Song Qing often found his thoughts returning to his other spirit, the Primordial Life Tree.
While his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor spirit was his primary focus for combat and public display, he knew the immense potential of his plant spirit, especially after its experience in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
He yearned to nurture it further, to add a third soul ring to its already potent abilities.
'A soul ring of around five thousand years would be ideal,' he mused, picturing the kind of power that would unlock for his Primordial Life Tree. He knew he couldn't just pluck any five-thousand-year-old plant-type beast; it needed to be something truly special, something that would synergize well with his spirit's unique nature.
'Hunting such a beast alone would be risky,' he admitted to himself. While his current strength was considerable for his age, facing a powerful spirit beast of that caliber without assistance was a gamble he wasn't entirely sure he was ready to take.
He could probably manage, given his wits and abilities, but the risk of serious injury or even death was too significant to ignore.
Meanwhile, far away in the Sunset Forest, the Dugu family had finally emerged from their secluded existence. The reason for their departure was a momentous occasion for Dugu Bo. After years of relentless cultivation, he had finally broken through the final barrier and reached the coveted rank of Titled Douluo.
His ninth soul ring, absorbed from an eighty-thousand-year-old venomous dragon, pulsed with terrifying power. The Spirit Hall had been swift to acknowledge his achievement, officially bestowing upon him the title of Poison Douluo.
It was to receive his certificate and the symbolic scepter of his title that Dugu Bo had traveled to the Martial Soul City. He had left Dugu Xin and Dugu Yan behind, his old suspicions of the Spirit Hall still lingering.
He didn't want to expose his family to any potential machinations, especially not now that he had reached such a significant level of power.
The ceremony was held in one of the Spirit Hall's grand audience chambers, officiated by the esteemed Golden Crocodile Douluo, one of the Spirit Hall's most powerful elders. Dugu Bo stood tall and proud as he received his recognition, a hint of satisfaction in his usually stern green eyes.
It was during this very ceremony that Dugu Bo's gaze fell upon a familiar figure seated prominently amongst the Spirit Hall's younger generation – Song Qing.
The boy was seated in a position of honor, one that Dugu Bo instinctively recognized as belonging to someone of great importance. He was dressed in the ornate robes of the Spirit Hall, and the air around him seemed to hum with a subtle power.
Dugu Bo's mind raced. He remembered the conversation he had with his family a few weeks prior, after they had left the Sunset Forest.
Dugu Yan had inquired about the little boy who had healed them. They had asked around in some of the nearby towns, mentioning a child who claimed to be from the Star Luo Empire.
However, the information they had gathered painted a different picture.
They had heard whispers of a six-year-old prodigy within the Spirit Hall, a personal disciple of the Pope herself, possessing Full Innate Soul Power of 20 and the incredibly rare and powerful Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor spirit.
At the time, neither Dugu Bo nor his family had connected this information with the small, unassuming boy they had met in the forest.
After all, that child had clearly possessed a plant spirit, something entirely different from the overbearing aura of a dragon.
They had dismissed it as a coincidence, another talented child in a world full of them.
But now, seeing this same child, the one who had eased their family's suffering, seated as the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, the personal disciple of Bibi Dong…
Dugu Bo was utterly shocked.
His green eyes narrowed, studying Song Qing intently. The boy looked slightly older, perhaps a few months had passed, but there was no mistaking that innocent yet strangely knowing gaze.
'Impossible…' Dugu Bo thought, his mind reeling. 'Could it be the same child? The one with the plant spirit?' He watched Song Qing, who sat calmly, observing the ceremony with an air of quiet confidence that belied his age. 'He doesn't seem surprised to see me. In fact… he almost looks like he was expecting me.'
A sudden realization struck Dugu Bo. 'Twin spirits!' It was the only logical explanation. This Song Qing must possess two spirits: the incredibly powerful Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor that had earned him such a high position within the Spirit Hall, and the seemingly simple plant spirit that had healed his family.
'But if he has such a formidable first spirit… just how powerful is that plant spirit?' Dugu Bo wondered, a new level of intrigue washing over him. It certainly hadn't seemed like a 'simple' plant spirit when it had effortlessly balanced the raging poisons within their bloodline and made their physique adapt to their poison.
A few hours later, after the ceremony had concluded and Dugu Bo had received his official certificate and scepter, a young boy in ornate robes approached him discreetly. It was Song Qing.
Dugu Bo chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "Well, well, well, brat. I certainly didn't expect to see you here, in the heart of the Spirit Hall."
Song Qing smiled, a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "Senior Dugu Bo, I believe you've just stumbled upon one of my little secrets."
Dugu Bo raised a questioning eyebrow.
"The secret of my twin spirits," Song Qing clarified, his voice low. "The Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor is indeed my first spirit. But I also possess a second spirit… something I haven't revealed to anyone in the world, not even my teacher." He paused, letting his words sink in. "It's a simple plant spirit, Senior." He deliberately omitted the name.
Dugu Bo nodded slowly, his green eyes sharp and perceptive. "I had suspected as much. And I promise, brat, your secret is safe with me. You saved my family, after all."
"Thank you, Senior," Song Qing said gratefully. "And there's something else. My teacher is unaware of my connection with your family, or the fact that I was the one who helped you. I would prefer to keep our interactions… discreet."
Dugu Bo nodded in understanding.
"Furthermore," Song Qing continued, his expression becoming more serious, "I need your assistance, Senior. I wish to properly cultivate my second spirit as well. And for that, I require someone with your knowledge and experience to help me hunt appropriate spirit beasts and acquire soul rings of the right age."
Dugu Bo stroked his green beard, considering the request. He looked at the young boy, now revealed to be far more complex than he had initially thought. "That is… certainly something I can do, brat. But you must understand, I have my own family to care for. I cannot always be at your beck and call."
Song Qing nodded immediately. "Of course, Senior Dugu Bo. I understand completely. Your time is precious, and I am already grateful that you are willing to help at all." He knew that gaining the support of a Titled Douluo, even on a limited basis, was an invaluable opportunity.
~~
"Senior Dugu Bo," Song Qing said, his mind already racing with practicalities, "as much as I appreciate your willingness to help, leaving with you right now would be… problematic." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "My teacher and the Spirit Hall believe I am still a young disciple under their care. Vanishing suddenly without a word would undoubtedly cause alarm, and they might even launch a large-scale search for me, which would draw unwanted attention to both of us."
Dugu Bo stroked his beard, his expression thoughtful. "You have a point, brat. The Spirit Hall is not an organization to be trifled with. Sudden disappearances are likely to be noticed."
"Therefore," Song Qing continued, "I propose we meet again in about a month. Near the entrance of the Sunset Forest, on the Heaven Dou City side. That would give me enough time to arrange a plausible reason for my absence."
A smile spread across Dugu Bo's face. "A month, eh? That works for me. And it will certainly make Yan'er happy. She's been asking about you ever since we left the forest. She'll be thrilled to see you again."
Song Qing chuckled softly. He had indeed found Dugu Yan's innocent enthusiasm quite endearing during their time together. "I look forward to seeing her as well, Senior."
"Alright, brat," Dugu Bo said, clapping Song Qing on the shoulder. "A month it is. I'll be waiting near the forest entrance in Heaven Dou City. Don't be late." With a final nod, the Poison Douluo turned and quietly made his way out of the Spirit Hall, his powerful aura subtly concealed.
Song Qing watched him go, a sense of anticipation building within him. He then returned to his own chambers, his mind already buzzing with possibilities for his Primordial Life Tree Spirit's third soul ring. He didn't have a specific beast in mind yet, but he trusted his instincts and Dugu Bo's knowledge to help him find a suitable candidate.
The next month flew by in a flurry of activity for Song Qing. He dedicated a significant portion of his time to mastering the intricacies of his Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings.
He practiced flying with them, getting used to their responsiveness and the amount of soul power required for sustained flight. He discovered he could achieve impressive speeds and maneuverability, making him a formidable aerial combatant.
He also experimented with using the wings defensively. By focusing his soul power, he found he could angle and solidify the wings, creating a surprisingly sturdy shield that could deflect a considerable amount of force. He mentally dubbed this defensive skill Dragonbone Shield.
Furthermore, through constant practice, he unlocked two more abilities of his External Spirit Bone. The first was Silver Wing Barrage, allowing him to launch a volley of sharp, feather-like projectiles made of condensed bone and silver light from his wings. The second was Draconic Descent, a powerful dive attack where he channeled his draconic energy into his wings, allowing him to plummet towards his target with devastating force and speed.
Alongside his spirit bone training, Song Qing continued to diligently cultivate his soul power. He managed to push it from the initial stage of Level 34 to the very peak, feeling the subtle pressure of the next breakthrough just within his grasp.
He also spent a fair amount of time interacting with Hu Liena. Their playful dynamic continued, with Hu Liena often teasing him about his rapid growth and his past embarrassment.
She still enjoyed using her natural charm on him, leaning in close and whispering secrets, causing Song Qing's face to flush a delightful shade of red. However, Song Qing was gradually getting more accustomed to her teasing, his reactions becoming less overtly flustered, much to Hu Liena's mock disappointment.
"Little Qing, you're not getting embarrassed as easily anymore! Where's the fun in that?" she would pout playfully, her brown eyes twinkling.
"Perhaps I'm just growing up, Senior Sister," Song Qing would reply with a small, knowing smile, a hint of his own teasing emerging.
He also interacted with other young talents within the Spirit Hall, such as Xie Yue and Yan, engaging in friendly sparring matches and exchanging insights on cultivation. He made sure to maintain a friendly but somewhat reserved demeanor, careful not to reveal the full extent of his abilities or his future plans.
As the agreed-upon month drew to a close, Song Qing knew it was time to take his leave from the Spirit Hall. He approached Bibi Dong in her chambers, his expression carefully neutral.
"Teacher," he began respectfully, "I was hoping to request a short leave of absence."
Bibi Dong looked up from the scrolls she was studying, her gaze sharp. "A leave of absence, Song Qing? For what purpose?"
"Well, Teacher," Song Qing said, adopting an innocent and slightly mischievous tone, "I've been working so hard on my training, and I was hoping to have a bit of fun in the city. Just for a week or so. Play around, see the sights, maybe try some of the local delicacies."
He widened his eyes, trying to appear like a child yearning for some carefree time. "I promise I won't go far, Teacher. I'll stay within the city limits, so you won't have to worry me. Besides, I will be in disguise so no one will know it's me. And if they do dare, I will reveal my identity…I don't believe anyone in the Martial Soul City after I reveal my identity."
Bibi Dong studied him intently, her gaze piercing. She knew Song Qing was exceptionally talented and dedicated, not one to usually prioritize frivolous activities. However, he was still a child, and the idea of him wanting some time to relax wasn't entirely unbelievable.
"You promise to stay within the city, Song Qing?" she asked, her voice firm.
"Absolutely, Teacher!" Song Qing replied earnestly. "I just need a little break to recharge, and then I'll be back to my training with renewed vigor." He made sure to sound convincing, emphasizing his commitment to his studies.
Bibi Dong considered his request for a moment longer. She saw the genuine desire in his eyes and, trusting in his maturity and his promise, she finally nodded. "Very well, Song Qing. You may take a week's leave. But remember your promise – stay within the city, and return promptly when your leave is over."
"Thank you so much, Teacher!" Song Qing exclaimed, bowing deeply. He managed to keep the relief from showing too prominently on his face. He had successfully secured his leave without raising any suspicion about his true destination: the entrance of the Sunset Forest, where Poison Douluo Dugu Bo awaited him.