[DD]: 27

"Huh?"

This time, it wasn't just Guang Ling who was taken aback. Even Han Li, who was in the middle of finding a suitable place to replant the Ice Sprout Frost Vine, straightened up and turned his head to look over.

Previously, he had indeed considered the route of a political marriage to foster relationships, but who could have predicted Dugu Bo's bad luck? He got captured while still in a coma and was easily dealt with, making such complications unnecessary.

However, even after the matter was resolved, Dugu Bo was still offering his granddaughter. This was something Han Li hadn't expected.

But he quickly understood that the old geezer had seen his potential and was looking to form a deeper bond. It was a shrewd move.

After all, in the original story, when Dugu Bo recognized Tang San's potential, he had the same idea. Unfortunately for him, Dugu Yan already had a boyfriend and wasn't interested in Tang San, so he had to give up.

Of course, Han Li didn't mind such behavior. He had even actively considered this route himself, provided that getting along with Dugu Yan wasn't too uncomfortable.

After all, while there were many beauties among soul masters, those with additional fame from the original story had a special allure for him. He didn't need to detach himself from worldly matters.

While Han Li remained indifferent, Guang Ling's reaction was quite pronounced.

"In your dreams! What? Dugu Bo, do you fancy yourself as my elder?" Guang Ling glared at Dugu Bo with a tone full of disapproval.

Seeing that Guang Ling wasn't concerned about anything else but the seniority issue, Dugu Bo's eyes twinkled, and he quickly thought up a response.

"Hey, look at how you're putting it. We can each speak for ourselves. Think about it: how many descendants of titled individuals are of the same generation as him? If he marries my granddaughter, it'd strengthen our bond. Wouldn't you feel assured that I'd protect him well in the future? Don't you think that makes sense?"

Guang Ling was momentarily stunned by his words, even finding a bit of logic in what Dugu Bo was saying.

Fortunately, being an expert in sophistry and having undergone over a year of Han Li's training, Guang Ling quickly recognized Dugu Bo's ploy. Amused but not entirely opposed, he thought it was understandable since it was for the children's sake.

This old man was becoming endearing compared to before.

However, he decisively refused, saying, "This is Xiao Li's own business. I won't interfere. If you can convince him, that's up to you."

Seeing Dugu Bo's face light up with joy, he quickly added, "Although I don't object, as his master, it's necessary to vet for him. Come, let's talk over here. Tell me more about your granddaughter's situation so I can see if she's worthy of my disciple."

"Sure, sure. My granddaughter's name is Dugu Yan, she's 14 years old, with the Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul. She has an innate soul power of level seven and is a rank 25 Grandmaster. Though she doesn't match this young man, she's still a genius. Most importantly, she's gentle and beautiful, and she has me, a titled grandfather. How about that? Not bad, right?"

Dugu Bo spoke proudly to Guang Ling.

"Innate level seven, huh? A bit low, and not as talented as Xiao Xue. She's also seven years older than Xiao Li. But her strength at this age isn't bad, and having a titled grandfather is a bonus. Worth considering. Let's ask for more details."

The two then walked to the side, chatting closely, leaving the main subject out of the conversation.

Seeing this scene, Han Li couldn't help but twitch his mouth. Never mind Dugu Bo, but Master, what are you doing? Weren't you saying you wouldn't interfere with my matters? How come you're in on the discussion now?

Fine, let them be. First, I'll handle the matters with the immortal herbs. Han Li shook his head and focused on transplanting and harvesting the matured rare plants.

With the plant compendium provided by Chrysanthemum Douluo and all the necessary tools prepared beforehand, Han Li's wristband could also store living things.

So, by the time the two finished their conversation, they found that the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had undergone a significant transformation.

Unlike Tang San in the original story, Han Li didn't strip the place bare. He only harvested some of the mature immortal herbs, leaving their roots intact so that they could continue to grow. He left behind those rare plants that still had growth potential.

Of course, he did gather a considerable amount of valuable herbs that weren't of the immortal grade, leaving only a third of them behind.

However, since he wasn't just harvesting but also transplanting, digging up quite a bit of soil in the process, the ground looked as if it had been ravaged by dogs—full of pits and very unsightly.

Guang Ling walked over, glanced at the spot where the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass used to grow, and saw that the Ice Sprout Frost Vine had been transplanted nearby. He casually asked, "All done?"

Han Li smiled and raised his left hand, indicating that everything was stored inside.

"So, should we drive him out now?"

Guang Ling used his soul power to muffle the sound as he spoke to Han Li, subtly gesturing toward Dugu Bo behind him.

Han Li pondered for a moment before shaking his head and rejecting Guang Ling's suggestion.

He had just reached a preliminary agreement with Dugu Bo, and considering that Dugu Bo was inclined to ally with them, there was no need to hide anything. Otherwise, it would only create distrust in their newly formed relationship.

The most crucial reason was that Guang Ling was there to provide ample protection, ensuring Han Li wasn't threatened. Moreover, Han Li had the Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb with him. As long as Dugu Bo didn't directly inject poison into him, Han Li was confident in his safety.

The moment he entered the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the Ice Fire Bow had been difficult to control. So, even when he displayed his strength earlier, he had only briefly summoned it before quickly storing it away.

Now, he planned to let go of the control. The liveliness of his martial soul was likely a good sign. He might as well take this opportunity to reveal more, giving Dugu Bo enough confidence to fully align with him.

It would be a win-win situation, achieving dual victories, which was his plan.

Seeing that Han Li had made up his mind, Guang Ling didn't press further. He simply summoned his martial soul again and stood to the side.

Dugu Bo was still somewhat confused. Why had Guang Ling summoned his martial soul again? Was he dissatisfied with him? But they had just been chatting happily.

Before he could figure out what was going on, Han Li made his move.

Han Li first cupped his hands towards Dugu Bo and Guang Ling, then spoke, "Master, Senior, I'm about to summon my martial soul. Please guard me and prevent any interruptions. No matter what happens to me during this time, please do not act rashly. Is that acceptable?"

"Alright, Li, I won't let anyone disturb you."

While speaking, Guang Ling glanced at Dugu Bo, indicating that "anyone" included him.

Dugu Bo rolled his eyes in annoyance but didn't argue. He was also curious to see what Han Li was planning to do.

So, he nodded, also released his martial soul, and moved a bit further away, though he did not leave the valley.

"I'll handle the surrounding disturbances; you protect him."

Seeing that Dugu Bo had sensibly moved a bit farther away, Guang Ling nodded towards Han Li.

"Let's begin."

Han Li didn't speak. He took a deep breath, moved a bit closer to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and summoned the Ice Fire Bow.

Perhaps because Han Li had released his control, the Ice Fire Bow, just as it appeared, immediately floated into the air autonomously, vibrating intensely.

Simultaneously, with the vibration of the Ice Fire Bow, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well ceased its previous calmness, starting to churn, causing the entire basin's ground to shake.

Guang Ling and Dugu Bo both directed their gazes at the Ice Fire Bow in mid-air, a look of astonishment flashing across their faces. What was happening?

Then, under their puzzled and uncertain gazes, Han Li closed his eyes.

No one knew when the Ice Fire Bow had moved above Han Li's head. Under the watchful eyes of the two titled Douluo, Han Li and the Ice Fire Bow slowly left the ground, floating towards the center of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

"What's going on? Do you know?" Dugu Bo shouted at Guang Ling the moment Han Li started floating.

"Shut up and watch the perimeter closely. If anything happens to Han Li, I'll be the first to kill you!" Guang Ling shouted irritably. How would he know what was happening? But since Han Li had instructed them not to interrupt him, he could only watch.

At this moment, new changes occurred above the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

Just as Han Li and the Ice Fire Bow reached the center of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, both the Ice Fire Bow and the pool water calmed down, as if achieving some kind of harmonious state.

Han Li was now floating a meter above the pool water, eyes closed, head slightly raised, standing in mid-air, while the Ice Fire Bow adhered to his forehead.

From the pool below, two lines of energy, one milky white and one crimson, surged up, wrapping around the places where the bowstring should be (the bow tips). After the two energies circled the bow body once, the Ice Fire Bow grew even brighter. The remaining energy transformed into a faint red stream and injected into Han Li's forehead.

Guang Ling's palms were sweaty. If it weren't for Han Li's calm expression, showing no signs of discomfort, and his prior instructions not to interrupt him no matter what happened, Guang Ling would have intervened immediately.

At the edge, Dugu Bo also witnessed this scene, standing frozen in shock.

He was more familiar with the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well than Guang Ling. Since discovering this place, he had been trying to utilize the pool water inside, but no matter what method he used, he couldn't extract it. Now, Han Li was directly contacting it with his martial soul, and the energy was flowing into his brow without any issues.

To Dugu Bo, this was nothing short of a miracle. Only now did he have the presence of mind to scrutinize Han Li's martial soul. The previously already splendid Ice Fire Bow, under the baptism of the two energies, shone even more brightly, and it subtly suppressed his martial soul.

How is this possible? Dugu Bo was shocked. His martial soul and Han Li's martial soul were worlds apart—one was a beast martial soul, the other a tool martial soul. How could they possibly intersect? Why was there such a reaction?

Not only Dugu Bo, but Guang Ling also felt something was off. As the Ice Fire Bow continued to flash, he too felt his martial soul being suppressed.

Previously, although Han Li's Ice Fire Bow, due to the perfect fusion of ice and fire, was of slightly higher quality than his Glowing Feather Arrow, they were both top-tier martial souls, so he never felt this way. But now, the sense of suppression from a higher-level martial soul was becoming increasingly evident.

However, while Guang Ling felt quite uncomfortable, he was also very happy. This proved that Han Li was now safe, and their previous speculation was correct. Han Li's martial soul was evolving, transforming to a higher level.

So, he endured the discomfort and looked in Dugu Bo's direction, only to see Dugu Bo also looking affected. This expression was the same as his own, clearly indicating that his martial soul was also being suppressed.

"Does your martial soul also feel suppressed?" Guang Ling exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes."

Seeing Guang Ling looking over, Dugu Bo simply retracted his martial soul, instantly feeling much more comfortable.

"Isn't this Han Li's martial soul a tool? Could he be a twin martial soul wielder? And one of the top-tier dragon-type martial souls at that? Otherwise, how could he suppress the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor? This is insane. Even when I faced the old dragon from the Yu family, I didn't feel this way." Dugu Bo looked at Guang Ling in frustration, hoping he could provide some answers.

"No, I don't know either. When he wakes up, you can ask him yourself." Guang Ling was just as puzzled.

As they spoke, the situation changed again. The Ice Fire Bow suddenly trembled, emitting a loud hum, seemingly unsatisfied with the current state.

Under their watchful eyes, the bow generated a massive suction force, drawing a large amount of liquid from the two pools directly to Han Li, completely enveloping him.

Guang Ling and Dugu Bo's attention was immediately drawn to this sudden change, and they hurriedly looked over.

Han Li was no longer standing and floating as before but was now lying horizontally in mid-air. From their vantage point, they could only vaguely see his body, encased in a spherical object of mixed colors. The two-colored liquid on the surface continued to collide, producing a large amount of mist, and the pool's water level visibly dropped by several centimeters.

Standing relatively close, Guang Ling felt his bow tremble again, becoming heavier, and even its glow dimmed a bit.

"Alright, put your bow away. Isn't it uncomfortable to keep holding on? Looking at the situation, who knows how long this kid will need? This place is surrounded by poison miasma, and it's nighttime; no one can get in."

At some point, Dugu Bo had walked over from the periphery and stood beside Guang Ling, looking at the two-colored sphere above the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well with admiration.

"Go back."

Guang Ling turned abruptly, already drawing his bow aimed at Dugu Bo.

"I said, that's enough. The kid is wrapped in pool water. Do you think my attack could penetrate that sphere? Don't think I didn't notice; you secretly shot an arrow inside earlier, and it was directly melted."

With the previous exchange, Dugu Bo wasn't as afraid of Guang Ling anymore. Instead, he took out a chair from his storage space and handed it to Guang Ling.

Guang Ling's face changed several times as he glanced in Han Li's direction, then at the earnest-looking Dugu Bo. He snorted coldly, retracted his martial soul, and took the chair, but specifically adjusted its direction before sitting down. He didn't look towards the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well but kept a close watch on Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo gave Guang Ling a speechless look but didn't say anything, too lazy to deal with him. After all, Han Li was his favored grandson-in-law, and there's no way he would harm him. Besides, their grandfather-grandson duo's poison hadn't been cured yet, and they still relied on this kid. Guang Ling was overly concerned, forgetting the most critical points.

Originally, Dugu Bo had intended to continue chatting with Guang Ling, but seeing the current situation, he decided against it. It would be unwise to make this killing machine feel suspicious and end up getting eliminated. That would be truly not worth it.

So, just like that, the two titled Douluo, one watching Han Li in the pool and the other keeping an eye on each other, occasionally glanced at the situation in the pool. They sat until dawn.

Seeing that the sun had risen, Dugu Bo glanced at the still unmoving Han Li, then turned to Guang Ling and asked, "It's been all night. I'm hungry and need to eat. Do you want something to eat?"

"Go ahead and eat. Just a warning, don't try any tricks."

Guang Ling also stood up, threw the chair over to him, and indicated for him to go away.

Dugu Bo caught the chair and was about to speak when he heard the sound of water coming from the pool. He quickly turned to look.

Guang Ling also slightly turned his head towards the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, seeing Han Li had returned to his initial standing position. The water sphere around him was beginning to drop water back into the pool, which was the source of the sound.

Suddenly, Han Li's eyes snapped open, and the Ice Fire Bow on his forehead emitted a hum, breaking the connection line with the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and radiating a blinding light.

As Guang Ling and Dugu Bo turned their heads and closed their eyes to avoid the intense light, the water sphere completely dispersed, crashing back into the pool with a loud noise.

After a while, the dazzling light and the sound of water finally disappeared. Guang Ling and Dugu Bo hurriedly cleared the mist in front of them and looked towards Han Li, only to see him standing on the water's surface, the Ice Fire Bow back in his hand.

"Master, Senior, thank you for your hard work."

Han Li excitedly waved his left hand at the two, and then, as if walking on solid ground, he strode out of the pool and came to their side.

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