When Dugu Bo returned, Oscar was in the middle of teaching Dugu Yan about immortal herbs—explaining their unique properties and overwhelming power. His purpose was to help her truly understand the extraordinary value of these herbs.
Oscar was completely open with Dugu Yan, not only because he wanted to nurture her, but also because he knew this would win favor with Dugu Bo.
If he tried to impress the old man directly, Oscar feared Dugu Bo might find him off-putting. But if he first made his granddaughter happy, then Dugu Bo's attitude would naturally soften.
Still, when Dugu Bo saw just how close Oscar and Dugu Yan already were, whatever small satisfaction he had felt earlier evaporated. He wasn't against the two of them being together—he just thought things were moving far too quickly. They had only known each other for a few days, and they were already hugging?
But for now, he let it go. Instead, he handed Dugu Yan the right arm bone of the Bone-Eating Venomous Python, instructing her to absorb it.
Dugu Yan saw that he didn't want to explain where the soul bone came from, so she didn't press him. Taking the bone, she went into another stone chamber to begin the absorption.
Although she was thrilled to receive a soul bone, her excitement wasn't really about the bone itself—it was because this meant her poison could finally be resolved.
Of course, gaining a 24,500-year soul bone was still something to be delighted about. Even as the granddaughter of a Title Douluo, she knew well just how priceless such treasures were. She even suspected her grandfather had taken on no small amount of pressure to obtain it.
Since he didn't want to explain, likely to spare her from worry, she tactfully chose not to ask further.
While she absorbed the bone, Dugu Bo personally stood guard. This was her first time absorbing a soul bone—though the process wasn't overly complicated, he wouldn't risk leaving her unprotected in case something unexpected happened.
Oscar also looked forward to the day when Dugu Yan would finally be cured of her poison, but he didn't waste time waiting. While she cultivated, he returned to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to continue refining the medicinal power of the two immortal herbs inside him, working to fully complete his Ice and Fire Alchemic Body.
Half a day passed. When Oscar finished his training, he returned to the stone house to cook a meal. Under Shao Xin's tutelage, his culinary skills had become decent. While not gourmet, his dishes were still flavorful and enjoyable.
Even though Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were still in the other chamber, Oscar prepared three portions of food. After all, half a day had gone by—surely her absorption should be nearly complete.
Just as he was about to eat, the stone door opened. Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan stepped out together—Dugu Bo looking deeply gratified, while Dugu Yan wore an expression of pure joy.
Setting down his chopsticks, Oscar asked:
"How was it? After absorbing the soul bone, what kind of gains did you receive?"
Dugu Yan's smile brightened even further.
"Hehe, it feels amazing! I gained a powerful soul bone ability, and I can even feel that my soul power has increased somewhat. But since I haven't obtained my third soul ring yet, I can't tell exactly how much."
Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction.
"It seems this soul bone truly suits Yan Yan. Not only will it help purge her poison, but it will also greatly strengthen her cultivation."
He thought privately that if he had secured this soul bone earlier, perhaps her progress would have advanced even further.
Oscar congratulated warmly:
"Then congratulations, Sister. Let's eat first, and you can focus on cultivation again afterward."
Dugu Yan giggled.
"Let me see what you made this time."
Walking over to the table, she saw three dishes and a soup—all made from spirit beast meat, their colors bright and aromas mouthwatering.
Oscar served both Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan a bowl of rice and soup, and the three sat down together at the table.
Oscar then said to Dugu Bo:
"Your Majesty, during the coming period, you'll both need to refine all the poison in your bodies into the soul bones. Once that's done, we can begin treatment.
For Sister, the poison isn't too severe—within a month, she should be able to extract all of it. For you, I estimate at least three months. Adding the treatment process, I may need to stay here at least half a year, perhaps as long as a year.
I'll be troubling you both during that time."
Dugu Bo nodded thoughtfully.
"Speaking of which, I owe you a great debt for this matter. I will find a way to repay the lost time.
And during this period, Yan Yan has told me of the many ways you've helped her. I can see that you two youngsters share common ground. Since you'll be living here for quite some time, if you have any requests, speak freely.
And there's no need to be so formal with me. I'm old already, so I'll take a liberty. If you're willing, you may call me Grandfather, just as Yan Yan does."
He said this as casually as if commenting on the food, even popping a piece of meat into his mouth. But in Oscar's ears, the words boomed like thunder.
After all, not just anyone had the right to call a Title Douluo "Grandfather." Oscar didn't know exactly why Dugu Bo had suddenly grown so close, but he was certain this meant the man had placed genuine trust in him.
Oscar set down his chopsticks and respectfully said:
"Then, thick-skinned as I may be, I shall call you Grandfather."
Dugu Bo chuckled.
"I hear you grew up alone, eating from the tables of many households. From now on, don't be too restrained in my home—treat it as your own. Your help to us is even greater than you realize. I truly acknowledge you as a junior worth cherishing. If you encounter any problem, come to me."
Oscar's heart was quietly moved. He could tell Dugu Bo's words were sincere, not spoken to curry favor. True sincerity could not be faked.
He guessed that this change was largely thanks to Dugu Yan. Over the past month, she was the one he had spent the most time with. They shared many conversations, and he had confided much to her.
Likely, after absorbing her soul bone that morning, she had spoken with Dugu Bo and mentioned some of these things. Combined with the faintly ambiguous bond between them, plus Oscar's own outstanding talent, Dugu Bo's attitude naturally shifted.
"Thank you… Grandfather."
The words left Oscar's lips aloud.In her heart, Dugu Yan repeated the same—though hers was silent, unspoken.