Chapter 94: Sunset Forest
Time flew swiftly, and a month had passed since Zu Zong returned to Heaven Dou City.
During this month, Zu Zong's life was simple—attending his teacher's lectures on occasion, completing daily cultivation, and spending weekends accompanying Xiao Wu in the city.
Every few days, he would also travel to the Qin's Moon world, heading to Yunmeng Mountain's Ghost Valley to seek sword guidance from Xuan Jian and deliver supplies.
Under Zu Zong's Nine Yang Divine Art soul power, Xuan Jian's injuries healed completely in a single day.
Incidentally, Wei Zhuang—the so-called "Number One Show-off of Qin's Moon" and Zu Zong's second uncle—was captivated by Xuan Jian's skill and often challenged her. The result was always defeat.
Later, upon learning Zu Zong was studying under Xuan Jian, Wei Zhuang challenged him as well. They competed using only sword skills, but against Zu Zong's Sharingan insight, Wei Zhuang lost even more miserably.
Zu Zong learned much of Wei Zhuang's Horizontal Sword technique. In fact, nearly every move Wei Zhuang had displayed was now mastered by him, leaving the show-off doubting his own abilities.
Early one morning, the Emperor Battle Team gathered as usual in the bamboo forest behind the mountain.
Zu Zong sipped his tea and scanned the group, noticing that everyone was present except Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng.
A month ago, on the way back to Heaven Dou, Zu Zong had hinted to Dugu Yan that she might already be poisoned, hoping to lure out Dugu Bo. His aim was to reach the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
But after returning, Dugu Yan vanished. No one had seen her for a month, and even the academy's teachers were unaware of her whereabouts.
Yu Tianheng, meanwhile, had spent the month in seclusion attempting to break through to level forty. Whether he had succeeded was unknown.
Over the past two months, everyone seemed to be improving together, each breaking through by a level. The pressure from Zu Zong and Xiao Wu was immense.
Xiao Wu was the most impressive. She had broken through to level thirty-four just over two months ago, and now was already level thirty-five.
Even Zu Zong, calm as he was, found it remarkable. Her Transformation Pill had clearly boosted her cultivation talent.
Despite his own hard work, Zu Zong had yet to reach level forty. Xiao Wu, however, advanced as if it were nothing.
Still, he felt that his breakthrough was near—just a matter of time.
At that moment, Qin Ming and Yu Tianheng arrived, both smiling.
A quick probe told Zu Zong that Yu Tianheng had indeed reached level forty.
Qin Ming smiled at the group. "I didn't call you here for training. Last night, Tianheng broke through to level forty."
The group congratulated him warmly.
"Boss, congratulations!"
"Boss is amazing, breaking through to level forty so quickly."
Zu Zong nodded. "Congratulations, Tianheng. You're the first among us to reach level forty."
Yu Tianheng's pride faded slightly. Though he was the first, it had taken him over half a year to advance from level thirty-nine.
For most, gaining a level above thirty-five within six months was exceptional. But Zu Zong and Xiao Wu advanced with ease.
Yu Tianheng smiled wryly. "With praise like that, I don't know whether to be happy or cry."
Zu Zong didn't linger on it. His greater concern was Dugu Yan—she was key to acquiring immortal herbs.
He changed the topic. "Where's Yan Zi? I haven't seen her in over a month."
Yu Tianheng slapped his forehead. "Ah, I nearly forgot! She went to see her grandfather and asked me to request a month's leave. I thought I'd only be in seclusion for a few days, but a month passed before I knew it, and I forgot all about it."
Zu Zong nodded to himself, his gaze sharpening for a brief moment. "It seems Dugu Yan went to speak with Dugu Bo to learn more about her situation and perhaps confirm what I told her."
At the mention of Dugu Yan's grandfather, Xiao Wu's curiosity was instantly piqued. She tilted her head slightly and asked, "Who is her grandfather? Is he someone important?"
Yu Tianheng's expression became solemn, the casual air around him replaced by a hint of respect. "Her grandfather is none other than the Poison Douluo, the Bilin Douluo—renowned as the most fearsome master of poisons across the continent."
"Titled Douluo?" Xiao Wu blurted in shock, her eyes widening. Even without her soul beast aura, the very title stirred fear deep within her. Memories surged unbidden—memories of her mother's final moments, surrounded and struck down by several Titled Douluo.
Zu Zong reached out and clasped her hand, his voice soft but firm. "It's alright. I'm here."
"Mm." Her reply was faint, her tone quivering as she fought back the lump in her throat.
Yu Tianheng glanced between them in confusion. "What's wrong with her? Hearing the name Poison Douluo shouldn't scare someone this much."
Zu Zong replied evenly, "It's nothing serious. Xiao Wu went through a great tragedy when she was young. This just brought back painful memories."
"Oh… I see. My condolences," Yu Tianheng said quietly, deciding against pressing further.
Qin Ming, sensing the shift in atmosphere, broke in with a cheerful tone. "Alright, enough with the formalities. Go get yourselves ready. In one hour, meet at the school gate—we're heading to Sunset Forest to help Tianheng acquire his fourth soul ring."
As the group dispersed, Zu Zong and Xiao Wu wandered along a shaded path through the academy grounds. Since neither of them needed to pack, they let the time pass in a slow walk, the gentle rustle of leaves above them contrasting with Zu Zong's thoughtful silence.
His mind was already working through the possible outcomes of their journey. The chances of meeting Dugu Bo were high, and if they did, the old poison master would certainly demand answers about detoxification.
Zu Zong also intended to secure immortal herbs from him—a task that could take a month or more, depending on the man's mood.
After a long pause, Zu Zong turned to her. "Xiao Wu, I may have to leave for a while during this trip."
Her face drained of color. "Where are you going? If you're leaving, I'm coming too."
Zu Zong shook his head slowly. "If we encounter Dugu Yan's grandfather in Sunset Forest, he may insist I stay and help him with something. I could be there for several months."
The instant Dugu Bo's name hung in the air, Xiao Wu's eyes welled with tears. "No. Then let's not go to Sunset Forest at all. I just asked around—Poison Douluo is terrifying. His temper is unpredictable, and he poisons people over the smallest slight. I won't allow you to put yourself in danger."
She tightened her grip on his right arm, holding on as if her strength alone could keep him from leaving.
Zu Zong made no move to break free. Instead, he gently brushed aside the strands of her hair disturbed by the wind, letting a small, reassuring smile touch his lips. "This time there won't be any danger. And when I return, I'll have a big surprise for you. Trust me, Xiao Wu."
She sniffled but nodded. "Mm… but promise me you won't die."
"Relax," Zu Zong chuckled, his tone light yet confident. "I'm not the sort to act invincible, get beaten to a pulp, and survive only because of some protagonist's luck. I'll come back to you in one piece."
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