Chapter 9: End of meeting
My father turned to me and asked, "Would you like to say something? Your word from now on is as good as mine." I hesitated for a moment, considering the gravity of his words, before responding, "Father, I have a plan I'd like to suggest to the family elders." He nodded, encouraging me to proceed.
"I propose we add Senior Dugo Bo's family to our own," I said. My father's eyebrows raised. "Why?" he inquired. "First, their family has a vast heritage of knowledge regarding herbs," I explained. "Their ancestors have spent generations cultivating and studying various plants, and their expertise in this area is unparalleled. This knowledge could be invaluable to our family, especially in times of conflict or illness.
Second, Senior Dugo Bo himself has the potential to become a Title Douluo. His talent and dedication are evident, and with the right guidance and resources, he could reach the pinnacle of martial arts. A Title Douluo would be a significant asset to our family, providing us with a powerful defender and a respected leader.
Finally, their family already has a Level 88 Soul Douluo whose poisonous abilities even some Title Douluo would hesitate to challenge. This individual's strength and unique abilities could be a decisive factor in any battle, and their presence would deter potential enemies from attacking our family.
My father considered this for a moment. "Why would his family agree to merge with ours? And you should know that his father doesn't have long to live. He might pass away within the next five years."
I replied, "He was poisoned, Father." Everyone except my father was taken aback. "Dugo Bo's family's martial soul is considered the most poisonous in the known world," I continued.
"How do you know?" my father asked.
I explained, "When he came to my martial soul awakening, I could tell he was poisoned. It's due to my own martial soul. As you all know, I can't be poisoned by others. Therefore, I can conclude that the poison must originate from within his family. Their martial soul doesn't have a poison gland like other snake-based martial souls. Instead, I believe they use their own bodies as a poison gland. I observed this when his wife was also slightly poisoned."
"But how is this possible?" my father asked. "Their family has been plagued by this poison for generations. How could they not have noticed it before?"
I replied, "The poison is so subtle that it's often mistaken for other ailments. It's only when it becomes severe that it's recognized as a poison. And even then, it's difficult to pinpoint the source."
"So, you're saying that Dugo Bo's family has been unknowingly poisoning themselves for generations?" my father asked.
I nodded. "That's what I believe. It's a tragic situation, but it also presents an opportunity for us. If we can help them cure their poison, they will be eternally grateful. And in return, they will be more than willing to join our family."
My father considered my words for a long time. Finally, he said, "You're right. This could be a win-win situation for both families. But we need to be careful. We can't risk our own family's safety."
I assured him that I had everything under control. "I've already thought about the risks," I said. "I've developed a plan that will minimize the danger to our family while still providing a cure for Dugo Bo's family."
My father nodded. "Very well. I trust you. Proceed with your plan."
My father's face lit up. His eyes filled with tears as he looked up at the ceiling. "At last, brother, your family's curse will be lifted," he said, his voice filled with emotion. The pain and suffering that his family had endured for generations had finally come to an end.
One of the elders stood up, his voice trembling slightly. "Do you know about their martial soul being poisonous to themselves, Patriarch?" he asked.
My father nodded, his expression somber. "Yes, I know," he replied. "He told me about his family's curse a few years ago. That's why I've always focused on finding a medical cure for poison and herbs that could suppress it. I knew that if we couldn't find a way to cure this poison, their family would eventually perish."
My father then wrote a letter to Dugo Bo's family, informing them of a permanent cure for their poison. He explained that he had spent years researching and developing this cure, and that it was finally ready to be offered to them. In exchange, he requested that they join his family, take a martial soul oath, and visit their home.
He assigned a Level 81 elder to deliver the letter, instructing him to demonstrate his strength. "Good things in the hands of the weak become someone else's," he said. "By showing our strength, we'll prove that we're on equal or even higher footing."
The meeting concluded, and as everyone dispersed, the elders approached me, their faces filled with a mix of relief and determination. They expressed their gratitude for my proposal and pledged their unwavering support. They promised to become Title Douluo as quickly as possible to protect the family and ensure that my blood wasn't wasted. They understood the significance of my sacrifice and were determined to honor it.
I returned home and slept soundly, having been awake for two days. The next morning, I asked the System to create three dragon blood samples and three cultivation technique copies. I placed them in a wooden box, took a bath, and went to the dining room to eat.
While eating, my father announced that Dugo Bo's family had accepted their offer and would be arriving at their home in two days. He also shared the news of the public announcement of the merger between the two families. The elders were overjoyed, and I could see the relief in their eyes. They knew that this alliance would not only strengthen their family but also bring an end to the centuries-old curse that had plagued Dugo Bo's family.
After a moment of thought, I said, "Father, if she takes dragon blood, her child's martial soul could evolve into a dragon, and her own martial soul would also evolve. It won't harm the child, but she'll need to drink two vials of dragon blood. However, there are risks involved. The dragon blood is a powerful substance, and it's possible that her body won't be able to handle it. If that happens, it could have serious consequences for both her and the child.
I understand that you're eager to help your sister's family, but we need to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. We can't afford to take unnecessary risks, especially when it comes to the health and safety of our loved ones.
Perhaps we could consult with a medical expert who specializes in martial soul evolution. They might be able to provide us with more information about the potential risks and benefits of dragon blood. We could also explore alternative options, such as using a weaker version of dragon blood or combining it with other herbs or potions to reduce the risk of side effects.
Ultimately, the decision is up to my mother. She needs to weigh the risks and benefits for herself and decide whether she's willing to take the chance. I'll support her whatever she decides, but I urge her to consider all the factors before making a decision."