Seeing Qi Ling's discomfitured expression, Dugu Bo felt a sense of satisfaction. He then said to Qi Ling, "Kid, don't be upset. There's something good about letting you stay here!"
"Don't think I can't see through you. You're all eyeing these herbs, and you probably want to take them, right? Well, I don't need these things either, so if you need any, feel free to take them!"
"That's more like it!" Qi Ling said with satisfaction. " Xiao San, get to work! Make sure this old man doesn't leave a single needle or thread behind!"
"Okay, big brother!" Tang San smiled. There were so many herbs here; it might really take several months to identify them all.
So, during these few months, Tang San and Qi Ling stayed in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, cultivating and studying the herbs, while Dugu Bo often came to discuss the use of poisons with them.
Thus, half a year had passed since Qi Ling and Tang San arrived at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. During these six months, the relationship between Dugu Bo and the two gradually improved, and eventually, they became as harmonious as old friends despite their age difference.
Moreover, Dugu Bo was, after all, a true Titled Douluo, and he had unique insights into the cultivation of Martial Soul. During this period, Qi Ling and Tang San could be said to have benefited greatly.
During this time, with the help of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Tang San had completely absorbed the two Immortal Herb, and his Soul Power had risen to level thirty-seven.
Although Qi Ling did not consume any Immortal Herb, the vast amount of spiritual energy here allowed his Soul Power Soul Power to increase rapidly, and it has now risen to level thirty-eight.
On that very day, Dugu Bo said to Qi Ling, "Boy, you two have gained quite a bit here, haven't you? Give it to me!"
"Huh? What did you give me?" Qi Ling asked, puzzled.
"What else could it be? Of course, it's my Danzhu! Do you intend to keep it for the rest of your life?" Dugu Bo said irritably.
The reason Qi Ling was able to progress so quickly during this period was largely due to the help of Dugu Bo's elixir! Otherwise, his cultivation progress would not have been able to keep pace with Tang San, who had consumed two Immortal Herb.
"What? Old man, you're willing to let the two of us leave?" Qi Ling asked with a grin.
To everyone's surprise, after Qi Ling asked this question, Dugu Bo said with some emotion, "To be honest, I'm really reluctant to see you two leave! Over the years, you two are the only people who can get along with my temper!"
"But you two are still so young, I can't keep you locked up forever, can I? Tomorrow, I'll bring Yanyan over, you can treat her poison, and then go back."
Having spent so much time together, Qi Ling was also reluctant to part with this somewhat stubborn old man, as was Tang San. For them, Dugu Bo had become both a teacher and a friend.
"That being said, we're still a little reluctant to part ways with you," Qi Ling said with a smile. "How about this, old man, didn't you say before that you would promise us three things, right?"
"Yes, that's true. Have you figured out what it is yet?" Dugu Bo asked.
"We've thought about it carefully, and it seems there's nothing we need you to do. However, our Shrek Academy happens to be short of someone to keep things in check, and I think your title of Titled Douluo is just right. I wonder if you'd be willing to come?" Qi Ling said with a smile.
Dugu Bo was stunned when he heard Qi Ling's words. He could tell that although Qi Ling's tone was still as annoying as ever, he was inviting him to teach at the Shrek Academy.
"No way!" Dugu Bo refused outright. "I'm naturally carefree and hate being restricted. To expect me to be a teacher to a bunch of brats like you would drive me crazy! This is a matter of principle; I can't agree to it."
"Sigh, we didn't even ask you to come and teach. With your teaching skills, I'm worried you'll cause problems for the students!" Qi Ling said. "You're only here on temporary assignment. You can leave if you want; nobody will stop you!"
"I see. If it's just a nominal position, then it's not impossible..." Dugu Bo said hesitantly.
"Right? And I won't let you work for free. Every month, I'll give you... ten Gold Soul Coin, how about that?" Qi Ling said with a smile.
Dugu Bo was furious. He, a Titled Douluo, was only worth ten Gold Soul Coin a month? Even the most ordinary teacher earns more than that each month. It wasn't even enough to buy him a cup of tea.
"I am a Titled Douluo, and you only give me this little bit of money? This is outrageous!" Dugu Bo said angrily.
"Ten isn't enough? Then... then add one more, eleven, how about that? Hey, don't hit me, you're being disrespectful to your elders!"
After some playful banter, Dugu Bo finally agreed to their request. He would become an honorary advisor at the Shrek Academy, but it would be a nominal position; he had no interest in becoming a teacher.
"Yes, that's more like it, old man!" Qi Ling laughed. "Since you're so generous, not wanting any salary, we should give you a return gift!"
"Oh? What is the return gift you gave me?" Dugu Bo asked curiously.
Tang San had already prepared the gift for Dugu Bo; it was the Mother-Child Soul-Chasing Life-Taking Orb, one of the Tang Sect Hidden Weapons. With this, Dugu Bo would have another means of attack.
"And you, kid? The gift you gave me as my older brother can't be worse than your younger brother's, can it?" Dugu Bo said with Qi Ling, seemingly waiting for his gift.
"Hmph, the gift I'm going to give you is something truly grand!" Qi Ling said. "Do you remember the three treatment options I offered you when I treated you?"
"Of course I remember!" Dugu Bo said with a toothache. After all, it was the first time he had ever been cooked, and he would probably never forget it for the rest of his life.
"Hehe, the gift I want to give you is Divine Physician Qi's exclusive treatment plan for your granddaughter!" Qi Ling said with a smile.
"What? You're going to cook Yanyan too?" Dugu Bo exclaimed in shock. Has this kid become addicted to cooking? Why does he cook everyone he sees?
"Don't be silly, old man. Your granddaughter's delicate skin can't compare to your old arms and legs! If you really put her in the pot, she wouldn't last a day!" Qi Ling said.
"So how do you want to treat Yanyan? To be honest, I even think that letting you treat Yanyan is a mistake," Dugu Bo said with concern.
"It's very simple. Old man, your body has been eroded by toxins for many years, and it can be said that your condition is terminal. There is no other way to treat it except for this method," Qi Ling said.
"But Dugu Yan is different. Everything about her is still highly malleable. So as long as we improve her constitution and make her body able to handle these toxins, that's enough! Just like with Xiao San, we need to use these herbs here to give Dugu Yan a complete rebirth!"