Chapter 50: Befriending Dugu Bo

Relying on the wings of the Azure Sky Breeze, Nian Yun was not left behind by Dugu Bo. Dugu Bo did not express surprise; a knowing smile lingered at the corners of his mouth.

Under Dugu Bo’s deliberate quickening pace, the two soon arrived before an iron gate.

Though Nian Yun’s mind was as clear as a mirror, he still wore a puzzled expression. “Sunset Forest?”

“Stay close. Inside, there are soul beasts that your Soul Sect level cannot handle.”

“Senior Dugu, please lead the way. I will follow closely.”

After a nod of acknowledgement, the two proceeded into the forest.

Within the woods, the Azure-Scaled Snake slithered freely as if in a place devoid of beasts. Though there were soul beasts flying overhead, none dared approach Nian Yun, deterred by the imposing presence of the Azure-Scaled Snake Emperor.

Before long,

At the outskirts of the central area of the Sunset Forest,

“Step.”

With Dugu Bo’s step landing, as expected, a layer of poisonous mist enveloped the perimeter.

Dugu Bo waved his hand, and the mist parted to reveal a small gate for the two to enter.

The moment they stepped inside, a wave of herbal fragrance filled Nian Yun’s nostrils, and all traces of fatigue vanished instantly.

“Haha, once inside, you’ll see. This is nothing compared to what’s to come.” Seeing Nian Yun’s curious glances around, Dugu Bo added with delight, “If you really help me heal, I’ll pick a couple of these for you to enhance yourself properly.”

“Thank you, senior.” Nian Yun’s lips could not hide his smile as he repeatedly bowed with deep gratitude.

“Enough, you deserve it. The Starry Forest failed to protect you, that’s my fault. Consider this compensation.”

Feeling the sincerity and self-reproach in Dugu Bo’s voice, Nian Yun said no more.

Soon, they reached the heart of the Sunset Forest.

Before Nian Yun’s eyes lay a vast lake exuding both icy chill and scorching heat. Gazing at the two immortal herbs emitting contrasting energy waves, his gaze sharpened with intensity.

“System, using these two herbs, is it possible to directly awaken the Fire God and Ice Emperor martial souls?”

System: “Host, wake up from your dream. These herbs cannot be used to awaken martial souls directly. Moreover, you are not yet allowed to harvest them.”

“What? Not allowed to pick? Give me a reason.”

System: “First, despite possessing the four great god-level martial souls, you still cannot touch the dual immortal herbs. Second, harvesting and immediately absorbing and consuming them will benefit your fire and ice dual god martial souls far more.”

“If I don’t pick them now, that brat Tang San will get them. Then let them be destroyed.”

System: “!! Host, do not rush. These two immortal herbs are the key to the soul fusion technique between you and the goddess, capable of slaying gods.”

“Slaying gods!” The words echoed in Nian Yun’s mind, leaving him momentarily stunned.

---

“What’s wrong with you?”

Dugu Bo’s voice brought Nian Yun back to reality.

“Nothing. It’s just my first time seeing so many immortal herbs I had only heard of before,” Nian Yun replied.

“Senior, shall we begin now?”

“Rest well first. I’ll come find you tomorrow morning.” With that, Dugu Bo dashed toward the towering peak behind them.

After Dugu Bo left, Nian Yun’s gaze returned to the icy fire dual-eyes.

Left hand commanding wind, right hand gathering thunder.

A sharp gust coalesced into a wind field encasing the lake’s surface. Purple lightning was discharged into the water, lurking beneath; any contact would injure the spirit. Yet from outside, the elements showed no abnormal signs.

System (wiping sweat).

Taking utmost precautions, Nian Yun summoned a gentle breeze with his left hand, infusing it with soul power to peer through the central area.

...

The following day.

“Little one, how are you doing?”

“No problem, senior. Ready when you are.”

“Whoosh—”

The teal Azure Sky Breeze wings spread behind Nian Yun, and the free wind lifted him gently into the air.

A dark soul ring emerged.

“Third soul skill: Divine Artifact—Final Lament.”

The longbow settled into Nian Yun’s hands, and the color of his eyes began to shift. His figure gradually became enveloped in a teal-green aura.

“The third martial soul is a ten-thousand-year soul ring? Truly a prodigy—the number one in Douluo Continent.” Under the aura of the divine artifact, all others seemed insignificant. Even Dugu Bo couldn’t help but marvel at its power.

“Divine artifact, No Arrow, Purify.”

“Shhh—”

“Shhh—”

Drawing the bow, releasing the string.

Wave after wave of energy surged toward Dugu Bo. Despite using his martial soul to block, he was forced to retreat, grasping for solid footing.

The wind god’s breath penetrated Dugu Bo’s body, purging all internal toxins.

“Step.”

The arrow, consuming vast soul power, struck Dugu Bo fully. Nian Yun gently landed and adjusted himself.

Feeling his body grow lighter, toxins cleansed, and most importantly, having broken through a level, the smile beneath his white hair could no longer be contained as he laughed aloud.

Then he noticed Nian Yun approaching lightly, patting him twice on the shoulder.

“Didn’t expect you, little one, to have such ability. You even helped me break through a level. This—this...” Tears nearly welled in Dugu Bo’s eyes.

“Ahem.” The emptiness inside his soul power made Nian Yun cough twice.

“Sigh, almost forgot. Rest well. I’ll gather some immortal herbs for you—wait here.”

Just as Dugu Bo turned to leave, Nian Yun held him back.

“Senior, no need to trouble yourself. You’re the one who should rest. I know a few herbs myself. Let me handle it.”

Seeing Nian Yun’s pleading eyes, Dugu Bo relented. “Alright, go ahead.”

With permission granted, Nian Yun straightened from his bent posture, unfurled his previously weak wings, and took a swift step, disappearing from Dugu Bo’s sight.

Dugu Bo watched suspiciously, recalling Nian Yun’s earlier demeanor. “Good kid, you’ve got me.”

Just as Dugu Bo prepared to chase after him, Nian Yun returned with several immortal herbs cradled in his arms.

“Senior, just a few. You shouldn’t mind.”

Seeing the strange Tongtian Chrysanthemum, Eight-Petal Orchid, and other herbs in Nian Yun’s embrace, Dugu Bo thought it best to let it be. But when his eyes fell on the delicate Xiuluo celestial product also in his arms, his composure faltered.

“If you think it’s inappropriate, I’ll put them down, but they’re already gathered.”

Dugu Bo’s trembling hand slowly withdrew, turning away without another glance. He waved his hand. “Forget it, take them.”

Nian Yun naturally beamed and carefully stored them.

After spending some time with Dugu Bo, Nian Yun happily returned to the Tian Dou Royal Academy.

However, he was stopped before entering.

A young woman dressed exquisitely blocked his path, saying nothing but showing the Prince’s Order.

“Everything is proceeding as planned. Why see me? Not craving something again, are you?” Nian Yun thought to himself, though reluctantly, he obeyed.

Following her for a distance, Nian Yun realized they were not heading toward the palace.

Soon, they had left the city.