They Could Barely Stand Each Other

Ning Rongrong gathered everyone together with a bright smile, chattering and laughing noisily.

Though they had only known each other for a few years, Xue Qingxi, Tang San, and Zhu Zhuqing were all mature for their age. Ning Rongrong was naturally outgoing, and Dugu Yan had become quite talkative under her influence.

Before long, the atmosphere had warmed up, and the barriers between them naturally dissolved.

Tang Ling looked at everyone's smiling faces and the empty stool beside Tang San, and she smiled as well. But instead of joining them, she rose and walked toward Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo looked suspiciously at the smile on her face and asked, "Why aren't you chatting with them? What are you doing over here?"

Tang Ling did not answer. She moved closer, stopped beside Dugu Bo, and lowered her voice. "Do you have a spring here? The one called the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well!"

Though phrased as a question, her tone was certain. Dugu Bo stared at her, hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and nodded. "There is such a spring. What do you want with it?"

Then he glared at her through clenched teeth. "I knew you weren't just looking for some Soul Beast. So you had your eye on the spring at my home!"

"How is it your home's? You're so unreasonable. It clearly belongs to Sunset Forest." Tang Ling looked at him with a disdainful smile.

"It is my home's! I discovered it and excavated it. If you won't admit that, then don't even think about seeing it!" Dugu Bo instantly bristled, threatening her with fury in his eyes.

Seeing that he was anxious, Tang Ling calmly soothed him. "Fine, let's say it belongs to you. Don't get upset. I never denied it.

What I mean is, the spring is in the forest, and the forest belongs to everyone. So I have the right to use it too, right?"

Dugu Bo shot her a sidelong glance and reluctantly nodded. "Right. You can use it!"

Then he looked at her curiously. "You probably don't need it, do you? Is it for your junior brother?"

"That's right. A-Xuan's martial soul is special. His third Spirit Ring is water-elemental, while his fourth Spirit Ring is fire-elemental.

They can fuse without clashing, but I want to add another layer of protection for him. The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well can regulate water and fire, so it's perfect." Tang Ling did not keep him in suspense and satisfied his curiosity.

In return, she received a strange smile.

Tang Ling looked at Dugu Bo in confusion. "What kind of expression is that? Don't tell me you're going back on your word?"

"I, Dugu Bo, keep my word. If I said you can use it, I won't take it back. Besides, you saved Yan'er. I was only joking with you just now." Dugu Bo quickly wiped away his smile and put on a solemn expression.

Jokes were one thing, but his character could not be questioned. Dugu Bo's face practically screamed, "My character is impeccable," as he stared intensely at Tang Ling.

Tang Ling smiled at that and answered seriously as well. "Since I brought you into my camp, I naturally trust your character."

After that, the two smiled at each other, then rolled their eyes at each other at the same time. They were both the sort with a wicked sense of humor, always wanting to tease others whenever they could. So they could barely stand each other.

Once they were done talking, Dugu Bo anxiously glanced at the sky and said to Tang Ling, "It's getting late. Let's eat lunch first. We can soak in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well at dusk."

"Alright, I'll listen to you." Tang Ling did not argue. As the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo had spent the longest time with the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. The time he suggested was surely the most suitable.

As she spoke, Tang Ling beckoned to Tang Ersui. "Ersui, go prepare the meal."

Tang Ersui answered, and Tang Yiyin jumped down from a distant treetop. The two headed toward the kitchen in the wooden house.

Further away, Tang SiQue and Tang Baku, who had been gathering herbs together, hurried back at her words.

Seeing Tang SiQue's eager expression, Tang Ling quickly stopped him. "SiQue, you've been gathering herbs for so long. Take a rest. Don't go to the kitchen."

Tang SiQue's smile froze on his face. He then walked over somewhat helplessly and obediently sat beneath a tree. Tang Baku followed him over.

Dugu Bo glanced at them, then quietly asked, "I remember that SiQue is a healer, right? Is his cooking that bad?"

"Yes. I think it could be used as poison." Tang Ling lowered her voice as well, mercilessly exposing his weakness.

Heaven knows how he managed to make dishes that looked and smelled wonderful, yet had such indescribable flavors.

"You must have eaten it before!" Dugu Bo looked at her with a chuckle. Tang Ling rolled her eyes and said viciously, "I can have him make you a bowl of the exact same thing."

Dugu Bo immediately put on a fake smile, decisively looked away, and turned toward Dugu Yan and the others gathered together.

He had just heard Ning Rongrong talking about Lingling. This was a rare chance, so he needed to listen carefully.

On the other side.

The five of them had somehow started talking about Tang Ling. After Dugu Yan asked her question, the other four each gave their opinions.

Their words differed, but they all revolved around the same point: Tang Ling was formidable and fiercely protective of her own.

Dugu Yan secretly glanced at Tang Ling with a suspicious look. She could tell from what had just happened that Tang Ling was protective of her people, but what made her so formidable?

Her Soul Power looked the same as Dugu Yan's—both were level 38 Soul Elders.

"Senior Sister is thirteen this year." Tang San noticed her doubts and gave her a smiling reminder.

Dugu Yan immediately understood. Tang Ling's manner during the negotiations with Tian Heng had made Dugu Yan forget her age.

"A thirteen-year-old level 38 Soul Elder really is impressive!" Dugu Yan cast aside her doubts and looked at everyone in agreement.

Seeing that she believed them, Ning Rongrong enthusiastically added, "Lingling's amazingness isn't limited to that. This afternoon, she'll definitely take us to find a Soul Beast for Third Brother.

Sister Yan, come with us then. You'll definitely be shocked!"

As she spoke, she winked at Dugu Yan.

Dugu Yan grew curious at her words and made up her mind. After lunch, she would definitely persuade her grandfather. She desperately wanted to see what could be even more impressive than a thirteen-year-old level 38 Soul Elder.

Dugu Bo, who had been eavesdropping nearby, also decided to follow them and take a look after hearing Ning Rongrong's words.

He still did not know what Lingling's martial soul was. Since she could develop divine sense, her martial soul had to be extraordinary. And her Soul Power was definitely higher than level 38.

With that thought, Dugu Bo cast an inquisitive look at Tang Ling. Tang Ling noticed it but ignored him, continuing to use her divine sense to inspect the Soul Beasts within Sunset Forest.

So what if he was a Titled Douluo? With Tang Ling's strength, she could kill him while protecting everyone and still retreat unscathed.

"Miss, lunch is ready."

Tang Yiyin walked out of the wooden house, swept his gaze around, and called out to Tang Ling. He successfully interrupted more than one person's train of thought.

Tang SiQue and Tang Baku eagerly stepped forward at his words and began carrying tables and chairs out of the wooden house.

A short while later, everyone gathered around a table and began eating.

After eating and drinking their fill, Dugu Yan elegantly picked up a handkerchief and wiped her mouth, raising her eyes toward the person opposite her.

After receiving the signal, Ning Rongrong smiled at Tang Ling across Tang San and asked, "Sister Lingling, are we going to find a Soul Beast for Third Brother later?"

"Yes, I've already found one. We'll set out shortly. It isn't far, so we'll definitely be back by dusk." Tang Ling nodded.

She had heard their conversation. Since they wanted to see, Tang Ling did not mind giving them a demonstration of strength.

"Then we'll come along too. There's nothing else to do anyway." Hearing her words, Dugu Bo turned to look at Tang Ling.

"Sure. With a Titled Douluo along, it'll definitely be safer." Tang Ling nodded with a cheerful smile.

Dugu Bo looked at her in agreement and said proudly, "You've finally realized how formidable this old man is."

"Yes, Senior Poison Douluo is the most formidable!" Tang Ling smiled and gave him a thumbs-up. Dugu Bo gave her an approving look.

After hearing Dugu Bo's words, Dugu Yan understood that her grandfather had definitely been eavesdropping. Somewhat embarrassed and annoyed, she reached out and pinched Dugu Bo's arm.

When Dugu Bo looked over guiltily, she gave him a smile of praise.

Having received approval from his precious granddaughter, Dugu Bo instantly forgot the painful pinch on his arm and smiled benevolently.

Tang Ling could not help laughing at the grandfather and granddaughter, one willing to hit and the other willing to take it.

Not long after, once everything had been cleaned up, Tang Ling led the group in a grand procession toward the depths of Sunset Forest.