But even so, Dugu Bo still hesitated about whether he should bring Oscar to that hidden treasure land of his, for it was the very foundation of his current strength.
Yet when he thought about Oscar's ability to refine pills, the hesitation in his heart wavered. In the end, he decided to bring Oscar for a look. If, by chance, the boy could identify some of the herbs there, then at least he would have something that could benefit Yanyan.
For Dugu Bo, this life held no regrets except for one—his granddaughter.
The Jade Phosphor Snake venom had plagued their family for generations. He had lived through the sorrow of white-haired sending off black-haired, and Dugu Yan had lost her parents while still a child.
Of all the people in his life, the one he felt most guilty toward was her. That was why, even in the original story, Dugu Bo doted on Dugu Yan so much.
Oscar could see this clearly as well. Dugu Bo spoiled his granddaughter endlessly. At this stage, Dugu Yan was still innocent and inexperienced, behaving like an ordinary girl.
The aura of the domineering "big sister" from the original had yet to form—a sharp contrast that Oscar found intriguing.
After all, Dugu Yan's figure and looks were extraordinary. Whether as a cold, mature beauty or a sweet, bashful girl-next-door, she had her charm. And to Oscar, both were attractive.
Thus, Oscar planned to start with her. If everything went well, he might obtain not only the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, but also a wife.
That, of course, was the ideal outcome.
As for Ning Rongrong, his "canon" fiancée—truth be told, Oscar didn't feel much desire for her. Being with her would almost certainly mean joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Even if he followed Tang San to godhood, his life would revolve around the sect and Ning Rongrong.
After all, Ning Rongrong was not only Ning Fengzhi's precious daughter, but also his chosen heir.
But Dugu Yan was different. Though she had a doting grandfather who was a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo had no clan or sect. That meant Oscar would face little restriction and could fully exert himself.
If he became involved with Dugu Yan, he would naturally gain access to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. With that in hand, Oscar would no longer need to rely on Tang San—or anyone else.
Looking at the original story, Tang San's true rise, his foundation, was the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Without it, Shrek Academy would never have achieved such success in the tournament, and the future might have been entirely different.
Thus, if Oscar obtained the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, his ambitions could very well be realized.
But he also knew that time was short. He had less than twenty years to grow strong, for by the time the Shrek Seven Devils were around twenty, the Spirit Hall's Soul Hunting Operation would begin. That event would reveal Spirit Hall's wild ambitions—and the pressure he would face would be immense.
At this moment, their "casual" chat continued, and Dugu Bo nodded in agreement.
"If that's the case, then all the better. This old man cannot take advantage of you. If you can truly refine pills suitable for Yanyan, then I will grant you one condition. How about it?"
Hearing this, Oscar's heart surged with excitement, and he quickly nodded in response.
Others might treat such promises lightly, but Dugu Bo's word was solid. Anyone familiar with the original story knew how clear his love and hatred were.
And though this was reality, not fiction, Oscar could feel the sincerity in Dugu Bo's voice.
A man like Dugu Bo would never stoop to deceiving a child like him. After all, the dignity of a Titled Douluo was not so easily tossed aside.
"I don't have the herbs on hand right now," Dugu Bo continued, "but I do have a treasure land. I'll need to borrow some of your time to bring you there. If you can find the right ingredients and refine a pill suitable for Yanyan, my promise still stands."
At those words, Oscar's mind buzzed. Treasure land? Could it be… the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?
He was almost overwhelmed with excitement. He had expected to work hard, to use endless words to persuade Dugu Bo, yet here he was—offered an invitation directly!
Still, to confirm his suspicion, Oscar asked with feigned casualness:
"Senior's treasure land should be near Heaven Dou City, right? That's perfect. I was planning to visit the city anyway. It would hardly be out of the way."
"And besides, if I can help Senior, there's no need to talk about conditions. After all, I'm already Yanyan's friend. Isn't it natural for friends to help each other?"
Dugu Yan blushed slightly at that, smiling shyly as she murmured her thanks.
Dugu Bo, though knowing the boy's words might be polite, perhaps even genuine, found them pleasing nonetheless.
However, he shook his head. "My treasure land isn't in Heaven Dou City, nor is it along the way. But it won't delay you long—it's in the Sunset Forest, only half a day's journey from here."
Oscar gave a calm nod, answering lightly:
"Then that's even better."
But inside, his heart pounded. Dugu Bo's treasure land… in Sunset Forest… filled with herbs…
It wasn't difficult to guess. There was only one answer—the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!
Oscar couldn't believe it. His path to that place had been so simple? Just a few roasted meats and a casual chat?
In the original, Tang San had been knocked out, kidnapped, and nearly killed by Dugu Bo before finally gaining entry. The ordeal had been terrifying.
By comparison, Oscar was simply too fortunate.
Of course, this was because their meeting happened at a different time and under different circumstances. But still—his luck was staggering.
What's more, he possessed exactly the qualities Dugu Bo valued: intelligence, talent, and sincerity. That gave the old man not only goodwill, but also schemes of his own. And thoughts determine perception; perception determines action.
Though Oscar's excitement threatened to overflow, he carefully concealed it. If he revealed too much, not only would this opportunity vanish, but he might never get another chance.
So he suppressed his inner fire and conversed earnestly with Dugu Bo. The more they talked, the more the old man admired this youth.
Talent was one thing—but to be so diligent as well?
Wasn't this the perfect candidate for a grandson-in-law?