Chapter 70: Gathering the Immortal Herbs
"The second activation mode of Berserker Golden Body is a true berserk state," Nan Feihuang explained, his voice steady yet brimming with excitement. "In this state, my strength, attack, defense, and speed all receive a 100% boost. Adding the passive 20%, that's a total increase of 120%. When activated, I even get three seconds of invincibility. The only downside is the significant soul power consumption, but unlike the Bloodthirsty Berserk Bear's berserk mode, I retain full control of my mind."
His explanation drew a thoughtful nod from Dugu Bo.
"This skill… it's like a blend of Xiao Wu's Invincible Golden Body and Dai Mubai's White Tiger Vajra Transformation. But where Xiao Wu's skill is limited to three seconds and Dai Mubai's burns through soul power like crazy, this combines the best of both worlds," Dugu Bo remarked.
Finally, the old poison master felt their effort in hunting the Bloodthirsty Berserk Bear was worth it.
"Now this—this is what a five-thousand-year spirit ring paired with a top-tier martial soul should produce! A skill like this will be useful even at the Title Douluo stage."
The two returned to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Nan Feihuang resumed his cultivation while continuing to assist Dugu Bo with detoxification.
Every month, Nan Feihuang would make a trip back to the academy to check on Xue Ke, Xue Qinghe, and Xun Yu.
Three months after Nan Feihuang broke through, Xun Yu also reached the thirty-level threshold, achieving the rank of Soul Elder and stunning the entire academy.
At just ten years old, both had surpassed the academy's historical records.
Such accomplishments were the product of extraordinary talent paired with top-tier cultivation methods.
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One day, as Dugu Bo returned to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he seemed more at ease. After four months of treatment, nearly 70% of the toxins in his body had been neutralized.
Even his once-green hair was transitioning to white, and now some strands were even regaining their original black hue.
"Little Flying General, it's time for you to pack up and head out," Dugu Bo said suddenly.
"Old Poison, are you kicking me out? You haven't fully detoxified yet!" Nan Feihuang quipped.
Dugu Bo shot him a glare. "Kicking you out? Don't flatter yourself. Have you forgotten the time? It's almost the Lunar New Year. You should return home and pay respects to your parents—or do you plan to spend the holiday with this old man?"
Only then did Nan Feihuang realize how much time had passed. Between his time at the academy and the months spent at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the semester had flown by.
"You're right, Old Poison," he said, nodding. "I should head back and spend the New Year with my family. Once the holiday is over, I'll return to finish what we started. With your detoxification at this stage, a short delay won't matter."
Before he could leave, Dugu Bo gestured toward the garden of rare herbs. "Take whatever you need. I assume you're gathering them for your family, right? Consider it a down payment for your work here."
Nan Feihuang grinned. "Thank you, Old Poison."
He wasted no time and leapt into the medicinal garden, carefully selecting the herbs he needed.
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Gathering the Herbs
"Xun Yu is a master tactician, not a front-line combatant. For him, the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid is perfect. It'll strengthen his foundation and enhance his cultivation speed," Nan Feihuang murmured, plucking the soft, glowing flower that was originally meant for Oscar in the original storyline.
Next, his attention turned to a vibrant, golden herb.
"For Dian Wei, my fearless vanguard, the Fiery Tripod Chrysanthemum is ideal. It'll forge an indestructible body, perfect for a battle-hardened general."
Finally, he stopped before a radiant red flower, its petals as delicate as silk.
"Lü Lingqi, straightforward and passionate… I hope the Lovesick Heartbroken Red resonates with you," he said softly, carefully picking the flower.
The herb, hailed as the king of immortal plants, was said to symbolize the purest love. If Lü Lingqi could win its favor, it would greatly enhance her abilities.
He paused before a dazzling crimson herb crowned with a golden tip.
"This one's for me," he declared. The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, a top-tier fire attribute herb, was exactly what he needed to balance the ice and fire energies within him.
Although the Ice and Fire Immortal Herbs had awakened both elements in his body, the fire inherited from his father was significantly weaker than the extreme ice passed down from his mother.
To achieve true harmony—the pinnacle of dual extreme elements—he needed this herb to strengthen his fire element.
Nan Feihuang continued through the garden, carefully selecting other herbs:
Nine-Grade Purple Zoysia, Mixed Yuan Immortal Herb, and Seven Treasure Glorious Ginseng for his father, mother, and sister.
Serpent Heart Grass and Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng for medicinal preparations.
Each herb was chosen with precision, whether to fortify a body, enhance soul power, or simply ensure the longevity and health of loved ones.
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By the time he finished, Nan Feihuang carried a small yet invaluable collection of herbs.
Returning to Dugu Bo, he said with a grateful smile, "Old Poison, I'll leave these mountains for now, but I'll be back soon. Thank you—for everything."
Dugu Bo waved him off. "Go on, brat. And don't forget to bring back some interesting stories when you return. This old man gets bored easily."
With a laugh, Nan Feihuang hefted his belongings and set off, ready to return to his family.