Outside assistance?
Outside assistance powerful enough to dry up all the water completely.
At those words, Su Ming figured it out almost instantly.
In the original story, Ma Hongjun had eaten an Immortal Herb to completely purify the evil attribute within his body.
His current situation was exactly the opposite of Ma Hongjun's.
His Martial Soul was destined to follow the path of ultimate evil, so that last trace of pure fire attribute had become an obstacle.
Since eating an Immortal Herb had purified Ma Hongjun's evil attribute, all Su Ming had to do was eat one too. That would completely eradicate the last trace of fire attribute remaining in his Martial Soul!
As for where to find an Immortal Herb, there was only one place on the entire continent: Sunset Forest, the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
As it happened, Su Ming had already planned to visit the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to claim the Immortal Herbs.
Now he could kill two birds with one stone.
Su Ming immediately said to Bibi Dong, "Your Holiness, after hearing your guidance, I think I know what to do. But I need to borrow two people from you."
Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You've already thought of a solution?"
Su Ming thought for a moment before replying, "I can't guarantee it'll work, but I think it's worth a try."
"What solution?" Bibi Dong asked curiously.
She had only just suggested a method, and he had already found a specific way to put it into practice.
This little fellow really was full of surprises.
Su Ming didn't tell her about the Immortal Herbs. Instead, he said, "Your Holiness, please allow me to tell you after I succeed. If I fail, there's no point in saying anything."
Bibi Dong fixed her gaze on Su Ming, as if she understood.
The corners of her lips lifted slightly. "It seems your method has a good chance of succeeding."
Su Ming only lowered his head and said nothing.
Bibi Dong didn't mind. Su Ming's success would be a good thing for her.
"Who do you want to borrow?"
"Elder Chrysanthemum and Elder Ghost." Su Ming named the two men.
The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, where he was headed, was the private territory of Titled Douluo Dugu Bo.
Though Dugu Bo was among the weaker Titled Douluo, he was still more than Su Ming could handle at present.
The best way to take the Immortal Herbs from him was to borrow the might of Spirit Hall's name!
With Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo there, Su Ming could easily keep Dugu Bo in check, leaving him not the slightest thought of resistance.
After hearing Su Ming's request, Bibi Dong fell silent for a moment.
Sending two elders to handle a personal matter was against the usual rules.
But the value Su Ming had demonstrated over the past three years warranted such special treatment.
Besides, she very much wanted to see him succeed.
"Very well."
Bibi Dong said coolly, "I'll issue an order for Yue Guan and Gui Mei to accompany you. I hope you'll bring me good news."
"Thank you, Your Holiness." Su Ming bowed.
Half a day later.
Two luxurious carriages waited at the entrance to Spirit Hall.
Su Ming had changed into a smart black outfit, giving him a dashing air.
Two figures radiating powerful auras stood before him.
One wore golden armor and had such striking, almost bewitching features that he was none other than Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan.
The other was like a black shadow frozen in the air, his features impossible to make out. He was Ghost Douluo Gui Mei.
"Little Su Ming, Her Holiness has put us two old bones at your disposal," Yue Guan said, lightly rubbing his brow with a finger. His voice was somewhat feminine. "Are you sure the place you're taking us to really has a treasure that can solve your Martial Soul's bottleneck?"
Su Ming turned to answer, but a voice suddenly rang out.
"Su Ming! Wait for me!"
Hu Liena came running toward them.
Over the past three years, Hu Liena had grown more mature and alluring. Her figure had developed beautifully, with curves in all the right places, and every movement carried a bewitching charm.
She had grown into a truly captivating woman.
She came to a stop before Su Ming, panting, her alluring eyes tinged with grievance.
"Nana, what brings you here?" Yue Guan asked, somewhat surprised.
Hu Liena ignored Yue Guan and went straight to Su Ming, looking a little annoyed as she said:
"You! For the past three years, you've done nothing but cultivate. You barely even speak to me. I finally caught you today, so tell me: where are you going?"
Su Ming didn't hide it. "I'm going to Sunset Forest to take care of some personal business."
"I'm coming too." Hu Liena took a step forward, leaving no room for argument.
Su Ming furrowed his brow slightly. "I'm going there on business, not for a pleasure trip."
"I know you're going on business."
Hu Liena stared into his eyes without backing down. "I'm not trying to stop you. I'm just about ready to die of boredom from staying cooped up in Spirit Hall."
Su Ming looked at Hu Liena, then glanced at the two elders, Chrysanthemum and Ghost.
Yue Guan and Gui Mei simply stood there in silence. They clearly had no objection to the Pope's direct disciple joining them; if anything, their eyes held a trace of indulgence, like elders watching over a younger relative.
Besides, although Dugu Bo was in Sunset Forest, with two Titled Douluo protecting them, there was no need to worry about their safety.
Su Ming knew Hu Liena's personality and that he wouldn't be able to stop her, so he didn't bother arguing.
He climbed straight into the carriage. "Fine, come along. Just don't cause trouble."
"Tch, we'll see who causes trouble," Hu Liena snorted, then climbed into the carriage after him.
Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo boarded the carriage in front.
The coachman flicked his whip, and the four fine horses broke into a gallop toward Sunset Forest.
One week later.
The carriage stopped outside Sunset Forest.
After getting down and walking for a long while, they reached an area shrouded in green poisonous mist.
Not a single Soul Beast could be seen nearby. A few scattered bones lay on the ground.
Hu Liena frowned. "Are you sure what you're looking for is in there? This poisonous barrier is highly toxic. If you're not careful, it'll seep into your body."
Su Ming calmly confirmed, "This is the place."
Then he turned to Chrysanthemum Douluo. "Elder Chrysanthemum, I'll leave the rest to you."
"No problem. Leave it to me."
Chrysanthemum Douluo stepped forward and let out a cold, feminine chuckle.
He then circulated his Soul Power, and a golden shield of Soul Power appeared, enclosing Su Ming, Hu Liena, and Gui Mei.
His Martial Soul was the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, a natural counter to all poisons.
The golden shield advanced, and the poisonous mist parted on its own wherever it passed. The four of them walked across the ground as if it were level!
"Let's go. If nothing unexpected happens, Dugu Bo will be coming to greet us soon," Su Ming said, leading the way.
Sure enough.
Su Ming and the others hadn't gone far.
Deep in the heart of Sunset Forest,
A pair of eyes snapped open, and a flash of emerald light streaked past!
"How dare you trespass on this old man's territory!"
"You're asking for death!"