Chapter 30: The Second Step of Detoxification

Half a month later, Dugu Bo completed the task of forcing the poison into his soul bone. His soul power, which was at the late stage of level 92, had now reached the peak of level 92 due to the detoxification process. It would take just a few days or perhaps a few months for him to break through to level 93.

Dugu Bo's once-green hair had turned gray again, and the wrinkles on his face had significantly lessened, making him appear twenty years younger than his original age of around seventy.

"Hahahaha, thank you so much, Luochen. You've saved my life. From now on, I'll always have your back. You won't have to worry about anyone causing you trouble," Dugu Bo declared, his voice brimming with gratitude. He was overjoyed—his hidden dangers had been eliminated, his soul power had increased, and his granddaughter was no longer in danger. How could he not be happy?

"Grandpa, it's not over yet. This is just a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. It will only prolong the duration of the poison, ensuring that even if you pass away from old age, your descendants might not be as fortunate," Li Luochen interrupted.

"What do you mean, kid?" Dugu Bo looked puzzled. He had assumed that the poison would no longer be a threat. Two soul bones should have been enough to contain the toxin, so why was it still an issue?

Dugu Yan also looked at Li Luochen, trusting his words.

"The genetic toxin in your family is actually a defect of the Green Phosphorus Snake martial spirit. If you can completely change the Green Phosphorus Snake—or more precisely, evolve its martial spirit—you should be able to cure the hidden danger," Li Luochen explained. "To achieve this, we need to use the immortal herbs here. However, we don't fully understand them. I only know a few, and I'm not sure how to use them. Grandpa Dugu, you'll need to find the Immortal Herb Record."

"Is that so?" Dugu Bo mused, reflecting on the powerful herbs in the area. "I did sense the potency of the herbs here. I once ate one, and it almost killed me. Luochen, where do you think I can find something like the Immortal Herb Record?"

"Grandpa Dugu, Yanzi, follow me," Li Luochen instructed, leading them to a peculiar magical herb. It was a large, light pink flower with no leaves. The stem was three feet long, and the flower itself was enormous, over a foot in diameter. Each petal appeared as clear as crystal, and the stamens were a light purple, resembling purple diamonds.

"This is the Youxiang Qiluo Immortal Product, the nemesis of all poisons. It can neutralize toxins, though it cannot detoxify on its own. Its pollen can catalyze drugs, making it invaluable to alchemists. This flower is more precious than life itself," Li Luochen explained. "Grandpa, you should take this flower to the Xingluo Empire and trade it with the Pozhi Clan. In exchange, you should obtain the Immortal Herb Record, along with their medicine refining techniques and other resources.

"The outcome will depend on your approach. The Pozhi Clan doesn't have a Titled Douluo, and their clan leader, Yang Wudi, is probably just shy of becoming a Soul Douluo. Everything is negotiable, except their most guarded secrets. I believe that, faced with the Youxiang Qiluo Immortal Product and the presence of a Titled Douluo like yourself, their clan leader will know what decision to make."

Dugu Bo was thrilled by Li Luochen's suggestion. It seemed this kid knew how to get the Immortal Herb Record. The next steps would involve a mix of incentives and pressure, something Dugu Bo was very familiar with.

"Alright, I'll take you away from here and back to my house in Tiandou City. Just wait for my return," Dugu Bo said. He then took Li Luochen and Dugu Yan away from the Yin-Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire, where they had spent nearly a month. Though he was tempted by the many magical herbs in the area, he decided it was best to leave early—out of sight, out of mind.

Soon after, the three arrived at Dugu Mansion, Dugu Bo's residence in Tiandou City.

"Yanyan, you and Luochen stay home. I'm off to the Xingluo Empire," Dugu Bo said, bidding farewell to his granddaughter and setting off for the Xingluo Empire. The round trip would take at least a month, but with Dugu Bo's speed, he should arrive soon. However, the exact duration was uncertain.

With Dugu Bo gone, only three people remained at Dugu Mansion: Dugu Yan, Li Luochen, and the mansion's butler, Wang Guanjia. Wang Guanjia had been a childhood friend of Dugu Bo's son, Dugu Xin, and most importantly, his life had been saved by Dugu Xin. Out of gratitude, he had come to serve as the butler of Dugu Mansion. Despite being a butler, Wang Guanjia was quite strong, possessing the strength of a Soul Emperor, with an optimal soul ring configuration, and was definitely under forty years old. What he usually showed was just the tip of the iceberg.

"Yanzi, I'm going to see my dean. I haven't seen him in a month, and he must be worried about me," Li Luochen said to Dugu Yan. After all, Flanders and the other teachers at Shrek were like family to him in this world, besides his grandfather Li Yusong. Of course, now there might be two more people he cared about.

He thought that once Dugu Bo obtained the Immortal Herb Record, he would strengthen Shrek Academy. His grandfather and Uncle Lu Qibin were old and probably wouldn't want to take the immortal herbs, so he should get more herbs that could prolong life and clear the meridians.

In the world of soul masters at Shrek Academy, Flanders, Zhao Wuji, and Shao Xin were still relatively young, all under fifty years old, and had reached the level of Soul Saint. Shao Xin was slightly less advanced but was a food-type soul master and the youngest among them.

Moreover, Flanders was already at level 78 and would soon become a Soul Douluo. It was time to find a magical herb that suited him and would help him break through quickly.

Li Luochen set out on his journey back to Lanba Academy, with Dugu Yan insisting on accompanying him.

A month after leaving Lanba Academy, Li Luochen returned. It felt surreal to think about it—he had gone out just to be a third wheel but ended up meeting the beauty beside him. Although the process was challenging, the outcome was favorable. At least his strength had increased significantly, and he now had the protection of a Titled Douluo.

The guard at the academy recognized Li Luochen and was aware of his exploits, including his infamous encounter with Poison Douluo's granddaughter. His fame at the academy ensured he was quickly allowed in.

After entering Lanba Academy, Li Luochen took Dugu Yan to the cabin where Liu Erlong stayed. "I wonder how the dean and Uncle Erlong are doing. Have they made any progress? Wait, why do I feel like the eunuchs are anxious when the emperor is not around?"

Li Luochen pondered, his chin resting on his left hand. "Is it really necessary to drug him? That seems unethical, but it's tempting to see Yu Xiaogang squirm."

"Hehehe," he chuckled.

"Chen, why is the corner of your mouth twitching? Are you thinking about something happy?" Dugu Yan asked, noticing the mischievous smile on Li Luochen's face.

"Ahem, it's nothing serious. Come on, Yanzi, let's go meet my dean," Li Luochen quickly controlled his expression, took Dugu Yan's hand, and walked towards the wooden house.

Upon arriving at the cabin, Li Luochen called out, "Dean, Uncle Erlong, I'm back!"

He stood outside, not daring to enter directly in case he disturbed something.

About two minutes later, Flanders emerged, a smile on his face.

"I was sleeping just now, so it took me a moment to get dressed. Xiaochen, you're back? Let the dean take a good look at you and see if you've been eating well!" Flanders said warmly.

"If someone is being nice to you for no reason, he's either plotting something or has something to hide. Why does this feel so wrong? It's definitely 150% wrong. The dean's buttons seem to be out of place. And why does he smell faintly of perfume?" Li Luochen thought, his suspicion growing.