"Xiao Han, Your Holiness the Holy Maiden, what you did earlier is really impressive."
To everyone's surprise, it was Ghost who first spoke after they'd completely left the area, expressing admiration for what the two had accomplished.
With just a few well-placed words, they had managed to make Dugu Bo—that notoriously stubborn recluse—owe them each a personal favor. Even more impressively, they'd planted the idea of joining Spirit Hall in his heart.
Yes, in Ghost's opinion, someone like Dugu Bo would've refused outright if he had no interest. Saying "let me think about it" was basically his way of showing hesitation—and hesitation meant potential.
"Thank you for the praise, Elder Ghost," Gu Han said humbly. "I saw that Elder Dugu is a man of principle, and thought perhaps he could be persuaded."
"Enough with the modesty, kid. You should know, Spirit Hall's tried to recruit that old poison freak more than once. No matter what generous terms we offered, he never wavered—he only ever wanted to roam free."
Yue Guan shook his head. He knew Dugu Bo all too well.
After fighting and arguing with the man for half his life, he understood his nature deeply. The fact that Dugu Bo hadn't flat-out refused Gu Han today was already a promising start.
"But really… I never expected that old freak to actually be poisoned. No wonder he keeps getting greener."
Yue Guan sighed. It had come as a complete surprise.
"It's understandable," Gu Han said calmly. "Though Elder Dugu Bo values his freedom, it's clear he's someone who deeply cares about others."
"When it comes to the lingering flaws of his family's martial soul, I believe he wouldn't hesitate to pay a price if it meant finding a cure. After all, even if he doesn't think about himself, he'll surely consider the future of his children and grandchildren."
"Mhm, that's true. No matter how stubborn he is, Dugu Bo wouldn't want his son or any future descendants to suffer the same fate—spending their lives in pain."
Yue Guan agreed. He had heard Gu Han describe Dugu Bo's symptoms in detail, and the man himself had confirmed them. It couldn't be fake. Just imagining what it would be like to endure that kind of agony daily gave him chills.
No wonder he's become so reclusive… if it were me, I'd be unbearable too.
"But our dear Xiao Dongdong really showed some boldness—giving up a soul ring she already had in hand just to earn Dugu Bo's goodwill."
Gu Han smiled as he praised Bibi Dong. She was starting to change, and praise was a good way to encourage her growth.
"Oh, it's no big deal," Bibi Dong said breezily, waving her little hand with a proud expression. "We came here for the Purple-Winged Demon Spider anyway. The Man-Faced Demon Spider may be decent, but it's nothing rare. Giving it up wasn't a big loss."
"Besides, trading a thousand-year soul beast for the favor of a Soul Douluo—who might one day become a Titled Douluo—that's a great deal no matter how you look at it."
"Haha, Dongdong's growing up," Yue Guan said warmly, nodding with satisfaction.
"Alright, back to business," Ghost spoke up. "The Purple-Winged Demon Spider is clever and elusive. Even with the intel we have, it won't be easy to find it. Prepare yourselves—we might have to stake out for a while."
They already had leads on a suitable Purple-Winged Demon Spider, but as Ghost said, the creature was notoriously tricky—fast, stealthy, and hard to corner.
"Don't worry, I'm ready," Bibi Dong nodded. That's why she had brought a ton of supplies—food, pest repellents, and other field tools.
"Good."
Ghost nodded in approval. Since Her Holiness was prepared, there was no need to say more.
The group continued deeper into the forest. As night began to fall, the shadows lengthened.
"It's getting late," Ghost said. "There's a clearing here—perfect place to set up camp."
"Yue Guan, it's been a while since I've had some wild game. You stay here to protect the Holy Maiden and Xiao Han. I'll go catch some soul beasts for dinner."
"Alright, go ahead."
Yue Guan waved him off casually. This was only a thousand-year beast zone. With Yue Guan here, even if a ten-thousand-year beast showed up, he could still keep the two kids safe.
"Then, I'll get the fire going."
There was no shortage of dry wood in the forest. Gu Han gathered a pile and used a firestarter from his soul tool to light a campfire.
Still… maybe I should bring a fire-type Soul Master next time. Would make starting fires a lot easier.
"Junior Brother, let's eat roasted chicken legs tonight," Bibi Dong said, pulling four or five drumsticks from her soul tool. These had been cooked in advance and frozen by Gu Han. Now they just needed to thaw and heat up.
Sure, the taste wouldn't compare to freshly roasted meat, but they weren't here for a luxury retreat. Having something warm to eat was good enough.
"Alright, leave it to me."
Gu Han set up a wooden frame over the campfire at just the right height—not too close to burn, not too far to stay cold.
He tested the heat with his hand, then began thawing the frozen drumsticks, placing all five on the rack.
For some reason, Bibi Dong looked unusually energetic. She squatted beside the fire, her large, curious eyes fixed on the roasting chicken legs as they began to sizzle and drip with oil.
"Dongdong seems unusually excited. What's got her so happy?" Yue Guan said teasingly as he walked over after setting up the tents.
"Hehe… I've always been stuck inside Spirit Hall. This is the first time I've experienced outdoor cooking like this!"
"Uhh…"
Yue Guan was slightly speechless, but then couldn't help chuckling. Still a child after all.
Since the chicken had already been cooked, it didn't take long to reheat.
"Here you go, Senior Sister. Senior Yue Guan, this one's yours."
Gu Han handed them their food, using sticks he had prepared in advance.
"Thanks, Junior Brother."
"Mhm."
Gu Han picked up his own piece and took a small bite. The meat was a little dry from the freezing process, but still decent enough to eat.
Bibi Dong, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying it immensely. Whether it was the novelty or her mindset, she was happily pulling strips of chicken off the bone and eating with enthusiasm.
Not long after, Ghost returned, holding four rabbits by the ears.
"Ha! Got lucky. Caught a few Soft-Boned Rabbits—we're eating well tonight!"
He laughed heartily and dropped the lifeless rabbits on the ground.
Bibi Dong sniffed the air with her little nose, then turned her sparkling eyes toward Gu Han.
"Junior Brother! Junior Brother! I remember in those stories you told me, the martial heroes always ate roasted rabbit in the wilderness. I want to try it myself!"
Seeing the excitement on her pretty face, Gu Han's mouth twitched. He couldn't help but mutter:
"…And here I thought you'd say, 'Rabbits are so cute—why would we eat them?'"
"Pfft, I'm not that kind of person."
Bibi Dong turned her head, muttering, "Besides, in the wild, you can't let any edible resource go to waste. Survival is the top priority. Wasn't that what you told me, Junior Brother?"
"Mm, Senior Sister really is clever. Alright, I'll help you prep the rabbits."
~~~
Oh! You Caught Up! Before You Leave, Can You Throw Some Magic Gems😏