Lin Xiao's idea was no more than a rough concept—there was still a long way to go before it could be realized.
Yet Dugu Bo was brimming with interest. Anything related to poison fascinated him. He had long been collecting deadly toxins and researching new combinations of poisons, a pursuit he relished beyond all else. Aside from cultivation, nearly all his spare time was spent in toxicology experiments. Now, with this sudden change in research direction—one far more profound than anything before—he was completely engrossed.
Dugu Bo was hooked!
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly:
What a pity! This kid Lin Xiao only knows a bit about poison, but his ideas take such unique paths—so ingenious they feel like the real way forward. It makes me doubt whether all my past research was wrong.
Sending him to school is such a waste. He'd be better off staying with me, catching little snakes, scorpions, and centipedes. We could train for a couple of days, do some research together—wouldn't that be fun? And if he gets bored of poison, he could study martial soul theory instead.
His Phoenix Martial Soul evolution alone could be the subject of a thesis! Compared to those self-proclaimed 'masters' peddling nonsense in the marketplace, Lin Xiao's work would be far more impressive and valuable.
"I need some time to think this over," Dugu Bo said, the excitement slowly fading as he furrowed his brow in thought.
Lin Xiao nodded in agreement.
"There are still three days until classes begin at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
"Aunt Ye knows I'm with you, Senior Dugu. We can return on the day school starts."
He planned to use the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to cultivate.
In truth, the energy of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was far denser than the outside world, and thanks to its remote location—hidden deep within jagged mountains and steep ridges—it was ideal for focused cultivation.
"No, you're coming back with me a day early," Dugu Bo said suddenly.
Lin Xiao looked at him, puzzled.
Dugu Bo was usually as elusive as a dragon, either staying secluded in the Yin Yang Well or venturing out in search of rare poisons. His eagerness to return must mean something important was afoot.
Dugu Bo explained:
"There's an auction at the Heaven Dou Auction House. I need to go back. They've got something I need, and the organizer is holding it for me. I'll be picking it up that day."
"Oh right, Lin Xiao, do you want to come with me to the auction? If you see anything you like, I'll buy it for you."
How generous!
Lin Xiao's eyes lit up. He'd long known that Title Douluo were incredibly wealthy. Even one emerging from the deep mountains would find wealth and power naturally gravitating toward them once people knew their rank.
Still, Dugu Bo's extravagance went far beyond what Lin Xiao had imagined.
"You've got a deal!"
Lin Xiao agreed immediately. Though he had a small stash of gold gifted by the "little rich girl" Shui Bing'er, it would vanish in no time at the Heaven Dou Auction.
And besides, he was reluctant to spend Shui Bing'er's money.
He preferred to save it—for sentimental reasons.
Over the next two days, Dugu Bo busied himself with his toxic experiments, while Lin Xiao trained his soul skills across perilous mountain ridges and sheer cliffs.
He focused primarily on refining his second soul skill.
The successful development of the Flameburst Phoenix hadn't dulled his curiosity. Lin Xiao was still pursuing ways to evolve his flame-based techniques.
If he remembered correctly…
Xiao Huo Huo had a technique called Burst Step.
Its purpose was to deliver a sudden burst of power, often used to momentarily boost speed—but it could also make a punch hit harder.
Though the flame patterns from Lin Xiao's Flameburst Phoenix Body weren't as powerful as those manually infused with soul power, they had the advantage of instantaneous activation and unpredictability.
"And the principle behind Burst Step," he thought, "is to harness explosive energy to generate thrust. This doesn't conflict with other movement techniques—but maintaining precision at that speed is tough. It requires continuous directional adjustments and extreme reflexes and control."
"In the short term, I won't be able to layer it with other footwork. I'll stick to straightforward applications. But for now, that's enough."
"One day, if I can combine Burst Step with other movement-type soul skills, I'll be moving like a ghost in the night."
All martial arts under heaven, speed is the only unbreakable law.
Aside from the bedroom, this rule applied everywhere. Simplicity was the ultimate truth!
Two days passed.
Dugu Bo appeared silently.
He gazed toward Lin Xiao's location and saw the red-haired youth leaping between cliffs like a mountain goat, bouncing between crags with ease—dashing from summit to base, then bounding back up again.
Lin Xiao moved swiftly and gracefully for the most part. Occasionally, Dugu Bo's sharp eyes caught him smacking his head into rocks—but he didn't seem to feel a thing. He simply kept training, using Burst Step on the cliffside as though it were routine.
Hmm… must have activated his Obsidian Jade Phoenix form—practically crash-proof.
"So fast?"
Dugu Bo was visibly impressed.
Even Soul Elders or Soul Kings would struggle to move so fluidly along these cliffs. And the sheer explosiveness of Lin Xiao's acceleration—it completely defied logic!
He kept silent, his emerald eyes fixed on Lin Xiao's movements. After a moment, something clicked.
"This is Flameburst Technique?!"
Lin Xiao's figure surged forward. His physique was more robust, a flame-shaped mark burned on his brow, and fire patterns glowed along his arms—this was unmistakably his second soul skill: Flameburst Phoenix Body.
So this is another use for Flameburst?
Dugu Bo suddenly had the urge to crack Lin Xiao's head open and see what was inside. How did this kid come up with so many wild ideas?
And not only were his concepts bold—they worked. He didn't hesitate to try things out. Worst of all, he kept succeeding!
Lin Xiao hadn't noticed Dugu Bo's arrival.
In just two days, he had mastered the fundamentals of Burst Step—thanks in large part to the Obsidian Jade Phoenix form, which turned him into a legendary crash-test champion.
It was like learning to ride a bike. Fear of falling slows you down. But Lin Xiao's form offered both physical immunity and pain resistance. He wasn't afraid of the burning shock of repeated Flameburst kicks or smashing his head on rocks.
With no fear of injury, how could he not learn fast?
He went from flailing wildly to precise control. Only occasional head bumps remained, and Lin Xiao believed his Burst Step was now ready for combat.
As for refining it further or aiming for mastery… that could wait.
One bite at a time—that's how you eat a meal!