"How are you doing, kid?"
At this moment, a voice sounded from behind Chu Chengzhou.
"I'm fine, I managed to pull through! By the way, Senior, the potency of those two herbs is quite significant; I almost didn't make it."
Chu Chengzhou responded and quickly got up to put on his clothes.
He had already sensed Dugu Bo's arrival earlier when he was refining the properties of the two immortal herbs.
"Do you realize how close you were to not making it?"
Dugu Bo said with some irritation.
He had been extremely worried. Chu Chengzhou was essentially his savior, and if he had died after eating those two poisonous herbs from his garden, how could Dugu Bo face others in the future?
"Senior, I recognized those two herbs. I only ate them because I was confident I could handle them."
Chu Chengzhou said sheepishly.
"Oh? You recognize those two herbs?"
Dugu Bo was surprised. He hadn't expected that Chu Chengzhou would know about herbs that even he didn't recognize.
"Yes, the cold poison herb is called Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, and the fire poison herb is called Infernal Delicate Apricot.
Individually, they are highly toxic, but when consumed together, they counteract each other's toxicity, eliminating all poison and enhancing resistance to ice and fire attributes."
Chu Chengzhou nodded and briefly explained.
He dared not reveal the full effects of the immortal herbs to Dugu Bo, as the benefits were immense. If Dugu Bo knew their value, he might not have given them away.
'Enhancing resistance to ice and fire attributes?'
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow but didn't dwell on it.
In his view, such resistances were just fancy frills, not as useful as boosting soul power levels.
Moreover, Chu Chengzhou hadn't hidden his soul power using any mastery techniques, and after consuming the two herbs, there was no noticeable increase in soul power levels. Clearly, these peculiar herbs, though somewhat special, weren't very valuable.
Besides, the enhanced attribute resistance was limited to ice and fire attributes.
For him, a titled Douluo, these two peculiar herbs were likely useless, nothing major.
"Kid, it's getting late. Hurry up and pick the herbs you want!"
Waving his hand, Dugu Bo gestured for Chu Chengzhou to select the precious herbs he desired.
Nodding, Chu Chengzhou took out a jade spade from his storage soul-guiding device and began digging up the immortal herbs he planned to take, roots and soil included.
Leave the roots and seeds?
Not to mention whether immortal herbs could propagate through roots and seeds, even if they could, Chu Chengzhou, being ignorant of pharmacology, lacked the skill to preserve them.
Apart from the already consumed Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot, and the yet unfound Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, there were twelve immortal herbs near the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well—eight mature ones and four immature ones.
Chu Chengzhou didn't plan to take all twelve immortal herbs.
Though not entirely alone, he didn't have many people he valued, and it was proper to leave some for Dugu Bo, the host.
Soon, after some busy work, Chu Chengzhou dug up seven immortal herbs: Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, Beautiful Silk Tulip, Yearning Heartbroken Red, Land Dragon Golden Melon, Origin Energy Immortal Grass, and also the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia, which wasn't a immortal herb but far superior to ordinary herbs.
Moreover, regarding the Land Dragon Golden Melon, Chu Chengzhou only picked the fruit instead of the vine.
After all, it was clear that the edible part was the gourd, no need for anything fancy; simply picking the fruit sufficed.
As for Strange Velvet Chrysanthemum, Snow Swan Kiss, Elegant Fragrant immortal herb, Ink Jade Divine Bamboo, and Star Luo Spirit Pearl, Chu Chengzhou had no intention of taking them.
Among the seven immortal herbs, Yearning Heartbroken Red, Beautiful Silk Tulip, and Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone were undoubtedly for his childhood fiancée Xiao Wu, his little lover Ning Rongrong, and his target Zhu Zhuqing.
The remaining Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, Land Dragon Golden Melon, and Origin Energy Immortal Grass were prepared for his grandparents, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun.
Although he wasn't particularly close to Oscar and Ma Hongjun, they were still good friends.
Moreover, in the original story, they had the chance to consume immortal herbs. Taking away their opportunities made Chu Chengzhou feel a bit awkward.
Of course, there were differences in intimacy. Given his grandfather Su Nan's martial soul—a strong offensive fire-attribute martial soul called Crimson Flame Spear—and his grandmother Li Wan's auxiliary martial soul, Green Jade Orchid, the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid wouldn't be given to Ma Hongjun and Oscar. Instead, Land Dragon Golden Melon and Origin Energy Immortal Grass would suffice.
According to the Five Elements nurturing theory, fire generates earth. Ma Hongjun, a fire-attribute mutated chicken soul master, should be able to consume the earth-attribute Land Dragon Golden Melon.
After all, there are many types of phoenixes—authentic fire phoenixes, ice phoenixes, and by combining fire and earth, perhaps Ma Hongjun's mutated fire-spitting chicken might become a magma phoenix, similar to the 'Golden Generation' of the Spirit Hall with a fire-earth dual attribute Flame Lord martial soul?
As for the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia, it was prepared as a gift for his future father-in-law.
In the original story, Yu Xiaogang consumed the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia, breaking through the limitations of his martial soul and successfully advancing to the three-ring Soul Elder stage. It seemed to have a certain evolutionary effect on martial souls.
His future father-in-law, Ning Fengzhi, although a 79-level Soul Sage with much higher soul power compared to Yu Xiaogang, might still benefit slightly. Even if he couldn't achieve the Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, an Eight-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda would still be commendable.
He would inevitably need help from his future father-in-law, so giving gifts early to leave a good impression would make it easier to ask for favors later.
What if the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia had no effect?
Anyway, it was useless to him, and borrowing from others' generosity, wasting it wouldn't be too regrettable.
"Kid, with so many rare herbs here, you're only taking these?"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou only collected eight herbs, including the two he ate, totaling ten, Dugu Bo was somewhat surprised.
Clearly, Dugu Bo didn't realize that these ten herbs Chu Chengzhou took, in terms of value, surpassed the combined total of all the remaining herbs in his garden.
"Senior, this is enough for me!"
Chu Chengzhou shook his head, appearing very self-aware.
Picking bargains was something he knew but couldn't tell Dugu Bo, the 'aggrieved party.'
Moreover, even the herbs he didn't plan to take, for now, Chu Chengzhou wouldn't inform Dugu Bo of their preciousness.
After all, these were the ones he "didn't want," and what he took must be more valuable than those he left. Having so many of his own dust-covered treasures taken, even if promised beforehand, Dugu Bo would surely feel uncomfortable.
There was even a risk of him trying to recover the loss by drastic measures, which wasn't impossible. If he really wanted to offer guidance, it would have to wait until his wings were stronger.
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo looked at the herbs Chu Chengzhou had dug up with roots and soil, hesitated for a moment, then took off a blue pouch hanging from his waist and threw it to Chu Chengzhou: "Kid, this Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse is yours! It can store living things. Put these herbs inside, and even if not used immediately, the efficacy won't be affected."
"Thank you, Senior!"
Seeing the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse thrown by Dugu Bo, Chu Chengzhou's eyes lit up, and he immediately caught it.
This was a great item. Originally, Chu Chengzhou planned to pack these immortal herbs into his storage necklace. Although living things couldn't survive inside, these herbs would soon be consumed, and their efficacy wouldn't dissipate much.
But since Dugu Bo offered this pouch capable of storing living things, he naturally wouldn't refuse.
"Well, are you done? If you're finished, let's return to Tian Dou City."
Waving his hand, Dugu Bo said indifferently.
"Senior, why don't we stay one more night?"
Chu Chengzhou asked, as he hadn't found the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew yet and didn't plan to leave just like that.
Not to mention that after consuming the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, he would gain Fiery Eyes to see through the correct usage methods of immortal herbs. Simply the fact that this herb could significantly boost spiritual power made him unwilling to miss it.
"Hmm? Stay another night?"
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow.
"Senior, you have so many precious herbs here. I want to gather some Hundred Herb Dew to take back."
Chu Chengzhou said somewhat embarrassed.
"Hundred Herb Dew? What is that?"
Dugu Bo was surprised.
"It's the dew on the herbs!"
Dugu Bo: "…"
"Alright, slowly collect this Hundred Herb Dew. Call me when you're done."
Sighing, Dugu Bo indulged Chu Chengzhou's strange request.
Under the night sky, illuminated by the red and white glow of the ice-fire spring, Chu Chengzhou carried a jade bottle, walking among numerous herbs, collecting the so-called 'Hundred Herb Dew' overnight.
Though he had forgotten what the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew looked like, Chu Chengzhou vaguely remembered that the plant wasn't large and had more than one drop of spirit-boosting dew.
Thus, despite the abundance of precious herbs around the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, most were excluded due to mismatched appearance characteristics.
The air was rich with moisture; dew on a single herb was inconspicuous, but in large quantities, the jade bottle was quickly filled.
Chu Chengzhou didn't pour it out but drank it all at once.
Otherwise, claiming to collect Hundred Herb Dew only to discard it upon completion—if seen by Dugu Bo—he'd have no explanation.
After all, drinking some dew was trivial!
Even if it was toxic dew, it didn't matter since he had toxin immunity.
Heaven rewards the diligent. At the hour of the Ox, as Chu Chengzhou habitually used his jade bottle to collect dew from an unassuming green herb with three snow-white leaves in the center, the few drops of dew were absorbed into the bottle. Immediately, the entire plant rapidly withered and turned to dust within moments.
Instantly, Chu Chengzhou felt a surge of energy and was overjoyed.
A plant that caused such a reaction must be the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew he was looking for!
Subsequently, Chu Chengzhou quickly found an empty spot nearby, sat down, and consumed the mixed Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew from the jade bottle.
Time gradually passed; the moon set and the sun rose. When the first ray of morning sunlight shone on him, Chu Chengzhou refined the properties of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew and opened his eyes.
In an instant, golden light flashed in Chu Chengzhou's eyes. The misty valley instantly cleared like clouds parting to reveal the blue sky, and he could see everything in the valley clearly.
Focusing intently, Chu Chengzhou's vision even penetrated the mud layer beneath the surface.
'Indeed, worthy of being called X-ray vision!'
Looking at the root systems of several herbs clearly visible beneath the ground, Chu Chengzhou silently marveled.
After consuming the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, his spiritual power surged. Combined with his illusion mastery, it seemed that ordinary Soul Emperors, and even a few Soul Sages weak in spiritual power, would struggle to escape his illusions.
And with these X-ray eyes that could see through clothing and myriad wonders, it appeared…
Hmm, he, Chu Chengzhou, was a gentleman. How could he possibly peek?
Even if he did, it would have to be done openly and honestly!
Around noon, a gray-robed figure with green hair and beard arrived with a white-clad youth flying from afar, landing at the entrance of Lan Ba Academy.
"Well, Chu kid, visit my Dugu residence when you have time. I'll be on my way."
After dropping Chu Chengzhou off, Dugu Bo spoke and flew off again.
"Thank you, Senior. Have a safe journey!"
Chu Chengzhou bowed to thank Dugu Bo.
Flying Dugu Bo didn't respond, merely waving his hand.
'Tsk~! Made a big profit!'
After Dugu Bo departed, looking at the numerous immortal herbs in the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but smile.
It was lunchtime, and soon, Chu Chengzhou found Xiao Wu and the others in the academy cafeteria.
"Brother, you're back?"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou return, Xiao Wu immediately said happily.
"Yes, I'll give you something good later!"
Ruffling Xiao Wu's rabbit ears, Chu Chengzhou smiled.
"Something good? Senior Chu, didn't you go to the Poison Douluo's medicinal garden yesterday to gather herbs? Could it be that the good thing you're talking about is herbs?"
Ning Rongrong was startled and then asked with a strange expression.
"I've got something for both of you. Whether it's good or not, you'll find out later!
Just hope that someone doesn't cry and beg to marry me later, after all, I already have a wife!"
Hugging Xiao Wu, Chu Chengzhou said meaningfully.
If it were at the beginning when they first met, Chu Chengzhou wouldn't dare say this, otherwise Ning Rongrong definitely wouldn't have any thoughts about him. But now, having already loved each other multiple times in the illusion, knowing each other deeply, he didn't believe this little devil could let go.
"Tch! Dream on about someone crying and begging to marry you! Xiao Wu, aren't you going to rein in your brother?"
Glaring at Chu Chengzhou, Ning Rongrong pouted at Xiao Wu.
"No problem, if it's Rongrong, Big Sister Xiao Wu doesn't mind you being her sister!"
Xiao Wu giggled and waved dismissively.
If she had doubted before about Chu Chengzhou and her younger sister having some secret, after Chu Chengzhou said, "I already have a wife," Xiao Wu dismissed those doubts.
After all, Chu Chengzhou said he already had a wife, so how could her younger sister Ning Rongrong willingly become second?
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing looked curiously at the three.
If she wasn't mistaken, Chu Chengzhou and Ning Rongrong had some secrets, while Xiao Wu seemed to be in the dark?
But she wouldn't say it out loud. Both were her good sisters, and she had no concrete evidence. Speaking out would only result in displeasing both sides, potentially ruining her relationship with her younger sister.
Hmm, it's all because of this Senior Chu, wanting to eat from the bowl while looking at the pot.
Of course, men being fickle isn't wrong. After all, nine out of ten capable men are fickle.
Being fickle isn't wrong; what's wrong is being incapable and still fickle, which shows a lack of self-awareness.
"By the way, have you seen Oscar and Fatty?"
The number of students at Lan Ba Academy wasn't large, just over two hundred. After scanning, Chu Chengzhou didn't see them in the cafeteria.
"If there's no class in the afternoon, there's no one in the academy. They must have gone out to have fun again."
Ning Rongrong said disdainfully.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
More than half an hour later, in a simulated training field resembling a forest environment at Lan Ba Academy.
"Brother, hurry up and show us the good stuff you mentioned."
Shaking Chu Chengzhou's arm, Xiao Wu coquettishly said.
Nodding, Chu Chengzhou didn't hide it anymore. Amidst the curious gazes of the three, he took out a flowerpot from the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse hanging at his waist.
Tang San fuming in another universe: Flowerpot (contemptuously)?
Inside was a delicate white flower, seemingly pristine like a lotus.
Seeing the peculiar flower in the flowerpot, Ning Rongrong blinked.
Though it looked pretty, could this really be considered a treasure?
She had heard that Jade Phosphor Dugu Bo wasn't a generous person. If it were truly something precious, would that Douluo have given it away?
Ignoring the doubt in Ning Rongrong's eyes, Chu Chengzhou handed the flowerpot to Zhu Zhuqing and said, "Zhuqing, this flower is called Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. Its medicinal properties are concentrated in the petals and pistil. Eat the petals, suck the pistil, and use your soul power to absorb it."
"Brother, what does eating Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone do?"
Xiao Wu asked suspiciously.
"So impatient!"
Chu Chengzhou tapped Xiao Wu's head and said, "Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone is an immortal herb. Consuming it not only increases soul power without side effects but also enhances cultivation talent. Moreover, if the compatibility between the martial soul and the herb is high, there's a chance for the martial soul to evolve."
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing, who had just received the flowerpot, trembled and nearly dropped it.
Though she was familiar with Chu Chengzhou, their relationship was only that of very good classmates. Such a treasure, she couldn't accept.
"Senior Chu, I can't accept such a favor. Please take it back!"
Zhu Zhuqing returned the flowerpot to Chu Chengzhou.
"Zhuqing, just eat it. Immortal herbs have potent effects and can't be consumed repeatedly. I've already consumed mine. Even if you return it, I can only give it to someone else.
Moreover, it's not just you and Rongrong; I've prepared for Oscar and Fatty as well."
Chu Chengzhou shook his head. He still hoped to use this Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone to advance his progress with this Big Cat. How could he take it back?
"Alright, thank you!"
After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Zhuqing nodded and didn't refuse anymore.
Since even Oscar and Ma Hongjun had some, it showed that apart from Ning Rongrong, who likely had some secrets with Chu Chengzhou, she wasn't the only one specially treated, making it acceptable.
As for the debt of gratitude, Senior Chu had often guided her cultivation before, so she owed him many favors. She could repay them slowly in the future.
Next, Chu Chengzhou took out the second flowerpot.
Inside was a peculiar plant; the lower stem and leaves were finely detailed, but the top was a dazzling golden tulip. The rich fragrance gave an opulent feeling.
"This is called Beautiful Silk Tulip, noble and elegant. Its medicinal properties are concentrated in the central pistil. Just gently inhale the pistil, draw its essence into your body, and refine it with soul power.
Rongrong, trust me, it will give you a surprise!"
Chu Chengzhou smiled and handed the Beautiful Silk Tulip to Ning Rongrong.
As he spoke, Chu Chengzhou teased her with a soul-powered transmission: 'Rongrong, this is my advance betrothal gift~'
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong, who was about to thank him after receiving the Beautiful Silk Tulip, immediately glared at Chu Chengzhou with flushed anger.
Dead scumbag, I haven't had any physical relationship with you. Who said I'd marry you?
Chu Chengzhou: Did you forget after lifting your skirt?
"Huh? Rongrong, I kindly bring you a treasure, and not only do you not thank me, but you glare at me?"
Seeing this, Chu Chengzhou feigned dissatisfaction.
"Then I must thank you properly!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou act so shamelessly, Ning Rongrong's embarrassment turned into anger, gritting her teeth.
Xiao Wu: "..."
Zhu Zhuqing: "..."
What's going on? Why does it look like Younger Sister is ready to eat someone?
"Brother, what you give me can't be worse than what you gave Rongrong and Zhuqing, right?"
Skipping over this small episode, Xiao Wu pouted and said.
"Of course not, you're Big Sister Xiao Wu, so naturally, it's the best! However..."
Chu Chengzhou ruffled the rabbit ears on Xiao Wu's head.
You are the main wife of the Chu family, so naturally, it has to be better than the second and third wives~!
"However, what?"
Xiao Wu quickly asked.
"This herb is different from the two immortal herbs given to Rongrong and Zhuqing. This herb is called Yearning Heartbroken Red and is special; it needs to bond with its master to be consumed."
As he spoke, Chu Chengzhou took out a jade box.
Yes, this time it wasn't a plain flowerpot. The Yearning Heartbroken Red didn't grow in soil but on a stone, so it was directly picked.
Inside was an ordinary-looking white flower, palm-sized, resembling a peony, without grass leaves. Below the stem was a completely black stone.
On the white flower, there were a few striking red spots, blood-red, giving a somewhat startling feeling.
"Bonding? How to bond?"
Blinking, Xiao Wu curiously asked.
"The flower is extraordinary and chooses its master to serve. When picking it, one must think of their beloved with utmost sincerity, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the petals. Any hesitation, even if you spit blood to death, won't allow you to pick the flower.
Once picked, as long as it stays with its master, it will never wither.
The stone below is called Wu Jue. If forcibly removed, the Yearning Heartbroken Red will lose all its medicinal properties.
However, there are gains and losses. Yearning Heartbroken Red is the king of flowers, and its efficacy far surpasses ordinary immortal herbs."
Gazing intently at Xiao Wu, Chu Chengzhou said with deep affection.
As for the tragic love story of the Yearning Heartbroken Red?
Well, he only remembered there was a story but forgot its content. Otherwise, it might have made Little Rabbit shed some little pearls (tears).
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