"No, not exactly. It's just that Eriyi suddenly lost her ability to speak, and the whole family is worried."
"..."
"You scared me." Moses looked exasperated. "Da Bao, seems like you've been slacking off these years. After all this time, you still can't speak human language clearly."
Crow Dabao's avian eyes were full of disdain. "Crows aren't humans, you know. Being this fluent already means I've put in a lot of effort!"
"Whatever, forget it. I'll ask them myself later. For now, take everyone to the lounge on the top floor."
At this point, Garp frowned and waited for Moses to finish before asking:
"Who's Eriyi?"
"My sister. Your granddaughter."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"Tch!"
Garp clicked his tongue in annoyance. Seeing that Moses wasn't going to elaborate, he didn't bother pressing further, though he couldn't help but feel curious about this so-called sister he'd never met.
Just then, Yamato and the others approached, while Bogart finished arranging matters on the ship and came over with Kuzan.
Space ripples shimmered across Crow Dabao's body, and everyone shrank before being sucked inside. Their vision shifted, revealing a massive lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the outside world.
Everyone was astonished by the layout. The lounge was enormous, featuring a dining area, a wine rack, a refrigerator, a swimming pool, a billiards table, and various training equipment.
Moses glanced around but saw no one else—only Crow Xiao Niu and a few of Crow Dabao's offspring.
He turned to Crow Dabao, who had just descended from the ceiling and landed on his shoulder:
"Where is everyone? Are they not here?"
"Peipei, Robin, and Chopper are training at the Great Vine. The doc and Eriyi are in the lab."
Moses nodded in understanding, then handed the East Blue navigational chart to Bear Cub.
"Bear Cub, take care of Grandpa and the others."
Then, to Crow Dabao: "Send me to the lab."
The floor rippled, and Moses sank into the ground, vanishing without a trace.
Garp marveled at the lounge's design—this was his first time visiting this floor. He plopped down onto a pristine white sofa made of Island Cloud material, finding it soft and incredibly comfortable.
As he looked around, he noticed the scenery outside changing—they were now ascending into the sky.
Meanwhile, Yamato and the others followed Bear Cub on a tour of the floor's layout, preparing snacks, nuts, tea, and drinks along the way.
Lab.
Moses emerged from ripples in the ceiling and dropped down.
His eyes immediately landed on Eriyi, who was sitting daintily on the operating table, watching Kureha conduct experiments with curiosity.
At the same time, the little girl spotted Moses.
Eriyi's eyes lit up, her lips moving "soundlessly" as an incomprehensible language spilled forth. Simultaneously, Moses could clearly sense a vast "domain" descending upon the lab.
An invisible force pulsed around them, carrying an unfamiliar frequency that rippled against Moses' body. A terrifying sensation—as if life itself could be severed at any moment—lingered in the air.
No, perhaps it was something even more profound—a conceptual force known as "severance."
At that moment, Kureha reacted like a startled cat, her eyes wide as she snapped in frustration:
"Stinky girl, quickly take back that weird power of yours, it's making my hair stand on end."
Eriyi was scolded, her eyes suddenly reddening as she lowered her head pitifully, but the strange field also retracted back into her body.
Moses walked over helplessly and rubbed her head gently, as if petting a small kitten.
Eriyi grabbed Moses' shirt with both hands, pressing her forehead against his chest, radiating deep dependence.
With one hand stroking her head and the other around her back, Moses chuckled softly:
"Don't be afraid, Doctorine wasn't really scolding you. She was just startled."
Eriyi looked up at Moses, her deep rose-red eyes filled with hesitation and worry.
Moses nodded at her in confirmation, and Eriyi cautiously glanced at Kureha. Seeing this, the latter sighed helplessly and nodded with exasperation.
Only then did Eriyi let out a soft sigh of relief, then wrapped her flawless white arms tightly around Moses' back, burying her face in his chest.
Moses then looked at Kureha, eyeing her up and down before saying with a smile:
"Earlier, Da Bao said the house was in chaos. I thought you were hurt."
Kureha scoffed and laughed angrily:
"My body's fine, but my heart got quite a scare."
"This girl suddenly developed a high fever half a month ago, and then that Lineage Factor from the dragon blood became unusually active, eroding her human bloodline and becoming very unstable.
Soon after, that eerie, spine-chilling power appeared, and at the same time, her speech became incomprehensible. Fortunately, she could still control the power instinctively.
After a few days, I extracted a serum from Chopper's Human-Human Fruit Lineage Factor to create a neutralizing medicine, temporarily stabilizing the erosion of her bloodline. But it's only a temporary fix—Chopper's Lineage Factor has been losing effectiveness these days. Since you're back, did you find the dinosaur eggs? Let me see if they're useful."
"I found quite a few, but Bear Cub has them all."
As he spoke, Moses turned to Crow Dabao perched on a nearby coat rack. "Da Bao, go get Bear Cub down."
Crow Dabao took off and vanished into the ceiling.
Holding Eriyi, Moses sensed the erratic fluctuations in her breathing rhythm. Before long, he detected the chaotic, violent tremors in her aura.
Extremely disordered.
All things in existence have their own intrinsic frequency fluctuations, and they usually remain in a highly stable state.
But the frequency Eriyi was emitting now was like a turbulent underwater current—utterly unstable.
This was because she was a hybrid, and the purity of her dragon blood was exceptionally high. If the dragon blood weren't so pure, it wouldn't be a problem. But now, the extreme instability stemmed from the mutual erosion between her dragon and human bloodlines, with the human side at a severe disadvantage, preventing the two from achieving harmony.
In more mystical terms, her "qi" was in disarray. If left unchecked, it could eventually prove fatal.
And this chaotic fluctuation of breath frequency was the root cause of Eriyi's unstable bloodline.
However.
At this moment, Moses curiously sensed the disordered frequency fluctuations emanating from Eriyi. Amidst the chaos, there was an eerie sense of balance.
With the rise and fall of breath, he entered the State of Oneness.
The frequency fluctuations of Moses' breath began to change, mimicking and disguising itself to match Eriyi's.
Eriyi knew the Breathing Technique.
Taught by Moses himself.
This provided an excellent entry point now.
Moreover, Eriyi placed complete trust and reliance in him.
Moses' breath frequency aligned with Eriyi's, and with each breath, he gently guided her rhythm to slowly synchronize with his.
Gradually, their breaths became one, and the frequency fluctuations they emitted unified in harmony.
Qi Circulation Throughout the Body, Spirit-Flesh Convergence.
Moses gradually felt as if he had merged with Eriyi, experiencing the same sensation as when he fused with Bear Cub.
Their physical and Spirit Bodies breathed as one.
Moses sensed a curious consciousness interacting with his own. Their spiritual connection miraculously brought them into a state of telepathy.
"Brother? Is that you?"
"It's me."
"You can hear me now?"
"Yes. Our current state is quite extraordinary. Let's not dwell on it—just follow my lead."
"Mhm, Eriyi understands."
This telepathic exchange excited not only Eriyi but also Moses, who found it a novel and entirely new experience.
Mind-reading?
No, not quite—more like a mental link.
"Body of All Things."
At this moment, the fundamental frequency fluctuations representing their essences intertwined. Moses held nothing back, and as their breaths rose and fell, the properties of the Body of All Things took effect simultaneously on both of them.
Moses detected a unique frequency fluctuation emerging within him—one characteristic of dragons. Yet, under the influence of the Body of All Things, it was as if a perfect vessel had formed. This draconic frequency flowed, interacted, and cycled effortlessly within them, subtly strengthening the very foundation of their beings.
Moses savored this peculiar sensation with keen interest—the distinct draconic frequency acting upon them.
He observed it meticulously.
Mysterious, unknown, and utterly alluring.
Thanks to the Body of All Things, his comprehension soared beyond limits.
The innate draconic frequency from their bloodline was carefully imprinted in Moses' mind as he analyzed its underlying principles.
"It feels so good, brother. That constant discomfort in my body seems to have vanished."
"How did you do it? You're amazing. Even Doctorine couldn't achieve this."
"Don't let her hear you say that—she cares for you deeply."
"Mhm, Eriyi understands."
"It's one of my abilities, though I didn't expect it to work for your condition. Still, this is good. From now on, train diligently with me. Perhaps one day, once you've mastered it, you can completely resolve this issue."
"Mhm, Eriyi will study hard."
"Then why are you still talking? Shouldn't you be focusing on memorizing the workings of this Breathing Technique?"
"Ah? Oh."
A sense of grievance wafted from the Spirit Body, and Moses could only helplessly reassure:
"I'm not scolding you."
"Really?"
"Mhm."
The two stopped "talking." Moses continued to contemplate the unique frequency fluctuations of the dragonkin, while Eriyi immersed herself in learning the shared rhythm of their Breath.
This state of fusion with Moses filled her with deep attachment—a feeling of being securely protected.
Unconsciously, the two embraced and slipped into a profound meditative state.
Unyielding to external distractions.
After examining the dinosaur egg Bear Cub had brought back, Kureha glanced at the still-entwined pair, her eye twitching violently.
Here I am, slaving away for you two, while you're comfortably hugging each other.
Her lips spasmed as she glared at them, flames practically dancing in her eyes. But then, she suddenly noticed the state they were in.
"Meditation?" Her expression turned odd as she muttered, "Meditating while hugging? And deep meditation at that?"
"Not to mention their auras are intertwined—no, it's more like they've merged into one."
"Did that little bastard Moses come up with something interesting again? I'm kind of curious. And that violent, dismembering aura around Eriyi is gone too."
"Guess I'll have to interrogate them properly later. Might as well give Eriyi a thorough check-up while I'm at it."
"And Moses, you two—did you raid a dinosaur nest or something?"
She eyed the hundred-plus eggs neatly arranged in the lab. They didn't need this many. Whatever, she'd fry a few later for a meal.
At least it'd replenish some of her energy.
She'd been worked to the bone lately.
These brats never gave her a moment's peace.
Three hours passed in a blink.
The chaotic, disordered frequency fluctuations in Eriyi's body had been smoothed and integrated by Moses through their connection.
They had stabilized.
By now, his comprehension of the dragonkin's intrinsic frequency fluctuations had also concluded. He had gained insights, but more effort was needed.
Still, he had crossed the threshold.
Moses opened his eyes.
Exhaling deeply, he noticed a gaze on him. Looking down, he met Eriyi's deep rose-red eyes, shimmering with joy.
Amused, he ruffled her hair.
Eriyi parted her lips, staring intently at Moses, and uttered a soft, sweet, yet slightly stuttering voice: "G-gege!"
Moses blinked at her.
Eriyi tilted her head, puzzled, and continued, "Wh-what? G-gege?"
Oh no. The kid's developed a stutter.
Moses turned to Kureha and blinked at her. "Eriyi's stuttering."
"I'm not deaf. Lay her down flat—I'll give her a full check-up," Kureha snapped.
Grabbing her equipment, she first brought over a syringe to draw blood.
As the needle pierced the artery in Eriyi's elbow, the girl flinched in fear, her other hand clutching Moses' sleeve pitifully.
"H-hurts," she whimpered.
Moses smiled helplessly, "It's supposed to hurt, but bear with it. This is necessary."
Eriyi: "Okay."
After drawing blood, Moses helped her press a cotton swab against the tiny needle mark.
Kureha began conducting a series of tests and then asked Moses:
"Explain how you did what you did earlier."
"Well, that's a long story."
Kureha shot Moses a sideways glance: "Make it short."
"Alright, here's what happened."
Moses proceeded to explain the application of the Breathing Technique and the Body of All Things in a way she could understand.
After a long while, Moses finished speaking, and Kureha also completed her tests.
Looking at the data in her hands, Kureha said with some surprise, "The degree of lineage erosion in this girl has slightly decreased, and both Lineage Factors have stabilized considerably. It seems to be because of you, but it's still a bit strange."
Kureha frowned in thought:
"Come here and give me a tube of your blood too. I'll test it. According to your explanation, your Body of All Things should gradually alter your Lineage Factor, transforming you toward some special racial traits.
Your current Lineage Factor must already possess an extremely high level of compatibility. It can perfectly accommodate that volatile dragon blood."
"Your Lineage Factor extract, combined with some dinosaur egg serum, might even be more useful for Eriyi than Chopper's Lineage Factor.
Hmm, dinosaur eggs should help. If that doesn't work, we can always look for a Millennium Dragon or a Zoan-Type Dragon Fruit user."
"Fine."
Moses extended his arm.
Kureha swiftly drew a full syringe of blood and immediately began testing.
Seeing that Moses had also given blood, Eriyi clumsily imitated his method, pressing a cotton swab for him.
Moses smiled and ruffled her smooth, dark red hair.
Next, Moses was given a full-body checkup as well.
After another long while.
Kureha walked over and handed him a test report. Moses took it and saw, as expected, that his Lineage Factor now exhibited an extraordinarily high level of compatibility.
"The results are in, and as you can see, they match my hypothesis exactly. We now have a solid solution for Eriyi's bodily erosion issue.
From now on, she'll take the suppressant medicine I prepare daily, and you'll teach her to train in your Body of All Things. Eventually, she'll be able to fully resolve her lineage problem."
Kureha finally let out a sigh of relief. She had been quite worried about Eriyi's condition lately.
"You'll need to come in regularly to donate blood from now on. Your current Lineage Factor is practically a treasure trove—I can use it for many research materials."
Kureha gave Moses a sidelong glance, her tone leaving no room for refusal.
Moses wore a bitter smile. Turns out, he had become her personal lab rat.
But Moses didn't mind too much, since all of Kureha's research results were ultimately shared with him.
"Also, now that you're back, take this girl with you. Don't expect me to raise her for you."
Moses looked at Eriyi, who was staring at him expectantly, and nodded helplessly.
Seeing that Eriyi's situation had taken a positive turn, Moses said:
"Doctorine, my grandfather and the others are here. They're on the top floor now. Would you like to see them?"
Kureha's expression froze as she stared at Moses with a twitching eye, then sighed helplessly and turned to Crow Dabao, who was still in the laboratory:
"Go bring Grandpa Moses over. There are some things we need to explain in advance."
Crow Dabao: "Got it. They're currently at the big clock tower outside. I'll go fetch him."
Moses also understood Kureha's reasoning. Reversing aging was no trivial matter, and it was better to explain things to Garp face-to-face before too many prying eyes got involved.
A few minutes later,
Spatial ripples appeared on the ceiling, and Garp's figure descended from above.
After landing, his eyes immediately fell on Moses and two little girls—one big, one small. Scanning the room, he didn't spot Kureha.
"Moses, where's that Dory woman?"
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