Sunset Forest
It did not take much time for Tang San and Tang Hao to arrive at the depths of the Sunset Forest, where ordinary soul masters dared not tread.
The air gradually turned heavy as they reached the area with thick, poisonous green miasma that drifted like ghostly fog. The vegetation here was twisted and discolored, leaves curling unnaturally, their surfaces glistening faintly as if coated in venom. Even the ground beneath their feet appeared corroded, emitting a faint hissing sound when stepped upon.
Tang San halted and looked ahead solemnly.
"Father," he said in a low voice, "this is the poisonous barrier developed by Dugu Bo. It is designed to keep both soul beasts and soul masters away from this location."
As he spoke, Tang San took out a jade bottle from his Twenty-Four Bridge Moonlit Night. Inside were several dark-green pills.
"These are antidote pills I refined earlier," Tang San added. "They can neutralize the outer layer of the poison long enough for us to pass through safely."
His gaze then sharpened.
"A character like Dugu Bo should not be allowed to hoard such a natural treasure for himself," Tang San said grimly. "The Yin Yang Ice Fire Well does not belong to any individual."
Tang Hao followed Tang San's gaze and looked at the swirling poisonous mist with calm disdain.
"Don't worry, San," he said casually. "This place will soon belong to us."
There was no arrogance in his tone—only absolute certainty.
Tang San was about to hand over the antidote pills when Tang Hao waved his hand dismissively.
"No need."
Tang Hao scoffed lightly.
"A Titled Douluo has his inherent pride," he continued. "Dugu Bo will never tolerate someone trampling over his territory. Once provoked, he will surely come out on his own."
Tang San paused, then nodded. He understood his father's reasoning.
If a battle broke out inside the poisonous barrier, it would be troublesome. Fighting outside was far better.
Tang Hao stepped forward.
Soul power surged from his body like a tidal wave. He opened his mouth, his voice amplified by pure soul power, rolling across the forest like thunder.
"DUGU BO, YOU WRETCH!"
"STOP HIDING INSIDE YOUR POISONOUS BARRIER AND COME OUTSIDE!"
----
Near the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, two figures sat cross-legged on opposite sides of the terrain shaped by extreme yin and extreme yang.
One side was scorching hot, the ground cracked and faintly glowing red, while the other was deathly cold, frost creeping across black stone like silver veins. Steam rose continuously as the two extremes clashed and fused, creating a surreal and otherworldly scene.
The two soul masters were Jun Wuhen and Chu Yue.
Their breathing was steady, their soul power circulating. With every cycle, the aura around them grew purer, denser—far beyond what ordinary cultivation grounds could offer.
They had been brought here by Jiang Mo after their journey from the Breaking Clan.
Now that they had formally joined Spirit Hall, and more specifically pledged allegiance to the Elder Hall, their status was no longer ordinary. And this place—
A treasured land housing countless immortal herbs, was naturally one of the best cultivation sites imaginable.
Jun Wuhen recalled the events of that day clearly.
Dugu Bo stood silently, his arms folded within his green robes. Poisonous mist lingered faintly around him, yet not a single wisp dared to approach the two youths.
Before leaving, Jiang Mo had turned back to the two.
"You both cultivate here under the guidance of Senior Poison Douluo," Jiang Mo said calmly. "I will go find someone who can properly determine which immortal herbs are most suitable for your bodies in Heaven Dou City."
His tone carried no doubt—only certainty about that person.
After that, Jiang Mo departed for Heaven Dou City with Tian Yue,.
Jun Wuhen slowly opened his eyes. For a brief moment, doubt flickered in their depths.
'Someone who understands immortal herbs…'
His thoughts turned quietly.
'Are there really others besides Yang Wudi and Chrysanthemum Douluo who have such deep connections with Jiang Mo?'
From his memories, neither of those two were currently in Heaven Dou City.
The question lingered in his mind, but was cut short by a shout.
Tang Hao's thunderous shout echoed through the valley like a rolling storm, its sheer force shaking the poisonous miasma at the edge of the barrier.
Both Jun Wuhen came out of his thoughts and Chu Yue was instantly jolted out of her cultivation.
Their circulating soul power faltered for a fraction of a second.
Before either of them could react—
Whoosh!
A streak of emerald light flashed past them.
In the blink of an eye, Dugu Bo had already appeared in front of the two, his figure solid and imposing. The faint poisonous aura around him surged instinctively, as if responding to a provocation that dared to challenge his territory.
His expression was calm, but his eyes were cold.
"Kids, don't worry," Dugu Bo said indifferently, waving his hand as if brushing away dust. "Just some idiot who came here to piss me off."
The corners of his lips curled slightly, carrying a trace of disdain.
"I'll take care of it right away."
As he turned to leave, he suddenly paused, as though remembering something. Without looking back, he added casually:
"You are Yanyan's friends, aren't you?"
After dealing with the intruder outside, he intended to vent some of his curiosity.
"After I come back, tell me about her life in the academy. That girl…"
His voice dropped slightly, carrying a rare hint of concern.
"I feel like she's hiding many things from me."
Before Jun Wuhen or Chu Yue could reply—
Whoosh!
Dugu Bo vanished again, his presence dissolving into the poisonous mist as though he had never been there at all.
The surroundings returned to silence, broken only by the bubbling of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.