An Important Step

Long Chen knew that Dugu Yan had been immersed in the Green Lined Serpent Poison since she was in her mother's womb.

When the poison acted up, it would cause her extreme discomfort, and she had been relying on her tenacious willpower to endure the gradually increasing pain.

While Long Chen was studying at Guang'an Hall, he specifically asked Manager Wang how to counteract the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison and specially developed a Detoxification Pill.

Dugu Yan took the pill, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

"Long Chen, I didn't expect you to actually understand medical skills. But how did you know I was poisoned?"

Long Chen replied with a serious expression:

"I've seen you a few times in these five years. From the first time I saw you until now, I noticed a gradual change in the color of your pupils. The green has become deeper and deeper. Others might not know, but I know this is a sign of the Green Lined Serpent Poison backlashing while you were cultivating."

Dugu Yan nodded.

"You're correct, I have indeed suffered a backlash from the Green Lined Serpent Poison."

"I truly admire you. You have strong willpower. If you hadn't suffered the poison backlash, with your talent and effort, your current Soul Power would definitely be above mine. It's hard to imagine the kind of pain you've endured all these years to get to this point."

Long Chen's words were like a warm current flowing through Dugu Yan's cold heart.

Dugu Yan had a profound background, powerful Soul Power among her peers, and rare Poison Control Ability, all of which kept her at the top of the pyramid.

Her life for the past decade had been almost smooth sailing, except for the poison that plagued her.

For her, the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison was a double-edged sword, granting her a Poison Ability that made opponents fear her, but also gradually leading her to a path of no return.

Becoming a true powerhouse was the dream of every Soul Master.

The always competitive Dugu Yan was no exception.

Therefore, even knowing she would suffer the poison backlash, she did not deliberately slow down her cultivation.

In the years since entering Heaven Dou Royal Academy, she appeared very glorious on the surface, being the Big Sister among the students.

But the pain she endured was known only to herself.

Long Chen's words were sincere, making Dugu Yan feel warm inside, as if she had received the care and recognition of a relative.

Her eye sockets became a little moist, and for a moment, she couldn't speak.

Ye Lingling gently nudged her.

"Sister Yan, I only realized now that you've been enduring the pain of your own poison backlash all this time."

Dugu Yan calmed her emotions.

"The poison in my body has been there since I was in my mother's womb. To solve this problem, my Grandpa has been researching medicine all these years and has come up with some methods. Before, I relied on the Detoxification Pill my Grandpa developed for me to alleviate the pain. But as my Soul Power increased, the poison seemed to become more ferocious, and the effect of those Detoxification Pills became increasingly limited."

Dugu Yan's voice was a little low, revealing a hint of helplessness.

Long Chen said:

"These pills were specially developed by me. While I dare not say they can completely detoxify, they can at least alleviate your pain. Try them first, I hope they will be of some help. If you are willing, we can also study together how to better control or even remove the toxins in your body. I have some experience in medical matters, and perhaps we can find new methods."

Hearing this, a gleam flashed in Dugu Yan's Eyes, but then she hesitated again.

"Long Chen, I know you mean well, but these toxins... even my Grandpa is helpless against them. Do you really think we can find a solution?"

Long Chen smiled slightly, his gaze firm:

"How do we know if we don't try? At least, we shouldn't give up any sliver of hope, right? Some rare medicinal herbs have magical detoxification effects, we just haven't encountered them yet."

Dugu Yan was infected by Long Chen's optimism and persistence, and the corners of her mouth curved into a smile.

"Okay, I believe you. I will try these pills."

The three walked and chatted, and unknowingly arrived at the Girls Dormitory Building.

After seeing Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling upstairs, Long Chen left.

The Detoxification Pill he had just given Dugu Yan had a certain detoxification effect.

However, it could only relieve the pain for a while.

As Dugu Yan's Soul Power Level grew higher, the effect of the Detoxification Pill would weaken.

Today, he had initially gained Dugu Yan's trust, taking an important step.

As they became more familiar with each other, their relationship would deepen.

At that time, it might be possible to meet Dugu Bo, and even enter the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

~~~~~~~

The next day, the seven members of the School Team gathered at the training ground.

Qin Ming's gaze swept over the seven people, then he said:

"Today, we will officially start training together. I have a preliminary understanding of all seven of you, and I know your martial souls and individual Soul Power Levels. However, I don't yet know your specific soul skills and the power of each soul skill. I want to understand further, and also let you become more familiar with each other's soul skills, so that we can conduct targeted training in the future."

The few people looked at each other, all understanding Qin Ming's meaning.

Qin Ming looked at Ye Lingling and continued:

"Ye Lingling, your Nine Heart Begonia martial soul is the most special, so let's start with you. Since all your soul skills are of the same type, you only need to demonstrate once."

"Okay."

Ye Lingling finished speaking, stepped forward, and released her Martial Soul along with two yellow century-level Soul Rings.

Her Martial Soul was a pink Begonia Flower, composed of white and pink petals; the color was vibrant, and the posture of the flower was graceful.

As her First Soul Ring suddenly shone, rays of light resembling white petals were released from the Nine Heart Begonia, slowly descending.

Ye Lingling explained:

"My soul skill is singular; it is a range-based Group Healing. If used during battle, these rays of light fall into the bodies of my companions, allowing exposed wounds to heal rapidly, and it can also treat severe injuries such as fractures. Its healing effect increases along with the growth of my strength, though it is unable to help companions recover soul power or detoxify poisons."

As soon as Ye Lingling finished speaking, Qin Ming and the others broke into enthusiastic applause.

"The Nine Heart Begonia is truly worthy of being the world's number one healing-type Martial Soul. With Lingling here, we have no need to fear, no matter how severe our injuries are."

"More importantly, it is a group skill that can heal multiple people simultaneously."

Everyone cast looks of approval toward Ye Lingling.

Qin Ming nodded, his gaze toward Ye Lingling also carrying a hint of appreciation.

"Ye Lingling's powerful Healing Ability plays a vital and irreplaceable role in a Team Battle. However, as a Support Master, her attack power is relatively weak, which is a common weakness shared by all Support Masters. Therefore, in a Team Battle, you must protect her in the rear."

"Understood."

Next, the Ghost Leopard Soul Master Osler, the Wind Chime Bird Soul Master Yu Feng, and the Black Tortoise Soul Master Shi Mo all demonstrated their respective soul skills and strength to everyone.

Osler possessed agile speed and impressive attack power.

Yu Feng could fly, granting him the advantage of aerial combat, and his attack power was equally impressive.

Shi Mo possessed powerful defense and strength, making him suitable as a meat shield.

Following that, it was Long Chen, Dugu Yan, and Yu Tianheng's turn to demonstrate their respective soul skills to everyone.