Before Dugu Bo could finish speaking, Ning Rongrong shook her head.
"Senior Dugu, you cannot casually consume immortal herbs within the next five years."
"You previously condensed an inner core by forcibly absorbing numerous medicinal properties into your body."
"Before fully absorbing these properties, consuming other types of medicinal herbs—even those classified as immortal-grade—could disrupt your current balance."
"So I need to stabilize my inner core first?" Dugu Bo understood his condition, but hearing Ning Rongrong describe these immortal herbs so favorably made his eyes burn with desire.
"Correct." Ning Rongrong nodded. "Moreover, immortal herbs only significantly improve one's physique during the first consumption. Subsequent uses won't produce such dramatic effects."
She paused briefly before continuing, "That said, there are actually two immortal herbs you could take—though I don't recommend it."
"Which two?" Curiosity flashed across Dugu Bo's face.
"Serene Fragrance Immortal Herb and Snowy Swan's Kiss." Ning Rongrong pointed toward two herbs growing close together near the southeastern edge of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
"They're the primary ingredients for forging the Misfortune Poison Body. Of course, other spiritual herbs could substitute, but none match their efficacy."
The Serene Fragrance Immortal Herb could neutralize all poisons without curing them, while the Snowy Swan's Kiss could activate all toxins—making them polar opposites.
After Ning Rongrong explained their properties, Dugu Bo cycled through shock and bewilderment.
"I don't understand." His brows furrowed.
"Rongrong, isn't the Misfortune Poison Body supposed to be the world's most toxic physique?"
"Using the lethally poisonous Snowy Swan's Kiss makes sense, but the Serene Fragrance Immortal Herb neutralizes toxins!"
Ning Rongrong giggled. "Senior Dugu, to become the greatest poison master, you must first ensure you don't poison yourself, right? That's the Serene Fragrance Immortal Herb's role!"
"Oh... I see now." Enlightenment dawned as Dugu Bo nodded slowly.
What kind of poison master would succumb to their own toxins before their enemies?
The thought made him realize he wasn't one to talk—the Poison Douluo being poisoned by his own toxins would be laughable.
"Rongrong, you said I could consume these two herbs?"
"You could, but I advise against it." She shook her head. "Your toxins are too complex. Even if the Serene Fragrance Immortal Herb neutralizes them, your body would likely collapse during the Misfortune Poison Body's formation."
"The best approach would be finding a poison-affinity soul master with lower soul power, simpler toxins, and preferably a poison-related spirit."
"Combining Snowy Swan's Kiss with Serene Fragrance Immortal Herb requires establishing internal circulation and balance."
"Add several Title Douluos providing careful assistance plus medicinal baths, and creating a Misfortune Poison Body becomes feasible."
Dugu Bo's eyelid twitched. "Young Mistress, this sounds increasingly tailored for Yan'er."
From childhood toxin exposure and natural affinity to matching spirit and moderate soul power—it practically spelled out Dugu Yan's name.
"Eh? No way." Ning Rongrong laughed awkwardly.
While the description fit Dugu Yan perfectly, admitting it outright wouldn't do!
Seeing Dugu Bo's skeptical look, she backpedaled: "Although powerful, the Misfortune Poison Body carries risks."
"Sister Yan'er needn't take such chances. Even without it, between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's resources and your herb garden, reaching Title Douluo shouldn't be problematic."
"Good." Dugu Bo seemed lost in thought before asking, "What are the benefits if successful? Beyond toxin-based cultivation boosts."
"Enhanced talent—comparable to or exceeding innate full soul power cultivation speed."
Dugu Bo: "..."
Even he felt tempted, but the dangers were real. He wouldn't fall for this little fox's trap.
Yan'er's safety came first.
"Innate full soul power?"
The sudden voice belonged to Dugu Yan, who had finished absorbing her herb's properties and approached just in time to catch part of their conversation.
"Nothing important. You don't need details about the Misfortune Poison Body." In his haste, Dugu Bo accidentally revealed their topic.
"Ah..." He realized his slip too late.
"Misfortune Poison Body?" Dugu Yan's eyes widened as she grabbed his arm. "Grandfather, tell me!"
Alas—even Title Douluos weren't immune to granddaughter-induced weakness.
Dugu Bo explained: "Rongrong mentioned combining Snowy Swan's Kiss and Serene Fragrance Immortal Herb could forge the Misfortune Poison Body."
"Success would greatly enhance cultivation speed and innate talent—"
"Rivaling or surpassing innate full soul power..."
"No way!" Dugu Yan gasped before tentatively asking, "Grandfather... could I..."
"Absolutely not! It's too dangerous!" His refusal was absolute. "You heard—low success rates! Failure means death!"
"Do you want your grandfather to die alone and heartbroken?"
"Fine... I'll drop it." Though she'd only asked casually, Dugu Yan genuinely envied innate full soul power's advantages.
Innate soul power tiers largely predetermined a soul master's ceiling—with rare exceptions among heaven's favorites.
And Dugu Yan knew she wasn't one.
"Yan'er, how do you feel?"
Dugu Bo changed topics, still concerned about her condition.
Despite the sly young mistress's reassurances, how could he not worry?
"My soul power rose seven levels, though I'm disappointed my spirit didn't evolve."
"Se-seven levels?!"
"Yep!" Dugu Yan released her spirit—a pale Jade Phosphor Serpent materializing before them.
After confirming her soul power's stability, Dugu Bo sighed in relief.
Had those seven levels compromised her potential, the trade wouldn't have been worth it.
Fortunately, that wasn't the case.
After resting a day to monitor Dugu Yan, they prepared to depart.
Ning Rongrong collected the three previously mentioned immortal herbs plus some less rare spiritual herbs, storing them in her spirit tool.
The rest remained—they were unneeded for now, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wasn't vegetarian.
That so-called Tang Godking?
Still holed up in Notting Academy. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was safe for four to five years.
After resting, the trio left Sunset Forest for the Balak Kingdom.
Their route would take them through the Star Dou Great Forest's outskirts to Metal City—with the Divine Craftsman Lou Gao as Ning Rongrong's primary target.