Douluo Dalu: The Path of Abyss

It was impossible to tell how long their training would last.

Ye Feng and Xiao Wu took turns. Whenever one of them awoke, they would leave the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, consume a delicate leaf from the Star Anise Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot, and then jump back into the spring to continue tempering their bodies through its extreme conditions.

Being a man, Ye Feng was unconcerned about modesty, even when naked. Jian Dao Chen Xin, his master, was also a man and paid no attention. However, Xiao Wu was different. As a young woman, despite her true identity as a 100,000-year soul beast, she felt shy and embarrassed every time she stepped out of the spring. Even though Jian Dao Chen Xin always kept his back turned to her, her cheeks would still flush red.

Whenever Xiao Wu consumed the leaves and prepared to re-enter the spring, her gaze would occasionally fall upon the bare figure of the young Ye Feng in the water, and her blush would deepen.

This peculiar cycle of training continued for days.

One time, Ye Feng stood on the shore and, as his eyes inadvertently wandered to the rabbit-eared Xiao Wu's naturally graceful form in the spring, he felt a sudden heat rise in his lower abdomen. Annoyed at himself, Ye Feng muttered inwardly, What a sin! Xiao Wu is just a child. How could I have such thoughts about her?

Shaking his head, Ye Feng took a deep breath to suppress his emotions. He retrieved a set of clothes from his storage soul guide, dressed, and walked over to Jian Dao Chen Xin.

"Master," Ye Feng said with a smile, "how about I stand guard for you this time? It's your turn to temper your body."

Jian Dao Chen Xin opened his eyes, visibly surprised. "You don't want to continue? There's still plenty of the Star Anise Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Jiaoshu left. You can keep training."

Ye Feng chuckled. "Master, you've always protected me. Let me return the favor now."

Jian Dao Chen Xin shook his head. "There's no need. My soul power is already at Rank 96. Training like this holds little value for my improvement. You should focus on yourself."

Ye Feng nodded, understanding. As a Title Douluo with nine soul rings, Jian Dao Chen Xin could no longer increase his combat power through body tempering alone. For him, improving soul power was far more crucial than physical refinement.

At that moment, a low, hoarse voice echoed from the hilltops.

"Who are you? Why are you in my medicinal garden?"

Jian Dao Chen Xin's expression didn't change as he calmly said, "He's here."

Before the figure appeared, Jian Dao Chen Xin had already recognized the voice.

Moments later, the owner of the voice revealed himself. His tall, lean figure was as sharp as a javelin. His hair and beard were a dark, poisonous green, and his emerald-like eyes gleamed with an unsettling light. His simple gray robe was worn and unkempt, and although his hands were hidden within his sleeves, his piercing gaze, akin to a serpent's, swept over Ye Feng and Jian Dao Chen Xin.

"Dugu Bo!" the old man gasped, his voice tinged with fear. "Sword Douluo, it's actually you!"

Even in the soul master world, where power and pride reigned supreme, few dared to cross Sword Douluo Chen Xin. Dugu Bo, the infamous Poison Douluo, was no exception.

However, when Dugu Bo's gaze fell on the half-consumed Star Anise Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Jiaoshu, his expression twisted in rage. "My immortal herbs! You… you've stolen my treasures!"

Sword Douluo's tone remained indifferent. "Dugu Bo, mind your words. If you wish to talk about ownership, this entire Sunset Forest belongs to the Heaven Dou Empire. You lack the ability to cultivate these immortal herbs properly. By all rights, they are ownerless treasures."

Dugu Bo retorted, his voice thick with indignation, "Ownerless? I discovered this place forty years ago and have cared for it ever since. These are mine!"

Sword Douluo's eyes sharpened. "So what if you've tended them? We only consumed two herbs. Do you wish to challenge me over it?"

The words "challenge me" made Dugu Bo flinch. Though he was known for his poison arts, facing Sword Douluo in combat was not a contest he could win.

Ye Feng stepped forward, smiling amicably. "Senior, I apologize for taking two of your immortal herbs without your permission. However, I might be able to offer you something of value in return."

Dugu Bo scoffed. "A child like you? What could you possibly offer me? Forget it. For Sword Douluo's sake, I'll let this slide. Now leave!"

But Ye Feng didn't back down. "Senior, the full moon is approaching. I suspect you're here to ease your own suffering, correct?"

Dugu Bo's expression flickered, and his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Ye Feng. "Nonsense! Stop spouting rubbish and leave before I change my mind."

Poison Douluo's pride as a poison master forbade him from admitting any weakness, especially a poisoning of his own making. If word spread, it would tarnish his reputation.

Ye Feng smiled knowingly. "Senior, during cloudy or rainy days, do you experience numbness and itching in your ribs? It happens twice daily—once at noon and again at midnight. Furthermore, I'm certain that during late nights, you feel a sharp pain in your head and the soles of your feet. Am I correct? The poison has already seeped into your bones."

Jian Dao Chen Xin's eyes widened in shock. "You're poisoned? The great Poison Douluo, succumbing to his own venom? How ironic."

Dugu Bo's expression darkened. The truth in Ye Feng's words left him no choice but to act. If these secrets were revealed to his enemies, they could exploit his weakness at his most vulnerable moments.

His voice turned cold as his killing intent flared. "It seems I must spar with you after all, Sword Douluo."