Dave simply chuckled and gave a casual shrug, a mischievous spark dancing in his eyes. "Hey, it’s not my fault fate keeps tossing beautiful women into my path."
Dugu Bo gave him a narrow-eyed stare—equal parts protective grandfather and weary elder—but then let out a long, resigned sigh.
"I guess if she’s happy... I have no right to complain," he muttered, folding his arms across his chest. "Just don’t make me a great-grandfather too soon, you little rascal."
That earned an amused laugh from Meilin, while Dugu Yan let out a scandalized gasp, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of red.
"Grandpa!" she protested, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her flustered delight.
Dave grinned, clearly enjoying the moment. "I’ll take that as your blessing, old man."
Dugu Bo gave a gruff huff but didn’t deny it. "You saved us. You’ve given Yan a new path forward. I don’t care how many girls throw themselves at you—as long as you never betray the trust you’ve earned here."
Dave’s smile faded slightly, a hint of sincerity taking over. "I won’t. You have my word."
A silence followed—not awkward, but peaceful. The kind that settles between people who’ve faced storms together and can finally breathe again.
Then Meilin smirked and crossed her arms. "Well, now that the romance subplot’s wrapped up, can we get back to the actual mission?"
"What mission?" Dugu Yan asked, tilting her head curiously.
Dave turned to her with a sly grin. "We’re heading out to explore the continent. Want to come with me? Though, fair warning... if we’re alone too long, I might end up sleeping with you."
Dugu Yan’s face instantly flushed bright red. "W-What...?!"
But after a beat, her gaze softened. She stepped in a little closer, lowering her eyes bashfully. "I-I’m already yours... I wouldn’t mind," she whispered, barely audible.
Dave smiled, thoroughly satisfied—until he suddenly felt a chilling gaze prickling at his back.
Turning slightly, he caught Dugu Bo watching him like a hawk. The old man’s face was unreadable, cold and narrow-eyed... but he looked away just as quickly, pretending not to notice the exchange.
Clearing his throat loudly, Dugu Bo broke the tension. "Since you’re planning to take Yan with you... I’m coming too."
Dave arched a brow. "Afraid I’ll whisk her away forever?"
Dugu Bo gave him a gruff, half-hearted scowl. "Partly. She’s still my granddaughter. You think I’d let her run off with some brat without keeping an eye on you?"
Then, after a moment, his voice softened and took on a more genuine note. "Mostly... I just care. You’ve already done more for us than I ever thought possible. But I still want to witness for myself just how far your future will go."
Dave shook his head with a small smile. "You really don’t have to worry about us."
The old man hesitated, then gave a slow nod—his expression shifting slightly, as if remembering the hidden strength Dave carried and the changes already brought by his presence.
Unexpectedly, Dave reached into his robe and pulled out a sealed parchment scroll, handing it over to him. "Here. Take this. It might help you grow stronger."
Dugu Bo eyed the scroll with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What is it?"
"It’s a Spirit Core condensation method," Dave explained. "A complete one. It might just be the thing your family needs the most. It teaches how to form a true Spirit Core."
Dugu Bo’s expression sharpened, focus replacing his earlier weariness.
"These herbs in your garden—they’re some of the rarest I’ve seen. It’ll be over a thousand years before they mature again. And while your martial spirits have evolved, which means the Jade Phosphor Serpent might never return... there’s still a chance."
He let the words hang before continuing.
"This method carefully guides how to transmute your venom energy into a Spirit Bone first. Then, once someone reaches the Spirit Sage level—rank 70—they can redirect that energy into forming a true core. One that stabilizes the body completely and neutralizes internal poisoning. Not a temporary fix. A real, permanent solution."
Dugu Bo stared down at the scroll, then up at Dave. His expression remained still, but his eyes gleamed with layered emotion—surprise, deep respect, and heartfelt gratitude.
Dave just shrugged again, like it was nothing. "Like I said—when I help, I do it right. No shortcuts. No half-measures."
Taking a long breath, Dugu Bo bowed his head. This time, fully. With no hesitation or pride.
It wasn’t a gesture of submission—but one of reverence.
"You’ve done more than I ever dreamed possible," the elder said quietly. "I don’t even know how to thank you."
Dave said nothing. He didn’t need to. The silence said it all.
Then, just as the moment grew still again, Dugu Bo turned sharply toward his granddaughter. His eyes narrowed, gleaming with mischief—and a touch of expectation.
"Yanyan," he said, voice gruff yet affectionate. "Since you’ve already given your heart to this brat... give me one good thing in return."
She blinked, confused. "Huh?"
Dugu Bo crossed his arms and raised a brow. "Give me a great-grandchild. Quickly."
"G-Grandpa!!" Dugu Yan yelped, her entire face turning beet red.
Dave nearly coughed out his lungs, caught completely off guard. Meilin burst out laughing, nearly doubling over.
Even Dave, usually the calmest of them all, scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Damn... he really just said that out loud."
Dugu Bo just gave a proud huff. "You saved my family. Now the least you can do... is give it a future."
Dave let out a half-laugh, half-sigh, shaking his head in mock defeat. "Alright, alright, old man. I get it." He reached out and gently took Dugu Yan’s hand, threading his fingers with hers. "But for now... we’re heading out."
He turned slightly, casting one last look around the familiar Poison Clan courtyard. "So... get your things. We’re leaving."
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow. "Just like that? No dramatic farewell? No speeches?"
Dave smirked. "You already got your dramatic moment, asking for grandkids in front of everyone. I think that’s enough emotion for one day."
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