Chapter 21: Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and the Immortal Herb — The Pope's Decree!
The twilight within the Soul Hunting Forest grew increasingly heavy.
The final ray of the setting sun pierced through the dense canopy of trees.
Lin Qingmo dragged his exhausted little legs as he followed behind Bibi Dong, who was clad in a black robe.
The disappointment on his face was impossible to hide.
"Master, we've been wandering around all afternoon. How come we still haven't found a single suitable evergreen vine-type soul beast?"
Lin Qingmo drooped his head.
Even his blue hair looked somewhat wilted.
Among the plant-type soul beasts they had encountered, either their cultivation years were far too low, only a few decades, or at most one or two hundred years.
Absorbing such a soul ring would simply be a waste of a precious soul ring slot.
Otherwise, their attributes didn't match.
Most of them carried poison attributes or offensive plant traits.
They were completely incompatible with his life-oriented path.
He had originally been full of confidence, thinking that with a Titled Douluo master leading the way, finding a suitable soul beast would be as easy as reaching into his pocket.
Yet after wandering around for most of the day…
His legs were nearly about to fall off.
And still, he hadn't found anything satisfactory.
This could only be attributed to the limitations of the Soul Hunting Forest.
Compared to the truly wild regions, high-quality soul beasts here were far fewer.
Bibi Dong came to a stop.
The shadow of her hood concealed her expression.
"Plant-type soul beasts in the Soul Hunting Forest are already few to begin with. Those with suitable cultivation years and compatible attributes are even rarer."
Her tone carried a trace of gentle consolation that was difficult to detect.
"It's already late. Continuing the search would be meaningless."
"We might as well rest for the night. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the outer perimeter of the Star Dou Great Forest."
"The Star Dou Great Forest?!"
Lin Qingmo's eyes lit up instantly.
All his previous disappointment was swept away.
Excitement sparkled within his blue-silver pupils.
"Master, we're really going to the Star Dou Great Forest?"
The Star Dou Great Forest!
One of the top-tier soul beast hunting grounds on the Douluo Continent.
Not only were soul beast species abundant there, but their cultivation years were generally much higher.
Perhaps he might truly find the immortal herb he had been dreaming of.
Even if he couldn't find an ultimate one—
Finding a high-quality life-attribute soul beast would be very likely!
"Of course it's true."
A hint of a smile crept into Bibi Dong's voice.
"The soul beasts on the outer perimeter of the Star Dou Great Forest aren't too strong."
"With me there, safety won't be an issue."
"And plant-type soul beasts there are far more numerous than in the Soul Hunting Forest. You should be able to find one that satisfies you."
In truth, she had no real intention of continuing to search in this manner for Lin Qingmo's suitable soul beast.
She planned to mobilize the power of Spirit Hall.
"Master, you're just too good to me!"
Lin Qingmo instantly transformed into an overenthusiastic little flatterer, circling Bibi Dong twice.
With a cheeky grin, he switched into full-on praise mode.
"Sister Dong Huang is beautiful and powerful, and you dote on me so much—you're simply the best master in the entire world!"
"When I grow stronger in the future, I'll definitely repay you properly!"
"I'll beat everyone under the heavens for you and make you the most honored person on the Douluo Continent!"
Under the black robe, Bibi Dong was amused by his shameless flattery and let out a soft chuckle.
"Hmph, such a little smooth-talker."
Her cold voice had indeed softened considerably.
"Hehe, everything I said comes straight from my heart!"
Bibi Dong said no more.
With a wave of her hand, several streaks of soul power shot out, clearing the surrounding bushes.
She then casually set up a campfire.
From her storage soul tool, she took out a tent.
"We'll rest here tonight. I'll keep watch."
"Go to sleep early. Get enough rest—we depart at dawn."
"Alright! Thank you, Master!"
Lin Qingmo unceremoniously dove into the tent.
Fatigue washed over him instantly.
"Ha~"
He yawned.
Before long, he fell into a deep sleep.
A satisfied smile still lingered at the corner of his lips.
…
Late at night.
The Soul Hunting Forest was deathly silent.
Only the occasional crackle from the campfire could be heard, along with faint soul beast cries echoing from afar.
Bibi Dong sat quietly beside the fire.
Her black robe fluttered gently in the night breeze.
"Hmm?"
A subtle disturbance caught her attention.
Her gaze landed on the sleeping Lin Qingmo.
Several strands of pale green grass leaves quietly emerged from beneath Lin Qingmo's clothes.
Ah Yin's grass leaves cautiously extended outward, as if probing the surroundings.
They then slowly moved toward Lin Qingmo's head, as though guarding him.
Bibi Dong's eyes instantly turned icy cold.
An invisible pressure descended!
Ah Yin's grass leaves froze in place.
She felt a fatal threat!
Yet she did not retreat.
Instead, she wrapped herself even tighter around Lin Qingmo's wrist.
As if silently protesting—and protecting him.
"You should know who I am."
Bibi Dong's voice carried not the slightest warmth.
"I warn you—do not expose my identity, and do not attempt to interfere in my matters with Ah Qing. Otherwise, I don't mind making you truly disappear, in the literal sense."
"..."
Ah Yin's branches trembled violently, as if expressing fear.
Yet she still stubbornly stretched slightly toward Lin Qingmo.
As though begging Bibi Dong not to harm him.
Seeing this scene, Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Rest assured. I won't harm him for now."
Bibi Dong said indifferently.
"He is the disciple I've chosen. I still need him to tell me more secrets. Naturally, I'll protect him."
"As long as you behave yourself and don't cause me trouble, I can allow you to remain by his side for the time being."
After speaking, Bibi Dong no longer paid Ah Yin any attention.
After scattering some kind of poison around the area, she left.
Ah Yin's branches swayed gently.
As if letting out a sigh of relief.
Yet she remained vigilant, quietly guarding Lin Qingmo's side.
...
Spirit City.
The Pope's Palace.
Bibi Dong had returned.
She removed her black robe.
And immediately issued an order.
"Summon Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and Spirit Kite Douluo for an audience!"
"Yes, Your Holiness, the Pope!"
The guards outside the hall responded at once.
Not long after, A somewhat disheveled figure hurried into the Pope's Palace.
It was Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yue Guan.
Obvious injuries covered his body.
The wounds he had suffered in his battle with Tang Hao had yet to fully heal.
"Yue Guan pays his respects to Your Holiness the Pope."
Yue Guan knelt on one knee.
His heart was filled with unease.
He and Ghost Douluo had been ordered to hunt down Tang Hao.
Not only had Tang Hao escaped—
He himself had been beaten into serious injury.
He feared that the Pope would settle the score afterward.
"Your Holiness, you summoned this subordinate—what are your instructions?"
Yue Guan's voice carried a trace of caution.
Bibi Dong sat upon the throne, her gaze calm as she looked at him.
She did not mention the failure to kill Tang Hao.
Instead, she asked, "Yue Guan, have you ever heard of immortal herbs?"
"Immortal herbs?"
Yue Guan was momentarily stunned.
Why would Her Holiness suddenly take interest in immortal herbs?
But this happened to be his area of expertise.
He quickly raised his head.
A confident smile appeared on his face.
"In reply to Your Holiness, this subordinate does indeed have some understanding!"
"So-called immortal herbs are extraordinary plants that grow in locations where heaven and earth's spiritual veins converge, containing immense energy…!"
Yue Guan launched into an enthusiastic explanation.
From the classifications of immortal herbs to their unique properties, he spoke fluently and in great detail.
It was clear he had conducted in-depth research.
Bibi Dong grew somewhat impatient.
Halfway through his explanation, she raised her hand and interrupted him.
"That's enough."
Yue Guan immediately shut his mouth.
He lowered his head respectfully,
Not daring to utter another word.
"I ask you—have you ever heard of an immortal herb called Sky Azure Vine?"
Bibi Dong's tone carried a trace of authority.
"Sky Azure Vine?"
Yue Guan thought carefully.
"This subordinate is aware of it."
"Very good. No matter what methods you use, you must find this Sky Azure Vine immortal herb!"
Bibi Dong's tone left no room for refusal.
"Mobilize the power of Spirit Hall and search across the entire Douluo Continent. Even if you have to dig three feet into the ground, you must find it!"
"Once it's found, bring it back to Spirit Hall immediately. No mistakes are allowed."
"Yes! This subordinate obeys!"
Yue Guan's heart trembled.
He quickly accepted the order respectfully.
He could clearly sense how much importance the Pope placed on this Sky Azure Vine immortal herb.
Though he didn't know what Her Holiness intended to use it for, He did not dare show the slightest negligence.
"You may withdraw. Hurry and carry it out."
Bibi Dong waved her hand.
"This subordinate takes his leave."
Yue Guan bowed deeply, then turned and quickly exited the Pope's Palace.
In his heart, he was already planning how to mobilize Spirit Hall's forces to search for the Sky Azure Vine immortal herb.
End of Chapter