"This is called the Longevity Pearl," Gu He explained calmly in response to Yun Yun's question.
"It contains immense vitality—capable of healing wounds, reviving the dead, mending bones, and even extending one's lifespan. If consumed by a Dou Emperor, it grants an additional two hundred years of life. For a Dou Ancestor, it adds one hundred years."
Yun Yun's eyes widened in shock. Her delicate hand flew to her lips as disbelief flashed across her face.
Two hundred years of life for a Dou Emperor!
The sheer potency of the Longevity Pearl left her utterly stunned.
"Husband, this…"
Her lips trembled as she tried to speak, but when she saw Gu He raise his hand slightly, she bit her red lip and fell silent, a faint look of grievance crossing her features.
Gu He smiled. "There's plenty more where this came from. Accept it without hesitation—you needn't feel burdened."
"Since you're my woman, why wouldn't I give you the best? Or would you rather I bestow such treasures upon others?"
Emotion welled in Yun Yun's eyes, and she nodded slowly.
Next, Gu He presented her with a bottle of Ten-Thousand-Year Earth Core Tempering Milk, a Life-Returning Pill, and finally imparted to her the high-level dou technique—Sundering Sky Sword Art.
Overwhelmed by his generosity, Yun Yun was deeply moved. Naturally, the two of them indulged in tender affection under the sway of emotions.
By dawn, Gu He stored away the Qingling Holy Platform and descended from the sky with Yun Yun in his embrace.
After a reluctant parting, Gu He returned to his courtyard.
This departure marked the beginning of his disciples' training journey—one that might span a considerable length of time. Before they left, he intended to refine the necessary pills for them.
Thus, upon returning, he immediately entered the alchemy room and immersed himself in the meticulous work of pill refinement.
Three days later, satisfied with his efforts, Gu He finally stepped out of the alchemy room.
"Teacher!"
To his surprise, Nalan Yanran stood waiting in the courtyard, her face etched with anxiety.
Gu He frowned. "Yanran, what's wrong?"
Tears glistened in her bright eyes as she pleaded, "Teacher… please save my grandfather!"
"Your grandfather?" Gu He was puzzled. "What happened to him?"
Through Nalan Yanran's explanation, the full story unfolded.
Four years ago, her grandfather, Nalan Jie, had battled a fifth-tier magical beast—the Branded Iron Venomous Python. In that fight, he was struck by its infamous Scorching Poison, a toxin so potent it could even kill sixth-tier beasts.
Though Nalan Jie had suppressed the poison with his formidable Dou Qi, age had weakened his resistance. The poison's backlash grew fiercer with time.
A year ago, thanks to the Soul Nourishing Pill Gu He had auctioned at the Miter Auction House, Nalan Jie managed a breakthrough, temporarily restraining the poison. But now, even that suppression had failed.
In fact, the Scorching Poison's rebound had grown even more violent.
That very day, Nalan Yanran's father had arrived at the Misty Cloud Sect, urging her to return home—to see Nalan Jie one last time.
Desperate, she turned to her teacher for help.
"Scorching Poison…"
A peculiar glint flickered in Gu He's eyes.
He recalled that, in BTTH, Xiao Yan had cured Nalan Jie using his Heavenly Flames.
Since Heavenly Flames could purify the Scorching Poison, so too could Gu He's divine flames.
With newfound confidence, he reassured her, "Yanran, go ahead with your father. I'll join you shortly."
Overjoyed, Nalan Yanran nodded and hurried away, leaving the Misty Cloud Sect with her father, Nalan Su.
After three days of seclusion, Gu He freshened up briefly before activating So Far Away and swiftly departing the sect.
By the time Nalan Yanran arrived at the Nalan Manor, Gu He was already at its gates. The Nalan family's elders welcomed him warmly, escorting him to the inner courtyard.
Inside a side chamber, he found Nalan Jie—frail and on the brink of death.
The old man lay unconscious, his face withered, skin marred by patches of gray-black decay. A deathly aura clung to him.
"It's worse than I thought…" Gu He muttered.
Nalan Su sighed heavily. "Even a Dou Emperor wouldn't dare trifle with Scorching Poison. That my father has lasted this long is nothing short of a miracle."
Turning to Gu He, he asked cautiously, "Pill King, is there any hope?"
Nalan Yanran watched anxiously, her bright eyes filled with dread.
After a moment's assessment, Gu He nodded. "There's a chance."
Then, glancing at the maids, he ordered calmly, "Have them leave. Their presence may interfere. You should step back as well."
Nalan Su's face lit up with relief. "Then we leave it to you, Your Excellency the Pill King!"
He quickly ushered the maids out and pulled Nalan Yanran aside.
Gu He then propped Nalan Jie upright. Though the old man's face was ravaged by poison, traces of his once-unyielding spirit lingered.
With a light tap on Nalan Jie's shoulder, a dark force shattered his robes, revealing a skeletal frame beneath.
…
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