Yunxiao glanced at Dugu Yan, who was blushing with shyness but also seemed to harbor a hint of anticipation. He knew that some things were better clarified in advance.
With this in mind, a gentle smile appeared on Yunxiao's face as he attempted to dispel the ambiguous atmosphere.
"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, let's not bring this up again," Yunxiao said. "I already have someone I like."
If you like someone, you like them. If you don't, you don't.
Since he had no feelings for Dugu Yan, there was no need to drag things out. It would be better to take this opportunity to gently reject her rather than let her fall deeper into unrequited affection.
When it came to matters of the heart, the worst thing one could do was procrastinate, allowing emotions to grow deeper and more entangled.
Upon hearing Yunxiao's words, both Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan reacted differently. Dugu Yan was visibly heartbroken and disappointed, while Dugu Bo was clearly embarrassed.
Ignoring the reactions of the grandfather and granddaughter, Yunxiao began to stroll through the medicinal garden.
The entire Yin Yang Well of Ice and Fire was divided into three areas by Dugu Bo. The outermost region was filled with a variety of medicinal plants, such as ginseng, purple ganoderma, lingzhi, and snow lotus. The middle area contained a large number of secondary-grade Immortal Herbs that had not appeared in the original timeline. The innermost region, naturally, was home to a plethora of Immortal Herbs near the spring of the Yin Yang Well of Ice and Fire.
"Eight-Angle Profound Ice Herb, Fierce Flame Apricot Flood," Yunxiao murmured as he observed the herbs. "Lovesick Heartbreak Red, Earth Dragon Golden Gourd..."
As he pondered over these Immortal Herbs, Yunxiao's thoughts deepened.
At that moment, seeing that Yunxiao had already begun collecting and preparing the herbs, Dugu Bo pursed his lips and spoke to Dugu Yan.
"Ah, Yan Yan, don't be too upset," Dugu Bo said, attempting to comfort her.
Although Yunxiao had "cleanly and decisively" rejected Dugu Yan, this could also be seen as a good thing. As someone who had lived long enough to become wise, Dugu Bo knew that the longer one dragged out matters of the heart, the deeper one would fall. When it came time to extricate oneself, it would inevitably be painful and heart-wrenching.
"Grandpa, don't worry. I, Dugu Yan, am not that fragile," Dugu Yan said, her eyes filled with resentment as she glanced at Yunxiao in the distance. She rubbed her slightly reddened eyes.
As for this relationship that had ended before it even began, Dugu Yan was indeed sad, but she was far from being devastated.
Several hours later, inside the wooden cabin Dugu Bo had built within the Yin Yang Well of Ice and Fire.
"Hmm, these herb combinations should be just about right!" Yunxiao nodded in satisfaction as he examined the two barrels of medicinal bath he had prepared.
To solve the issue of the Dugu family's Serpentine Venom, it was necessary to address the root cause—their Jade Scale Snake Spirit. Simply using medicine to suppress the Serpentine Venom was only a temporary solution and not a cure.
First, he needed to repair the bodies of Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, which had been eroded by the Serpentine Venom for many years. After that, the next step would be to resolve the inherent flaws of the Jade Scale Snake.
After explaining his plan to Dugu Bo, Yunxiao left the decision to the grandfather and granddaughter.
"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, after repairing the bodies of you and Miss Dugu Yan," Yunxiao said, "the next step will be to address the issue of your family's Jade Scale Snake Spirit."
"Your Excellency Elf, could you please elaborate on the two specific solutions?" Dugu Bo asked.
Since it concerned the future fate of their Dugu family, both Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan held their breath, listening attentively to every word, afraid to miss even a single detail.
Dugu Bo knew his family's situation well.
He naturally understood that relying solely on medication to suppress the Serpentine Venom was only a temporary solution, not a permanent cure.
Now that there was a better option to completely eradicate this damned Serpentine Venom, he was more than eager to seize it.
Seeing this, Yunxiao nodded slightly before speaking slowly.
"The first option is this Immortal Herb in my hand, called the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd.
"I can refine it into a pill, allowing your Azure Serpent (Emperor) Spirit to evolve.
"However, since this is an Immortal Herb with earth and metal attributes, your Martial Soul will evolve in these two directions."
Upon hearing Yunxiao's first proposal, Dugu Bo frowned slightly.
He naturally understood the implications of Yunxiao's words.
If the Azure Serpent (Emperor) Spirit evolved toward the earth or metal attributes, it would indeed solve the problem of the Serpentine Venom.
Setting aside Dugu Yan for the moment, Dugu Bo's entire poison-based cultivation would likely be rendered useless.
As the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo knew all too well that losing his poison attribute would make him extremely "ordinary."
Before Dugu Bo could say anything, Yunxiao, as if already knowing his choice, slowly presented the final option.
"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, compared to the first option,
"I personally favor the second one."
"Oh, Your Excellency Elf, please go on."
Hearing that Yunxiao highly approved of the final option, Dugu Bo became very interested.
After all, anything that could earn the approval of an elf from the Deity clan was no small matter.
At this point, Dugu Bo had already firmly concluded that Yunxiao was a descendant of the Deity clan.
Noticing the eager looks in Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan's eyes, Yunxiao continued slowly.
"As for the second option, it is this Immortal Herb called the Eight-Angle Profound Ice Herb.
"I will refine it into a pill, allowing your Azure Serpent (Emperor) Spirit to evolve.
"This is an ice-attribute Immortal Herb, so your Martial Soul will evolve toward the ice attribute.
"Snake-type Martial Souls are generally inclined toward yin-cold attributes, which aligns well with your Azure Serpent (Emperor) Spirit.
"Moreover, with a bit of practice, the ice attribute can still be used as a poison attribute, specifically Icy-Cold Poison."
Upon hearing Yunxiao's analysis, Dugu Bo's eyes lit up.
"Icy-Cold Poison?
"How did I not think of that…"
However, before Dugu Bo could speak, Dugu Yan's eyes sparkled, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and her voice trembled slightly.
"Your Excellency Elf, I choose this one.
"I want the Azure Serpent Spirit to evolve toward the ice attribute!"
After hearing Yunxiao's explanation, Dugu Yan was overjoyed.
She had never liked dealing with poison, and knowing that this damned Serpentine Venom had not only poisoned her parents but also...
After enduring the torment of the poison backlash alongside her grandfather, Dugu Bo, for many years, Dugu Yan had developed an extreme aversion to the inherent toxicity of the Jade Scale Snake Spirit.
Given the choice, as a young woman, she had no desire to deal with such poisonous creatures.
Seeing Dugu Yan's intense emotions, Yunxiao turned his gaze toward Dugu Bo.
"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, what do you think?"
Upon hearing Yunxiao's inquiry and noticing Dugu Yan's heightened agitation, Dugu Bo nodded slightly.
"Alright, let's go with Yan Yan's choice."
"Let the Azure Serpent (Emperor) Spirit evolve in the direction of the ice attribute."
"Your Excellency Elf, we'll leave it to you!"
"Very well, no problem. Leave it to me."
After receiving the definitive response, Yunxiao nodded slightly.
Apologies for the late update due to the Qingming tomb-sweeping activities!
(End of Chapter)