When Dugu Bo returned, he found Oscar earnestly teaching Dugu Yan about immortal grade herbs. His intent was not only to help her understand their power and rarity but also to win over Dugu Bo's favor. Oscar knew better than to directly try to charm the old man he figured that making Dugu Yan happy and knowledgeable would naturally ease Dugu Bo's attitude toward him.
However, when Dugu Bo saw how close Oscar and Dugu Yan had become, the satisfaction he initially felt quickly faded. It wasn't that he opposed the relationship; he simply thought they were moving too fast. A few days of acquaintance, and they're already hugging?
Still, he didn't make a fuss. He handed Dugu Yan a right arm soul bone from a Bone Eating Venomous Python and instructed her to absorb it.
Dugu Yan didn't press him about the origin of the soul bone, sensing that he was holding something back likely to avoid worrying her. Understanding this, she took the soul bone into a separate stone room and began her absorption process.
Her excitement wasn't just about the soul bone's power. More importantly, it meant her poison could finally be cured. The soul bone's value was immense, but to Dugu Yan, the ability to detoxify herself was even more priceless.
Still, she couldn't help but be overjoyed at acquiring a soul bone that had existed for over twenty thousand years. Even as the granddaughter of a Titled Douluo, she was well aware of its significance. She even suspected that Dugu Bo must've endured great pressure to obtain it, which explained his reluctance to explain its origin.
As Dugu Yan absorbed the soul bone, Dugu Bo remained by her side, acting as a protector. Though the process was straightforward, he didn't dare risk something going wrong during her first absorption.
Oscar, meanwhile, didn't waste time idly waiting. While Dugu Yan cultivated, he entered the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to continue refining the medicinal energy of the two immortal herbs in his body.
Half a day passed.
After finishing his training, Oscar returned to the stone house and began preparing a meal. Thanks to Shao Xin's culinary training, Oscar's cooking was now quite respectable nothing gourmet, but certainly tasty.
Although Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were still in the other room, Oscar prepared three portions. By now, the soul bone absorption should be nearing completion.
Just as he finished plating the dishes, the stone door opened, and Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan entered with satisfied expressions. Dugu Bo looked gratified, and Dugu Yan's joy was palpable.
Oscar set down his utensils and asked, "So? How did it go? How was the soul bone absorption?"
Dugu Yan beamed. "Hehe, it felt amazing! I gained a powerful soul bone skill, and my soul power even rose a bit. But since I haven't gotten my third soul ring yet, I'm not sure how much it improved."
Dugu Bo nodded. "This soul bone suits Yan Yan well. Not only will it aid her detoxification, it'll greatly enhance her combat power."
He silently thought that had he given her the soul bone earlier, it could have helped her grow even more.
Oscar congratulated her. "That's great news, Sister Yan. Let's eat first then you can cultivate more afterward."
Dugu Yan giggled. "Let me see what you've cooked!"
She moved to the table, eyes lighting up at the three dishes and one soup all made from spirit beast meat. The colors and aroma were mouthwatering.
Oscar served bowls of rice and soup for each of them, and the three sat together to eat.
Oscar then addressed Dugu Bo, "Senior, the next step is to extract all the toxins into the soul bone. Only then can we start the true detoxification process."
"Her case isn't severe she should be done in less than a month. You, on the other hand, will need at least three months, possibly more. Factoring in treatment, I'll likely be staying here for six months to a year."
"I'll be troubling you for a while."
Dugu Bo nodded solemnly. "This is a debt I owe. I'll do my best to repay it. Yan Yan already told me what you've done for her, and I can see for myself that you two get along well."
"Since you'll be living here for a while, if there's anything you need, just ask. And no need to be so formal if you're willing, just call me Grandpa, like Yan Yan does."
He said this casually while chewing meat, but to Oscar, the words thundered in his ears.
A Titled Douluo voluntarily asking someone to call him Grandpa? That was no small thing.
Oscar didn't know exactly why Dugu Bo's attitude had shifted so drastically in just half a day, but he could tell that the old man genuinely trusted him now.
Oscar set down his utensils and respectfully replied, "Then I'll shamelessly accept and call you Grandpa."
Dugu Bo smiled. "I've heard you grew up on your own, eating from many households. You don't need to be reserved around me just treat this as your home."
"You've helped us more than you realize. I truly acknowledge you as part of the family now. If you ever need help, speak up."
Oscar was genuinely moved. Dugu Bo's sincerity was unmistakable he wasn't faking affection to win Oscar over.
Oscar could guess what had prompted this change. Most likely, during Dugu Yan's soul bone absorption, she chatted with Dugu Bo and mentioned many things about Oscar. Given their daily closeness and budding feelings, combined with Oscar's competence and good character, Dugu Bo's affection for him naturally deepened.
"Thank you… Grandpa," Oscar and Dugu Yan said in unison one aloud, the other in their heart.
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