Qian Lingche stood before an area shrouded in dense poisonous mists and miasma, a trace of confusion flashing through his eyes.
He stared ahead. The green poisonous fog was like a heavy curtain, concealing everything beyond it.
Standing beside Qian Lingche with his arms crossed, Guang Ling said, "Xiao Che, looks like we've wandered into Dugu Bo's territory."
At that, Qian Lingche raised an eyebrow and turned to look at Guang Ling. "Dugu Bo?"
Guang Ling nodded. "Mm. This poisonous fog and miasma are probably his handiwork."
Memories of what had happened earlier in Heaven Dou City flashed through Qian Lingche's mind, and his eyes gradually turned cold.
He raised a hand, and a chill burst from him. Blue light spread outward like ripples.
Without its master bolstering it, this poisonous fog couldn't withstand his domain.
Wherever it passed, the fog seemed to freeze in midair. Then, with a crack, it turned into tiny Ice Crystals that shattered and scattered.
The poisonous barrier before them was forcibly shattered. Qian Lingche lowered his hand and turned to Guang Ling. "Let's go, Brother Ling. We'll go in and take a look."
Guang Ling raised his eyebrows, a hint of approval flashing through his eyes. "Oh, Xiao Che, your Angel Domain is getting more and more domineering. Looks like Dugu Bo's in for a headache this time."
Qian Lingche waved a hand helplessly. "He followed Xue Xing last time, so let's call this a lesson."
The moment the two of them stepped into Dugu Bo's garden, a strange fragrance wafted over. It was rich but not overpowering, instead carrying a soothing quality that put the mind at ease.
Qian Lingche and Guang Ling stopped at the same time and looked over. Before them stood a dense array of medicinal herbs and exotic flowers.
"Tsk, tsk. Dugu Bo's garden is pretty interesting." Guang Ling surveyed the surroundings with interest, a hint of amazement flashing through his eyes.
"I don't recognize them, but they look like rare treasures."
Qian Lingche's gaze was drawn to them too. He walked up to a medicinal herb glowing with a faint blue light and examined it carefully.
Judging by its Soul Power fluctuations, it ought to have a decent effect. Unfortunately, he didn't recognize it either. Chrysanthemum Douluo might, though.
But Dugu Bo hadn't actually attacked him, so would it be a bit much to just pluck every last one of these?
As Qian Lingche pondered, a hoarse, wary voice came from a nearby cave. "You two..." The words had barely left his mouth when the voice abruptly cut off.
Dugu Bo's figure slowly emerged from the shadows of the cave.
When he recognized their faces, his pupils shrank, and a flash of apprehension crossed his face.
Guang Ling stood beside Qian Lingche with his arms crossed and a half-smile on his lips.
Though his presence was restrained, the faint pressure he emanated still made Dugu Bo's heart jolt.
He had never met Guang Ling before, but his instincts told him that this man was not someone he could afford to provoke lightly.
When his gaze shifted to Qian Lingche, his expression turned even uglier.
He knew that face all too well. Last time in Heaven Dou City, this very young man had brought people along and beaten him until he was gravely injured.
The shadow of that battle still lingered in his heart. Every time he remembered it, he felt a lingering fear.
Dugu Bo swallowed, his voice tinged with apprehension. "It's you... What business do you have here?"
Qian Lingche replied calmly, "We were just passing by and got curious, so we came in for a look. I didn't know you knew how to enjoy yourself."
Dugu Bo's expression darkened further, but he didn't dare make his tone too forceful. "This is my private property. If you two have no business here, then please..."
Guang Ling narrowed his eyes slightly and looked Dugu Bo over with interest. "Oh? Your own poison's eating you alive, and you haven't got long to live, huh?"
Dugu Bo's expression changed abruptly. He instinctively took a step back, his voice carrying anger he could barely conceal. "You... What nonsense are you spouting?"
Guang Ling chuckled, his tone tinged with mockery. "What, am I wrong? The poison in your body has already seeped into your bones. Even your Martial Soul has started turning against you."
"Tsk, tsk. The mighty Poison Douluo, driven to this state by his own poison. How ironic."
Dugu Bo's face grew even uglier. He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.
But in truth, probably any Titled Douluo could see Dugu Bo's current condition.
Qian Lingche tilted his head slightly and lowered his voice as he asked Guang Ling, "Can he... be cured?"
At that, Guang Ling glanced at Dugu Bo, then leaned close to Qian Lingche's ear and whispered so only the two of them could hear, "He can, but it'll take..."
Qian Lingche nodded and glanced at the medicinal herbs nearby, weighing their value against the cost in his mind.
After a long while, he looked at Dugu Bo and said, "I've heard you have a granddaughter. Your poison has already seeped into your bones. I imagine she'll suffer the same fate in the future, since she has the same Martial Soul as you."
"I'll give you a chance. I want the medicinal herbs in this garden, and you and your granddaughter will join the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall. In exchange, I'll resolve the backlash you're suffering."
Dugu Bo's eyes widened as he stared fixedly at Qian Lingche, his voice trembling slightly. "You... What did you say?"
Qian Lingche remained calm and looked at him evenly. "I have no reason to lie to you."
Dugu Bo's breathing grew ragged. His fists clenched, then relaxed. He was clearly struggling with a difficult decision.
He stared at Qian Lingche, trying to find some flaw in his expression.
But Qian Lingche's gaze remained calm as still water, never wavering.
After a moment, Dugu Bo's voice dropped. "You... What makes you say that? Even I'm powerless against my own poison. How could you possibly have a way?"
Qian Lingche shook his head. "That's my concern. You only have to decide whether to accept or refuse."
Dugu Bo's expression shifted between light and shadow. He looked at Qian Lingche with both doubt and a glimmer of hope he could barely conceal.
After all, this was the first time in many years that anyone had said they could solve his predicament, however faint that hope seemed.
He was already this old. So what if he died? But his granddaughter...
At last, Dugu Bo let out a long sigh, and the complicated emotions in his eyes gradually settled.
He took a long look at Qian Lingche, then slowly raised a hand and gestured for them to come in. His tone held a note of concession. "Help yourself to the herbs."
Seeing this, Qian Lingche knew Dugu Bo had accepted his offer. And with his granddaughter joining the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall too, Dugu Bo would likely work even harder for them from then on.
Guang Ling chuckled beside them. "Oh, Dugu Bo. Looks like you're not stupid after all. Don't worry, you won't be losing out."
Dugu Bo snorted and turned his head away, clearly unwilling to say more.