Chapter 17: Soul Bone Detoxification
Of course, Whale Gel's use wasn't limited to reproduction.
A spark lit in Dugu Feng's mind. What a perfect excuse!
A legitimate reason to collect high-grade Whale Gel in bulk.
"Old Snake, I can't give you this one," Dugu Feng said calmly. "If you need some, go buy it at an auction or collect it in coastal cities. Don't forget, Huyan Lie's mission this time—like Old Scorpion's—was to collect our clan's half-year share of profit.
This trip brought us an unexpected fortune. You should aim for at least ten-thousand-year Whale Gel."
Old Snake blinked, puzzled. Why does the young master care so much about Whale Gel? A few hundred years' worth would suffice; even a few thousand-year specimens could only be handled by those with exceptional constitutions.
Ten thousand? He didn't even dare imagine such potency—someone might literally die from overuse.
"Old Snake, this is an important task," Dugu Feng continued seriously. "The more we understand Whale Gel's properties—especially how it reacts with medicinal herbs—the more possibilities we unlock. Think—could it strengthen the body? Improve vitality?
Perhaps even increase the chances of lineage continuation? This is crucial for the Dugu Clan's survival."
His expression was grave and sincere.
"Young Master, you're a genius," Old Snake said admiringly. "But let me remind you—you're still young. You must focus on cultivation, seize your golden years as a soul master. You're the clan's hope.
When you reach Titled Douluo, then—play however you please."
Of course, he didn't believe Dugu Feng's explanation in the slightest. The boy was simply too mature, too clever. He knew way too much.
Dugu Feng sighed softly. No one ever understands my good intentions…
They traveled in silence afterward, half a day later returning to the Dugu estate.
Inside the incense-shrouded ancestral hall, they found Dugu Shuo in meditation.
"Feng'er, you're back," Dugu Shuo said, a flicker of expectation flashing in his usually cold eyes.
Dugu Feng immediately understood what his father awaited.
Without hesitation, he summoned his Jade Phosphor Serpent martial spirit—its yellow soul ring glowing around him.
Old Snake recounted everything: the six-hundred-year-old Jade Phosphor Serpent he had hunted, the battles against Tuoba Lan and Huyan Lie, and the acquisition of the soul bone.
"Your first ring is from a six-hundred-year beast," Dugu Shuo mused. "That must be the benefit of your premature poison flare—your body endured great torment early and was tempered by it. A blessing in disguise.
But beware—the venom from that serpent is potent. Your future poison flares will be even more painful."
A cause-and-effect balance—each gift carried its curse.
"Father, there's no need to worry," said Dugu Feng. "My poison flare last night didn't even reach my physical or mental limit. It caused no real harm."
Surprise flashed across Dugu Shuo's and Old Snake's faces.
They believed him—such matters were literally life and death.
They exchanged glances, both elated.
This meant Dugu Feng had time—time to grow stronger. And with his innate full soul power, his cultivation speed would be terrifying.
"Feng'er, you will become a Titled Douluo," Dugu Shuo declared with conviction.
For the first time, his unwavering composure broke into passion.
He dropped to his knees before the ancestral tablets, eyes shining with fervor.
Immediately, Dugu Feng and Old Snake followed suit.
This father worships the ancestors for everything... Dugu Feng thought helplessly.
After murmuring prayers and knocking his head thrice, Dugu Shuo finally composed himself.
Dugu Feng then produced the soul bone, handing it over.
The item's multicolored glow illuminated the misty hall.
Dugu Shuo's gaze sharpened. Old Snake had already described it—a defensive-type cranial bone.
"The energy within this bone is powerful—at least ten thousand years!" Dugu Shuo exclaimed, eyes blazing.
Dugu Feng, with knowledge born from another world, only thought of the legendary hundred-thousand-year bones.
But his father and Old Snake lacked that divine perspective.
To them, a ten-thousand-year bone was an unparalleled heirloom—enough to define a family's legacy.
"Feng'er, you should absorb it. With this, your protection will grow stronger," Dugu Shuo said, handing it back.
Dugu Feng shook his head, calm and firm. "Father, Old Snake, hear me out—I have a conjecture. One that may solve our clan's greatest weakness."
"Oh?" Dugu Shuo raised a brow.
"Soul bones are born from soul beasts and thus extraordinarily rare. During last night's battle, I discovered one astonishing property—they are immune to poison.
When Xiahou Mang was poisoned, his body dissolved into pus, yet the soul bone remained pristine, unharmed.
I suspect a soul bone exists between tangible and intangible matter.
If we channel our internal poison into it, could we not free ourselves from the pain of poison flare?"
He had planned this reasoning long before returning—it sounded perfectly plausible.
And indeed, it raised no suspicion.
As for whether focusing toxins in one's head was suicidal—well, even Dugu Bo bore his poison in a Medusa's head bone.
Old Snake gasped. "Young Master, such foresight! To deduce this from Xiahou Mang's death? Admirable! Even if it fails, your intellect borders on monstrous."
Dugu Shuo stared blankly for a moment before nodding slowly.
The logic held merit.
"Father, you should be the one to absorb it," Dugu Feng said earnestly. "My strength is still low. The venom in me is bearable. But for you—if this can purge your toxin and elevate your power, the clan will truly prosper."
Old Snake joined in, "Clan Leader, I agree. Your poison backlash has grown severe in the Soul Sage realm. Your first four rings all came from poison beasts, their mixed venoms a ticking bomb. It will erupt someday.
We can't risk that—not with the continent so unstable. Even the Elephant Armored Sect now bends toward Spirit Hall. The clan needs you stronger than ever!"
Dugu Shuo's eyes flicked from Old Snake's earnest gaze to Dugu Feng's calm resolve.
For once, emotion touched his stoic face. "Very well. I'll do it. Let's see if Feng'er's theory holds true."
Without hesitation, he sat in meditation, summoning his energy.
The soul bone floated upward, pulsing faint golden light before drifting toward his head.
The radiance grew stronger as spirit energy threads linked bone to mind.
Gradually, the bone expanded, shaping into a spectral skull that enveloped his head before blending in completely.
Then it vanished—fully integrated.
Dugu Feng let out a slow breath.
The fluctuations weren't overwhelming—Dugu Shuo's strength wasn't much higher than the foes they had faced.
Though outsiders feared the Dugu Clan's poison and mistook them for united with Dugu Bo, the truth was different.
Their patriarch remained "only" a Soul Sage.
Still, Dugu Feng thought, if Father's strength rises even a little, it will give the clan a much firmer foothold.
(END CHAPTER)
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