Chapter 60: Dugu Bo’s Decision, Guang Ling’s Breakthrough

Chapter 60: Dugu Bo's Decision, Guang Ling's Breakthrough

Dugu Bo took a deep breath, shifting his gaze back to Han Li, who was holding the Fragrant Silk Beauty Immortal Herb. He had suffered several setbacks over the past two days, all due to impulsive decisions. Now, faced with an enormous temptation, he instead found himself unusually calm.

Most importantly, he hadn't forgotten how Guang Ling had been ready to silence him the moment he merely heard the word "immortal herb." Now, Han Li was offering everything so generously, which actually made him uneasy.

"Han Li, to be honest, both of the options you've given me are too good. So good that I don't even dare to choose. Especially the second one you seem very eager for me to pick that one. This already goes far beyond what you initially promised for my treatment, doesn't it?"

"That's true," Han Li admitted with a smile.

"Then you'd better explain to me why you're doing this. If you don't, I really won't dare to choose." Dugu Bo forced a bitter smile.

Frankly, he didn't think he was worth that much. Even the first option seemed almost too good to be true, and yet Han Li had given him two choices.

This isn't good he's scared now. Han Li shook his head, frustrated.

He had underestimated just how shocking martial soul evolution was to the people of the Douluo Continent. He silently recorded this miscalculation in his mind, vowing not to make the same mistake again.

After reorganizing his thoughts, Han Li met Dugu Bo's gaze.

"Senior, you're overthinking it. I won't hide it yes, I do prefer you choosing the second option, but that's mainly because it benefits me."

As he spoke, Han Li gestured toward the Fragrant Silk Beauty Immortal Herb.

"As for martial soul evolution, given the quality of herbs here, it's actually not that difficult. Do you understand what I mean? And besides, I don't like owing people favors. You gave my master an extremely valuable immortal herb, so of course, I'll do everything I can in return. Otherwise, I could have just told you to seal the poison into a soul bone and called it a day."

"Moreover, since you've agreed to become my protector, that makes you one of us. And I've said before I'm always generous to my own people. While I can't fully trust you yet, I believe it's worth using two martial soul evolution opportunities to gain your goodwill."

"That's basically it. At first, I only cared about obtaining the Fragrant Silk Beauty Immortal Herb, but everything after that was simply a way to win you over. Does that make sense?"

Han Li spread his hands, indicating he had finished.

Dugu Bo felt a bit dazed. So, all my concerns were just because my vision was too limited?

No, no he quickly shook his head, dismissing that thought. Martial soul evolution is a massive deal anywhere on the continent.

If such an opportunity existed, countless high ranking Soul Masters would risk their lives for it. No, it wasn't that he was seeing things wrong it was that Han Li's offer was far too generous.

Regaining his composure, he looked at Han Li's smiling face and solemnly nodded before bowing deeply.

"Then we'll proceed with your method. I choose the second option."

"Good. First, I'll adjust your body. Your condition is terrible nearly corroded by poison from the inside out. It's best to recover some vitality before we proceed."

Han Li put away the Fragrant Silk Beauty Immortal Herb, contemplating for a moment before retrieving a Nine Petal Purple Ganoderma.

After reconsidering, he placed it back and instead took out a Nine Petal Dragon Ganoderma that emitted a faint mist, handing it to Dugu Bo.

This herb had grown near the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well suspected to be a variant of the Nine Petal Purple Ganoderma, mutated under the influence of the Water Dragon King's energy. It contained a faint trace of dragon aura.

For reasons unknown perhaps due to its mutation it was stuck between the ranks of precious herb and immortal herb. It also had a twin counterpart, the Nine Petal Fire Ganoderma, with the same classification.

Han Li had chosen this herb carefully. Given its effects on dragon and serpent type martial souls, it was on par with an actual immortal herb one of the best in the sub immortal class. It was more than sufficient for Dugu Bo.

"Start by consuming the leaves. During your body's adjustment, use its energy to suppress the poison as much as possible. After that, I'll prepare some medicinal baths. In seven days, we'll begin."

Han Li didn't bother explaining further.

"Alright."

Dugu Bo accepted the Nine Petal Dragon Ganoderma, examined it briefly, and, though he didn't recognize it, could tell from its aura that it was valuable.

Without hesitation, he sat down nearby, put two leaves into his mouth, and entered meditation.

Now that Dugu Bo was occupied, Guang Ling stepped forward, realizing Han Li was ready for him next.

"Han Li, can my martial soul evolve too?" He asked, his tone filled with anticipation.

"Master, do you want the truth or a nice lie?" Han Li blinked at him.

"…Forget it. You don't need to say anything just start."

Guang Ling waved him off. He already knew the answer. He had asked out of curiosity, but he wouldn't force something impossible.

"Evolution is difficult, but making it stronger? That's not a problem."

Han Li, seeing his master was prepared, handed him the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass.

Guang Ling examined the herb, feeling his soul power being eroded by its chilling energy even as he held it. He turned to Han Li. "Just eat it?"

"No, just let it come into contact with your martial soul. Leave the rest to me."

Han Li's expression turned serious.

Guang Ling nodded, sat cross legged, summoned his martial soul, and placed the herb against it before closing his eyes.

Seeing the contact was made, Han Li swiftly placed his hands over the point where the herb and bow touched, sending tendrils of faint red soul power into both. Immediately, both martial soul and herb began resisting.

However, Guang Ling had been warned in advance. He suppressed his martial soul's natural defenses, easing Han Li's burden so he could focus on subduing the herb. With the main resistance gone, Han Li quickly enveloped both with his soul power.

With step one complete, the rest was much easier. Using his absolute control over the ice element, Han Li wove a net of his soul power to isolate and suppress the extreme ice poison within the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, keeping it contained at the grip of the bow.

Meanwhile, the remaining energy freely flowed through the martial soul, strengthening its ice element before passing into Guang Ling's body through their connection.

Seeing everything proceeding smoothly, Han Li finally relaxed. His master's condition was better than expected perhaps due to his high level or perfect attribute compatibility.

Sure enough, in just an hour, Guang Ling had completely absorbed the herb's energy. However, he still showed no signs of breaking through.

Damn, that's it? Just some elemental enhancement and nothing else? Han Li mentally cursed.

Fortunately, he had prepared for this scenario.

Without hesitation, he summoned his evolved Ice Fire Divine Dragon Bow and activated his connection with the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well. Acting as a conduit, he rapidly converted its energy into pure ice essence and channeled it into Guang Ling's martial soul.

The commotion startled Dugu Bo out of his meditation. He turned, his eyes widening at the sight before him, utterly shocked.

Realizing what was happening, he abandoned his training and moved to guard the perimeter.

Sure enough, the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well was far more effective. Under Han Li's full powered infusion, it took only fifteen minutes before Guang Ling's aura began fluctuating.

Suddenly, Guang Ling's eyes snapped open, and he gave Han Li a firm nod.

Han Li grinned in response and immediately released the suppressed ice poison at the grip of the bow, withdrawing his control and stepping back.

Dugu Bo also approached, unable to hide the envy in his eyes. He recognized this sign Guang Ling was about to break through.

He himself had been stuck at Rank 91 for years, suffering constant torment from his own poison.

But Guang Ling's breakthrough filled him with hope.

If a Rank 97 Soul Douluo could use this method to advance, then when his turn came…

At the very least, he had to improve.

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