The air around us seemed charged with anticipation as Grandpa emerged from his secluded training, his aura vastly different from before. He had finally reached rank 90, a milestone that marked the threshold of becoming a Titled Douluo. The brilliance of his aura was overwhelming, a pressure that seemed to stem from the soul core he had successfully formed.
We gathered around him, eager to hear about his experience. Grandpa's face bore a rare expression of satisfaction and pride. "The soul core formation process… it was unlike anything I've ever experienced," he began. "It felt as though every part of me was being torn apart and rebuilt, the poison within my body condensing into something… pure. It's thanks to you, Bei. Without your guidance, I would never have thought to attempt it."
"There's no need for thanks, Grandpa," I replied with a grin. "Family doesn't need to thank each other."
Uncle Xin clapped Grandpa on the back, his expression bright with pride. "You're just one spirit ring away from becoming the first Titled Douluo in our family! Imagine the legacy this will bring to the Dugu clan!"
The excitement among us was palpable. The idea of hunting spirit beasts for not just Grandpa but also Uncle Xin and me filled the air with an electric energy. However, a small thought nagged at me as we discussed potential soul rings.
"It's a shame we don't know any 100,000-year-old soul beasts adequate for Grandpa." I said thoughtfully. "A ring of that level would be ideal for your ninth ring, Grandpa. But—"
Before I could finish, my second martial soul, the Dragon Slaying Saber, materialized out of my body. Its sudden appearance startled all of us, and it began to hover in the air, pointing in a specific direction. The sharpness of its intent was undeniable, as though it were guiding us somewhere.
We exchanged glances, and Uncle Xin was the first to voice what we were all thinking. "It's trying to lead us."
"Then let's follow," I said, already stepping forward.
The saber's guidance led us deeper into the forest, its path winding and purposeful. After what felt like hours, we arrived at a clearing that seemed untouched by time. At the center of the clearing stood a radiant plant with vibrant green and gold leaves that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. Its aura was overwhelming, an unmistakable indicator of its ancient nature. This was the Dragon Spirit Grass, a legendary immortal herb estimated to be over 90,000 years old.
My breath caught in my throat. "I… don't remember this existing in the original timeline," I murmured to myself. "Could it be that Grandpa sold it or used it for poison making in the original story?"
Grandpa stepped forward, his eyes locked onto the herb. "Do you know the name of that herb, Bei?"
"It's called Dragon Spirit Grass, a legendary immortal herb and this one seems to be over 90,000 years old," I answered.
Before anyone could say more, the Dragon Slaying Saber shifted, pointing directly at Grandpa. Its intent was clear.
Uncle Xin's face darkened slightly, his hesitation evident. "Father, perhaps we should think this through—"
But Grandpa raised a hand, cutting him off. His expression was resolute as he stepped forward. "There's nothing to think about." Without another word, he reached out and grabbed the Dragon Spirit Grass, its brilliance illuminating his face as he brought it to his mouth.
"Grandpa!" I called out, but it was too late. He consumed the herb in one swift motion, his eyes blazing with determination as he began to channel its overwhelming power into his body.
The clearing fell silent, the only sound the faint rustle of leaves as the energy of the Dragon Spirit Grass began to take hold within Grandpa. We could only watch, our hearts pounding as we awaited the outcome of this extraordinary moment.