Chapter 41: Li Xun Is Truly a Good Boy

Li Xun led Dugu Bo slowly toward two particular herbs. One bore fruit resembling blood-red teardrops, while the other had a bud shaped like a vivid crimson heart.

"These two immortal-grade herbs are called 'Dragon's Tears' and 'Dragon Heart's Weeping Blood.'"

"According to records, Dragon's Tears formed where the blood and tears of a compassionate divine dragon fell upon the earth. It contains the essence and spirit of the dragon race; those who consume it can harness this energy to greatly enhance their spiritual power." Li Xun pointed to the herb adorned with blood-red teardrops. "It is most effective for those with dragon-type martial spirits. There is a chance it may even cause your martial spirit to evolve."

"If your martial spirit evolves, it might just purge the toxins from both you and Yan-jie."

"Most effective for dragon types, and a chance for martial spirit evolution..." Dugu Bo muttered, his expression moved. His Jade Phosphorus Serpent martial spirit was indeed a dragon derivative. While not as pure as a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, consuming this might significantly improve his spirit's quality.

"I am already a Titled Douluo; perhaps I should save this for Yan-yan..." Dugu Bo thought of his granddaughter, his face softening with affection.

"Senior, there is still one more." Li Xun pointed to the heart-shaped bud. "Dragon Heart's Weeping Blood formed where the heart blood of a dragon, shed during a grave injury, flowed back into the earth. It contains a trace of dragon bloodline. Consuming it allows one to use that essence to strengthen the body and improve the quality of one's martial spirit."

Li Xun had identified these two herbs using Yang Wudi’s pharmacological records and rumors from across the continent. Even the Tang Sect’s Mysterious Heaven Treasure Records lacked mention of them. Legends of dragons had always existed in this world; though no one had seen one in ten thousand years, rumors of their treasures were plentiful.

"This one... should also be kept for Yan-yan..." Dugu Bo held the two herbs, a look of inner conflict flashing in his eyes. "With two immortal herbs... surely Yan-yan's martial spirit will evolve."

"Haha, Senior Dugu, please do not overthink it." Li Xun smiled at him. "Immortal herbs choose their masters, and their potency is astonishing. Merely absorbing one takes a long time; taking them together might even have a counterproductive effect."

"Furthermore, with Yan-jie's talent, even if her martial spirit doesn't evolve after consuming just one, reaching the Titled Douluo realm will be no problem at all."

"Is that so?" Dugu Bo shifted his gaze from the herbs to Li Xun. "Does that mean that no matter how many immortal herbs one has, they are useless to oneself?"

"Immortal herbs primarily improve one's aptitude, and their nature is often domineering. However, if one selects herbs with milder properties, it is possible to take them simultaneously." Li Xun looked around and found the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma left by Yu Xiaogang, bringing it before Dugu Bo. "This is called the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma. Though not quite an immortal herb, its properties are excellent for strengthening the foundation. You have suffered from toxicity for years and your body is depleted; this is perfect for conditioning your health after the detox. Moreover, its properties do not conflict with the immortal herbs."

"Xiao Xun, don't call me 'Senior' anymore. You can call me Grandpa Dugu, just like Yan-yan does." Dugu Bo took the ganoderma carefully, looking at Li Xun with complex emotions. Since coming here, this child had been entirely focused on his and Yan-yan’s well-being, never once considering himself. And with him and Yan-yan being only a few years apart in age, and possessing such excellent character and talent, if he could be with her...

"Grandpa Dugu." Li Xun felt a surge of joy and quickly changed his address. Only now did he truly feel that he had drawn closer to Dugu Bo.

"Good child." Dugu Bo laughed and gestured toward the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. "Since extra herbs are useless, feel free to take whatever you fancy, Xiao Xun. Besides, you have helped my granddaughter and me find such precious immortal treasures. Grandpa Dugu can grant you one request."

There were many herbs here, and there were likely more immortal ones, but he couldn't recognize them. Li Xun was a kind child; if there were any truly useful immortal herbs left, he likely wouldn't hide them.

Li Xun’s eyes brightened. They said sincerity was the most moving force, and it was true. "I won't hide it from you, Grandpa Dugu; I do need some herbs. One for myself, and one for my teacher and the others."

Li Xun looked at Dugu Bo with clear, honest eyes. He intended to take all the useful immortal herbs, and speaking openly now would provide a justification for their future use, preventing any potential discord.

"Haha, go ahead and take them." Dugu Bo chuckled. "And as for the request I promised, tell me now. If you miss this chance, it won't count." Since he had promised, he was prepared.

"Then, may I?" Li Xun straightened his clothes, his expression turning solemn. "Grandpa Dugu, I would like to invite you to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."

Dugu Bo’s smile froze, and he fell into deep thought. He had lived his life untethered; though he belonged to no sect, no one in the world dared disrespect him. He was accustomed to this life. Serving as a consultant for the Heaven Dou Imperial Family was merely a way to repay a favor from his youth; the royals could not restrict him. But joining a sect was different. While he would be treated with the respect due to a powerhouse, he would also shoulder responsibilities. It was a form of restraint. However, considering his advancing age and the fact that Dugu Yan had no one but him, he hesitated. "Xiao Xun, your request really puts me in a bind. Let me think about it."

"Grandpa Dugu, the Breaking One Clan has already joined the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. If you join as well, our sect will be even more formidable." Li Xun spoke in a low, earnest tone. "My teacher once told me that with the Spirit Hall's ambition, trouble will arise sooner or later. With you there to protect me and Yan-jie, we will have no fear of such dangers."

Dugu Bo was moved. He knew the strength of the Spirit Hall—the Chrysanthemum Douluo alone was formidable, not to mention the others. If he were to pass away, Yan-yan would truly be unsafe amidst the continent's turmoil.

"Xiao Xun, don't rush. Let me consider it carefully."

"Grandpa Dugu, there is no hurry. Let me first help you refine these two immortal herbs into medicine. Enhancing our strength is the most important thing." Li Xun smiled, taking out apparatus from his soul storage device, then suddenly stiffened. "Grandpa Dugu, I didn't bring all my equipment. I may have to trouble you to return to Heaven Dou to fetch some for me."

"What are you missing?" Dugu Bo quickly retrieved a pile of medicinal tools from his own storage.

Li Xun looked at the pile and his expression grew even more awkward. "The things I need are not even among your collection."

"Oh? What kind of pharmaceutical tools could you possibly need that I don't have?" Dugu Bo was taken aback. He was a master of poison and often made common medicines; his tools were naturally comprehensive.

"Grandpa Dugu, the refinement methods for immortal herbs are naturally different from ordinary ones." Li Xun composed himself and listed several items that Dugu Bo lacked.

"Hiss... these things..." Dugu Bo gasped. "I never imagined the methods for using immortal herbs were so unique." No wonder they were immortal-grade; even the tools were so obscure. If Li Xun weren't here, he would have wasted the herbs even if he knew their properties.

Once he finally saw Dugu Bo off, Li Xun breathed a long sigh of relief and turned his gaze toward the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.