Dugu Bo's Probe

Chapter 25: Dugu Bo's Test

Long Chen knew that Dugu Bo possessed immense pride and a suspicious nature.

Therefore, when facing him, Long Chen deliberately restrained the immaturity and fear expected of a youth, presenting himself as neither servile nor overbearing.

Seeing this, a flicker of surprise crossed Dugu Bo's eyes.

"Yanyan, you and Yu Tianheng, step aside for a moment. I have a few words to say to this kid."

"Grandpa, you won't make things difficult for him, will you?"

"You silly child, why would I make things difficult for him? I just want to have a chat."

"Alright."

Dugu Yan nodded at Long Chen.

Then, she left with Yu Tianheng.

At this point, only Dugu Bo and Long Chen remained.

Dugu Bo said coldly:

"Kid, you and Yanyan are not related by blood or acquaintance. Why did you detoxify her?"

"What? Do you think I have some ulterior motive?"

Long Chen smiled faintly and continued:

"To be honest, Ye Lingling, who just obtained her Third Soul Ring, is someone I consider family. When I was Six Years Old, I sent Lingling to the Royal Academy and met Dugu Yan, entrusting her to look after Lingling. Later, when I saw Dugu Yan again, I noticed signs of her being poisoned. I also went to the Royal Academy later and became her teammate. Developing a Detoxification Pill for her was simply to thank her for taking care of Lingling."

Dugu Bo was half-believing, half-doubting Long Chen's words and asked:

"Then, regarding the poison on Yanyan, what percentage of certainty do you have that you can cure it?"

Long Chen smiled slightly, his gaze revealing confidence and composure:

"Senior, the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison on Dugu Yan was present from birth. Over the years, some of the toxins have already infiltrated her bone marrow. However, it is not incurable. Unfortunately, even the cleverest cook cannot cook without ingredients. I have been searching for a special medicinal herb."

"What herb?"

"Narcissus Jade Skin Bone."

"Narcissus Jade Skin Bone?"

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's eyebrows twitched, and his interest was immediately piqued.

"What does the Narcissus Jade Skin Bone you mentioned look like?"

"That is a white, crystalline flower and grass, appearing as pure and untainted as a blue lotus and white root."

"White, crystalline flower and grass."

Dugu Bo pondered for a moment, seemingly recalling something.

"With Narcissus Jade Skin Bone, we can cure Yanyan's Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison?"

"Of course. Dugu Yan is still young, and her poisoning is not deep. By using that herb to concoct other herbs, we can control the poison in her body from deepening further. However, that herb cannot cure the poison in you."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's expression changed, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"What a bold kid, daring to claim I'm poisoned! I am the Poison Douluo, the ancestor of poison! Only others have ever been poisoned by me; even poison Soul Masters are no match for me. How could I possibly be poisoned?!"

"Is that so? You've suffered a backlash from your own poison without even realizing it. Compared to Dugu Yan, the signs of your poisoning are even more apparent and more dangerous."

"You kid are truly arrogant! However, I'd like to hear why you believe I'm poisoned, and how you know my condition is worse than Yanyan's?"

Long Chen's gaze met Dugu Bo's directly, and he replied with utmost seriousness:

"If I'm not mistaken, whenever it's overcast or raining, you experience itching and numbness in your sides, which gradually intensifies. This condition flares up once at Noon and once at Midnight, each lasting for over an hour. Around the Third Watch each night, you feel needle-like stinging pain on the top of your head and in your chest, accompanied by whole body spasms, lasting at least half an hour. Furthermore, your poison has already seeped into your bone marrow; even powerful Soul Power is difficult to suppress."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo was greatly shocked.

"How... how do you know?"

Long Chen's description was incredibly detailed, as if he had personally witnessed Dugu Bo being poisoned.

This was unbearable for Dugu Bo.

This was his secret, his greatest weakness. Once discovered by an enemy, it would bring him fatal danger.

Yet, this thirteen or fourteen-year-old youth before him understood it so clearly.

A killing intent immediately arose in Dugu Bo's heart.

If Long Chen hadn't concocted a Detoxification Pill for Dugu Yan, he would have killed Long Chen without hesitation.

Long Chen also sensed the killing intent emanating from Dugu Bo. His Soul Power uncontrollably overflowed, and a faint black light enveloped him, like an invisible protective barrier, keeping him securely within.

Seeing this, Dugu Bo was startled again. He finally collected himself and restrained his killing intent.

"Kid, were you trying to resist me just now?"

"It was merely a response to your probing. With your strength, killing me would be instantaneous, wouldn't it?"

"Haha, you've got guts, kid. However, for a child of thirteen or fourteen, you're far too seasoned. Among Soul Masters of your age, you're the strongest I've ever encountered. I'm a bit curious, what is your Martial Soul? What level is your Soul Power?"

Compared to his earlier murderous aura, Dugu Bo had clearly relaxed considerably.

Long Chen also relaxed and replied:

"My martial soul is the Dark Night Demonic Lute, and my soul power is level thirty-nine."

"Dark Night Demonic Lute, an Evil Attribute Mutated Martial Soul? No wonder."

Dugu Bo muttered to himself, his gaze lingering on Long Chen for a moment.

"To reach level thirty-nine at such a young age, you truly have extraordinary talent, much stronger than Yu Tianheng and Yanyan. You seem to know a lot about my poisoning. So, can you cure the poison in me?"

"As I said before, even the cleverest cook cannot cook without ingredients. I need to find those extremely rare medicinal herbs first."

"What if you had those medicinal herbs?"

Long Chen said confidently:

"If those medicinal herbs truly exist, I have a hundred percent certainty of controlling the poison in Dugu Yan. However, the poison in your body has already seeped into your bones. I can detoxify a portion of it for you, alleviating your pain. Then, through other methods, I can detoxify you completely. According to my plan, once your poisoning symptoms lessen, you won't need to constantly circulate soul power to suppress the poison. You can continue cultivating, and your soul power will also improve."

Hearing this, Dugu Bo's heart wavered slightly.

Not only could he detoxify, but he could also improve his soul power. Long Chen's plan was too tempting.

However, how could Dugu Bo easily believe the words of a thirteen or fourteen-year-old youth?

Just as he was contemplating, he suddenly heard sounds from around them.

It turned out to be Qin Ming and his group.

Ye Lingling had finished absorbing her soul ring. Seeing that Long Chen, Dugu Yan, and Yu Tianheng had not returned yet, she followed the trail Long Chen had left to find them.

Long Chen said:

"Senior, Lingling should have finished absorbing her soul ring. I should go and reunite with them now."

"Wait, you already know my poisoning secret. How can I let you leave so easily?"

"Don't worry, senior. I will definitely keep my mouth shut."

Dugu Bo shook his head.

"In my life, I never easily trust anyone. How about this, I'll take you to my Medicine Garden. There are many rare medicinal herbs there. I'll give you a chance to try and see if you can cure my poison."

"Okay. But I need to say goodbye to them first."

Dugu Bo nodded, then called out:

"Yanyan, you can come over now."