The atmosphere in the living room finally eased, yet a subtle tension still lingered in the air. After withdrawing his pressure, Dugu Bo sat back down, but the sharpness in his eyes hadn't completely faded.
Li Zhaoyan thought to himself, "Although Poison Douluo isn't particularly strong among Titled Douluo, he's practically a slaughtering force below that level. The situation on the continent is becoming increasingly bizarre—how many years has it been since any major turmoil? Seizing this chance to win Dugu Bo over would give us more leverage to face the future."
Unaware of Li Zhaoyan's calculations, the others cautiously observed Dugu Bo's reactions.
Ye Qingwan softly instructed the maid to serve tea again, attempting to ease the tension: "Senior, please have some tea. This is newly harvested Cloud Mist Tea from this year; its fragrance is quite refreshing."
Dugu Bo picked up the teacup and nodded slightly: "Thank you."
Just then, Yang Wudi suddenly spoke, his voice steady: "I wonder if Your Excellency Poison Douluo has encountered some special opportunity?"
Dugu Bo looked at him with some surprise: "What do you mean by that, Clan Leader Yang?"
Yang Wudi said calmly, "This junior observes that although senior is afflicted with Martial Soul Poison, your cultivation has reached the Titled Douluo realm. Given the fierce backlash of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor Spirit, unless there was some special opportunity, it would probably..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present understood his meaning. The toxic backlash of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor was extremely terrifying; reaching the Titled Douluo realm was indeed unbelievable.
A flicker of surprise passed through Dugu Bo's eyes, followed by understanding: "Clan Leader Yang truly has sharp insight. Indeed, I did encounter a stroke of fortune."
He pondered for a moment, as if weighing how much to reveal. Finally, looking at the concerned expressions around him, he slowly began: "Back when I was at the eighty-ninth level Soul Douluo realm, the violent backlash from my Martial Soul poison nearly cost me my life."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan's eyes showed heartache: "Grandfather..."
Dugu Bo patted his granddaughter's hand and continued: "At that time, my consciousness was blurred, and I stumbled recklessly through the Sunset Forest, unintentionally entering a mysterious valley."
Everyone's attention was captivated, their breathing unconsciously softening.
"That valley had a strange landscape, unlike any place I'd ever seen." Dugu Bo's gaze grew distant, as if returning to that moment, "The valley was rich in spiritual energy, growing many rare flowers and herbs I had never encountered before."
"The most peculiar was a spring at the valley's center." His tone carried awe, "The spring was divided into two halves: one side appeared ice-blue, emitting an extreme cold aura; the other side was crimson-red, radiating a blazing heat. The opposing energies of ice and fire mingled within the spring yet did not conflict."
Marco was inwardly thrilled: "The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well! It really is the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!"
But he maintained a calm exterior, only allowing appropriate curiosity to show in his eyes.
Dugu Bo continued: "What was even more miraculous was that when I approached that spring, the Martial Soul poison within my body was actually suppressed. Although it wasn't completely eradicated, the unbearable agony was greatly alleviated."
"I recuperated there for several months. Not only did my injuries improve, but my cultivation also broke through to the ninetieth level. Eventually, I obtained my ninth Spirit Ring and achieved the Titled Douluo realm."
After hearing this, everyone showed expressions of amazement.
Li Zhaoyan exclaimed in admiration, "Such a miraculous place exists in this world! Senior, you are truly blessed with profound fortune."
Ye Qingwan also said softly, "No wonder Senior was able to break through to the Titled Douluo realm. So it was due to such an opportunity."
A gleam flashed in Yang Wudi's eyes, "Ice and fire sharing the same source, yin and yang converging... Could this be the legendary Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?"
Dugu Bo looked at him in surprise, "Clan Leader Yang knows of this place?"
Yang Wudi shook his head, "I've only seen records in ancient texts. It's said that the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well is where Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy converges, capable of nurturing rare flowers and exotic herbs, with miraculous effects for both cultivation and healing."
Just then, Marco couldn't help but speak up, his voice carrying just the right amount of excitement, "May I ask, Senior Poison Douluo, that valley... could this junior go take a look?"
Li Zhaoyan immediately scolded him, "Marco! Don't be rude! How could you casually ask to visit such a precious place?"
Dugu Bo, however, waved his hand to stop Li Zhaoyan, "It's fine."
He looked at Marco with a complex expression, "Young friend, you saved Yan Yan before, there's no need to be so formal."
He then turned to Ye Lingling, "You and Yan Yan are classmates. If you don't mind, you can call me Grandpa Dugu."
Ye Qingwan quickly said, "For Senior to show such favor is these children's good fortune."
Li Zhaoyan also nodded, "Since Senior doesn't mind, we'll follow your wishes."
Marco and Ye Lingling bowed respectfully, "Grandpa Dugu."
A rare smile appeared on Dugu Bo's face, "Good, good."
He looked at Marco, "You're very interested in that valley?"
Marco replied respectfully, "Yes, Grandpa Dugu. This junior has always been curious about miraculous places and secret realms. Moreover, I've heard it has miraculous healing effects and might be able to help Yanzi."
Dugu Yan said softly, "Grandfather, if that place truly can help with healing..."
Dugu Bo pondered for a moment, as if weighing something. He looked at Marco, then at Yang Wudi, finally resting his gaze on Li Zhaoyan.
"Since that's the case..." Dugu Bo spoke slowly, "I can take you to see it."
Everyone showed expressions of pleasant surprise.
Dugu Bo added, "However, the terrain there is dangerous, and I've set up a Poison Array. You'll need me to personally lead you to enter safely."
Li Zhaoyan immediately said, "Senior, rest assured, we would never reveal this location."
Yang Wudi also said solemnly, "Such a precious place indeed deserves careful protection."
Dugu Bo nodded, "I trust your character."
He looked at Marco, "Young friend Marco, your Azure Flame can purify toxins. Perhaps it can play a special role there."
Marco suppressed his inner excitement and said respectfully, "Thank you, Grandpa Dugu. This junior will definitely act cautiously and not betray your trust."
Dugu Bo then looked at Yang Wudi, "Clan Leader Yang has profound knowledge of medicinal research. Perhaps you can gain something there."
A flash of excitement appeared in Yang Wudi's eyes, "If I can witness such a miraculous place, it would indeed be a great fortune."
Ye Qingwan asked softly, "Senior, when would be convenient to go?"
Dugu Bo thought for a moment, "Three days from now. I need to return and prepare first. The Poison Array there needs temporary adjustments."
Li Zhaoyan nodded, "Good, then three days it is. If Senior needs anything for preparation, please don't hesitate to ask."
Dugu Bo waved his hand, "No need to trouble yourself. It's just some adjustments to the Poison Array."
At that moment, a maid came to report: "Master, Madam, lunch is ready."
Li Zhaoyan stood up: "Senior, please join us for the meal first. We can discuss the details while eating."
Dugu Bo nodded: "Very well."
Everyone moved to the dining room, where the atmosphere had become much more harmonious. Though Dugu Bo remained authoritative, the sharpness in his eyes had softened considerably.
During the meal, Dugu Bo elaborated further on some unique aspects of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
"The plants there grow extremely fast and possess remarkable medicinal properties," Dugu Bo said. "Though I'm no expert in pharmacology, I know many of the herbs there are rare treasures seldom seen in the outside world."
Yang Wudi's eyes gleamed with excitement: "The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well can nurture such wonders—it must indeed be a treasured land."
Marco thought to himself: "The environment of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well would greatly benefit my cultivation. More importantly, the Immortal Herbs there..."
But outwardly, he maintained composure, only showing appropriate curiosity and anticipation.
Ye Lingling asked softly: "Grandpa Dugu, is it dangerous there?"
Dugu Bo replied gently: "With me there, you needn't worry. The Poison Array I've set up is enough to deter most Soul Beasts and Soul Masters."
He then looked at Marco: "However, young friend Marco's Azure Flame seems capable of countering toxins, so you might have a special sensitivity to the environment there."
Marco said respectfully: "This junior will proceed with caution."
After the meal concluded, Dugu Bo stood to take his leave: "Thank you for your hospitality today. I'll come to pick you up in three days."
Li Zhaoyan cupped his hands: "You're too kind, Senior. We'll await your arrival in three days."
After Dugu Bo left with Dugu Yan, the atmosphere in the living room finally relaxed completely.
Ye Qingwan let out a long sigh: "It's finally over smoothly."
Li Zhaoyan pondered: "I never expected Dugu Bo would be willing to share such a secret."
Yang Wudi's eyes sparkled with excitement: "The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well... I never thought such a place truly existed. If we can cultivate and research there, the gains will surely be substantial."
Marco felt thrilled inwardly: "Finally... finally, I'll get to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The Immortal Herbs there will make my strength advance by leaps and bounds."
But he remained calm on the surface: "Father, Mother, Uncle Yang, what preparations should we make in the next three days?"
Li Zhaoyan considered: "Since Dugu Bo mentioned there's a Poison Array, we should prepare some antidotes and protective equipment."
Yang Wudi nodded: "I'll prepare some detoxification pills. Though Dugu Bo will adjust the Poison Array, it's better to be safe than sorry."
Ye Qingwan expressed some concern: "Marco, Lingling, you must be careful. Though Dugu Bo is friendly now, he's still unpredictable."
Marco said seriously: "Don't worry, Mother, we'll be cautious."
Ye Lingling also nodded: "We'll stay close to Father and Uncle Yang."
Li Zhaoyan thought to himself: "Dugu Bo's willingness to share the secret of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well suggests he indeed needs something from us. This is a good opportunity—if we can build a relationship with him through this, it would greatly benefit our future."
He looked at Marco: "Marco, your Azure Flame can purify toxins, so it might be particularly helpful this time."
Marco replied respectfully: "I'll do my best."
Yang Wudi suddenly said: "Zhaoyan, I need to return to prepare some medicines and equipment. I'll regroup with you in three days."
Li Zhaoyan nodded: "Good. I'll trouble you with this."
After Yang Wudi left, Li Zhaoyan said to Marco and Ye Lingling: "You two should go prepare as well. Remember, once we arrive there, you must follow all instructions and cannot act without authorization."
Marco and Ye Lingling responded in unison: "Yes, Father."
After returning to his room, Marco could no longer contain his excitement. He thought with wild joy: "The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well! I'm finally going to obtain it! The Immortal Herbs there will make my strength advance by leaps and bounds, and my Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit will also be greatly enhanced!"
But he quickly calmed down: "However, although Dugu Bo is friendly now, I still need to be careful. After all, he's a character who walks the line between good and evil."
Marco already had a plan in mind: "When I reach the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the first thing is to find Immortal Herbs suitable for myself. The Eight-Horned Mystic Ice Herb and Blazing Apricot Affectionate Frond are essential - they can make me impervious to water and fire, which would greatly benefit my Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit."
He thought to himself: "I also need to find suitable Immortal Herbs for my parents and Lingling. And Uncle Yang..."