Yu Tianlong was preparing to leave, so naturally, he had to say goodbye to Dugu Bo.
At the exit of the valley where the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well lay, a dark green figure had been waiting for some time.
Dugu Bo stood with his hands behind his back. Five years had passed, yet he looked a few years younger than he had before.
The gray at his temples had turned dark green again, and the wrinkles on his face had faded considerably. His complexion was rosy, and he looked hale and hearty. The aura he gave off was deeper and more restrained than it had been five years ago.
He had broken through. And not just once—he had advanced by two levels, reaching the rank of a Level 93 Titled Douluo.
He owed it all to the Immortal Herbs at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
The Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma had not only increased his Soul Power, but also nurtured the meridians he had damaged through years of cultivating poison arts. At last, the bottleneck that had stalled him for years had begun to loosen.
And the Blood Swan Kiss had multiplied the power of his poison arts. Now, even against a Level 95 Super Douluo, he could put up a fight.
"Decided to leave?" Dugu Bo asked, watching Yu Tianlong approach. His gaze swept over him, and a look of relief and emotion passed through his eyes.
The child who had been hunted down and driven into a desperate flight into Sunset Forest five years ago had grown into a spirited young man. The light in his eyes was sharper and more resolute than before.
"Mm. It's time to go." Yu Tianlong nodded. "It's been five years. If I don't show my face soon, some people might really think I'm dead and buried."
Dugu Bo fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, "A lot has happened while you were in seclusion these past five years. There are some things you ought to know."
"Please, go ahead, senior."
"Over in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, it's all but certain that Yu Xiaogang will be the next clan leader." Dugu Bo's tone held a trace of disdain.
"At thirteen, he's a Five-Ring Soul King. Yu Yuanzhen has poured nearly all the clan's resources into him. Add the trace of bloodline from your two Luo Sanpao, and they've managed to turn a good-for-nothing with half a level of Innate Soul Power into the so-called 'True Dragon of the Yu Family.'"
"A Five-Ring Soul King?" Yu Tianlong's lips curved into an amused smile.
"A thirteen-year-old Soul King is certainly a genius. If this had happened five years ago, I might have thought highly of him."
He paused, his voice touched with faint mockery. "But how much of his reputation as a genius is built on my 'legacy'? If his Luo Sanpao hadn't swallowed a trace of Little Gold's blood and gained a bloodline boost, he'd probably still be struggling to break through Level 20."
"Exactly." Dugu Bo gave a derisive laugh. "Old Yu Yuanzhen was willing to pay a hefty price. He threw away every last shred of dignity to push his son to the top. But that's not a bad thing. The higher he climbs, the harder he'll fall."
Yu Tianlong did not reply. He simply gazed into the distance, his eyes deep.
"Senior, thank you for taking care of me these past five years." He turned and bowed solemnly to Dugu Bo.
"If you hadn't taken me to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well and protected me for five years, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today. I'll always remember this kindness."
"Save it." Dugu Bo waved a hand, though a glimmer of satisfaction still showed in his eyes. "I watched you grow up, brat. Who else would I help? If anything comes up, come find me. As long as I, Dugu Bo, am alive, you'll have my support."
"Thank you, senior." Yu Tianlong straightened up, a smile appearing on his face. "But what comes next, I'd like to handle on my own."
Dugu Bo saw the confidence in his eyes and said no more. He simply clapped him on the shoulder.
"Fine. Then I'll be waiting to hear your good news. Go on—show those fools who's the real dragon."
Yu Tianlong nodded, turned, and strode away.
Little Gold and Little Silver followed behind him, one on either side, like two loyal guards.
They had shrunk to about two meters long, looking like a pair of imposing spirit beasts. Yet nothing could conceal the might of their dragon bloodline.
The moment he stepped out of Sunset Forest, sunlight fell warmly across him. He raised his head and gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar sky in the distance.
The Nine Dragon Mountain Range, home of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, lay in that direction.
"Five years..." he murmured, his voice cold. "I'm back."
He did not hurry. As he walked, he took in the changes that had taken place in the outside world over the past five years.
The small towns on the outskirts of Sunset Forest were far more prosperous than before, with Soul Masters and merchant caravans constantly passing through. He found a roadside teahouse, sat down for a bowl of tea, and listened to the travelers chatting nearby.
"Have you heard? Yu Xiaogang, the young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, broke through again a few days ago. They say he's already reached Level 55!"
"Level 55? Isn't he only thirteen? That's terrifying!"
"Tell me about it! No wonder he's the True Dragon of the Yu Family! I heard even the Clear Sky Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were stirred by the news and sent people with congratulatory gifts!"
"Ah, comparing kids is enough to drive you mad. Mine just passed Level 30 at thirteen. He's not even half as good..."
Holding his teacup, Yu Tianlong listened to the Soul Masters at the next table. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
Level 55? He really had advanced quickly. It seemed Yu Yuanzhen was determined to make Yu Xiaogang the public face of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. Still, a Level 55 Soul King was no match for him.
He finished his tea, set down a few Copper Soul Coins, and got up to continue on his way.
After walking for about an hour, a towering mountain range came into view.
The range rose and fell in an endless chain, its central peak towering into the clouds. From afar, it looked like a giant dragon coiled across the land. Clouds and mist shrouded the mountains, and clusters of buildings could just be seen scattered among them. This was the home of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—the Nine Dragon Mountain Range.
Yu Tianlong stopped at the foot of the mountain and gazed up at the peak, both familiar and strange. A complicated light flashed in his eyes.
Five years ago, he had fled this place in a panic, like a stray dog.
Five years later, he had returned.
"Little Gold, Little Silver," he called softly.
The two Luo Sanpao immediately understood. Their bodies began to swell. Golden and silver light surged at the same time as Little Gold and Little Silver returned to their true forms: a ten-meter Golden Giant Dragon and a fifteen-meter Silver Giant Dragon. Their wings spread wide, blotting out the sky!
A terrifying dragon's might radiated from them. The birds and beasts around them fell silent, and even the wind seemed to freeze.
Yu Tianlong sprang up and landed steadily on Little Gold's back.
"Let's go..."
He gently patted Little Gold's neck.
The Golden Giant Dragon raised its head and let out a roar that shook heaven and earth. Its wings beat hard, whipping up a gale as it carried Yu Tianlong straight into the sky!
The Silver Giant Dragon followed close behind, its silver wings gleaming in the sunlight as it streaked across the heavens like a shooting star.