Yang Yunhai continued,
"Just right, cultivating in this pool not only helps me speed up the absorption of the medicinal power in my body, but also makes my soul power cultivation faster. Grandpa Dugu, you should head out and hunt soul beasts to get the soul bone. I'll wait for you here."
"Also, as far as I know, slaughtering soul beasts and increasing their resentment before death can raise the probability of a soul bone dropping. The higher the bloodline and cultivation level, the greater the chance. Grandpa Dugu, you could make good use of the corrosive nature of your Jade Phosphorus Serpent poison."
"But… this method goes against the natural order. Unless it's absolutely necessary, Grandpa Dugu, you should avoid using it."
'So that's how it is. No wonder my luck was so good before.' Dugu Bo sighed inwardly.
But the fact that Xiao Hai was willing to share such a secret with him… his heart was moved. He quickly said,
"Don't worry. Although this old man wouldn't call himself a good person, I do have my own bottom line. I won't do anything that goes against the heavens."
Unless someone provokes me first!
Yang Yunhai smiled. "Then Grandpa Dugu, you'd better go quickly."
"Alright." Dugu Bo nodded, then added, "This trip may take me several days, maybe longer. Fortunately, I brought plenty of supplies this time. I'll leave them here for you."
As he spoke, he walked to an open space nearby, taking out food and items from his Soul Tool one by one and placing them down. After that, under Yang Yunhai's watchful eyes, he turned and left.
——
By evening, at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Thinking of how Yang Yunhai had been away so many days only because he was refining detoxifying medicine for her, and how this had left Zhu Zhuqing all alone in the valley each night, Dugu Yan felt guilt press down on her heart.
At dinner, she turned to Qin Ming.
"Teacher Qin Ming, tonight I want to stay with Zhu Zhuqing. Tomorrow I'll come with her to the training ground."
The team members all looked over, instantly understanding her reason, their expressions soft with sympathy.
'Xiao Hai, he really is a good person.' They all thought the same thing.
In order to help Dugu Yan cure her illness, Yang Yunhai had truly poured out his effort. With such a friend, who wouldn't like him?
"Alright." Qin Ming nodded. "Go keep Zhu Zhuqing company. I can tell she's been worried about Xiao Hai these days."
He paused, then looked around at everyone. "Also, one more thing. About last month's plan to go train at the Great Spirit Arena in Heaven Dou City — once Xiao Hai comes back and Yan Yan's illness is resolved, you'll all get a few days to rest. After that, we start the training plan."
"Yes!" everyone answered in unison.
After dinner, Dugu Yan headed straight for the valley.
Just as she came out of the woods, she spotted Zhu Zhuqing sitting alone in a chair by the door, staring blankly at the sunset.
Her chest tightened, guilt welling up. She waved and called out, "Zhuqing!"
In moments she walked up and said gently, "Zhuqing, don't worry. With my grandpa there, Xiao Hai will be fine."
"Mm." Zhu Zhuqing gave a small nod.
"Hehe, Zhuqing, I'm here to squeeze in your bed tonight." Dugu Yan smiled brightly.
After their journey through danger, after learning her eldest sister's true intentions, and after walking alongside Yang Yunhai until now, Zhu Zhuqing had learned to think from others' perspectives.
She could already guess what Dugu Yan was feeling. Not wanting her friend to be crushed by guilt, Zhu Zhuqing forced a smile and said softly, "It's late. Let's cultivate together first."
"Alright, Zhuqing. You're my role model now." Dugu Yan laughed.
The two of them returned inside to train side by side.
——
Seven days later, at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
"Yiner." As Yang Yunhai called, the graceful figure at his side faded away.
"Xiao Hai, Grandpa's back." A voice rang from above, and Dugu Bo's green-clad figure drifted down.
"Grandpa Dugu, did you get the soul bone?" Yang Yunhai greeted him with a smile.
"Yes. I must say, Xiao Hai, your method really worked. This time I specifically targeted high-quality poison-type soul beasts." Dugu Bo grinned wide. "I was lucky — a left arm bone from a nearly 30,000-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider."
"A top-tier poisonous beast with both strength and speed. That really is good fortune." Yang Yunhai also smiled.
"I hunted quite a few high-year ones, but only this one dropped a bone. We'll make do." Dugu Bo nodded.
"The soul bone drop rate is low. Grandpa Dugu, being able to obtain two in a row already makes you extremely lucky." Yang Yunhai said.
"That's true." Dugu Bo agreed, then chuckled. "Since meeting you, Xiao Hai, I feel like my luck has turned around. Poison cured, soul bones falling into my lap. Before this, I killed plenty of soul beasts, but not a single bone dropped."
He sighed. "When you're unlucky, you choke on water. When fortune comes, nothing can stop it."
'So Xiao Hai is indeed my family's destined lucky star. I must bring him home as a grandson-in-law!'
"Maybe so." Yang Yunhai smiled faintly, not saying more.
"Enough of that. You've stayed here long enough. Your little girlfriend must be missing you. Let's pack up and go back." Dugu Bo said cheerfully.
"Alright, Grandpa Dugu." Yang Yunhai nodded and hurried back to the cave to gather his things.
Before long, the two left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
——
At Heaven Dou Royal Academy, in the afternoon.
"Grandpa Dugu, I'll head back to the valley first. You should go give Sister Yan her medicine." Yang Yunhai said as soon as they entered.
"Alright, go ahead." Dugu Bo nodded with a smile, understanding.
Yang Yunhai then sprinted toward the valley, while Dugu Bo went toward the team's dormitory.
He was the first to arrive, knocking on the door. Qin Ming opened it.
"Teacher Qin Ming, where's Yan Yan?" Dugu Bo asked directly.
"Senior Dugu, she's probably at Xiao Hai's valley with Zhu Zhuqing right now. While Xiao Hai was away, Zhu Zhuqing stayed there alone, so Yan Yan was worried she'd be lonely and kept her company these past days." Qin Ming explained politely.
"…" Dugu Bo fell silent, guilt flashing across his face. He nodded slightly. "Then I'll go straight there."
He turned and left.
Before long, Yang Yunhai finally reached the valley.
There, on the hillside, he saw Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing pulling logs together.
'So, she came here out of guilt, to keep Zhuqing company.' Yang Yunhai thought.
"Zhuqing! Sister Yan!" he raised his hand and shouted.
The two girls instantly stopped, and the next moment, Zhu Zhuqing dropped the rope and ran to him, with Dugu Yan close behind.
Yang Yunhai smiled, jogging up as he pulled Zhu Zhuqing — her hair damp with sweat, hesitating to get too close — into his arms. She blushed, stealing a glance at Dugu Yan, and whispered, "I'm covered in sweat…"
"It's fine. I've run all this way too. I need a bath anyway." Yang Yunhai laughed.
'Mostly because of the wind on the road.' he thought privately.
On the side, seeing the two so affectionate, Dugu Yan couldn't help but think of Yu Tianheng, her eyes dimming.
(End of Chapter)
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