These two immortal herbs were the very same ones Tang San had once consumed, that granted him a body immune to poison, and impervious to fire and water.
"All things under heaven exist in balance," Dugu Feng said with a faint smile. "Yin and yang in harmony. These two herbs… their powers are too overbearing. Alone, either one would be impossible to absorb. But when they coexist, they temper each other and the poisonous energies neutralize, making them barely manageable. This might be the only chance to take them safely."
"Feng'er, your understanding of pharmacology has improved," Dugu Shuo praised. "However, this method isn't suitable for us poison-type soul masters. Old Snake, Feng'er — do you know why?"
The two fell silent, deep in thought.
Poison-type cultivators thrived on toxicity, infact the stronger, the better. Could it be that this "balance" would weaken the venom?
Old Snake suddenly realized it.
"If the two herbs cancel out each other's poison, the most potent toxins — the cold venom and the fiery venom — would be wasted!"
"Exactly," Dugu Shuo nodded. "Old Snake, two of your spirit rings come from ice-poison beasts. Old Scorpion as well. It's because the combination of poison with ice or fire amplifies your spirit skills' might by giving your soul power attribute!
These two immortal herbs contain the purest cold poison and fire poison in existence...even a Titled Douluo would fear them.
A poison master who could refine just one of them would see his strength skyrocket. He could dominate the entire continent!"
Dugu Feng instantly understood his father's meaning.
Each herb carried a perfect balance. Poison intertwined with cold, or with fire. But if the two were combined, their opposing elements would form a small Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well inside the body. That would grant immunity to fire, water, and poison but at the same time, it would suppress the toxins themselves.
In other words, it would waste their true potential.
"But," Old Snake frowned and expressed his doubts, "without neutralizing them, even a Titled Douluo couldn't withstand their power."
Dugu Shuo smiled faintly.
"Then we refine them instead. These two are the greatest treasures a poison master could ever find. How could we simply consume them like common tonics?
An immortal herb is not mere medicine! It is a plant with spirit. Within ten meters of each, their venomous aura forms a domain of its own.
If we can refine and control the ice poison and fire poison within them, we will, in essence, grasp the power of a domain ourselves. When that happens, absorption will no longer be an issue —these herbs will welcome us of their own accord."
Dugu Feng was speechless for a moment. Father, you're terrifying.
He knew full well that most people would never dare approach these two herbs and yet his father intended to tame them.
"Feng'er," Dugu Shuo continued, "you already possess the Scorpion Pincers external spirit bone, which contains powerful ice poison. The Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass is practically made for you.
You can begin refining its cold poiso. It is not a task for one day or night, but if you succeed, the results will be extraordinary.
Also, this herb Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum...Eating it will open the body's meridians, strengthen the blood, and forge a near indestructible physique. It's perfect for increasing your physical endurance.
If you intend to take a ten-thousand-year spirit ring for your fourth ring, your body must be flawless.Take it, Feng'er. This one's yours."
"Yes, Father."
Dugu Feng smiled. "I also harvested a Nine-Petal Purple Ganoderma. It fortifies the foundation and enhances cultivation. It is a true rebirth tonic. I plan to let Little Snake take it, to strengthen his talent. Perhaps one day he, too, may reach the rank of Titled Douluo."
Old Snake's expression lit up with joy. His son, Little Snake, was born with sixth-level innate soul power, which was already considered a genius. If his talent improved further, he'd be among the top geniuses of the empire. (T/N - This is true. We can see that in the story most people are not even Rank 1. A good majority are in the lower ranks. Rank 8-9 are considered Prodigies, while 10 is close to a myth for many!)
"Hah! That rascal always dreams of assassinating Titled Douluos to surpass me," Old Snake laughed. "It seems the boy might really get his chance! Thank you, Young Master!"
"We're brothers," Dugu Feng waved it off. "No need for thanks."
He had trained alongside Little Snake for years and their bond went beyond formalities.
Meanwhile, his father would handle the allocation of other herbs. He trusted Dugu Shuo's judgment completely.
Taking the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Dugu Feng sat cross-legged.
He remembered vividly how Dai Mubai had taken this very herb in Shrek Academy's legend and how Chrysanthemum Douluo had chased him afterward, wanting to make him a disciple.
"Seems I'll have something to talk about if I ever meet him," Dugu Feng thought with amusement.
Before him, the chrysanthemum stood tall and proud. Its petals a radiant violet, each one soft and furry, exuding an almost adorable charm.
The central pistil rose half a meter high, like a golden spear pointing at the heavens thus earning the name "Sky-Reaching". (T/N : So as per raws the herb name includes Tongtian. It is referring to that. But due to me following the english glossary of DD, the refernce might not make sense!)
Dugu Feng grasped its stem firmly and bit directly into the glowing pistil.
The rich golden light flowed from it into his mouth, warm and soothing. One bite, then another and soon, not a single petal remained.
When the last fragment of the chrysanthemum vanished, his entire body began to shine with a golden-green hue.
His martial soul activated on its own.
His body curled upon the ground like a serpent, faint green light flowing along his limbs.
Three spirit rings — one yellow, two purple — gleamed in rhythm, pulsing with life.
His muscles trembled, his bones creaked softly.
"My body… it's evolving," Dugu Feng whispered in awe.
The medicinal power of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum coursed through his meridians, reshaping every bone and muscle fiber.
He felt his blood boil, his flesh refine, his body reforged anew.
He was completely immersed in cultivation.
Meanwhile, far away—
The battle between Tang Hao and Bibi Dong had shaken the entire continent.
Rumors spread like wildfire.
They said mountains collapsed, the heavens cracked, and several Titled Douluos of Spirit Hall perished.
Yet even then, they could not capture Tang Hao!
Exaggerations or not, what was certain was that Bibi Dong had returned to Spirit City empty-handed.
The mighty Spirit Hall had failed.
For the common soul masters, this was the biggest news of the year.
But for Tang Hao—
Though he had vented some rage with his hammer strikes, the pain in his heart had only deepened.
Deep within a silent forest, Tang Hao stumbled forward, his clothes torn, his eyes bloodshot.
His voice cracked with despair.
"Ah Yin… where are you? Why can't I sense you anymore. My Ah Yin… why… why is there no trace of your soul left?"
He clenched his fists, his body trembling, his eyes hollow. Wandering in a mountain forest like a zombie.