Time flew like an arrow, and the sun and moon raced across the sky.
In the blink of an eye, another year had passed.
That year, Yu Tianlong turned eight.
But because the two Luo Sanpaos constantly replenished his vital essence day and night, he was far taller and sturdier than other children his age.
Though he was only eight, he looked like a boy of eleven or twelve. His posture was straight, his blue hair thick, and much of the childish softness had faded from his face, replaced by the sharp features and spirited air of a young man.
He had never slacked off in his cultivation that year. The clan's resources continued to pour in, and Dugu Bo's poison absorption had never stopped. On top of that, the two Luo Sanpaos grew stronger by the day, bringing ever greater benefits as they replenished his energy. His Soul Power growth could only be called terrifying.
Level thirty.
It had taken him only a year to break through level twenty and obtain his Second Soul Ring. And it had been barely over two years since he awakened his Martial Soul.
An eight-year-old Soul Elder.
The news struck like a boulder dropped into a still lake, sending towering waves through the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Soul Master World of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Have you heard? Yu Tianlong's already level thirty!"
"An eight-year-old Soul Elder? My heavens... I've never heard of anyone advancing that fast!"
"Wasn't he only awakened two years ago? From level ten to level thirty in two years... What kind of monster is he?"
"I used to envy him for having so many resources, but now... Forget it. He really does have the talent. There's no point being jealous."
When the gap grew wide enough, envy turned into awe.
Nowadays, few people in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan dared to point fingers at Yu Tianlong.
The voices that had once mocked him for having the "Trash Martial Soul Luo Sanpao" had long since fallen silent. In their place came praise: "true dragon," "genius," and "the future of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Even in the upper circles of the Heaven Dou Empire, Yu Tianlong's name was beginning to spread.
The Clear Sky Sect had the Clear Sky Twin Stars—Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, brothers of peerless talent who were regarded as the pillars of the sect's future.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had Ning Fengzhi, who at a young age had already displayed extraordinary talent with his Tool Spirit and impressive political acumen. He had been designated as the next sect leader.
And the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had produced a "true dragon"—Yu Tianlong.
Each of the three great upper sects had its own prized young talent.
It was no small praise.
But Yu Tianlong himself didn't care in the slightest.
"Just empty praise." He crouched in the courtyard, grooming Little Gold's scales as he spoke nonchalantly,
"When I've really raised the two of you to your complete forms, then I can celebrate."
Little Gold lay comfortably on the ground, rumbling in its throat.
It was now over two and a half meters long, with its shoulder reaching nearly to Yu Tianlong's chest. Dense golden scales covered its body, its limbs were as thick as pillars, and its claws gleamed with a cold light. The crack on its forehead had split open completely, revealing a golden horn about an inch long. It was still small, but already had the shape of a dragon's horn.
Its aura was as weighty as a mountain, and every movement carried a sense of oppression. Ordinary Hundred-Year Soul Beasts would probably lack even the courage to run away when they saw it.
Little Silver, meanwhile, was lying on a branch of the old locust tree in the courtyard, its tail dangling and swaying.
It was quite a bit smaller than Little Gold, but still nearly a meter and a half long. Its silvery-white fur was smooth and glossy, and the purple markings were far more intricate and mysterious than they had been a year ago. A dainty silver horn had grown from its forehead as well.
Unlike Little Gold's domineering, unrestrained aura, its own was subtler and more elusive, as if it had merged with the surrounding elements. Without careful attention, one might not even notice it was there.
"Luo." Little Silver suddenly cried out and jumped down from the tree, landing in front of Yu Tianlong. It tugged at his trouser leg with a paw, its glassy eyes shining with excitement.
"What is it?" Yu Tianlong asked, puzzled.
Little Silver pointed toward the courtyard gate, then at itself. It made a sucking motion, then drew a circle with its paw, as if trying to describe something.
Yu Tianlong froze for a moment, then suddenly understood. "You mean... Senior Dugu has good news?"
Little Silver nodded vigorously, crying "Luo, Luo" in its excitement. Its sense for the elements was far sharper than a human's, and it seemed to have sensed something ahead of time.
Sure enough, before long, a verdant Message Soul Guidance Butterfly fluttered over and landed on the back of Yu Tianlong's hand, transforming into a line of text:
"Little friend Tianlong, I've discovered a strange place in the Sunset Forest. There are a Cold Pool and a Fire Pool side by side, and all around them grow many rare herbs I've never seen before. It seems to be the sort of treasure land you mentioned. Come quickly so we can discuss it... Dugu Bo."
Yu Tianlong shot to his feet, his eyes blazing with excitement!
The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well!
Dugu Bo had finally found it!
He had waited two whole years for this day!
"Wonderful!"
Yu Tianlong clenched his fist, wishing he could sprout wings and fly straight to the Sunset Forest. Little Silver spun excitedly around his feet, its tail held high, clearly eager to see that legendary treasure land.
However, just as he was about to set off, someone suddenly knocked on the courtyard gate.
"Knock, knock, knock."
This time, the knocks were even more measured than when Yu Xiaogang had visited a year ago, carrying an air of authority that allowed no refusal.
Yu Tianlong furrowed his brow and went to open the gate.
Standing outside was Yu Yuanzhen.
And behind him stood Yu Xiaogang, head lowered, his expression complicated.
In the year since they had last met, Yu Xiaogang had grown taller, his complexion was rosier, and his aura steadier than before.
He wore a brand-new blue brocade robe and a belt set with jade. He looked much more spirited, no longer the dejected boy who had once been covered in dust.
But Yu Tianlong keenly noticed that Yu Xiaogang's eyes kept darting away, and he didn't dare meet his gaze. His fingers were also unconsciously kneading the corner of his robe, betraying his unease.
"Clan leader." Yu Tianlong tamped down his eagerness and bowed to Yu Yuanzhen. "What brings you here?"
Yu Yuanzhen wore a warm smile. His gaze swept over Yu Tianlong, and a hint of satisfaction showed in his eyes. "Tianlong, I hear you've already broken through level thirty?"
"Yes, Clan Leader," Yu Tianlong answered with a nod.
"Good! Very good!" Yu Yuanzhen nodded again and again, beaming.
"An eight-year-old Soul Elder is a rare sight in the history of the entire continent. For our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to produce a talent like you is a blessing from our ancestors!"
"You flatter me, Clan Leader," Yu Tianlong replied modestly. "It's all thanks to the clan's support."
"Come now, there's no need to be modest." Yu Yuanzhen waved his hand, then changed the subject. "Since you've reached level thirty, it's time to hunt for your Third Soul Ring. I came to personally take you to the Star Dou Forest and hunt a suitable Soul Beast for you."
Yu Tianlong paused, then politely declined. "The clan leader is busy with official matters. I wouldn't dare trouble you. I can go on my own, or ask Senior Dugu..."