Chapter 43: Shield Acquired (Part 1)
"Very well. I, Dugu Bo, swear on my martial soul: if you can solve the problem plaguing my son and me, I will serve as the honorary head of Tiangxing Academy, and my son will become your disciple," Dugu Bo declared solemnly.
Ye Wen hadn't expected Dugu Bo to agree so readily. Truly, the man was the most reliable character in the world of Douluo.
Leading them into the Blue Silver Forest, Ye Wen watched as father and son visibly relaxed, awash in the life giving energy that permeated the place. Though Dugu Bo's dedication to his rigorous training made him resilient to such comforts, even he couldn't deny the forest's remarkable vitality.
"This energy certainly eases our symptoms, but it can't fully resolve the issues with our martial souls. If this is all you have, I'm afraid I'll have to break my promise," Dugu Bo said frankly.
"Hold on, sir," Ye Wen replied with a smile. "Solving complex problems requires patience and a steady pace. I brought you here to show you what I'm working with, and now I'll take you to the real solution." Ye Wen then led them deeper into the forest.
Dugu Bo and his son stared in silence at the immense Blue Silver King tree before them. As a seasoned Soul Saint, Dugu Bo instantly recognized it as a plant type soul beast with at least ten thousand years of cultivation. Judging by its resemblance to the other thousand year old Blue Silver trees around, he guessed that this ancient tree might indeed be the ultimate form of Blue Silver Grass.
"Mr. Dugu, allow me to introduce you. This is the guardian soul beast of Tiangxing Academy, the esteemed Blue Silver King with 85,000 years of cultivation," Ye Wen announced.
The Blue Silver King obliged, its wrinkled face materializing with a low, gruff greeting. "Hello, human Soul Saint."
The idea that a soul beast could speak was shocking for both father and son. Although it was common knowledge that soul beasts didn't speak even those of the ten thousand year level this one, with only 85,000 years of cultivation, spoke with ease. Dugu Bo was stunned into silence.
"H how is it that a soul beast can talk?" asked Dugu Xin, unable to hold back his amazement.
Ye Wen was kind enough to explain. "Soul beasts speaking isn't rare. A soul beast that reaches ten thousand years has the same level of intelligence as humans. It's not that they can't speak; it's just that they often don't bother learning our language. According to ancient records, deep within the Star Dou Forest lives a hundred thousand year soul beast with the body of a snake and the head of a bull that can also speak."
This clarification helped father and son accept the situation, but Dugu Xin, young and curious, quickly noticed something strange and asked, "Ye laoshi, you said that only hundred thousand year soul beasts could talk. But the Blue Silver King is only at eighty five thousand years."
Ye Wen shook his head at the misunderstanding. "A hundred thousand year soul beast isn't one that simply lives that long, but rather one that's reached that level of power. The Blue Silver King here, while not quite at that level, has lived longer than most beasts. The ability to speak is simply the result of long years of practice. Even the slowest learner would master a language in a hundred years."
Though Dugu Xin didn't fully understand the concept of "vibration transmission," his questions were satisfied, while Dugu Bo was fascinated by this information. His rigorous training had kept him from delving into such lore, and he had always assumed soul beasts gained their strength purely from age.
"My thanks," Dugu Bo said. "I've learned something new today." The Blue Silver King slowly closed its eyes, returning to its restful slumber, leaving Ye Wen's instructions to "do as little as possible to avoid exposing itself or Ah Yin's presence" firmly in mind.
With renewed respect, Dugu Bo now understood that, though Blue Silver Grass seemed weak, an 85,000 year old soul beast was nothing to dismiss.
Finally, Ye Wen announced, "Now, let me explain how we'll solve the issues with your martial soul."
At this, father and son focused intently; this was what they'd been waiting for.
"First, I'll need to ask if your soul skills are mainly projection based attacks like venom sprays and poisonous mist, something like control through toxins?" Ye Wen asked.
Dugu Bo nodded. "Yes, our family has relied on poison based attacks for generations, giving us a prominent place among soul masters."
Ye Wen gave a knowing nod. Though he had already speculated on the reasons behind the self poisoning effect of the Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul, he now knew the simplest answer.
"Your martial soul isn't defective; it's the direction of your soul ring selection and training that's the problem."
"That's impossible!" Dugu Bo retorted, his conviction unwavering. For generations, his family had built their legacy on this exact soul ring cultivation method. It was tradition, deeply ingrained in his identity.
Ye Wen wasn't surprised by Dugu Bo's strong reaction. As the saying went in his previous life, you could take away a person's money, but don't touch their beliefs. For a soul master family with a history, any deviation from tradition was seen as betrayal.
"Please, Mr. Dugu, hear me out," Ye Wen said patiently before continuing. "Now, consider this. If someone is bitten by a venomous snake and there's no antidote or equipment around, what would be the best way to minimize the poison's effect?"
Dugu Bo scoffed, almost insulted. As a snake expert, he knew this answer by heart. "First, restrict blood flow near the bite to slow the poison's spread, then suck the venom out. This approach minimizes the toxin's impact, buying the victim more time."
That much was excellent advice for his time, but Ye Wen's expression revealed that he had more advanced insight to share.
"And tell me, do you suck the poison out by mouth?" Ye Wen asked.
"Of course. Soul masters can't exchange soul power safely; doing so risks injury. So if no equipment is available, what other choice is there?"
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