This world was neither particularly large nor particularly small.
Dugu Bo enjoyed considerable fame in the soul master world. As the head of the Yang Family, a family of alchemists, Yang Wudi had naturally heard of his fearsome reputation.
Yang Wudi asked gravely, "Fourth Prince, how much do you know about this Dugu Bo?"
Dai Jinge recalled, "Not much. I only know that he's an expert in poison, keeps to himself, and has few friends. Also... he lost his father as a child and his son in middle age. Now he and his only granddaughter have no one but each other."
Yang Wudi paused, then remarked, "You know quite a lot about him, even these private matters."
Dai Jinge did not consider any of this a secret. In his view, anyone who made an effort to ask around could find out.
Yang Wudi frowned and asked, "Then... how do you intend to deal with the threat Dugu Bo poses, Fourth Prince? A Titled Douluo skilled in poison is not someone to provoke lightly, especially one without any real weaknesses!"
Dai Jinge replied calmly, "Everyone has a weakness. Dugu Bo's is his granddaughter."
"Jinge!"
Zhu Zhuqing asked in shock, "You're not planning to kidnap a Titled Douluo's granddaughter, are you?"
"Of course not!"
Dai Jinge gently pinched Zhu Zhuqing's cheek and smiled. "I'm not that bold. If we really kidnapped Dugu Bo's granddaughter, none of the three of us-or our respective families-would meet a good end."
Zhu Zhuqing breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. You scared me to death!"
You scared me to death, more like! Yang Wudi thought.
Yang Wudi took a deep breath and asked, "Fourth Prince, can you explain your plan now?"
Dai Jinge pondered for a moment before saying, "Although Dugu Bo is skilled in poison, he himself suffers from a toxin that even he can't deal with. This toxin also afflicts his descendants. His parents, son, and daughter-in-law all died because of it."
Gasp!
Yang Wudi sucked in a sharp breath and asked in shock, "Fourth Prince, how did you learn something like that?"
Zhu Zhuqing looked equally astonished.
Dai Jinge sighed. "If we want to find immortal herbs on this trip to Heaven Dou, we have to find a way to help Dugu Bo deal with the toxin in his body."
Understanding dawned on Yang Wudi. "Is that another reason you sought me out, Fourth Prince?"
Dai Jinge nodded.
Yang Wudi frowned. "But... I really don't have the confidence to deal with a toxin that even a Titled Douluo like Dugu Bo can't resolve."
Dai Jinge had already anticipated this problem and reassured him, "There's no need to worry, Family Head Yang. I've already thought of a solution. Although it won't cure him completely, it can improve his condition somewhat. Of course, I'll still need your help when the time comes."
Yang Wudi looked surprised and asked, "May I ask what your solution is, Fourth Prince?"
Dai Jinge smiled faintly. "You'll find out when the time is right, Family Head Yang."
Yang Wudi's expression shifted.
Dai Jinge said seriously, "Please rest assured, Family Head Yang. I wouldn't gamble with our lives and everything we own. Once we succeed, we'll reap enormous benefits."
Yang Wudi took a deep breath. Remembering the "aromatic silk beauty" Dai Jinge had mentioned earlier, he nodded.
He considered inviting Tai Tan, the chief of the Strength Clan, to accompany them. After all, there was strength in numbers. But looking at it another way, no matter how many people they brought, if they were weak, they would merely be more fodder for Dugu Bo to slaughter.
More than ten days later.
Sunset Forest.
In a small town near the forest, two Yang Family disciples drove their carriage to a stop outside a restaurant.
Yang Wudi stepped out of the carriage and surveyed their surroundings before addressing Dai Jinge and Zhu Zhuqing inside. "Fourth Prince, Miss Zhu, please."
"Come."
Dai Jinge smiled and held out his hand. Zhu Zhuqing smiled sweetly and placed her slender, delicate hand in his palm.
The two alighted and followed Yang Wudi into the restaurant, with the two Yang Family disciples accompanying them. As for the carriage and horses... the restaurant staff would naturally take care of them.
Yang Wudi booked three rooms: one for himself, one for Dai Jinge and Zhu Zhuqing, and one for the two Yang Family disciples.
The next day, the two Yang Family disciples stayed behind, while Dai Jinge and Zhu Zhuqing entered Sunset Forest with Yang Wudi.
Yang Wudi asked, "Fourth Prince, although Sunset Forest isn't as large as the Star Dou Great Forest, it still covers a considerable area. Where exactly is the place we're heading?"
This question genuinely stumped Dai Jinge. Somewhat embarrassed, he explained, "To be honest, I don't know its exact location either. I only know it's a valley deep within Sunset Forest, surrounded by ten-thousand-year soul beasts. It shouldn't be too hard to find."
Yang Wudi was rather speechless.
He had always thought Dai Jinge was dependable and planned everything thoroughly, yet now he was saying something so unreliable...
Dai Jinge said, "Family Head Yang, that's where Dugu Bo lives in seclusion, so we need to prepare for poisonous substances ahead of time. It would be bad if we were poisoned by something he'd laid down without even realizing it."
Yang Wudi nodded. "You and Miss Zhu can rest assured, Fourth Prince. Leave that to me."
Sunset Forest was not particularly large.
The Heaven Dou Imperial City region encompassed Heaven Dou City, Seven Treasure City, and other cities. Soul masters in the area generally searched Sunset Forest for suitable soul beasts.
Dai Jinge suggested, "Family Head Yang, why don't we split up? Whether we find anything or not, we'll regroup at the restaurant tonight."
Yang Wudi frowned. "Are you sure you want to do that, Fourth Prince? A soul beast forest is extremely dangerous. You certainly have excellent talent, but you're still young. Even if you and Miss Zhu can use a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, your chances of surviving in Sunset Forest's core region aren't high!"
Hum!
The [White Tiger Power Lock] suddenly appeared and fastened itself around his wrist.
"Armament!"
Wisps of silver light emerged around Dai Jinge, followed by pieces of silver armor. Once the armor had fully assembled, his aura increased tenfold.
"Tiger Roaring Flash Chariot!"
Dai Jinge gave a low shout. A gleam flashed across the [White Tiger Power Lock], and the next instant, the [Tiger Roaring Flash Chariot] appeared with a roar, circling in the air.
"What is this...?" Yang Wudi froze.
Once the [Tiger Roaring Flash Chariot] transformed into its aircraft form, Dai Jinge gathered Zhu Zhuqing into his arms and leaped aboard.
Dai Jinge smiled faintly. "Family Head Yang, we'll meet at the restaurant tonight."
Boom-!
The next instant, the [Tiger Roaring Flash Chariot] became a silver-white meteor and shot toward Sunset Forest.
Even Yang Wudi, who had seen much of the world, could not help being stunned by the speed the [Tiger Roaring Flash Chariot] displayed. "That speed... I wonder whether Old White Bird could match it if he went all out..."
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