It was a very awkward dinner for all at the table filled with a quiet tension. Tang Yuan sat beside Bibi Dong and his distracted mother. Chrysantheum surprisingly sat next to Dugu Bo talking with one another. They had each traded jars of wine with one another almost in completion. Everyone had silently agreed to have dinner first, and then have a long talk that Dugu Bo was already dreading.
The dinner seemed to last neither long enough nor did it end fast enough. As everyone filled their bellies the dinner began to wind down slowly. The servers brought food as needed, but drinks were scarce. Everyone felt they needed to be at full coherence, as they rose from their chairs.
"Let's return to the Spirit Hall Branch for this conversation. If you can accept that Dugu Bo," she asked the man if he would be fine on their territory.
Dugu Bo felt like scoffing at the fact that he didn't particularly have a choice. He was the one who was at a massive disadvantage. "I will trust the honor of Spirit Hall in this matter." That and his own soul power to isolate their talk.
With the venue decided all seven left the tavern after handing over payment. The original group of five had grown to seven now. They quickly made their way through the streets in a slight rush. Feeling the impatience of wanting to have this conversation.
They stop only for a few spare moments to talk to the local branch keepers. To command them to give them time alone. Then immediately head to a room for this talk.
As the door closes behind him Dugu Bo sighs spreading his spirit power through the room. He would only trust himself to keep the conversation to this room. Then he found himself floundering over where exactly to start.
"So then Old Posion what needs to be said?" Yue Guan speaks first unable to contain his curiosity any longer. The been nagging at him for more than an hour? What had caused his rival to become so concerned?
Tang Yuan as the one who seemed to discover the secret answered. "Senior Bo noticed that I had realized a grave secret," he said with a serious expression as he began the conversation in earnest.
Tang Nuan found herself curious, but she also grew grave. Secrets were a dangerous thing especially depending on what the secret was. "And what secret was that? And how did you notice it?" she asked Dugu Bo considering it was his own secret.
Dugu Bo remained silent on the matter he had already made his own guesses to the second. The first was embarrassing to admit not only for him, but for his clan as well.
Tang Yuan answered this time as well "I noticed that Dugu Xin seemed to be in poor health, with a frail constitution. Once more both his hair and fingernails were green. Which allowed me to make an unproven guess, until." he trailed off staring at Dugu Bo waiting for him to continue.
Dugu Bo gained a wry look "until I tensed up at the possibility of your discovery." he said with annoyance. Perhaps if he hadn't reacted, but no the child had already noticed something.
Tang Yuan continued "It seems that Dugu Xin, and even senior Dugu Bo have been poisoned." he said with a detached tone.
The four who had no idea found themselves shocked. Dugu Bo, poisoned the statement seemed more like a joke than anything. This man would usually be the one doing the poisoning. An experienced Soul Douluo who was fully focused on poison on the receiving end.
Tang Nuan found herself bewildered, running through her memory. "Who exactly was able to poison you?" Only one possible individual came to mind She Long of their Spirit Hall. There was no one else with the poison attribute of that level.
Tang Yuan smiled wryly "Actually, I believe that they have been poisoning themselves. For quite a long time at that, perhaps since birth." he finally spoke the full truth of the matter. Turning to Dugu Bo for confirmation of his words played as an assumption.
Dugu Bo sighed the full truth had been revealed now. Both the greatest threat, and the highest embarrassment of their family. Poison soul masters who have poisoned themselves what an embarrassment. "You are not wrong we have poisoned ourselves severely," he admitted reluctantly.
Now Dugu Bo would have to get them to agree to remain silent about this secret. If it were possible to keep this secret with so many learning it. "Now even at birth we are poisoned with increasing severity," he said though omitting that even one's spouse was not safe.
Yue Guan was not sure what to say honestly. He and Dugu Bo had a tense relationship at best. He considered the man to be his greatest and most bitter rival. Now he knew this rival had faced such a critical misfortune. The thought did not bring any joy or humor if anything it was upsetting.
Tang Nuan considered that concept with no little shock that a soul master could poison themselves so badly. Especially one of Dugu Bo's level no wonder poison was so rare. "I didn't know such was possible."
Dugu Bo seeing that his secret had been told spoke seriously "I would ask all of you to keep this secret as a favor to me." he wondered if it would be that easy. He would likely owe each of them a favor in the future.
Tang Nuan did not feel any particular reason not to keep quiet on this matter. Dugu Bo was a powerful Soul Douluo at level 88 who might even become a Titled Douluo. "I can agree to keep this a secret. I'm sure that my son would likely agree as well," she said earnestly as she turned to look at her son.
Tang Yuan stayed quiet assessing the situation. "I have no real reason not to keep it to myself. Though I would like to ask you several questions both on your condition, and another matter. If you would humor me, Senior Dugu Bo." he kept himself calm even in the face of this chance.
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow at this child's request. Considering his secret had already been discovered, he saw no reason to refuse. "Very well then child though I am curious about why?"
Tang Nuan was surprised, her son had that insightful look again. She wondered if he already had some of something.
Tang Yuan merely considered what his first question should be. He had long planned to interact with this man. He had years to consider the possibilities of dealing with the poison. "Then to start with the poison is present at birth, and becomes stronger with time."
Dugu Bo nodded "Both are correct." he wondered where this child was going with this matter.
"Than Senior Bu the poison becomes stronger as one's soul power increases. Once more it also becomes slightly stronger each generation. Considering Dugu Xin's current state I estimate." he laid out another part of the poison situation taking it step by step.
Dugu Bo found himself slightly surprised "Yes, that is correct." he said simply he had a feeling that this would be worthwhile.
Tang Yuan tapped his finger as he considered that. There were many ways in different works to deal with this man's problem. "Assuming that it grows stronger with each soul ring. Doing so also absorbs trace amounts of toxins directly, and the ring produces those toxins." he mused almost to himself this time.
Then he turned to Dugu Bo "Senior, might you be willing to try something? I can offer no promises, but it might provide slight help." he decided to use one of the least effective methods first. Though he was unsure of this method it would not hurt to try.
Dugu Bo turned more serious at that open-ended request that he could turn down. Normally he would find himself offended, what could a child do that he could not? Yet this was also the child who suspected his poisoning so "that depends on what it entails?"
Tang Yuan smiled slightly, which wasn't a no; instead, it was a consideration. "This involves a secret of our own so please keep it hidden," he said as he took something from his storage belt a piece of Whale Glue.
Tang Nuan who had been silently watching was surprised. Whale Glue, would that actually be some help in this situation? Once more while she felt her son was partially doing this from kindness. There was a more cunning aspect to it as well.
Dugu Bo also recognised the substance easily enough. "Whale Glue, that was what you." he wasn't sure what to think about this matter. He almost wanted to ask if he was joking, but he waited.
"It probably seems strange to anyone who only knows this as an aphrodisiac. It also has the effect of strengthening one's physique increasing the absorption limit. It can also expunge impurities in the body in refining it." Tang Yuan explained the secret.
"It can strengthen the body, and expel impurities." Dugu Bo considered that for several moments such a useful substance. If used by one of them their bodies would grow stronger. Once more it could help reduce the amount of poison scattered in the body. "I see that might work,"
"Yes though this piece is relatively young of 1,000 years old. For you Senior Bo it will be of little help, besides as proof." Tang Yuan explained as he threw the piece to Dugo Bu.
Dugu Bo easily caught the substance that smelled fishy. He considered the piece for a few seconds. "Xiao Xin you should consume this piece," he told his son deciding after only a few seconds.
Dugu Xin was surprised at that "But, father." he fell silent as his father raised his hand.
"As he said this piece would not bring much effect for me. For you on the other hand, it might make a critical difference." Dugu Bo's most critical concern was always his son. Xin's condition would only grow worse as time passed.
Dugu Bo gave the piece to his son, turning then to Tang Yuan. "You mentioned a second matter brat?" his words had grown less formal as he relaxed slightly.
Tang Yuan nodded "I have heard that your family has ties to Sunset Forest. A book led me to know of a certain place within the forest. I'm curious do you have any knowledge of such a place?" he asked upfrontly what he wanted to know.
Dugu Bo found himself surprised that anyone or any book would know of that. He gazed upon Tang Yuan with consideration at his knowledge. "Yes, I know of such a place." he would have considered denying it, but it was too late for that.
Bibi Dong had been surprised at the mention of Sunset Forest "Isn't that near Heaven Dou City where you planned to go. Then that place was what you wanted to find." She connected the dots easily enough.
"So you were already planning on looking for that place." Dugu Bo concluded his eyes narrowing. That place was critical to his survival and cultivation. Yet this child had provided him with help as well. "What exactly do you want with that place?"
"So you not only know of it, but have also occupied it then?" Tang Yuan formed it as a question when he already knew the answer. "Perhaps we can discuss things further another day. For now, we should leave you to try this method," he said leadingly.
"This method?" Dugu Bo immediately caught that part of his speech. Implying other methods he intended to use for trade. "Very well then in the future child." he accepted that it would give him time to adapt to this meeting.
With that, the meeting had come to an end in favor of a future talk. Dugu Bu and his son would return to their own accommodations elsewhere. The others remained in the room for further discussion on the matter.
"Well, now little Yuan that was an interesting experience. I have never seen that Old Poison so off guard." Chrysantheum said having regained much of his cheer.
Tang Nuan placed a hand on her son's shoulder. "You did well, now I think it's time for bed if we want an early start. Good night to you three," she said as she headed to their room.
"I suppose mother is right, good night Dong'er see you tomorrow." Tang Yuan admitted as he looked at the sleepy Bibi Dong.
"Aaahhh." Bibi Dong yawned suddenly feeling sleepy. "Yes, that sounds right, good night Yuan." She wandered off to her own room in the building.
The mother and son enter their own room, which is a smaller one. Yet it had two beds for them both so it wasn't uncomfortable.
Tang Nuan looked at her son "So what is this place under Dugu Bo's control you so want to see?"
"The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well is a hidden treasure zone. One side is like an ultimate flame, the other an equally tyrannical cold. As a result of that unique circumstance the environment is overwhelming for most." he explained the circumstances of the well at least partially.
Now Tang Nuan made a connection to his past actions. "You didn't make your Spirit Skin technique for such an environment?" she deduced.
"Partially, that was a part of my consideration. The threat posed by that atmosphere was the impetus. But it would also serve against other such threats." Tang Yuan admitted.
"As well as your attempt to recruit Dugu Bo?" Tang Nuan asked her son knowingly.
Tang Yuan was not completely surprised she had seen his intentions. "Yes if possible I hope to recruit him for the Clan, or ally with him. I'm sure he would break through to Titled Douluo in the future. Yet I'm wary of saying anything without at least Father's knowledge." Preferably, the elders would also agree without issue.
Tang Nuan understood his reasoning "Dugu Bo is an experienced Soul Douluo at least a guest elder position." Left unsaid was the difficulty of said recruitment, or the elders. Though she saw no harm in trying "if you can get that one to agree then perhaps."
Tang Yuan understood well enough "before anything else Senior Dugu Bo needs to agree. I have considered other means to deal with his poison so that should decide things." he believed Dugu Bo would accept if they provided help. The last one in particular, but they could only see in the future.
Early the next morning their group had already begun to move through the desert. Tang Yuan looked out across the vast desert as the shining sun beamed down on them. The eye as far as one could see was an endless sandy desert. A few rocky outcroppings or cacti being the sole exceptions to that rule. The temperature was scorching even more than imagined, even so early.
Tang Yuan carefully steadied himself on the Rock Camel, keeping the reins steady. It was a new experience for him to be sure riding a camel. The creature had been of enormous help already on their trip.
Yet as the sun climbed higher, and the day wound on the temperature only climbed higher. All of them felt a constant heat the three children felt the worst off. The adults all with the cultivation of Soul Douluo felt little from the heat. Still, they could not sustain this pace forever not in this environment.
As another two hours went by midday was approaching. So they began to seek a place to rest for the first stop. Finally, as they continued to move a larger rocky outcropping appeared in the distance. It would have to serve as their place of rest for today.
The outcropping was fairly large made of almost orange stone. Its size was enough to cast a large dark shadow. The slight tilt of it made that shadow all the more tempting to them.
Yet as they got close enough they realized they weren't alone in thinking it tempting. A creature was hiding in the shadow of the rock. Its body was almost shiny in appearance like metal, segmented into sections. As it stood up on multiple legs it clicked its pincers warningly, its tail ready to strike. It was a scorpion beast of some kind, perhaps a Rock Scorpion.
It was about the length of a large dog more than a meter. Though with a scorpion it was hard to gauge its proper age by size. "How old is it exactly, I can't tell. Is it a Rock Scorpion?" Tang Yuan asked those with him directly.
Dugu Bo was the one to answer "A Rock Scorpion, less than three hundred years old. You can tell based on its body only being a meter." he explained as the one with the most knowledge of the species. As he shared that knowledge with the children.
Tang Nuan considered it closely for a few moments "Dugu Bo you seem to have knowledge of the species is it editable?" she asked wanting to know before deciding what to do with it.
"Yes, so long as it's cooked thoroughly enough the poison will be rendered harmless." Dugu Bo revealed looking at the on-guard beast as if assessing a potential ingredient.
That was all Tang Nuan needed to know. She burst into action moving in a burst of speed. The creature quickly grows wary at the disappearance of a human. Then it is forced into the sand by an overpowering grip on its small body. As a knife pierces its brain for a quick clean kill.
Tang Nuan cleans the knife with a cloth "I trust that you can prepare it for us." she said toward Dugu Bo.
The man could only agree, a bit surprised at such decisive action. "Yes, I can do well enough." It would help supplement their food stores.
With that decided they quickly began to set up the camp. They would be present for several hours until things started to cool. Dugu Bo at the same time prepared the Scorpion for consumption. Starting with cutting the tail stinger off to reduce risk. As he started to cook it thoroughly to reduce the poison to nothing.
In only a few minutes the camp and food had been finished. Tang Yuan sat back with a bowl of scorpion as the smell wafted. "It tastes a bit like shellfish, in my opinion really good," he said as he tasted it.
"It is really good." Bibi Dong said as she ate up her bowl quickly. Then went for a second course right away.
"My Dad always makes good stuff for me." Dugu Xin said with a touch of pride and happiness at that. With the hidden unspoken statement of "aren't you jealous?"
Tang Nuan smiles slightly at the small byplay of the children. Then "we will rest at this location for a few hours. Once we finish our lunch, you children should take a rest."
"Then do you plan for us to travel at night as well. That can be just as taxing as moving during the day." Dugu Bo pointed out. Wondering what her plan was to deal with that issue.
Chrysantheum Douluo couldn't help himself "Our Spirit Hall has a great deal more resources, or perhaps caution, than you " he said with an air of contempt for his rival.
Dugu Bo's face grew irritated at that for a moment. This time though he found himself easily able to ignore it. Not after the windfall of yesterday provided by Tang Yuan. He turned to look at Tang Nuan ignoring that Chrysantheum Guan's taunt.
Tang Nuan took a coat from her storage ring made from silk. Even at a glance the quality of the coat was obvious to an observer. "This would be our contingency for the coming night travel." She handed it over to Dugu Bo for him to examine.
Dugu Bo found himself bewildered at that "it's a coat." Then, as he examined it more closely his expression changed. "Is this made from the silk of an Ice Silkworm from the Far North? If so I can see the source of your confidence."
This was definitely an expensive high-quality coat, not only durable but cold-resistant as well. All clothing made from Ice Silkworms was of a similar quality. In recent decades it had become less rare thanks to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's Bone Douluo.
"You should give that to your son so he might need it for our night travel. It's one of my extras just in case we need it." Tang Nuan said as he prepared to return it to her. While normally expensive to most it wasn't a major cost for them.
Dugu Bo did not try to complain or say no after that. His son would likely need it in the near future. "Thank you I will take it then. Speaking of which I should thank you for your advice." he thanked Tang Yuan with a far more noticeable gratitude. Dugu Bo was not the type to forget such a debt, after being helped.
Tang Yuan nodded "So it was an effective method of treatment then. " To what extent was still left to be seen.
Dugu Xin was all too happy to speak "I feel lighter than I have for a long time now. It's all thanks to you, Brother Yuan." he said his eyes sparkling with freedom.
"It is certainly a short-term solution that I plan to use." Dugu Bo admitted easily enough. Though likely not to work in the long term. The poison expelled would slowly return, and overcome the body's strengthened tolerance. Yet, it would also buy years' worth of time for his son.
That could be the equivalent of saving his life potentially a dozen times over. "When you desire to enter that place ask me. Though I am curious if you have other methods" Dugu Bo easily decided to repay the debt.
Tang Yuan smiled, which meant being able to enter the Ice and Fire Well without offending its current owner. "The next method I can think of is something you may already know. The targeting of dragon-blooded serpent-type beasts, or those in relation."
Dugu Bo did in fact have the knowledge, but not to the same extent as Spirit Hall or a top Sect. His knowledge was more related to snakes, and other poisonous beasts. He had been more focused on the evolution from a King to Emperor, rather than to a sub-Dragon.
Tang Nuan as one who sought the transformation of the martial soul to dragonhood, decided to inform him. Tang Yuan found himself embroiled in that lecture as well.
An hour later they turned in for a different period of sleep. After the portion of the day they had Tang Yuan found himself easily able to sleep. They would return to traveling after the sun began to travel down, or later.
Hours later their group had begun their transit once more. The sun had long passed its zenith and was moving towards the horizon. Though the sunset was still hours away from even being close. They began moving with a quick pace through the desert once more. Though they planned to travel at night it would require greater caution.
So they move at an extra pace on their camels a jogging or brisk walk. They would cover as much ground as possible before having to slow down. At least that was the plan as defined in their talk earlier. The heat still beamed down on them as they moved, made tolerable by the constant breeze.
Though they were making progress it would take time to pass the initial area. Unfortunately, Tang Yuan knew this environment was far larger than a normal soul beast habitat. How long it would take to pass through this first area was difficult to say.
By all accounts, this place had similarities to Star Dou Forest. As one went deeper the danger increased like that of rings circling the desert. But, that was certainly part of what made this place one of the extremes. As they moved further inwards the chances of something unexpected only grew.
So even as they moved they dared not run too far lest they be caught unprepared. Tang Yuan found himself between the adults as did Bibi Dong, and Dugu Xin. It was a comforting thought in this type of environment.
"Look at that it's incredible so gorgeous." Bibi Dong said distractedly. Her head was turned slightly to gaze at something. Tang Yuan thought he heard a touch of awe in her voice.
Turning his gaze he saw what had invoked that awe, and he could easily agree with her. The sun had begun to set as the horizon became a canvas of colors. Perhaps it was something about the environment that made it all the more compelling.
Everyone found themselves paying a small amount of attention to the sight. Yet that compelling sight just as it quickly began, also ended just as quickly. In a way that made it all the more amazing to them.
Tang Nuan's voice resounded as the sight ended. "Alright everyone we will still have some light from the twilight. However, it will get progressively darker. Gui Mei, Dugu Bo I will trust the sides to you two when that time comes" she said driving everyone back to full attention while they could move.
Tang Yuan refocused as he heard his mother's voice as they continued moving. This trip was always going to involve night travel, after Bibi Dong's, choice of target for the hunt.
The Black Night Spider was a creature of the night that only emerged at dark. Unless they found one's den to attack during the day. They would have to find them during the day when they hunt. That or they ran into one of them creating a trap.
The Golden Scarab his own choice was in contrast a creature active during the day. Absorbing the light of the sun as it moved around, and foraged. The sun and metal served as its primary diet unlike the creatures from his past life.
Just like the sunset the twilight eventually fades away. As darkness encompasses them save for the light of the moon and stars. They continued to make their way along a path whether lucky or not. His mother led them as the one with the best night vision save perhaps Gui Mei.
Tang Yuan wondered if this would be the last easy day they might have. Perhaps it would be it was actually remarkably easy. Better to consider it the easiest than risk the opposite, Tang Yuan thought.
Little did he know how truly right he was in his thinking. This trip would affect him for years to come in ways he could not imagine. Including a reunion that he would never have sought, yet had anticipated with dark intent. As well as grasping a portion of the danger that would always exist.
Elsewhere a certain man rode in a special carriage through that same desert. A man who had grown in the last two years as well since his encounter with an enemy. An encounter that brought him close to death, yet had rewarded him well.
He was a seemingly inconsequential man whose presence was ignored. His soft skin had grown paler despite the desert sun. His hair also seemed to have lost color becoming paler as well. As if the color was disappearing from his body, he turned into a pale being.
"Lord Cheng Tao we will arrive at the destination soon." a voice came from outside the carriage to the man. Cheng Tao the Evil Soul Master opened his eyes at that. The darkness hidden in his gaze had only grown greater as the years came. Yet a hint of insight also appeared in his gaze as well.
"Very well then let's get this over with. Then we can return to that man with the cargo." his tone was calm and uninterested. Like a chore that he found boring, and wanted done.
As he stepped out of the carriage he spoke "Remember the better the condition the greater the profit. That includes the woman they sell more with purity intact." his words remained in that same tone cold and almost emotionless.
Spirit rings appeared around him Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black the mark of a Spirit Emperor. "Now let's begin I suppose have the cages ready," he said as he walked off to begin.
Moments later screams would fill the air of the small village they had arrived at. Men would be butchered, children beaten, and women raped. Others would be taken to the carriage for transport as they watched.
Cheng Tao was indifferent. None of them did he find worthy of his attention, all of them were beneath him. He wondered when his teacher would return to fetch him. He grew tired of his current errands for that man.