Aether summoned a gentle green glow into his palm. The light drifted toward Dugu Bo and, in an instant, fused into the space between his brows.
"My lord, this is…"
Dugu Bo didn't resist Aether's sudden action, only asked curiously. He felt a comforting warmth wrap around his head, leaving it cool and refreshed.
After seeing the fate of Sword Douluo, he was well aware—if this man wanted to kill him, resistance would be meaningless.
"After you return, channel the poison from your martial soul into your ten-thousand-year Medusa Skull Bone. It'll purge the toxins from your body and let you control them freely, which in turn will help you push your soul power further."
"That light just now will help you quickly gather the martial soul's poison into your skull bone. There are no side effects. Don't worry."
Aether simply laid out the solution to his affliction.
"My lord… I don't even have words to thank you!"
Dugu Bo bowed deeply.
He'd originally come here to beg for his granddaughter Dugu Yan's life. But not only had this man agreed to look into her condition, with a casual wave of his hand, he had already resolved the poison in his own body.
Joy surged in Dugu Bo's heart.
Thank the heavens he came to this auction! If he hadn't, wouldn't he have missed out on such an incredible opportunity?
"Seems the heavens haven't abandoned our family after all…" he thought inwardly.
"All right, old sir. Go deal with the poison in your body first."
Aether waved away the strange odor lingering in the room and added,
"I'll be in Heaven Dou City for a few days. Once your granddaughter arrives, bring her to me."
"Yes, my lord."
Dugu Bo bowed again.
Now that he had a way to cleanse his soul poison, all that remained was to wait for Dugu Yan to return so he could plead for her once more.
"My lord, forgive my boldness, but… do you have a place to stay in Heaven Dou City?"
Dugu Bo had already investigated Aether's group before arriving and learned they had only just arrived today. Most likely, they hadn't secured any lodging yet.
"Not yet."
Aether shook his head. Since he planned to stay for a few days, finding a place to rest was inevitable.
"My lord, I happen to own a residence here in the city. It's been vacant for years, never lived in. If you don't mind, I'd be honored to gift it to you as a place to rest."
Dugu Bo immediately offered up the estate that Prince Xue Xing had once gifted him.
"There's no need for that, old sir. I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass." Aether declined.
They'd be leaving soon enough. There was no need to claim someone else's home.
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe's slight goodwill toward the old poisoner quickly turned to irritation.
He's a whole Crown Prince and couldn't even offer them a place to stay? And now this meddling old man wanted to butt in?
If he let Dugu Bo succeed, wouldn't that ruin his chance to get close to Aether?
An idea came to Xue Qinghe. He turned to Paimon and suggested cheerfully:
"Paimon, since you're staying in the city a few days, why not come stay at my residence? I've got plenty of delicious food you haven't tried yet~"
"Food I haven't tried?" Paimon looked intrigued.
"Exactly! And since you're new to the city, while your friend is out curing people, I could show you around!"
Xue Qinghe continued his persuasion. Can't win Aether? Then win over little Paimon!
"Hmm… Traveler, why don't we go with Qinghe?" Paimon looked between Dugu Bo and Xue Qinghe, then said thoughtfully.
It definitely wasn't because of the food. Nope. It was because the old grandpa smelled kind of bad. If they went to his place and it stunk, what then?
Definitely not about the snacks. Definitely.
"Alright, old sir. Once you find your granddaughter, bring her to me."
Aether nodded. Anywhere was fine—it was just a place to rest. Since Paimon had spoken up, he might as well go with her choice.
"Hehe, then I'll leave it to you, Qinghe." Paimon grinned happily once Aether agreed.
"No problem at all!"
Score!
Trying to steal my opportunity? Not a chance!
Xue Qinghe waved dismissively at Dugu Bo, his expression full of smug satisfaction.
"Then, my lord, I shall take my leave."
Dugu Bo sighed inwardly at being cut off but didn't argue. Aether had already agreed, and this was a rare chance to finally rid his body of poison. He should make use of it while he could.
As Dugu Bo departed, Aether and the others also left the restaurant.
"Traveler, do you think we ordered too much just now? Qinghe still hasn't come out—what if they make him stay and wash dishes?"
Outside the restaurant, Paimon glanced nervously back inside while walking with Aether and Yu Keke.
"You sure didn't think that while you were eating."
Aether glanced at Paimon's round little belly. How could something so small fit so much food?
"Uwah! I-I didn't eat that much! Keke helped me! Right, Keke?"
Paimon protested. She wasn't taking the fall alone.
"…"
Yu Keke quickly lowered her head, afraid to speak—because truthfully, she had eaten a lot too.
"Hmm? What are you all talking about?"
Xue Qinghe walked out of the restaurant, a wide smile on his face. Judging by his mood, he clearly hadn't been made to wash any dishes.
"Qinghe, you're back! I was just about to ask the Traveler to rescue you—I thought they'd made you clean up!"
Paimon looked relieved.
"Wash… dishes?"
Xue Qinghe was baffled.
"Hehe, it's like this: Keke thought we ate too much and was worried you couldn't cover the bill, so maybe they'd make you stay and scrub dishes."
Paimon glanced around innocently. The Traveler hadn't eaten much—she wasn't taking the blame. Poor Keke would have to take one for the team.
"I-I didn't…"
Yu Keke's face flushed red. She wanted to argue, but Paimon wasn't wrong…
"Haha, that's impossible. Don't worry, Paimon!"
Xue Qinghe laughed heartily. The restaurant was owned by his people—he didn't even need to pay. Even if they had eaten somewhere else, there was no way he'd be made to clean dishes over the bill.
He turned toward the girls and asked,
"So, Paimon, Keke—did you like the desserts from earlier?"
"They were delicious!" the two of them replied in unison.
"Great! So, do you want to go try more tasty treats now?"
"Hmm… better not. I can't fit anymore. Let me digest a bit first, okay?"
Paimon rubbed her round belly and sighed, as if blaming it for not being able to hold just a bit more.
If only her belly had been more cooperative, she could still be eating right now…
"Haha, then shall we head back to the residence?"
The sky had darkened. Xue Qinghe looked toward Aether.
"Sure! I'm so sleepy—today was exhausting," Paimon nodded repeatedly.
"Very well, then. Your Highness, we'll be troubling you," Aether also nodded.
They had been traveling for days, then rushed to save someone as soon as they arrived. It was time for a proper rest.
_
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