Their carriage set off early in the morning towards their destination, the Endless Desert. With Bibi Dong also breaking through to level 30, she would also need a spirit ring. So she had decided to journey with them to find a suitable spide in the desert. With her came Yue Guan and Gui Mei, the future Chrysanthemum and Ghost Titled Douluo. This trip seemed like it would be another interesting one with the five of them.
The duo of Yue Guan and Gui Mei were upfront steering the carriage. Tang Yuan had met Gui Mei before and found him to be a silent individual. One who normally kept to himself when possible from all he had heard. His partner being the major exception to the rule, kept him company up front.
Thus, Tang Yuan, his mother, and Bibi Dong shared the carriage. An amicable silence accompanied them as the carriage moved.
Bibi Dong focused her attention on the passing scenery outside. Rarely was she allowed to leave Spirit City less than a handful of times. In fact, even leaving the Pope's Palace was not an easy thing. As the Pope's disciple, and the Holy Maiden she was constantly under protection.
So the young girl found herself looking forward to the exploration. Like a sheltered princess being let out into the world for a time. "What do you think the Endless Desert will be like Brother Yuan?" she asked breaking the science as her eyes shone with curiosity.
Tang Yuan did not need to consider long to make guesses, "Sand, sun, heat, sand, and more sand." he says with some trepidation. He felt like letting out a long-suffering sigh. Sand was something he found incredibly annoying in his previous life. Now he was going to a place full of the stuff, he wondered if it would be worth it.
Bibi Dong turned to him curiously "You said sand four times." she noted wondering what that meant.
"Yes I suppose I did, but I felt it was warranted. At least from everything I know about desserts," he said considering he had never actually set foot in one.
Bibi Dong lets out a slight "hmhm." She considered his words slightly. "Than what makes sand so annoying to you then?" She had never encountered sand herself so she had no idea.
"It gets everywhere shoes, socks, feet, and anywhere it can. Then it starts itching as it touches you. I had to deal with some in the Golden Savanna at a watering hole. Even such a small amount was annoying now there will be a massive amount without water." he said as he admitted the annoyance of sand
Tang Nuan looked at the two of them with fond amusement. Her son was just complaining about the nature sand. All the while Bibi Dong was looking at him strangely. On one hand, she was curious, but on the other hand, was Sand really that bad?
After a bit, Tang Yuan ended his talk on sand that had gone off topic to the desert. Now curiosity took hold of him "so I'm heading to the desert for the Golden Scarab, what is your target, Dong'er?" he wondered what she would have for a third Soul Ring.
"With my teacher's help, we decided the best choice would be the Black Night Spider. Both in terms of its poison, and its powerful webbing." Bibi Dong told him what her teacher helped her decide.
Amongst spider soul masters it's usually a question of poison or webbing, and more rarely, physical ability. Usually, the first two were the most commonly sought for control. The Death Spider was of course best at Poison with its webs and physique as secondary.
Tang Yuan had heard of the Black Night Spider before. Its physical ability was weaker, but it's Posion and webs were both powerful. It was a nocturnal creature that hid during daylight. Able to move around freely at night thanks to its black colored carapace.
Tang Yuan could see the logic in that choice "That does sound like a good choice for a spirit ring. I wonder which you will get poison or webs?" He mused in consideration of that.
The Golden Scarab and the Black Night Spider are both fairly formidable existences. Once more their third rings would be far older than normal ones. They would need some effort to find their targets this time. From there, the first day of travel passed with little more action.
Eventually, they find a nice spot to camp after the sun had long set. In only a matter of moments, they prepared the camp. Tang Yuan was given the duty of hunting rabbits for dinner. Bibi Dong had hunted for firewood after seeing Tang Yuan helping. She had turned it into a game with Yue Guan who was happy to play.
Within thirty minutes several rabbits were nearly cooked. The smell was drifting already causing their mouths to water. This time around Chrysanthemum had taken up the cooking. His knowledge of herbs and plants certainly showed as they dug into the food.
Tang Yuan noticed that Ghost had strayed on the edge and had not joined them. On the entire span of the trip, only Chrysanthemum had gotten him talking. He simply stayed away to the side alone in silence. Tang Yuan did not try to intrude on his peace, he simply did not seem a people person. Chrysanthemum was the major exception to that rule as his close friend.
As time moved on Tang Yuan found himself in a meditative stance. His gaze locked upon the gleaming silver half moon above. He carefully drew the light of the moon to him through his years of experience. Condensing it as best he could before drawing it into his eyes. The light nourished his mental power that had steadily grown in two years.
Ever since Tang Yuan had been given his Grandfather's Cultivation Technique, his Spiritual Cultivation had improved. In fact, it was a massive leap compared to what it once was. Before his method was self-made, and as a consequence was both amateurish and crude.
Now his method had improved by more than half, and was nearly twice as effective. His grandfather's technique incorporated parts of the Qian Clan's cultivation method. Which focused primarily on light such as the light of the shining sun above. The moon was not the sun though the principle was similar.
The technique was effective, but there was a disharmony as well. He would need to deal with that disharmony in the future in order to improve the technique. Unfortunately, he lacked the ability or experience to try that. For now, he was happy with the increased rate of improvement.
This method of his was perhaps the only method of cultivating Spiritual Power in this era. As he finished pride filled his heart at the thought. Of course, the Purple Demon Eye would perhaps surpass it in the future. The thought stirred another feeling in him, competition. He wanted to transform this method and the Mental Palace into something to rival that technique and surpass it.
As he stood up he tried not to disturb Bibi Dong or his mother, who had sat beside him. Both of whom tried their best to cultivate their own Spiritual Power. He had shared some of his earlier insights to help them at least a bit.
Tang Yuan entered the tent as he slipped into his bed in the middle. He found no discomfort or dislike from the change of room to a tent. Nor the knowledge that he would share the space with the others in the coming days. He was simply too tired to care at the moment his mind exhausted. The cultivation of Spiritual Power was very mentally draining, and Tang Yuan quickly fell into slumber.
Only a few minutes later Bibi Dong would also enter the tent. Taking the rightmost spot in the tent a space from Tang Yuan. Then Tang Nuan would take the spot between them as she fell asleep quickly. The effects of Spiritual Power Cultivation bring all three into a deep sleep.
As the carriage continued on the road Tang Yuan sat in meditation. Focused on the realm held within his own mind. Already he had finished a period focused on his obsessions and traumas. The blood-stained blade in his hands is still a strong presence years later.
Attempting to deal with obsessions was not an easy thing to do. Like trying to untie knots in the heart without knowing how. He could only come back to it again and again to try to untangle said knots. The key he found was to first determine why the knot held such sway. Then use words, reason, emotions, and other things to slowly fumble through.
This particular knot was always going to be difficult. The battle with the scythe user could be explained by the need for survival. This one was far less so his mind reminded him as he looked into it. "Perhaps yet how many had he killed, he would have killed me given a chance" he thought aloud to none but himself.
With those final words, he ended the session. They would bounce around in the back of his mind for a while. He would see if the knot had been untied at all in the next session.
With a thought, he moved outside the construct of his Mental Palace. He looked over the advancements he had made over the past years. The stone pathway had expanded into multiple paths. He still had not decided what to do with the areas not covered by paths. Possibly further defenses to defend his Spiritual Sea, but what exactly?
His gaze became drawn to the beginning of the wall that would surround the building. Directing some of his energy to further complete a part of it. The wall was only at his knees, far from the ideal height he sought. It seemed that it would be a while until this defensive line was complete.
Tang Yuan drew himself from his mental realm knowing his work was done for now. He stretched in his seat as he adjusted himself. Staying like that in the carriage could cause you to easily grow stiff. He turned to find Bibi Dong looking out the window, and his mother in her own meditation.
Bibi Dong turned to him as she noticed his emergence. "You were in your mind about an hour if you want to know," she told him before he could even ask.
Tang Yuan nodded it was hard to keep track of time in the mental realm. "Thank you, when did Mom go into her mind?" gesturing to Tang Nuan as he asked.
Bibi Dong considered that question for a few moments"a few minutes after you yourself went into your realm." as she spoke her expression and tone showed a lack of focus. Her mind just seemed to be elsewhere at the current moment.
"What are you thinking about exactly?" Tang Yuan felt he had to ask her what was bothering her currently.
Bibi Dong looked at him in consideration for a few moments. Then she decided to ask him directly "After this trip what do you plan to do exactly?" She tried to conceal the worry in her heart. The potential possibility of parting with Tang Yuan after this, or soon after this.
Tang Yuan considered the question for a few moments. He hadn't completely considered it until this moment. There were things that he needed or wanted to do in the near future. If he was going to go somewhere it would probably be "I think Heaven Dou City is where I might go in the future." There was much he could do in that place multiple possibilities.
Bibi Dong's face turned slightly sad at the thought of saying goodbye. "I see then, I understand."
Tang Yuan looked at her more closely. She said she understands, but the tone of her voice and the way she said it. Well, it definitely hid a secret reluctance that he could pick up on. Considering their life over the last two years he could understand.
Never once had he met another person of his age in Spirit Hall, he was her first friend. Once he left she would likely be left alone again. At the very least that was the fear she likely held in her heart. "Just because I leave doesn't mean we won't meet and see each other again."
Bibi Dong didn't look at him her mind embroiled in the last few years. She had enjoyed the last two years immensely the best of her life. Tang Yuan had brought something to her life that she hadn't had before. So she could only say "I'll miss you." she said softly to him.
This girl, Tang Yuan could only sigh inwardly at her. He forgot sometimes that she was only eleven at this time practically a young girl. Even with the natural precocious nature of Soul Masters that was true. One who he suspected had a hard life before her awakening ceremony. Now she was besieged by doubts, concerns, and fears.
Tang Yuan took her hand in his own in comfort. "Stop being sad Dong'er, I much prefer you happy. We will have weeks remaining together even now. If we have to say goodbye at all in the near future. Even then our friendship will last for life as long as we both wish it." he kept his voice gently firm hoping to convince her of that fact.
Bibi Dong considered his words carefully. They were reassuring to her, though she still felt sad that these days would end. Then "wait what do you mean if we have to say goodbye?" The entire reason she was sad was that she suspected they might part ways. Well, that was the primary reason she told herself.
Tang Yuan smiled at her "Part of the reason I am going to Heaven Dou City is because of the fighting arenas. I intend to accumulate some combat experience in the arenas." That was a safe way to start increasing combat experience early on. That the city was also close to the Ice and Fire Well was the primary reason.
"Who knows perhaps we will be able to go together. It might be beneficial for both of us in the future. Though that will depend on whether you, and your teacher believe so." Tang Yuan said trying to keep his statement to possibilities. After all, he was uncertain if the pope would see merit in it.
Upon hearing that Bibi Dong found herself joyful at the possibility. Though she would need to convince her teacher to agree yet. "I'm certain that my teacher would agree. After all, it would be to help me further my ability," she said happily, as she suddenly gained a large smile.
Tang Yuan was slightly awkward at the sudden turn even as his thoughts took a turn. It made him wonder if Xiaogang became the first thing close to a companion her age. Which would have led her down the path she took in the story. He would need to keep that thought in mind in the future to avert the worst.
"We will see when we get back if that is indeed the case." Tang Yuan said being the one slightly distracted now.
Bibi Dong looked at Tang Yuan "If my teacher does say no, you would still leave?" She wasn't sure what to think about that.
Tang Yuan wasn't sure exactly how to look at her. "I have a goal Dong'er, a goal that I will chase and fulfill as far as possible. This goal is to reach as far as I possibly can in this life of mine." his words were firm in the conviction he held. This dream of his, which had been set early to grow stronger to reach as high as possible.
"Of course, I intend to find joy and happiness in these years as well. It was you who reminded me of that Dong'er thank for that." he had found a great deal of happiness from the time spent at Spirit Hall. She had a habit of dragging him into enjoyable activities, and he had no regrets.
Tang Yuan turned his gaze to Bibi Dong "What about you Dong'er do you have a goal or dream that you are seeking?" he questioned what drove her forward right now if there was something.
Bibi Dong found herself drawn into his words her mind whipped into a frenzy. She could understand his goal to a point, but not completely. Because she didn't have a goal or dream not really. It felt as if she had already begun living a dream years ago.
Before the age of six, she lived a completely opposite life from her current one. Her Awakening Ceremony was a light in the dark that might be her salvation. Yet for so many that light faded away to mere dust, as their value would be decided.
Then her Awakening Ceremony came, the day that would decide everything. She had been well aware of what would have been her end if that light faded. Then not only did that light not fade as it exploded. She was dressed in silk of such quality that even nobles would envy. Maids helped her bathe, as scents and soap were used to cleanse her body, and she was allowed to use hot water as much as she wanted.
Before she even knew it she was in the Pope's Palace pledging to her teacher. Still believing she was dreaming in those moments a fantasy she would wake from. She cried that night in a softer bed than she had ever believed.
This life she now lived was more fantastical than any dream she could have ever conceived. Could she afford to ask for something more than this? When so many others around her were used? When this life could be shattered at any moment? "I don't have something like that?" she managed to get those words out.
Tang Yuan found himself startled wondering what he had said exactly. To trigger this or rather unveil this that lurked in her. Bibi Dong this joyful girl who was so often happy seemed on the verge. Already spare tears streamed down her face, eyes that reflected something. This was not from a single day, this was something that had been building for a long long time.
Tang Yuan cut those thoughts he could worry about the why later. For now, he took her hand again pulling her over to him gently. He moved her easily to the seat beside him as she did not resist. He wrapped her in his arms in a firm hug, ready to retreat immediately if she needed him to. Instead, she seemed to get closer as the cracking dam finally broke.
He held her as she shook with silent sobs born from her own memories. That thought in itself helped him understand the root cause. The Memory Palace was the origin of this of that he was certain. That technique was always a memory technique at its original core. Now she was forced to peer into the darkest memories and the happiest as well. It must have been like a form of hell and heaven side by side.
Then she had been concerned with him leaving, and the implications. What if other parts of her life would change as well? The final hit was the question he asked about a dream or goal. Tang Yuan supposed that once this life was a dream for her, perhaps even now.
Tang Yuan held her gently as her shaking lessened, and her silent sobbing lessened. Until she fell silent as she slipped into slumber. Yet he doubted this was the end of this matter she had exposed a dagger lodged in her heart. One that she had tried subconsciously to forget, yet the Mental Palace had dragged it out again. She would need to remove that dagger in the future lest it destroy her.
Tang Yuan adjusted her posture slightly to make her more comfortable. He supposed he would have to act as her pillow for a while. So he simply made himself as comfortable as possible. He eyed his mother he wondered if she was just pretending right now. Tang Yuan sighed as he closed his eyes to try to sleep.
Tang Yuan leaned back into his seat glancing at Bibi Dong beside him looking out the window. Not a hint of the emotional breakdown that occurred a week ago. He couldn't tell if she was merely acting strong, though she seemed okay. Most likely the dagger had been hidden like his own scars and obsessions.
Tang Yuan had noticed that to be the case even from the moment she woke up. Except for a few hours of distant embarrassment would be how he would describe it.
Tang Yuan had kept silent for now, it wasn't time to try to remove that dagger, not yet. His mother, and the other two seemed to silently agree with that fact. Except for a few glances towards her they made no further moves. Though he was certain the pope would be learning about this event. She needed time and patience to truly deal with such a hidden trouble.
He looked out the window himself enjoying the sight of the Savanna. It was the final environment before them and the Endless Desert that they fast approached. "Not much longer until we arrive." Tang Yuan said aloud as the scenery went by.
"Less than an hour at our current pace." Tang Nuan estimated. "We will arrive in Dunhuang City, the largest city that stands at the beginning of the desert." She explained to her young companions.
"Then are we staying in that city for the night?" Bibi Dong asked leaning forward in anticipation of the answer.
Tang Yuan tried not to notice how close she was to him. That was a change from the past few days she had become closer. More comfortable with him he might say, or more trusting.
Tang Nuan nodded "It will be the final night we rest comfortably. After that, we will enter the desert properly where the real trouble will begin. Expect scorching sunny days, long cold nights, and a lot of sand." Her words meant to warn both of them especially Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong grimaced at that "I understand no time for exploring the city at least today." At least if they wanted to make tomorrow less miserable.
Only a few minutes later they could see the city in the distance growing closer. It seemed to be mostly made from sandstone, an ideal material for the desert. At least he thought it was a type of sandstone acting as a material. It was a fairly large city though many times smaller than Spirit City.
Their carriage finally pulled into the city after more than eleven days of travel. The air was dry with very little moisture. The temperature had hopefully peaked at the scorching temperature. Quickly Chrysantheum guided the carriage towards the local Spirit Hall branch.
Quickly the carriage is secured near a stable by the branch. With only a few minutes' discussion, the horses would be cared for. Unfortunately, even if the horse were in top condition the desert would not suit them. So they would rest until they returned from their trip through the desert.
"This should be the place they told us about." Tang Yuan asked as they stood before a sandstone building. Recommended to them by the local members of Spirit Hall as a place to eat.
Tang Nuan entered the building first as they followed behind her. Multiple mouth-watering scents wafted in the building from various tables. The place was a hustle and bustle as servers moved between the tables with food or drinks.
Tang Yuan looks around the establishment, it was certainly busy. A fact that bodes well for the quality of the food in the establishment. As he looked around he noticed that Chrysantheum came to the front of their group.
Chrysantheum found himself surprised wondering if he was mistaken. As he stepped to the front of the group he looked closer. The more he did the more sure he became "Old Poison is that you I see." his voice was loud though not quite shouting as he showed visible surprise.
At one of the tables, a seemingly young man stiffens as he hears that accursed nickname being called. Especially by that very familiar annoying voice that was too familiar. He turned his head to look at the entrance of the building from which it came. He was not quite happy to see his old acquaintance present.
Tang Yuan observed the man closely finding him familiar. He was a slender man, his arms seemed almost like two snakes. His long hair was as dark green as was his mustache and short beard. His eyes were green as well, strikingly cold like those of a snake considering to strike.
Tang Yuan could immediately identify the man as Dugu Bo. Even if Crysantheum hadn't already called him by that nickname. The man just screamed poison or snake when looking at him. Honestly, he also seemed slightly sinister like a snake ready to strike.
"Here we go again, every time they." Tang Yuan thinks he heard his mother mutter. She seemed to have a look of slight annoyance at something.
Dugo Bu stood up from his table "So it's you Chrysanthemum Guan, what an unpleasant surprise." his face was controlled, and yet his words were subtly taunting.
Immediately upon hearing those words Yue Guan's face turned ugly. "You Old Posioner, don't call me that." his words were fierce promising consequences if not heeded.
"Then don't call me old you blasted Chrysantheum Guan." Dugo Bo's words were equally fierce even as he struggled to hold control of himself. The man's sinister feeling had increased as his eyes narrowed. His gaze was moving closer to a snake preparing to strike.
Tang Yuan was readily reminded of the tense relationship between these two. He wondered how bad exactly that relationship was right now. Still to run into Dugu Bo of all people on this trip, what a coincidence. His eyes narrowed at the thought of that word "coincidence" which could be a dangerous word.
Tang Yuan had planned to head to Heaven Dou City partially because of the Ice and Fire Well. Now the man who took that place as a territory had appeared before them. It might only be a chance, but he could not be sure of that fact. Perhaps it was a quirk of fate or rather of destiny instead.
"You Old Posion how dare you, I told you not to call me that," Chrysantheum said in anger at his rivals' continued words. His aura leaked slightly from his body unconsciously as he drew closer to Dugu Bo.
"Then don't call me Old Posion you dam Chryantheum Guan." This time there was a particularly biting quality to his words. A slight smirk appeared on Dugu Bo's face.
Chrysantheum really looked frustrated as he stomped his foot on the ground. "Thats it you blasted Old Posioner, let's take this outside. I will show you a Chrysantheum Guan after I cut you apart." his face showed his anger and intent to get even.
Dugu Bo scoffed at his words "not if your martial soul wilts from my poison first." he says as he prepares to step outside. Then they would see who was old "After you Chrysantheum Guan."
"Alright, that's enough Yue Guan, you as well Dugu Bo, both of you calm down. The two of you always get into it with each other every time." Tang Nuan was frustrated with both of them. She glared at both of them trying to force them into submission.
Dugu Bo still glaring at Yue Guan fiercely slows down slightly. Noticing not only that Gui Mei was present, but so was Tang Nuan. As well as two little ones younger than his own son. Then he took a second look at both of them "level 30, a third soul at such ages." he guessed immediately upon sensing their soul power.
Tang Nuan smiled as she placed her hands on her son's shoulders "This is my son Tang Yuan who has reached level 30. We are heading to the desert to find his third soul ring." Her voice held a gentle maternal pride easily noticeable in her voice.
Chrysantheum not on to lose out on a perceived chance "this is our Spirit Hall's Dongdong, rather Bibi Dong." he changed her name at glance from his partner. "She is the Holy Maiden of our Spirit Hall also level 30"
Dugu Bo could only wrly smile at these two bragging about their charges. Tang Nuan was one thing, as the boy's mother. Chrysantheum though was only using the chance to get one over him, well mostly.
"Xiao Xin come here." Dugu Bo called a boy to him from where he had been sitting. His voice was free of any agitation, and a hint of love readily shown through. "This is my son Dugu Xin we have also come for his third soul ring.
The boy walked over with a slight nervousness to his steps. He seemed to be 11 or 12 years of age. He shared similar features with his father with a more sickly looking constitution. Once more his hair was a sickly green like pale poison. He bowed slightly in greetings "greetings seniors I am Dugu Xin, greetings Bibi Dong, Tang Yuan." he greeted the five of them.
Tang Yuan took a few moments to look at the boy more closely. He seemed to have a frailer constitution than they. His eyes caught sight of his fingers as he clasped them the nails seemed to be green. Once more his hair seemed far paler than his father's. So this was Dugu Xin the son of the future Poison Douluo, he just seemed sickly.
Bibi Dong smiled a demure noble smile "greeting senior Bo, greetings Dugu Xin, it's nice to meet you both." she said partially acting in her role as the Holy Maiden.
Tang Yuan clasped his hands "Greetings, senior Bo, greetings Dugu Xin. I am Tang Yuan as my mother said." he greeted them both even as his thoughts were distracted.
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes. Perhaps if it had been anyone else it would have gone unnoticed. The boy had observed very closely a natural thing to do. If not for what he paid particular attention to, his son's hair and fingers had caught this child's eyes. Even that would not have aroused his suspicion if not for the assessment in his gaze or flash of concern.
Dugu Bo considered the possibility that this child had determined his gravest secret. It seemed ludicrous at first he was only about 11, and only a step from the third ring. But he was from the Clear Sky Sect the son of Tang Chen. A particular name came to mind Yang Wudi of the breaking clan, an alchemist. One whose fame had grown in recent years as he started selling products of interest.
Tang Nuan, Yue Guan, and Gui Mei all noticed Dugu Bo's abnormality. He had tensed subtly and suddenly raised his guard. All three of them noticed easily showing the profound shock the man experienced. As well as the attention he now paid Tang Yuan the assessment of his gaze.
The three of them as one tensed as well, it was wrong. If this man were to focus on anyone it should be Bibi Dong with the Death Spider. Yet instead, it was Tang Yuan the question was why?
Dugu Bo realized his mistake quickly, yet it was far too late, nor did it truly matter. This child could know his secret anyway, and tell them what he discovered. Nor did he even entertain the thought of silencing them, that would be stupidity.
Tang Yuan did not notice Dugu Bo's sudden change. What he felt was his mother's hands tensing on his shoulders. Something happened to put her on guard he made a connection to the man in front of them. He looked at Dugu Bu to find him like a stone statue. He could only think "I've definitely been caught, dam it." It was the only thing he could think of that happened.