Under the night sky, on the other side, the Dugu Manor.
Inside a spacious dining room, a family feast was taking place.
An elderly man, tall and thin with green hair and beard, deeply sunken cheeks, wearing a gray robe, looked lovingly at the purple-haired young woman eating at the table, occasionally using his chopsticks to pick up dishes from the table and place them in her bowl.
"Tianheng, you should eat too!"
Seeing her grandfather adding food to her bowl again, Dugu Yan glanced at the side, where Yu Tianheng was concentrating on eating, seldom picking up any dishes, and gave him a chopstick of food to his bowl.
Yu Tianheng, realizing the situation, cursed inwardly and turned his gaze to Dugu Bo.
As expected, the originally kind and loving Dugu Bo immediately changed his expression and looked at him with displeasure.
"Cough, cough~ Grandpa, you eat!"
Facing Dugu Bo's unkind gaze, Yu Tianheng couldn't help but shrink his neck and quickly picked up the food that Dugu Yan had placed in his bowl, putting it in Dugu Bo's bowl in front of him.
"Hmph!"
Dugu Bo snorted coldly, and an invisible aura spread, causing Yu Tianheng to drop his chopsticks in fright.
Old man, don't you dare!
I'm not happy that my precious granddaughter didn't think of serving me first and instead served this young man first!
At this moment, Dugu Bo's mood was like a father finding out his beloved daughter had been courted by another man.
"Aiya~ Grandpa, Tianheng is just here for the first time. Please don't be like that!"
Realizing what was happening, Dugu Yan immediately put a piece of food into her grandfather's bowl and defended her boyfriend, who had come home for the first time.
After the battle with Shrek Academy, Qin Ming had returned with the Imperial Fighting Team to the Tiandou Royal Academy.
However, the Imperial Fighting Team didn't just hurry straight back; every time they passed through a large city on their way back to the academy, they would go to the city's Soul Arena for training.
After returning to the academy in the morning, with nothing else to do, Dugu Yan brought her boyfriend Yu Tianheng home to introduce him to her grandfather.
But Dugu Yan didn't expect that Yu Tianheng, who was usually confident, seemed to turn into a mouse facing a cat in front of her grandfather. He didn't show any of his usual self-assurance, and it seemed that his first impression on her grandfather wasn't great.
Actually, it should be said that it was quite poor.
"With someone like you, you still call yourself a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon?"
Glancing at his precious granddaughter, whose elbow was already turning outward, Dugu Bo sneered at the submissive Yu Tianheng.
The so-called "Blue Lightning Twin Stars" was a title created by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan to hype up their talented direct descendants, Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin, similar to how Haotian Sect used "Haotian Twin Stars" for their talents.
However, in Dugu Bo's eyes, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's "Blue Lightning Twin Stars" couldn't compare to the Haotian Sect's "Haotian Twin Stars" in the past.
Not to mention, the older of the Haotian Twin Stars, Tang Xiao, had long been titled a Douluo and succeeded as the sect master, while his younger brother, Tang Hao, inherited the title of Haotian Douluo and defeated the former Pope Qian Xunjie of the Spirit Hall over a decade ago. These two brothers were among the continent's strongest.
On the other hand, the "Blue Lightning Twin Stars" had their title, but their strength was just at the three-ring level. How could a mere little grasshopper compare?
Dugu Bo hadn't met Yu Tianxin, but he didn't think Yu Tianheng could measure up to Tang Xiao and Tang Hao.
As for his future grandson-in-law, Dugu Bo was deeply dissatisfied.
Of course, talent wasn't the most important thing. What mattered most was that in Dugu Bo's view, Yu Tianheng was spineless and lacked the masculinity he expected, making him a poor match for his granddaughter.
Clearly, Dugu Bo had forgotten that he himself had a notorious reputation, and that Yu Tianheng was visiting for the first time, so how could he not be nervous?
Hearing Dugu Bo's mockery, if he could, Yu Tianheng would've flipped the table and beaten Dugu Bo to a pulp.
Unfortunately, he didn't dare. He was only a three-ring Soul Master—how could he possibly defeat a titled Douluo like Dugu Bo? Moreover, this was his girlfriend's grandfather, so even if Dugu Bo had no power, he couldn't just attack him.
Additionally, Yu Tianheng understood Dugu Bo's nature. Before coming here, he had already prepared himself for being humiliated.
Being humiliated wasn't a big deal, and being despised wasn't either. After all, he wasn't marrying Dugu Bo. As long as he held on to his girlfriend and didn't let go, even if the old man didn't like him, he would have to accept it!
Thinking this way, Yu Tianheng paid no mind to Dugu Bo's disdain and mockery.
I just love the way this old man looks at me with dislike, but still has to acknowledge me as his grandson-in-law!
"Grandpa, I have good news to tell you."
Seeing her grandfather about to begin tormenting her boyfriend again, Dugu Yan immediately prepared to change the subject.
And this piece of news would definitely divert her grandfather's attention.
However, before Dugu Yan could finish speaking, the door to the dining room was pushed open, and a middle-aged man dressed as a butler entered.
"Sir, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has sent an invitation."
The middle-aged butler quickly stepped forward and handed Dugu Bo the golden-embossed invitation.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Dugu Bo was momentarily stunned, then took the invitation and opened it.
Soon, Dugu Bo's expression became strange. Ning Rongrong, the young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, was coming to visit three days later?
If it were the sect leader Ning Fengzhi visiting, it would be normal, considering he had long been trying to recruit him into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
But the one visiting was the young lady, Ning Rongrong, and this puzzled Dugu Bo.
"Grandpa, is Sect Master Ning trying to recruit you again?"
Seeing her grandfather's odd expression, Dugu Yan asked.
Dugu Bo shook his head: "No, it's Ning Fengzhi's daughter, Ning Rongrong. She said she'll be visiting in three days."
"Ning Rongrong?"
Hearing this, Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow, a curious look on her face.
Isn't Ning Rongrong studying at Shrek Academy outside Soto City? Why is she coming to visit us in three days?
"Yan Yan, do you know her?"
"Hmm, we met once before! When Qin Ming led our Imperial Fighting Team out for training, we passed through Soto City in the Barak Kingdom. Ning Rongrong was studying at Shrek Academy. That day, our Imperial Fighting Team even had a match against the Shrek Academy students."
At this point, remembering their crushing defeat, Dugu Yan didn't continue.
"You lost?"
Glancing at the quiet Yu Tianheng beside her, Dugu Bo asked expressionlessly.
Dugu Bo was very perceptive. Seeing that his granddaughter hadn't continued, he could easily guess the outcome of the match.
"Yes, we lost. And it was a crushing defeat!"
Dugu Yan nodded with a smile.
"You lost and are still smiling?"
Dugu Bo rolled his eyes. The prestigious Imperial Fighting Team from Tiandou Royal Academy had lost to Shrek Academy? And the vice-captain was smiling?
Could it be that having a boyfriend made you a fool?
"That's because I have some really great news to tell you, Grandpa!"
Dugu Yan said excitedly.
Before Dugu Bo returned home, she hadn't had the chance to tell him that Chu Chengzhou could cure her poison!
"Good news? What good news?"
Dugu Bo paused and quickly asked.
"Grandpa, there's a student at Shrek Academy named Chu Chengzhou. He has a soul skill that can cure my poison, and the effectiveness of the cure increases with his soul power level.
Of course, that's not the most important part. The most important thing is that his cultivation talent is even better than mine, and there's a chance he could become a Titled Douluo in the future."
Immediately, Dugu Bo stood up in shock.
He understood the implication of his granddaughter's words.
There were many Soul Masters in the continent who could cure poison, and many with better cultivation talent than his granddaughter, but those who had both abilities were rare.
Now this Chu Chengzhou had both, which meant what? It meant his precious granddaughter no longer had to worry about the poison in her body! In fact, even his own problems could be solved by Chu Chengzhou.
As for Chu Chengzhou not wanting to help? Hmph~ As a Titled Douluo with a title based on 'Poison,' a mere young man, could he really refuse to help?
Of course, if Chu Chengzhou was willing to help of his own accord, Dugu Bo would protect him as a gesture of gratitude.
"Yan Yan, tell me more about this Chu Chengzhou!"
After the shock, Dugu Bo quickly asked.
Dugu Yan began to explain in detail about Chu Chengzhou.
After listening, Dugu Bo fell into deep thought.
A moment later, he glanced at Yu Tianheng and said, "Yan Yan, why don't you break up with this kid? I think this young man, Chu Chengzhou, is more suitable for you."
In Dugu Bo's opinion, if Chu Chengzhou were an outsider, helping him would inevitably create a debt of gratitude, and asking outsiders for help was never convenient.
But if he became his grandson-in-law, then the poison issue would be easily resolved whenever needed.
Moreover, Chu Chengzhou's talent wasn't bad. If his character was good, he would be a perfect match for his granddaughter.
Dugu Yan: "…"
Yu Tianheng: "…"
Soon, the two followed the middle-aged butler into the Duoluo Mansion.
Inside the Duoluo Mansion's living room.
Not long after the two of them took their seats and waited for the maid to bring tea, Chu Chengzhou saw an old man in a gray robe with a deep and profound aura, slender figure, and green hair and beard, entering the living room.
Needless to say, this old man with notably green hair is none other than the "Immortal Herb" Grandfather, Dugu Bo.
"Greetings, Lord Bilin!"
Seeing Dugu Bo entering, Chu Chengzhou and Ning Rongrong quickly stood up and saluted.
"Mm."
Dugu Bo nodded, and after sitting down in the main seat, he turned to Ning Rongrong and asked, "Little girl, you're a rare visitor. I wonder what important matter brings you to see this old man?"
Since it was Ning Rongrong, Dugu Bo felt that he had no common ground with such a young girl, so he directly asked her.
As for Chu Chengzhou? Naturally, he was ignored by Dugu Bo.
At this point, Dugu Bo had no idea that the young man in front of him was the one who could detoxify his granddaughter, Dugu Yan. Thus, he wouldn't pay any attention to him.
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong looked toward Chu Chengzhou.
"Lord Bilin, this is Chu Chengzhou. I have come here to visit with Rongrong."
"You are Chu Chengzhou?"
Before Chu Chengzhou could explain his purpose, Dugu Bo interrupted him with a look of surprise and stood up.
"Indeed, I am. It seems that Dugu Yan has already mentioned me to you."
Hearing Dugu Bo's tone, Chu Chengzhou felt relieved.
Since Dugu Yan had already mentioned him to Dugu Bo, the transaction would most likely proceed smoothly.
"Very good, very good, young friend Chu, may I ask, who else is in your family?"
Dugu Bo examined Chu Chengzhou carefully, a bit satisfied.
This young man not only looked more handsome than Yu Tianheng but also had great talent. Moreover, he could detoxify his granddaughter. It was even possible that, in the future, he could detoxify him as well. Such a potential son-in-law was far superior to the cowardly Yu Tianheng, right?
As for Yu Tianheng's background as the heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?
If it were anyone else, they might value that, but for Dugu Bo, his granddaughter's husband didn't need any background because Dugu Bo himself was the background!
It was just a pity that his precious granddaughter seemed to have become infatuated with love and said she would only marry Yu Tianheng, which was truly frustrating.
"Uh."
Looking at the overly enthusiastic Dugu Bo, Chu Chengzhou felt speechless.
Now he's even asking about my family situation. Is he trying to make me his son-in-law?
I, Chu Chengzhou, am interested in your immortal herbs, not your granddaughter!
Of course, if things were a few years earlier, before Dugu Yan became Yu Tianheng's girlfriend, Chu Chengzhou wouldn't mind having some soft rice to eat.
But Dugu Yan was already Yu Tianheng's girlfriend, and they were probably way past hugging and kissing—they likely had already reached first base. This wasn't the right time to steal another person's lover.
"Forget it, what brings you here to see me?"
Dugu Bo could tell that it wasn't Ning Rongrong who had come to seek him out but rather Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou nodded seriously and said, "Senior, it's like this. I've heard that your martial spirit is the Bilin Snake Emperor, which is even stronger than Dugu Yan's Bilin Snake. Since Dugu Yan has health issues, your situation should be even more severe. I happen to have a method that can temporarily relieve your hidden dangers."
"Oh? Tell me more?"
Suddenly, Dugu Bo raised his eyebrows, intrigued.
If someone else had pointed out that he had a physical issue, Dugu Bo would have definitely killed them to keep his weakness secret.
But Chu Chengzhou was different. If he killed him, wouldn't he be cutting off the hope for his granddaughter and even for himself?
"Senior, the toxins in your and Dugu Yan's bodies come from your own martial spirits. Rather than being poisoned, it's more accurate to say there's residual toxic soul power from your martial spirits. As long as you can expel this toxic soul power or store it in a container, you can effectively solve the problem."
"A container?"
Dugu Bo hadn't considered expelling the toxins. This method seemed theoretically feasible, but he didn't have the ability to do it.
Although his control over soul power wasn't bad, it was still far from the level required for this kind of task.
Chu Chengzhou nodded and continued, "Yes, with your strength as a Title Douluo, obtaining a soul bone shouldn't be too difficult, right? Flesh and organs cannot resist toxins, but soul bones don't have this issue. You just need to gradually transfer the toxic soul power into the soul bone."
"In that case, even if you can't completely solve the problem, at least it can relieve the situation significantly."
In Chu Chengzhou's opinion, the best way to resolve Dugu Bo's toxin issue was to form a poison attribute soul core.
The soul core has a great effect. It can improve the quality and total amount of soul power inside a soul master without changing their soul power level. It also increases the soul power recovery speed and helps break through bottlenecks.
Since the soul core is formed from soul power, if Dugu Bo could form a poison attribute soul core, he could transfer the toxic soul power inside his body into it. Moreover, theoretically, the soul core had no upper limit for storage.
However, there was no known method to form a soul core on the continent. If Dugu Bo tried to figure it out on his own, he'd probably die before learning how to do it.
He planned to let Dugu Bo use the soul bone storage method temporarily. Once he had figured out the method to form a soul core, he would return the favor to Dugu Bo.
Chu Chengzhou wouldn't share any other family secrets, but the method for forming a soul core was different. Even if he didn't teach others, it would be hard to keep it hidden.
After all, when a soul master forms a soul core, a vortex of soul power that absorbs energy from the surrounding environment forms. While this vortex isn't visible to the naked eye, soul masters with keen spiritual perception can sense it.
Any expert with some skill, as long as they were willing to take risks, would be able to figure out the method to form a soul core.
In the later generations of the Douluo Continent, all advanced soul masters could form soul cores. The widespread knowledge of this method was likely because a soul core couldn't be hidden.
Otherwise, why wouldn't the soul master who invented the method have kept it as a family secret?
Upon hearing Chu Chengzhou's plan to transfer and store the toxins using a soul bone, Dugu Bo's eyes lit up, and he began seriously considering its feasibility.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt this method could work.
Although he had been cultivating for over seventy years, and his body had already fused with the toxins due to the previous methods he used to suppress them, this new method didn't require a quick solution. It could be done gradually, and even if it didn't completely work, it wouldn't bring much risk.
After thinking for a moment, Dugu Bo smiled and said, "Boy, your method sounds good. Now, tell me, what is it that you want me to do?"
There's no such thing as a free lunch. Dugu Bo didn't have any deep friendship with Chu Chengzhou, so he wouldn't assume he was doing this out of kindness. Chu Chengzhou must have come with a request.
Chu Chengzhou could detoxify his granddaughter, which made Dugu Bo already feel positively toward him. Now, he was proactively offering a solution for his own problem. This goodwill had only increased, and as long as he could do it, Dugu Bo wouldn't refuse.
"I've heard that you are skilled in poison techniques, and since medicine and poison are closely related, you must have collected many medicinal herbs or even have your own herb garden. I would like to ask for a few rare medicinal herbs."
Chu Chengzhou revealed the real reason for his visit.
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong, who had been listening on the side, was stunned.
This jerk, Chu Chengzhou, dragged her here to visit Dugu Bo, and what he wanted was just a few medicinal herbs?
If it had been her father, Ning Fengzhi, visiting, Dugu Bo would definitely be as close as possible to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, even if it meant death!
"You want medicinal herbs?"
Dugu Bo was completely stunned.
It wasn't that the request was too high, but it was far too low. It was far below his expectations.
He had initially thought that Chu Chengzhou would be asking for a soul bone or some treasure, or that he had a formidable enemy he needed Dugu Bo's help to defeat. But instead, he had come for medicinal herbs?
Although they were rare, medicinal herbs were still just medicinal herbs!
He had a large medicinal garden in the Sunset Forest, where every single herb could be considered rare in the outside world.
Moreover, due to the presence of a magical ice and fire spring, the growing time for these herbs was drastically shortened, so he could afford to offer as many as Chu Chengzhou wanted.
The more he looked at Chu Chengzhou, the more he liked him.
After all, such a young person with good cultivation talent and wisdom in handling things wasn't common.
"I just happen to have a pretty large medicinal garden in the Sunset Forest. You can pick as many as you want from it!"
Dugu Bo said generously.
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou was overjoyed.
With Dugu Bo's word, getting those immortal herbs would be a sure thing. Truly, this was the grandpa of immortal herbs!
"Mm, no, this isn't enough! Here's the deal: if you ever run into trouble, feel free to ask for my help!"
Dugu Bo thought for a moment and decided that just a few medicinal herbs wouldn't be enough to repay Chu Chengzhou's favor. So, he added.
The toxin issue was his biggest problem, and now Chu Chengzhou had given him a practical solution. If he only gave him a few medicinal herbs in return, he, Dugu Bo, would lose face.
Moreover, true relationships are built on mutual exchange.
If there's no give and take, even the best of relationships will fade away. Investing in a talented person who has done him a favor and has a promising future is definitely not a bad deal.