Chapter 30: The Second Step of Detoxification

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Half a month later, Dugu Bo completed the monumental task of forcing the toxins into his soul bones. His spirit power, which had been at the late stages of level 92, now reached its peak due to the detoxification process. In just a few days—or at most, a few months—he would break through to level 93.

Dugu Bo's once green-tinted hair returned to its natural silver-gray, and the wrinkles on his face visibly diminished. His appearance, which had previously made him look around seventy years old, now appeared twenty years younger.

"Hahahaha, Luochen, thank you! You've saved the lives of my granddaughter and me. From now on, I'll be your steadfast protector—you needn't worry about anyone harming you."

Dugu Bo spoke with great enthusiasm. Not only had he eliminated the hidden dangers within himself, but his spirit power had also increased, and his granddaughter was no longer at risk. How could he not be overjoyed?

"No, Grandpa, it's not over yet. This method is only a temporary fix—it merely delays the onset of the toxins. Even if you live out your natural lifespan, your descendants won't be as fortunate."

Li Luochen interrupted Dugu Bo.

"What do you mean, boy?"

Dugu Bo looked puzzled. He believed that he wouldn't suffer from toxin outbreaks anymore—two soul bones should be enough to contain the toxins. Why wasn't this sufficient?

Dugu Yan also turned her gaze toward Li Luochen. She trusted his words.

"The hereditary toxins in your family are actually a flaw inherent to the Jade Phosphorous Snake martial soul itself. If we completely transform—or rather, evolve—the Jade Phosphorous Snake martial soul, we might be able to eradicate the root cause of the problem."

Li Luochen shared his thoughts. "To cure it completely, we'll need to use the immortal-grade herbs here. However, we don't recognize most of them—I only know a few, and even then, I'm unsure how to use them. That's why we need you, Grandpa Dugu, to find the Herb Record."

"Ah, I see," Dugu Bo replied, pondering for a moment. "Indeed, I can sense how powerful these herbs are. I once ate one that nearly cost me my life. Luochen, where do you suggest I obtain the Herb Record?"

"Grandpa Dugu, Yan Yan, follow me," Li Luochen said, leading Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan to a peculiar immortal herb nearby.

It was a large, pale pink flower without leaves. Its stem was three feet long, and the flower itself was enormous, with a diameter of nearly a foot. Each petal shimmered like crystal, and the pistil was a light purple, resembling tiny purple diamonds embedded within.

"This is the Aromatic Silk Beauty, the nemesis of all poisons. While it cannot directly detoxify, it can neutralize toxins. Most importantly, its pollen can catalyze medicinal properties, making it invaluable to alchemical families—it's worth more than life itself.

This time, Grandpa, take this flower and head to the Star Luo Empire to seek out the Breaking Clan. Use this flower to trade with them for the Herb Record and their alchemical inheritance.

The specifics will depend on your negotiation skills. They don't have any Title Douluos—their clan leader, Yang Wudi, is likely only close to Spirit Douluo level. The bottom line is that they'll trade everything except their most closely guarded secrets.

I believe that with the Aromatic Silk Beauty in hand and your status as a Title Douluo, their clan leader will understand what's at stake."

Li Luochen's suggestion thrilled Dugu Bo. It seemed this boy truly knew how to obtain the Herb Record. Next, it was just a matter of wielding both a stick and a carrot—a tactic Dugu Bo was well-versed in.

"Good. I'll take you two back to my residence in Tian Dou City first. Stay there and wait for my news."

Dugu Bo led Li Luochen and Dugu Yan away from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. They had spent nearly a month living there, and the sight of so many immortal herbs had left Li Luochen envious. It was better to leave now—out of sight, out of mind.

Not long after, the three arrived at Dugu Bo's residence in Tian Dou City.

"Yan Yan, stay here with Luochen while I head to the Star Luo Empire."

Dugu Bo bid farewell to his granddaughter and set off for the Star Luo Empire. The round trip would take at least a month, but with Dugu Bo's speed, he should arrive quickly. The exact duration, however, was uncertain.

With Dugu Bo gone, only three people remained in the residence: Dugu Yan, Li Luochen, and Wang, the steward of the Dugu household. Wang was a childhood friend of Dugu Bo's son, Dugu Xin, and owed his life to him. As a result, he came to serve as the steward of the Dugu household.

Though he was just a steward, Wang's strength was nothing to scoff at. He possessed Spirit Emperor-level power, optimal soul ring configurations, and was likely under forty years old. What others saw of him was merely the tip of the iceberg.

"Yan Yan, I'm going to visit my principal. It's been a month since I last saw him—he's probably very worried about me."

Li Luochen told Dugu Yan. After all, aside from his grandfather Li Yusong, Flender and the teachers of Shrek Academy were like family to him in this world. Now, perhaps two more people could be added to that list.

He thought about how, once Dugu Bo returned with the Herb Record, he could strengthen Shrek Academy. Grandpa Li Yusong and Elder Lu Qibin were older and might refuse to consume immortal herbs, so he planned to gather more longevity-enhancing and meridian-clearing herbs for them instead.

In Shrek Academy, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Shao Xin were still relatively young in the soul master world—they were all under fifty years old and already Spirit Sages. Though Shao Xin was slightly weaker, being a food-system soul master meant his age was the lowest among them.

Moreover, Flender was already at level 78 and on the verge of becoming a Spirit Douluo. Li Luochen planned to find a suitable immortal herb to help him break through quickly.

Li Luochen set off on the road back to Blue Hawk Academy, accompanied by Dugu Yan, who insisted on joining him despite his attempts to dissuade her.

Blue Tyrant Academy

A month had passed since Li Luochen last returned. Reflecting on it, it felt surreal. He had initially left to avoid being a third wheel, but in the end, he found someone special by his side. Though the journey had been tumultuous, the outcome was satisfactory. At the very least, his strength had greatly increased, and he now had the protection of a Title Douluo.

The gatekeepers of the academy recognized Li Luochen and were well aware of his heroic deeds—beating up the granddaughter of Poison Douluo had earned him quite the reputation. He was quickly allowed entry.

As he entered Blue Tyrant Academy, Li Luochen led Dugu Yan toward the small wooden cabin where Liu Erlong resided. 'I wonder how Principal Flender and Aunt Erlong are doing. Have they progressed further? Why do I feel like I'm more anxious about this than they are? It's like the emperor isn't worried, but the eunuch is.'

Li Luochen rested his chin on his left hand, deep in thought. 'Should I really resort to using medicine? Wouldn't that be too immoral? But imagining Little Master Yu turning green with jealousy does give me a certain satisfaction…'

'Hehehe.'

"Chen, why is your mouth stretched into such a wide grin? Are you thinking of something amusing?" Dugu Yan noticed Li Luochen's grin, which nearly reached his ears, and couldn't help but ask.

"Cough, cough, it's nothing important. Come on, Yan Yan, let's go see my principal."

Li Luochen quickly composed himself and pulled Dugu Yan toward the wooden cabin.

Arriving at the cabin, he called out, "Principal, Aunt Erlong, I'm back!"

Li Luochen stood outside the cabin and shouted, not daring to enter directly. What if he interrupted something intimate?

After about two minutes, Flender emerged, smiling warmly at Li Luochen.

"We were just sleeping, and getting dressed took some time. Little Chen, you're back? Let your principal take a good look at you—have you been eating well?"

'Unprovoked kindness often hides ulterior motives… Something feels off—extremely off. Did Principal Flender button his shirt incorrectly? And why does he smell faintly of perfume?'

Li Luochen stared at Flender, sensing that something was amiss.

{T/N: RIP}

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