Bone Douluo Guards the Array, Informer Captured

Lin Che ran back with the cloth bag on his back, his clothes already soaked through with cold sweat. The Spirit Rhyme Bamboo swayed lightly inside the bag, and the Sword Attribute Soul Power lingering on its stalk still sent faint tremors through the fabric. But he had no mind to feel its benefits now—the venomous look in the green-robed person's eyes as he fled was like a thorn lodged in his heart. With every step Lin Che took, he felt as though a pair of eyes were watching him from behind.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's mountain gate drew closer and closer. The Vermilion Gate gleamed heavily beneath the sunlight. When the disciples on guard saw Lin Che panting for breath, they hurried over. "Junior Lin, why are you running so urgently? Lord Gu Douluo is still waiting for you in the West Courtyard to practice swordsmanship."

"Quick... take me to Grandpa Gu!" Lin Che grabbed the disciple's arm, his voice trembling from his ragged breathing. "I encountered a Martial Soul Hall informer in Spirit Bamboo Valley. He... he saw my Dual Martial Souls!"

The disciple's expression changed drastically. He did not dare ask more questions and immediately led Lin Che toward the West Courtyard. They passed quite a few Sect Disciples along the way. Seeing their hurried manner, they all cast curious looks at them, but no one dared stop them. Anything that could make a guard disciple so nervous was surely no trivial matter.

The green bamboo in the West Courtyard still stood tall and straight, but Lin Che had no mood to appreciate it. As soon as he reached the wing room's entrance, he saw Gu Rong seated in a wicker chair, holding a Soul Master Handbook. Soul Power flowed gently over the pages beneath his fingertips, as though he were studying something. Hearing the footsteps, Gu Rong raised his head. Seeing Lin Che covered in sweat and the bulging cloth bag, he immediately frowned. "What happened? Did you find the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo? Why are you so flustered?"

"Grandpa Gu!" Lin Che rushed into the room and grabbed Gu Rong's sleeve. He placed the cloth bag on the table and carefully took out the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo. Soil still clung to its stalk, and though its green glow was dimmer than it had been in the valley, its extraordinary nature as a Spiritual Plant was still obvious. "I met a green-robed person in Spirit Bamboo Valley. He disguised himself as a woodcutter, but he was actually a Martial Soul Hall informer! He had two Hundred-Year Soul Rings and attacked me. I... I drove him away with the Azure Water Sword and the Universe Cauldron, but he saw my Dual Martial Souls!"

Lin Che spoke at lightning speed, recounting every detail of his encounter with the green-robed person: the man's Martial Soul, a Purple Vine; his Soul Skills, Purple Vine Entanglement and Purple Poison Thorn; and how Lin Che had used the Universe Cauldron to absorb the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo's Soul Power and strike back. He even left out none of the threats the man had shouted before fleeing.

Gu Rong's relaxed body gradually straightened, and the Soul Power at his fingertips came to a halt. He reached out and picked up the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo from the table. His fingers gently brushed its stalk as he closed his eyes to sense it for a moment. When he opened them again, a cold glint flashed through his eyes. "There is lingering Purple Poison Vine Soul Power on this stalk, as well as your Sword Attribute Soul Power and the aura of the Universe Cauldron. It seems you were not lying. This informer truly is from Spirit Hall, and he is a 'Shadow Scout' specifically assigned to investigate unusual Martial Souls."

"Shadow Scout?" Lin Che froze. He had never heard that title before.

"They are spies specially trained by Spirit Hall. They excel at disguise and tracking, and most of their Soul Power lies between Soul Grandmaster and Soul Elder. Their task is to watch talented young Soul Masters from every sect." Gu Rong set the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo aside and rose to stand by the window, gazing at the bamboo in the courtyard. His voice sank. "The fact that they found Spirit Bamboo Valley means the area around the sect has been watched for some time. They likely noticed your Dual Martial Souls on the day of your Martial Soul Awakening."

Lin Che's heart sank. "Then... will they come after me again?"

"They will, but not yet." Gu Rong turned around. The usual gentleness had vanished from his eyes, replaced by the majesty of a Titled Douluo. "That Shadow Scout was driven away by you. He surely knows that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has powerful people protecting you, so he will not rashly return. But he will definitely report your situation to Spirit Hall. Before long, stronger Soul Masters may come—and your current strength is not enough to deal with them."

He walked to Lin Che's side and rubbed his head, his tone softening again. "But you need not be afraid. With me here, no one can harm you in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. You did well just now. You thought to use the Universe Cauldron to absorb the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo's Soul Power and counterattack. You were steadier than I expected."

Hearing the praise, Lin Che's tense shoulders eased slightly, but he still asked quietly, "Grandpa Gu, what do we do now? Just watch Spirit Hall's people wander around outside the sect?"

"Of course not." Gu Rong scoffed and walked to the table. He took down a wooden box from the bookshelf and opened it, revealing twelve Formation Disks that glimmered Pale Golden. "This is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's Soul Trapping Array, specially meant for dealing with Soul Master spies. That Shadow Scout may have escaped, but he must still carry Spirit Bamboo Valley's unique aura on him. I left a trace of Soul Power on the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo just now. I can follow his aura and find him."

He picked up one Formation Disk and handed it to Lin Che. "Take this Formation Disk and stay in the wing room. Do not go outside. It can protect you. If a stranger approaches, it will automatically give a warning. I will return shortly after capturing that Shadow Scout and finding out exactly what Spirit Hall wants."

Lin Che accepted the Formation Disk. Its warmth spread into his fingertips, settling his heart considerably. He watched Gu Rong tuck the remaining eleven Formation Disks into his sleeve, then pick up the cane in the corner. It looked like an ordinary walking stick, but it was Gu Rong's Martial Soul vessel and could summon the Bone Martial Soul. Lin Che knew Gu Rong was about to act.

"Grandpa Gu, be careful," Lin Che could not help saying. Although he knew Gu Rong was a Titled Douluo whose strength far exceeded that Shadow Scout's, his fight with the scout had taught him that Spirit Hall's people all had their own tricks.

Gu Rong smiled and patted Lin Che's shoulder. "Don't worry. A mere Soul Grandmaster Shadow Scout cannot hurt me. Stay in the room and wait for my return. I still want to hear the details of how the Universe Cauldron absorbed Soul Power—that is a great opportunity for you, and we must study it carefully."

With that, Gu Rong turned and walked out of the wing room. The instant his foot crossed the doorway, his body turned into a Pale Golden afterimage and vanished beyond the courtyard. Lin Che went to the window and looked in the direction Gu Rong had disappeared, tightening his grip on the Formation Disk. He could sense the lingering golden Soul Power in the air. It was the pressure unique to a Titled Douluo, heavier and more powerful than any Soul Power he had felt in Spirit Bamboo Valley.

After leaving the West Courtyard, Gu Rong did not immediately fly out of the sect. Instead, he followed the route Lin Che had taken back, heading toward Spirit Bamboo Valley. A strand of Pale Golden Soul Power condensed at his fingertips as he lightly brushed it over the grass and trees along the road. Whenever it touched a place stained with the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo's aura, it flickered faintly. That was the mark he had left on the bamboo, now guiding him onward.

After walking for about a quarter of an hour, a faint Purple Soul Power Fluctuation suddenly came from the woods ahead. Gu Rong halted, his figure instantly concealing itself behind a tree. Through a gap in the leaves, he saw the green-robed person leaning against a tree in a clearing not far away. Blood still flowed from the wound on his shoulder. He was condensing a pale purple ball of light with Soul Power and pressing it onto the wound while muttering, "Damn little brat. Dual Martial Souls, and he can even absorb a Spiritual Plant's Soul Power... When I return, I must report this to the Bishop and have a Soul Elder sent to capture him!"

The green-robed person clearly had not noticed Gu Rong's presence. After treating his wound, he took a Black Token from his robes. The token bore Spirit Hall's emblem—an angel with outstretched wings. He injected Soul Power into it, and it immediately lit up with a pale purple glow. A line of small words condensed in the air: "Dual Martial Souls discovered in Spirit Bamboo Valley: sword and cauldron. Soul Master is young and weak. Requesting support from a Soul Elder-level Shadow Scout."

Just as the words were about to fade, Gu Rong's voice suddenly rang through the forest, carrying faint authority. "You want to send that message back? Did you ask me first?"

The green-robed person spun around. When he saw Gu Rong stepping out from behind the tree, his face instantly turned deathly pale. He recognized Gu Rong's attire—the Douluo attire of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. In particular, that cane was the signature item of Bone Douluo Gu Rong!

"Bone... Bone Douluo?!" The green-robed person's voice shook as he instinctively staggered back two steps, purple Soul Power gathering in his hands. "How... how come you're here?"

"If I were not here, would I not be letting you send word back to Spirit Hall and bring even more people here?" Gu Rong slowly approached, lightly tapping the ground with his cane. "A Spirit Hall Shadow Scout certainly has some nerve, daring to enter the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's rear mountain and even attempting to harm someone I protect. Do you think you can leave today?"

The green-robed person knew he was no match for Gu Rong, but he did not want to be captured. Spirit Hall's rules stated that spies captured by enemies would rather destroy themselves than reveal intelligence. He gritted his teeth and suddenly poured all his Soul Power into his hands. The two Yellow Soul Rings behind him lit up at the same time. "First Soul Skill: Purple Vine Entanglement! Second Soul Skill: Purple Poison Thorn!"

Countless Purple Vine Whips burst from the ground, covered in black poison thorns as they lashed toward Gu Rong's entire body. This was his strongest attack and his final struggle. He knew he could not hurt Gu Rong, but he wanted to use the Vine Whips as cover to activate the self-destruct mechanism on the token.

But Gu Rong did not even spare those Vine Whips a glance. He lightly raised his cane, and Pale Golden Soul Power instantly poured from its tip, condensing into an enormous Bone Shield in the air that blocked every Vine Whip outside it. With a crack, the Purple Vine Whips crashed into the Bone Shield and instantly shattered, dispersing into scattered motes of Soul Power.

"With such meager skill, you dare show off before me?" Gu Rong gave a Cold Snort and swung his cane again. This time, countless Pale Golden Bone Spikes burst from the ground like sharp daggers, stabbing toward the green-robed person's ankles. He tried to dodge, but before a Titled Douluo, his speed was as slow as a snail's. He had barely taken a step when the Bone Spikes lightly cut his ankle. Numbness immediately spread through his body, and his Soul Power became sluggish.

"You... you dare hurt me? Spirit Hall will not let you go!" The green-robed person collapsed onto the ground, struggling and roaring as his hand secretly reached for the token in his robes. It had a self-destruct button. If he pressed it, the token and his own Soul Power would explode together, leaving Gu Rong no chance to interrogate him.

But Gu Rong had already seen through his intentions. Just as the green-robed person's fingers were about to touch the token, a stream of Pale Golden Soul Power suddenly wrapped around his wrist like an invisible chain, binding his hand tightly. Gu Rong walked over, bent down, and picked up the Black Token from the ground. With a light probe of Soul Power from his fingertips, he destroyed the token's self-destruct mechanism.

"Trying to self-destruct? It will not be that easy." Gu Rong tucked the token into his sleeve and looked down at the green-robed person sprawled on the ground, his gaze turning cold. "Speak. Other than investigating special Martial Souls, what purpose did Spirit Hall have in sending you to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? How many Shadow Scouts have been active around the sect recently?"

The green-robed person clenched his teeth and refused to speak. He knew that if he leaked any intelligence, even if he returned alive, Spirit Hall would torture him to death. Rather than suffer that fate, he would endure it. Perhaps he could preserve at least a shred of dignity.

Gu Rong was not angered by this. He lightly tapped his cane against the green-robed person's Brow Center, and a strand of Pale Golden Soul Power slowly entered. "It does not matter if you refuse to speak. I have a way to make you talk. This is the Soul Searching Technique. It may damage your mind, but at least it will let me learn what I want to know."

"You dare!" The green-robed person's eyes filled with terror. The Soul Searching Technique caused immense damage to a Soul Master's Spiritual Power. At best, it would turn someone into an idiot; at worst, it would cause a mental collapse and death. But he could not resist at all. Gu Rong's Soul Power had already entered his Spiritual World through his Brow Center.

Lin Che waited in the wing room for about Half an Hour before he finally heard Footsteps outside the courtyard. He hurried to the door and saw Gu Rong walking in while carrying the green-robed person. The man's eyes were shut, his face was pale, and he looked unconscious. His shoulder wound was still bleeding, but all his former arrogance was gone.

"Grandpa Gu! You caught him!" Lin Che went forward in delighted surprise. His gaze fell upon the green-robed person, and he grew slightly nervous again. "Did he... did he not fight back?"

"He did, but it was useless." Gu Rong tossed the green-robed person onto the floor, dusted off his hands, and sat down at the table. He picked up a teacup and took a sip. "I learned a few things with the Soul Searching Technique. Spirit Hall has recently sent Shadow Scouts around all the major sects to search for young Soul Masters with special Martial Souls. Besides you, there is also a child in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan whom they have targeted."

Lin Che was stunned. "There are others?"

"Yes. Spirit Hall seems to be searching for some kind of 'vessel suitable for inheritance.' This Shadow Scout's rank was too low to know the details." Gu Rong set down his teacup, his expression grave. "But one thing is certain: they are very interested in your Dual Martial Souls. They will definitely send stronger people next—Soul Elders, perhaps even Soul Ancestors."

"Then... what should I do?" Lin Che panicked slightly. He had nearly been unable to defeat even a Soul Grandmaster-level Shadow Scout. If a Soul Elder or Soul Ancestor came, he would stand no chance at all.

"Do not panic. I have already spoken with the Sect Master. The sect's defenses will be strengthened from now on, especially the safety of the West Courtyard." Gu Rong looked at Lin Che, his tone gentler. "And you do have time to grow. According to this Shadow Scout, it will take Spirit Hall at least half a month to send stronger people. During that half month, cultivate properly. Familiarize yourself with the Universe Cauldron's ability to absorb Soul Power, and strive to Break Through to Level Eleven Soul Power as soon as possible, so you can prepare to absorb your First Soul Ring."

He paused, then added, "Also, try not to leave the West Courtyard during this time. Even when practicing swordsmanship, do it beside the green bamboo in the courtyard. I have already set up the Soul Trapping Array around the West Courtyard. As long as a stranger approaches, the formation will activate, and I can arrive immediately."

Lin Che nodded, feeling much more at ease. Looking at the unconscious green-robed person on the floor, he asked, "What about him? We cannot keep him here forever, can we?"

"The Sect Master will send someone to handle him. He will be locked in the sect's dungeon. He may still be useful in the future." Gu Rong rose and walked to the window, looking at the green bamboo in the courtyard. "What matters most now is you. Your Dual Martial Souls are both an opportunity and a source of disaster. Only by becoming stronger quickly can you protect this opportunity and keep Spirit Hall from taking it from you."

He turned to Lin Che, his eyes full of expectation. "Starting tomorrow, I will personally teach you how to use the Universe Cauldron to absorb external Soul Power, as well as the advanced moves of the Azure Water Sword Art. Keep the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo by the window. Its Sword Attribute Soul Power can aid your cultivation. Remember, you must settle your mind during this period. Do not let outside matters distract you. Understood?"

Lin Che clenched the Formation Disk in his hand and nodded seriously. "I understand, Grandpa Gu. I will cultivate properly and become stronger as soon as possible. I will not make you worry."

Gu Rong looked at his determined expression and smiled in satisfaction. He walked to the table, picked up the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo, and placed it on the stand by the window. The green light on its stalk shone faintly in the sunlight, echoing the bamboo in the courtyard like a small barrier guarding the boy inside the room.

The green-robed person remained unconscious on the floor, but Lin Che was no longer afraid. He knew that with Gu Rong's protection and his own efforts, he could endure even Spirit Hall's greatest threats. The sunlight outside gradually slanted westward, falling across the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo and Lin Che's face. He walked to the window, looked at the bamboo, and gently touched its stalk, sensing the Sword Attribute Soul Power flowing within. Half a month. I must break through to Level Eleven and prepare for my First Soul Ring!

Night gradually fell. One lamp after another lit up across the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, like stars in the night sky. In the West Courtyard wing room, Lin Che sat beside the table and followed Gu Rong's instructions, guiding a strand of Soul Power into the Spirit Rhyme Bamboo. Feeling the crisp, clear aura coming from its stalk, he slowly closed his eyes. His cultivation had only just begun, and a storm centered on special Martial Souls had only just started to gather.