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Ning Tianchen smiled faintly and said, "If your soul power reaches Level 94 and the soul bone storing the toxins has already reached its limit, how will you continue to cultivate afterward?"
"Your poison is also corrosive. Sooner or later, the soul bone containing the toxins will be completely corroded. When that happens, the accumulated toxins will burst out all at once—do you think you'll be able to withstand it?"
Ning Tianchen's explanation was simple and easy to understand, and Dugu Bo immediately grasped the seriousness of the situation.
The soul bone in question was located in his head. If the toxins were to explode there, he wouldn't even have a chance to suppress them—he'd be poisoned to death instantly.
"What about the second method?" Dugu Bo asked.
The second method involved using the waters of the Ice and Fire Dual Extreme Eye to cleanse him completely of the toxins, eradicating the problem permanently.
This method was akin to castration. While it would indeed resolve the issue permanently, it would also strip away its original function.
Without his toxic powers, the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor would become like a tiger with its teeth pulled. Even if Dugu Bo's soul power level didn't decline, his strength would plummet drastically.
"Without this strength, how can I protect Yan Yan! This method is absolutely out of the question!" Dugu Bo rejected it outright. "Isn't there still one more method? Tell me quickly."
The final method had been discovered by Ning Tianchen in the treasure vault of the sect.
This method was recorded in an ancient text that had been partially gnawed on by rats.
When Ning Tianchen took out the ancient text, Dugu Bo's heart sank halfway.
Due to the rat damage, there were several torn pages. What if the recorded method was incomplete—how would he detoxify himself then?
"What's this? Is Senior Dugu afraid now?" Ning Tianchen teased with a smile.
Although the pages were damaged, the text within was minimal, mostly consisting of illustrations. The key sections were intact, so it wouldn't affect the outcome.
Dugu Bo pressed further, "Where did the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect find this book? If there's one copy, then there should be another similar one elsewhere."
Ning Tianchen shook his head.
It wasn't that he didn't want to answer—it was just that the sect's records didn't document the origin of the book.
The Seven Treasures Pagoda martial soul didn't require the cultivation of poison techniques, so this ancient text had likely been sitting in the sect's treasure vault for who knows how many years.
When Ning Tianchen found it, the cover of the ancient text had fused together with the books stacked above and below it.
As the book was slowly opened, Dugu Bo finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"The third method involves following the instructions in the book to gather the toxins into an internal core, forming a special poison core. In the future, whenever you need to use the toxins, you can draw them directly from the core."
"This method is ingenious, young man. I'll gladly accept this book. Now tell me, what do you want from me?" Dugu Bo, overjoyed, cradled the ancient text in his arms.
Ning Tianchen sighed helplessly. "Why are you in such a hurry, Senior? Am I wrong to assume that half of your cultivation is condensed into that internal core? If you recklessly introduce the toxins into the core, success would be one thing, but if you fail, have you thought about the consequences?"
Dugu Bo broke into a cold sweat.
No junior had considered this matter as thoroughly as Ning Tianchen.
If he lost the internal core, his strength would instantly weaken by half. Moreover, the damage to his body would be irreparable for life.
"Haha, I was just momentarily excited. Young man, speak your mind first. Of course, I can swear on my martial soul. As long as you help me detoxify, I'll fulfill all the conditions I promised earlier!"
Creating a poison core was no trivial matter. Ning Tianchen retrieved multiple medicinal handbooks from his soul tool.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect wasn't lacking in scholars who studied medicinal herbs, and Ning Tianchen had already consulted them.
"I'll prepare a powerful antidote for you. After taking it, you'll feel weak, but the toxins in your body will be significantly weakened. Don't worry—it won't nullify your poison abilities."
"You must seize the opportunity to gradually channel the toxins into the poison core. Repeat this process ten or so times, and you'll succeed."
Dugu Bo asked, "What herbs do you need?"
"Golden Leaf, Dandelion, Three-Yellow Herb…"
"There are a few herbs I don't have here. You can harvest the ones I do have while I go into town to buy the rest."
Ning Tianchen stopped him. "Wait. I didn't inform anyone when I left. Go to the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect and give this to Uncle Ning. He'll believe your words. You should be able to find these herbs in the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect."
With that, he handed over a Seven Treasures Token to Dugu Bo.
The Seven Treasures Token was the highest-level emblem of the sect, possessed by only a handful of disciples.
Being a special soul tool, the token would shatter upon the death of its holder.
With this gesture, Ning Tianchen not only reassured the sect of his safety but also decided to stay with Dugu Bo for a period of training.
---
Before leaving, Dugu Bo repeatedly warned Ning Tianchen not to approach the unknown immortal herbs.
However, as soon as Dugu Bo was gone, Ning Tianchen eagerly approached one of the immortal herbs.
He took out a medicinal compendium from his soul tool and compared the illustration to confirm the name of the herb.
"Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid."
After some thought, Ning Tianchen decided not to pluck it.
He hadn't yet detoxified Dugu Bo, and demanding payment now might provoke the other party's resentment.
Imagine going out for a while only to return and find your home stolen—how would that feel?
After pondering for a moment, Ning Tianchen found the Fragrant Qiluo Immortal Herb among the cluster of immortal herbs.
Within the pale purple glow emitted by this herb, all external toxins would be neutralized.
Several of the ingredients in the potent antidote Ning Tianchen was preparing for Dugu Bo were themselves poisonous. With this herb, he wouldn't have to worry about being poisoned while handling the ingredients.
Following the book's instructions on how to harvest it, he carefully plucked it and fastened it to his waist.
Next, Ning Tianchen replanted the seeds he had gathered from the immortal herb back into the soil.
---
Dugu Bo moved swiftly and soon arrived at the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect.
Though Ning Fengzhi trusted his judgment, he was still worried about Ning Tianchen's safety.
"Sect Leader, Senior Dugu has arrived," a disciple hurriedly reported.
Assuming Dugu Bo had brought Ning Tianchen back, Ning Fengzhi immediately said, "Invite him to the council hall, and summon the Sword Bone Elder as well."
At the sect's entrance, Chen Xin was already confronting Dugu Bo.
Upon sensing Dugu Bo's presence, Chen Xin appeared almost instantaneously.
"Where's Tianchen?"
Chen Xin held the Seven Kill Sword, his gaze sharp, as if ready to strike down the opponent at any moment.
Dugu Bo was secretly startled. Chen Xin's strength was indeed beyond what he could challenge.
"The young man is perfectly safe. He asked me to convey to you that he'll stay with me for a period of training." Dugu Bo spoke loudly.
"You old poisonous fiend, do you dare to deceive me? Do you think my Seven Kill Sword is dull?"
The killing intent emanating from Chen Xin made Dugu Bo tremble with fear.
Quickly tossing the Seven Treasures Token to him, Dugu Bo, though outwardly defiant, stammered, "This is what he asked me to give you. Now, will you believe my words?"
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