Chapter 18: Dugu Bo, Refreshed and Rejuvenated

Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Dugu Bo, Refreshed and Rejuvenated The Earthfire Lizard. A group-dwelling soul beast with a brown body covered in patterns resembling flowing magma. It is said that if its cultivation breaks through ten thousand years, it has a chance to evolve into an Earthfire Dragon. Possessing a trace of dragon bloodline, its main attribute is fire, and it excels in defense. Its flames are not overly violent, and it also carries a hint of earth attribute. This type of soul ring would provide a solid foundation for Lin Feng’s future soul meridian construction. Lin Feng did not take the two immortal-grade herbs, the Ice and Fire herbs. First, because he didn’t need them at the moment, and second, time didn’t permit it. More importantly, these were reserved for Qian Renxue’s opportunity. Although the Infernal Delicate Apricot and the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass could forge an indestructible body, immune to fire and water, their extreme energies would disrupt the balance within Lin Feng’s body. More importantly, Lin Feng didn’t want his body to be transformed by external forces. He preferred to grow stronger through his own cultivation and the evolution of his martial soul. Qian Renxue, on the other hand, was different. She possessed the divine Six-Winged Seraphim Martial Soul, which contained the ultimate attributes of light and fire. The Ice and Fire herbs would have the most significant effect on her. "Innate Treasure Pearl... Breath of Life." The pale golden pearl floated in mid-air. Originally somewhat illusory, it had now become more tangible. A faint mist-like substance began to swirl around it. The first soul meridian in his body had now reached a 700-year level, significantly enhancing the effects of his first soul skill. Putting away the pearl, Lin Feng began to head back. Before he even reached where the Chrysanthemum Douluo and Dugu Bo were, he heard Dugu Bo’s triumphant roar. "Hahaha! Broken Chrysanthemum, my martial soul has evolved! The toxins are gone, and my soul power has reached level 90. Within a week, I will definitely break through to Title Douluo. When that happens, I’ll make sure to grind you into the dirt! Hahaha!" Dugu Bo laughed heartily, completely oblivious to the meaningful smile on the Chrysanthemum Douluo’s face. The Chrysanthemum Douluo rubbed his wrist. "Oh? So it’ll be harder to beat you in the future, huh? Then I better take advantage of the fact that I can still beat you now and give you a few good whacks!" "Hmph, you think I’m afraid of you? Jade Phospor Dragon Emperor!" Dugu Bo spread his arms, summoning his martial soul. The snake crown on his head now sported two dragon horns. A low roar echoed, carrying a unique and subtle pressure. His larger body no longer emitted toxic mist but instead internalized it completely. The purple-gold scales shimmered, and his serpentine eyes exuded authority. Dugu Bo’s aura underwent a sudden transformation. The vitality that had been weakened by the torment of internal toxins was now rejuvenated, and his aged appearance became vibrant once more. The chaotic energy flow was gone, and the poison contained within his martial soul was now fully under his control. Standing atop the Poison Dragon, Dugu Bo clenched his fists. "Haha, this feeling is so refreshing! The days of constantly suppressing the toxins in my body are over! It feels like a rebirth. From today onward, I, Dugu Bo, will no longer be bound!" The Chrysanthemum Douluo snorted coldly and was about to summon his martial soul to suppress Dugu Bo’s momentum when he sensed Lin Feng approaching. He stopped and mocked, "So what if your martial soul evolved? Your mental realm is still lacking. You didn’t even notice Xiao Feng approaching. If you ever encounter a shapeshifting soul beast, with your mental strength, you probably wouldn’t even be able to see through its true form." "Uh..." Dugu Bo’s face darkened, but he couldn’t refute it. His mental strength was indeed far inferior to soul masters of the same level. "Hmph, consider it your loss! We’ll spar again when we meet at the Spirit Hall." Putting away his martial soul, Dugu Bo approached Lin Feng, his eyes lighting up. After the transformation brought by the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, Lin Feng’s foundation had become even more solid. Combined with the freshness of having just bathed, he looked exceptionally handsome. His sharp eyebrows and starry eyes exuded an air of confidence and determination. His tall and well-built frame moved with steady and powerful steps. At just nine years old, he was a top-tier soul theorist with remarkable soul power talent, good looks, and the favor of the Spirit Hall. What better time to make him a grandson-in-law? Dugu Bo’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he chuckled and released Dugu Yan from the Ruyi Hundred Treasure Pouch. "Grandpa! Yan Yan is mad! Why did you lock me up for so long? Twenty lollipops aren’t enough now! I want... uh, forty! Otherwise, I’ll tell Mom! Huh? Grandpa, why do you look younger? Oh, no, I’m still mad!" As soon as Dugu Yan appeared, she pouted and complained. Dugu Bo awkwardly tried to soothe her. Suddenly, Dugu Yan’s eyes lit up, and she tugged at Dugu Bo’s sleeve, whispering, "Grandpa, is that big brother the same one from before? He looks so good now." Dugu Bo immediately laughed. "Does Yan Yan like him?" Dugu Yan’s face turned red, and she hid behind Dugu Bo, peeking at Lin Feng shyly. "I... I like him." "Then how about Grandpa makes him your husband?" "Huh?" "What?!" "Uh-huh!!" Three completely different reactions followed. She’s just a child! Lin Feng’s mouth twitched as he glanced at Dugu Yan, who was staring at him with starry eyes, and then gave Dugu Bo a disapproving look. "Senior Dugu, please don’t joke around. Your granddaughter is still a child. Besides, I already have someone in my heart. I truly can’t accept this kind offer." Dugu Bo glared. "Kid, let me tell you, I can already feel the signs of my breakthrough. Having a Title Douluo as a grandfather is something countless soul masters would fight for!" Lin Feng shrugged helplessly. Even if Dugu Yan grew up and developed a stunning figure, she still couldn’t compare to Qian Renxue! The Chrysanthemum Douluo placed a hand on Dugu Bo’s shoulder and shook his head. "Old Poison, I suggest you drop this idea. I’m really worried you’ll get beaten up by the girl’s family." Dugu Bo brushed off the Chrysanthemum Douluo’s hand and sneered. "Who are they? Can a Title Douluo be taken down that easily? Let them come. I won’t lose in a fight over a grandson-in-law!" "It’s the Grand Worship’s family." "Oh, never mind then." Dugu Bo chuckled awkwardly. His gaze shifted between Lin Feng and the Chrysanthemum Douluo, filled with regret and reluctance. Dugu Yan, hearing their conversation and seeing Lin Feng’s indifference, couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. She pouted but didn’t say anything. "Xiao Feng, what are your plans next?" "Let’s part ways for now. Senior Dugu, you should focus on solving the martial soul issues for your granddaughter and son. Grandpa Ju, I’ll need your help to hunt a soul beast for me. Its age should be just over a thousand years." "A thousand years?!" Dugu Bo exclaimed in shock. The Chrysanthemum Douluo scoffed. "Don’t be so ignorant. Xiao Feng has consumed immortal-grade herbs. Do you know how precious and miraculous they are? You just refined an Earth Dragon Golden Melon yourself. Can’t you feel it? The physical enhancement from the immortal-grade herbs is more than enough to increase the second soul ring’s limit by a mere hundred years." Then, the Chrysanthemum Douluo sent a mental message. "Xiao Feng, did you properly loot, uh, collect from Old Poison’s herb garden? Are there any more immortal-grade herbs from my guide?" Lin Feng nodded. The Chrysanthemum Douluo’s eyes gleamed, and a smile crept onto his lips. "It’s true. These immortal-grade herbs are truly miraculous. Damn, I got the short end of the stick! You took so many of my plants, and you even got me to promise you two by the spring. They must all be immortal-grade herbs. Cheating me like this, you owe me some compensation!" Lin Feng grinned awkwardly. He had only taken a few of the immortal-grade herbs he needed. He hadn’t gone on a rampage like Tang San, leaving the garden barren. Dugu Bo should be grateful! "Senior, what kind of compensation do you want?" Dugu Bo patted Dugu Yan’s head. "Consider it my loss. When Yan Yan grows up, you can marry her as a secondary wife. How about that?" Lin Feng facepalmed. Your scheming is so obvious, that I can hear it from miles away. Helplessly, he said, "That really won’t work." "Fine, fine. Then just call me Grandpa from now on, okay? You don’t have to formally acknowledge me as your grandfather. It’s just a title." Lin Feng thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright. Greetings, Grandpa Dugu." A faint smile appeared on Dugu Bo’s lips as he nodded in satisfaction. Then, with a confused Dugu Yan in tow, he headed off toward Heaven Dou City. "Alright, we’ll meet again another day!" The Chrysanthemum Douluo was puzzled. "Isn’t Old Poison worried we’ll raid his herb garden?" Lin Feng shook his head. "Two and a half hours have passed. The antidote to bypass the poison barrier has worn off. When it comes to poison, he’s very confident." The Chrysanthemum Douluo sensed this and nodded slightly. Then, he took Lin Feng to the outskirts to search for Earthfire Lizards.