Chapter 15: Picking the Herbs

“What effect do these two toxic herbs have after consumption?” Dugu Bo asked again.

This time, Jiang Jie decisively shook his head.

“I don’t know. I just know that my martial spirit craves them. What benefits they might have will only be clear after I consume them.”

Jiang Jie wasn’t holding anything back; he simply didn’t want to seem too knowledgeable. He just wanted the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Delicate without appearing overly strange in front of Dugu Bo.

How could a six-year-old know everything?

However, he added, “But consuming them will most likely heal my injuries.”

After all, refining the body with ice and fire would make his injuries a minor issue.

Jiang Jie could feel the medicinal power in his body, clear and strong, but its effect was too slow. By undergoing the ice and fire refining process, this medicinal power would be greatly amplified, not only strengthening his body but also enhancing it through destruction and repair.

Jiang Jie was well aware of this medicinal power.

After condensing the soul bone, he felt near death. Now, being alive and well was clearly due to Dugu Bo’s efforts.

Given this…

After the ice and fire refining, he should be guided to consume the Fragrant Heart Passion Flower.

*(Author’s note: The Fragrant Heart Passion Flower, though not an antidote, is a supreme anti-toxin. It can solve Dugu Bo’s toxin backlash without affecting his poison abilities.)*

The ice and fire refining process was something Dugu Bo could never accept. While it could solve his internal toxin problems, it would also erase his poison skills, making him, already the weakest Titled Douluo, even weaker.

The Fragrant Heart Passion Flower, also known as the King of Flowers, had the same poison immunity effect. Standing within ten meters of it would weaken all toxins to the point of nullification.

Consuming it would grant immunity to all poisons, similar to the ice and fire refining, but without enhancing physical strength.

This could likely solve Dugu Bo’s problem.

Finding it should be easy.

According to the original story, entering the Fragrant Heart Passion Flower’s domain would fill the air with a refreshing fragrance, energizing anyone who breathed it in. Looking out from within its domain, everything outside would appear pink due to the flower’s pollen.

With such clear and simple descriptions, if Jiang Jie couldn’t find it, he would be failing as a time traveler.

As Jiang Jie considered how to help Dugu Bo find the Fragrant Heart Passion Flower, Dugu Bo made a decision amidst his internal conflict.

Instinctively, he didn’t want Jiang Jie to take the risk. Although Jiang Jie had only been his disciple for less than a day and remained a mystery to him, Dugu Bo already treated him like his own grandson due to Jiang Jie’s efforts to help Dugu Yan find the right path and risk his life to condense an external soul bone for her.

Dugu Bo didn’t want Jiang Jie to risk his life.

There were many ways to recover from injuries without resorting to such dangerous and uncertain methods.

But seeing Jiang Jie’s unwavering gaze on the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Delicate, Dugu Bo realized the herbs’ immense appeal and potential benefits.

“Fine. Since you’ve made up your mind, go ahead and eat them. I’ll help you pick them,” Dugu Bo sighed, tugging at his beard in frustration.

He was genuinely afraid Jiang Jie would poison himself to death.

How could he face the anxious Dugu Yan then?

What could he say?

That he took Jiang Jie to heal, but Jiang Jie died from consuming the herbs?

Dugu Yan would hate him forever.

Jiang Jie, noticing Dugu Bo’s hesitation, smiled confidently. “Teacher, don’t worry. I’m confident. As long as we follow the correct procedure, nothing will go wrong.”

Dugu Bo nodded slightly and retrieved two knives from his Soul Guidance Tool.

One was a dagger, the other a jade knife.

He remembered Jiang Jie’s instructions: the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass must be picked with metal, and the Fiery Apricot Delicate with jade.

As an expert in poisons, Dugu Bo’s storage Soul Guidance Tool contained many peculiar items necessary for making poisons, including jade bottles and boxes.

“I’m starting now!” Dugu Bo said gravely.

He had to complete the task swiftly. His own internal toxins were a ticking time bomb, and any delay could trigger them, causing him to suffer an outbreak.

Thus, his actions needed to be quick, accurate, and decisive.

“Wait, Teacher!” Jiang Jie stopped him. “Do you remember a large pink flower in your herb garden that emits a refreshing fragrance, revitalizing anyone who smells it?”

“Oh? You know about it?” Dugu Bo asked, giving Jiang Jie a meaningful look.

Jiang Jie, steeling himself, continued, “Yes, I do. It can counteract all poisons. Consuming it will make one immune to all toxins.”

“If you trust me, after picking the herbs for me, eat that pink flower. It will solve your internal problems and protect you from poisons.”

Dugu Bo smiled slightly.

Good boy, so you do have secrets.

He didn’t delve into why Jiang Jie knew these things. As long as Jiang Jie wasn’t harmful to him, asking too much would harm their relationship.

This kid…

“I understand. Prepare yourself!” Dugu Bo said, gripping the two knives with a sharp glint in his eyes.

Whoosh—

Swish—

A flash of emerald green light, two crisp cutting sounds, and the red and blue herbs were swiftly thrown in front of Jiang Jie.

The Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Delicate!

Upon picking the two potent herbs, their intense toxins immediately erupted, burning and freezing everything around them.

But soon, the two opposing energies began to intertwine…

(End of Chapter)