as it flickered with green-and-gold light!

Within the cocoon came scalp-numbing cracking sounds, along with Dugu Bo's suppressed growls. The evolution process was clearly agonizing beyond measure.

Jiang Zhen and the Ice Empress watched quietly.

The Ice Empress curled her lips. "Hmph. At least this old man has some guts."

Time passed second by second. A full two and a half hours later.

Crack... crack-crack...

Cracks suddenly split across the surface of the enormous cocoon, and dazzling platinum light burst from the fissures!

An aura far stronger and more imposing than before spread out, shedding its previous cold, sinister quality and becoming vastly more upright and majestic!

Boom!

The giant cocoon exploded!

A figure leaped out from within—it was Dugu Bo!

Though he was still gaunt, his complexion was ruddy, his gaze sharp and brilliant. The gloomy air of death that had always clung to him had vanished completely, making him seem twenty years younger!

Behind him, his Martial Soul had undergone a complete transformation!

It was no longer a ferocious giant serpent, but a majestic creature somewhere between a snake and a dragon!

Its entire body was still jade-colored, but four sharp claws had grown from its abdomen, while a pair of somewhat illusory membranous wings formed from Poison Mist and energy spread from its back.

Its head had become even more imposing, and a small bulge had even appeared atop its forehead, as though dragon horns were about to break through its skin!

Jade Phosphor Poison Dragon!

Though it was not a true dragon, its bloodline had undoubtedly undergone a heaven-shaking evolution!

Its powerful Dragon Might still carried a terrifyingly poisonous attribute, but it had become controllable and noble!

"Hahahahaha! I succeeded! This old man succeeded!"

Feeling an unprecedented lightness and strength within his body, Dugu Bo found that the backlash from the poison that had tormented him for decades had completely vanished. His Soul Power flowed smoothly and perfectly, and even his bottleneck had loosened somewhat!

He could not help throwing his head back in a long howl that shook the surroundings, filled with excitement and wild joy.

He abruptly turned to face Jiang Zhen. This time, he was no longer acting out of obligation to his oath. He bowed deeply from the bottom of his heart, his tone incomparably solemn.

"Dugu Bo offers thanks for Young Master's grace in remaking me! For the rest of my life, I shall obey my master's every command. Through mountains of blades and seas of fire, even death ten thousand times over, I shall never refuse!"

He then saluted the Ice Empress beside him.

"Thank you... Lord Ice Empress, for granting me this opportunity!"

Though he did not know the Ice Empress's exact identity, he knew full well how terrifying she was.

Jiang Zhen smiled slightly and made a casual motion to raise him. "Congratulations. Your Martial Soul has evolved, and your chronic ailment has been cured."

Dugu Bo straightened, the excitement still lingering on his face as he said eagerly, "Young Master, this old man wishes to return to Heaven Dou City at once and give this Earth Dragon Golden Melon to my granddaughter, so I can help her escape her suffering!"

"This is my residence in Heaven Dou City. Should Master have any orders, you may come at any time!"

He quickly gave them a detailed address.

"Go."

Jiang Zhen nodded in approval.

Dugu Bo cupped his hands once more. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he shot into the sky and transformed into a streak of emerald green light, racing toward Heaven Dou City at a speed far surpassing that of his journey here!

Watching Dugu Bo vanish beyond the horizon, the Ice Empress, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke lazily.

"Hey, A Zhen, you went through all that trouble just to subdue an old man who plays with poison? What use is he?"