As the food cooked, the others began to arrive. Tang Nuan was the first to arrive. She stepped into the cave with an annoyed look. Her gaze fell on them quickly; she also smelled the cooking food.
She walked over falling into a chair next to them. "You three reached your limits as well. Yuan this place really is as difficult as you described. Nor did I find that herb." she told them allowing part of her exhaustion to leak. This place was actually able to push her easily.
Tang Yuan sighed at that, "That figures. I had no idea it would be like this. Still, we'll find it eventually." After all, it was an incredibly important herb for them. Though he was uncertain how it would work in their world.
The Earth Dragon Golden Gourd was a particular immortal herb. Its effects were earth-aligned, also with the power to purify dragonic bloodlines. This made it a tantalizing option for their family. What he had learned of it from this world supported those aspects.
"Of that I have no doubt. Especially with how Yue Guan is currently acting. He's found his paradise in this place; dragging him away will be difficult." Tang Nuan wondered how long he could endure the well. It seemed he had greater resistance as a plant soul master.
She opened her mouth then closed it. Turning her gaze towards the well's location sensing it. "It would seem I will be congratulating Yue Guan." She turned her senses toward his location.
"Dammit that Chrysanthemum Guan!" an agitated yell came from the kitchen area. Dugu Bo seemed to have sensed something as well. Causing him some annoyance at losing to his rival in some way.
Tang Yuan strained his own senses. Trying to sense what they had sensed. "I can sense whatever it is you have. The well is too overwhelming for me." like a loud sound covering a quieter one. So he considered it for a moment, "Did Senior advance?"
Tang Nuan glanced at her son nodding. "Yue Guan has advanced to level 87. Cultivating here must have provided the final push." It was another thing granted by this garden.
A few minutes later Yue Guan himself stepped into the space. His head held high, an air of smugness around him. He glanced around the space seemingly looking for something, or someone. He turned toward the kitchen "So Dusy is cooking; I'll go help him!"
Everyone watched as he moved towards the kitchen. His bearing revealed his intentions easily. It was a chance to brag and annoy his rival.
Gui Mei had silently entered the room as well. Choosing to stand slightly in the shadows in a more secluded part of the space. His gaze remained on them attentively as he held his silence.
Minutes passed a food began to fill the table. Each of them did not hold back quickly partaking. As they ate more food was added to the table. Consumed along with flower wine and Dugu Bo's own created wine.
It was this environment that Tang Chen entered into. A full hour after they had already begun eating. He wasted no time in sitting down beside his wife. Surprisingly nor did he pause in beginning to eat.
Tang Yuan glanced at his father. The stronger one became the less food, drink, and sleep were needed. His father rarely consumed so much food. Unless he had been suitably pressured by battle, or perhaps.
"Does cultivating at the Well benefit even you my husband?" Tang Nuan asked a bit surprised. For a Limit Douluo to be affected was no small feat.
Tang Chen finished the plate of food before him. A small stack had started to accumulate beside him. "It can; the spring is powerful. With time I could improve my body. Albeit with constant exposure over a long period." After speaking briskly he returned to consuming food.
The more experienced understood immediately. His body was able to progress through exposure. Yet it would have minimal effect on soul power. At least for now that was the case. Still, it would allow a Limit Douluo to make even a hint of progress.
"Then should we discuss things moving forward?" Chrysantheum spoke up growing more serious. They had discovered so much treasure here. Especially considering the herb he had found earlier.
Tang Nuan glanced at Chrysantheum. He seemed rather eager to reach an agreement. Did they have the weight to do so though? This seemed like something the Pope or Supreme Elder should decide. Especially with her husband being present.
Tang Chen narrowed his eyes in thought. This place and its treasures could alter the Clear Sky Clan's very Fate. Perhaps it would allow them to make several steps forward. But it could also be their undoing if they weren't careful. "Speak," It was a single word laced with powerful presence.
Chrysanthemum tensed slightly at that. It seemed Tang Chen was serious about this. However, if he gave his word now the agreement would be set. "How about we pick herbs one by one? Until we each have a set number. Does that work for you?"
Tang Chen considered that proposal. It was ideal, especially considering Soul Hall's own power. In fact, it was almost a bit too generous. Yet he lacked understanding of the herbs to be at the head. "Very well, Tang Yuan I shall trust you with deciding the herbs."
Tang Yuan nodded with some surprise. Though he was inwardly glad that he was chosen. "Very well. First how many herbs each; secondly how should I choose? How should I prioritize clan, or my own ideas?"
Tang Yuan already had ideas for how he would choose them. He couldn't be entirely selfish either. Others would need to benefit as well. So he was hesitant considering how his choices would be.
Tang Chen glanced at his son noticing the conflict. "Choose them as you see fit." On one hand, the elders might be dissatisfied. Yet his son had already brought tangible benefits to the clan for years. Including this place as well.
Tang Yuan nodded as he prepared himself. Turning to Yue Guan, "Then how many herbs will we each choose?" That would determine which herbs he obtained.
Yue Guan considered his targets. "I say five for now if you agree. Your side can go first." Doing this would show respect to Tang Chen. Once more he was confident his choices would not be taken.
"Very well five, that sounds fine for now." Tang Yuan acquiesced, inwardly considering his choice. "I could acquire those two now. Do I risk that they might want them instead?" At least the Infernal Delicate Apricot might be usable to them.
No first off he would eliminate two herbs from contention. "I would like to eliminate the Aromatic Silk Beauty and Snow Swan Kiss. Making it so neither of our groups can take them. The latter is too dangerous, and the former too useful." Better that they remain here for now.
Yue Guan considered that possibility. It eliminated the danger of the Snow Swan Kiss being used at all. "What about the Aromatic Silk Beauty? You want to have it remain at this location then." He certainly wouldn't complain about being able to use it.
Tang Yuan nodded in response. "This place needs protection, and also tending to. Senior Dugu Bo is here, along with his poison barrier. I hope to have Senior Wudi also see to this place as an alchemist. You have similar designs for yourself yes."
Yue Guan looked at Tang Yuan with surprise. Not only admiring his own plans, but seducing his as well. "Sigh, yes I hope to request an assignment here," he admitted freely.
Tang Yuan smiled at that. "Dugu Bo a poison master, Yang Wudi an alchemist, and yourself a master of plants. An ideal combination to handle this garden. Still, we have gotten off topic." he returned to the original matter.
"Yes to the original question. I agree not to request either herb." The benefits were ideal to them after all. "So, which herb do you choose first?"
"For our first herb, I desire the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew." An herb that was always a priority. Using it he could also consume another more easily.
Yue Guan showed a few moments of hesitation. Then his face firmed as he spoke "We desire the Sacred Solar Lotus as our first choice."
Tang Yuan was surprised at the choice. Partially because he had never heard of the herb. Still to request it of all herbs first meant it was important. Sacred a term of holiness, along with solar being in the name. "The Seraphim," he deduced inwardly. Likely intended for Qian Xunji to absorb.
"I'm surprised that's your first choice. Our second choice will be the Infernal Delicate Apricot." Now he would also have to acquire its counterpart.
Everyone present was surprised at the choice. He was the one to warn them about that herb. Yet now he was choosing it as a choice why?. Tang Chen's gaze grew thoughtful; there was something about this.
Chrysanthemum inwardly mused, "he must know something in particular about that herb. A way to use it." He found himself curious about the method. Still, he continued, "Next, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum." he relaxed slightly as he secured that herb.
Tang Yuan had long expected that choice. It was the most ideal herb for the manner after all. "Our third herb will be the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass." They now had the twin herbs for forging the body of ice and fire.
Chrysantheum's eyes narrowed. "Methods for both herbs then," he mused inwardly. Outwardly he made his next choice, "Our choice is the Nether Spider Lilly."
Tang Yuan found it another unfamiliar herb. Likely for Gui Mei considering the word nether. The fact it was a spider Lilly only added to that possibility. An herb based on either darkness or on death perhaps both.
"My fourth choice is the Black Jade Divine Bamboo. Your turn next Senior," he spoke even as his mind wandered. The bamboo would suit either Yang Wudi or Ah Yin best.
"Then for our fourth choice the Pure Untarnished Lily." Chrysanthemum glanced momentarily at Bibi Dong. A smile grew on his face as the fourth herb was secured.
Tang Yuan furrowed his eyes at that. "What's that herb's effect? The others I can assume the intentions." considering its name maybe purification of the body.
"It's as the name implies. It purifies the body from top to bottom of impurities. While also helping to cleanse the mind. Finally, it grants an Untarnished body to keep purity." Yue Guan explained patiently now that the herb was theirs.
Considering that, Dong'er was perhaps the best suited. Both of her martial souls had powerful instincts, and darker attributes. Making it an herb ideal for her use. Partially to protect her from other things, but also from her own power.
"My final choice will be the Beautiful Sill Tulip. With it, our five herbs are decided." Tang Yuan let out a breath of tension. One of them could consume the herb, or use it for bargaining. The Seven Treasure Clan would give at least an arm and a leg for it.
Finally came the fifth immortal herb, "the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower." Yue Guan chose it as the last herb of their agreement. Leaving their profitable exchange to an end for now.
With the short exchange done their group simply returned to eating. Though each found themselves distracted by the Immortal herbs. How would consuming them change them? How great would the benefits be? Tang Yuan found himself considering the herbs as well.
The next day found their group mostly refreshed. Unfortunately, the house was not a comfortable space. Even with special care taken it was simply too small. Still, it was better than the forest outside.
Tang Yuan learned that they would be splitting into two groups. Yue Guan, and Gui Mei would remain at the well. They would begin absorbing their immortal herbs. A process that would likely last hours if not an entire day.
Meanwhile they the second group would return to the city. Where they would split up further. Each of them had their own objectives to see done.
So their larger party began the return journey. They moved through the forest much faster this time. Partially because the route was simpler this time around. Arriving after a few hours back to Dugu Bo's primary abode. Their party chose to rest for a few minutes in the mansion.
Dugu Bo took the chance to have a conversation. Approaching Tang Chen, "I have come to a decision regarding the offer." He had thought about it for a while. In the end, a perfect solution was too tempting. Especially one that would allow his family to go farther.
Tang Chen could see his choice in his eyes. Still, he asked regardless to hear it out loud. "Then what have you decided?" He turned his gaze onto the man before him.
"I Dugu Bo will join under you and your son. My word is given, but I shall never be a dog or chained servant." He locked gazes with the Limit Douluo. Despite the fact that the man could break him in half.
Tang Chen nodded in respect for that resolve. A man should keep his word, but not be broken by it. "You are already a Soul Douluo rivaling our elders. For the most part, you will remain here in Heaven Dou. My son's idea was a good one."
"The well will likely fall under our clan's and Spirit Hall's power. You and Yang Wudi will remain for our side." That would give them presence at the well. Then who would his friend place at the well for Spirit Hall?
Tang Chen turned his gaze to Dugu Bo. He was a good addition to their clan. So he pulled a scroll from his storage belt. "This is a training method; practice it for a while. Then you can attempt it properly." He told the man as he handed the scroll over.
Dugu Bo wasted no time opening the scroll. He began reading the described method with interest. Eyes narrowing it was a form of control exercise, or self-created soul skill. After completing one step you practiced it or the further steps.
Tang Chen stepped from the room as Dugu Bo began studying. He quickly found the others sitting together. "I'm going into the city. I will see what materials I can find."
"Then I will take the children to the arena. It might be a while till they can enter it after the herbs." Tang Nuan was still unsure how they would handle that. A sudden increase of multiple levels that would be eye-catching.
It depended on how extreme the increase turned out. Her son said that it could range from five to six levels. Tang Nuan realized she may have been too hasty. Perhaps they should have waited to enter the arena.
"It will be fine," Tang Chen reassured his wife. After all, few would dare risk their wrath. At least if they feared discovery of their actions.
Tang Nuan smiled despite how she felt about it. Leave it to her husband to have such a lax view. Such was the right of the truly strong she supposed. She frowned, "I will spread a few rumors just in case."
Tang Chen recognised that his wife was being protective. She hoped to reduce the attention on them. Speaking of Herbs, "Have you decided on an Immortal Herb. Consuming one will no doubt be beneficial to you."
Tang Nuan frowned conflicted. She had already learned of the most ideal herb. Yet in the end, "the Herb that best suits me is likely the Land Dragon Golden Melon. However, Yuan should consume it instead." He was still so young and so talented. What could he become with the most ideal herb?
Tang Chen hummed at that answer. Though he didn't support her choice this time. "I believe he has his own plans. With those two herbs of fire and ice." he had his suspicions after he asked for both of them.
"He told us that they were poisonous. Then he chose to acquire them after all. That legacy must have held a secret method." Tang Nuan had wondered that idly as well. What her son intended to do with them.
"He asked for both of them. There was also how we cultivated in the well." Tang Chen believed these two things revealed his son's intentions. But could he consume both of them?
Tang Nuan thought about her husband's theory. It made sense. Their son would not have chosen them without reason. "Then I will ask him about it. If he has no need then I will use the herb."
As her words fell the two of them stepped from the room. Tang Chen left the manor first heading into the city. To find whatever materials he could.
Tang Yuan found himself glancing at the sides of the street. He had been a bit surprised when they took a different route. At first, it was simply another route likely to a different arena. Then they stepped into another district of the city.
Fragrance began to faintly fill the air. Flowers were also a common sight in around the buildings. Women walked along the street with men, or kept themselves visible. Groups had things in common such as jewelry, the color of their garments, flowers, and symbols.
Tang Yuan was certain that they had stepped into the red-light district. These women were courtesans. Each symbol represented a different house. He spotted at least a dozen of them easily.
Tang Yuan tried to keep his gaze forward. Despite the temptation to glance at the girls around them. Still, he saw girls escorting men hand in hand. As if they were on romantic dates; perhaps that was indeed the case.
They moved through the district quickly. Until they stepped into a large open area. Normally such a space would be a mostly open square. Instead, the space was a well-maintained park he wanted to call it.
They moved through the park area. Grass, trees, flowers all these things filled the area. Along with benches and pavilions most in use by pairs of men and courtesans. An entire date spot outside of the arena.
Tang Nuan glanced at the atmosphere. "They have agreements with the Arena. Soul Masters celebrate victories with drink or drown the sorrows of defeat." She explained calmly to her charges. Glancing at them to gauge their reactions.
Dugu Xin's eyes wandered between the courtesans. A noticeable interest there at the sight of so many women. Especially when more than one woman returned his gaze.
Her son had also gazed at the women. Though he had since returned his gaze forward. Interested in the sights around them, but not especially much. She wondered whether that was control, or because of the girls.
Speaking of the girls she glanced at the two of them. Ah Yin looked around uncertainly; she really was sheltered. With Bibi Dong, it was more noticeable. She was awfully concerned about where he was looking.
Tang Nuan's lips curled upward at the sight. She had learned a bit from this already as expected. Next the arena, this area had a tendency towards charm users. Along with those trained by the wealthiest houses.
Their group stepped into the arena as Tang Nuan walked to the counter. She began to converse with the women there. The two talked for several moments before coming to an agreement.
Tang Yuan watched as his mother walked back. He voiced his curiosity, "What was that about?"
Tang Nuan glanced at her son with a slightly mischievous smile. That smile was rarely good. "I was seeing if I could affect your matches. I asked for you to be paired with certain types of opponents, if possible."
Tang Yuan wondered what she meant by certain opponents. Something about this particular area caused it. "Does it have something to do with the courtesan houses?" he remembered shows like Demon Slayer or Apothecary Diaries.
In those cases, courtesans were often trained extensively. Singing, dancing, instruments, makeup, and more besides. Each individual attracted customers, most however maintained their chastity. Instead keeping the customer happy or talking with them.
Eventually, a man paid a price to the house. The woman became his mistress, wife, or servant. The price increased as more and more people vied for the courtesan.
That thought made him realize something. There was something of overwhelming value in this word. Soul Power and martial soul, which could also be trained. Soul masters were known to enter brothels as well.
Once more this arena how many soul masters moved through it. How many stepped into the arms of a courtesan? Children were conceived with soul power and then trained as courtesans. Not only that they also came here to attract attention, and train.
Tang Nuan watched as her son had his realization. She hadn't even really strongly hinted at it. "Yes for a courtesan bearing the child of a soul master. That is something sought after. After all the child too might be a soul master."
She turned her gaze towards the others. Dugu Xin looked uncomfortable, more on edge now. He would likely avoid the girls now. Ah Yin seemed to only vaguely understand.
As for Dong'er she at first tried not to react. However, the small frown along with the storm in her eyes. Those betrayed hints of her true feelings. After all, she had seen some of the darkest parts of this world.
Tang Nuan increasingly found reasons this was a good idea. Not only for training against these sharpened opponents, and facing charm users. But also to show them a hint of the darkness even here. With one final reason.
Dong'er's heart had daggers in it. They had been exposed by the Mental Place Technique. Now they could see if they could glimpse them. Taking the chance to try to weaken them. Perhaps her friends would do that if they caught a glimpse.
Tang Nuan as her son and Ah Yin noticed Dong'er's tense state. She almost smiled, but stopped herself. "Now then I will tell you your matches. Yuan and Xiao Xin, and Dong'er and Ah Yin will be two teams."
Tang Yuan stepped onto the arena field, Dugu Xin a step behind him. This was a silver-level match meaning difficulty. The two looked around the arena before glancing at their foes.
One was a young woman in her early twenties based on her appearance. Long flowing hair with several rose-like ornaments. Along with a mature form emphasized by her dress. She had a slightly seductive air to her.
The girl with her seemed slightly younger than him. She had black hair past her shoulders. Upon her face was a red mask covering parts of her features. Her black eyes held a fierce and powerful spirit in them.
Her clothes were even more form-fitting than the other girls', and her skirt was shorter too. The girl moved back and forth on her feet. There was an anxious eager energy to her movements, her eyes locked on them. She was most likely a melee-oriented attacker.
Tang Yuan made his own assessments of them. "The younger girl is likely a melee fighter. I will engage her in battle if so. The other is a charm user I believe, and also longer-range." he informed Dugu Xin of his initial assumption.
"How can you tell?" Dugu Xin glanced at him in question. Though he already placed some trust in those statements. His friend had made correct assumptions before.
"The younger one's clothing and the air about her. She actually reminds me of my mother slightly. The older girl possesses a slightly seductive feel." Those were the clues that led to his theories. Of course, there was likely more than that to them.
That was when the announcer spoke up. "Ladies, and of course gentlemen. We have a silver-ranked battle, and this is a betting match. I trust everyone has placed their bets." Her voice had a certain musical quality to it. Making it enjoyable to hear.
Then she began her announcement of the sides. "On one side Poisoner rank 32, and Golden Hammer who is also rank 32. The former has one victory, and the latter has three victories." She waved her hand at them.
Then she pointed to the other side. "On this side we have Charming Rose rank 38, and Red Dragon rank 28. It seems these girls have both the highest rank and the lowest. With that said, let the battle start." The announcer's voice rose higher at that.
Tang Yuan frowned slightly at their opponents. A two-ringed soul master, in this match. But in contrast, the other had six soul levels on them. Once more the weaker one had a dragon martial soul? "This could go either way honestly."
Charming Rose smiled a sweet smile directly at them. A beautiful red rose cupped in her hands. The woman cupped her hands to her mouth blowing on it. "Second Skill: Sweet Aroma Charm," she spoke as a sweet scent rapidly spread.
Tang Yuan eyes widened but it was already too late. The scent entered his nose quickly. He tried to step away, but its range seemed wide. His body began to feel hazy, and his body began heating up. Charm at least, but also an aphrodisiac effect.
Dugu Xin despite being a poison user also suffered. The effect spread slightly slower. Yet the haze still began to affect him.
Charming Rose did not stand idle. She activated her skill once more, and then again. The initial effect needed reinforcing before they adapted. Smiling as she watched the two boys struggle with the scent.