Spirit City, Supreme Pontiff Palace.
Bibi Dong sat upright on the main seat of the Supreme Pontiff Palace, holding an urgent report that had just been sent from Wulan City in her hand.
Her expression remained calm and dignified, and there was no obvious trace of joy or anger on her beautiful face as her eyes slowly moved across the contents of the report.
“Body Sect?”
Bibi Dong’s voice was neither high nor low, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking.
After reading the report once more, her gaze fell upon the three small cyan jade bottles placed beside her.
“This Body Cleansing Pill is indeed a good thing.”
She had already ordered people to test the pills.
The results were quite clear.
After Spirit Masters below the Spirit Emperor rank consumed a Body Cleansing Pill, their physical bodies would be significantly strengthened, their vitality would increase, and their physical foundation would be improved to varying degrees depending on their cultivation and innate constitution.
Although it could not directly raise a Spirit Master’s spirit power by several ranks, its effect on the body was extremely valuable, especially for younger Spirit Masters whose foundations had not yet been completely established.
A medicinal product capable of producing such an effect was naturally worthy of Spirit Hall’s attention.
Bibi Dong remained silent for a moment before slowly raising her head.
“Have Yue Guan and Gui Mei come over.”
“Yes!”
The deacon standing below respectfully bowed before quickly retreating from the Supreme Pontiff Palace.
It did not take long before two figures walked into the grand hall together.
One was a handsome man with a feminine appearance and blonde hair that hung down to his shoulders.
A faint, elusive smile remained at the corner of his mouth, and even his voice carried a slightly shrill quality that closely resembled a woman’s voice.
The other figure was shrouded in a faint shadow, his facial features somewhat blurred, and his entire body seemed to blend naturally into the darkness around him.
His voice was hoarse and deep, making him appear even more mysterious.
They were precisely Yue Guan and Gui Mei, the Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo of Spirit Hall.
“Greetings, Your Holiness the Supreme Pontiff!”
The two simultaneously bowed and saluted.
“Mn.”
Bibi Dong lightly nodded, then briefly recounted the information that had been sent from Wulan City.
Her gaze moved between the two Titled Douluos before finally settling on them.
“Body Sect is a secluded Sect that has never appeared in the public eye before.
According to the information obtained so far, they possess at least two Titled Douluos, and their strength is likely greater than what has been revealed.
More importantly, they took the initiative to send Body Cleansing Pills to Spirit Hall and invited us to cooperate with them.”
Bibi Dong’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“This matter is somewhat peculiar.”
Yue Guan and Gui Mei remained silent, listening carefully.
Bibi Dong continued, “The origins of Body Sect are unclear, their actual strength has not been completely revealed, and yet they possess a medicinal formula capable of producing such effects.
A Sect with this kind of foundation cannot be ignored.”
She paused briefly before giving the order.
“The two of you will make a trip to Wulan City and conduct a face-to-face discussion with Body Sect on behalf of Spirit Hall.
Find out their true intentions, investigate the Sect’s strength, and determine exactly what kind of relationship they are seeking with Spirit Hall.”
Bibi Dong’s expression became slightly colder.
“If Body Sect’s strength is not as formidable as they claim, try to recruit them into Spirit Hall’s sphere of influence.
If they are willing to cooperate, there is no need to make matters difficult for them.
However, if they refuse to cooperate and their attitude becomes hostile, then appropriate measures can be taken.”
Her voice carried an unmistakable authority as she finished speaking.
Yue Guan’s smile did not change in the slightest.
He bowed respectfully and said, “This subordinate understands.”
Gui Mei did not say much.
He merely nodded slightly, his dark eyes flashing with a faint cold light.
The two turned around and left the Supreme Pontiff Palace together.
After they disappeared from sight, the grand hall once again fell into silence.
Bibi Dong lowered her gaze toward the three cyan jade bottles on the table, her expression thoughtful.
A previously unknown Body Sect had suddenly appeared in her field of vision, and the more she thought about it, the more unusual the matter seemed.
…
The fourth day of Du Busi’s closed-door cultivation.
Wulan City.
An old man dressed in a dark green robe was walking along the main street with a beautiful young woman beside him.
The old man’s hair was slightly disheveled, his face carried the vicissitudes of many years, and his eyes occasionally flashed with a faint green light.
The young woman beside him had long purple hair and striking green eyes, and although she appeared somewhat curious about the unfamiliar surroundings, she remained close to her grandfather.
They were precisely Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan.
Since becoming a guest Elder of Body Sect, Dugu Bo’s attitude toward the Sect had changed considerably.
Although he was still accustomed to his usual eccentric temperament, he had already developed a certain sense of belonging toward this powerful Sect that had extended a helping hand to him.
A lean middle-aged man soon noticed the two of them.
The man was dressed in a simple grey martial outfit.
His aura was restrained, his steps were steady, and there was a faint pressure hidden beneath his calm appearance.
He was one of the Spirit Douluo experts of Body Sect, Luo Ming.
Seeing Dugu Bo arrive, Luo Ming immediately stepped forward and cupped his fists in salute.
“Elder Dugu, this humble one’s surname is Luo.
Elder Jin ordered me to meet you here.
Please follow me.”
Dugu Bo returned the salute with a polite expression.
“Sorry to trouble you.”
“It is no trouble at all, Elder Dugu.
You are now a guest Elder of Body Sect, so naturally we should receive you properly.”
Luo Ming smiled before turning around and leading the way.
The three of them quickly left Wulan City and headed northwest at considerable speed.
Along the journey, Luo Ming did not deliberately conceal anything, but he also did not reveal the precise location of Body Sect until they were sufficiently far away from the city.
They crossed a continuous stretch of rolling hills and dense forests, passing through several seemingly ordinary mountain paths before a steep chasm finally appeared ahead.
The surrounding terrain was extremely rugged, with cliffs rising on both sides and dense vegetation covering the mountains.
From the outside, there was almost nothing unusual about the place.
Luo Ming led Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan toward a hidden natural passage concealed between two cliffs.
After passing through the narrow entrance, the surroundings suddenly opened up.
They had entered the interior of the gorge.
“Wow!”
Dugu Yan could not help but widen her eyes at the scene before her.
The interior of the gorge was like an entirely different world.
Buildings had been constructed against the surrounding mountains, some simple and some majestic, while broad bluestone paths connected the different areas of the Sect.
A clear stream flowed through the valley, winding between the buildings and eventually disappearing into the deeper part of the gorge.
Compared with the narrow and seemingly ordinary entrance outside, the interior was unexpectedly spacious.
The entire place had a natural barrier formed by the surrounding mountains, while the hidden passage made it extremely difficult for outsiders to discover the Sect’s true location.
Dugu Bo did not show as much surprise as his granddaughter. This story is hosted at g.com.
He merely looked around carefully, taking in the terrain and the defensive arrangements before lightly nodding.
“For a secluded Sect, hiding in a place like this is indeed quite reasonable.”
Luo Ming smiled.
“The Sect Master personally selected this place many years ago.
The terrain is naturally hidden, and several defensive formations have also been arranged around the Sect over the years.
Unless someone deliberately searches the surrounding mountains, ordinary people would have difficulty discovering this place.”
Dugu Bo nodded thoughtfully.
The three soon crossed the main plaza and arrived at the discussion chamber of the Sect’s main hall.
Jin Peng was already waiting there.
The old man was sitting alone in the main seat, with a scroll spread out before him.
His aura was not deliberately released, yet there was an invisible pressure surrounding his body that made even Dugu Bo feel slightly solemn.
As soon as they entered, Jin Peng stood up with a warm smile.
“Elder Dugu, you’ve had a hard journey.”
Dugu Bo immediately cupped his fists.
“Elder Jin.”
Jin Peng returned the salute before introducing himself in a straightforward manner.
“This old man’s name is Jin Peng.
My title is Golden Body, and my current cultivation is rank ninety-seven.”
Hearing this, Dugu Bo’s pupils contracted slightly.
Although he had already known that Body Sect possessed several Titled Douluos, he had not expected the Elder responsible for handling the Sect’s affairs in Du Busi’s absence to be a rank ninety-seven Titled Douluo.
A rank ninety-seven Titled Douluo was already standing at the peak of the continent’s ordinary powerhouses.
Combined with Body Sect’s unique secondary awakening methods, Jin Peng’s actual combat strength was likely even greater than that of a conventional Titled Douluo of the same rank.
Dugu Bo quickly suppressed the surprise in his heart.
“Greetings, Elder Jin.”
“There is no need to be so restrained.”
Jin Peng smiled and waved his hand, signaling Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan to sit.
“The Sect Master explained your circumstances to me before entering closed-door cultivation.
Since Body Sect has already accepted you as a guest Elder, you are one of our own people.
The Sect Master is currently in seclusion, so I will temporarily handle the Sect’s affairs on his behalf.
Naturally, your problems will also be handled by me.”
“Many thanks, Elder Jin.”
Dugu Bo cupped his fists again.
He then turned his head and gently patted his granddaughter’s shoulder.
“Yanzi, greet Elder Jin.”
Dugu Yan poked her head out from behind her grandfather.
She looked at Jin Peng with a trace of curiosity before politely calling out, “Hello, Elder Jin.”
“Mn.”
Jin Peng’s gaze toward Dugu Yan was gentle.
He had always been rather fond of younger generations, especially talented juniors, so he did not put on the airs of a rank ninety-seven Titled Douluo.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Jin Peng picked up the scroll that had been placed on the table and handed it directly to Dugu Bo.
“The method for ingesting and refining the Netherworld Yellow Spring Fruit is recorded in detail on this scroll.
The medicinal properties of that herb are extremely dangerous, and it cannot be consumed recklessly.
The method inside was compiled according to the ancient records obtained by the Sect Master, so follow the instructions carefully.
If necessary, I can also arrange for someone to assist you when you begin refining it.”
Dugu Bo’s expression became serious.
He reached out and accepted the scroll with both hands.
After opening it and carefully reading several sections, his expression gradually became more solemn.
He immediately rolled it back up and carefully put it away.
“Many thanks, Elder Jin.
Many thanks to the Sect Master.”
Jin Peng waved his hand.
“There is no need to thank us repeatedly.
The Netherworld Yellow Spring Fruit was selected for Yanzi because of the compatibility between its poisonous properties and her Martial Soul.
However, your problem is more urgent, so let us deal with it first.”
Dugu Bo’s expression became slightly complicated when he heard this.
Just as he was about to speak, Dugu Yan suddenly stepped forward.
“Elder Jin, please, you must save my grandfather!”
Before coming to Body Sect, Dugu Bo had already told Dugu Yan about the severe poison backlash he had been suffering from for many years.
Although he had always concealed the seriousness of his condition from his granddaughter, he knew that his current situation could no longer be ignored.
The poison accumulated through the Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul had been refined and controlled by him for decades, but the stronger he became, the more terrifying the backlash became.
The poison within his body had reached a level where even Dugu Bo himself was no longer completely confident that he could suppress it forever.
Seeing the worry on Dugu Yan’s face, Jin Peng smiled gently.
“Rest assured.
Your grandfather’s problem is not as difficult to solve as you imagine.”
Dugu Yan’s eyes immediately brightened.
“Really?”
“Really.”
Jin Peng nodded.
Dugu Bo also patted his granddaughter’s head, signaling her to calm down.
Jin Peng then walked toward Dugu Bo.
“I need to personally probe the condition inside your body.
Relax completely and do not resist my spirit power.
Otherwise, I may not be able to accurately determine the state of your poison.”
“Alright.”
Dugu Bo nodded without hesitation.
He sat down and relaxed his body completely.
Jin Peng raised his right hand, and three fingers gently pressed against the area of Dugu Bo’s chest.
A strand of refined spirit power quietly entered Dugu Bo’s body and traveled along his meridians.
Dugu Bo did not resist at all.
He allowed Jin Peng’s spirit power to move deeper into his body, passing through his meridians and observing the circulation of his poison power.
As the investigation continued, Jin Peng’s expression gradually became more focused.
After a moment, he withdrew his hand, and his brows lifted slightly.
“There is a poison core inside your body.”
Dugu Bo’s expression changed slightly.
Jin Peng continued calmly, “The venom produced by your Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul has accumulated for many years.
Through your own cultivation and repeated refinement, the poison power has gradually condensed together with your spirit power, eventually forming a materialized poison core.”
Dugu Bo’s heart tightened.
I have always known that the poison power inside my body has condensed into something similar to a core, but is there a problem with this poison core?”
“No.”
Jin Peng shook his head.
“On the contrary, your poison core is one of the reasons you have been able to survive until now.
It continuously gathers and compresses the poison power within your body, preventing a portion of the venom from spreading uncontrollably through your meridians.
From this perspective, the poison core itself has more benefits than disadvantages.”
Dugu Bo frowned.
“Then why does the poison backlash continue to worsen?”
“Because your cultivation has reached its current level, but the poison core has not undergone a corresponding transformation.”
Jin Peng’s tone became more serious.
“The problem is not the existence of the poison core.
The problem is that your poison power and spirit power have reached a point where the existing method of circulation is no longer sufficient to accommodate them.
The poison core has become saturated, while the poison contained within your Martial Soul continues to accumulate.
Once the balance is broken, the excess poison will inevitably flow backward through your meridians and attack your body.”
Dugu Bo’s expression changed.
“So there is a way to solve it?”
“There is.”
Jin Peng nodded.
“The method to resolve your severe poison backlash is actually very simple in principle.
You need to transform this poison core into a true Spirit core.”
“Spirit core?”
Dugu Bo was stunned.
He had cultivated for decades and had experienced countless battles, yet this was the first time he had heard the term.
“What exactly is a Spirit core that Elder Jin is talking about?
I have cultivated for so many years, but I have never heard of such a thing.”
Jin Peng looked at him and immediately understood.
In this era, the concept of condensing a Spirit core had not yet become widespread.
Even among powerful Spirit Masters, almost no one understood the deeper mysteries behind the compression and autonomous circulation of spirit power.
The method Jin Peng possessed was naturally not something ordinary Spirit Masters could obtain.
“Spirit core.”
Jin Peng slowly spoke, his expression becoming somewhat solemn.
“It is an energy core formed by highly compressing spirit power.
When spirit power undergoes sufficient purification and compression, it can transform from its ordinary flowing state into a far more concentrated form, eventually forming a stable core within the body.”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“Once a Spirit core is successfully condensed, it can greatly increase the efficiency of a Spirit Master’s spirit power circulation.
More importantly, the core can autonomously draw in the elemental energy of heaven and earth, continuously replenishing the Spirit Master’s reserves.
Your recovery speed, endurance, and sustained combat capability will all undergo an enormous transformation.”
Dugu Bo listened without blinking.
Jin Peng continued, “For ordinary Spirit Masters, condensing a Spirit core is already extremely difficult.
However, your situation is different.
You already possess a poison core that has been condensed through decades of cultivation.
Instead of starting from nothing, we can use the foundation of your existing poison core and guide it through a transformation.”
“The poison core inside your body is essentially the result of a massive amount of venom and spirit power accumulating, being refined, compressed, and condensed over many years.
It is crude compared with a true Spirit core, but the foundation already exists.”
“As long as you can successfully refine the poison core into a poison-attribute Spirit core, the problem of your toxin backlash can be solved once and for all.
At the same time, the transformed core will allow you to control your poison power with much greater precision, improve the circulation and recovery of your spirit power, and give you a new foundation for further cultivation.”
Dugu Bo’s breathing became slightly heavier.
“Elder Jin.”
His voice carried a trace of urgency.
“This method of condensing a Spirit core, can I learn it?”
“You can.”
Jin Peng nodded without hesitation.
“You are now a guest Elder of Body Sect.
Naturally, the Sect will not conceal such a method from you.
However, I must remind you that although your existing poison core gives you an advantage, the transformation itself will still be dangerous.
If you lose control during the process, the poison power could erupt throughout your body.
Therefore, you must follow the method precisely and cannot rush.”
Dugu Bo’s eyes flashed with determination.
“Understood.”
He had lived for so many years and had already experienced countless life and death situations.
Compared with the suffering caused by his poison backlash, this risk was something he was willing to bear.
Dugu Yan, who had been standing nearby and listening carefully, immediately became overjoyed.
“That’s wonderful!
Grandfather, you won’t have to endure the suffering of the severe poison backlash anymore!”
Dugu Bo looked at his granddaughter and smiled.
“Yes, Yanzi.
As long as everything goes according to Elder Jin’s instructions, Grandfather will no longer need to worry about the poison destroying his own body.”
Dugu Yan’s eyes became slightly red with happiness.
For so many years, she had watched her grandfather endure the pain caused by the poison backlash, yet there had never been a truly effective method to solve it.
Now that Body Sect had provided a completely new path, she naturally felt relieved.
Dugu Bo stood up and solemnly cupped his fists toward Jin Peng.
“Many thanks, Elder Jin.
Many thanks to the Sect Master.
I, Dugu Bo, will remember this kindness for the rest of my life.”
He paused before speaking with even greater seriousness.
“From this day onward, I, Dugu Bo, am truly a member of Body Sect.
As long as Body Sect does not abandon me, I will never betray the Sect.
If the Sect needs me in the future, I will do everything within my ability.”
Jin Peng smiled and nodded.
“Good.
Since you have already chosen to become a guest Elder of Body Sect, there is no need to speak of such things as an outsider.
Once you successfully transform your poison core, your strength should also increase considerably.
At that time, Body Sect will have gained another powerful combatant.”
Dugu Bo’s eyes flashed with anticipation.
He had been trapped by the poison backlash for too long.
If the transformation succeeded, not only would the hidden danger that had plagued him for decades be resolved, but his control over the Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul would also reach an entirely new level.
For Dugu Bo, this was not merely a method of saving his life.
It was an opportunity to break through his existing limits.
And at this moment, within the secluded Body Sect, the transformation of a poison core into a Spirit core was about to begin.