"No, I am not aware of any such place."
Dugu Bo took a sip of tea and said with a calm expression.
Yu Tianlong's face sank. Given the current situation, Dugu Bo had no reason to lie to him.
This meant that the current Dugu Bo had not yet encountered the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
The Sunset Forest was the largest primeval forest within the Heaven Dou Empire. Although its area was not as exaggerated as the Star Dou Forest, it was certainly not small.
To find a hidden valley within it that even Dugu Bo could not locate—with his current abilities, that was nothing more than a pipe dream.
It seemed this path was a dead end for the time being.
Although he felt disappointed, he quickly adjusted his mindset.
In any case, according to the original plot, Dugu Bo would eventually discover the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well and claim it for himself.
What he needed to do now was to build a good relationship with Dugu Bo so that when that day arrived, he could naturally get a share of the benefits. As for now, it was better to secure the advantages right in front of him.
"Since that is the case, perhaps this junior's opportunity has not yet arrived. It cannot be forced."
"Easily said, easily said." Dugu Bo waved his hand and was about to say something else when he suddenly heard a "luo luo" sound.
The two looked down to see Little Silver crouching at Yu Tianlong's feet, tilting its head and looking at him with watery, glass-like eyes. It then patted its belly with its small paws, opened its mouth, and made a "sucking" motion.
"Is it... hungry again?" Dugu Bo was somewhat stunned.
Yu Tianlong felt a bit embarrassed and scratched his head: "It seems so... It tasted the sweetness after absorbing the toxins from your son's body, and now it wants more."
Dugu Bo was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Interesting! Truly interesting! I have lived for so many years, and this is the first time I have seen a martial soul that treats toxins as food!" He laughed for a while, then a glint flashed in his eyes as if he had thought of something.
"However... since it likes to eat poison, I can satisfy it."
As he spoke, he held his breath and focused, lifting his right hand with his five fingers slightly curled. A thick, emerald-green mist slowly condensed in his palm, emitting a chilling, fishy-sweet scent.
The mist churned and rolled in his palm, faintly condensing into the shape of a small snake, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws, yet it remained firmly confined within his palm.
"This is the excess toxin that has accumulated in my body over the years while cultivating the Jade Phosphorus Snake martial soul."
Dugu Bo looked at the emerald-green poisonous mist in his palm, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.
"The Jade Phosphorus Snake martial soul is indeed powerful, but its toxicity is too fierce. The deeper the cultivation, the heavier the toxins accumulate in the body. Over the years, I have had to divert a considerable amount of energy to suppress these toxins to prevent them from backfiring. Consequently, my cultivation speed has been affected to a certain extent."
He extended his palm toward Little Silver: "Little one, since you like to eat poison, then these 'stocks' of mine will be yours."
Little Silver's eyes lit up. It didn't stand on ceremony, leaned forward, opened its small mouth, and took a fierce gulp!
The emerald-green poisonous mist seemed to have found an outlet, turning into thin streams that poured continuously into Little Silver's mouth.
Little Silver's body began to change color again. This time it was more obvious than before; its fur gradually shifted from silver-white to a deep, ink-green, faintly revealing a purplish-black luster, like a piece of high-quality dyed silk.
Its eyes, however, became increasingly bright, like two glass beads washed by rain, shining brilliantly.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the poisonous mist was completely absorbed by Little Silver.
It let out a satisfied burp, exhaled a wisp of light green smoke, and then its entire body erupted with silver light!
The light was interspersed with wisps of purple patterns, moving and weaving through its fur like living creatures, eventually converging on its forehead to form a small, snake-scale-like mark.
Little Silver's aura was clearly a notch stronger. It ran around the living room excitedly, occasionally spitting out a puff of poisonous mist, then firing an ice spike, having the time of its life.
Dugu Bo watched this scene with amazement, which then turned into deep contemplation.
"Little friend Tianlong," he suddenly spoke, "I have a proposal."
"Please speak, Senior."
"As you have seen, the accumulated toxins in my body are a significant burden. Although they are currently harmless, they remain a hidden danger in the long run.
And your Silver Luo San Pao happens to be able to feed on these toxins, which can help me reduce my burden while promoting its growth."
Dugu Bo looked at Yu Tianlong with a serious gaze.
"How about this: every half month, you come to my mansion, and let this little one absorb the toxins in my body. In this way, I can save the energy used to suppress the toxins and focus on cultivation, and your Luo San Pao can also grow rapidly. It is a win-win situation."
Upon hearing this, Yu Tianlong was overjoyed. This was a pie falling from the sky!
Not only could he regularly obtain high-quality toxins to feed Little Silver, but he could also use this opportunity to deepen his relationship with Dugu Bo, paving the way for his future plans for the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well!
"I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Senior!" Yu Tianlong stood up immediately and bowed solemnly to Dugu Bo. "In that case, this junior will respectfully obey!"
"Hahaha! Good! Then it is settled!" Dugu Bo was in a great mood and patted Yu Tianlong on the shoulder. "It is getting late. Stay at the mansion tonight, and I will have someone send you back tomorrow."
That night, Yu Tianlong enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at the Dugu Mansion.
Although most of the dishes had a "medicinal" quality, the taste was indeed excellent.
Dugu Bo also enthusiastically explained some basic knowledge about poisonous herbs and venomous creatures. Although it was only the tip of the iceberg, it was an eye-opener for Yu Tianlong.
Early the next morning, Dugu Bo sent a reliable guard to escort Yu Tianlong back to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's territory.
Returning to the small courtyard he had been away from for several days, Yu Tianlong felt as if a lifetime had passed.
Before he could even sit down to catch his breath, a clan deacon hurried over with a message from Yu Yuanzhen, asking him to go to the clan's council hall.
When Yu Tianlong arrived at the council hall, Yu Yuanzhen was sitting in the main seat, holding something that looked like an account book. Seeing him enter, a rare smile appeared on his face.
"Tianlong is here. Sit."
Yu Tianlong sat down as instructed, feeling somewhat puzzled. "Uncle, what did you want to see me about?"
"Two things." Yu Yuanzhen held up two fingers. "First, as I mentioned before, your monthly cultivation resources will be doubled, effective starting this month. This is a voucher for ten thousand Gold Soul Coins; you may use it at the family resource vault to exchange for any items you require, including but not limited to spirit beast meat, medicinal herbs, ores, and books."
He pushed a purple token engraved with a dragon motif toward Yu Tianlong.
"Second, in light of your outstanding performance in the Star Dou Forest, the family has decided that, effective immediately, you will be provided with an additional daily serving of high-tier spirit beast meat—at least a thousand years or older, with the variety rotated regularly. This supply is separate from your monthly quota and is considered an extra reward from the family."
Yu Tianlong took the token, his heart filled with emotion. This was the value of strength.
When he demonstrated sufficient potential and worth, the family's resources would tilt toward him without hesitation. Those who remained stagnant and set in their ways would only be left further and further behind.
"Many thanks to the Patriarch, and many thanks to the family for their cultivation. Tianlong will certainly not fail to live up to these expectations!" Yu Tianlong stood up and bowed solemnly.
"Cultivate well. The future of the family ultimately rests on you young people." Yu Yuanzhen nodded in satisfaction, his eyes filled with expectation.
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