Chapter 20: An Important Step
Dragon Chen knew that Dugu Yan had been immersed in Bi Lin Snake Venom since she was in her mother's womb.
When the poison acted up, it would make her extremely uncomfortable, and she had been enduring the gradually increasing pain with tenacious willpower.
While studying at Guang'an Hall, Dragon Chen specifically consulted Shopkeeper Wang on how to counteract Bi Lin Snake Venom and specially developed an antidote pill.
Dugu Yan took the pill, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"Dragon Chen, I didn't expect you to actually know medicine. But how did you know I was poisoned?"
Dragon Chen replied earnestly:
"I've seen you a few times over these past five years. From the first time I saw you until now, I've noticed that the color of your pupils has gradually changed, becoming deeper and deeper green. Others might not know, but I do; this is a sign that you're suffering from a backlash of the Blue Scale Snake Poison during your cultivation."
Dugu Yan nodded.
"You're right, I have indeed suffered a backlash from the Bi Lin Snake Venom."
"I truly admire you; you possess strong willpower. If you hadn't suffered the poison's backlash, with your talent and diligence, your current spirit power would definitely be above mine. It's truly hard to imagine what kind of pain you've endured all these years to make it this far."
Dragon Chen's words flowed like a warm current through Dugu Yan's cold heart.
Dugu Yan had a profound background, powerful spirit power among her peers, and a rare poison-type crowd control ability, which kept her at the top of the pyramid.
Her life for the past decade or so had been almost entirely smooth sailing, except for the poison that plagued her.
For her, the Bi Lin Snake Venom was a double-edged sword, granting her a terrifying poison ability that made opponents fear her, but also gradually leading her into an abyss of no return.
Becoming a true powerhouse was every Spirit Master's dream.
The always competitive Dugu Yan was, of course, no exception.
Therefore, even knowing that she would suffer a backlash from the poison, she did not deliberately slow down her cultivation pace.
In the years since she entered Heaven Dou Royal Academy, she appeared glamorous on the surface, the 'big sister' in the eyes of the students.
However, only she knew the pain she endured.
Dragon Chen's words were very sincere, making Dugu Yan feel a warmth in her heart, as if she had received care and recognition from a loved one.
Her eyes were a little moist, and for a moment, she couldn't speak.
Ye Lingling gently nudged her.
"Sister Yan, I only just realized that you've been enduring the pain of your own poison's backlash all this time."
Dugu Yan calmed her emotions.
"The poison in my body has been there since I was in my mother's womb. To solve this problem, my grandfather has been researching medicine all these years, and he has found some methods. Before, I relied on the antidote pills my grandfather developed for me to alleviate the pain. But as my spirit power increased, the poison seemed to become more virulent, and the effect of those antidote pills became more and more limited."
Dugu Yan's voice was a little low, revealing a hint of helplessness.
Dragon Chen said:
"These pills were specially developed by me. While I can't claim they'll completely detoxify you, they can at least lessen your pain. Please try them; I hope they help you. If you're willing, we can also research together how to better control or even eliminate the toxins in your body. I have some experience in medicine and might be able to find new methods."
Hearing this, a glimmer of light flickered in Dugu Yan's eyes, but then a hint of hesitation appeared.
"Dragon Chen, I know you mean well, but this poison... even my grandfather is helpless against it. Do you really think we can find a way?"
Dragon Chen smiled slightly, his gaze firm as he said:
"How will we know if we don't try? At the very least, we shouldn't give up any shred of hope, right? There are some rare medicinal herbs with miraculous detoxifying effects; we just haven't encountered them yet."
Dugu Yan was infected by Dragon Chen's optimism and persistence, and a smile curved her lips.
"Alright, I believe you. I'll try these pills."
The three walked and chatted, unconsciously arriving at the girls' dormitory building.
Dragon Chen left only after seeing Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling go upstairs.
The antidote pill he had just given Dugu Yan had a certain detoxifying effect.
However, it could only relieve the pain temporarily.
As Dugu Yan's spirit power grew higher, the effect of that antidote pill would become weaker and weaker.
Today, he had initially gained Dugu Yan's trust, taking an important step.
As they became more familiar with each other, their relationship would deepen.
At that time, it would be possible to meet Dugu Bo, and even enter the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
~~~~~~~
The next day, the seven members of the school team gathered at the training ground.
Qin Ming's gaze swept over the seven, then he said:
"Today, we officially begin training together. I already have a preliminary understanding of the seven of you, knowing your Spirits and individual spirit power levels. However, I don't yet know your specific Spirit Abilities and their respective power. I want to understand more, and also let you become more familiar with each other's Spirit Abilities, so that we can conduct targeted training in the future."
The few of them exchanged glances, understanding Qin Ming's meaning.
Qin Ming looked at Ye Lingling, then continued:
"Ye Lingling, your Nine Heart Begonia Spirit is the most special, so let's start with you. Since all your Spirit Abilities are the same type, you only need to demonstrate it once."
"Okay."
Ye Lingling said, stepped forward, and released her Spirit and two yellow hundred-year spirit rings.
Her Spirit was a pink begonia flower, composed of white and pink petals, with vibrant colors and graceful posture.
As the first spirit ring suddenly lit up, streaks of light, like white petals, were released from the Nine Heart Begonia and slowly descended.
Ye Lingling explained:
"I only have one Spirit Ability, which is area-of-effect group healing. If it's during combat, these lights falling into a companion's body can quickly heal exposed wounds and can also treat severe injuries like fractures. Its healing effect improves with my strength, but it cannot help companions recover spirit power or detoxify."
As soon as Ye Lingling finished speaking, Qin Ming and the others applauded enthusiastically.
"The Nine Heart Begonia truly lives up to its reputation as the number one healing Spirit in the world. With Lingling here, no matter how severely we're injured, we won't be afraid."
"More importantly, it's a group skill, capable of healing multiple people simultaneously."
All of them cast admiring glances at Ye Lingling.
Qin Ming nodded, a hint of appreciation in his eyes as he looked at Ye Lingling.
"Ye Lingling's powerful healing ability plays a crucial and irreplaceable role in team battles. However, as a support master, her attack power is relatively weak, which is a common weakness for all support masters. Therefore, in team battles, you must protect her in the rear."
"Understood."
Next, the Ghost Leopard Spirit Master Oslo, the Wind Chime Bird Spirit Master Yu Feng, and the Black Tortoise Spirit Master Shi Mo all demonstrated their respective Spirit Abilities and strengths to everyone.
Oslo possessed agile speed and considerable attack power.
Yu Feng could fly, giving him an advantage in aerial combat, and his attack power was also considerable.
Shi Mo possessed powerful defense and strength, making him suitable as a tank.
Then, it was Dragon Chen, Dugu Yan, and Yu Tianheng's turn to demonstrate their respective Spirit Abilities to everyone.
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