In the backyard.
Lu Ming wore King Lanling's mask, which covered most of his face and left only a pair of deep eyes exposed.
The mask not only added an air of mystery, but also suited the persona of an "expert" he was currently portraying.
When Dugu Bo led Dugu Yan into the courtyard, they saw a young man in a mask, carrying himself with extraordinary poise.
Beside the young man, the legendary Miracle Healer Girl sat on a strange flying device, curiously studying them.
"Dugu, I have heard much about you."
Lu Ming's voice came through the mask with a peculiar metallic quality.
Dugu Bo did not dare put on airs and promptly returned the greeting.
"Dean Lu, you are too courteous. I came today to ask for a favor."
He did not beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"When your academy sparred with the Imperial Dou Team last time, I watched from outside."
"This young lady's healing soul skill truly opened my eyes."
"To be honest, my granddaughter has been poisoned. The poison came from a Martial Soul backlash and has penetrated deep into her bones."
"I would like to ask this young lady to help and see whether she can save Yan Yan."
Though Dugu Yan was feeling unwell, her dark green eyes remained fixed on Cai Wenji.
She was too young.
No matter how she looked at her, she was only a child of around ten.
Even if her Soul Power had reached level fifty, she was still only a Soul King.
How could a Soul King possibly cure poison that even a Titled Douluo could not cure?
"Grandpa, I think we should forget it."
Dugu Yan dejectedly tugged at Dugu Bo's sleeve.
"Let's not waste any more time here."
"If even you can't cure it, how could she possibly..."
Before she could finish, Cai Wenji suddenly guided the Hu Jia Qin Seat and floated before Dugu Yan.
"Big Sister, you smell awful."
Pinching her little nose, Cai Wenji spoke with a look of disgust.
"You're covered in that green poison gas. It's practically blackened your internal organs."
Dugu Yan's expression changed. She was just about to flare up when Dugu Bo firmly held her back.
A sharp gleam flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes.
This little girl had actually seen at a glance how the poison had eroded her internal organs!
Even those healing-type Soul Douluos needed to examine her carefully before discovering that!
"Little girl, can you cure it?"
Even Dugu Bo's voice trembled slightly.
Cai Wenji tilted her head in thought, then nodded. The two buns on her head bobbed along with the motion.
"I can."
"As long as we chase away all that green gas, then help Big Sister restore her health, it'll be fine."
"It's very simple."
Very simple?
Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan exchanged looks, each seeing the shock in the other's eyes.
The Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison, which had plagued the Dugu Clan for generations and claimed countless lives, was merely "very simple" to this little girl?
Lu Ming chose that moment to interject.
"Dugu, if Cai Wenji says she can cure it, then she certainly can."
"However..."
Lu Ming changed the subject, and a shrewd glint flashed in the eyes behind his mask.
"There is no such thing as a free lunch."
"If Jixia Academy saves someone, we charge a consultation fee."
Dugu Bo waved a hand grandly and declared with towering confidence:
"As long as Yan Yan can be cured, Dean Lu, name your price!"
"Whether it's Gold Soul Coins or Soul Bones, as long as I possess them, I will not begrudge you anything!"
To him, as long as he could save his granddaughter's life, even losing his entire fortune would be worth it.
Lu Ming shook his head and raised one finger.
"I don't want money, nor do I want Soul Bones."
"I want that Medicinal Garden of yours in Sunset Forest."
The moment those words came out, Dugu Bo's expression froze.
His hearty demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by deep vigilance and killing intent.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!
That was his greatest secret, as well as the foundation of his cultivation!
Apart from him and Yan Yan, no third person knew of that place.
How did this Lu Ming know?
"Dean Lu, I don't know what you are talking about."
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes as Soul Power quietly began circulating within him.
"Sunset Forest is a place where soul beasts gather. Although I have a foothold there, I have never heard of any Medicinal Garden."
Lu Ming watched Dugu Bo play dumb and chuckled softly.
"Dugu, let us speak plainly."
"That place has a two-colored spring, one side scorching hot and the other freezing cold, surrounded by rare flowers and exotic herbs."
"If that place were not suppressing the poison in your body, you would likely have died from a poison outbreak long ago, wouldn't you?"
Dugu Bo's scalp went numb.
He even knew the exact appearance of the spring!
This was not a negotiation at all. It was like having his underwear stripped away.
But for his granddaughter, he had no choice but to bow his head.
"Fine!"
Dugu Bo gritted his teeth and forced the word out through clenched teeth.
"As long as Yan Yan is cured, that place... will be yours!"
He agreed readily enough aloud, but inwardly, he was calculating.
Hmph, cure her first.
Once Yan Yan is cured, I'll deny everything.
You're just a somewhat capable young man. Could you really seize a Titled Douluo's territory by force?
As long as I refuse to admit it, what can you do to me?
Lu Ming seemed utterly unaware of Dugu Bo's thoughts and nodded in satisfaction.
"Wen Ji, get to work."
Cai Wenji answered and her ten slender fingers began dancing cheerfully over the strings.
"Let's go! Ravaging Brain Teaser~"
As a lively, energetic melody rose, countless green motes flew from the Hu Jia Qin like sprites and slipped into Dugu Yan's body.
Bathed in that life-filled green radiance, Dugu Yan felt a warm current instantly spread throughout her body.
The potent poison that had clung to her bones and internal organs seemed to have met its nemesis, rapidly receding and dissolving.
The faint pain that had accompanied her for years vanished at an astonishing speed.
In its place came an unprecedented feeling of ease and comfort.
In the brief time it took to burn half an incense stick.
When the final note fell, Dugu Yan's formerly pale face had already become rosy and radiant.
Even her hair, which had once been purple-black, had returned to its normal deep purple.
"Grandpa! It doesn't hurt anymore!"
Dugu Yan cried out in delight, excitedly spinning around on the spot.
"I feel so light all over, and there isn't any obstruction when my Soul Power circulates anymore!"
Dugu Bo watched the scene with tears streaming down his aged face.
She was truly cured!
The nightmare that had plagued him all his life had been resolved by a little girl with just a few moves!
He excitedly took Dugu Yan's hand and carefully examined her. Once he confirmed that the poison had indeed been completely removed, the wild joy in his heart was beyond words.
"Good! Good! Good!"
Dugu Bo said "good" three times in succession.
Lu Ming sat in the rocking chair without any hurry, quietly watching the grandfather and granddaughter.
Only after they had calmed down somewhat did he speak indifferently:
"Now that she has been cured, Dugu, shouldn't you fulfill your promise?"
Before you continue