Journey to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well
Although You Chen does need a considerable amount of time to digest what he has gained from this Martial Soul Evolution and strength breakthrough.
But now that he has such power, he can grasp things that he couldn't grasp before.
Even considering the growth of one's subordinates, it is not advisable to procrastinate too much.
And that thing that was once beyond our control was, of course, the opportunity of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
If we're talking about an indispensable event in fanfiction about time travel to Douluo, it has to be the plot to seize the Immortal Herb at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
If someone transmigrates but doesn't "obtain" the Immortal Herb, instead choosing other ways to become stronger, there are probably only two possibilities.
The first possibility is that the person had not read the original novel before transmigrating, or had a vague memory of it and could not recall the existence of the Immortal Herb.
The second possibility is... that one lacks the ability or opportunity.
Since You Chen obviously couldn't be the first type, it's obvious that it could only be the second type.
First of all, the poisonous miasma in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was not set up by Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, but existed before he arrived.
As we know from the previous explanation of gunpowder, You Chen is indeed a genius, but even geniuses need sources of knowledge to make many inventions and have rich knowledge.
You Chen might be able to develop an antidote that would allow him to move freely within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, given enough time.
But research always comes from practice. You expect him to be able to study poisons and develop antidotes... Putting aside whether taking samples of the poisonous miasma at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well would attract the attention of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well Spirit Hall, earning the corresponding funds is the biggest problem before all else.
So, how can You Chen, at his age, earn enough money without delaying his cultivation?
It should be noted that You Chen's Innate Soul Power is only level 2. If he were to devote too much energy to it, he probably wouldn't be able to reach level 10 at the age of 9, as he is doing now.
Without sufficient strength, let alone getting close to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, even heading to the Sunset Forest would be fraught with danger.
The Sunset Forest is far less dangerous than the Star Dou Great Forest or the Cataclysm Mountain Range, but it still has many ten-thousand-year-old and thousand-year-old Soul Beast. Especially near treasure lands like the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, powerful Soul Beast must have lingered there before Dugu Bo cleared them out.
Just like Wind Conquest Dragon cultivated in order to create a high-concentration energy environment, the value of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well is self-evident.
You Chen would only have a chance to deal with Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast if he could elevate himself to the Soul Ancestor level.
In reality, You Chen reached the Soul Ancestor at... 28 years old. By then, it was too late.
As for having other people, such as a teacher, take him to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to retrieve the Immortal Herb?
Do you think a little Karami with Innate Soul Power level 2 can have much weight in his words?
Before You Chen rose to prominence as a theoretical scholar, he was nothing!
As for what happened after the momentum was established, he went to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well with the group from the Spirit Hall.
As an important researcher rather than a combatant, how could You Chen be allowed to casually touch these wild flowers and plants?
If you introduce yourself as knowing these plants, how can you secretly keep them if you've already introduced them?
As for taking advantage of his meritorious discovery to request a suitable Immortal Herb from the Spirit Hall?
Do you really think that just because You Chen has demonstrated research capabilities, the Spirit Hall give him such top-level cultivation resources?
This is absolutely for cultivation geniuses!
Then he earnestly advised You Chen that with his talent, using these Immortal Herbs would be a waste of resources.
Even worse, some directly warned You Chen not to have any improper thoughts about this treasure that was not worthy of his status!
But once You Chen truly matures and gains a certain degree of autonomy...
Dugu Bo has already taken control of that precious land.
Dugu Bo discovered the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well shortly after Dugu Yan was born. If we go back in time, You Chen was only a teenager at that time, at most a Two-Ring Soul Grandmaster.
Even if You Chen rose to prominence more quickly and brilliantly, he still wouldn't have a chance to obtain the Immortal Herb.
Because at that time, he was destined to attract more attention.
In fact, after he rose to prominence as a theoretical genius, countless eyes began to watch him, scrutinizing his every word and action.
That means it's impossible to quietly amass wealth and secretly acquire treasures like the Immortal Herb.
Talent, strength, identity, time, and his position within the Spirit Hall —these five factors destined You Chen to be unable to obtain the Immortal Herb as easily as many protagonists in fanfiction.
He was just an orphan with mediocre talent who was adopted by the Spirit Hall.
Theoretically, the methods that You Chen can use to acquire Immortal Herb in the early stages are roughly as follows:
Before the age of 9, he developed step by step, obtained Soul Ring with the help of the Spirit Hall, and after gaining a certain ability to survive on his own, he escaped from the Spirit Hall.
As for accumulating enough resources to reach the second ring? Without publishing papers and obtaining the resources only those with the title of theoretical genius can access, he would most likely be over 20 years old before reaching the Soul Grandmaster. And becoming a theoretical genius would mean he couldn't quietly amass wealth, so this option was rejected from the start.
Leaving aside the risk of being wanted for betraying the Spirit Hall, he relied on being a child and used excuses like being bored as a way to cover things up afterward, trying his best to complete his goal before being caught and brought back.
Having been extremely fortunate enough to avoid being captured or wanted, they traversed countless mountains and rivers and finally arrived at Heaven Dou City. All in all, it took one to two months.
Then I started working to earn money to prepare for my subsequent research.
Because they were runaway orphans, they didn't dare to go to the Spirit Hall to collect their Gold Soul Coin, so making money wasn't going smoothly for them.
Given You Chen's strength, he would need to hire Soul Master to collect samples from the poisonous miasma outside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, which would cost him a considerable sum. Furthermore, one cannot afford to overthink the various risks involved in hiring Soul Master for a child.
Making money and researching poisons.
Optimistically speaking, it took about three years, and with their intelligence and ingenuity, they finally completed the research.
And after that, by sheer luck, they were not encountered by any Soul Beast, and successfully found an opportunity to enter the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well before Dugu Bo.
However, You Chen's social status, it was impossible for him to cultivate a good relationship with Yue Guan, and he didn't know how to consume the Immortal Herb. After all, who would pay attention to such a once-in-a-lifetime setting that was completely unrelated to the plot and world-building when reading the original novel? And who would even remember it?
To be honest, apart from having a vague recollection of the methods for picking and consuming the "Lovesick Heartbreak Red herbs, and the two immortal Immortal Herb with contrasting properties that Tang San consumed, You Chen had absolutely no recollection of the others.
Needless to say, he couldn't possibly remove the former, and as for the latter... given You Chen's physical strength at that time, he would probably explode and die immediately if he ate it.
Fortunately, this only discusses what is theoretically possible.
In short, You Chen consumed the most suitable immortal Immortal Herb with great ease...
Okay, now let's look back and see how many unreliable aspects there were in this process?
He might not be able to sneak out of the Spirit Hall without being seen by others, nor could he safely cross such a long distance to reach Heaven Dou City with the strength of One-Ring Soul Master, and there was no guarantee that a child without identification could successfully settle down and make money in Heaven Dou City or other surrounding villages and towns...
The entire process is fraught with unpredictable variables, with almost no step that can guarantee minimal risk.
Moreover, even if they succeed, how to handle the aftermath of their unauthorized escape from the Spirit Hall for many years is also a major problem.
Given You Chen's personality, it would be impossible for him to engage in this theoretically almost impossible gamble.
Of course, with a little more effort, this rough but feasible plan could probably be optimized to some extent.
But no matter how many times the plan was revised, the most critical issues remained, which he was destined not to be able to easily overcome.
Having figured this out, the young You Chen quickly abandoned his unnecessary desire for the Immortal Herb and instead devoted himself to his current research path...
As time goes by, everything is different now.
To be honest, the value and appeal of the Immortal Herb to You Chen have never been very high.
At least, unlike the protagonists in many fanfictions who expect immortal Immortal Herb to defy fate, before obtaining the system, the most suitable immortal Immortal Herb for You Chen was probably the most ordinary Eight Petal Immortal Orchid.
Yes, it's the kind of story where the protagonist usually gives the girl to his harem in most fanfiction.
As for those two plants, Ice and Fire, I'll say it again: he can't withstand them.
Autumn Water Gazing, You Chen's spiritual power talent points were already overflowing, and he didn't need this thing to embellish his abilities.
Judging from the fact that it's best to absorb the Immortal Herb as early as possible, as their effects diminish significantly with age, this stuff requires the vigorous blood and energy of young people. In other words... most of the effects of these Immortal Herbs are achieved through the Soul Master's own body, rather than by strengthening the Martial Soul Origin to improve talent.
In other words... if the special effects are not suitable, it is highly unlikely that the quality of the Martial Soul will be improved or broken through.
The effects of Muscle and Marrow Cleansing are useful for those You Chen, but they are not very effective in strengthening blood vessels.
You Chen's limitations are mainly due to his Soul Power aptitude. He doesn't need to strengthen any dragon bloodline to break the shackles of his Martial Soul; what he needs is something like the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid to improve his Soul Power aptitude.
However, he was already over thirty years old at that time, and the effects of the Immortal Herb were greatly reduced. Even if he absorbed it, it would only improve his Soul Power aptitude, not his Martial Soul quality. His intermediate Martial Soul still could not reach the top level in the future, and he could not break through to the Titled Douluo.
He will probably follow the same path as before, quietly leave the Spirit Hall, and then live a life of hiding until the end of time.
The situation will remain unchanged in the future.
Compared to the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, obtaining the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone is clearly safer and more secure. The effects of the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone in its Muscle and Marrow Cleansing are no less than those of immortal Immortal Herb.
Having obtained this Soul Bone is enough to support his survival in the future, so why should he risk plotting for Immortal Herb?
The Immortal Herb naturally held no appeal for You Chen.
But now, even if it's just to prevent the Immortal Herb from falling into Tang San's hands, he has to take Immortal Herb first.
In addition, there are two other purposes.
One is to provide opportunities for one's subordinates.
Secondly, he wanted to win over Dugu Bo to his side.
After returning to the camp to rest, You Chen quickly set off again, heading alone to Sunset Forest.
On this day, Dugu Bo, as usual, suppressed the deadly poison in his body within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Suddenly...
"Um?"
Sensing the aura that had barged in so abruptly, he opened his eyes abruptly. "Soul Beast?"
The only ones who would barge in like this are those rather simple-minded Soul Beast, unlike the other Wisdom God Position ones who know that this place has been occupied by them and are thousands of years old.
As for Hundred-Year Soul Beast or Ten-Year Soul Beast? Even poison-type Soul Beast would have no chance of passing through this poisonous miasma.
Dugu Bo soon stopped paying attention to it.
After all, it's just a thousand-year-old Soul Beast; it will most likely die on its own if it stays any longer or goes any deeper.
No, that's not right.
Dugu Bo's expression suddenly hardened; there was a clear difference between the aura of Soul Master and Soul Beast.
He sensed that the aura had broken through the outermost layer of the poisonous miasma and was rapidly approaching him.
Dugu Bo's expression suddenly changed from relaxed to serious.
This precious land is crucial to his cultivation and his granddaughter's life! He will not allow any other Soul Master to lay a finger on it!
However, Dugu Bo did not rush out to capture the attacker.
Instead, he concealed his aura, waiting for the other party to fall into his trap.
He had cultivated here for many years, and the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had become his home turf, where he had set up numerous hidden traps. Even against Titled Douluo whose raw strength surpassed his own, Dugu Bo was confident he could defeat him within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Of course, how rare are Titled Douluo? Dugu Bo wasn't actually that worried; this approach was just a precaution.
Not long after, when that figure truly stepped into the core realm of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dugu Bo's expression finally relaxed.
"Hahaha, I had no idea what a rare guest had come to visit. Isn't this Master You Chen, the theoretical luminary of our Spirit Hall?!"
Upon seeing the newcomer's face, Dugu Bo let out a sarcastic laugh.
"Oh? You, Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, actually recognize me? That saves me the trouble of wasting my breath."
You Chen looked at Dugu Bo, who was sitting cross-legged and waiting for him, and a hint of surprise appeared on his face.
Despite his great fame, not many people actually know what he looks like. Moreover, his appearance has changed drastically, and unless someone pays close attention to him, they probably wouldn't recognize him as the same person.
But looking at Dugu Bo's aged face and Youyou green eyes and hair, You Chen immediately understood.
Have you ever paid special attention to me in order to solve problems for yourself and your descendants?
"Hehehe..."
Dugu Bo gave a strange smile and said, "A renowned theoretical Grandmaster, whose fame far surpasses mine, Dugu Bo! You, a dignified theoretical Grandmaster, would come here alone? Tell me, who from the Spirit Hall followed you this time?"
You Chen shook his head. "It seems Poison Douluo is unaware that I've parted ways with the Spirit Hall. Enough of the small talk, the purpose of my visit is—"
Call out.
Before You Chen could finish speaking, Dugu Bo suddenly attacked, his five white fingers grabbing at You Chen's neck with extreme ferocity.
"Is it inevitable that we'll have to fight this battle eventually?"
But You Chen moved lightly to the side and dodged Dugu Bo's grab.
Upon seeing this, Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow.
His grab seemed ordinary, but given the physical strength of Titled Douluo, even an ordinary Soul Sage might not be able to react at that distance.
"No wonder you came alone, yet you acted so confidently. But... since you call me Poison Douluo, you haven't forgotten that you're facing a Titled Douluo, have you?!"
A powerful soul pressure suddenly erupted, and nine Soul Ring —yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—swirled out. However, although Dugu Bo released the Soul Ring, he did not release his Martial Soul. This shows that even if his control over the Martial Soul Origin did not reach the Subtlety level, it was extremely close.
Even if Martial Soul itself is of average quality, once one enters the title level, the control of the Martial Soul Origin power becomes an even more important talent.
Faced with such pressure, even ordinary Soul Sage would have difficulty breathing, and weaker Soul Master would probably feel almost suffocated and unable to move at all.
However, You Chen acted as if nothing had happened, giving Dugu Bo a slightly approving look before calmly completing the Martial Soul Possession.
The inexplicable feeling of looking down on him immediately annoyed Dugu Bo.
Upon hearing that You Chen had escaped from the Spirit Hall, he had initially intended to restrain his strength and capture You Chen alive without causing him any harm, but now he has changed his mind.
"Martial Soul Possession!"
Dugu Bo's figure suddenly changed.
He sneered, "Since you can withstand my Soul Power fluctuations, you're not as weak as the rumors suggest. So... if I use a little force, you shouldn't die, right?"
Dugu Bo made some harsh words, but You Chen was too lazy to argue with him. He instantly created three clones and rushed towards Dugu Bo together.
Dugu Bo had just made a harsh statement, frowned. He clearly wanted to see through this clumsy trick and see through You Chen's true form at a glance, but the result was... the three clones gave him the exact same feeling!
'What's going on?! And—it's so fast!'
The three clones moved with extraordinary speed, and before Dugu Bo could even react in surprise, they had already rushed in front of him.
'What good is speed if it's all there is to it!'
Dugu Bo snorted coldly, and a Thousand-Year Soul Ring shone brightly, causing a ring of gray poisonous mist to suddenly disperse.
However, the three clones paid no attention to this. A holy domain radiating starlight suddenly expanded, and they rushed into the poisonous fog without slowing down.
Dugu Bo's eyelids twitched when he saw that even his clone was not afraid of his poison. He was not surprised that You Chen was not afraid of his poison, but worried that You Chen was underestimating his poison!
He immediately formed palms with both hands and struck out repeatedly, trying to knock You Chen out of the range of his poisonous mist.
But in reality, the fists of You Chen's three avatars, Entanglement in a hurricane, landed on Dugu Bo simultaneously.
Puff--!
Dugu Bo's eyes widened as he felt the power of the Wind Movement Fist, and he was sent flying backward, spitting out blood!
You Chen did not pursue, but merely watched indifferently as Dugu Bo scrambled to his feet, wiping his mouth in a disheveled state, and said calmly, "Poison Douluo, is that all?"
Laugh--.
Dugu Bo, who had just been shocked, suddenly had veins bulging on his forehead, his heart filled with rage.
"Boy! You've angered me! Now you'd better regret your foolish act of provoking a Titled Douluo!"
Dugu Bo's pitch-black seventh ring suddenly spun, and in an instant, it transformed into a gigantic Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.