Chapter 46: Finally Reaching the Eyes of Ice and Fire - Douluo's spirit bead sword
Chapter 46: Finally Reaching the Eyes of Ice and Fire "Phew!" After half an hour, Dugu Bo let out a long breath. Standing up, he stared at his hands in disbelief, "I've suppressed it. Truly suppressed it!" Dugu Bo couldn't contain his excitement. For decades, he suffered heart-piercing pain every night, yet today, he managed to keep it at bay. He could feel that the poison might not flare up for the next one or two months. "Senior, how is it? This is my self-created method for suppressing poison. I humbly seek your guidance," Tian Lin said with a smile. "What did you just say? You created this yourself? Not something Chen Xin taught you?" Dugu Bo asked in disbelief. Such a sophisticated formula was crafted by an eight-year-old child. "Yes, when I was young, I found a book that contained various antidote methods. I devised this formula based on the techniques from the book. Even my master is unaware of it," Tian Lin explained, borrowing a similar excuse as Tang San from the original work. Though this excuse was full of holes, Tian Lin knew Dugu Bo wouldn’t probe too deeply. As soul masters, who doesn’t have secrets that must remain hidden? "Wait a minute. Your master doesn’t know, so how did you know about my condition?" Dugu Bo quickly spotted the flaw—Chen Xin didn't know this formula, so how could he have sent Tian Lin to find him? Tian Lin replied helplessly, “Please forgive me, senior. The truth is, my master has no idea about your symptoms. At present, I’m probably the only one across the continent who knows. But if I didn’t put it that way, firstly, you wouldn't have believed me back then, and secondly, you might have already silenced me before I finished speaking." "You little rascal! Such deep machinations, I can hardly believe you’re only eight years old. You're like a little monster," Dugu Bo sighed. He could fully understand Tian Lin because he indeed had murderous intent earlier. However, all murderous thoughts were now gone—not just because Tian Lin was Chen Xin’s disciple, but because Dugu Bo believed Tian Lin might really have a way to neutralize his poison. Even if it couldn’t be resolved immediately, the Holy Breath Barrier combined with his formula could greatly alleviate his pain. Tian Lin had become Dugu Bo's greatest treasure, and he would fight anyone who dared to harm him. "Alright, little monster, so long as you can cure my granddaughter and me of our poison, I promise to do three things for you, provided they don't go against my principles," Dugu Bo offered Tian Lin three conditions, just as in the original story. However, why this time did he call Tian Lin "little monster"? Wasn't that his exclusive nickname for Tang San? "Thank you, senior. However, curing your poison isn't something that can be accomplished overnight. I estimate it will take about six months. I also suggest finding a safer place. If you stay in the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, news of the mighty Poison Douluo being poisoned might spread far and wide," Tian Lin subtly suggested, almost pulling on Dugu Bo’s robe, hinting at the Eyes of Ice and Fire, a place he desperately wanted to visit. Dugu Bo nodded, "Hm, makes sense. My poisoning mustn't be found out, not just for the sake of my reputation but also for safety. Let's go to my residence then. Not only are there plenty of herbs for you to use, but it’s also close to the academy, allowing you to return whenever you wish. What do you think?" Dugu Bo's treatment of Tian Lin was far better than that of Tang San. He didn’t restrict his freedom or feed him any poison pills. Tian Lin was eager for this arrangement and had no objections. They returned to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, where Tian Lin requested a six-month leave from Grandmaster Meng Shenji, and wrote a letter for Gu Ran to take back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Finally, he made a trip to the royal palace to find Xue Qinghe, to give him a reason for his departure. Otherwise, Xue might send his two titled Douluo subordinates to Dugu Bo’s place. Tian Lin told him he planned to study poison under Dugu Bo for six months. The direct threat is easier to avoid than the hidden one; no matter how strong one becomes, falling victim to poison makes one vulnerable. By learning the art of poison and antidotes, he would have extra protection as he traveled the continent. Xue Qinghe grudgingly accepted this explanation. After all, six months was acceptable, especially since Tian Lin promised to return every month to continue their mutual cultivation of the Heavenly Snow Force. The following morning, with everyone's farewells, Tian Lin prepared to leave with Dugu Bo. "Xiao Tian, don’t forget to keep training while you're away. Also, come back soon. You are the strongest weapon of the Emperor Team," Qin Ming reminded him. "Yes, indeed. Until then, I'll probably have to hold the fort as the team's main offensive force," Yu Tianheng said with a look of mounting pressure. “Aren’t I here too?” Gu Ran pointed at himself. "With your attack power, you’re not even enough to be Xiao Tian’s substitute," the others in the Emperor Team mercilessly joked. Gu Ran immediately felt deflated. Despite it being true, they didn't have to put it so bluntly. This world lacked compassion. "Don't worry, I’ll be back soon. Don’t forget my rapid progress. By the time I return, my level might have surpassed yours," Tian Lin chuckled. "In your dreams. We are your seniors, after all. If your level surpassed ours, where would we put our faces? Right, Gu Ran?" Dugu Yan asked Gu Ran. Gu Ran was bewildered. "Sister, talk if you must, but why point out that I'm the only one with a level lower than Tian Lin? This is a mockery, surely." He lamented internally. This world indeed lacked love. Gu Ran’s sullen expression caused everyone to burst into laughter, dispelling the sorrow of parting. Soon, Tian Lin’s silhouette vanished along the mountain path with Dugu Bo. Half a day later, under Dugu Bo’s full-speed travel, they reached the center of the Sunset Forest, Dugu Bo’s residence, and the place Tian Lin had longed for since coming to this world—the Eyes of Ice and Fire. "The Eyes of Ice and Fire! It really is the Eyes of Ice and Fire. Amazing!" Tian Lin spread his arms, savoring the scorching heat and bone-chilling cold emanating from both sides. Currently, his magic sword was composed of water and fire attributes, aligning perfectly with the Eyes of Ice and Fire. He could tell that training here would surpass any mock-feathered habitats and even rival the Heavenly Snow Force. "Eyes of Ice and Fire? Boy, what are you talking about?" Dugu Bo, despite residing here, was unaware of the name of this blessed land. He was a typical case of possessing a treasure without realizing it. "Senior Dugu Bo, this place is remarkable. The Eyes of Ice and Fire is one of the three major medicinal treasure troves. Ordinary plants can’t survive here due to the unique climate, but it greatly accelerates the growth of rare plants. To put it simply, a ten-year ginseng grown here would have the properties of a century-old one. The three treasure troves possess extraordinary conditions, being the gathering grounds of spiritual energies," Tian Lin explained. "Ah, I see. No wonder the medicinal properties here are so strong," Dugu Bo nodded in understanding. The herbs here were so potent that he dared not consume them carelessly, as they could easily lead to overdose.