Chapter 30: Back Home

Our first real spar against Grandpa was both thrilling and humbling. For the first time, Uncle Xin and I fought together as a team, combining our strengths against Dogu Bo. The battle was intense, pushing us to the limits of our abilities, but in the end, we were no match for the overwhelming power of a Titled Douluo.

Grandpa stood in the center of the clearing, his Jade Phosphor Dragon Emperor emanating an oppressive aura. His nine rings, two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red, glowed ominously. Uncle Xin and I exchanged a glance, steeling ourselves for the challenge ahead.

"Ready?" Grandpa asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"As we'll ever be," I replied, activating my Poison Devouring Spider Emperor. The light black armor enveloped my arms, legs, chest, and back, gleaming under the midday sun. My five spirit rings, two purple and three black, shone brightly as I prepared to unleash my full strength.

Uncle Xin summoned his Jade Phosphor Serpent, his six spirit rings appearing: two yellow, two purple, and two black. The aura of his recently acquired sixth ring was palpable, its power promising to be a game-changer.

The battle began with a flurry of attacks. Uncle Xin launched venomous strikes, his serpent martial soul coiling and snapping with precision. I darted in and out, using Spider Dash to increase my speed and disorient Grandpa. Despite our efforts, Grandpa's defenses were impenetrable. His control over his poison-based abilities was unmatched, and he countered every move we made with calculated ease.

Uncle Xin activated his new sixth spirit ability, Venomous Serpent Binding. Emerald-green chains of poison shot out, attempting to ensnare Grandpa. For a brief moment, it seemed as though we had the upper hand, but Grandpa's laughter cut through the tension.

"Not bad," he said, effortlessly breaking free with a burst of poisonous energy. "But you'll have to do better than that."

I followed up with Venom Thread Bind, the green threads weaving through the air toward Grandpa. He dodged gracefully, but the distraction allowed Uncle Xin to close in with a powerful strike. Together, we pushed him to use more of his strength, but it wasn't enough. Grandpa unleashed the newly acquired domain that he had hidden from us, Poison Dragon Domain, and the sheer pressure forced us to our knees.

The battle ended with Grandpa standing victorious, but he was clearly impressed. "You've both improved significantly," he said, helping us to our feet. "But remember, fighting together is about synergy. Your abilities should complement each other, not just overwhelm your opponent."

He spent the next hour giving us pointers and analyzing our strengths and weaknesses. His advice was invaluable, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for his guidance.

Later that evening, as the campfire crackled softly, I reached into the Ruyi Treasure Bag that Grandpa had given me. Among the herbs stored within was a 10,000-year-old Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia, its vibrant purple hue glowing faintly in the firelight.

I handed it to Uncle Xin, who looked at me in surprise. "For me?"

"You've earned it," I said simply.

He didn't hesitate. Consuming the herb, he immediately sat down to meditate. The transformation was almost immediate; an hour later, he opened his eyes, his aura significantly stronger.

"Rank 67 Spirit Emperor. I was rank 63 after absorbing my 6th Spirit Ring, a 30,000-year-old one, and now I advanced 4 more ranks," he said, his voice tinged with awe. "And my martial soul… it feels like it's on the verge of evolving."

I smiled, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. "In another life, this herb might have belonged to my father." In the novel I remember, Tang San gave a Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia to the Grandmaster. I thought to myself.

Uncle Xin's eyes softened. "Your father…? The man who abandoned you?"

I nodded, my gaze fixed on the fire. "But it doesn't matter. This herb has found its rightful owner. You're the closest thing to a father I've ever had."

Grandpa and Uncle Xin exchanged a look, their expressions unreadable. But I could sense their emotions: pride, sorrow, and a fierce determination to never let me feel abandoned again.

"His loss," Grandpa said finally, his voice firm. "Only a fool would fail to see the treasure you are, Bei."

Uncle Xin placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip strong. "You'll never lack a family, Bei. Not while we're here."

I nodded, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the fire. For the first time in a long while, I felt at peace.