Dave’s gaze swept across the garden once more, but this time, with real purpose.
"There are only a few herbs here that can actually help with your condition," he said, extending a hand as a gentle glow of spirit energy spread from his palm. Two plants reacted to the energy—one had thick, broad leaves and a melon-shaped fruit nestled at its base, while the other was a delicate vine twirling upward, marked with shimmering silver patterns that looked like tiny scales.
He walked forward and carefully picked them both, not disturbing the soil or surrounding plants.
"This one," he said, holding up the melon-like fruit, "is called the Earth Dragon Melon. It’s extremely rare—almost legendary. It contains deep earth essence and powerful yang energy. It’s ideal for snake-type martial spirits that suffer from internal poison. It will work with the core of your Jade Phosphor Serpent, strengthening and cleansing it at the same time."
Dugu Bo’s eyes lit up as he looked at the melon, reaching for it slowly—but he paused, staring at it like it was a sacred relic from an old tale.
"And this one," Dave said, turning to Dugu Yan, "is the Celestial Snake Ivy. It’s more subtle than the melon, but just as powerful. It’ll help evolve your martial spirit—sharpen your poison, improve your control, and open the path toward future fusion potential. If refined properly, it may even awaken hidden traits inside your spirit."
Dugu Yan stepped closer, a mix of caution and amazement in her eyes. "This is for me?" she asked softly.
Dave nodded. "Yes. It’s completely compatible with your martial spirit. Swallow it, then meditate while slowly refining the energy into your spirit core. Don’t rush—it takes balance and control to absorb something this advanced."
Both Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan accepted the herbs with a reverence that bordered on awe.
"No brewing or preparation?" Dugu Bo asked, eyeing the Earth Dragon Melon curiously.
"No need," Dave replied. "They’re already at peak maturity. Taking them directly is the best way to absorb their power. Just be patient while refining."
With a last look at Dave, Dugu Bo gave a solemn nod, then gestured for his granddaughter to follow.
"Come. We’ll meditate near the inner ring. The energy from the Yin-Yang Well will help us absorb the herbs faster," he said.
Dugu Yan nodded quietly, still holding the Celestial Snake Ivy close to her chest like a rare treasure. Together, they moved toward the middle zone of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well and sat down to begin their cultivation.
Now alone, Dave turned back to the rest of the garden.
His expression sharpened.
With the distractions gone, it was time to focus on what he really came here for.
He walked through the herb field like a silent shadow, his spirit power subtly resonating with the various rare plants. Every single legendary herb from the Douluo Dalu novels and anime—the Yearning Heartbroken Red, Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, Star Anise Mysterious Ice Grass, Fierce Sun Lotus, Delicate Fragrance Jade Grass, and many others—were all here, carefully hidden and protected by the balance of the twin elemental forces.
He crouched beside the Yearning Heartbroken Red. Its delicate petals trembled gently, even though there was no breeze.
He wrapped it carefully in a stasis crystal and stored it away.
With every step, Dave gathered another herb—calm, focused, and respectful. He wasn’t acting out of greed. He wasn’t stripping the land bare like someone scavenging during a crisis. This was deliberate. Thoughtful. Purposeful.
Dave’s gaze lingered briefly on the Delicate Fragrance Jade Grass, then drifted toward the Yin-Yang Well where Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were sitting in still meditation.
He remembered the stories—how Tang San had once walked through this same place and gathered nearly everything for himself. He was a genius, no doubt. But his choices, while helping some, had unintended consequences in the long run.
Dave muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else:
He hadn’t come to take everything and leave behind a half-finished method for others to suffer through.
Even with a martial spirit as powerful as the Jade Phosphor Serpent, the Dugu family had vanished into history within ten thousand years. Their once-famous bloodline had become forgotten—a shadow of what it could’ve been.
And it all happened because no one truly solved the underlying issue of the martial spirit. No one left behind a solid foundation.
He held up a crystal scroll, faint green runes glowing across its surface.
"This Spirit Core Creation Method..." he murmured, "is exactly what he needs. Even if someone else awakens the Jade Phosphor Serpent in the future... this method will let them survive. Maybe even grow."
He turned again to watch Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan as they cultivated.
"With these herbs, their martial spirits will evolve on the spot. The defects will be gone for good. No more poison damage. No more limits."
He watched as their auras slowly changed—Dugu Yan’s growing more refined, the soft green now deepening into a royal emerald. Scaled outlines flickered faintly in her spirit energy, while Dugu Bo’s own energy was becoming smoother, no longer harsh and jagged, but powerful and composed.
Dave gave a slight smile.
With this... I’ve gained another Titled Douluo.
But not through force. Not by playing games. He’d earned it through something stronger: true salvation.
Dugu Bo wasn’t just grateful. He understood. And soon, he would feel it in his core—his power rising, his pain fading.
And just like in the original timeline, Dave had gained Dugu Bo’s loyalty.
But this time... it would be real. And permanent.
Then, a voice gently broke the silence.
"Is he really poisoned?" Meilin asked softly.
She had arrived without a sound, as usual. Her eyes were locked on the meditating pair by the well, spirit energy pulsing gently around them.
Dave nodded, arms folded across his chest. "Yes. But not in the way most people believe."
Meilin’s eyes narrowed slightly, waiting for more.
Dave continued, his voice even and clear. "Most snake-type martial spirits are based on real venomous beasts. And in nature, most snakes have a venom sac—a special part of their body where the poison is stored, keeping it from spreading and damaging the rest of them. It’s a built-in safety system, evolved over time."
if you like my fanfic, and want to support me and read advance chaps, checkout my fanfic on :-
There are regular updates too.