Even now, Dugu Bo was still somewhat hesitant about whether or not to take Oscar to that treasured place of his after all, it was the very foundation of his current strength.
But recalling that Oscar could refine pills, Dugu Bo hesitated only briefly before deciding to take him there. After all, if Oscar could recognize any of the herbs growing there, it might become something that could help Dugu Yan.
He had no more real regrets left in life his only remaining concern was his granddaughter.
Their entire family had suffered due to the venom of the Jade Phosphor Serpent. He had buried his own child, and Dugu Yan had grown up without the company of her parents.
In his heart, the one he felt he owed the most was Dugu Yan. That was why, in the original story, he doted on her so extravagantly.
Oscar could now clearly see how much Dugu Bo pampered Dugu Yan. At this stage, Dugu Yan was still inexperienced in the ways of the world pure and girlish. The dominant aura of the future "big sister" hadn't yet emerged. This contrast was actually quite endearing.
After all, Dugu Yan had both stunning beauty and an exceptional figure. Whether she became a cold and aloof queen or a shy, lovable girl next door, Oscar found her quite attractive.
It was precisely this that made Oscar plan to start with Dugu Yan. Given her beauty and body, she was top tier.
If he could form a relationship with Dugu Yan, then not only could he potentially gain access to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well he might even end up with a wife out of it.
That would, of course, be the ideal outcome.
As for his canon pairing, Ning Rong rong truthfully, Oscar didn't feel a strong desire for her. If he were to be with Ning Rong rong, it was highly likely he'd end up joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Even if he followed Tang San to godhood, it wouldn't be a life of his own it would be a life lived entirely under the shadow of the clan and Ning Rong rong.
Because Ning Rong rong wasn't just the beloved daughter of Ning Fengzhi she was also his designated successor.
Dugu Yan, on the other hand, was different. She too had a doting grandfather at the level of a Titled Douluo, but Dugu Bo had no power base of his own. Oscar wouldn't be bound by any obligations and would have the freedom to develop himself.
If he could be with Dugu Yan, he'd gain access to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. And with it, Oscar would be completely independent no longer needing to rely on Tang San or anyone else.
If you examine the original story, Tang San's true rise or at least the foundation for it was the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Without it, Shrek Academy wouldn't have succeeded in the tournament, and everything that followed might've turned out differently.
So if Oscar could acquire the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, then the realization of his ambitions would be entirely within reach.
However, Oscar also knew he had less than twenty years to develop himself. In the original, the soul hunting campaign broke out when the Shrek Seven Devils were around twenty, which would make Oscar about 21 or 22.
At that time, Spirit Hall revealed its grand ambitions, and Oscar would be under immense pressure.
Now that the conversation had reached this point, and it was still within the scope of casual chatting, Dugu Bo nodded in agreement.
"If that's the case, then all the better," he said.
"I wouldn't want to take advantage of you. If you can truly refine a pill suitable for Yan Yan, then this old man will agree to grant you one condition. How does that sound?"
Upon hearing this, Oscar excitedly nodded in response.
If it had come from someone else, it might've just been polite talk. But a promise from Dugu Bo was absolutely real and binding. Readers of the original story know that Dugu Bo had a clear sense of gratitude and grudges.
Though this was the real world now, not fiction, Oscar could still feel the sincerity in Dugu Bo's words.
Someone like Dugu Bo wouldn't stoop to toying with a youngster like Oscar. After all, face was extremely important for a Titled Douluo.
"I don't have the ingredients on hand," Dugu Bo continued, "but I have a treasure trove. It might take some of your time, but I'll bring you to see it. If you can find something suitable there to refine a pill for Yan Yan, my offer still stands."
Hearing this, Oscar's mind buzzed a treasure trove?
Could it be the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?
Oscar was suddenly overwhelmed by excitement and confusion. He had thought it would take a lot of persuasion to convince Dugu Bo, but the man had outright offered to show him the place?
To confirm his suspicions, Oscar casually asked,
"Senior, your treasure trove is probably in Heaven Dou City, right? I actually wanted to visit there anyway, so if it's on the way, then it's not really a delay."
"And if I can help you, then there's no need for any conditions after all, I'm friends with Dugu Yan now. Friends should help each other, right?"
Hearing this, Dugu Yan bashfully smiled and murmured something like "sorry to trouble you."
Dugu Bo, of course, understood that Oscar was just being polite and perhaps also sincere. But polite or not, it was still pleasant to hear.
However, the treasure trove was not in Heaven Dou City. It wasn't even remotely on the way. So Dugu Bo explained:
"My treasure is not in Heaven Dou City, but it won't take too much 's in the Sunset Forest, only about a half day's journey from here."
Hearing that, Oscar maintained a calm facade and casually replied:
"Even better, then."
But internally, his heart was pounding like a war drum.
A treasure trove… in Sunset Forest… with rare herbs. What else could it be?
There could only be one answer: the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Oscar was utterly stunned by how easy this was. He thought he'd need to scheme or manipulate events to get in but all it took was a bit of grilled meat and small talk?
In the original story, Tang San had been knocked unconscious and nearly killed by Dugu Bo before he got there. That experience was nerve wracking and dangerous.
Compared to that, Oscar's journey was like a lucky stroll through paradise.
But this difference was due to timing. Oscar had simply been too lucky.
More than that, Oscar happened to match Dugu Bo's preferences in a young man he was talented, respectful, and had useful skills. That favorable impression led Dugu Bo to act differently.
Mindset determines thought. Thought determines action.
Even though Oscar was exploding with excitement inside, he made sure not to show a hint of it on his face. If he gave himself away, he might lose this opportunity forever.
Suppressing his inner delight, Oscar continued to discuss things earnestly with Dugu Bo asking questions and showing his sincerity. And the more they spoke, the more Dugu Bo appreciated the boy.
Good talent, good attitude, good heart.
In Dugu Bo's mind, wasn't this the perfect grand son in law?
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