The healing chamber was silent, save for the soft hum of spirit energy that pulsed like a heartbeat through the air. Li Wei sat cross-legged on the jade platform, his body enveloped in a gentle glow as the Martial Warrior with Healing Martial Spirit continue their final work. Two weeks had passed since his awakening, and while his physical wounds had mended, the deeper transformations within him were still unfolding.
He opened his eyes slowly, the familiar weight of the Shinobi Ridewatch resting against his chest. Its once malevolent aura had subsided, replaced by a calm, steady rhythm that resonated with his own. The purification process had been successful, but it had also left him with questions—questions about the vision from Build, the metaphor of the cage and the key, and the path that lay ahead.
Not only that, his own rank has been increase to Rank 48. Just a small little step toward his goal. But it progress.
Seeing that Li Wei already in good shape, the healer depart from the room leaving him and his grandfather alone.
"Even keys can rust inside a cage," he murmured, recalling Build's cryptic warning.
Li Wei knew that his journey was far from over. The battle had revealed the existence of a greater threat—the Veil Envoy and the sealed King they served. To confront them, he needed allies, knowledge, and power beyond what he currently possessed.
His thoughts turned to Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo. Renowned for his mastery of poisons and his secluded lifestyle, Dugu Bo was a potential ally, but also a cautious and unpredictable one. Approaching him directly would be risky. Li Wei needed a person that can introduce him however hostile they maybe.
The most important thing will be the Ice and Fire Ying Yang well. He can only depend on memory and that memory might not be correct. It has been thirteenth years since he was born into this world.
The memory of the previous world can be said to be bit and pieces. He can remember rough outline but he cannot remember the detail. After he saw them then the memory coming back to him.
Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yue Guan. A Titled Douluo and elder of the Spirit Hall, Yue Guan was known for his extensive knowledge of plants and herbs, as well as his flamboyant demeanor. His expertise in botany made him the ideal candidate to facilitate a meeting with Dugu Bo.
Li Wei rose from the platform, the sealing array dimming as he moved. He donned his robes and made his way through the corridors of the Spirit Hall, the familiar scent of incense guiding him. He found Yue Guan in the botanical garden, tending to a bed of rare chrysanthemums.
"Elder Yue," Li Wei greeted, bowing respectfully.
Yue Guan turned, his golden eyes lighting up. "Ah, Li Wei! You're looking much better. The healing chamber seems to work wonder against your wound. It must be said that I never seen Crocodile Douluo that flustered."
Li Wei offered a faint smile. "I owe my recovery to the efforts of the Spirit Hall's healers. And uncle Yue should remember that he is my grandfather. Which grandpa do not get anxious looking at their grandson wound."
Yue Guan waved a hand dismissively. "Well you might be right about that and modesty suits you, but I suspect your resilience played a significant role." He gestured to a bench beneath a flowering tree. "Come, sit. Tell me what brings you here."
Li Wei took a seat, his expression turning serious. "I seek your assistance in arranging a meeting with Dugu Bo."
Yue Guan's eyebrows rose in surprise. "The Poison Douluo? That's an unusual request. May I ask why?"
Li Wei nodded. "There some thing that I want to get help from him and I believe that his knowledge of poisons and rare herbs could be invaluable in the battles to come. However, I understand that he is a solitary figure, and approaching him without cause could be seen as a threat."
Yue Guan tapped his chin thoughtfully. "You're correct. Old Poison is not one to welcome visitors lightly. But perhaps, with the right approach, we can pique his interest."
He stood, his robes flowing around him. "Very well, Li Wei. I will accompany you to meet Old Poison. With our combined knowledge of botany and your unique abilities, we may be able to forge a connection."
Li Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Yue. Your assistance is greatly appreciated."
Yue Guan smiled. "Think nothing of it. Now, let us prepare for our journey. We will need to gather some rare herbs as gifts—something to show our sincerity."
"Then I suggest that we find herb that might elevate his poison in his body. Even if he do not want to accept it for himself, he might accept it for his granddaughter." Li Wei suggest something that might help his endeavor as poison douluo from his memory quite stubborn but become softer if it helps his granddaughter, Dugu Yan.
"Hmn..." Hearing the suggestion it make Yue Guan appreciate Li Wei more. "Good idea, it make me wonder what you will become in the future if now as thirteenth years old you can think like this."
"You know," Yue Guan said one evening as they examined a glowing violet stalk, "most people only see beauty or danger. But plants... they're more honest than humans. They grow. They wither. They bloom again. But always with purpose."
Li Wei nodded, silent.
Purpose.
He needed to find his. The purpose other than the original one that he had as he knows that purpose has been blinding his from the rest of the people and the world.
Over the next few days, Li Wei and Yue Guan worked together to collect a selection of rare and potent herbs from the Spirit Hall's extensive gardens. Yue Guan's expertise in plant anatomy proved invaluable, and Li Wei found himself learning much from the elder's insights.
As they prepared for their departure, Li Wei reflected on the path ahead. The alliance with Dugu Bo was just one step in a much larger journey—a journey that would require him to unlock the full potential of his martial spirit and confront the looming threat of the Veil Envoy.
With Yue Guan and his grandfather by his side and a plan in motion, Li Wei felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to face them head-on.
As they set out from the Spirit Hall, the sun rose over the horizon, casting a golden light over the path before them. Li Wei took a deep breath, the scent of the herbs from the left over on the their jade box specialize in keeping the herb fresh mingling with the fresh morning air.
The journey to meet Dugu Bo had begun.