Chapter 11 – Two Years in the Valley
Chen Dugu – Age: 6 | Rank: 11 Spirit Master
(First Ring: Venom Purge)
Time in the Poison Valley blurred together. Days bled into nights, but Chen's routine was constant — train, refine, study, and grow stronger.
The Library of Heaven's Path quietly guided every step, revealing flaws in his breathing techniques, energy cycles, and even his sparring forms. What would take another genius months to understand, Chen mastered in days.
Mornings were spent cycling his spirit power, afternoons studying venoms and antidotes with Dugu Bo, and evenings sparring with Yan, her movements growing sharper with every bout.
---
By his seventh birthday, Chen had already reached Rank 15, his spirit energy pure and stable, his foundation flawless.
By eight, the Library's assistance had pushed him past the first bottleneck entirely, his cultivation smooth and unimpeded.
> Rank: 20 Spirit Master
Age: 8
Second Ring Compatible. Advancement advised.
---
When Chen finally informed his grandfather, Dugu Bo stared at him in silence for a long moment, then let out a slow, dangerous grin.
"Eight years old, Rank 20… You're not a brat. You're a monster."
Yan blinked, jaw slack, before throwing an arm around Chen's shoulder.
"Guess that makes me the monster's twin! Let's go hunt something amazing for your second ring!"
Dugu Bo chuckled darkly, eyes sharp but proud.
"The thousand-year Emerald Serpent will do. It'll test your control… and if you can handle it, your poison will evolve to another level entirely."
---
Chapter 12 – Hunt for the Second Ring
Chen Dugu – Age: 8 | Rank: 20 Spirit Master
(First Ring: Venom Purge)
The air outside the Poison Valley felt different — thinner, freer, and buzzing with life. For two years, Chen had been building his foundation in quiet seclusion, cultivating under the careful watch of his grandfather and twin sister.
But the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well had been his true treasure. Guided by the Library, Chen had refined dozens of rare herbs into perfectly balanced tonics. Each dose strengthened his body, tempered his meridians, and deepened his poison affinity — without a single side effect.
Now, at only eight years old, his spirit power burned with calm, stable intensity.
Rank: 20 Spirit Master
Foundation: Perfectly Tempered
Status: Ready for Second Ring Advancement
Dugu Bo strode ahead of them, green robes fluttering, his hands clasped behind his back.
"You've got the talent, brat," he said without looking back. "And that body of yours… Hmph. No one in this continent has your poison resistance. Even I'd have killed for a foundation like that at your age."
Yan smirked, skipping beside Chen. "Don't let it get to your head, little brother. You still lose to me three out of ten times."
Chen only smiled faintly. "Eight out of ten, if we're being honest."
She pouted. "Ugh. Don't remind me."
After hours of travel, they reached a marsh deep in the Star Dou Great Forest. The air was heavy with venomous miasma, the perfect habitat for their target: the Emerald Serpent, a thousand-year spirit beast renowned for its potent venom and speed.
Dugu Bo halted, eyes narrowing. "There. Ahead. Do you sense it?"
Chen closed his eyes, extending his senses. The Library guided his perception, mapping every fluctuation in the poisonous air.
"…Thirty meters northeast," Chen said calmly. "Coiled near the water. Its core venom reservoir is unstable — it's molting."
Dugu Bo's grin turned feral. "Perfect. A molting beast will be slower. This'll be your fight, boy. Show me what those two years weren't a waste."
The serpent erupted from the water in a blur of green scales and venomous mist, eyes glowing with primal fury.
But Chen didn't flinch. His first ring lit up — Venom Purge — creating a thin veil of toxin control around him. The beast's venom was stripped from the air before it could even touch him.
"Fast," Yan warned, her eyes tracking the serpent's movements.
"I know," Chen said, calm as still water. His body moved fluidly, guided by countless corrections from the Library. Every step, every breath, every twist of his wrist was flawless.
Dugu Bo watched, pride swelling in his chest. His grandson wasn't just talented — he was terrifyingly precise.
Minutes later, the serpent collapsed, immobilized by its own reflected venom.
Chen walked forward, placed a steady hand on its head, and exhaled. "Thank you," he murmured before striking the final blow.
As the ring drifted into him, Chen sat cross-legged, letting the Library guide the fusion. There was no pain, no turbulence — only smooth, perfect integration.
Second Ring Obtained:Emerald Fang
Age: 8 | Rank: 20 → 22
Ability Unlocked: Venomous Fang Strike – compresses refined venom into a single, piercing attack capable of corroding defenses.
When the glow faded, Chen stood, flexing his fingers as venomous energy pulsed through his veins. "It's stable," he said.
Dugu Bo clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder, grin sharp and proud. "Hah! That's my grandson. With that foundation and that ring, even a Spirit Grandmaster will have trouble against you."
Yan groaned, throwing her hands up. "Great. Now he's going to be insufferable."
Chen only smirked.
Chapter 13 – Silent Burden
Chen Dugu – Age: 8 | Rank: 22 Spirit Master
(First Ring: Venom Purge | Second Ring: Emerald Fang)
The marsh behind Poison Valley rang with the sharp snap of poison mist exploding in the air.
Chen exhaled slowly, letting his second ring's power flow into his fingertips. A concentrated bolt of venom hissed through the clearing, dissolving a boulder into steaming rubble.
From the side, Dugu Bo watched with arms crossed, his sharp eyes narrowing.
"Your control is improving," he said. "But your venom compression is still… clumsy."
Chen wiped his forehead. "I know. I need more refinement."
"Then refine it," Dugu Bo barked. "In battle, one breath too slow will get you killed."
Chen nodded, but something tugged at the edge of his senses. The Library hummed faintly in his mind, detecting faint irregularities — not from him, but from the man standing across the clearing.
That night, the valley was quiet.
Chen sat cross-legged in the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well's outer chamber, circulating spirit power while refining a mild herb solution. But the Library wouldn't stay silent.
Flaw Detected: Dugu Bo's internal toxin accumulation is nearing a critical threshold.
Symptoms: Sporadic poison backlash, circulation disruption, cellular erosion.
Prognosis: Deterioration will accelerate within one year.
Chen's eyes snapped open. "...Grandpa."
The next morning, during a spar, it happened.
A flicker.
Just a flicker — but Dugu Bo's movement faltered for a single instant. His poison aura rippled violently, like a beast trying to escape its cage.
Chen froze.
"Grandpa," he said quietly, stepping closer. "You're suppressing it again, aren't you?"
Dugu Bo scowled, waving a dismissive hand. "It's nothing. Don't look at me like that, boy. I've lived with this poison for decades."
"Exactly," Chen replied, his voice steady but cold. "And you've been letting it eat away at you. If you keep suppressing it instead of stabilizing the backlash, one day you won't get up."
Yan's head whipped around, eyes wide. "What do you mean? Grandpa—"
"Quiet, Yan." Dugu Bo's tone was sharp, but there was no real heat. He turned back to Chen, eyes narrowing. "And what do you plan to do, brat? Fix what even I couldn't, with your two little rings?"
Chen met his gaze without blinking. "Yes."
For a long, tense moment, there was only the whisper of the marsh. Then, slowly, a sharp grin broke across Dugu Bo's face.
"…Hah." He barked a laugh, though his eyes gleamed with something softer, almost proud. "Fine. Play with fire, boy. But you'd better not burn yourself in the process."
Yan scowled, crossing her arms. "You two are both insane."
"Maybe," Chen said, lips quirking into the faintest of smiles. "But I don't lose when the Library's on my side."
That night, Chen sat beside the Ice-Fire Pond again, the dual energies swirling around him. His mind raced with formulas, dosages, and precise timing.
Objective Established: Stabilize Dugu Bo's poison backlash.
Initial Approach: Gradual detoxification and meridian reinforcement.
Required Materials: Tier-2 neutralizing herbs, Ice-Flame Lotus essence, stabilized Emerald Vine.
Estimated Success Rate: 73%.
Chen's hands tightened into fists. "Then I'll make it a hundred."
The Library pulsed in agreement.
Chapter 14 – First Treatments
Chen Dugu – Age: 8 | Rank: 23 Spirit Master
(First Ring: Venom Purge | Second Ring: Emerald Fang)
The Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well was silent but alive.
Twin forces — freezing yin and searing yang — pulsed around Chen as he moved carefully along the pond's edge, harvesting herbs. His fingers hovered just a hair above the stalks, guided by the precise corrections of the Library.
Optimal Harvest Detected
Cut angle: 43 degrees
Preservation method: Immediate sealing in yin-infused water to prevent medicinal decay
He exhaled slowly, knife sliding cleanly through a stem. A stalk of Emerald Vine slipped free, glowing faintly in the dim light.
Later, in the valley's alchemy chamber, Chen worked with clinical focus.
Grinders hummed. Steam hissed. The scent of herbs — sharp, bitter, and sweet — mixed into a heady concoction as Chen infused his spirit power into the brew.
Formula Projection: Yin-neutralizing pill — Tier-2 stability
Estimated Success: 81%
The liquid swirled once, twice, and finally stilled into a thick green paste. He molded it carefully, rolling the mixture into a series of small pills.
"Not perfect," he murmured, studying them. "But it's a start."
The next morning, Chen approached Dugu Bo, who was seated cross-legged in meditation. Yan hovered nearby, her arms crossed and face tight with worry.
"You sure about this?" she asked. "If something goes wrong—"
"It won't," Chen said, his tone calm but firm.
Dugu Bo cracked an eye open, a sharp grin tugging at his lips. "Hmph. You're confident, I'll give you that. Fine, brat. Let's see what you've got."
Chen handed over a single pill. "This isn't the cure. Just a stabilizer. It should suppress the backlash and repair some of the meridian damage."
Dugu Bo popped the pill into his mouth without hesitation.
Yan's eyes widened. "Grandpa—!"
"Relax," Dugu Bo said with a dismissive wave. "If the boy's wrong, I'll just sweat it out. Or blow up the valley. One of the two."
For a tense moment, nothing happened.
Then the poison mist around Dugu Bo's body began to thin, the wild fluctuations settling into a calm, steady flow.
Chen watched intently, eyes narrowed.
Library Report: Toxin instability reduced by 37%
Meridian strain reduced by 18%
Estimated effect duration: 6 hours
"…It worked," Chen said quietly, relief threading through his voice.
Dugu Bo opened his eyes fully, surprise flashing in their depths before softening into something proud. "Hah. You really are my grandson."
Yan's tight posture eased, though she still shot Chen a sharp look. "Next time, explain before you make Grandpa your test subject."
Chen allowed himself a small smile. "Next time, it'll be better. Stronger. This is just the first step."
That night, in the quiet hum of the valley, Chen sat again by the Ice-Fire Pond. His spirit power pulsed steadily, rank 23 and climbing, the herbs subtly tempering his body and accelerating his cultivation.
The Library pulsed a quiet update in his mind:
Progress Recorded:
Subject Dugu Bo — Stabilization Phase 1 successful
Estimated Cure Completion: 38%
Recommended next step: Introduction of Ice-Flame Lotus to cleanse residual toxins
Chen's eyes sharpened. "Then tomorrow, we begin Phase Two."
Chapter 15 – Balancing Venom and Flame
Chen Dugu – Age: 8 | Rank: 25 Spirit Master
(First Ring: Venom Purge | Second Ring: Emerald Fang)
The Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well boiled with conflicting energies.
Steam hissed, ice cracked, and the ground trembled faintly as Chen crouched near the pond's center. Sweat beaded along his brow despite the cold biting his skin.
The Library's calm voice echoed in his mind:
Procedure Initiated:
Step One — Harvest Ice-Flame Lotus (Mature Stage)
Caution: Instability risk — improper timing will cause essence collapse.
Chen inhaled deeply, feeling the steady thrum of his spirit power at Rank 25. Every increment in strength sharpened his control — and today, he needed all of it.
With precise movement, he severed the Lotus at its base and immediately sealed it in a yin-yang infused jade box.
"Phase Two," he whispered.
That night, in the alchemy chamber, Yan sat nearby, watching nervously as Chen worked.
"Do you have to keep testing this on Grandpa?" she muttered. "What if it—"
"Fails?" Chen didn't look up. His hands were steady as he ground the Lotus into a pale-blue paste. "If I don't do this, Grandpa's poison will flare up again. And next time, a stabilizer won't be enough."
Yan scowled but didn't argue further, hugging her knees tightly.
When Dugu Bo entered, his gaze swept the room. He caught sight of the refined Lotus paste and arched a brow.
"So… Phase Two," he said, voice flat but laced with an edge of approval.
Chen nodded once. "This will hurt. But if it works, the backlash will weaken by at least half."
A sharp grin split Dugu Bo's face. "Hah! Pain is nothing. Let's begin, boy."
Inside the Ice-Fire Well's chamber, Dugu Bo sat cross-legged as Chen prepared the treatment. The Lotus-infused elixir glowed faintly in its jade vial, radiating both icy chill and blistering heat.
"Ready?" Chen asked quietly.
Dugu Bo snorted. "Do it."
The moment the elixir slid down his throat, the reaction was instant. His poison aura roared to life, raging violently against the invading energy.
"Hold it!" Chen barked, his second ring flaring with emerald light. Poison threads shot from his palms, weaving into Dugu Bo's body, guiding the chaotic energy through safer meridians.
Yan flinched from the sidelines as Dugu Bo's body trembled, veins bulging dark and green beneath his skin.
Minutes stretched into an eternity.
Then, with a final surge, the raging venom subsided, condensing into a steady hum.
Chen slumped forward slightly, drenched in sweat but smiling faintly.
Library Report:
Toxin instability reduced by 62%
Meridian erosion halted
Host vitality improved
"…It worked," Chen breathed.
Dugu Bo opened his eyes slowly, and for the first time in years, his gaze was clear — sharp, unclouded by poison haze.
"You…" His voice cracked for an instant, but he recovered quickly, smirking. "Hah. You're more dangerous than me, brat."
Yan rushed over, glaring at both of them through the tears welling in her eyes. "You idiots… you could've died, Grandpa. And you—" she jabbed a finger at Chen, "—you pushed too hard again!"
Chen met her glare with calm eyes. "It was worth it."
Later that night, Chen sat alone at the pond, spirit power circulating smoothly as the dual energies nourished his body. His breakthrough to Rank 26 was inevitable — and soon.
The Library pulsed in his mind:
Progress Recorded:
Subject Dugu Bo — Stabilization Phase Two complete
Cure Completion: 78%
Recommended next step: Full detox with triple-herb convergence
Chen smirked faintly, eyes glinting in the dual light of flame and frost.
"One step at a time," he murmured. "Grandpa first… then Rank 30."
Chapter 16 – A Grandfather's Pride
Chen Dugu – Age: 8 | Rank: 26 Spirit Master
(First Ring: Venom Purge | Second Ring: Emerald Fang)
Dugu Bo – Title Douluo | Rank: 92 → Rank: 93
The valley was silent except for the faint hum of the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well.
Chen knelt at the edge of the pond, carefully laying out the final set of herbs: Jade Scorpion Root, Scarlet Nine-flame Grass, and a pristine stalk of Snow Lotus.
The Library's calm tone pulsed in his mind.
Final Detox Procedure: Triple-herb convergence confirmed.
Host compatibility: 97%
Expected Result: Full removal of venom backlash.
His small hands moved with confidence. The herbs dissolved into a luminous liquid, swirling with both yin and yang energies until they formed a crystal-clear elixir.
"Grandpa," Chen said softly. "It's ready."
Dugu Bo sat cross-legged nearby, his poison mist unusually calm. Yan stood close to his side, chewing her lip nervously.
The old man snorted. "No need to look at me like that, brat. If I've survived my own poison for decades, I can handle your little tea brew."
Chen didn't smile this time. "This is different. Once it starts, you can't stop. And if you lose control, even for a moment…"
Dugu Bo waved a dismissive hand. "Then you'd better keep me under control. Let's get this over with."
The moment the elixir touched Dugu Bo's tongue, the reaction was immediate.
His aura erupted violently, a swirling vortex of emerald poison clashing with purifying ice and flame.
"Grandpa!" Yan cried out.
"Stay back," Chen barked, already moving. His second ring flared, emerald threads of poison control weaving around his grandfather, guiding the chaotic surge through stable meridians.
The Library pulsed warnings in his mind:
Energy surge detected. Stabilization required.
Risk of cultivation collapse: 42% → 18% → 7%…
Sweat rolled down Chen's neck, but his focus never wavered.
Then, with a sound like a snapped cord, the turbulence stilled.
When the mist cleared, Dugu Bo's aura was… transformed.
Cleaner. Denser. No longer chaotic, but sharp and lethal in its precision. The oppressive weight of a Rank 93 Title Douluo pressed down on the valley like a storm.
Chen exhaled in relief, legs trembling slightly from the exertion.
Yan's eyes were wide. "…Grandpa, you— you broke through."
Dugu Bo stared at his hands, flexing them slowly. For the first time in decades, there was no lingering ache, no whisper of venom corroding his veins.
A slow grin spread across his face. "Hah… I'd forgotten what it felt like to be whole."
Then, before Chen could react, Dugu Bo stepped forward and pulled his grandson into a crushing hug.
"You little monster," the old man rumbled, his voice thick with pride. "Not only did you save my life… you gave me back my strength. You've done something even I thought impossible."
Chen stiffened for a moment, then relaxed into the embrace. "…We're family, Grandpa. You've done enough for me. It's my turn."
Dugu Bo laughed, the sound rough but full of unrestrained joy. "Family, huh? Then listen carefully, brat. From this day on, no one touches my grandson without answering to me. Not gods, not sects, not anyone."
Yan, watching the scene, smiled through her tears. For the first time in a long while, their valley felt less like a cage and more like a home.
That night, over a rare family dinner, Dugu Bo spoke with absolute certainty:
"Chen," he said, eyes glinting with sharp pride, "when you reach Rank 30, I'll take you myself to find your third ring. We'll hunt something worthy of you. Until then, you train with me every day. No excuses."
Chen met his gaze, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Deal."
Yan groaned, though the corner of her lips twitched upward. "Guess I'd better get used to having two poison-obsessed maniacs in the family."
Later, alone in the quiet valley, Chen sat by the pond again, letting the well's opposing forces temper his body. His spirit power pulsed stronger, more stable, coiling at the brink of Rank 27.
And in the distance, Dugu Bo meditated, his aura now a steady storm at Rank 93 — whole, powerful, and sharper than ever.
Both knew it:
This was only the beginning.
Chapter 17: The "Disgusting Candy"
Chen sat cross-legged at the edge of the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, his breathing slow and measured. Spirit power flowed through his meridians like a calm river, but he could feel the resistance — that subtle wall signaling the bottleneck at Rank 29. One more step, and he'd break through.
"Brat," Dugu Bo called, tossing a small jade box his way. "Catch."
Chen snagged it midair and raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"
"Something… special," Dugu Bo replied with a smirk. "Cost me more than some sects' entire treasuries. Don't waste it."
Yan, perched nearby with her chin resting in her hands, perked up. "Ooo, is it candy?!"
"Disgusting candy," Dugu Bo muttered under his breath.
Chen flipped the box open. A pungent, musky aroma wafted out, almost making him gag.
And then, the Library's calm voice rang in his mind:
Item Identified: Glue Whale Gum
Primary Use: Libido and stamina enhancement.
Hidden Effect: Strengthens meridians and energy channels, raising safe absorption limits by approximately 500–700 years per ring.
Chen froze. Libido booster? Really, Grandpa?
Yan wrinkled her nose. "Ew! It smells like dead fish! Why would anyone eat that?"
Dugu Bo coughed into his fist, his expression strangely stiff. "Adults eat it. For… reasons. But for your brother, it'll help him handle stronger spirit rings without tearing his veins apart."
Chen shut the box and gave his grandfather a wry look. "You had no idea about the hidden effect, did you?"
Dugu Bo snorted. "Tch, details. You think I'd feed you poison without checking it first? Just chew the damn thing."
Training Montage
That night, Chen sat at the well's edge again, the bitter taste of the gum lingering on his tongue as the potent medicinal essence seeped into his veins. His meridians burned, then cooled, expanding under the combined effect of the gum and the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well.
Hours blurred into days.
Each session left him feeling sharper, faster. The circulation of his spirit power became smoother, almost frictionless. His poison control, already exceptional, grew frighteningly precise — to the point where he could weave his toxins into delicate patterns on the surface of his skin.
Yan watched from a distance, wide-eyed. "Brother… you're glowing."
Dugu Bo, arms crossed, simply nodded with quiet pride. "That's my grandson. A little monster in the making."
By the end of the week, Chen opened his eyes mid-cultivation. His gaze was sharper, his aura heavier — refined.
The Library's voice chimed again:
Update: Host's current meridian durability allows for safe absorption of spirit rings up to 5,000 years at Rank 30.
Chen exhaled slowly, a smile tugging at his lips. "Five thousand years, huh? Looks like the world's not ready for me yet."
Dugu Bo clapped a hand on his shoulder, grin sharp as a blade. "Then let's make sure we're ready to prove it."
Chapter 18: Foundations and Rising Currents
The Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well glimmered under the moonlight, a sacred duality of opposites swirling in harmony. On the bank, Chen knelt beside Dugu Bo, hands glowing faintly with controlled spirit power.
"Slow your breathing, Grandpa," Chen said calmly, his voice steady but authoritative. "Let the herb essence circulate to your extremities first — don't fight the burn."
"Tch," Dugu Bo grunted but obeyed, sweat trailing down his weathered brow as the refined medicinal power coursed through his veins. The Library's perfect guidance meant there was no wasted energy, no risk of imbalance.
When the final pulse of poison aura dissipated, Dugu Bo exhaled and sat up, his sharp eyes brighter, clearer than they'd been in decades. His spirit power surged — the aura of a Title Douluo brushing against the edges of another minor breakthrough.
"Kid," Dugu Bo said, a slow smirk tugging at his lips. "You're making this old man feel young again."
Chen grinned back. "Good. The stronger you are, the safer we'll be when I start attracting trouble."
"Brat," Dugu Bo snorted, but there was nothing but pride in his eyes.
Training with Yan
On the other side of the well, Yan was drenched in sweat, her small hands trembling as she tried to keep her spirit power circulating. Her venom aura flickered erratically, sometimes forming tiny arcs of green light, sometimes sputtering out.
"Breathe, Yan," Chen called out. "Not too fast, not too slow. Let it flow naturally."
She pouted but followed his instructions, and slowly, her aura stabilized — calm and even.
The Library's voice echoed in Chen's mind:
Subject Identified: Dugu Yan
Current Rank: 20
Compatibility: Emerald Serpent line. Potential for dual support-assassin build detected.
Chen's eyes softened. His little sister had done it — Rank 20 at barely eight years old. Faster than most geniuses in the empire.
Yan opened her eyes and grinned, pride written all over her flushed face. "Brother! Did you see? I did it! Rank twenty!"
Dugu Bo barked out a laugh and ruffled her hair. "Good girl. You'll make the Dugu name proud."
Chen's Tipping Point
Later that night, as Chen cultivated alone by the well, the familiar, clinical tone of the Library rang in his mind.
Warning: Spirit power saturation approaching limit.
Predicted breakthrough to Rank 30 within 72 hours.
Safe absorption limit: 5,000 years due to enhanced meridians.
His eyes snapped open, a sharp glint in them. Rank 30. The threshold that would push him past ordinary Soul Masters — and closer to the monster he aimed to become.
"Grandpa," he said the next morning, voice steady but charged with anticipation, "it's time. I'm about to break through."
Dugu Bo's gaze sharpened instantly. "Finally, huh? Good. I've got a place in mind where the right beasts gather. You'll need a partner beast worthy of you."
"And me too!" Yan chimed in, hopping forward with a wide grin. "I want a second ring! A strong one!"
Dugu Bo chuckled darkly. "Fine. Looks like this hunt just became a family outing."
Chapter 19: Leaving the Valley
For the first time in years, the heavy mists around Poison Valley parted.
Chen stood at the entrance with a calm expression, his sharp eyes sweeping over the endless forest that stretched toward the horizon.
To his right, Yan practically bounced in place, her eyes wide as she clutched a small satchel.
"Brother, Grandpa, look! Real trees! And the sky looks so big outside!"
"Brat," Dugu Bo grumbled, adjusting his robe. "They're the same trees and the same sky you've seen every day. Just less poison in the air."
Yan puffed her cheeks. "Hmph, you're just grumpy because you don't like walking."
Chen chuckled softly, stepping forward. "Come on, Yan. Let's stay close to Grandpa. The outside world isn't as safe as the Valley."
The Journey
The three moved silently through the dense forest, their pace brisk but unhurried.
Dugu Bo led the way, his aura suppressing nearby spirit beasts without even trying.
Even the bravest beasts slunk back into their dens as they sensed the poisonous pressure of a Title Douluo.
Yan's eyes sparkled at every new sight — a flock of colorful birds, a cluster of glowing mushrooms, even a pair of spirit rabbits darting between roots.
"Brother, are those edible?" she asked, pointing at the rabbits.
Chen's lips twitched. "Technically, yes. But no. Focus on your spirit power circulation instead of snacks."
Dugu Bo snorted. "Let her look. Better she learns what's prey and what's predator before something mistakes her for a meal."
Library's Whisper
As they traveled, Chen quietly activated the Library of Heaven's Path.
Environment Scan:
Spirit Beast Density: Moderate
Optimal Soul Beast Candidates within range: None
Note: Higher-ranked zones located 200 li east; danger rating: High.
He narrowed his eyes. They'd have to travel deeper for the right beasts — especially for his Rank 30, 5,000-year-compatible third ring.
Family Moment
That night, they camped near a shallow stream. Yan hummed happily while roasting skewered fish over a small fire.
Dugu Bo sat nearby, arms crossed, pretending not to watch his grandchildren while his sharp eyes scanned the perimeter.
"Brother," Yan said between bites, "when we find my next ring, can it be something pretty? Like those colorful birds?"
Chen smirked. "Pretty won't keep you alive, Yan. Something with poison or agility will suit you better."
She pouted, but didn't argue. She trusted her brother's judgment more than her own excitement.
Dugu Bo chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry, brat. Whatever beast we pick for you will make even those birdies look like trash."
Chapter 20: The First Hunt
The forest grew thicker as they ventured deeper. Shafts of sunlight cut through the canopy, but the shadows felt heavier, more alive.
Chen's eyes sharpened as the Library's voice whispered in his mind:
Detected Spirit Beast:
Species: Scarlet-Horned Serpent
Age: 800 years
Danger: Low for current host level
Recommended Action: Subdue, observe, or harvest materials.
His lips curled into a faint smile. "Grandpa, Yan. Company ahead."
Yan perked up, excitement flashing in her green eyes. "Really?! What kind?"
Before Chen could answer, the underbrush ahead exploded.
The Ambush
A scarlet serpent, thick as a barrel and twice as long, lunged from the bushes with a hiss, venom dripping from its curved fangs.
Yan froze. The snake's aura — low by the world's standards — still radiated a pressure that made her heart pound.
But Chen didn't even flinch.
His figure blurred, steps precise and calm. A faint layer of poison coiled around his arm like a living thing, honed and controlled.
"Stay still," he said, voice steady.
With a single motion, he lashed out — his poison coating a precise strike to the serpent's seven-inch vital point.
The beast convulsed once, then collapsed with a dull thud, its eyes glazing over.
Reality Check
Yan blinked, her small hands gripping her robe tightly.
"That… that could've been me," she whispered, realization dawning on her.
Dugu Bo, leaning casually against a tree, smirked. "And that's why you don't wander off, brat. Out here, hesitation kills."
Chen crouched beside the dead serpent, carefully extracting its venom sac and core with practiced precision. "Consider this a lesson, Yan. Spirit beasts aren't like pets in the Valley. Out here, you're either the hunter or the hunted."
Yan nodded quickly, swallowing her fear. "I… I'll get stronger. I don't want to be dead weight."
Dugu Bo's smirk softened into something close to pride. "Good. That's the spirit."
Reflection
As they moved on, Chen examined the core in his hand.
The Library chimed again:
Material Identified: Scarlet-Horned Serpent Core
Uses: Poison refining, minor spirit power enhancement, low-tier antidote bases.
He tucked it into his pouch, thoughts calm but sharp.
One step closer. Soon, a beast strong enough for my third ring will appear. And when it does… I'll be ready.