Miracle of Life, Favorite of Poison?

Yue Hongsheng did not answer Lin Xia directly. Instead, he asked him another question.

"Xia, don't rush. Let me ask you—do you understand your martial soul?"

The moment Lin Xia heard that, he knew Yue Hongsheng was testing him!

But Lin Xia was not worried. After all, he had not spent these past days reading for nothing. He had even let Bulbasaur cultivate on its own.

His current store of knowledge might not have been amazing, but combined with the knowledge he had accumulated in his previous life, Lin Xia was still somewhat confident!

"Senior, I have thought a great deal about Bulbasaur's essence."

"First, I believe its core foundation is its immense vitality!"

Lin Xia's voice was utterly serious!

"Its name, 'Bulbasaur,' itself contains this key—the foundation of its existence is the 'mysterious seed' on its back. That seed represents the 'source of growth and life.' It is the core organ that carries, transforms, and stores life force."

"You see, it can use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into pure Soul Power and life energy to nourish itself. It can also root itself in fertile soil and draw upon the essence of the earth."

"Even in this academy of poison, after absorbing toxins, it transforms them into a special form of energy that nourishes itself."

"The ultimate purpose of everything it absorbs and transforms is to strengthen its own life. No matter the environment, it promotes 'life' and reinforces 'survival.' That is its most fundamental instinct!"

Yue Hongsheng nodded slightly, the approval in his eyes growing stronger as he gestured for Lin Xia to continue.

"Second, Bulbasaur has displayed a talent for 'poison' that even astonishes me."

Lin Xia's tone turned solemn.

"However, this 'poison' is not poison for slaughter or destruction in the usual sense. From what I have observed, it is more like a unique evolutionary direction in Bulbasaur's life form—a powerful means of survival and a protective mechanism."

"It can refine toxicity with exceptional purity. It can freely wield skills involving paralysis, corrosion, and even deadly poison. It can even treat external toxins as food and refine them for its own use!"

"This is a perfect adaptation to environmental pressure and an advanced mastery over different forms of energy."

"Its poison is the blade and shield born to protect its vigorous life force!"

"You were right, Senior. On the path of poison, the potential Bulbasaur has displayed is an innate gift, as natural as breathing."

Yue Hongsheng could not help but interject:

"So, it is both a miracle of 'life' and a favorite of 'poison'?"

"Exactly!"

Lin Xia nodded firmly.

"'Life' and 'poison' are by no means separate within Bulbasaur. They share an organically unified symbiotic relationship. Poison provides unique and powerful weapons for the continuation and strengthening of its life, while its immense vitality gives it a solid foundation and extraordinary potential to contain, refine, and control toxins!"

"They are like the roots and branches of the same great tree—vitality is the root system, hidden and stable, providing nourishment, while poison-type abilities are the trunk, branches, and thorns, displaying their edge and facing threats."

"The two complement one another, together forming Bulbasaur's unique path of 'life and poison as one'!"

Lin Xia looked at Yue Hongsheng with blazing eyes.

"Therefore, Senior, I believe the direction for Bulbasaur's first soul ring is extremely clear. We should prioritize finding a plant-type soul beast that possesses both powerful life attributes and potent poison attributes!"

"Only then can we truly match Bulbasaur's core essence and maximize its dual potential!"

At this point, Lin Xia paused. Countless soul beast illustrations he had read through in the library flashed through his mind. Combining them with some theories from his previous life, he voiced an even more specific expectation.

"If we can find such a soul beast for its first ring, it will be the most perfect beginning—it will allow us to solidify its foundation of life while unlocking the sharp edge of poison."

"Such a soul ring would be the finest catalyst. Its life force would not only greatly enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis and rooting to draw nutrients, allowing Bulbasaur's basic growth rate to soar once more, but might also strengthen its recovery abilities and even the properties of the seed on its back.

"And powerful poison attributes could greatly enhance the potency, purity, or variety of Bulbasaur's innate toxins. It might even unlock new ways to use poison, such as more effective paralysis powder, more corrosive venom, or even widespread clouds of deadly poison!"

Lin Xia's eyes shone with determination and anticipation.

"This would not only be the ultimate strengthening of its current advantages, but also a deep excavation of its potential as one with life and poison!"

"Senior, this is the path most suited for us to move forward."

After saying all that, Lin Xia looked at Bulbasaur.

"Bulba!"

Bulbasaur responded with a low cry, as though it completely understood and agreed with Lin Xia's analysis.

After hearing Lin Xia's clear and insightful analysis of its essence, Yue Hongsheng's face revealed barely restrained excitement and exhilaration.

"Good! Good! Good! Such meticulous analysis, striking straight at the source! Xia, your understanding of this marvelous martial soul of yours far exceeds this old man's expectations!

"'Life and poison as one'... what an excellent phrase! Your words perfectly coincide with what this old man had been thinking!"

Yue Hongsheng stroked his beard and stared sharply into the distance.

"Since our thoughts are aligned, this old man need not say more. As for hunting a soul beast, I truly have an excellent place in mind. It is highly likely to give birth to a beast that thrives in both life and poison. Though it will not be easy to find, and risks certainly exist, if we succeed..."

"As long as it can help Bulbasaur grow, I am willing to bear any risk!"

Lin Xia straightened his back, his gaze showing not the slightest hesitation.

"Please guide me, Senior! Where should we search?"

Bulbasaur at his feet also lifted its little head. In its bright red eyes, the flames of fighting spirit and curiosity burned fiercely.

"Emerald Forest!"

Lin Xia knew that Emerald Forest was also a small soul beast forest, and it was right beside the academy. Since he was only absorbing his first soul ring, he did not need one with a particularly high age. But as far as he knew, Sunset Forest was where the most poisons gathered!

Even Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, cultivated in Sunset Forest.

Could it be that Yue Hongsheng had his eye on a certain type of creature within Emerald Forest?

Still, adhering to his good habit of asking whenever he did not understand, Lin Xia voiced his question.

"Senior, is Sunset Forest too far away? I remember that Sunset Forest is where poisons from across the land gather. Why choose Emerald Forest?"

Yue Hongsheng did not keep him in suspense. He lowered his voice, carrying a hint of excitement at possessing a secret.

"Emerald Forest may only be a small soul beast forest, but the secrets hidden in its depths are beyond the sight of ordinary people."

"This old man has been rooted in the Silves Kingdom for many years, and only because I am a member of the Plant Academy council did I learn that in the oldest core region of Emerald Forest, where the aura of life is most immense, within an extremely dangerous ecosystem, there hides a rare group of soul beasts!"

"They are the Emerald Ghost King Vine!"