The Enthusiastic Old Poison
With a burst of laughter, a figure emerged from the morning mist.
This man was tall and thin, wearing a dark green robe and dark green hair. His face was slightly sinister, but deep in his eyes, he could not hide the eagerness of an old man. Standing there, he gave the impression of a venomous snake eyeing its prey. It was none other than Poison Douluo Dugu Bo!
At this moment, Dugu Bo's face was full of smiles, trying his best to appear kind and approachable, but the smile looked somewhat unnatural, and deep in his eyes there was still the scrutiny of a Titled Douluo and a trace of imperceptible urgency.
"Junior Yan Zu greets Senior Dugu." Yan Zu bowed respectfully. He could sense the restrained yet chilling aura of poison emanating from Dugu Bo, as well as the powerful Soul Power fluctuations befitting Titled Douluo.
But the other party's attitude was clearly much more "enthusiastic" than expected.
"No need for formalities, no need for formalities!" Dugu Bo quickly offered a gesture of support, his gaze sweeping rapidly over Yan Zu, especially when he saw Little Jade on his shoulder, a strange light flashing in his green eyes. "Young friend Yan is indeed a young talent, with extraordinary bearing. I've heard Yanyan mention you before. In Suotuo City, it was thanks to your help that my granddaughter was saved. I will remember this kindness forever!"
His words were sincere, and his posture was very humble, showing none of the airs of Titled Douluo.
Dugu Bo's enthusiasm was somewhat unexpected by Yan Zu, which was quite different from the image of the eccentric and aloof Poison Douluo in the original work.
But upon further reflection, I felt relieved.
Even if Dugu Bo was arrogant, he wouldn't be so ungrateful as to not know what's good for him when faced with the hope of curing his and his granddaughter's incurable illnesses. It's reasonable for him to change his attitude.
After all, when you need someone's help, it's natural to lower your stance, especially since he genuinely cares for Dugu Yan.
Even the slightest hope of detoxification was enough to make him humble himself.
"You flatter me, senior. It was nothing at all," Yan Zu said modestly. "I wonder if Miss Dugu Yan is at home? I have come here at Miss Dugu Yan's invitation to pay my respects, and also to provide follow-up treatment for Dugu Yan. Additionally, I have some matters concerning the treatment of toxins that I would like to discuss with you and Miss Yan."
"Yanyan went out to find that little girl Leng Ling, she'll be back soon," Dugu Bo said with a smile, then changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on Yan Zu, "Young friend, you mentioned something about treating toxins? Could it be—that it concerns my chronic ailment?"
He asked directly, his eyes filled with undisguised anticipation and a hint of nervousness.
Over the years, he has sought out renowned doctors and tried countless methods, even venturing into various poisonous and dangerous places to find something to fight poison with poison, but he has failed to cure the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison that has penetrated deep into his bones and entangled the Martial Soul Origin.
His granddaughter's description gave him unprecedented hope.
Yan Zu nodded solemnly, "To be honest, senior, I do have some special methods and some experience in removing toxins that have penetrated deep into the body. However, we need to diagnose your specific condition before we can make a decision."
"I apologize for my abruptness, young friend, please come in!" Dugu Bo said hastily, personally leading Yan Zu into the mansion. "Let's go inside and discuss this in detail."
Upon arriving at an elegantly furnished living room within Dugu Bo's residence, guests and hosts took their seats. Dugu Bo even personally poured tea for Yan Zu, displaying a warm and attentive attitude.
After they were seated, Yan Zu began to take Dugu Bo's pulse. Thanks to the "Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold" he had obtained from previous check-ins, Yan Zu also had some knowledge of medicine.
After taking the pulse, Yan Zu said, "Then I will not beat around the bush and will speak frankly. Senior, the poisoning is deep, the toxins have penetrated into the meridians and bone marrow, and have almost become one with them. Forcibly removing them is like cutting out flesh and bones. It must be done gradually, slowly peeling away and purifying them. It cannot be rushed."
"We've endured decades already, what's a few more years?" A resolute glint flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes. "As long as this poison can be completely eradicated, I'm willing to wait, no matter how long it takes."
"In addition," Yan Zu paused, looking at Dugu Bo, "The process of detoxification, especially when it goes deep into the source, will put a great burden on the body and may even damage the foundation."
Therefore, it may be necessary to use some extremely precious rare treasures of heaven and earth that can strengthen the foundation and cleanse the Martial Soul to ensure that the poison is removed without damaging the root. Unfortunately, such treasures are extremely rare and hard to come by, and I have none in my collection.
Before he could finish speaking, a glint flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes, and he abruptly stood up. "A rare treasure of heaven and earth? Strengthening the foundation and nourishing the vital energy? Hahahaha!"
It's truly fate! Fate!
He paced excitedly in the hall, then stopped, staring intently at Yan Zu: "Young friend, do you know why I chose to settle in Heaven Dou City, yet live a secluded life?"
Yan Zu's heart skipped a beat, and he had already guessed some of it, but he showed appropriate curiosity on his face. "This junior does not know."
"Because not far Heaven Dou City, deep within the Sunset Forest, lies my villa! There, a wondrous spring, formed by the very fabric of nature, exists, its yin and yang distinct yet coexisting in one place—a true masterpiece of creation! Around the spring, nourished by its energy, countless rare herbs, long extinct in the outside world, have grown! There should be sacred herbs there that can strengthen the body, cleanse the marrow, and purify the spirit!"
Dugu Bo's tone was filled with barely suppressed excitement, "My mastery of poisons is closely related to this place! However, I don't recognize many of the herbs here. If young friend needs such rare items, my herb garden might just come in handy!"
Yan Zu was overjoyed, but remained calm on the surface. "Such a treasure land exists? If it is truly as you say, senior, then the chances of the treatment succeeding can increase by at least 30%!"
"Thirty percent is enough!" Dugu Bo waved his hand. "Let's not delay! If it's convenient for you, young friend, I'll take you to that herb garden right now! Pick whatever herbs you need! As long as it can cure Yanyan, I'll take the entire garden with me without hesitation!"
Dugu Bo's eagerness was exactly what Yan Zu wanted to hear. He immediately nodded, "This junior is willing to accompany you, senior, to take a look."
Dugu Bo acted swiftly, immediately leading Yan Zu out of the city and heading straight for Sunset Forest. They traveled quickly, and after entering the depths of the forest, they walked along a rugged mountain path, finally arriving at the edge of a valley shrouded in a poison array.
The location was secluded, surrounded by a layer of pale green mist. Even from a distance, one could smell a pungent odor that was sweet and fishy with a hint of decay.
The vegetation within the fog was withered and blackened, clearly containing extremely potent poison.
This poison array was the first line of defense that Dugu Bo set up to protect the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Dugu Bo took out a jade bottle from his robes, poured out a dark green pill that emitted a cool medicinal fragrance, and handed it to Yan Zu: "Young friend, that's the Jade Phosphorous Seven Absolutes Poison Barrier I set up ahead. It's extremely poisonous; contact with it will cause immediate collapse. This is Poison-Avoidance Pill I made myself. Hold it under your tongue, and it will keep you safe for an hour."
His tone was solemn, clearly indicating that he had great confidence in the power of this poison array.
After all, this was a concoction he made based on his own Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison, combined with various highly poisonous plants. Even Soul Saint- level expert would be in grave danger if he rashly entered without special means or an antidote.