Chapter 9: Dugu Bo, You're Pretty Impressive
The three of them traveled by carriage to Sunset Forest, arriving at their destination after more than half a month.
Under Lin Zhiruo's guidance, Xiao Han and Shui Bing'er entered Sunset Forest.
Located about two hundred miles east of Tian Dou City, this place had a spring-like climate all year round—mild and comfortable.
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows across the vast forest, dressing it in a golden veil.
The air was filled with the light fragrance of flowers and the earthy smell of soil, occasionally mixed with the roars of unknown beasts, adding a touch of mystery and wildness.
"Xiao Han, if you want to find medicinal herbs, do it quickly. Once you find them, we're leaving."
"Alright, there's nothing in the outer area. Let's head toward the center of the forest."
"You really are a handful. Next time I'm not bringing you."
Although there were many soul beasts in Sunset Forest, few had over ten thousand years of cultivation.
Lin Zhiruo, being a Soul Sage with extraordinary speed, wasn't worried about going deeper into the forest, even with the two children.
As they moved through the forest, they encountered several soul beasts.
But Lin Zhiruo's powerful aura was enough to scare off those at the thousand-year level.
A few bold ones who approached were swiftly driven away.
"Xiao Han, are you done picking herbs?"
"Mom, stop rushing me. Who knows when we'll be back again? Let me collect a few more."
Xiao Han picked several herbs, carefully placing them into his soul guide device.
Those herbs had some value, but compared to celestial herbs, they were almost worthless.
The three of them got closer to the center of the forest and could feel the temperature rising.
"Xiao Han, it's getting hotter. Let's stop here—we should head back."
"Mom, just a little further, okay? There might be a surprise ahead."
Xiao Han had a strong premonition that they were close to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Seeing that Lin Zhiruo was getting annoyed, Shui Bing'er spoke up:
"Dean Lin, we've already come this far—let's just go a bit further for Xiao Han's sake."
"Alright, since you said so."
Xiao Han and Shui Bing'er exchanged a smile. He gave her a grateful look.
The three continued deeper into the forest.
Suddenly, a pungent odor drifted in from ahead.
"Xiao Han, don't go any further!"
Lin Zhiruo instantly pulled both children back a hundred meters.
"That strange smell—it seems like poison."
Xiao Han smelled it too and immediately had a bad feeling: Could it be Dugu Bo's Green Scale Snake Poison Array? Had he already discovered the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?
Lin Zhiruo frowned deeply, clearly sensing danger.
"Xiao Han, Bing'er, this place is too dangerous. We need to go."
Just as they were about to leave, an invisible force surrounded all three of them.
Even with her strength, Lin Zhiruo couldn't move a muscle.
A ghostly green figure emerged slowly from the depths of the forest. Every step he took seemed in rhythm with some unseen pulse, the air around him rippling from the soul power within his body.
His deep eyes shimmered with a chilling light.
"Who are you to trespass on this old man's territory?"
The man's voice was low and hoarse, filled with unquestionable authority.
Though Xiao Han couldn't see his face clearly, he already knew—this was Dugu Bo.
He hadn't expected Dugu Bo to discover the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well so early.
Lin Zhiruo's expression darkened. She recognized the man as none other than the Poison Douluo—Dugu Bo.
She knew well how terrifying he was. His Green Scale Snake Emperor poison was unmatched—one misstep could mean death.
She steadied herself and tried to defuse the situation with words.
"Senior Dugu, I'm Lin Zhiruo, the vice dean of Tianshui Academy. We meant no offense and entered by mistake. Please forgive us."
"Tianshui Academy?"
Dugu Bo gave Lin Zhiruo a cold glance. Feeling the icy aura from her body, he knew she wasn't lying.
He had seen Tianshui Academy's headmaster before, but they weren't close.
"What are you doing here?"
"We came looking for soul beasts."
Before Lin Zhiruo could reply, Xiao Han jumped in.
He knew Dugu Bo was highly suspicious. If he found out they were here for herbs, things could get ugly.
"Yes, we're here for soul beasts."
Lin Zhiruo trusted Xiao Han's judgment and nodded along.
Dugu Bo glanced at Xiao Han. He didn't think the kid was lying.
What he didn't know was that this six-year-old boy was eyeing his precious herb garden.
"I've set up a poison array ahead. Even ten-thousand-year soul beasts dare not approach. These two children would die instantly if they entered. This place is not for you. Leave now."
"Thank you, Senior, for the warning. We'll leave right away."
As soon as she finished speaking, Dugu Bo vanished without a trace. His speed was terrifying.
"Xiao Han, Bing'er, let's go!"
Lin Zhiruo immediately flew them out of the Sunset Forest.
Once on the ground, they were still shaken.
"Dean Lin, who was that old man just now?" Shui Bing'er asked.
"He was the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo."
"No wonder he was so powerful—he's a Titled Douluo."
"Dugu Bo is eccentric and solitary, feared across the land for his poison. He's made many enemies."
Thinking back, Xiao Han felt guilty.
"Mom, I'm sorry for dragging you into danger."
"Don't blame yourself, Xiao Han. It was just an accident. We have no conflict with Dugu Bo. Years ago, Dean Zhao introduced me to him. Even if he doesn't remember, knowing we're from Tianshui Academy, he won't go out of his way to harm us."
"Mm."
Xiao Han finally felt a bit relieved.
Still, this encounter only intensified his desire to get the celestial herbs.
"Oh, Xiao Han, why did you say we were looking for soul beasts just now?"
"Mom, didn't you think it was odd? Dugu Bo set up a poison array in the forest center—like he's guarding something. No humans or soul beasts can get close. I think he's protecting something rare, maybe exotic herbs. If he found out we were here for herbs, he might have killed us."
Lin Zhiruo thought about it and realized the danger.
"Xiao Han, you're so young but already this thoughtful. Use that cleverness for cultivation from now on. No more risks."
"Mm, I understand."
A few days later, the three of them returned to Tianshui Academy.
Lin Zhiruo reported everything that happened in the Icebound and Sunset Forests to Dean Zhao.
After hearing the story, Dean Zhao felt grateful.
"You actually encountered Dugu Bo? Thank goodness it was
just a false alarm. Xiao Han and Bing'er are the future of Tianshui Academy. In ten years, they'll surely shine in the Soul Master Tournament."
(End of Chapter)
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