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Chen Xin inspected the Seven Treasures Token and, upon sensing Ning Tianchen's steady life force, finally retracted his martial soul.
"You old poisonous fiend, do you have anything else to say?"
Buying medicinal herbs would cost him money, but the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was a wealthy organization—why spend his own money when he could freeload?
"The young man asked me to come and collect some medicinal herbs."
Chen Xin acted swiftly as always. In no time, he packed the herbs into a soul tool and handed them over to Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo didn't harbor any goodwill toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect and ignored Ning Fengzhi's invitation, instead flying off in the direction of Sunset Forest.
With the Seven Treasures Token in hand, Chen Xin could now monitor Ning Tianchen's safety at any time. The worry that had been weighing on his mind finally eased.
As for Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong, they waited in the council hall for a long time, but Dugu Bo never showed up.
---
Back at the Ice and Fire Dual Extreme Eye.
When Dugu Bo returned, he saw Ning Tianchen surrounded by a pale purple glow, grinding medicinal herbs with his hands.
Spotting the immortal herb attached to Ning Tianchen's waist, Dugu Bo was immediately alarmed. "Young man, didn't I tell you not to touch those herbs? Why did you pluck it?"
Though anxious, he didn't dare approach recklessly, fearing the herb might have some unknown effects.
Hearing his voice, Ning Tianchen shot back irritably, "Old man, what are you yelling about? Did you bring back the medicinal herbs or not?"
"Kid, you must've been bewitched! Hurry up and throw away that herb on your waist!" Dugu Bo was growing increasingly frantic.
After witnessing Chen Xin's sharp gaze earlier, he was genuinely afraid that Ning Tianchen might die under his watch. If that happened, he'd be in deep trouble. Facing Chen Xin would mean certain death.
Ning Tianchen rolled his eyes and retorted, "Old man, if you don't believe me, try attacking me with your poison. See if it can harm me even a little."
Upon closer inspection, Dugu Bo didn't see any signs of possession. Tentatively, he asked, "Kid, do you know what this herb does?"
Ning Tianchen beckoned with his hand. "Why don't you try and find out?"
Dugu Bo knew Ning Tianchen wouldn't act without confidence. After some thought, he decided to release a small amount of poison. Even if Ning Tianchen were affected, he could quickly neutralize it.
The Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor martial soul appeared behind him, its forked tongue flickering. A moment later, a faint green poisonous mist spewed from its mouth.
The mist spread rapidly, completely enveloping Ning Tianchen.
Dugu Bo's expression grew grave as he closely monitored the situation within the mist.
However, under the influence of the Aromatic Silk Beauty's domain, no external toxins could cause any harm.
Ning Tianchen hopped in and out of the mist with ease, clearly unaffected.
Dugu Bo was dumbfounded. "You're really unharmed?"
Ning Tianchen stopped joking and spoke seriously. "Old man, this immortal herb is your natural counter. No external toxin can penetrate this pale purple domain. No matter how strong your poison mist is, it won't work."
Dugu Bo: ...
So, his natural counter had been right under his nose all along, and he hadn't even realized it?
"Kid, I must destroy it immediately, or else—"
Ning Tianchen interrupted, "Old man, this herb is called the Aromatic Silk Beauty. Do you think there's only one of these on the entire continent?"
Dugu Bo shook his head.
Ning Tianchen continued, "Exactly. If you destroy it, you'll only waste such a precious herb without solving the root problem. Besides, while it's in my possession, no outsiders can get their hands on it. Are you really worried that I'll use it to defeat you?"
Aside from his poison abilities, Dugu Bo was still a Title Douluo. A single burst of soul power would be enough to reduce Ning Tianchen to dust.
"Fine, if you want it, take it. Without your reminder, I wouldn't have recognized it either. If I encounter others possessing this herb in the future, I'll be more cautious." Dugu Bo didn't feel the need to argue further.
"Old man, didn't you say you didn't recognize any of the herbs below?" Ning Tianchen scratched his head and chuckled.
Dugu Bo waved his hand dismissively. "If I'm satisfied with the method of forming the poison core, then any herbs you recognize down there, you can take. However, in exchange, you must tell me their uses."
"Deal," Ning Tianchen quickly agreed before Dugu Bo could change his mind.
Earlier, he had cross-referenced the immortal herbs with an illustrated compendium—all the herbs below were recorded in it. With that settled, he happily claimed them all.
---
Just as Ning Tianchen finished preparing the potent antidote, Dugu Bo eagerly entered seclusion.
After consuming the antidote, Dugu Bo felt incredibly weak.
This antidote didn't truly detoxify—it merely suppressed most of the toxins within his body.
Focusing his mind, he followed the instructions in the ancient text and attempted to channel the toxins into his internal core.
Meanwhile, Ning Tianchen wasn't idle either. He still needed to prepare the remaining doses of the antidote for Dugu Bo.
About three hours later, Dugu Bo emerged from the wooden cabin looking refreshed and revitalized.
"It's been a long time since I've felt this comfortable. Kid, your method works. I'll fulfill my promise."
Ning Tianchen nodded.
He then placed over a dozen bottles of prepared herbs in front of Dugu Bo.
"Are the subsequent doses of the antidote ready?"
"All of them. The environment here is great—I'll take this opportunity to train properly."
Dugu Bo smiled faintly and casually took a brocade pouch from his chest, tossing it to Ning Tianchen. "This is called the Wishful Treasure Pouch. Unlike ordinary soul tools, though its space isn't large, it can hold living things."
"I noticed these herbs have extraordinary vitality. Storing them in here will help preserve their potency."
Ning Tianchen accepted the pouch and immediately stored it in his soul tool. Then, shaking the ring on his finger, he teased, "Old man, this soul tool ring on my hand has a space of fifty cubic meters."
Dugu Bo was astonished. "Isn't the largest single soul tool only twenty-five cubic meters?"
Ning Tianchen smirked. "That just shows how limited your knowledge is. The major powers all possess soul tools passed down for thousands of years. This one is one of my sect's inherited soul tools. Moreover, all fifty cubic meters can hold living things."
Dugu Bo pouted. "Kid, you're breaking the rules of martial conduct. Hurry up and return that pouch to me."
Ning Tianchen quickly backed away. "Once something's given, there's no taking it back. Old man, hurry up and go back into seclusion. I'll need your help hunting souls in a few days."
"Kid, you're only around Level 35. What kind of soul do you need to hunt?" Dugu Bo chuckled as he picked up the bottles of medicine from the ground.
Once he successfully formed the poison core, he could also teach this method to his granddaughter.
From then on, the Dugu lineage would no longer be plagued by the curse of their martial soul.
Watching Ning Tianchen's retreating figure, Dugu Bo found himself liking the young man more and more—he seemed like a savior sent by the heavens to their family.
After a brief moment of reflection, Dugu Bo set aside his wandering thoughts, turned around, and entered the room to continue his seclusion.
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