Jiang Yun stood at the edge of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well, his gaze focused on Dugu Bo. The poison master's complexion was pale, a faint green tint seeping through his skin. "Old Poison, your poison core is unstable. If left unchecked, it will consume you."
Dugu Bo laughed bitterly. "I know that better than anyone. But it's not as if there's a solution."
"There is. I can guide you to stabilize it, and even turn it into a soul core, enhancing your strength instead of consuming you." Jiang Yun's calm words carried a weight that made Dugu Bo's eyes widen.
"Soul core? What's that?" Dugu Bo's voice trembled, unfamiliar with the term.
Jiang Yun smiled slightly. "A soul core is a concentrated source of your soul power and essence. For you, you already have a half formed poison core in your body, it can become a poison core allowing you to store and even refine poison."
"You can also absorb a high quality soul bone which can be of poison attribute and try to guide the poison into the soul bone, while it is not a permanent solution but it can reduce your pain."
Since Jiang Yun was aware of Dugu Bo's character he knows that he can trust him and while he has information about immortal herbs he was not that well versed in poison refinement or medicine so, he tells Dugu Bo about the traits of his ice fire refined body's blood and gave him some of his blood for sampling.
After learning about soul core and method of storing poison in soul bone, Dugu Bo was stunned. "This… I never imagined such a possibility."
Over the next few days, Jiang Yun led Dugu Bo through precise breathing techniques, soul power circulation methods, and used the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well's energy to help Dugu Bo harmonize his poison. Slowly, the toxic energy that had been a curse for decades was refined, its berserk nature tamed.
By the end, Dugu Bo's face had regained a healthy color, and his body radiated a faint green glow—his poison core now stable.
"I… I feel reborn." Dugu Bo's voice shook with emotion.
"Gratitude isn't enough, Jiang Yun. If you ever need my help, say the word," Dugu Bo declared solemnly.
Jiang Yun nodded. "Then consider us friends."
Nearby, Zhu Zhuqing watched with awe. Over the past days, she had trained with Jiang Yun, practicing her new soul ability. Her third soul ring, the Ghost Leopard's power, granted her the ability Shadow Hunt, an enhancement that cloaked her in shadows, amplifying her speed and attack.
Jiang Yun had also demonstrated his abilities. "Mighty Kick!" His first ability, a devastating blow empowered by all his strength, capable of shattering boulders.
"Crimson Lock!" His second ability, locking onto a target so his attacks never missed. Even when she tried to dodge, his strikes always landed.
"And finally, Henshin!" A blinding light enveloped him, and he transformed, switching between his two Kuuga forms.
Mighty Form (Red): His default form, emphasizing raw power and resilience.
Dragon Form (Blue): Agility and speed enhanced, his strikes becoming blurs.
The arcle inform Jiang Yun that he will gain his other forms when his soul power level will increase and also that he can when he reach level 70 his true body will be something far from ordinary.
Each form showcased a unique skill set, and Zhu Zhuqing quickly realized that Jiang Yun was far stronger than she initially thought.
Dugu Bo's gaze grew serious. "Boy, your strength is beyond the norm. Your soul rings… how do they enhance you?"
Jiang Yun smiled calmly. "Each of my soul rings amplifies my body by a multiplier—strength, speed, defense, soul power—everything. And the effects stack."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened. "That's… that's almost like having multiple amplifications at once."
"Exactly. That's why I fight the way I do." Jiang Yun's smile was confident.
Realizing the potential of Jiang Yun's blood, Dugu Bo experimented with it for refining antidotes and poison drugs, amazed at its potent medicinal properties.
As they conversed, a voice called out. "Grandfather! Are you there?"
Dugu Bo turned, his expression softening. "Yan'er!"
A young girl, her green hair flowing behind her, appeared, her expression surprised when she saw the others. "Grandfather, who are they?"
Dugu Bo chuckled. "Friends. This is Jiang Yun, who saved me, and this is Zhu Zhuqing."
At first she was confused about someone saving his grandfather because he was a titled douluo not some grass chicken, but when Dugu Bo told her the truth about their martial soul she understood everything and felt gratitude towards Jiang Yun.
Dugu Yan's sharp eyes analyzed Jiang Yun. "Thank you for helping my grandfather. But you don't seem very powerful. Are you a spirit master?"
Jiang Yun smiled. "You could say that."
Over the next few days, the group trained together. Jiang Yun guided Zhu Zhuqing and even offered tips to Dugu Yan, who was surprised by his strength and nature of his martial spirit.
As the days passed, Zhu Zhuqing found herself growing closer to Jiang Yun. His calm wisdom, unwavering support, and strength gave her a sense of security she had never felt before. In his presence, she no longer worried about the cruel fate her family planned for her.
One evening, sitting by the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well, she looked at Jiang Yun and whispered, "I thought I had no choice… that I was trapped by my family's expectations. But with you, I feel… free."
Jiang Yun smiled gently. "Your future is yours, Zhuqing. No one has the right to decide it for you."
Her heart stirred at his words, a warmth she hadn't known filling her chest. She realized that the shackles of her family's control were nothing before the freedom she felt by Jiang Yun's side.
One evening, as the sun set, Dugu Bo looked at Jiang Yun. "Are you planning to stay here forever?"
"No. But I want to build a place where the strong can gather, not just for power, but for understanding."
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze softened. "A place for people like us?"
Jiang Yun smiled. "Yes. A sanctuary."