Chapter 51: Journey to the Sunset Forest
Chen Sheng decided to bring Tang San with him because this was necessary for them.
He asked Dugu Bo to wait, then spread his Hell Wings and left like lightning through the sky. Dugu Bo was confused, watching the young man disappear into the darkness.
Soon, Chen Sheng arrived at the academy and saw Tang San meditating on the roof of his dormitory. Suddenly, Chen Sheng called Tang San through his mind.
Tang San's eyes snapped open. He sensed the mental connection and quickly came down, seeing Chen Sheng standing below, bathed in moonlight.
"Brother Sheng, what happened? It's late at night," Tang San asked, concern evident in his voice.
Chen Sheng said, "We are going to an important place. Don't ask any questions and come with me."
Before Tang San could respond, Chen Sheng spread his wings, picked up Tang San, and flew with extreme speed through the night sky.
Tang San was confused and horrified as the ground disappeared beneath them. The wind roared past his ears, and his stomach lurched from the sudden acceleration.
[DETECTED! Tang San's Emotion (Shock, Fear, Confusion) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
Soon they arrived back at the location where Dugu Bo waited. Chen Sheng landed smoothly and set Tang San down.
"Lead us, Dugu Bo," Chen Sheng said.
Dugu Bo frowned. "Why did you bring this kid?"
Chen Sheng said calmly, "He also knows how to cure your poison. Don't ask more questions."
Dugu Bo looked at Tang San with skeptical eyes. Tang San, recovering from the shock of flight, examined Dugu Bo carefully. Even in the darkness, he could see the signs of poison.
"Your Excellency," Tang San said respectfully, "your poison has reached a critical stage. The symptoms should include rib pain during cloudy weather, and needle-like sensations in your scalp and feet at midnight."
Dugu Bo's eyes widened slightly. This boy was indeed knowledgeable.
"Follow me," Dugu Bo said, turning toward the depths of the Sunset Forest.
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About an hour later, the three of them arrived in front of a mountain peak. Without any rest, Dugu Bo continued to lead them up the mountain path.
The entire ascent was like moving vertically upwards. The path was treacherous, with loose rocks and steep inclines that would challenge even experienced climbers.
Soon, they reached the mountaintop.
The mountaintop was not flat, but a reverse-conical basin. They were on the edge of the basin. Thick hot steam rose from the basin, carrying a faint, unique smell of sulfur.
Tang San couldn't help but ask, "Is there a hot spring here?"
Dugu Bo glanced at Tang San. "You kid really know a lot."
Tang San said, "Your medicinal garden is by the hot spring? That's really a good place."
"Follow me," Dugu Bo displayed his agility, directly leaping down from the dark, bottomless mountain edge in front of them.
Due to the thick fog and night, and the steep cliff face, Dugu Bo's figure disappeared into the mist in the blink of an eye.
Chen Sheng didn't want to climb down the mountain wall. He directly unfolded his wings behind him, preparing to fly down.
"Do you need me to take you?" Chen Sheng smiled at Tang San.
"Brother Sheng, you underestimate me too much. I have my own way of getting down," Tang San smiled. This wouldn't stump him.
"Then I'll go down first." Chen Sheng flapped his wings and flew toward the depths of the basin.
Behind Tang San, purple light flashed as the Eight Spider Lances were released. The two lower lances extended downwards and, with a *thud*, plunged into the mountain wall. Immediately after, the eight spider lances took turns exerting force, carrying Tang San down the mountain wall as if walking on flat ground.
"This little guy actually has an external spirit bone," Dugu Bo was shocked when he saw the Eight Spider Lances behind Tang San. Having an external spirit bone was very rare. Then he thought of Chen Sheng's wings—they must also be an external spirit bone.
Chen Sheng arrived at the bottom of the valley even before Dugu Bo.
His gaze swept around, and he saw the central hot spring. The hot spring water was milky white and vermilion, the two colors distinctly separated, as if something was dividing them in the middle.
So this is the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Chen Sheng thought to himself.
After Tang San came down and saw the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, his expression was somewhat excited. "The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well! It's actually the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!"
Dugu Bo looked at Tang San with some confusion. "Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well? What are you talking about?"
Tang San tried his best to calm his excited emotions and said, "Nothing, I just didn't expect you to have such a good place. This way, I have confidence in treating your poison."
"All my medicinal herbs are planted here, including various poisons and tonics. You can pick them freely, but try not to damage them," Dugu Bo said indifferently, then looked at Chen Sheng. "This place is not suitable for me to heal. There's a cave on the mountain, and I live there."
"Go ahead," Chen Sheng nodded.
"Since this is a deal, I trust Your Excellency will keep his word when the time comes. Otherwise, even if I self-destruct, I'll make sure you taste my power!" Dugu Bo said grimly.
With that, he turned to leave. Chen Sheng watched him go, thinking that ever since he'd beaten and injured him, maybe the old man's brain wasn't working properly.
Seeing Chen Sheng agree, Dugu Bo soared up, tapping his toes on the mountain wall. Like a large bird, he ascended toward the mouth of the valley and disappeared in a blink of an eye.
"He wouldn't just run away, would he?" Tang San said.
"If he ran, it wouldn't be a loss for us. On the contrary, it would show that he is a trustworthy person," Chen Sheng said with a faint smile.
After Dugu Bo left, Tang San could no longer suppress the excitement in his heart. "Brother Sheng, first, thanks for bringing me here. This hot spring is a treasure land, called the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. It can shorten the growth time of some rare plants by ten times."
[DETECTED! Tang San's Emotion (Gratitude, Excitement) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
Chen Sheng smiled and said, "There are indeed many heavenly treasures growing here."
Chen Sheng also possessed extensive ancient medicine knowledge.
Tang San nodded. "I'll go look."
Concentrating his spiritual power in his eyes, his Purple Demon Eyes activated, and the hazy mist could no longer obstruct Tang San's vision.
"Is this a Snow Silkworm?" Not far in front of him, there was a clump of worm-like things. Tang San carefully squatted down and examined it closely.
Snow Silkworms were the finest among winterworm summergrass. Although they couldn't be considered heavenly treasures, the Snow Silkworms in front of him were more than twice the size of ordinary ones, making them very rare.
The Snow Silkworm only slightly excited Tang San, but the flower he saw next made him tremble with excitement.
It was a large pink flower, leafless, with a stem three feet long. The flower itself was huge, with a diameter of a full foot. Each petal looked as clear and transparent as crystal. The light pink flower swayed gently with the mist, growing on the bank where the red and white spring waters met. Even from over ten meters away, one could smell its faint, delicate fragrance.
"Delicate Fragrance Immortal Treasure!" Tang San exclaimed instinctively.
The fragrance of the Delicate Fragrance Immortal Treasure had the effect of neutralizing all poisons. Any poison within its fragrant range would be rendered ineffective. However, it did not possess the ability to detoxify, only to prevent poisoning.
Taking a deep breath, Tang San quickly circled the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. In just a rough observation, he saw seven or eight immortal herbs: "Blazing Apricot Blossom, Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, Wondrous Nine-Sectioned Immortal Bamboo, Cockscomb Phoenix Tail Grass…"
After observing, Tang San excitedly ran over. "Brother Sheng, there are many immortal treasures here. If taken correctly, they will definitely bring great benefits."
Chen Sheng said, "Don't rush with the immortal treasures for now. We've been out for so long, everyone must be worried if they can't find us. I'll go back and report that we're safe."
Tang San said, "Brother Sheng, it will take a lot of time to detoxify Dugu Bo, and this place is very suitable for my cultivation. I plan to stay here for a while. Please tell everyone for me."
Chen Sheng nodded slightly. "I'll go first."
Unfurling his Hell Wings, Chen Sheng flew out of the valley. After leaving the forest, he sped through the night sky back toward Heaven Dou City.
By the time he returned to Blue Tyrant Academy—no, now renamed Shrek Academy—it was almost dawn.
---
Everyone at Shrek Academy had not slept all night after discovering Chen Sheng and Tang San were missing, anxiously waiting.
"Dean Flender, should we go look for Brother San and Brother Sheng?" Xiao Wu's eyes were filled with mist. After waiting all night, she couldn't wait any longer.
"There were no signs of a struggle where Xiao Sheng and Xiao San disappeared. With Xiao Sheng's strength, no one could take him away silently. He must have left on his own. Let's wait a bit longer," Flender said.
"Then why haven't they returned yet?" Xiao Wu cried.
"I'll go find them," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly stood up and said. Although her face showed nothing, her palms were already full of sweat, worried about Chen Sheng's safety.
"No need, I'm back." Just then, Chen Sheng's voice came from outside.
"Brother Sheng!" Xiao Wu happily ran over, checking him over to make sure he was fine.
Yu Xiaogang, not seeing Tang San, asked worriedly, "It's good you returned, but where's Little San?"
[DETECTED! Xiao Wu's Emotion (Relief, Joy, Worry) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Zhu Zhuqing's Emotion (Relief, Concern) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Ning Rongrong's Emotion (Relief, Curiosity) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Flender's Emotion (Surprise, Curiosity,) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Yu Xiaogang's Emotion (Hopeful, Curiosity) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
"Don't worry, Little San is fine," Chen Sheng said.
Flender eagerly asked, "Shengzi, what exactly happened?"
Chen Sheng said, "Dugu Bo tried to capture me last night. I discovered him before he could cause trouble in the academy. Fearing the commotion would be too great, I led Dugu Bo to the Sunset Forest. Then I came back and took Tang San there."
The Grandmaster speculated, "You were reported by Dugu Yan because of her loss, which piqued Dugu Bo's anger toward you, prompting him to infiltrate the academy to capture you. But why did you take Tang San there, and what happened after that? Why hasn't Xiao San returned?"
Chen Sheng replied, "Xiao San found an excellent cultivation spot at Dugu Bo's place and plans to cultivate there for a while."
Yu Xiaogang continued to ask, "What did Xiao San say about when he would return?"
Not seeing his only student, he couldn't help but worry.
Chen Sheng shook his head and said, "I'm not sure, but I suspect it won't be a short time. Maybe half a year."
Yu Xiaogang said with worry and shock, "That's too long!"
Liu Erlong said with some disbelief, "You actually defeated Dugu Bo?"
[DETECTED! Liu Erlong's Emotion (Disbelief) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
Chen Sheng smiled. "Teacher Erlong, are you doubting my strength? How about we have a spar?"
Flender immediately stepped forward to stop him. "Xiao Sheng, it's fine if you spar with us old rough-and-tumble men, but can you really lay a hand on Sister Erlong?"
Chen Sheng spread his hands. "Alright then."
If he were to beat Liu Erlong black and blue, Flender and the Grandmaster would both come after him. After thinking it over, he gave up on the idea.
Flender waved his hand and said, "Alright, now that Xiao Sheng and Xiao San are fine, everyone hasn't slept all night, so go back and rest."
Chen Sheng said, "Dean, I plan to go to the Sunset Forest to cultivate for a period of time."
Flender asked, "When are you going, and for how long?"
He did not stop Chen Sheng's idea. Although Chen Sheng was also a Shrek Academy student, given Chen Sheng's strength, they couldn't teach him much. Chen Sheng had always cultivated according to his own methods.
Chen Sheng said, "I'll leave from time to time and come back."
Flender nodded slightly and said, "Be careful."
Liu Erlong said, "The academy has supplies you might need. I'll have Teacher Yin Shu prepare them for you later."
Chen Sheng thanked her. "Thank you, Teacher Erlong."
"I'll go with you," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly said.
"You too?" Chen Sheng said, somewhat surprised.
"Didn't you say the fusion needs daily practice? If you leave, how will I practice by myself?" Zhu Zhuqing said.
"But the Sunset Forest is very dangerous," Chen Sheng said, somewhat hesitant.
"Even a Titled Douluo isn't your match, so you can't protect me?" Zhu Zhuqing said.
"Alright then." Chen Sheng nodded.
With Zhu Zhuqing going with him, Chen Sheng slightly delayed their departure time. After all, Zhu Zhuqing hadn't slept all night, so he let her rest well first. Once they arrived at the Sunset Forest, getting a good night's sleep wouldn't be easy.
---
Several hours later, after everyone had rested and preparations were made, Chen Sheng and Zhu Zhuqing departed for the Sunset Forest.
At this moment, he was taking Zhu Zhuqing and heading toward the Sunset Forest.
"Traveling like this is too slow. How about I carry you?" Chen Sheng said.
"Mm." Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
Chen Sheng put his arm around Zhu Zhuqing's slender waist. Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment, then finally reached out and hugged Chen Sheng's waist, burying her head in his chest.
Feeling the softness against him, Chen Sheng's lips curled into a smile. He carried Zhu Zhuqing and flew toward the Sunset Forest.
Almost one and a half hours later, Chen Sheng brought Zhu Zhuqing to the location of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
"What is this place?" Zhu Zhuqing emerged from Chen Sheng's embrace, looking at the surrounding environment, feeling it was very peculiar.
"This is a treasure land, but also a dangerous one. With your current strength, you can't stay here for long. I brought you here to help you cultivate," Chen Sheng said.
The area around the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was filled with extreme ice and fire spiritual energy. If someone with insufficient strength stayed too long, they would explode and die.
"Where's Third Brother?" Zhu Zhuqing had just looked around and hadn't seen Tang San.
"In the hot spring." Chen Sheng pointed at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
At this moment, Tang San had already consumed the Blazing Apricot Delicate and the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, and was in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well digesting the medicinal effects of the two immortal herbs. Zhu Zhuqing looked inside and could see a blurry figure.
Chen Sheng naturally brought Zhu Zhuqing here to retrieve immortal herbs.
An hour passed, and Tang San still hadn't come out. Chen Sheng worried that Zhu Zhuqing couldn't withstand the extreme ice and fire spiritual energy, so he took Zhu Zhuqing out of the valley.
"Stay here and don't wander off. There's a poisonous mist guarding the outside, so ordinary spirit beasts can't get in," Chen Sheng instructed.
The outer perimeter was guarded by the Jade Scale Seven Absolute Flower, so as long as they didn't go out, it was relatively safe.
"Mm, come back quickly." Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
Chen Sheng returned to the valley and waited another hour.
Suddenly, an explosion sound came from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Tang San rushed out from inside, his Eight Spider Lances appearing on his back.
Compared to before, they had undergone some changes. Their color had changed from blue-purple to dark red, with circles of white patterns interspersed, like white decorative patterns, making the Eight Spider Lances appear vibrant and dazzling.
Tang San landed on the ground. Before he could fully appreciate the benefits brought by the Blazing Apricot Delicate and the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, he saw Chen Sheng not far away.
"Brother Sheng, you're back."
"Xiao San, Zhuqing is outside right now. I plan to cultivate with her in the Sunset Forest for a while," Chen Sheng said.
Then he walked toward a nearby rock. There, a white, crystal-clear flower-grass grew, looking as pure as a green lotus with white roots.
He recognized it immediately. This flower was Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. It nourished tendons and bones, and cleared the seven meridians and eight extraordinary channels, making it very suitable for Zhu Zhuqing. Chen Sheng carefully plucked the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone using a special method.
Tang San also saw what Chen Sheng plucked and felt curious. "Brother Sheng, do you know what that is? Who needs it?"
Chen Sheng said, "It's for Zhu Zhuqing. It's called Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone."
"Do you know how to use this?" Tang San asked.
Chen Sheng said, "It's easy. First, eat the petals, then absorb the pistil, slowly ingesting its essence into the body, and then activate spirit power to spread the medicinal effects throughout the limbs and bones."
Tang San nodded, impressed by Chen Sheng's knowledge.
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