[DD]: 26

As the master and disciple duo moved towards the surrounding rare treasures, Dugu Bo thought for a moment and followed them.

Since the two knew these plants, he was curious about which ones they referred to as "immortal herbs." He wanted to understand what kind of plants had stirred Guang Ling's killing intent towards him and what their functions were.

He could only tell that these plants were very precious, but unfortunately, he didn't recognize them and didn't dare to touch them casually.

Last time, he accidentally got close to a plant and almost lost his life. The poison in his body surged drastically just from approaching and coming into contact with some pollen. Therefore, he could only use the ones he recognized.

Of course, he had collected some unfamiliar herbs, but he hadn't had time to study them yet.

Moreover, he had a somewhat resigned attitude. Now that he had decided to cling to a powerful ally, learning a bit more wouldn't make much difference.

Seeing Dugu Bo follow them, the master and disciple didn't say anything. Since they had decided to accept him, some things couldn't be hidden.

It was also a good opportunity to test Dugu Bo's character to determine their future attitude towards him.

The master and disciple exchanged a glance and then turned their gaze toward a pale pink flower. Under Guang Ling's watchful eye, Han Li walked over, took out a flowerpot and a trowel, and transplanted the flower along with the surrounding soil into the pot.

Dugu Bo's gaze followed his actions. The pale pink flower had no leaves, a three-foot-long stem, and a large bloom with a diameter of about a foot. Each petal looked as clear as crystal, and the stamens were light purple, resembling tiny purple diamonds embedded there.

"What kind of flower is this?"

Seeing that the master and disciple had no intention of explaining, Dugu Bo couldn't help but ask.

"Aromatic Silk Beauty, an immortal herb. It's the nemesis of all poisons, capable of neutralizing any toxin. It doesn't detoxify but can counteract poison," Han Li answered without stopping his digging, not even turning his head.

"Nemesis of all poisons?" A hint of excitement flashed across Dugu Bo's face, and he unconsciously took a few steps forward, wanting to take a closer look, his mind automatically ignoring Han Li's subsequent words.

"Fool, do you want to die?"

Guang Ling's voice came with a sharp arrow flying past Dugu Bo's eyes, snapping him out of his fantasy.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Dugu Bo turned his head and heard Guang Ling continue, "Didn't you hear what Han Li said? It doesn't detoxify. Has the poison affected your brain? Or do you just can't wait to die?"

Dugu Bo's face turned red and then pale, but under Guang Ling's martial pressure, he didn't dare to retort. He believed that if he took another step forward, his head would be blown off.

At this moment, Han Li finished transplanting the flower, stood up, and turned around.

He didn't put it away but held the flowerpot and walked back, glancing at Dugu Bo without saying anything.

"Master, you choose the immortal herb first."

"Xiao Li, you take a look at what you need first."

Two voices sounded almost simultaneously. Although the words were different, the meaning was the same.

Both heard what the other said and turned their heads at the same time to continue, "No, Master/Xiao Li, you go first."

The voices overlapped again, and they both looked at each other, with smiles unconsciously appearing on their faces. Guang Ling even burst into hearty laughter, feeling full of relief.

"Xiao Li, listen to your master. You should choose first. The younger you are when you take an immortal herb, the greater the benefits. I'm already old, and I plan to use the herb to break through to the rank of Limit Douluo. Taking it now would be a waste. Even if it accumulates soul power, it might still take several years, so there's no need to waste the best one. By then, you will have grown significantly."

Guang Ling's tone was very serious, and as he spoke, he couldn't help but glance reluctantly at the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass by the pool.

This was the only ice-attribute-boosting immortal herb here. With his strength, combined with other top-grade medicinal herbs here, he could suppress the poison and successfully absorb it. Chrysanthemum Douluo even provided a method in his notes for this.

But he knew very well that his disciple also had an ice attribute, and it was a perfect fusion of ice and fire.

Coincidentally, next to it was another immortal herb called Infernal Delicate Apricot. Although he hadn't memorized the contents of the notes, he remembered one thing.

Taking both the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot together could grant the "Ice and Fire Alchemy Body," making one immune to both ice and fire. He couldn't destroy such a great opportunity.

He did want the immortal herb, but his dignity mattered more, and in Guang Ling's heart, this place was originally found by Xiao Li. How could a master snatch something from his disciple?

His master's words moved Han Li deeply. He could see Guang Ling's desire for the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, as he had secretly glanced at it countless times before. But in the end, he chose to let Han Li pick first, which was no different from giving it up altogether.

But to be honest, Han Li didn't care much about this Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass. He was genuinely prepared to let Guang Ling use it.

It wasn't that he looked down on the so-called "Ice and Fire Alchemy Body," but because he was genuinely afraid. Despite the good things written in the records, there was no record of anyone successfully using it.

However, Chrysanthemum Douluo mentioned that someone had successfully absorbed a single immortal herb with the help of other medicinal herbs. Han Li had made reasonable adjustments based on those records.

Yes, Han Li knew that Tang San succeeded in the original story, but he didn't dare to gamble or want to.

These two immortal herbs were different from the others. After consuming them, one had to jump into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for a bath. Han Li already had strong ice and fire attributes and could gradually become immune to most ice and fire attacks.

Why would he gamble for an ice-and-fire immunity that wasn't that beneficial to him and risk trying a survival method with no clear record of success? As for being immune to all poisons, he still had the Aromatic Silk Beauty to protect himself.

Han Li looked at Guang Ling and said very seriously, "Master, you know me. I'm timid and afraid of death. There's no way I would eat the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot and jump into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."

"Besides, I already have strong ice and fire immunity, and my body strength is comparable to an average Soul Elder. Do you think I need to enhance my physique right now? So, listen to me, the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass is yours."

Guang Ling was stunned by Han Li's words, and then his expression turned peculiar.

He didn't expect his disciple to use this kind of reasoning to persuade him, but thinking about Han Li's usual temperament, it was quite reasonable. However, Guang Ling still felt it was too wasteful.

Seeing that Guang Ling seemed somewhat convinced, Han Li seized the opportunity: "Also, Master, don't forget, these two immortal herbs can only grow in this environment. Compared to the immortal herbs, my martial soul senses the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, which is my greatest gain."

Guang Ling subconsciously nodded, acknowledging this point.

Since arriving here, his spiritual sense had been warning him not to approach that place lightly. To some extent, danger also signifies value.

"So, you should consume it. Since we have found this place, others will inevitably come here in the future. Only if you are stronger can you better protect this treasure land, right?" Han Li subtly guided.

Guang Ling unconsciously nodded again, but this time, he quickly realized and didn't fall into his disciple's verbal trap. However, his gaze at Han Li was complex.

Why did it seem like, after just a few words, he didn't need to choose anymore, and he had to eat the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass today?

Guang Ling didn't answer immediately but frowned, standing still in deep thought.

Seeing this, Han Li didn't say anything further and just quietly waited for him to make a decision.

On the side, Dugu Bo, who had been left hanging for a long time, not only learned about the functions of the two immortal herbs but also listened to the entire conversation between the master and disciple. His feelings were quite complicated.

He knew the functions of these treasures now, but they no longer belonged to him. Moreover, he found the dynamic between the master and disciple quite interesting. Both wished the other would choose the only ice-attribute immortal herb, even using excuses like being afraid of death or being too old.

(In Dugu Bo's eyes, these were indeed just excuses.)

However, it was good in a way, showing that both were sentimental people. As long as he behaved well in the future, his treatment wouldn't be bad.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but touch one of the two treasure pouches at his waist, preparing to take a gamble.

"Hey, you two, how about listening to me for a moment?"

Dugu Bo suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

Guang Ling and Han Li both turned their eyes to the seemingly weakest Poison Douluo present, curious about what he wanted to say.

Seeing both of them looking at him, Dugu Bo gave a stiff smile.

"There's not just one ice-attribute plant here. I previously stored an ice-attribute herb of high age, intending to study it. I don't know if it's what you call an immortal herb. How about you two take a look?"

As he spoke, a half-meter-long vine appeared in his hand. It hadn't been specially treated, the roots were relatively intact, and it was still covered in soil, clearly freshly dug up.

At the sight of the vine, Guang Ling and Han Li both showed expressions of delight and exclaimed in unison, "Ice Sprout Frost Vine?"

"So you recognize it, that's good. I said before that if you save Yan Yan, I'd give you everything I have, and this is part of it. Here, catch."

After speaking, Dugu Bo casually tossed it to Han Li, who carefully caught it and began to examine it.

From a distance, the vine appeared blue and white overall, but upon closer inspection, its stem was semi-transparent with faint white light spots flickering inside, resembling a starry river. With its snowflake-shaped leaves, it looked more like a work of art than a plant.

However, when he looked at the top, Han Li slightly furrowed his brows but then relaxed after thinking of something.

Guang Ling keenly noticed the changes in Han Li's expression and asked in a low voice, "Xiao Li, is there something wrong?"

Han Li raised his head, shook it, and answered with a smile, "There's nothing wrong. This herb indeed perfectly matches your Ice Light attribute, Master. Even the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass can't compare in terms of compatibility. The only unfortunate thing is that it hasn't fully matured yet. However, if you're willing to wait a few years, it will be of great help."

"How long until it matures?" Guang Ling eagerly inquired.

"In this environment, it won't take more than ten years," Han Li confidently replied.

"Ten years is nothing, I can wait."

Guang Ling smiled with immense joy as if he could already see himself becoming an ultimate Douluo.

Han Li didn't interrupt his master's excitement and instead turned to Dugu Bo.

He solemnly bowed and said, "Thank you for your gift, Senior Dugu. I promise to completely cure the poison afflicting you and your granddaughter, removing all hidden dangers. As for the previous agreement about guarding, you needn't worry about it anymore."

This herb, which didn't appear in the original work, was invaluable for his master, making Han Li's decision worthwhile.

Seeing Han Li's attitude improve significantly and even agreeing to nullify their previous conditions, Dugu Bo felt a surge of joy. It seemed his gamble had paid off.

However, he quickly furrowed his brows. This wasn't right; the outcome was too favorable.

From what Han Li said, he intended to consider their debts settled after the cure. But Dugu Bo was still curious about Han Li's secret regarding his millennium-old second soul ring.

While it was useless to him, Dugu Yan's talent wasn't exceptional. It was almost impossible for her to become a titled Douluo. This secret might be the key to her future success.

If he didn't know about it, he could have let it go. But now that he did, missing this opportunity would be a significant loss.

He had previously lowered his psychological bottom line so much that he even considered joining the Martial Soul Hall. Now that he had his freedom, the secret seemed out of reach, making it even more frustrating.

"Senior? Senior?"

After making his promise, Han Li saw Dugu Bo's changing expressions and couldn't fathom his thoughts. After waiting a bit, he called out.

"Oh, you finished talking?" Dugu Bo replied absentmindedly.

"Yes, I did. Although I agreed to help, Senior, I must ask you to wait a bit longer. After dealing with things here, I will help you detoxify," Han Li said seriously, sensing something was off in Dugu Bo's reaction.

"Oh, um, no, this can't be all."

Dugu Bo suddenly reacted intensely, causing Guang Ling to instinctively draw his bow and aim an arrow at him, ready to eliminate the threat.

"Wait, wait, don't shoot! I have no intention of going back on my word or making any moves."

Dugu Bo quickly spoke, his words flowing rapidly.

At the moment Guang Ling aimed the arrow at him, all the hairs on his body stood up. He obediently retracted his trembling arm and stood still, not daring to make any sudden movements.

Then, he looked in Han Li's direction, forcing a smile onto his stiff, old face. "Don't misunderstand me. What I meant is that the Ice Sprout Frost Vine was originally the reward I promised you, and it rightfully belongs to you. I, Dugu Bo, at least have a title, and my words are as good as gold. I promised to protect you, so I definitely can't go back on my word, right?"

"Right."

He scratched his eyebrow with his right hand, speaking somewhat irritably, "I'm used to freedom and really can't adapt to joining any faction. How about we compromise? I'll only be responsible for protecting you without joining the Martial Soul Hall. How does that sound?"

"Or perhaps, can we discuss the matter of the second thousand-year soul ring? I assure you it will only be used for my granddaughter and won't be disclosed to anyone else. What do you think?"

So, this guy had this in mind all along!

No wonder he reacted so strongly earlier. He was eyeing the secret of the thousand soul ring, trying to get benefits for his granddaughter, fearing that the master and disciple would abandon him after the treatment.

Han Li looked at Guang Ling, and they exchanged glances. Guang Ling nodded lightly, indicating acceptance.

After all, he was just a weak titled Douluo. If he were brought into the Hall of Worship, it would be uncomfortable.

This way, directly following Han Li was a much better choice.

Seeing that his master had no objections, Han Li nodded at Dugu Bo.

"In that case, it's acceptable. However, there's no need to mention followers. No matter what, you are one of the top titled Douluos on the continent. You only need to protect me in times of danger; what do you think?"

Han Li spoke flattering words while looking at Dugu Bo.

"And the matter of the soul ring?" Dugu Bo brought it up again.

"That's easy. When treating your granddaughter, I will naturally let her use it. Afterward, I will continue to help her improve. However, please understand that this method concerns the secrets of the Martial Soul Hall, and I dare not reveal them easily. Even if I agree with you, it can only be like this. Can you accept it?" Han Li said with a hint of apology.

"That's fine, as long as the effect is achieved. I have no intention of prying into the secrets of the Martial Soul Hall." Dugu Bo waved his hand decisively and agreed.

"Thank you for your understanding, senior." Han Li bowed again.

"Alright, alright, no more saluting. There aren't so many rules here; be more casual."

At this moment, Dugu Bo was in a great mood. With this arrangement, both his and Dugu Yan's problems were solved, making him feel comfortable. He looked at Han Li with increasingly kind eyes.

This kid is really good, much better than his master, who only knows how to threaten with a bow.

He speaks nicely, acts appropriately, has strength, has a background, and is good-looking. It's just a pity that he's a bit young, seven years younger than Yan Yan.

Hmm, seven years younger?

No, it's just seven years.

It seems like it's not impossible, huh. Besides, from the looks of it, he seems about the same age as Yanyan. We can start by fostering feelings first and discuss them further when they're grown up.

If it works out, given this kid's talent and background, Yanyan would be getting a great deal. Even if I'm not around someday, the forces behind him could still protect her. Not bad, not bad.

The more he thought about it, the more Dugu Bo found it feasible. His gaze toward Han Li grew more eager like he was looking at a grandson-in-law.

Seeing the old man continuously smiling at Han Li and nodding, looking quite lecherous, Guang Ling frowned and said coldly, "You, Dugu Bo, what are you looking at Han Li for? What do you intend to do? Do you think my arrows aren't sharp?"

This time, Dugu Bo, who was being threatened by Guang Ling, didn't get angry. Instead, he laughed and said, "Hey, Guang Ling Douluo, no need to get angry. I'm just asking, does your disciple need a fiancée? How about considering my granddaughter?"

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