Douluo: Starting by Building Guns - Chapter 38

"Why don't you go find somewhere cool to rest?"

Dugu Bo was instantly incensed. "I—I—you—"

"Ah, forget it. Since neither of you is willing, let's put an end to this matter. I won't bring it up again."

"Daughters grow up and leave home, and every child has their own fate. I just hope you won't regret this someday."

Dugu Yan made a face and stuck out her tongue at Dugu Bo. "I won't regret it."

Dugu Bo shook his head helplessly. "Honestly, I can't control you at all. I've spoiled you rotten over the years."

"Enough. Let's not talk about that. Since Xiao Feng has woken up, come with me. We'll go to Sunset Forest and cultivate in seclusion for a while."

"Besides, Yanyan, you're already level 40. This trip will give me a chance to help you hunt a suitable Soul Ring."

Sunset Forest was one of the three major Soul Hunting Forests within the Heaven Dou Empire, and the second-largest after Star Dou Forest. Though it had no hundred-thousand-year Soul Beasts comparable to Titled Douluo, ten-thousand-year Soul Beasts weren't uncommon in its core region.

Sunset Forest also bordered the imperial capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, less than a hundred kilometers away in a straight line. It was where most Soul Masters within five hundred kilometers of Heaven Dou City went to hunt Soul Beasts.

After leaving their lodgings, Dugu Bo led the way, while Shen Feng and Dugu Yan followed silently behind him.

They hadn't gone far when Dugu Yan furrowed her brows, seemingly deep in thought as she glanced at a shop along the street.

"Grandpa, someone's watching us."

Without turning around, Dugu Bo replied, "Ignore it. We'll always be outsiders in Heaven Dou City, so it's nothing unusual for someone to keep an eye on us."

"Look, the one we're waiting for is here now."

Shen Feng looked over and saw a lavish carriage approaching from down the street, escorted by a group of fully armed soldiers. It rolled to a stop in front of the three of them.

"Mr. Dugu, it's been months. How have you been?"

A booming voice came from inside the carriage. An elegantly dressed old man stepped out, supported by an attendant.

The old man was over sixty and wore a bright yellow robe embroidered with elaborate floral patterns. It looked exceptionally luxurious, yet not the least bit gaudy.

His graying hair was neatly combed back. He was of average height, slightly plump, and had a dignified appearance.

Only his eyes were a little small, throwing off the balance of his features.

Seeing who had arrived, Dugu Bo put on an unusually amiable expression and cupped his hands. "Your Highness, what brings you here?"

Hearing Dugu Bo's form of address, Shen Feng immediately guessed that this was probably Prince Xue Xing, the man who had once helped Dugu Bo.

Xue Xing grinned, his already small eyes narrowing into slits.

"Mr. Dugu must have been exhausted from the journey yesterday. By the time you returned, the sun was already setting, so I didn't want to disturb you. I left early this morning, but it seems you were already preparing to leave again."

"But I've been fortunate enough to run into you here. It would be a pleasure just to trouble you for a few words."

Dugu Bo glanced up at the sun, already high in the sky, and immediately understood why Prince Xue Xing had appeared in front of him at this particular time and place.

As the Heaven Dou Empire's sole Titled Douluo in service, Dugu Bo was too powerful to be ignored, even if he did nothing.

As the saying went, even if a tree wished for stillness, the wind would not cease.

Yesterday, when Dugu Bo brought Shen Feng into Heaven Dou City, the first person they had encountered was Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. The two had talked for a while, and Dugu Bo had left rather annoyed.

After that, Xue Xing had naturally wanted to sound Dugu Bo out: first, to see whether Xue Qinghe had tried to win him over, and second, to strengthen his personal ties with Dugu Bo.

After all, Dugu Bo had been away for ten months. It would have been inappropriate not to come see him.

He hadn't gone last night because he didn't want to aggravate Dugu Bo while he was still angry. Instead, after finding out where Dugu Bo would be, he had waited early along the route he was sure to take. That showed far more sincerity.

Understanding all this, Dugu Bo couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile. "Your Highness is worrying too much. Surely you know what kind of person I am?"

"You are you, the crown prince is the crown prince, and the empire is the empire. They shouldn't be lumped together."

"I'll always remember what you've done for me. I've never forgotten it."

At that, Xue Xing brightened and chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "My nephew may be crown prince, but he's only in his twenties. It's only natural for him to be a little hotheaded. If his behavior yesterday offended you, allow me to apologize on his behalf."

As he spoke, Prince Xue Xing bowed to Dugu Bo in full view of everyone.

Since Dugu Bo had said he would never forget their past kindness, Xue Xing naturally took the opportunity to try to win him over.

If it worked, it would be an enormous stroke of luck.

If it didn't, he would still have made his position clear. And on closer inspection, it could give others the wrong impression.

See? The empire's crown prince had suffered a setback in front of Lord Dugu, while I get along splendidly with him.

What did that prove? That good people had support, while those who lost their way stood alone. Those fair-weather friends who judged people by their status should hurry up and come over to my side.

Dugu Bo, who was over seventy and as shrewd as they came, naturally saw through Xue Xing's act.

But Xue Xing had done him a kindness. Though Dugu Bo disliked this sort of thing, he couldn't leave the gesture unanswered.

With a sigh, Dugu Bo stepped forward and helped him up. "Your Highness, there's no need for that."

"You know my temperament. I won't take part in your royal family's internal struggles. Whether it's you, the crown prince, or Emperor Xue Ye, I won't favor any of you."

"Between us, we're just friends."

Xue Xing had his own plans, and Dugu Bo was making his position clear as well.

I just want to live in peace and have no interest in your family's infighting. But we're friends, too. You helped me, so I won't stand by and watch you get into trouble.

Xue Xing had clearly understood Dugu Bo's meaning. He waved his hands happily. "Haha, what are you saying, sir? We've known each other for years. How could I not know your temperament?"

"I came today as a friend, not on official business."

"Someone, bring out the gift I prepared for Mr. Dugu."

With a smile, Xue Xing beckoned to the guards behind him.

One of them approached Dugu Bo, holding out a sandalwood box with both hands.

Click—the box opened, revealing an exquisitely crafted Handgun no bigger than a palm.

"Uh..." Dugu Bo and Shen Feng were dumbfounded. Neither of them had expected this.

Dugu Yan's eyes lit up. She reached into the box, took out the Handgun, and examined it closely.

"Grandpa, this looks like a Soul Tool. It's pretty, too."

Xue Xing smiled broadly. "Haha, I'm glad you like it, Yanyan. I prepared it especially for you."

"Half a month ago, the Balak Kingdom paid tribute with several of these novel Soul Tools. Supposedly, they were developed by a settlement of independent cultivators near the border of Star Dou Forest."

"This Soul Tool attacks in a way similar to a crossbow, using projectiles to injure its target. It's smaller than a crossbow and much more elegant, but its power shouldn't be underestimated. Once fired, it can inflict considerable damage on a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor."

"It's a decent weapon to keep on hand for emergencies and self-defense."

After hearing Xue Xing's explanation, Dugu Yan's eyes shone. "Thank you, Your Highness. This thing is great. I really like it."

Dugu Bo gave a helpless laugh and cupped his hands toward Xue Xing. "Then I thank Your Highness for the gift."

Xue Xing laughed and returned the salute. "It's just a trinket. I'm glad Yanyan likes it. At least my careful selection wasn't in vain."

"Now that I've delivered the gift, I won't keep you any longer. I'll take my leave."

Dugu Bo cupped his hands. "Take care. I won't see you off!"

After watching Xue Xing's carriage leave, Dugu Bo looked at Dugu Yan helplessly. "Xiao Feng has a whole pile of these little things. Why'd you have to take one and make your grandpa owe that old fox Xue Xing another favor? Just thinking about it makes me feel cheated."

Shen Feng shook his head with a wry smile, then took his own Handgun from his wrist-mounted storage device and handed it to Dugu Yan.

"Sister Yanyan, this one's better than the one you're holding. It can inflict considerable damage even on a Five-Ring Soul King, and it uses less Soul Power when fired."

"The one you have is weaker and consumes a lot of Soul Power when you fire it. At best, it's just an elegant toy."

Dugu Yan stared at the larger Handgun Shen Feng had offered, then looked down at the delicate little one in her hand. She froze. "Uh..."

Dugu Bo smiled faintly. "Take it. Xiao Feng's gifts are always good."

After Xue Xing left, Dugu Bo led Shen Feng and Dugu Yan out of the city without incident.

They set off toward Sunset Forest. Nothing else got in their way along the journey, and even the faint, elusive gazes Dugu Yan had sensed earlier disappeared completely.

Meanwhile, at the Crown Prince's residence in Heaven Dou City.

Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, sat cross-legged on a cushion, intently arranging the tea set on the low table before her.

Across from her sat a tall, lean, middle-aged man whose upper body was as straight as a spear.

"Young Master, Xue Xing approached Dugu Bo in the street. They talked amicably, and he brought a gift for Dugu Bo's granddaughter: one of the novel Firearms Soul Tools recently paid in tribute by the Balak Kingdom."

"Dugu Yan accepted it happily, but Dugu Bo once again rejected Xue Xing's attempt to win him over."

"After Xue Xing left, Dugu Bo took his granddaughter Dugu Yan and the boy named Shen Feng to Sunset Forest."

Qian Renxue shook her head disdainfully. Slowly, she poured tea into the two cups before her and pushed one toward the man.

"Uncle She Long, have some tea."

She lifted her cup and moistened her lips. Her gaze turned distant. "That's the sorrow of the weak. It seems my good-for-nothing uncle doesn't understand that no matter how many sheep he gathers, they still can't stand against a tiger among the flock."

"Dugu Bo doesn't want to take part in the royal family's struggles because he knows his place."

"The Heaven Dou Empire has no Titled Douluo of its own. If Dugu Bo dares to get involved in the struggle for the throne, that old man Xue Ye will be the first to come after him."

"What about the child named Shen Feng? Did you notice anything unusual about him?"

She Long thought for a moment. "After Xue Xing left, he also gave Dugu Yan a Handgun Soul Tool. It was a little larger than the one paid in tribute by the Balak Kingdom, so I expect it to be more powerful, too."

Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly. "It seems the boy is probably the one Dugu Bo brought back from the Balak Kingdom. Have someone go there and secretly investigate his identity."

"Remember, focus on keeping the investigation discreet. For now, don't do anything unnecessary."

She Long nodded. "And the operation targeting Xue Beng?"

Qian Renxue thought for a moment. "Call it off. Dugu Bo is an expert in poison. It wouldn't be good if he noticed something amiss."

"I've been lying low for eleven years for this. I've sacrificed a lot, so I have to make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Three of Xue Ye's four sons are already dead. Xue Beng, the only one left, has been scared witless and disguised himself as a wastrel. He only barely managed to stay alive by relying on Xue Xing to run around and gather support for him."

"Keeping him alive gives Xue Ye something to hold on to, takes suspicion off me, and keeps much of that old fox Xue Xing's attention occupied. It's more beneficial than not."

"Things are going very well. If we just proceed as planned, we can easily carry out the Nation-Stealing Plan. There's really no need to create more complications."

She Long nodded. "Yes. I understand."

"Anything else, Young Master? If not, I'll go to the Balak Kingdom myself and investigate that boy."

Qian Renxue paused to think, then gave a slight shake of her head. "That's all. Go and come back quickly, Uncle She Long."

"Remember, focus on the investigation. Don't do anything unnecessary."

She Long bowed. "Yes. I'll remember."

After She Long left, Qian Renxue picked up the cup of tea that had gone cold. As she watched the reflection of a man wavering in the tea, her gaze unconsciously grew unfocused.

"Qian Renxue, Qian Renxue... After eleven years in disguise, do you still remember who you are?"

"Shen Feng? What a cute little brother. I hope you won't stand in my way. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to regret the talent you possess."

At noon, Dugu Bo led Shen Feng and Dugu Yan into Sunset Forest.

It was Shen Feng's first time there. He discovered that aside from its much smaller size, Sunset Forest differed from Star Dou Forest in many other ways.

For one thing, Star Dou Forest spanned the Star Luo and Heaven Dou Empires, occupying the central region of the continent. It lay in the tropics, and most of its trees were dense tropical plants.

Sunset Forest lay deep within the Heaven Dou Empire, in the northern part of the continent. Though it wasn't quite cold enough to be called a frigid zone, it was much cooler than Star Dou Forest. As a result, it had more of the temperate plants native to the north.

Tropical plants gave the forest a denser, more humid feel, while temperate plants felt dry and refreshing. They also didn't grow as densely.

As a result, it was much easier to travel through Sunset Forest than Star Dou Forest.

They followed Dugu Bo through the depths of Sunset Forest. The aura of a Titled Douluo kept the Soul Beasts at bay, and nothing unexpected happened along the way.

It wasn't until the moon had risen high that the three finally reached their destination.

A vast poisonous formation, shrouded in purple-black mist, blocked their path.

Dugu Bo stopped. "We're here. This is where I live in seclusion."