Ma Hongjun no longer paid attention to the strange behavior of Dugu Bo. He returned to the hot spring, calmed his mind, and opened his status panel.

[Name: Ma Hongjun]

[Age: 12]

[Soul Power: Level 39 (Spirit Elder)]

[Martial Soul: Celestial Flame Divine Phoenix (Half-soul state of the original Phoenix)]

[Soul Rings: Yellow (390 years), Yellow (670 years), Purple (3300 years)]

[Qi and Blood Soul Ring: Light Gold]

[Soul Skills:

Phoenix Flame Surge

Phoenix Rebirth

Divine Phoenix Descends (Summons the phantom of the Divine Phoenix to possess the body, continuously dealing high fire damage to the surroundings. During this period, flight speed increases by 100%, fire damage dealt increases by 50%, and applies an undispellable, unavoidable burning effect. Targets affected by the burn take 50% extra fire damage.)]

[Passive Ability: Grace of the Ancestral Phoenix (Increases soul power through reproduction and grants a small chance to plunder abilities. Those favored by you receive blessings. Performing a blessing ritual allows one to absorb essence, gaining a high-level blessing that removes abnormal conditions, heals injuries, and restores vitality and stamina. If the target possesses creative power, the effect is greatly enhanced.) Level 2]

[Passive Ability: Snake's Favor (Takes 30% less damage from all snake-type creatures, 60% less poison damage, and flames have a minor detoxification effect. If the poison matches one from the plundered type, all effects are enhanced to 100%.) Level ?]

[Fate Reversal Success Rate: 26%]

[Evolution Points: 6000]

Seeing the increase in his fate reversal rate, Ma Hongjun's eyes flashed with satisfaction.

In the past, Dugu Bo had offered a lot of help to Tang San. But now, that was no longer possible.

He was very pleased with this outcome.

Looking at the Qi and Blood Soul Ring displayed on his panel, the red-haired boy fell deep into thought.

To cultivate the Qi and Blood Soul Ring, the physical body was the key.

Only a strong body could allow the Qi and Blood Soul Ring to progress more smoothly.

Without hesitation, Ma Hongjun invested half of his evolution points directly into strengthening his body.

Instantly, he felt his blood boiling. His body surged with an overwhelming restlessness as immense power spread through him.

Golden flames wrapped around his entire body, and waves of energy surged outward.

After a while, the feeling gradually calmed.

[Qi and Blood Soul Ring: Light Gold, Light Gold]

The second Qi and Blood Soul Ring had formed.

Ma Hongjun's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected it to come so quickly.

Turning his gaze to the nearby immortal herbs, his eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Among them were many that enhanced the physical body. While overconsumption would reduce their effectiveness, with careful selection, he might be able to condense a third Qi and Blood Soul Ring.

Regaining his focus, he looked toward Dugu Bo.

Ma Hongjun planned to discuss the Yin-Yang Ice and Fire Eyes with him.

With this treasure, he would have an endless supply of immortal herbs.

I'm not Tang San. There's no way I'd do something as foolish as exterminating an entire family.

The right way to handle this sacred ground was to use it while preserving and cultivating it properly.

Dugu Bo stood frozen in place.

When he saw the boy close his eyes, he had initially relaxed.

But just as he was about to examine the boy carefully, he sensed the boy's aura grow stronger—significantly stronger.

It was as if a small bottle had suddenly expanded into a large basin while retaining the same height.

Dugu Bo was first shocked, then amazed.

No wonder the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect noticed him. With talent like this, who wouldn't envy him?

As long as he doesn't die young, his future will be limitless.

The more Dugu Bo thought about it, the more excited he became.

My granddaughter really has good taste. She secured him right away!

"Dugu..."

Ma Hongjun walked forward.

Before he could get close, Dugu Bo instinctively took several steps back, his face filled with alarm.

He hadn't forgotten what the boy had tried to do to him earlier.

Ma Hongjun froze mid-step, his hand outstretched, staring at Dugu Bo with a dark expression.

A Spirit Elder actually intimidating a Titled Douluo... Who would believe it if they saw this?

Such a prestigious Titled Douluo, frightened like this by a Spirit Elder?

Dugu Bo scratched his head with an awkward smile.

The red-haired boy sighed speechlessly. With a wave of his hand, a blazing golden flame shot toward Dugu Bo.

I was just trying to detoxify him. What's he so scared about?

As the flame approached, Dugu Bo panicked. His mind went blank and he forgot to dodge.

The golden flame reflected in his eyes.

By the time he reacted, it was too late to avoid it.

Gritting his teeth, Dugu Bo braced himself to face it head-on.

It's just a Spirit Elder's flame. It shouldn't harm me, a Titled Douluo.

The flame enveloped his entire body.

At first, Dugu Bo tensed in alarm. But then, he noticed something strange—the flame didn't harm him at all.

In his confusion, wisps of green smoke began rising from his arms.

Looking down, he saw faint threads of green gas slowly drifting out from his body.

The sharp pain in his lower abdomen gradually faded.

Dugu Bo's eyes widened in disbelief.

The toxins in his body were dissolving—like snow under the sun—evaporating and disappearing.

It was fast. In just a moment, the flame vanished.

Dugu Bo stood there, his mouth open, frozen in shock.

"Is... is it over already?"

He found it hard to believe.

But the soothing warmth and comfort spreading throughout his body confirmed it was real.

"It's not over yet," Ma Hongjun said, shaking his head.

"This time, I only expelled the surface-level toxins."

"After so many years of corrosion, the poison has seeped deep into your bones and marrow."

"It'll take several more treatments to completely clear it."

The toxins were more stubborn than he had expected, but thankfully, not anything too troublesome.

Dugu Bo's face flushed with embarrassment.

So... detoxifying didn't require... that thing after all?

Then what was I hesitating for all this time!?

Frustration welled up inside him.

Looking at the boy's innocent, puzzled face, Dugu Bo felt like something was stuck in his throat—neither rising nor falling.

He urgently needed someone to vent this frustration on.

Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun tilted his head, looking at Dugu Bo with confusion.

What's wrong with this guy? He's been acting weird the whole day.

Did Gu Yuena's slap make him dumb or something?

He grumbled inwardly but kept a straight face.

"This Yin-Yang Ice and Fire Eye, as we agreed earlier, is mine now," Ma Hongjun said.

"Of course, you're still welcome here. You can continue using the herbs, but in return, you'll be responsible for maintaining this place."

Ma Hongjun didn't have the time to manage it himself.

It was better to let Dugu Bo take care of it.

As long as the herbs were there when he needed them, that was enough.

Dugu Bo's expression shifted.

Wait... this is no different from before. I can still come and take whatever I want...

After thinking for just a moment, Dugu Bo readily agreed.

Seeing him agree, Ma Hongjun didn't linger. He turned and left, heading back to the academy.