Contract Failed

On the twenty-fifth day, Dugu Bo conducted a comprehensive physical examination on Dugu Yan.

He unleashed the oppressive aura of the Jade Phosphorous Poison Dragon Emperor, using his pure Soul Power to probe every meridian, bone, and internal organ in his granddaughter's body.

The investigation lasted for a full half hour, and when Dugu Bo withdrew his Soul Power, his eyes were filled with surprise.

"Good! Good! Good!" He said "good" three times in a row. "Yanyan, your current physical strength far surpasses that of ordinary Soul Ancestor, and is even stronger than some weaker Soul King! According to my estimation, you can withstand Soul Ring of at least 15,000 years! With the help of A-Zu, even 18,000 years is not impossible!"

Dugu Yan was overjoyed. The fourth ring of the Ten Thousand Years Realm—this was an achievement that countless Soul Master dreamed of!

"However," Dugu Bo changed the subject, "acquiring Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring isn't just a matter of physical strength, but also a matter of mental impact. Yanyan, your mental strength—"

"Grandpa, don't worry." Dugu Yan smiled confidently, and the illusory image of the Jade Phosphorous Jade Dragon appeared behind her, the lotus mark on her forehead glowing faintly. "The Universe Mind-Calming Pill has increased my mental strength by at least three times, and I feel that my Jade Phosphorous Jade Dragon Martial Soul has a natural resistance to mental attacks."

Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction. "In that case, let's prepare to set off. Yan Zu, what about you?"

Yan Zu smiled and said, "I also need to acquire my Fifth Soul Ring. But before that, let's find a suitable Soul Beast for Sister Yanyan."

With preparations complete, the three left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well Valley.

Dugu Bo led the way, his aura Titled Douluo naturally emanating outwards, causing Soul Beast to give way wherever he went. Yan Zu then took out the [Atlas of Mountains and Rivers) ].

This extraordinary book truly lived up to its reputation as a system reward; it contained detailed information on the distribution of Soul Beast forests throughout the Douluo Continent, and even marked the habitats of many rare Soul Beast. Yan Zu's gaze finally settled on a map marker.

"Deep within the Sunset Forest, in the Poison Dragon Pool," Yan Zu murmured, "Inhabits a Soul Beast called the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon, possessing a trace of dragon blood. It excels in water and poison abilities, and its temperament is relatively gentle, unless its territory is invaded."

"Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon?" Dugu Bo's eyes lit up. "Excellent! This kind of Soul Beast is compatible with Yanyan's Jade Phosphorous Jade Dragon Martial Soul attribute, and the flood dragon bloodline can further enhance her dragon characteristics. This is the one!"

The three changed direction and headed deeper into the Sunset Forest.

The Poison Dragon Pool is located in one of the core areas of Sunset Forest. It is perpetually shrouded in a pale green poisonous mist, which ordinary Soul Master dare not approach. But for Dugu Bo, this poisonous mist is like a fish in water.

"The poisonous fog here is of good quality." Dugu Bo took a deep breath, and dark green poisonous energy emanated from his body, actually absorbing and transforming the pale green poisonous fog. "Yanyan, Yan Zu, stay close to me. The poisonous fog here is a deadly threat to anyone below the Soul King."

Yan Zu released the Nine Yin Soul Power to protect himself, Little Jade also emitted an auspicious aura, purifying the approaching poisonous mist.

Dugu Yan activated her Jade Phosphorous Jade Dragon Martial Soul, with azure dragon energy surrounding her. The poisonous mist not only failed to harm her, but was instead absorbed and transformed by her, replenishing her own Soul Power.

The three ventured deep into the poisonous fog, and about half an hour later, a huge pool of water appeared ahead.

The pool water was dark green, bottomless, and its surface was calm and still, yet it exuded a chilling toxicity.

Various strange poisonous plants and flowers grow by the pool, and some small Soul Beast with poisonous attributes dart among the grass.

"This is it." Yan Zu put away the Gazetteer of Mountains and Rivers. "The Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon dwells at the bottom of the pool. According to records, it usually surfaces at noon to absorb sunlight."

The three hid behind a rock and waited quietly.

At noon, sunlight pierced through the poisonous fog and shone on the dark green pool.

The water in the pool began to churn, and ripples spread outwards from the center.

Then, a huge head slowly emerged from the water—it was a dragon-like head, covered with dark green scales, with a pair of short horns on its head, and a pair of emerald green vertical pupils coldly scanning the surroundings.

The Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon's body gradually revealed itself, measuring approximately fifteen meters in length, even larger than Dugu Yan's Jade Phosphorous Jade Dragon phantom. Its entire body was covered in dark green scales, with four short, sharp claws on its abdomen and a bony spur extending from its head to the tip of its tail on its back, radiating a chilling light.

"Around twelve thousand years," Dugu Bo said in a low voice, "Your cultivation is just right, and your bloodline is pure. Yanyan, are you ready?"

Dugu Yan took a deep breath, a determined glint in her azure eyes. "Ready."

According to the plan, Yan Zu attempted to communicate with the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon.

He emerged from behind the rocks and slowly walked towards the pool. Little Jade perched on his shoulder, radiating a gentle and auspicious aura, attempting to convey goodwill.

The Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon immediately became alert, its emerald green vertical pupils locking onto Yan Zu, and it let out a low roar. Although it could not speak, the intelligence of Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast was enough to understand simple human language and intentions.

"We mean no harm." Yan Zu used the communication technique within the Soul Spirit Contract to peacefully transmit his thoughts. "We want to talk to you about an opportunity for symbiosis."

At the same time, he released the aura of the Qilin Martial Soul, which was not aura of pressure, but rather an auspicious, peaceful, and inclusive aura, attempting to soothe the emotions of the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon.

However, the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon's reaction was unexpected.

Instead of calming down, it became even more agitated, its emerald green vertical pupils flashing with anger and—hatred?

"Hiss--!"

With a sharp screech, the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon suddenly opened its mouth, and a jet of dark green venom shot towards Yan Zu like an arrow! Wherever the venom passed, the air emitted a "sizzling" corrosive sound.

Yan Zu dodged the attack with a swift movement. The venom landed on the ground, instantly corroding a deep pit.

"This is bad; it seems to harbor deep hostility towards humans." Yan Zu frowned.

Dugu Bo's voice came through. "That's normal. Sunset Forest is close to Heaven Dou City, and Soul Master often come here to hunt Soul Beast. This Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon has lived for ten thousand years, so it has probably been hunted more than once, and naturally it harbors hostility towards humans."

Enraged by its missed attack, the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon leaped out of the pool, its four claws reaching for Yan Zu, its mouth once more condensing venom.

"It seems communication has failed," Yan Zu sighed. "Grandpa Dugu, I'm begging you."

"Leave it to me!" Dugu Bo's figure appeared before Yan Zu like Gui Mei.

The pressure of Titled Douluo was fully unleashed! The phantom of the Jade Phosphorous Poison Dragon Emperor appeared behind him, and terrifying poisonous energy surged towards the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon like a tsunami.

Sensing the terrifying aura far surpassing its own, the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon's eyes flashed with fear, but even more so with madness. Instead of retreating, it advanced, its entire body radiating a brilliant dark green light, determined to fight to the death!

"Overestimating yourself." Dugu Bo sneered, his right hand forming a fist, gathering Soul Power, and slamming it fiercely towards the Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon!

"Boom--!"

The Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon was sent flying by a single palm strike, crashing heavily into the rocks by the pool, shattering them. Large patches of its scales fell off, leaving it covered in blood, and its life force instantly waned.

However, Dugu Bo acted with great restraint, and this attack only severely injured it without damaging its core.

The Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon struggled to get up, but fell down again. Its emerald green vertical pupils were filled with resentment and despair, knowing that it could not escape death today.

Yan Zu stepped forward to communicate again, and the conversation lasted for nearly an hour. The Jade Water Poison Flood Dragon resisted strongly and even attempted to attack several times, but Dugu Bo easily blocked them.

"That's enough." Dugu Bo shook his head. "Soul Spirit Contract require mutual consent. This dragon is unruly and would rather die than submit. Forcing a contract might cause trouble. Yanyan, let's find another target. Sunset Forest is so vast, there's no shortage of suitable Soul Beast."

Although Dugu Yan was disappointed, she understood that forcing things would not be good and might even cause problems, so she had no choice but to nod and give up.