"You just didn't recognize the value before,"
Qin Xiao looked at the enraged Du Gu Bo but instead laughed.
After all, Du Gu Bo wasn't wrong; he did intend to freeload.
"Du Gu Bo, what you hold in your hand is no ordinary item—it's called Fragrant Silk-Brocade, reputed to be the nemesis of all poisons. You and your granddaughter each take half, then force the remaining toxins in your bodies into a soul bone, and the Green Kirin Snake Poison will be considered neutralized,"
Qin Xiao said indifferently.
Of course, using the Fragrant Silk-Brocade this way meant that neither Du Gu Bo nor Dugu Yan could obtain an immunity to all poisons.
But.
It was no problem to eliminate the threat of the Green Kirin Snake Poison.
Besides, Qin Xiao had not agreed to help them attain immunity to all poisons. Moreover, half an Immortal Herb would already be of significant benefit to both of them. Compared with Tang San from the original story, Qin Xiao felt he was being generous enough.
After hearing Qin Xiao's words, Du Gu Bo furrowed his brow, "Is it really that simple?"
"What else?"
"Could it be more difficult?"
Qin Xiao said, shrugging his shoulders.
"I always feel like you're looking down on me when you say that,"
asserted Du Gu Bo irritably.
To know that he had been diligently studying how to neutralize the Green Kirin Snake Poison for several decades without any results, to the point that if he continued on for a few more years, he would be poisoned to death himself. Only to be brushed off by Qin Xiao with a few nonchalant words.
"Grandpa, I think it might work,"
Dugu Yan tugged at Du Gu Bo's sleeve from the side.
"Why do you say that?"
Startled, Du Gu Bo asked.
Dugu Yan whispered, "Such a young Titled Douluo must have secrets that no one knows about."
Deliberating for a moment, Du Gu Bo slowly nodded, "Qin Xiao, I'll give it a try right now. If it works, my residence will take the Qin surname from now on."
Qin Xiao nodded subtly, "Whatever."
Saying this, Qin Xiao turned and walked to a distance, idly wandering around the Icefire Polarized Eyes.
Without hesitation, Du Gu Bo also sat down cross-legged on the spot. Then he broke off half of the Immortal Grade Fragrant Qi Luo and stuffed it into his mouth.
Dugu Yan watched Du Gu Bo anxiously.
As time ticked by, each second felt like an eternity to Dugu Yan.
Suddenly.
The next moment, a powerful Soul Power erupted from Du Gu Bo that Dugu Yan could not withstand, and she was flung away.
Seeing this, Qin Xiao frowned because Dugu Yan was careening in his direction.
The next moment, he moved.
He took a step back.
With a splash, Dugu Yan fell in front of him.
Looking up from the ground, Dugu Yan asked, "Why didn't you catch me?"
Qin Xiao was perplexed, "Why should I catch you?"
Dugu Yan was rendered speechless.
"Hahaha, it worked, I never thought it would really work,"
at that moment, the laughter of Du Gu Bo rang out.
Qin Xiao looked over and saw Du Gu Bo with nine Soul Rings pulsing around him, his face radiant with ecstasy.
"Grandpa, why do you look different?"
"Your hair is black, your eyes are black, and your face has color again."
Ignoring the dirt on herself, Dugu Yan hurriedly approached Du Gu Bo, scrutinizing him closely.
The more she observed, the more shocked she became, her eyes spontaneously reddening, "Grandpa, are you... are you not experiencing a brief recovery before death, right?"
Uh.
The smile on Du Gu Bo's face instantly stiffened.
He raised his hand and gave Dugu Yan a big thump on the head, "What are you talking about? I'm doing extremely well now. I could live for several more decades without a problem.
Qin Xiao didn't deceive me, the Green Kirin Snake Poison can no longer harm me. Moreover, thanks to the powerful medicinal effects of the Immortal Grade Fragrant Qi Luo, my Soul Power has risen a level just in the short time we've been talking."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan was first shocked, then leapt up with joy, "Hooray!"
"Qin Xiao, I misunderstood you before."
Du Gu Bo sincerely said to Qin Xiao, "From now on, this mansion is yours."
He paused, then added, "Besides, not only have you cured my poison, but you've also significantly increased my Cultivation Level. Even this half-plant has been of even greater benefit to Yanyan...
I, Du Gu Bo, am clear about debts of gratitude and grievances. In this matter, I owe you a favor. If there's ever anything you need in the future, just say the word."
Indeed.
A true villain is much better than a false saint, after all.
Qin Xiao smiled and nodded, not declining the good intentions of Du Gu Bo.
After all, Du Gu Bo is a Titled Douluo, a powerhouse. Who knows, this favor might come in handy someday.
"Yanyan, let's go. After we get back to the academy, I'll help you detox from the Azure Bull Python poison," Du Gu Bo said to Dugu Yan.
"Mhm," Dugu Yan nodded slightly.
However, every step Du Gu Bo took to leave was difficult.
Every two steps, he would look back, his eyes filled with pain and reluctance.
After all, each plant in this basin was the fruit of his labor.
"Hold on."
Suddenly, Qin Xiao called out to him.
"What else do you need?" Du Gu Bo was taken aback, looking at Qin Xiao somewhat puzzled.
Qin Xiao smiled slightly, "I was wondering if you might be interested in becoming a security guard."
"What do you mean by 'security guard'?" Du Gu Bo was puzzled.
"You can think of it as a guardian," Qin Xiao said with an even brighter smile.
All the Immortal Herbs had been picked clean, and he had no use for the remaining medicinal plants.
It'd be a waste to let them go untouched. Plus, he had other things to do and no time to tend to them. It would be better to leave them to Du Gu Bo to maintain. This was also an opportunity to fleece some more benefits.
What?
After hearing Qin Xiao's words, Du Gu Bo's pupils shrank, and he said irritably, "What a joke. I, a Titled Douluo, serve you as a guardian? You should know that even Emperor Xue Ye treats me with respect when he sees me, and Prince Xue Xing regards me as an esteemed guest... "
To this, Qin Xiao seemed indifferent. He slowly extended two fingers, waggling them in front of Du Gu Bo, "If you agree to my terms, you can pick any two plants per month from here."
"That's impossible," Du Gu Bo immediately shook his head, "Even if the Spiritual Medicine here is rare in the outside world, it can't sway my heart. You said that I could buy these medicines."
"But what if I don't sell them?"
"You... you're simply being unreasonable."
Seeing Du Gu Bo's exasperated expression, Qin Xiao chuckled, "That's my second condition. If you agree, all the Spiritual Medicine will be available to you, and any Spiritual Medicine you buy will be at half price..."
"Half price?"
This time, Du Gu Bo was truly tempted. Although his Green Kirin Snake Poison had been cured, it didn't diminish his passion for poison. The demand for various medicinal ingredients was great, and converting that into golden soul coins was a huge figure.
Once, he never needed to concern himself with this issue, but now he had to consider it. After all, the mansion was now someone else's property.
No more.
He couldn't think about it any longer; Du Gu Bo felt like he would suffocate from heartache if he dwelled on it.
"Alright, I agree to your terms," Du Gu Bo bit the bullet and replied, "But I have one condition, I want to cultivate a small medicinal plot of my own here."
Buying medicine was not a sustainable solution. Only by cultivating his own medicinal ingredients could he ensure a steady supply.
"True to your name, Poison Douluo, you're really good at making calculations," Qin Xiao praised, then extended his hand, "I can agree to your medicinal field, but it won't be a gift. For five million golden soul coins, I'll rent you a piece of land for fifty years."
"What? Five million?" Du Gu Bo was shocked, almost laughing in anger, "Qin Xiao, you could just rob me, why bother doing business with me?"
"Since I can do business, why should I go stealing?"
Faced with Du Gu Bo's words, Qin Xiao retorted.
In turn, Du Gu Bo found himself at a loss for words.
"Five million golden soul coins, I'll gather it up and give it to you later."
This was no small sum, even Du Gu Bo needed to prepare it.
"If you're not in a hurry, then I'm even less so,"
Qin Xiao said nonchalantly, as he wasn't short on money right now, "From now on, I'll leave the management of this place to you. If there's any issue, come find me at Blue Tyrant Academy. I'll be there temporarily."
According to the original storyline's progression, Qin Xiao remembered that the people of Shrek left Sky Dou Royal Academy and went to the Blue Tyrant Academy. He was certain that his next task would likely be refreshed there.
"Okay." Hearing this, Du Gu Bo nodded.
Then, he and Dugu Yan watched Qin Xiao leave.
"Alas, it's hard to believe that I myself am such a source of great resentment."
Looking back at the herb garden that used to be his own, Du Gu Bo felt a mix of emotions.
In other words, he was guarding a treasure without knowing its value...
"Grandpa, look on the bright side. No matter what, the Green Kirin Snake Poison has been controlled, hasn't it?"
"You, my life, isn't it worth more than this herb garden?"
Dugu Yan consoled the dispirited Du Gu Bo.
"You're right, but the idea of using my own money to buy my own herbs still feels uncomfortable."
Having said that, Du Gu Bo couldn't help but sigh, "Alas, I guess I'll get used to it. Yanyan, wait here for me. I'll make a trip back to Tiandou City to find you a soul bone."
"Okay." Dugu Yan obediently nodded her head upon hearing this.
...
Meanwhile.
Seven Treasures Glaze Sect.
Outside Bone Douluo's room, Ning Fengzhi stood shoulder to shoulder with Sword Douluo, staring at the tightly closed door.
"Why hasn't he come out yet after so long?"
"Old Bone is refining three soul bones in one go this time. Is it still not possible for him to break through the bottleneck and become a level-96 Titled Douluo?"
"If he can't break through even with this method, I don't know how Old Bone will ever manage it."
Ning Fengzhi turned to face Sword Douluo, whose voice was somber, carrying an undisguised concern.
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi shook his head helplessly, knowing that Sword Douluo was worried and in disarray, "Uncle Jian, don't be anxious, breakthroughs are not such easy feats, are they?"
"Sigh, then we'll just have to keep waiting,"
Sword Douluo sighed.
However.
Just as his sigh faded, the closed door was suddenly blasted open by a powerful surge of Soul Power.
In contrast, Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi were not startled but overjoyed...
The next moment, Bone Douluo came out with a smile on his face.
The strength of his Soul Power was significantly greater than before.
"Old Bone, have you succeeded?"
Elation was evident in Sword Douluo's eyes.
"Hahaha, I've succeeded. That which has troubled me for so many years has finally been overcome,"
Bone Douluo couldn't hold back his laughter any longer.
"Congratulations, Uncle Bone,"
Ning Fengzhi also greeted Bone Douluo with a joyful expression.
"Sect Master, you speak too modestly. If it weren't for you bringing these soul bones, my breakthrough would have remained a distant dream, especially since these soul bones are of such superior age,"
Gratitude filled Bone Douluo's eyes.
In turn, Ning Fengzhi fell into deep thought, "If that's the case, it seems we have to thank Qin Xiao again..."
Originally, when Qin Xiao sold the soul bones to Seven Treasures Glaze Sect, their obligation to each other had been settled.
But with Bone Douluo's breakthrough, he felt they should still express gratitude.
After all, with Qin Xiao's infinite potential, Ning Fengzhi was still eager to maintain a relationship with him.
Bone Douluo was silent for a moment, then nodded, "That's proper, I'll go to Shrek to meet this young man."
Bone Douluo was a man of action, ready to move immediately upon resolution.
"Wait,"
Ning Fengzhi stopped Bone Douluo, "Uncle Bone, since Shrek Academy was destroyed and it hasn't been rebuilt, the people from Shrek Academy have now come to Tiandou City. We've received news that they are staying in an inn there."
"Oh? That makes things much easier. Then I'll go to Tiandou City to find him."
Uncle Bone's eyes lit up; with his cultivation level, it wouldn't take much effort to reach Tiandou City.
Ning Fengzhi said, "I will accompany you on your journey."
....
"Your Highness, you have finally returned."
In front of Du Gu Manor, a warrior clad in silver armor saw Du Gu Bo and his face lit up with excitement.
"Has something happened to Your Majesty?"
As Du Gu Bo's eyes flickered, he recognized the man as an imperial guard from Emperor Xue Ye's retinue from afar.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty's condition is not very good, which is why I have come to find you," said the silver-armored warrior.
"What? His Majesty's illness was stable before, how could it have suddenly worsened?" Du Gu Bo asked with a frown.
Seeing no one else around, the silver-armored warrior spoke softly, "Last night, after His Majesty summoned Prince Xue Xing, he flew into a rage..."
So that's how it is...
Instantly, Du Gu Bo understood the crux of the matter.
It must be that Xue Xing abused his power and exposed his plot to rid himself of his dissenters.
"Sigh, Xue Xing is indeed unlucky. If it had been someone else, they would have suppressed it, but it is Qin Xiao he crossed; that is a dead end."
After silently condoling for Xue Xing for three seconds in his heart, Du Gu Bo said to the silver-armored warrior, "No more words are needed, I will enter the palace immediately."
As a level-96 Titled Douluo, it only took Du Gu Bo a few dozen breaths to reach the imperial palace from his estate.
Afterward, he also had unobstructed access straight to the emperor's sleeping chambers and saw Emperor Xue Ye.
"Mr. Du Gu, you finally arrived."
The people surrounding Emperor Xue Ye showed delighted expressions and made way upon seeing him.
Uncle Du Gu merely nodded slightly and then strode forward.
"Mr. Du Gu Bo, you're here."
The Emperor Xue Ye said weakly.
"Your Majesty, don't worry, with me here, it will be alright," Du Gu Bo said with a deep voice, the healer and poison master that he was.
After a long while, he let out a breath.
"His Majesty is suffering from extreme agitation, which has caused his old ailment to flare up; it's not a serious issue. He just needs to take a few prescriptions to adjust his condition."
"That's a relief, a great relief," the surrounding people said overjoyed upon hearing Du Gu Bo's words.
However, they then noticed something off about Du Gu Bo's complexion.
"What's wrong, Mr. Dugu? Is there a worsening trend in my condition?" Emperor Xue Ye also noticed something amiss and asked in a low voice.
"That's not it..."
Is Mr. Dugu having some difficulty?"
Du Gu Bo looked a bit troubled, "The issue is that the medicinal materials used by Your Majesty are very precious and require a large sum of golden soul coins."
What?
Need money?
The crowd was taken aback, having not expected Du Gu Bo to make such a statement.
"How much money is needed?" Emperor Xue Ye asked in a low voice.
"These prescriptions require forty-nine main medicinal components and eighty-one auxiliary ones, amounting to about five hundred thousand golden soul coins..." Du Gu Bo calculated silently and named a figure.
It was a very fair figure, accounting only for the cost; he did not mark up the price one bit.
Hiss? Five hundred thousand golden soul coins?
The crowd gasped in surprise.
"May I ask Your Highness, why did His Majesty's treatment not require so many golden soul coins before?" someone dared to ask.
This was the doubt in everyone's mind.
"Before?"
Thinking about this issue made Du Gu Bo's anger surge.
Unable to help himself, he snorted coldly, "Before, I cultivated the medicinal herbs myself. Now that I have to spend money to buy them, can it be the same?"
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