Ye Qingxian's face showed a trace of exhaustion, but her bright eyes sparkled with life.
She had been steeped in the medical arts for decades. And there had been times—many times—when she had dreamed of curing the curse of the Nine-Heart Begonia martial soul.
But human effort could only go so far. Fate, it seemed, was often stronger.
Now, standing within the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well—this miraculous land forged by the power of heaven and earth—surrounded by immortal herbs that could defy destiny, she was willing to pour out her life's work, to drain the last ounce of her wisdom and will!
"Lin Xiao, go collect the herbs I mentioned."
Lin Xiao had already prepared gold, silver, copper, iron, and jade digging tools, as well as top-grade mutton-fat jade boxes to safely harvest and store the herbs.
Not long after, he returned.
"Auntie Ye, the immortal herbs you requested are all in this box."
Ye Qingxian received it with care. When she opened it, a wave of fragrant aroma escaped, crisp and refreshing, calming the heart.
"Truly worthy of the title 'immortal.'"
She praised it softly, then said:
"Ordinary herbs must be processed before they can be used medicinally. But these immortal herbs contain no impurities—only pure essence. They can be consumed directly. The only concern is proper combination."
"I'll test it first. If the combined use works better than taking them alone, the rest of you can proceed accordingly."
Ye Qingxian chose to make herself the test subject.
That way, she could directly experience the effects—and determine whether synergy truly enhanced the results.
She took out the Lovelace Tulip, gently plucking half its petals. Then, she pulled a root strand from the Ten-Thousand-Year Ginseng King, and paired it with Thousand-Year Snow Silkworm Grass, swallowing them together.
A warm current surged through her body.
What followed was a gentle, harmless energy flowing through her limbs, nourishing every bone and organ. Her entire body felt fragrant from within.
The Nine-Heart Begonia martial soul appeared on its own.
Its delicate pink-and-white flower shimmered with soft light, ethereal yet dazzling. Upon closer look, a transformation was occurring—
A new petal had grown on the edge of the flower, and fine lace-like filaments had sprouted from its center.
When Ye Qingxian opened her eyes, she looked down at the Nine-Heart Begonia blooming in her palm and froze.
A dark red line of blood extended from the base of the flower.
She covered her mouth in shock. "This is…"
"The curse of the Nine-Heart Begonia... it's gone?"
That dark red thread was the mark of the Begonia's curse.
Whenever more than two Nine-Heart Begonias existed in the world, an older one would always be consumed by the bloodline, wither, and die.
But no more.
Ye Qingxian stood in stunned silence, unable to speak.
She covered her mouth—not crying aloud, but her tears fell like a string of broken pearls, silently dropping onto the back of her hand.
She had borne the burden of this curse alone for so many years.
But now, Ye Lingling would no longer have to fear losing her mother too soon.
"Auntie Ye, tomorrow will only get better, right?"
Even Lin Xiao had felt uncertain up until now.
But after hearing that the curse had been lifted, a heavy weight was finally lifted from his chest. He gently offered comfort:
"You'll watch Sister Lingling grow up. You'll witness her future joy, and see her smile—not out of strength, but from true happiness."
Ye Qingxian cried harder.
Just as Lin Xiao was about to tell her to calm down, two snow-white arms pulled him into a tight embrace.
She buried her face in his shoulder and began to sob uncontrollably.
Her tears soaked his shirt.
Lin Xiao froze at first, but then gently relaxed, placing a hand on her back and patting her softly.
Dugu Bo said nothing.
He simply turned away, eyes misting ever so slightly.
Of all people, he understood Ye Qingxian's tears the best.
"I, who've roamed the continent and endured countless hardships and fateful encounters, finally reached the rank of Titled Douluo."
"But my life has been filled with sorrow. I never met my grandfather. I lost my father in my youth. In middle age, I buried my son. All I have left is little Yan Yan…"
So many bitter moments, one after another.
They had shaped Dugu Bo into the cold, eccentric man he became.
Now, seeing Ye Qingxian cry, his heart ached—but was also filled with joy.
Compared to her curse, the defect of his own Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul was far easier to deal with.
If something as impossible as lifting the Nine-Heart Begonia's curse had been done—then surely his problem could be solved as well.
After a while, Ye Qingxian finally calmed down.
She wiped Lin Xiao's head gently and said hoarsely:
"Don't worry about me. I'm just… too happy. These are tears of joy."
"At first, I never took your words seriously. After all, hadn't I once resolved to lift the Begonia's curse myself? My mother tried. My grandfather too. But in the end, it all proved hopeless."
"I've just experienced too many disappointments…"
She had long since given up.
Even with hope before her, she kept reminding herself: don't wish for too much. Don't expect miracles. Stay calm.
To others, Ye Qingxian always appeared composed and elegant—perhaps even indifferent to life itself.
Lin Xiao had even thought that if he died from the evil fire, she wouldn't shed a single tear. She'd simply handle the funeral and keep vigil.
But surprise had come too quickly.
Ye Qingxian suddenly giggled.
It was a crisp, clear laugh—strangely familiar.
Lin Xiao thought for a moment that he was hearing an older version of Lingling.
She cupped his face with both hands and smiled mischievously.
"You know… the more I look at you, the more I like what I see."
"Come, let Auntie Ye give you a reward."
Before he could react, she kissed his cheek.
Lin Xiao's face turned crimson.
Ye Qingxian burst into laughter.
"You're great in every way—except that your skin is way too thin. Just like a little girl."
"That won't do. We'll have to toughen you up."
Dugu Bo couldn't help chiming in:
"She's right. You can't accomplish great things if you blush like a maiden!"
"You're six! What are you embarrassed about? Lady Ye speaks the truth!"
"Oh, by the way, since you've tested the herb combo and it worked… when do I get mine?"
He could hardly wait.
Ye Qingxian rose to her feet.
Lin Xiao took the opportunity to slip out of her arms like a man granted royal pardon. How is she so strong? Must be the Soul Emperor thing…
With a smile full of confidence, Ye Qingxian declared:
"The Jade Phosphor Serpent's poison? Why use immortal herbs for that?"
"Poison Douluo, have you never considered that your problem might not be a flaw at all—but rather, your martial soul is simply too powerful?"
"Poison, as a martial soul..."
"I'd love to see what it looks like… after evolution."