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Dai Chengfeng paid little attention to what was happening outside, as he was confident that victory was assured.
At this moment, within Dugu Bo's "medicinal garden"—
Dai Chengfeng curiously surveyed his surroundings.
This "medicinal garden" was located in the center of the valley, surrounded by rock walls and the poisonous mist spread by Dugu Bo. There was nothing particularly remarkable about it.
The only exception lay directly ahead of Dai Chengfeng—
There was a small "hot spring," not very large in area.
Steam rose from the water, obscuring the view.
What was strange, however, was that the elliptical hot spring was divided into two distinct halves: one side had milky-white water, while the other was crimson red, with a clear boundary between them.
The thick steam rising from the garden was caused by the intense clash of cold and heat at the junction of the two waters.
"This is the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well? One of the three great treasure basins mentioned in the Xuan Tian Bao Lu of the Tang Sect!"
"Ordinary plants cannot adapt to the environment here and thus cannot grow."
"But rare plants that can adapt to this environment grow at an accelerated rate—one year here is equivalent to ten years of growth in the outside world… a tenfold time difference!"
"It's somewhat like a super low-tier version of Han Lao Mo's little green bottle?" (Referring to Han Li from A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality)
As Dai Chengfeng thought this, a flicker of excitement flashed in his eyes.
Even if it were a super low-tier version of the little green bottle, for him now—and for the entire Star Luo Empire—
The Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well were an unparalleled "treasure"!
"With these immortal herbs, combined with my Great Restoration Pills, my father and the High Priest could likely reach the Title Douluo level within a year."
"My mother and uncle could also successfully break through to become Title Douluos within a few years!"
"And my White Tiger martial spirit can be completed and evolved!"
"No wonder it's called the essence of heaven and earth, where spiritual energy gathers—the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well!"
"A reward worthy of my journey here!"
For a moment, Dai Chengfeng's eyes sparkled with joy.
After all, mass-producing Title Douluos—how could he not be excited?
However, he didn't immediately start searching for the immortal herbs, as he knew Dugu Bo would soon come to ask him about the antidote.
Although Dai Chengfeng wasn't Tang San and wouldn't mind sharing an immortal herb that neither he nor his family could use with Dugu Bo—
The prerequisite was that Dugu Bo must fully pledge his loyalty to him.
As for now? Absolutely not!
After all, wealth moves people's hearts, and Dai Chengfeng wasn't willing to gamble on Dugu Bo's intentions...
Step, step, step ~
At this moment, two slightly hurried footsteps approached from behind Dai Chengfeng.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, Dai Chengfeng's lips curled into a faint smile. He silently thought to himself, "They're here!"
Soon, the footsteps stopped behind him.
Turning his head slightly, he saw Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan standing there.
Dugu Bo, dressed in a black robe, looked stern, while Dugu Yan stood beside him, her eyes filled with both nervousness and anticipation.
"Dai Chengfeng, you've won…"
"Previously, I was like a frog at the bottom of a well, unaware of my own ignorance!"
Before Dai Chengfeng could respond, Dugu Bo had already spoken first, his voice low and slightly hoarse.
Though his words carried traces of reluctance, his tone was deeply sincere.
As he spoke, he surprised Dai Chengfeng even more. Dugu Bo, a Title Douluo, bowed deeply to him. "I accept my loss and will serve as your bodyguard for the next ten years!"
Pausing briefly, a glimmer of affection appeared in Dugu Bo's eyes as he looked at Dugu Yan and continued, "But…"
"I don't care about myself, but I hope you can completely cure Yan'er's poison beforehand. After all, enduring this suffering for another ten years is unacceptable!"
"Grandpa…"
Dugu Yan gazed at Dugu Bo, whose eyes were brimming with affection, and softly called out to him, her heart full of gratitude.
Facing Dugu Bo's expectant gaze, Dai Chengfeng stepped forward and helped him up.
"Elder Dugu Bo, there's no need to be so formal."
"As for your concerns?"
Dai Chengfeng smiled, deliberately drawing out his words. "Don't worry!"
"Not only will I completely cure Miss Dugu Yan's poison, but I'll also take care of yours. Why go through the trouble of doing it in two stages?"
As he spoke, he glanced around the medicinal garden. "Besides, it just so happens that this garden has the herbs I need."
A flicker of surprise passed through Dugu Bo's eyes.
He couldn't help but confirm, "Dai Chengfeng, are you saying you'll first completely detoxify me?"
In Dugu Bo's previous assumptions, Dai Chengfeng would use the Bi Lin Snake poison afflicting him and his granddaughter as leverage, gradually detoxifying them over the course of ten years to ensure Dugu Bo wouldn't renege on the deal.
After all, Dugu Bo's reputation on the continent wasn't exactly spotless.
Thus, when Dugu Bo requested Dai Chengfeng to first completely cure his granddaughter, he felt some trepidation, fearing rejection.
He had even considered resorting to force to make Dai Chengfeng agree.
But he never expected that he had been wrong—Dai Chengfeng had no intention of using the snake poison to blackmail him…
Seeing Dugu Bo's astonishment, Dai Chengfeng's lips curled upward into a sincere smile. "I trust Elder Dugu Bo!"
"You trust me?"
"You trust this old poison master with a bad reputation across the continent?!"
Dugu Bo's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yes!"
Dai Chengfeng looked at the astonished Dugu Bo, nodding without hesitation, his gaze unwavering.
"Though your use of poison has given you a poor reputation on the continent, seeing how you've raised Dugu Yan tells me you're not an evil person."
As he spoke,
Dai Chengfeng turned to Dugu Yan, his eyes filled with admiration. "After all, someone who raised Dugu Yan to be so kind couldn't possibly be wicked."
Is Dugu Bo a good person? No!
But is he an evil person? Not necessarily!
Still, none of that mattered. After all, who doesn't love hearing nice things?
And overall.
To Dai Chengfeng, Dugu Bo was now a "generous benefactor"!
Upon hearing Dai Chengfeng's resolute words, Dugu Yan's eyes grew complex, filled with shyness, joy, excitement, and gratitude, among other emotions.
Soon, she pursed her lips and gave a slight bow.
"Chengfeng, you will forever be my benefactor!"
Even Dugu Bo, at this moment, couldn't help but feel a ripple of emotion in his heart. "We've only just met, yet because of Yan'er, you trust me so completely…"
Warmth filled Dugu Bo's heart, and his eyes brimmed with shame.
He had completely misjudged Dai Chengfeng, suspecting him of harboring ill intentions. But Dai Chengfeng was truly a man of great benevolence!
Thinking this, Dugu Bo's expression turned solemn. "Dai Chengfeng!"
"I swear here and now—so long as you can completely cure Yan'er, I will protect you with my life for the next ten years, no matter what!"
Looking at the serious Dugu Bo, a faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered in Dai Chengfeng's eyes.
"A simple wager isn't as reliable as bonds of friendship!"
However, outwardly, Dai Chengfeng remained calm and composed, speaking in a gentle tone. "Elder Dugu Bo, there's no need for such formalities."
"I've never doubted your integrity."
But soon, with a hint of apology, he added, "However, could you please step back for now and let me gather the herbs alone?"
"After all, this prescription comes from the Star Luo Imperial Family, and I'm not at liberty to disclose it."
"I understand, Your Highness."
Without hesitation, Dugu Bo turned to Dugu Yan. "Yan'er, let's go."
Dugu Yan obediently nodded.
Soon, watching Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan walk away, Dai Chengfeng let out a deep sigh, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He murmured softly to himself, "Finally, no distractions!"
"Immortal herbs, here I come!"
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