Chapter 5: A Step Further — Rank Ninety-Six
Taking the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone in his hands, Dugu Bo's expression grew complex. His gaze flickered with emotion as he let out a quiet sigh.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo, that Purple Lingzhi you gave me, along with this Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone—they've been growing quietly under my nose all these years, and I never once realized they were priceless antidotal treasures."
Yue Guan smiled faintly.
"This world is full of wonders. No one can know everything. I simply happen to understand a little more about flora than most."
"I can't deny it," Dugu Bo admitted with a wry smile. "In the study of plants and herbs, no one can compare to you."
Ghost Douluo suddenly thought of something and reminded him,
"Old Poison, when you give that herb to your granddaughter, make sure she keeps it a secret. If her soul power suddenly surges for no apparent reason, it'll draw unwanted attention. Should the wrong people find this place, your entire medicinal garden could be in danger."
"I understand," Dugu Bo nodded, a faint crease forming between his brows as worry flashed in his eyes.
"Have you two really decided?" he asked solemnly. "Are you truly leaving the Spirit Hall?"
Ghost Douluo and Yue Guan exchanged glances.
After everything that had happened, Yue Guan had come to fully believe in Old Ghost's words.
"We won't be going back to the Spirit Hall," Yue Guan said softly. "To tell you the truth, I awakened a second Martial Soul—that's why I no longer wish to remain their pawn."
"What?!" Dugu Bo was stunned. "You awakened a second Martial Soul? You're a Twin Martial Soul wielder as well?!"
He was utterly shocked. It was unimaginable that Ghost Douluo, at his age, could still awaken a second Martial Soul. Just what kind of miracle had triggered such a thing?
Ghost Douluo explained calmly,
"My second Martial Soul… is my own body—the one you see standing before you."
Dugu Bo shook his head, marveling,
"This is beyond belief. Truly incredible. But since you've made this choice, you must be ready for the consequences. Entering the Spirit Hall is easy—but leaving it? That's another matter entirely. I refused to join them for that very reason: I won't live bound by their chains."
Ghost Douluo nodded solemnly.
"I know. Bibi Dong and her faction won't let us go easily. That's why Old Chrysanthemum and I must become stronger—only then can we take control of our own fates."
"If you don't have a safe place to go," Dugu Bo offered, "you can stay here for now. I've set up a poison formation around this area. Even a Titled Douluo would think twice before stepping in."
Ghost Douluo and Yue Guan exchanged another glance.
"Old Poison, we appreciate your kindness," Ghost Douluo said. "This place is indeed ideal, but we can't linger here too long. If our presence draws them here, it'll only bring disaster to you and your granddaughter. Still, if the chance arises, we'll visit you again."
"You're welcome anytime," Dugu Bo replied sincerely.
Ghost Douluo and Yue Guan were both solitary wanderers, unbound by attachments. But Dugu Bo was different—he had a weakness: his granddaughter, Dugu Yan.
Ghost Douluo didn't want to drag them into his troubles. Having Dugu Bo's support, when needed, was already more than enough.
"Well then, I'll take my leave," Dugu Bo said.
"Go. Detoxify your granddaughter as soon as possible, and while you're at it, help her obtain her fourth soul ring. We'll be leaving soon ourselves."
Dugu Bo cupped his fists toward Ghost Douluo and Yue Guan, then turned into a streak of green light, vanishing from the valley.
Ghost Douluo turned to Yue Guan.
"Old Chrysanthemum, have you taken that Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum yet?"
Yue Guan shook his head.
"There's only one of that immortal herb. How could I bear to consume it? Besides, at our age, we can't fully absorb the medicinal essence of such a treasure."
"Old Chrysanthemum, I understand your hesitation," Ghost Douluo said seriously. "But our situation is precarious—we could face powerful enemies at any moment. That Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum perfectly complements your Martial Soul. If you take it, you might just break through your bottleneck."
Yue Guan frowned slightly, lost in deep thought.
He and Ghost Douluo had both been stuck at rank ninety-five for decades.
Even after countless attempts and years of effort, both Ghost Douluo and Yue Guan had been unable to break through their bottleneck.
Rank ninety-six always seemed just within reach—yet eternally distant, like a vast and impassable chasm standing between them and ascension.
Yue Guan knew better than anyone what reaching rank ninety-six truly meant.
Compared to rank ninety-five, this wasn't just a simple rise in soul power—it was a qualitative transformation.
If both of them could reach rank ninety-six, their Martial Soul Fusion Skill, the Polar Static Domain, would unleash power far beyond its former limits.
Even if Bibi Dong herself came to face them, they would finally have the strength to stand as equals.
After a moment of contemplation, Yue Guan sighed softly.
"Old Ghost, I'll listen to you. At this point, we have no other choice."
With that, he took out two immortal herbs.
One was a brilliant emerald green herb, its center adorned with three snow-white leaves upon which rested several dewdrops that shimmered like morning frost.
The other was a deep jade-colored bamboo, composed of nine segments resembling the joints of a human body.
"Old Ghost, now that you possess twin Martial Souls, your spiritual power is more important than ever. This herb is called Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew. After consuming it, your mental strength and eyesight will both greatly improve."
"And this one is Black Jade Divine Bamboo. It strengthens both your Martial Soul and your physical body, enhancing toughness and attack power. It's especially beneficial when you add new soul rings to your Body Martial Soul."
"Take the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew first—swallow the dew, meditate, and absorb its medicinal essence. Then take the Black Jade Divine Bamboo afterward."
Yue Guan handed the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew to Ghost Douluo.
"Old Chrysanthemum, you should take the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum first."
"No," Yue Guan said with a faint smile. "Let me stay with it a little longer. You take these two herbs first."
Ghost Douluo placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Come on, Old Chrysanthemum, don't overthink it. The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum is already part of you—it'll always be with you. Isn't that even better?"
Yue Guan's eyes softened, and he nodded slightly.
"Alright, I understand. Hurry up and take them."
Ghost Douluo accepted the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew and swallowed it, beginning his cultivation as Yue Guan stood guard beside him, gently holding the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and gazing at it with deep affection.
An hour later, Ghost Douluo slowly opened his eyes from meditation.
He could clearly feel the transformation brought about by the herb—his vision had sharpened, and his spiritual awareness had expanded, every detail in his surroundings becoming crystal clear.
"Old Ghost, you're awake. Judging by that expression, the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew worked wonders, didn't it?"
"Yeah," Ghost Douluo nodded with satisfaction. "My spiritual power and eyesight have both improved a lot."
"Good. While your state is optimal, take the Black Jade Divine Bamboo next. Eat the bamboo stalk directly, then cultivate to absorb its essence."
Ghost Douluo smirked playfully.
"Old Chrysanthemum, you're treating me a little too well. Giving me all these treasures—don't tell me you see me as some junior you have to protect now that I look young again?"
Yue Guan laughed heartily.
"What are you being polite for? We're brothers, aren't we? And as the older brother, I'll take care of you. Hahaha~~"
Ghost Douluo chuckled and nodded.
"Fine, you win. You're the big brother."
Taking the Black Jade Divine Bamboo, Ghost Douluo consumed it and began cultivating once more.
Time slipped by quietly.
After two hours, Ghost Douluo's eyes suddenly snapped open—his aura surged like a tidal wave, shaking the air around him.
A wide grin spread across his face as he exclaimed with excitement,
"I broke through! My soul power has finally reached rank ninety-six!"
—
End of Chapter