Journey to the Land of the Extreme North

Xue Tianxing looked at the changes in his parents and Grandpa Liu, his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment—Liu Tianfeng had become a Titled Douluo, his father's Martial Soul had evolved and his Soul Power had surged, while his mother was also on the verge of breaking through to Spirit Douluo. With Dugu Bo possibly joining them in the future, the Balak Kingdom's top-tier combat strength was already quite formidable.

Liu Tianfeng calmed his excitement and spoke solemnly to Xue Tianxing:

"Tianxing, you've rendered a great service this time! With the strength of the few of us supporting it, the Balak Kingdom's position on the Douluo Continent will surely change completely! Next, we need to carefully plan how to recruit more talent and strengthen the kingdom!"

Xue Zhe nodded as well:

"Exactly! First, we must help Ning Xin find a suitable soul beast as soon as possible so she can break through to Spirit Douluo. Then, when Dugu Bo brings Oscar and Dugu Yan over, we must show the greatest sincerity and strive to keep him in the Balak Kingdom. As for you, Tianxing, it's time for you to seek your fourth Soul Ring and consolidate your strength as a Soul Ancestor as soon as possible."

Xue Tianxing nodded heavily.

"Alright! We'll take it one step at a time. We'll definitely make the Balak Kingdom stronger and stronger!"

Inside the hall, the gazes of the four met, all of them filled with anticipation for the future.

The glorious era belonging to the Balak Kingdom quietly began to unfold.

Early the next morning, before dawn had fully broken, Xue Tianxing finished washing up and headed toward the royal palace's main hall.

The moment he reached the entrance, he heard familiar voices from within. Pushing open the doors, he saw Dugu Bo sitting in a chair beside the seat of honor, his dark green robe lending him an imposing presence. Behind him, Oscar and Dugu Yan stood side by side, their faces weathered from travel but unable to conceal their excitement.

Xue Zhe and Liu Tianfeng sat across from him, keeping Dugu Bo company.

"Tianxing! You're here!"

Oscar spotted Xue Tianxing at once and hurried over, excitedly patting him on the shoulder before saying:

"We're back! This time, Elder Dugu took us to hunt Soul Rings, and Yanyan gained an incredibly powerful soul skill—it can release Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison Mist with a paralyzing effect. It covers a huge area and is incredibly strong!"

Dugu Yan stepped forward as well, smiling at Xue Tianxing with a hint of affection in her voice.

"Little brother Tianxing, I'll be living in Balak City from now on, and I'll be attending your kingdom's academy too. You'll have to take good care of your big sister."

Xue Tianxing smiled and nodded.

"We'd be delighted to have Sister Yanyan join Shrek Academy. Of course we'll take good care of you. But with Little Ao by your side, he'll definitely look after you perfectly. Why would I need to worry?"

Oscar scratched his head and smiled sheepishly. Dugu Yan's cheeks flushed faintly, and she lightly glared at Xue Tianxing. The atmosphere was exceptionally relaxed.

As the three chatted and laughed, Xue Zhe cleared his throat and spoke to Dugu Bo.

"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, we are immensely grateful that you personally escorted Miss Yanyan and Oscar here today. In truth, there is another matter in which we would like to ask for your assistance."

Dugu Bo raised his eyelids, his tone calm.

"Oh? What is it?"

Liu Tianfeng immediately rose to his feet and gave Dugu Bo a slight bow. The other man was now a Titled Douluo, and so was he, though newly advanced. Even while asking a favor, he did not lose his bearing.

"Your Excellency, to be honest, I broke through to level ninety a few days ago and became a Titled Douluo. However, the ninth Soul Ring is no trivial matter. I intend to absorb a Soul Ring at least seventy to eighty thousand years old, but soul beasts of such an age are exceptionally powerful. I have no confidence in going alone, so I would like to ask Your Excellency to accompany me and help me hunt the Soul Ring."

"Oh? You broke through to Titled Douluo?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Dugu Bo's eyes.

He had long heard of Liu Tianfeng and knew the old fellow had been stuck at the peak of level eighty-nine Spirit Douluo for many years. He was nearly a hundred years old already, so how had he suddenly broken through?

He instinctively looked toward Xue Tianxing. Seeing the composed smile on the youth's face, he understood at once—it had to be the Immortal Herbs Xue Tianxing had brought back from the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well.

Dugu Bo could not help sighing inwardly.

This kid truly is extraordinary. He became a Soul Ancestor before even reaching eight years old. With Xue Tianxing's talent, his future achievements may be impossible to measure. He might truly grow into a Titled Douluo—or even reach a higher realm.

Then he thought of his own granddaughter, Dugu Yan. Her heart was now wholly devoted to Oscar, while Oscar was Xue Tianxing's most loyal follower. The two would undoubtedly remain in the Balak Kingdom in the future.

That meant his relationship with Xue Tianxing would naturally become tied together with theirs.

Xue Tianxing possessed limitless potential, and the Balak Kingdom's strength was steadily growing. Maintaining a good relationship with them would benefit both himself and Dugu Yan.

Besides, he had quite a favorable impression of Xue Tianxing. Though still young, the boy was meticulous, bold, and decisive. He had even helped him and Yanyan resolve the poison affliction that had troubled them for years.

Helping Liu Tianfeng hunt a Soul Ring would not only earn him a favor, but also further strengthen the relationship between both sides.

Having thought it through, Dugu Bo no longer hesitated. He nodded, his tone straightforward.

"Fine, I agree. But let me make this clear first: soul beasts seventy to eighty thousand years old are not easy to find, and they are extremely dangerous. If we encounter an opponent that is truly difficult to handle, don't expect me to shield you from disaster."

At once, Liu Tianfeng's face lit up with wild joy. He quickly clasped his hands in thanks.

"Thank you, Your Excellency! As long as Your Excellency is willing to accompany me, I'll have complete confidence! Afterward, the Balak Kingdom will surely offer a generous reward!"

Xue Zhe rose as well and thanked him.

"Your Excellency's righteous assistance will not be forgotten. The Balak Kingdom will certainly not treat you poorly."

Standing to the side, Xue Tianxing smiled at the sight. With Dugu Bo's help, Liu Tianfeng would surely obtain a satisfactory ninth Soul Ring. The Balak Kingdom would gain a Titled Douluo because of it, greatly increasing its strength and solidifying its standing between the two great empires.

Considering that Dugu Yan would attend Shrek Academy with Oscar in the future, Xue Zhe simply made a grand gesture and bestowed upon her an elegant residence beside Oscar's home. Its pavilions, towers, flowers, and gardens had everything one could wish for, and Dugu Yan was overjoyed by the sight.

Over the next two days, Dugu Bo temporarily set aside the dignity of a Titled Douluo and helped his granddaughter arrange the residence inside and out. From time to time, he even offered pointers on the finer details of its layout. The warm scene between grandfather and granddaughter brought a sense of warmth to everyone who saw it.

On the third morning, before dawn had fully broken, Xue Tianxing followed Liu Tianfeng to their appointed meeting place outside Balak City.

From afar, they saw a dark green figure standing in the open clearing—it was Dugu Bo, who had clearly been waiting there for some time.

"Good morning, Elder Dugu."

Xue Tianxing greeted him with a smile.

Dugu Bo nodded, swept his gaze over Xue Tianxing, and smiled.

"Kid Xue, are you ready? The Land of the Extreme North is nothing like other places. It's freezing there, so don't try to tough it out if you can't endure it."

"Don't worry, Senior. I can handle it!"

Xue Tianxing patted his chest, his eyes brimming with anticipation.