However, relying on this method to detoxify could only treat the symptoms and not the root cause.
Because the source of the toxins in her body wasn't from external toxins but stemmed from her own Jade Phosphorous Serpent martial soul.
Beast martial souls required attachment to the user's body. Every time she used her martial soul's power, more or less, some snake venom would cling to her body.
As a soul master, it was naturally impossible for her not to use her martial soul's power.
If the root cause of the toxins couldn't be completely severed, the poison naturally couldn't be cured.
Moreover, saying that it treats the symptoms wasn't absolute either. Once her soul power level increased, the symptomatic treatment would also become ineffective.
This was similar to ordinary support system soul masters when enhancing high-level soul masters with their boosting soul skills; the actual support effect would be greatly reduced, or even completely ineffective.
Once her soul power level rose above what the detoxification doctors her grandfather could hire were capable of handling, and the effectiveness of the detoxification soul skills were significantly weakened, the accumulated Jade Phosphorous Serpent venom in her body naturally couldn't be neutralized.
Fortunately, her current soul power level was only at three rings, so there were still quite a few soul masters who could detoxify her.
It was just that she was traveling outside this time; otherwise, she wouldn't need to take the special pills her grandfather had specially prepared for her to suppress the toxins.
Suddenly, Dugu Yan thought of a key point and immediately looked at Chu Chengzhou with eager eyes.
"Yan Yan, what's wrong?"
Seeing Dugu Yan's reaction, Yu Tianheng quickly asked.
"It's nothing. Thank you, Brother Chu!"
Dugu Yan thanked Chu Chengzhou.
"It's fine, just a small matter."
Waving his hand, Chu Chengzhou casually replied.
Eyeing her grandfather's numerous immortal herbs, helping Dugu Yan out was something he should do.
"Brother Chu, I have a question. Could you tell me?"
Dugu Yan stared intently at Chu Chengzhou.
"Er, go ahead!"
"Brother Chu, as your soul power level increases, your summoned beast Little Bai should also be able to increase in strength, right?"
At this moment, Dugu Yan's heart was extremely excited.
She had grown up depending solely on her grandfather, Dugu Bo. The bond between them was very strong.
Although her grandfather never told her, Dugu Yan knew that suffering from the Jade Phosphorous Serpent venom herself meant her grandfather, Dugu Bo, must also be similarly affected, and even worse due to being a Title Douluo.
After all, there were many soul masters who could detoxify her, a three-ring soul master, but no soul master existed who could detoxify her grandfather, a Title Douluo.
Excluding soul bone skills, detoxification soul skills were generally possessed by support system soul masters. Support system soul masters rarely achieved the level of Title Douluo, let alone those specializing in detoxification among support system Title Douluos.
Currently, a cure for this problem hadn't been found, but she saw hope for a permanent symptomatic treatment!
She clearly saw that Chu Chengzhou's second soul ring was only a hundred years old, not higher than the optimal ratio of common soul rings. However, the white lion he summoned with his second soul skill far surpassed a hundred-year-old spirit beast, even surpassing most thousand-year-old spirit beasts.
In other words, Chu Chengzhou's True Spirit Flag martial soul was somewhat special, likely possessing characteristics similar to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, where the effect of the soul skill improved with the user's level.
Chu Chengzhou appeared younger than her, but his soul power level wasn't too far behind hers, showing that his cultivation talent exceeded hers.
Since Chu Chengzhou's cultivation talent was stronger than hers and his martial soul's soul skill effects increased with his level, the strength of this white lion summon beast would probably always surpass hers.
Thus, in the future, if the accumulation of toxins in her body became unbearable, as long as she found Chu Chengzhou and he was willing to help, her issue with snake venom backlash could always be controlled symptomatically.
Moreover, once Chu Chengzhou advanced to Title Douluo status and the white lion's strength matched that of a Title Douluo, her grandfather's venom backlash problem could also be solved!
Though becoming a Title Douluo was difficult, and Dugu Yan didn't dare to confirm whether Chu Chengzhou could become one in the future, it undoubtedly gave her a glimpse of hope—a lifeline for her and her grandfather!
"That's correct, my True Spirit Flag is a variant martial soul, similar to Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, where the soul skill effects improve with the level."
Chu Chengzhou nodded, lying without batting an eye.
Of course, Chu Chengzhou wasn't exactly lying.
Although the strength of summoned beasts was linked to the age of the soul rings, Chu Chengzhou had noticed that even if the age of the soul rings remained unchanged, the summoned beasts' strength could still improve as his soul power level increased. It was just that the effect wasn't as obvious as directly increasing the soul ring's age.
For instance, the same thousand-year-old Sky Azure Tree Summon Spirit, after he advanced to a three-ring Soul Elder, the healing effect of its innate soul skill "Healing" significantly improved compared to when he was a two-ring Great Soul Master.
Of course, only the Sky Azure Tree Summon Spirit showed improvement. His second soul ring was continuously idle while upgrading, and Chu Chengzhou wasn't sure if Little Bai's abilities had improved after his level increased. However, the ten-thousand-year-upgraded Fire Phoenix Summon Spirit did not show any improvement.
Chu Chengzhou guessed that the reason for this situation was that his soul power level exceeded that of the Sky Azure Tree Summon Spirit. If the summoned beast's age was above the corresponding year of his soul power level, it couldn't show any improvement.
"Great!"
Upon receiving Chu Chengzhou's affirmation, Dugu Yan immediately exclaimed in excitement.
"Tsk, what a pity!"
After the excitement, Dugu Yan suddenly shook her head and sighed regretfully.
"Yan Yan, what are you feeling sorry about?"
Her boyfriend's sudden statement made Yu Tianheng puzzled and promptly asked.
"Brother Chu, it's a pity I already have a boyfriend. Otherwise, I would definitely ask Grandpa to kidnap you and make you my boyfriend."
Looking at Yu Tianheng and then Chu Chengzhou, Dugu Yan said regretfully.
Yu Tianheng: "..."
"Tianheng, will you get angry because of what I said?"
Blinking, Dugu Yan looked at her boyfriend.
"No, no, Yan Yan, how could I get angry?"
Yu Tianheng quickly waved his hand in denial.
His girlfriend hadn't really cheated on him, so why get angry? But the anger had nowhere to vent, which was infuriating.
Yu Tianheng had some understanding of his girlfriend's situation.
Blaming Chu Chengzhou? That wouldn't work, especially since he had helped his girlfriend detoxify; they couldn't repay kindness with enmity.
Blaming his girlfriend? Impossible!
Both loving each other, well-matched in status, and both talented soul masters, where could he find such a good girlfriend?
"Cough cough, Sister Dugu, there's no need for that. If you ever need Little Bai's help, feel free to ask anytime."
Holding onto Xiao Wu's hand, which pinched his soft flesh under the table, Chu Chengzhou said to Dugu Yan.
Chu Chengzhou understood Dugu Yan's thoughts. Even if this incident hadn't happened earlier, he would proactively demonstrate Little Bai's detoxification ability in front of Dugu Yan.
No other reason—it was purely because he was interested in the immortal herbs of the 'Immortal Herb Grandmaster'.
Detoxification? It was a simple matter of words!
Moreover, befriending Dugu Bo, the human-shaped self-propelled nuclear weapon, was something Chu Chengzhou sincerely wanted to do.
Although Dugu Bo used poison and his behavior towards others fit the name of a poison master, he treated friends very well. Whenever there was something, he genuinely put in effort.
In the afternoon, Qin Ming took the Imperial Battle Team away from Shrek Academy.
Unlike the original story, Shrek didn't plan to go to the Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
The reason Shrek went to the Tian Dou Imperial Academy in the original story was mainly due to financial difficulties and partly because of Yu Xiaogang.
Without Yu Xiaogang around nagging, Qin Ming didn't dare to entertain the idea of poaching from his alma mater.
However, although Qin Ming didn't mention it, Chu Chengzhou was preparing to persuade Flender to go to Tian Dou City to seek assistance.
He didn't want to miss the Soul Master Tournament, and the simulated training grounds were very appealing.
And these two things, Shrek Academy lacked entirely.
In the evening, Chu Chengzhou sought out Flender.
"Young man, do you have something to say?"
Pushing his glasses, Flender asked Chu Chengzhou.
"Principal Flender, I've heard that you were once a renowned soul master on the continent. Can you tell me about your glorious past?"
Chu Chengzhou smiled and said.
To persuade Flender to seek assistance, he couldn't be too direct.
After all, Flender had his pride and needed to reminisce about his impure sibling relationship with Liu Erlong.
Upon hearing this, Flender raised an eyebrow and looked at Chu Chengzhou in surprise.
Something was off, absolutely something was off!
Who Chu Chengzhou was, he couldn't guarantee, but Flender could affirm that this guy was too lazy to listen to his glorious past, let alone come to ask actively. Saying there was no ulterior motive would be unbelievable.
However, when students wanted to hear about his glorious past, Flender couldn't refuse.
"Consider yourself having insight! You don't know my Flender's status in the soul master world back then. Ever heard of spirit fusion skills..."
Immediately, Flender started boasting.
Flender boasted, getting more and more excited, as if he had returned to twenty years ago.
Chu Chengzhou listened, nodding occasionally, and whenever Flender reached an exciting part, he appropriately displayed an expression of astonishment.
"Sigh, old age strikes!"
After more than half an hour, Flender sighed, took a sip of tea to soothe his throat.
"Principal Flender, have you heard of Lan Ba (Blue Tyrant) Academy?"
Chu Chengzhou gradually revealed his true purpose.
"Lan Ba Academy? Is it an academy founded by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family?"
Flender was taken aback and asked in surprise.
Just hearing the name of the academy made Flender think of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family.
"Not really, the Thunder Academy, one of the Five Elements Academies, has the support of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family. They wouldn't establish another advanced soul master academy."
Chu Chengzhou shook his head.
"Then what do you mean..."
"Before coming to our academy, Xiao Wu and I gathered information about various advanced soul master academies within the empire. The principal of Lan Ba Academy is named Liu Erlong.
Principal Flender, I didn't expect you and Principal Liu Erlong to be sworn siblings!"
Chu Chengzhou smiled and said.
'Erlong?'
Immediately, Flender was lost in memories, after all, that was his lost youth!
"I've heard that Lan Ba Academy was personally founded by Principal Liu Erlong, specifically recruiting soul masters without backgrounds.
Only it's a bit unfortunate that due to the lack of talented students joining, Lan Ba Academy hasn't performed well in the Soul Master Tournament in the past. Each time they participated, they couldn't even enter the preliminary rounds.
Now, there's just over a year left until the next Soul Master Tournament. I estimate Principal Liu Erlong will be troubled again."
Shaking his head slightly, Chu Chengzhou feigned regret.
In the preliminary rounds of the Soul Master Tournament, the Tian Dou region had only five spots available. For Lan Ba Academy to surpass the Five Elements Academies, it would be miraculous!
Upon hearing this, Flender realized and understood Chu Chengzhou's intention.
This young man wasn't here to hear about his glorious past, but rather intending to defect to Lan Ba Academy!
"Boy, you've got some guts! Your wings aren't even fully grown, yet you're thinking of betraying us to join Lan Ba Academy?"
Flender said with an unfriendly face.
Chu Chengzhou's expression turned serious, and he quickly said, "Principal Flender, you misunderstood me! Principal Erlong is your sworn sister, don't you intend to help her?
I have a great suggestion, would you like to hear it?"
"Oh, go ahead."
Flender raised an eyebrow; he wanted to see what Chu Chengzhou could come up with.
"Take us to rely on... Join Principal Erlong!
With your addition, Principal Erlong won't be alone anymore, and with our addition to Lan Ba Academy, we'll surely achieve good results in the Soul Master Tournament!
Of course, this isn't the main point; the main point is..."
Saying this, Chu Chengzhou glanced at Flender.
"What's the main point?"
Flender quickly asked.
"The main point is that Principal Erlong is still single, and you're no spring chicken either. Have you considered settling down? Remember, filial piety has three offenses, and having no heir is the greatest offense!"
Chu Chengzhou's words struck Flender's soul.
"This doesn't seem appropriate..."
Flender rarely blushed.
"Inappropriate? How is it inappropriate? Principal Flender, even if you don't consider yourself, you should think about Teacher Zhao and the others!
Teachers Li and Lu are getting old. As the principal, you should arrange their retirement.
And Teachers Zhao and Shao are both nearing fifty, still bachelors. Our academy doesn't have female teachers. Staying cooped up in the academy, how can they find wives?
If you neglect filial duty, that's one thing, but you can't drag two teachers into it too!"
Chu Chengzhou passionately stated.
"Hmm, you do have a point."
After some thought, Flender realized Chu Chengzhou was right.
"If that's the case, then let's go and join Principal Erlong!"
Chu Chengzhou pressed his advantage.
"Cough cough, well, you go back first. Let me think about it."
Clearing his throat, Flender stood up and opened the office door.
Didn't he want to find Liu Erlong? He dreamed of it! After all, she was his goddess!
But the problem was he couldn't get over that mental hurdle. If he went to find Erlong, how could he face his good brother Yu Xiaogang?
"Alright, Principal Flender, I hope you seriously consider my suggestion."
Nodding, Chu Chengzhou didn't say anything more.
Would Flender take them to join Liu Erlong?
Chu Chengzhou could bet that this would definitely happen!
With him present, Lan Ba Academy was a done deal for Flender!
Moreover, in the original story, when Shrek Academy was expelled from the Tian Dou Imperial Academy and settled in Tian Dou City, they coincidentally encountered Lan Ba Academy expanding recruitment. Then Flender directly led everyone to join Lan Ba Academy. What's more, there had to be some hidden reasons involved!
On the second day, Chu Chengzhou didn't receive a clear answer from Flender.
In the evening, Chu Chengzhou sought out Zhao Wuji.
Appealing to emotions and reasoning, using marriage prospects for Flender and Shao Xin, and finding retirement homes for Lu Qibin and Li Yusong as arguments, he convinced Zhao Wuji.
Without hesitation, Zhao Wuji, who cared for his brothers, immediately approached Flender.
On the third day, there was still no answer.
In the evening, Chu Chengzhou approached Shao Xin with similar arguments and persuaded him.
Following Zhao Wuji, Shao Xin also became a persuader.
On the fourth evening, Lu Qibin approached Flender.
On the fifth evening, Li Yusong also approached Flender.
On the sixth day, without receiving confirmation, Chu Chengzhou prepared to persuade Flender again.
Flender was a stubborn old man. Being reluctant to seek assistance due to pride was understandable.
At this moment, it was precisely the time for excellent students to offer encouragement and support to the principal!
However, just as he entered, he was chased out by Flender.
Flender was now irritated every time he saw Chu Chengzhou. Not only had this fellow urged him to seek assistance, but he had also persuaded Zhao Wuji and the other old buddies to encourage him to do the same, which was utterly exasperating!
As Chu Chengzhou was feeling dejected after being kicked out, Flender's angry roar came from inside the office: "You little brat, get out of here! I've already written a letter to Erlong!"
Although this was shouted out, Chu Chengzhou felt that Flender seemed rather pleased.
Indeed, writing a letter to a goddess he hadn't seen in twenty years and preparing to join her, it was normal for Flender, the old romantic, to be excited.
However, since Flender said this, Chu Chengzhou felt reassured.
Although Liu Erlong might not harbor romantic feelings for Flender and only regarded him as a good older brother, their friendship was unquestionable.
Now, the sworn elder brother wanted to bring several old colleagues and students to join her. Presumably, Liu Erlong wouldn't refuse.
Moreover, even without this layer of relationship, having experts and talented soul masters wanting to join, any academy principal in their right mind wouldn't refuse.
Twenty days later.
In the morning, Chu Chengzhou was instructing Zhu Zhuqing in practical combat training when he suddenly noticed a middle-aged man wearing a satchel and looking travel-worn approaching the academy.
"Is there something?"
Pausing the training temporarily, Chu Chengzhou stepped forward and asked.
"Hello, is Principal Flender of Shrek Academy here? I have a letter for him."
The middle-aged man addressed Chu Chengzhou.
"A letter for Principal Flender? I'm a student at Shrek Academy; give it to me!"
Instantly, Chu Chengzhou's eyes lit up, and he quickly responded.
There was no doubt; this must be Liu Erlong's reply.
Noble soul master lords wouldn't act as couriers. Suotuo City was far from Tian Dou City, and a round trip taking twenty days was about right.
"Alright! Please sign this receipt."
The middle-aged man didn't refuse, not only because this was Shrek Academy, but also because he saw Zhu Zhuqing battling with Chu Chengzhou, with two soul rings glowing on her body.
Although Chu Chengzhou hadn't released his martial soul and soul rings, anyone capable of fighting a soul master must also be a soul master. Such a young noble soul master wouldn't deceive a mere courier.
"Zhuqing, wait a moment. I'll deliver the letter to the principal first."
Signing his name, dismissing the courier, Chu Chengzhou waved the letter and called out to Zhu Zhuqing before heading towards Flender's principal office.
Principal's Office.
"Principal Flender, what did Principal Erlong say?"
Chu Chengzhou asked Flender, who was reading the letter.
"Hmph, what else could she say? Of course, she welcomes us!"
Glaring at Chu Chengzhou, Flender's face broke into a smile.
Flender: This sh*tty academy, I'm done running it! Off to join my little sister Erlong!
During this period, Flender had come to terms. Since his good brother Yu Xiaogang didn't cherish Erlong properly, making her wait for twenty years, then I, Flender, should strive for my own happiness!
No, no, I'm doing this for Zhao Wuji and these old buddies, and for Chu Chengzhou and these little monsters. It's not about me seeking assistance!
Ding ding ding—
The sound of the assembly bell echoed over Shrek Academy.
Not long after, all the teachers and students of Shrek Academy gathered on the playground, including Dai Mubai, who was often absent.
"Calling you all here today, I have an important announcement to make!"
Looking at the seven people in front of him, including Chu Chengzhou, and the four standing beside him, including Zhao Wuji, Flender stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression solemn.
Hearing this, everyone waited quietly for Flender to continue.
"The situation of the academy, you all understand. Considering the future of you little monsters, I have deliberated for a long time and decided to take you all to join Lan Ba Academy!"
Adjusting his glasses, Flender slowly spoke.
"What? Join Lan Ba Academy? Principal Flender, does this mean our academy is closing?"
Oscar's eyes widened, his face full of shock.
Although Shrek Academy was poor and not a formal advanced soul master academy, lacking even simulated training grounds, Oscar still had deep feelings for the academy. Hearing that the academy was going to close was hard to accept.
Not only Oscar, but apart from Chu Chengzhou and Zhao Wuji, who already knew, everyone else, including Xiao Wu, looked shocked.
"Yes, I've made up my mind!"
Flender nodded.
"Principal Flender, what's the situation with Lan Ba Academy?"
Xiao Wu hesitated and asked.
"Lan Ba Academy is a formal advanced soul master academy located in Tian Dou City. Its principal is my close friend. You all don't need to worry about being mistreated."
"Close friend? Principal, you have friends?"
Ma Hongjun blinked, surprised.
He had been at the academy for a while, and Ma Hongjun knew that Flender was a homebody. Unless hunting for spirits, he hardly went out.
Given Flender's personality, did he actually have friends outside the academy?
Moreover, since Lan Ba Academy was in Tian Dou City, the principal friend must be wealthy enough to afford running an advanced soul master academy.
"How can you say that I don't have friends?"
A dangerous glint flashed in Flender's eyes as he glared menacingly at Ma Hongjun.
"Cough cough, well, naturally you can have friends. To be honest, even if you had a Title Douluo friend, I wouldn't be surprised!"
Ma Hongjun awkwardly replied.
"Hmph!"
Glaring at Ma Hongjun, Flender snorted and continued, "Before this, I've already communicated with that friend through letters, and everything has been arranged.
All of you prepare yourselves. In ten days, we set off for Tian Dou City!"
After finishing, Flender waved his hand and turned to leave the playground.
Honestly speaking, Shrek Academy was the fruit of his twenty years of hard work. Deciding to leave filled Flender with reluctance.
Of course, compared to little sister Erlong, this reluctance became trivial.
No, no, it's for the futures of these old buddies and little monsters. Compared to that, this reluctance becomes insignificant!
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