Heaven Dou City, the imperial capital.
The city was divided into several districts, with various types of buildings scattered throughout. As the main city, it was not only a hub of commerce but also a gathering place for powerful individuals, with numerous academies spread across its expanse.
Lin Feng and his group settled in a secluded courtyard in Heaven Dou.
During a conversation with the Chrysanthemum Douluo, Lin Feng steered the topic toward Dugu Bo.
"Senior, from what you’ve said, it seems Dugu Bo has some physical issues.
I mean, who trains to the point where their own body becomes toxic, and their hair turns green?"
The Chrysanthemum Douluo was taken aback and began to recall.
Indeed, over the years, as the two of them clashed, he had occasionally beaten Dugu Bo to the ground.
The old poison master’s toxins had indeed become increasingly strange, and he had aged rapidly. His combat prowess had also declined.
It was as if something was suppressing him.
Could it be that he was being poisoned by his own toxins?
The moment this thought crossed his mind, the Chrysanthemum Douluo couldn’t help but laugh at himself.
Who could possibly be so badly affected by their own martial soul? A Soul Douluo on the verge of becoming a Title Douluo, almost killed by his own martial soul?
If this got out, the entire soul master world would be in stitches.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo’s eyes lit up. If this were true, he would have to go and mock Dugu Bo immediately.
Seeing the smile on the Chrysanthemum Douluo’s face, Lin Feng seized the moment to speak.
"Senior, I happen to know a bit about healing techniques related to martial souls. Why not take me to see him?
If we can recruit a Soul Douluo on the verge of becoming a Title Douluo into the Spirit Hall, it would be a tremendous benefit."
The Chrysanthemum Douluo was swayed by Lin Feng’s words and gave him a once-over.
"You know about this stuff, kid?"
Lin Feng smirked. "When it comes to martial soul theory, I dare say no one in the soul master world surpasses me." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novèlfire.net
Hearing the familiar phrase, the Chrysanthemum Douluo’s face turned red, and he coughed lightly.
Thinking of how this kid had created his own cultivation method at the age of nine and broken through his soul power limitations, the Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded slowly.
"Alright, I’ll go check if he’s at his courtyard first."
At this time, Dugu Bo had not yet become a guest of the royal family.
With the Chrysanthemum Douluo’s deliberate concealment, they quickly located Dugu Bo without being detected.
"Let’s go. He’s in the courtyard, playing with his granddaughter."
After informing Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan, the two set off for Dugu Bo’s residence.
Dugu Bo was chasing after Dugu Yan in the courtyard.
"Grandpa, come catch me! Heehee!"
Dugu Yan, three or four years old, was chubby with a rosy face, waving a candy stick behind her.
"Alright, alright, Yan Yan, wait for Grandpa. These old bones can’t keep up with you, haha."
Dugu Bo’s green-tinged face couldn’t hide his smile as he followed leisurely behind Dugu Yan.
"Haha, Grandpa, you can’t catch me! You’re slower than a goose, heehee!"
Dugu Bo’s expression turned awkward. It wasn’t that he couldn’t catch her; he was just playing along to amuse the little girl.
Watching Dugu Yan frolic in the courtyard, Dugu Bo stroked his beard with a sense of contentment.
But hidden between his brows was a trace of worry.
His son’s Jade Phospor Serpent poison had been getting worse over the years. Like him, his son had tried to use poison to counteract poison, but it seemed he couldn’t hold on.
If his son were to pass away before him, how could he explain it to Yan Yan and her mother?
Dugu Bo let out a long sigh.
His life had been so difficult.
From the age of seven, he had to endure the Jade Phospor Serpent Emperor poison that ordinary people couldn’t withstand. By thirty-five, he had reached level 59, but his partner had died during childbirth, unable to endure the toxicity of their child.
Now, after struggling to reach level 89, it seemed his son was following in his footsteps. The word "worry" couldn’t begin to describe his feelings.
"Old Poison, long time no see. Why the sigh?"
Dugu Bo’s expression turned serious as he instantly scooped up Dugu Yan.
Under the large tree in the courtyard, two figures appeared—one tall, one short.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo’s face was full of amusement. With his earlier speculation and now seeing Dugu Bo sigh, he was even more convinced that Dugu Bo’s martial soul was causing him problems.
Hmph, what are you doing here again? I’ve told you many times, that I won’t join the Spirit Hall."
Dugu Bo relaxed slightly upon recognizing the visitor but didn’t give the Chrysanthemum Douluo a friendly look.
This shameless fake man! If it weren’t for his knowledge of herbs, why would he have ever associated with him?
Just because he called him effeminate, he’d been finding excuses to beat him up ever since.
"Grandpa, who is this sister?"
Dugu Yan’s round eyes blinked in confusion.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo’s face darkened.
"Haha, Broken Chrysanthemum, hear that? Children don’t lie. Just admit you’re a woman already."
Dugu Bo laughed heartily.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo chuckled softly, running a slender finger over his lips.
"Seems like the wounds on your backside have healed? Need me to add a few more?"
Dugu Bo’s mouth twitched. This bastard’s attacks were as shameless as his martial soul.
"Seniors, let’s put the past aside for now.
Old Master Dugu Bo, I Lin Feng, and the Chrysanthemum Douluo have come today to discuss an important matter.
Please give us some time. This matter concerns your martial soul."
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes. Where did this brat with no hair on his chin come from? Could he really have figured out his predicament? Impossible.
"Alright, alright, we’re not here to cause trouble this time. Let’s go inside and talk."
The Chrysanthemum Douluo waved his hand dismissively and walked into the house.
He sat down in the main seat without a care, gesturing for tea.
Dugu Bo’s eyebrow twitched. If he weren’t outmatched, he would have taught this guy a lesson.
"Yan Yan, go into the Ruyi Hundred Treasure Pouch for a while, okay?"
"No, no! It’s too dark in there. Not fun at all."
"Be good, Yan Yan. I’ll buy you ten lollipops later!"
As Dugu Yan’s figure disappeared, the three of them finally began their discussion in the hall.
Dugu Bo casually poured two cups of tea and grumbled, "Speak."
The Chrysanthemum Douluo exchanged a glance with Lin Feng, his amusement barely concealed. He decided to mock Dugu Bo directly.
"Old Poison, you wouldn’t happen to be someone who’s being poisoned by their own martial soul, would you?"
Dugu Bo’s teacup froze mid-air, but he quickly took a sip.
He replied nonchalantly, "I don’t know what you’re talking about. If there’s nothing else, please leave."
Lin Feng smiled faintly.
"Senior, do you experience a numbing, itchy pain in your ribs on rainy days, which gradually intensifies?
Does it strike at noon and midnight, causing a needle-like pain in the soles of your feet and the top of your head?
The sensation of your entire body cramping and unbearable pain must be quite familiar, right?"
With each sentence Lin Feng spoke, Dugu Bo’s expression grew darker. He was now certain that the Spirit Hall knew about his condition. What should he do now?
"Senior, I can cure your poison!
And, Senior, you wouldn’t want your son and granddaughter to follow in your footsteps, would you?"
Hearing this, Dugu Bo felt as if these words had some kind of magic, gripping his heart.
After a moment of hesitation, he sighed.
"Fine. What do you want in return?"
When it came to the lives of his family, all other concerns had to be set aside.
Lin Feng shook his head.
"Three years of service to the Spirit Hall. How does that sound?"
"Really?" Dugu Bo’s eyes lit up.
Lin Feng chuckled inwardly. Once you’re on board, who cares about three years? Even the mole next door is about to become the boss.