"You are Jiang Xuan?"
"Reporting to Senior Dugu, I am Jiang Xuan. Some time ago, I happened to meet your granddaughter, so I humbly asked my family elders to contact you."
Having seen the visitor's entire appearance, Jiang Xuan bowed in respect. The reason others showed respect to his grandfather was because the Dragon Lord possessed a soul power of eighty-nine levels, meaning he only needed one step to reach the title level and stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
Furthermore, the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny are renowned figures in the Douluo Continent. The unique nature of their spirit fusion allows them to rival the status of a Title Douluo, not to mention Dugu Bo, who is not skilled in "fighting against opponents of the same level".
In the world of Douluo Continent, strength reigns supreme!
Of course, that was his true feeling. As a mere level 30 kid, he would naturally hold this Poison Douluo in the highest esteem.
Just as described in the original work, he had long, dark green hair and a tall stature. Despite his youthful appearance due to breaking through to the Title Douluo level, he looked much older because of the Jade Serpent King's natal poison.
Those who didn't know better would think that Dugu Bo was the same age as Long Gong, but Dugu Bo's talent was much stronger.
Dugu Bo nodded, looked at the young man in front of him, and felt the scorching soul power remaining in the space;
Level 30!
Excellent, excellent, truly a rare genius in this world.
He trusted the words from before a little more. If he had been treated politely before because he was a Dragon Lord who could step into the Title Douluo realm at any time, then now Dugu Bo's expression was less stern because he believed the words in the boy's letter.
"You are very good!"
"At such a young age, to have the cultivation of a Soul Venerable and such knowledge of medicine, apart from the help of the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny, it seems that the unknown Medical Douluo has real talent."
"You flatter me, senior!"
"That's no compliment, kid, you're very smart."
"After learning about Yan Yan's special abilities, you didn't spread the word. Instead, you offered her a method to temporarily suppress her. I tried it and it did work. And you didn't use it to blackmail me. I must say, if it weren't for the elders of the family teaching you, I would really admire you." Dugu Bo continued.
"Moreover, according to the description of that Medical Douluo, he was indeed the one who first discovered the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, but I obtained it by chance. I agree to your terms of exchange."
Come with me.
Dugu Bo turned and walked into the poisonous fog, giving the three of them an antidote pill.
Jiang Xuan gave a wry smile and followed. If it weren't for his powerful backer standing by, he wouldn't have been as relaxed as he appeared.
It's very simple. The whole "Medical Douluo" thing is made up. The system's sign-in reward of inheriting the Pharmacopoeia needs a reasonable explanation, otherwise, you can't just steal it.
It's not that he can't beat them, but if he attracts other dogs, he'll be devastated.
The best approach would be to exploit the flaws in the Azure Serpent King's existence to make a deal with Dugu Bo. As for using it to blackmail him, Jiang Xuan considered that the most foolish thing to do.
He should simply hand over a temporary flame suppression technique. Given Dugu Bo's concern for his granddaughter, he would surely agree to it after seeing its effects.
Besides, there's the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye, whose purpose is unknown, and the immortal herbs nearby; and then there's his precious granddaughter. It's easy to weigh which is more important.
As for why he didn't use this as leverage, Jiang Xuan said, "Is it better to have another Title Douluo as a friend, or to make an enemy of a Poison Douluo?"
The fact that the protagonist and the old poison master could have a pleasant conversation and even become friends in the original novel really shows the protagonist's halo at play. Without the protagonist's halo, believe it or not, Tang San would have turned into bloody scum the moment he was healed after threatening Dugu Bo one second.
Never underestimate the ruthlessness of a Title Douluo. No matter how glorious a person is, they are not a saint if they can become a Title Douluo.
Let alone someone like Poison Douluo.
Therefore, Jiang Xuan planned the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye step by step. First, he fabricated the legacy of a medical douluo. Then, after "accidentally" meeting Dugu Yan, he discovered the secret that the Jade Scale Serpent possessed a natal poison that could harm itself. He couldn't be foolish enough to just run up to her and reveal it.
That would be suicidal. Grandfather Long Gong was the source of his confidence in making deals with Dugu Bo on equal terms.
It can be said that every step is crucial; if one takes the wrong step, the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire will not be within one's reach, but it will also not be as easy as it is now for the master to lead one in.
Dugu Bo's residence is located deep in the forest. Due to his profound cultivation, the venom of the Azure Scale Serpent has become so persistent that it needs to be suppressed by the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye at all times.
"arrive"
"Yan Yan, come out and greet the guests!"
What comes into view is a beautiful secluded place. It must be said that the old poison master is quite interesting, unlike some soul masters or cultivators in TV dramas who cultivate the word "poison" and live in either gloomy caves or strange swamps.
That's more like it. They're cultivating poison, not mental abnormality.
Jiang Xuan looked around. Dugu Bo called out to Dugu Yan in the house. Fortunately, he had actually contacted Dugu Yan before. He didn't expect the old man to have her with him.
A charming figure emerged from the thatched hut, pouting, "Grandpa, why did you invite this boy here? He's the little ice block with fire attribute that I told you about last time!"
"Fire attribute, small ice cube?"
What kind of ridiculous title is that?
"Hey, Yan Yan, don't be rude! Come and greet your Senior Dragon Lord and Grandma Snake Lady!"
"Greetings, Grandma Snake! Greetings, Senior Dragon!"
When Dugu Yan saw the person behind her, she politely bowed. The Snake Granny was a distant relative of hers, from her mother's lineage.
So they don't seem to be strangers.
"So, kid, are you going straight to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to get the immortal herbs, or do you want to rest for a bit?" Dugu Bo asked.
"Let's go straight there. Solving the Azure Scale Serpent problem for you and Sister Yan Yan as quickly as possible is our top priority."
"Alright, then please wait here for a moment, Miss Chao, and keep an eye on Yan Yan while you're at it. We'll be right back." Dugu Bo was very satisfied with Jiang Xuan's efficient and decisive manner.
"Your Majesty flatters me."
Chao Tianxiang bowed slightly as she spoke. At her age, she couldn't do what Xiao Xuanzi did—taking advantage of someone's position. Although they were related, it was best to keep a distance.
Dugu Bo walked ahead, with Long Gong Meng Shu and Jiang Xuan following closely behind.
If it weren't for this relationship, he probably wouldn't have felt comfortable letting Dugu Yan stay alone with Chaotianxiang.
Escorted by two powerful figures, Jiang Xuan headed towards the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire. He pondered his next move, knowing that the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire was a treasure trove left behind by the Ice and Fire Dragon King.
While helping Dugu Bo solve his problems, the real challenge is to help his grandfather, Long Gong, and grandmother gain the greatest benefit.
The Azure Serpent's venom is said to be a flaw in the martial soul, but in my opinion, it's more like a deficiency in the evolution of the martial soul. The Azure Serpent and the Azure Serpent Emperor are clearly different levels of martial souls just from their names, much like the relationship between the Ice Jade Scorpion and the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion in Douluo Continent II.
If the key issue can be resolved, and the relationship can be taken to the next level, then that would be ideal.
(End of chapter)