Dugu Yan took a deep breath and slowly sat cross-legged, holding the snake-type torso bone in both hands. An icy chill seeped into her palms.
She closed her eyes and quietly circulated her Soul Power, beginning to guide the soul bone's power into her body.
Drawn by her Soul Power, the soul bone gradually transformed into a stream of cold energy that flowed through her meridians and spread throughout her body.
As the soul bone fused with her, subtle changes began to take place in Dugu Yan's body.
A faint jade-green glow surfaced across her skin, as though countless tiny snake shadows were slithering beneath it, appearing and disappearing.
Her Martial Soul, the Jade Phosphorous Serpent, manifested on its own at that moment. Its body grew longer and more slender, its scales gleaming with an eerie cold light, as if they contained endless venom that sent chills down one's spine.
After absorbing the soul bone's power, Dugu Yan felt her Soul Power rapidly rising. The toxins within her body also seemed to be drawn by the soul bone's power, gradually gathering around the torso bone.
Yet those toxins seemed to possess minds of their own. They lingered around the torso bone, unwilling to approach it.
Ye Ruilin, who had been watching from the side, frowned slightly at the sight.
He raised a hand, and a mass of golden flame suddenly erupted from his palm.
The flame was blazing and pure, containing ultimate heat, yet he controlled it with perfect precision, ensuring it did not harm Dugu Yan in the slightest.
With a gentle push, he slowly sent the flame into Dugu Yan's body. Like an invisible hand, it guided the toxins lingering throughout her body toward the soul bone.
The power of Ultimate Fire was tyrannical yet precise. Forced by the flames, the toxins inside Dugu Yan's body surged toward the torso bone like a driven swarm of snakes.
However, the torso bone seemed unwilling to accept those toxins. A faint force of resistance emerged, trying to prevent them from entering.
The corners of Ye Ruilin's lips lifted in a cold smile. He muttered softly.
"A mere torso bone's lingering instinct dares resist me?"
Before his words had even faded, the flames in his hand suddenly intensified, and that resistance instantly collapsed beneath Ultimate Fire's assault.
All the toxins rushed into the soul bone like floodwaters bursting through a broken dam.
After absorbing the toxins, dark green patterns gradually appeared across the soul bone's surface, like a coiled venomous snake radiating a heart-palpitating aura.
Once the final trace of toxin had been forced into the soul bone, Dugu Yan's body completely relaxed.
The pallor on her cheeks gradually faded, and her complexion regained its rosy color. She looked utterly refreshed.
Dugu Yan slowly opened her eyes, surprise and disbelief flashing through them.
She could clearly feel that her Martial Soul had not weakened from the transfer of toxins. Instead, it had become even stronger.
What surprised her even more was that after absorbing the toxins, the soul bone had actually produced an entirely new soul skill.
"Grandpa, after absorbing my toxins, this soul bone actually produced a new soul skill!"
Dugu Yan looked at Dugu Bo in delight. Her voice was as crisp as silver bells, and her face was bright with joy.
Dugu Bo had not expected this to yield such an unexpected gain. His green eyes immediately lit up as though he had discovered a priceless treasure.
He said impatiently.
"Quick, try out your new soul skill!"
Ye Ruilin rose with a smile and stepped aside, signaling for Dugu Yan to begin.
Dugu Yan nodded, rose to her feet, and quietly circulated her Soul Power.
The phantom of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent emerged behind her. Its eyes gleamed with an eerie light, as if they could see through everything.
She gave a soft shout, and the soul bone's power erupted at once. Jade-green poisonous mist burst from her body and swiftly spread outward.
Wherever the poisonous mist passed, the air itself seemed to corrode, releasing a sizzling sound that made one's blood run cold.
Dugu Yan stood in the center of the poisonous mist like a queen in command of all things, her eyes brimming with confidence and delight.
"This is the Poison Mist Domain!"
Dugu Yan said happily, unable to hide the excitement in her voice.
Ye Ruilin nodded, a trace of approval flashing through his eyes.
"That's right. I suspect that after absorbing your toxins, this soul bone developed a domain-type soul skill."
"Within this Poison Mist Domain, an enemy's movements will be severely restricted, while they will also suffer continuous venomous corrosion."
"This soul skill not only strengthens your ability to control poison, but also makes your fighting style more flexible."
Dugu Bo stared in stunned amazement before bursting into hearty laughter, his voice filled with relief and pride.
He patted Dugu Yan's shoulder, his eyes full of affection.
"Good! Good! As expected of a lad from the Ye Family, you truly have ability!
"Girl, you can finally return to normal."
At that, his eyes reddened slightly, and his voice choked up.
Dugu Yan immediately sensed Dugu Bo's emotions. Her heart warmed, and she threw herself into his arms, burying her face against his chest. Her voice came out muffled. "Grandpa, thank you."
There was a slight sob in her voice.
Then she lifted her head a little and turned her gaze toward Ye Ruilin. Her expression was complicated, containing both gratitude and a touch of shyness.
She said quietly.
"Thank you too."
After saying that, she swiftly buried her face in Dugu Bo's embrace again, the tips of her ears turning slightly red.
Seeing his granddaughter's embarrassed appearance, Dugu Bo laughed heartily, his laughter brimming with indulgence.
He turned to Ye Ruilin, a sharp gleam flashing through his eyes.
"Ye Family boy, since I'll be staying by your side, my granddaughter naturally has to come along too."
His tone carried an unquestionable resolve.
Ye Ruilin froze. He had not expected Dugu Bo to have Dugu Yan follow him as well.
He clearly remembered that Dugu Yan was Yu Tianheng's fiancée, though at this point, the two of them did not seem to have reached that stage yet.
He asked hesitantly.
"Doesn't she need to study at the Royal Academy?"
Dugu Bo snorted disdainfully, his tone carrying a measure of arrogance. "What nonsense! I only had to live in Sunset Forest year-round before because I needed to suppress the toxins in my body."
"Otherwise, with my abilities, why would I need to send my own granddaughter to Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
Dugu Bo glanced at Ma Hongjun, a meaningful smile flashing through his eyes.
He was no fool. There would definitely be no shortage of benefits from following Ye Ruilin.
This kid had only been by Ye Ruilin's side for a short time, yet his Martial Soul, already a top-tier beast Martial Soul, had still been able to evolve.
If his granddaughter stayed by Ye Ruilin's side, perhaps her Martial Soul could evolve even further.
Whether for his granddaughter's future or to help her win over this kid, this was an excellent opportunity.
Naturally, he would not let such an opportunity slip away easily.
"Boy, just tell me whether you agree or not."
Dugu Bo looked at Ye Ruilin with an expression that said he was ready to shamelessly insist if Ye Ruilin refused.
Ye Ruilin looked at Dugu Bo's manner and felt helpless, but he could only accept.
"Fine, fine. Since you don't mind, Senior, then she can come along as well."
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