"Damn it, you guys are all over the place. Don't you realize that your father's situation is different from yours?" Yuan Changqing said, exasperated.
Dugu Xin, frustrated, replied, "We didn't have any choice. Seeing that the poison in my father's body was about to spiral out of control, we had to take a gamble."
Yuan Changqing shook his head. "Didn't I warn you before? Your father's strength is too high, and the poison has seeped deep into his bones. It's not something you can easily extract. If you don't handle it properly, he might die from the toxin. Look at this—this time, it almost came to that."
"Yes, if you hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would have been catastrophic," Dugu Xin said, relieved.
"Alright," Yuan Changqing said, taking a deep breath. "Since you've found the soul bone, I'll help Mr. Dugu resolve this issue."
Dugu Xin's eyes brightened. "Doctor Yuan, you really have a way to fix the poison in my father's body?"
Yuan Changqing nodded. "Well, I originally thought that with the soul bone and a pill I've developed, it should solve Mr. Dugu's problem. But I didn't expect that, after obtaining the soul bone, you'd rush to use it."
...
Now that they were at the Eye of Ice and Fire, Dugu Bo's condition had stabilized somewhat. Catherine had reached level 79 some time ago.
Yuan Changqing turned to Catherine and said, "Catherine, there's nothing more to do here for now. You can practice. The soul power here is denser than outside. Maybe you'll make a breakthrough."
Catherine's eyes sparkled. "You're right, husband. I'll go practice first. Call me if you need anything."
"Alright," Yuan Changqing agreed, before turning to Dugu Xin. "Brother Dugu, stay here and monitor your father. I'll go refine the elixir."
Dugu Xin nodded eagerly. "Thank you, Doctor Yuan. I'll stay here and watch over him."
Yuan Changqing made his way to the fire attribute of the Eye of Ice and Fire, took out his alchemy furnace, and placed it near the source of the fire. The Eye of Ice and Fire had recovered well in the two years since his last visit. He waited briefly before preparing his ingredients—various precious herbs and even his own blood. His blood had a detoxifying effect, given that he was immune to all poisons due to his previous consumption of Liehuo Xingjiaoshu and Star Anise Ice Grass.
As Yuan Changqing was refining the elixir, Hua Feiyan arrived. To avoid worrying Wang Yuyan, she had sent a letter back home. Hua Feiyan then approached Yuan Changqing, but seeing he was focused, she didn't interrupt. She simply mentioned that the letter had been delivered.
As Yuan Changqing worked, Catherine found a nearby spot and began practicing seriously. The dense soul power in the area was conducive to breakthroughs, and after several days of practice, she began to make her move. After an intense period, she finally succeeded in breaking through to level 80, becoming a quasi-Contra.
After a few days, Yuan Changqing finished refining the elixir—six precious pills in total. Everyone gathered around as he completed the process.
Catherine approached with a smile. "Husband, you've refined the elixir. That's amazing! But I have some good news to share as well. I've broken through to quasi-Contra!"
Yuan Changqing smiled warmly. "That's great, Catherine! I'm happy for you."
"Yes, it's quite exciting!" Catherine beamed.
"Alright, that's enough celebration. Now, I've completed the elixirs I need." Yuan Changqing turned serious again.
...
They approached Dugu Bo, who was still focused on condensing the poison elixir. Yuan Changqing didn't interrupt him but said, "Now, we'll wait until Mr. Dugu finishes condensing the poison elixir. Let's give him some time."
Dugu Xin nodded. "Doctor Yuan, go ahead and recover your soul power first. We'll take care of things here."
"Alright, call me if anything happens," Yuan Changqing said, as he moved to a quiet spot to recover his energy. Catherine kept a watchful eye over him.
Days passed, and eventually, Dugu Bo successfully condensed the poison pill. He approached Yuan Changqing with gratitude shining in his eyes. "Doctor Yuan, I can't thank you enough. Your method not only helped me stabilize my condition but also allowed me to break through to level 90, becoming a quasi-Titled Douluo."
Dugu Xin and his wife shared an expression of joy, with Dugu Xin exclaiming, "Father, you've really broken through to the Titled Douluo level!"
"Yes, this time was a stroke of luck. Once the soul ring attaches, I'll be a full Titled Douluo. Hahaha!" Dugu Bo laughed, his voice full of happiness.
Yuan Changqing and Catherine stepped forward to congratulate him. "First of all, congratulations on your breakthrough, Mr. Dugu."
Dugu Bo waved a hand in dismissal. "Hahaha, no need for formalities, Doctor Yuan. You saved my life multiple times, and that's something I'll never forget. From now on, don't call me Mr. Dugu. Just call me 'Old Poison.' It sounds more friendly."
Yuan Changqing hesitated, but Dugu Xin nodded as well. "It's true. Let's just call him 'Old Poison.'"
After exchanging glances with Dugu Xin, Yuan Changqing shrugged. "Alright, Old Poison it is."
"That's the spirit!" Dugu Bo chuckled heartily. "Let's drop the red tape."
Yuan Changqing smiled. "Now, let's get rid of the poison in your body."
He took out the six elixirs he had prepared and handed them to Dugu Bo. "Old Poison, take these one at a time. They'll guide the toxins into your soul bones. Be patient and guide them slowly at first."
"Thank you, Doctor Yuan," Dugu Bo said, looking relieved. "It seems my problem is finally going to be solved."
As Dugu Bo began the process of detoxifying, Yuan Changqing and the others waited.
A few days later, they were greeted by Dugu Bo's joyful laughter. When he appeared before them, he looked noticeably younger, and his hair and eyes had returned to their normal color, just like Dugu Xin.
Dugu Bo grinned. "Doctor Yuan, I can't thank you enough. You've saved my family more times than I can count. If you ever need anything, just let me know."
Yuan Changqing waved him off. "Old Poison, no need for all this formal stuff. Just call me Yuan Changqing or Changqing. And if you need something, I really do have a request this time."
"What is it? Just say it," Dugu Bo responded eagerly.
Hua Feiyan chimed in, "Father, I think Doctor Yuan is asking for your help with Catherine's soul ring. She's already broken through to level 80 and only needs a soul ring to become a full Contra."
Dugu Bo turned to Catherine and smiled. "I didn't expect you to reach Contra at such a young age. You're truly talented!"
Catherine smiled sweetly. "Thank you, uncle. I'll be relying on you for help this time."
Yuan Changqing added, "Yes, we'll need Old Poison to help us with the soul ring hunt."
Dugu Bo nodded with a grin. "It's no trouble. It just so happens that I also need to hunt for my ninth soul ring. Let's go together."