Who Gets the Immortal Herbs

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. Tang San did not waste a single herb, picking a little each day, mixing a little, and giving some to Dugu Bo to try.

Dugu Bo complained about the trouble, but his actions betrayed him. By the third day, his pain at midnight had lessened; by the fifth day, the look in his eyes when he looked at Tang San was no longer so fierce.

On the morning of the seventh day, Tang San placed several jade boxes on Stone Platform, with Yuan Yu sitting beside him, holding Wine Gourd in his hand. Dugu Bo looked at the jade boxes with a complicated expression.

"Is this all you're taking?"

Tang San nodded. "Every single one of them has had its roots preserved. The environment here is still there, so they can still grow in the future."

He pushed the jade boxes aside one by one.

"The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, for Boss Dai. The White Tiger Martial Soul follows a fierce and powerful path, and this chrysanthemum can strengthen bones and improve health."

"Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, for Oscar. Food System Soul Master cultivate slowly, but the more stable their foundation, the more benefits they will receive later."

"The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, for Fatty. It's very potent, but it can cleanse some of the impurities from his flames."

"Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, for Zhuqing. She's fast and her body is always tense; this herb can replenish her deficiencies."

"The Aromatic Silk Beauty is for Rongrong. If there's a chance to break through the limits of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, this one is the most suitable."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's brow twitched. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has broken its limits?"

Tang San said, "I can't guarantee it, but the chances are very high."

Dugu Bo looked at the jade box with a newfound weight in his eyes. If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect knew the effects of this herb, they would probably be willing to pay an astronomical price, but Tang San simply added it to the list of Shrek Academy companions.

Finally, Tang San pointed to a separately sealed jade box.

"The Lovesick Heartbreak Red, a symbol of heartbreak, is for Xiao Wu. But I won't eat this one; I'll just keep it with me."

Dugu Bo asked, "Why?"

Tang San didn't elaborate. "It recognizes people. Xiao Wu is suitable."

Yuan Yu took a sip of wine but didn't interrupt. Dugu Bo glanced at the two of them, able to sense the unspoken message, but one remained silent while the other pretended not to hear.

Dugu Bo himself had things he didn't want to talk about, so he didn't pursue the matter further, only letting out a cold snort, "How would I know you didn't get the best?"

Yuan Yu laughed and said, "Senior, the two best plants have already been eaten by Xiao San."

Tang San looked at him, Yuan Yu raised his hand. "I'll tell the truth."

Dugu Bo's face darkened. Tang San pushed one of the small bottles over.

"This is for Dugu Yan. The medicine is mild and won't cure her immediately, but it can stabilize the backlash. I've written down the instructions on the paper."

Dugu Bo paused for a moment. He took the small bottle without saying thank you, but Yuan Yu noticed that he put it away very carefully.

Tang San then took out another prescription.

"Your own medicine is here too. I will adjust it again in seven days."

Dugu Bo looked at him. "Aren't you afraid that I'll take the medicine and then turn my back on you?"

Tang San said, "Senior wouldn't risk Dugu Yan's life."

Dugu Bo stared at Tang San for a long time, then suddenly laughed.

"Kid, you're just as bold as Yuan Yu."

Yuan Yu said, "Senior, don't compare me to everyone."

Dugu Bo looked at him. "And you?"

"I?"

"You spent seven days in the Medicine Garden, only using the spring to cultivate, without picking Immortal Herb. I don't believe you weren't tempted."

Yuan Yu patted the Sun Wheel Blade: "Tempted? But my assessment clearly states that I will not steal others' opportunities or damage their medicinal roots."

He said it quite frankly, "I want a lot of things, but if I take what I shouldn't, the knife won't recognize me."

Tang San looked at him and could tell that Yuan Yu wasn't joking. Dugu Bo could tell too. He had lived for so long and had seen too many people call greed "opportunity." Yuan Yu admitted to being greedy, yet he was able to stop, which made it impossible for anyone to find fault with him.

Dugu Bo squinted. "Divine Trial?"

Yuan Yu smiled but did not answer, and Dugu Bo did not press the matter. The two Titled Douluo from the Spirit Hall were still lurking in the shadows, and he did not want to invite trouble; moreover, anything that could enable a twelve-year-old boy to reach level fifty-seven was definitely not simple.

Dugu Bo had an eccentric temper, but he wasn't stupid. Asking out some secrets might not be a good thing. He only needed to make sure that the two teenagers wouldn't destroy the Medicine Garden or harm Dugu Yan for the time being, and that was enough for him.

He turned to look at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well: "You leveled up by borrowing the spring?"

Yuan Yu nodded. "Level 57."

"No Sixth Spirit Ring?"

"No. It will be available after level 60."

Dugu Bo took a deep breath. Twelve years old, level fifty-seven, and still complaining about being slow? If this were to reach the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, most of the students who were touted as geniuses would likely fall silent.

Dugu Bo also had to reassess his importance. He stood up and said, "Seven days ago, I said I wanted to see a move from you."

Yuan Yu put down the Wine Gourd: "Senior really holds a grudge."

"I was just curious."

Dugu Bo raised his hand, and the phantom of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor appeared behind him, pressing down with the aura of Titled Douluo. Tang San immediately retreated to the edge of the Herb Garden, while Yuan Yu stood in Stone Platform, his five Spirit Ring rising, and the Rosy Cloud Pattern on his blade shining brightly.

Dugu Bo said, "Three moves. If you can make me take half a step back, I won't ask any more questions about these herbs."

Yuan Yu blinked. "Take a step back? Senior, aren't you overestimating me?"

"Less poverty."

The poisonous gas spread out. With his first move, Dugu Bo flicked his sleeve, and the emerald green poisonous mist transformed into a snake-like shadow, rushing straight at Yuan Yu. Yuan Yu's Wind Pattern lit up, and he took a slanted step.

"Wind Breathing - Second Form".

"Claw Claw · Science House Wind".

The blade sliced through the poisonous mist, but failed to cut through the snake shadow. The snake shadow circled behind him, and Yuan Yu's Thunder Pattern flashed as he turned and shifted three zhang to the side.

The second move: Dugu Bo pressed down with green light from his palm, and the Yuan Yu Rock Pattern shone brightly.

"Stone Breathing - First Form"

"Serpent-Pattern Rock Dual Extremes"

The Stone Platform shook, and fine cracks appeared beneath Yuan Yu's feet, but he refused to retreat.

With his third move, Dugu Bo's eyes became more serious. The poisonous mist suddenly narrowed into a single line, aiming straight for Yuan Yu's brow. This attack was extremely fast. Tang San's fingers twitched, but he did not make a move.

Yuan Yu closed his eyes briefly, and the Rosy Cloud Pattern spread out.

"Mist Breathing - First Form"

"Sky-Hanging Distant Rosy Clouds."

The pale light of the blade dodged the poison line and instead slashed at the source of the poisonous gas beneath Dugu Bo's feet. The poison line deviated by half an inch, Yuan Yu used the Wind Pattern to close the distance, his scabbard pointing towards Dugu Bo's sleeve.

Dugu Bo raised his foot.

Half a step.

He withdrew.

The Valley was quiet for a moment. Dugu Bo looked down at the faint mark on his cuff.

"Good."

Tang San breathed a sigh of relief.

Yuan Yu sheathed his sword and smiled, "Senior, you flatter me."

Dugu Bo snorted, "Did I give way to you?"

"If you say so, then so be it."

Dugu Bo, too lazy to argue with him, looked at the jade box in Tang San's hand. "Take it. If you want to come again, inform me first."

Yuan Yu picked up the Wine Gourd: "Don't worry, senior, I'll bring wine next time."

Dugu Bo waved his hand. "Get lost."

Tang San bowed respectfully. "Senior, I will send the second dose of medicine in seven days."

Dugu Bo turned his back. "Don't die on the way."

As the two left the Medicine Garden, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was still churning behind them. Yuan Yu glanced back; the Rosy Cloud Pattern on the surface were barely visible.

He will come back to this place again.