That night, Chen Yuan, Dugu Yan, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing rested in a secluded spot within the Sunset Forest.
In a spirit beast forest, nights were undoubtedly more dangerous than days. However, the four of them were now all Spirit Ancestors. Except for Ning Rongrong, who was a support-type spirit master with no combat ability, the other three took turns keeping watch. Even if they encountered a thousand-year spirit beast, they could easily drive it away.
By the next morning, the sun rose above the horizon, its light scattering through the forest. Although the forest was still shrouded in mist, the sunlight dispelled the chill and brought warmth.
After waking up, they used the water stored in their storage soul tools to wash their faces and rinse their mouths. Then, they ate some dry rations to fill their stomachs.
With that, they set off again, this time with a clear goal: the mountain range where the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eye was located.
Dugu Yan entered the mountain range to summon her grandfather, while Chen Yuan stayed outside with Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
Since Dugu Bo was in seclusion, they didn't want to disturb him too much. Dugu Yan alone was enough.
Inside the mountain range!
Even in seclusion, Dugu Bo's alertness remained high. The moment an outsider entered, his spiritual power detected them. However, upon realizing it was Dugu Yan, he relaxed completely.
His cultivation was immediately set aside. His granddaughter was far more important. Stepping out of the cave and seeing Dugu Yan, Dugu Bo smiled warmly:
"Yan Yan, what brings you here today?"
Dugu Yan, seeing her grandfather, immediately shared the good news of her breakthrough. She smiled and said:
"Grandpa, I've broken through to the 50th rank. I didn't want to disturb you, but I need your advice on my fifth spirit ring."
Hearing such wonderful news, Dugu Bo couldn't stop smiling. His granddaughter, only around twenty years old, had already reached the 50th rank. She was undoubtedly on the path to becoming a Titled Douluo.
Without hesitation, Dugu Bo said:
"This isn't a disturbance at all. I'm thrilled! Your fifth spirit ring, being your first ten-thousand-year ring, must be chosen carefully. I've already walked this path, so I can give you some guidance."
"My fifth spirit ring was the Emerald Sky Shield. Even spirit masters stronger than me couldn't easily break through my defense. It's a life-saving spirit skill. For your fifth ring, we should prioritize hunting a Sky Centipede. Its armor and venom are perfect for us."
Dugu Yan had no objections. She knew her grandfather would never steer her wrong. She nodded and said:
"Grandpa, let's head out first. Chen Yuan and the others are waiting outside. Oh, by the way, Chen Yuan has also reached the 50th rank. He needs a fifth spirit ring too. We're planning to go to the Star Dou Forest."
Dugu Bo was shocked. Chen Yuan was about six years younger than Dugu Yan. If Dugu Yan had the potential to become a Titled Douluo, then Chen Yuan's potential was undoubtedly that of a Super Douluo.
Then, Dugu Bo took Dugu Yan into the air, quickly exiting the mountain range and finding Chen Yuan, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing at the foot of the mountain.
Dugu Bo's face darkened slightly. While he couldn't find fault with Chen Yuan's looks, background, talent, or strength, his character left much to be desired.
His precious granddaughter, as beautiful as a flower, was just one of Chen Yuan's many admirers. Every time he thought about it, he couldn't bring himself to be polite.
Seeing Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan appear, Chen Yuan stepped forward and smiled:
"Grandpa, I'm sure Yan Yan has already explained the situation. We've both reached the 50th rank and plan to head to the Star Dou Forest to find suitable ten-thousand-year spirit beasts."
"For now, Grandpa, you can take Yan Yan to the vicinity of the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect. I'll escort Rongrong and Zhuqing back to the academy and then return to my sect to ask my teacher for help. This trip might take us deep into the core of the Star Dou Forest."
Dugu Yan nodded with a smile and said:
"Right, I've already told Grandpa everything. You take Rongrong and Zhuqing back first. Be careful on the way."
Chen Yuan, hearing this, spread a pair of wings from his back, each spanning over eight meters, shimmering with a golden brilliance.
Then, he turned around, picking up Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing with each arm, and said:
"I'll take my leave now."
With that, Chen Yuan shot into the sky, creating a shockwave as he disappeared into the horizon at an astonishing speed.
At this moment, Dugu Bo couldn't help but grumble:
"Hmph, that brat. Right in front of me, he leaves my granddaughter behind and flies off with other girls. Yan Yan, even if he's done us a favor, you can't spoil him like this. Sometimes, you need to show him you're upset and let him know you're angry."
Dugu Yan, however, shook her head and said:
"But, Grandpa, I'm not upset. You don't understand him. He may not be exclusive, but his feelings for me are unique."
Dugu Bo sucked in a breath. I don't understand him? Oh no, his granddaughter was completely smitten. If she ever got hurt, she probably wouldn't even come to him for help.
No, absolutely not. Dugu Bo resolved to train harder. If he became a Super Douluo, he could surely intimidate Chen Yuan and ensure he wouldn't dare mistreat his granddaughter.
---
Meanwhile, Chen Yuan, using his Golden Feather Wings, carried Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing back to the foot of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's mountain range in record time.
After landing, he let them go and said:
"You two head back to the academy first. This trip to the Star Dou Forest might take several days before I return."
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance, then did the same thing—they leaned in and kissed Chen Yuan on either cheek.
Ning Rongrong said apologetically:
"Against ten-thousand-year spirit beasts, we'd just be a burden now. But we'll be waiting for you at the academy."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes shone with determination as she said firmly:
"We'll train hard and try to catch up to you as soon as possible. That way, we can help you when you need us."
Chen Yuan smiled, reaching out to pat their heads. Even as two of the original Shrek Seven Monsters, after consuming immortal herbs, they still couldn't catch up to him.
But then again, if his efforts could be so easily matched, why would he even bother trying?
Then, Chen Yuan said gently:
"With your talents, it's only a matter of time before you grow stronger. I believe that day isn't far off. Head back to the academy now. I'll take my leave."
With that, the two girls reluctantly returned to the academy.
As for Chen Yuan, he soared into the sky once more, his Golden Feather Wings flapping as he transformed into a streak of golden light, quickly disappearing into the horizon.
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,198
---
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.