Sword Douluo, Chen Xin
As spring passed and autumn came, nearly two months had gone by since Zuzong had been at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
During these two months, aside from regularly preparing medicinal primers for the old poison, Zuzong spent most of his time cultivating by the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
There was no denying the uniqueness of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, a place where the world's spiritual energy converges. Zuzong's martial spirit was the Blue Silver Emperor, a plant-type spirit. A single day of cultivation here was equivalent to ten days elsewhere.
As for the immortal herbs, Zuzong had harvested all those that had reached the grade of immortality and stored them in his system's storage space. He didn't leave behind any valuable herbs or treasures.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have turned 13, and the one-year period has ended. You have earned an additional chance to steal.]
Hearing the system prompt in his mind, Zuzong slightly opened his eyes, halting his cultivation.
Zuzong mused, "Has it really been 13 years since I arrived in this world? Although this place has accelerated my cultivation, it's time to leave. Otherwise, Xiao Wu might get worried, and Zhuqing should also be arriving in Heaven Dou City by now."
Suddenly, the sound of a fierce battle came from a distance, creating a significant disturbance. Even Zuzong, miles away, could sense it.
Startled, Zuzong used his Blue Silver Domain to investigate and soon looked puzzled. "It seems like someone is fighting the old poison, and the old poison seems to be losing. Who could it be? Could they be here to rescue me? Apart from Tang Hao, I don't know any other Title Douluo. Well, let's go check it out! If things get bad, I can always escape."
With that, Zuzong activated his Eight Spider Lances, channeled his spirit power to his feet, and shot off rapidly in the direction of the battle.
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Sunset Forest, ten miles outside of Dugu Bo's lair.
Dugu Bo was in a dire state. Over the past two months, he had been following Zuzong's method, forcing some of the poison in his body into his spirit bone while taking the medicinal primers Zuzong had prepared from various treasures. Not only did this solve the problem of the poison backlash, but his strength also advanced further, from level 91 to level 92. Today was the day he was to fulfill his promise to Zuzong.
However, a formidable opponent had suddenly appeared and attacked him without saying a word.
This person was Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, a Guardian Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, an honorary elder with a level 96 power, titled "Sword." His martial spirit, the Seven Kill Sword, was known as the strongest offensive spirit among Title Douluo and was inscribed on the Pope's decree as the representative of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
With an air of supremacy, Chen Xin spoke with a voice as sharp as a blade, "Are you going to talk or not?"
Dugu Bo wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, feeling bitter inside. "What do you want me to say? At least ask a question first before beating me up! Just because your spirit power level is high, does that mean you can do whatever you want? Is this how you bully people?"
Dugu Bo cupped his hands and asked, "What does Sword Douluo seek from me?"
Chen Xin snorted coldly. "Stop pretending, old poison. Where is that boy you captured? He has ties to my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Hand him over if you know what's good for you."
Dugu Bo was taken aback and deeply puzzled. "Isn't that kid just some nobody from a small village? When did he get involved with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Could it be that Ning Fengzhi has taken a liking to him and wants him as a son-in-law? Hmm... it's possible."
Dugu Bo said, "Sword Douluo, that boy has been cultivating in my lair these past few months. I was merely discussing poison techniques with him and meant him no harm. I'll go bring him here right away."
With that, Dugu Bo flew towards the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. This time, he had encountered someone even tougher than himself.
Before he could get far, Dugu Bo ran into Zuzong, who was on his way.
Upon seeing Zuzong, Dugu Bo didn't waste a moment. He grabbed Zuzong and—well, instead of running, he flew—bringing him directly to Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, leaving Zuzong utterly bewildered.
As Zuzong landed, he found himself facing an elderly man in a pristine white robe, with snow-white hair and beard. His long silver hair was neatly tied behind his back, and his face was unassuming yet baby-soft. His expression was indifferent, and his eyes seemed to ignore everything around him, as if he were in a world of his own. Yet just by standing there, he exuded an aura that made it seem as if he was the master of all things.
"What a naturally proud spirit, unyielding even in the face of death," Zuzong couldn't help but mutter under his breath.
While Zuzong was sizing up Chen Xin, the latter was doing the same. Even with his usually calm demeanor, Chen Xin was slightly surprised.
"He's about the same age as Rongrong, yet his spirit power has already reached level 40. His aura is dense, indicating he broke through some time ago. And he seems to carry a trace of sword intent as well. Could he be a swordsman too? Impressive, such innate talent. His looks aren't bad either, quite a match for Rongrong."
The more he observed, the more satisfied Chen Xin became, looking like a grandfather sizing up a prospective grandson-in-law.
Seeing this, Dugu Bo thought, "That look in Chen Xin's eyes is the same one I had a while back! If it weren't for Yan Yan possibly being snatched up by Yu Tianheng, I wouldn't be giving this kid up so easily."
Zuzong cupped his hands and asked, "What brings you here, Senior?"
Chen Xin maintained his indifferent expression and replied coldly, "I am Sword Douluo Chen Xin of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Rongrong told me you were captured by this old poison, so I came to rescue you."
Zuzong nodded, thinking, "It looks like Zhuqing and the others have reached Heaven Dou City. I didn't expect that the young miss Ning would go back to her clan and ask Ning Fengzhi for help because of me. This is quite unexpected. Whatever Ning Fengzhi's intentions are, it seems I owe Ning Rongrong a favor."
Zuzong glanced at the disheveled Dugu Bo, who seemed to have taken quite a beating from Sword Douluo. He then said seriously, "Senior Dugu noticed my outstanding talent and decided to teach me some knowledge about poison-type martial spirits. It seems that this misunderstanding caused concern for Rongrong. I apologize for the trouble, Senior Sword Douluo. I will definitely visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to express my gratitude in person."
Look at that! For the sake of this old poison, Zuzong shamelessly addressed Miss Ning as "Rongrong."
Hearing Zuzong's words, Dugu Bo shot him a grateful look, which Chen Xin did not miss.
Chen Xin, unwilling to expose them, decided that since this boy truly knew his little princess, he wouldn't meddle further. He'd let the younger generation handle their own affairs.
"Well then, take care."
With that, Sword Douluo stepped onto his Seven Kill Sword, transforming into a beam of light, disappearing from sight in an instant.
"Kid, why did you cover for me?" Dugu Bo asked Zuzong.
Zuzong shook his head, "There's no deep grudge between us, and we each have something to gain. I helped you solve the poison backlash, and you promised to do three things for me. Besides, I don't want to get involved in the struggles between the clans."
Dugu Bo laughed heartily, "I think it's more likely that you've gotten yourself into too many romantic entanglements! Yan Yan told me you have one girl in Suotuo City, another at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and now the young miss of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. You're quite lucky with the ladies!"
Zuzong rolled his eyes, "What are you even talking about! Enough of this. It's time for you to help me with the second task."
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