Chapter 201: Harvesting Immortal Herbs, Team Strength Increases
"Uh…" Dai Yao was momentarily speechless, caught off guard by Chrysanthemum Douluo's comment. Why would a Title Douluo care about his love life? But seeing the evident amusement on Chrysanthemum Douluo's face, it seemed that Dai Yao being with Dugu Yan felt like some personal revenge fulfilled.
"Uh, yes," Dai Yao replied, casting a curious glance over Chrysanthemum Douluo, feeling as if something was strange about this conversation.
"Hahaha! That old poisoner! No matter how sneaky he is, he still has to drink my foot wash!" Chrysanthemum Douluo, or Yue Guan, laughed heartily, his eerie, feminine voice echoing through the night.
Dai Yao felt a sudden realization. In the original story, Yue Guan and Dugu Bo were supposedly at each other's throats, yet when Tang Hao attempted to rescue Tang San in Spirit City, Yue Guan actually advised Dugu Bo against joining in, suggesting an odd friendship mixed with rivalry. Now, watching Yue Guan's reaction, it seemed he had been holding some hidden grudge, as if he were a scorned lover finally getting his payback.
Clearing his thoughts of this strange notion, Dai Yao noticed Yue Guan supporting his back with one hand, laughing as he said, "Kid, you've done well. Treat Dugu Yan well. I'm off to find that old poisoner. Your safety is in the hands of those two spirit saints following us."
Thinking of the Tang Sect manual he had just read, Dai Yao realized this would be an excellent chance to collect some herbs. Bowing, he said, "Your Eminence, would you mind taking me along if you're going to Sunset Forest? I happen to have some business there as well."
Yue Guan raised an eyebrow. "Fine. Make your goodbyes quickly, so no one's left wondering."
"Thank you, Your Eminence," Dai Yao replied, thinking he was patient for a Title Douluo.
Sunset Forest
A voice filled with energy and spirit rang out through the air above the forest.
"Hahaha! Old poisoner! I haven't had the pleasure of seeing you in ages. Why not come out and greet an old friend?"
The voice resonated with powerful spirit energy, scaring countless spirit beasts, who scattered in all directions.
"Chrysanthemum Guan, what's your purpose here?" An icy voice shot back, a green figure standing atop a treetop. Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed as he looked up and saw the figure. His gaze darkened further upon spotting Dai Yao by Yue Guan's side. "Why did you bring Dai Yao?"
"Hahahaha!" Yue Guan threw his head back in laughter. "Old poisoner, bet you didn't expect it! One of my Spirit Hall men has won over your precious granddaughter!"
Yue Guan's voice took on a mocking tone. "You always said you wanted to continue the Jade Phosphor Serpent lineage, marry and have children. Well, fate's funny like that. Your lineage still ends up intertwined with Spirit Hall!"
Dugu Bo's face grew dark and stormy.
Dai Yao sighed inwardly at the exchange. From Yue Guan's tone, it almost seemed like there had been some "history" between him and Dugu Bo, with Dugu Bo having left him to pass on his family's serpent bloodline. Dai Yao cleared his throat and respectfully addressed both Title Douluo.
"Senior, I have other business in the forest and would like to take my leave for now."
Yue Guan nodded, then added, "Sunset Forest may not be as treacherous as Star Dou, but it's still dangerous. If you encounter any threats, release your spirit energy into the sky. I'll come to help you."
"Thank you, Your Eminence." Dai Yao then took to the skies with the White Tiger Eight Wings, flying swiftly toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Thinking back, he chuckled inwardly. Chrysanthemum Douluo really does fit his name. His Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum spirit is powerful and filled with robust energy, but he's trained it in such an uncharacteristically delicate way.
He cast off these distracting thoughts as the familiar landscape of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well came into view. Excitement surged through him as he pulled out the delicate Qiluo Tulip, a herb known for neutralizing toxins. Dugu Bo had set up a toxic field around the Yin Yang Well, but with the Qiluo Tulip's properties, he could enter safely.
Although the Yin Yang Well technically belonged to Dai Yao, he lacked the ability to protect it independently. Not only did he not yet have the strength to secure it within the perilous Sunset Forest, but he also couldn't devote the necessary time. To maintain its protection, he'd enlisted Dugu Bo, offering him access to certain herbs from the well.
At first, Dugu Bo had tried to negotiate hard, using Dai Yao's lack of security as leverage. However, thanks to Dugu Yan's support, Dai Yao had managed to win Dugu Bo's services at a modest cost. Dugu Bo, for his part, would mutter, "Girls really do turn against their families."
Now, as the "hot and cold spring" of the Yin Yang Well neared, Dai Yao's excitement grew.
"I'm here at last!" he said to himself.
Reading the Tang Sect manual had given Dai Yao a new appreciation for the herbs in the well. These weren't just valuable for enhancing spirit power; they could strengthen one's foundation and even refine a spirit master's core, setting the stage for greater growth.
Excitedly, he began to carefully gather the herbs, each of them brimming with rare medicinal power. There was the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to strengthen body and spirit, the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid to shield against toxins, and the Infernal Apricot to enhance fire attributes. Following the Tang Sect manual's guidance, he took note of each plant's properties, documenting how to harvest, store, and use them most effectively.
Hours passed in silent, focused work. When he finally returned to the academy with the herbs safely stored in his Hundred Treasure Pouch, he knew these plants would lead to incredible benefits for him and his teammates.
The next day, Dai Yao summoned his team, explaining the herbs' effects and how each person's strengths could be amplified with the right one. The team listened intently, intrigued by the potential benefits.
Each herb was matched carefully with its intended user, tailored to reinforce their abilities and strengthen their spirit power.
Days later, after consuming the herbs under Dai Yao's watchful eye and following his exact instructions, his teammates emerged from their training sessions visibly transformed. Each member experienced significant breakthroughs, their power surging to new levels. Dugu Yan's Jade Phosphor Serpent gained heightened resilience, Ye LingLing's healing powers intensified, and the other teammates each saw their unique abilities refined and enhanced.
Seeing the improvements, Dai Yao was pleased. With these upgrades, our team will be much stronger in the coming battles.
Watching his teammates spar with their newfound abilities, Dai Yao felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was just the beginning. With these enhancements and his plans for further training, they would be ready to face whatever challenges the Spirit Hall tournament and beyond might hold.
Dai Yao worked diligently, carefully harvesting only the herbs he needed. Yet, he left a root behind for each plant. Under the nurturing effects of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, these herbs would eventually regrow, preserving the future bounty of this mystical place.
The incredible array of herbs overwhelmed Dai Yao. He had to use specific techniques to harvest the more delicate plants, as they could lose their efficacy if not handled properly. There were some valuable herbs he chose to leave untouched, understanding that they held limited benefit for him at his current stage.
Satisfied with his haul, Dai Yao gazed at the abundant growth around him. It has taken countless years for the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to produce such a rare collection of herbs. There's no need to be greedy and take everything.
He considered that these herbs could mature into spirit beasts over tens of thousands of years, and felt it best to leave some behind for others who might discover the well in the distant future. Rubbing his sore lower back, he chuckled wryly. Even with his powerful physique as an attack-focused spirit master, he could feel the strain of harvesting for so long.
I have plenty of herbs already. Why strip the place bare and ruin this mystical environment for momentary gain? Dai Yao thought, stretching. He still wondered how Tang San, in the original story, had managed to pick every single herb, leaving nothing but devastation behind for Dugu Bo. Didn't he get tired?
Glancing over at the dual-colored well—the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—Dai Yao's eyes glinted with mischief. The spring water here… this is the real prize. For anyone who hadn't consumed the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass or the Infernal Delicate Apricot, this water was dangerously toxic.
From his storage, Dai Yao produced ten large jade containers, filling half with the cold spring water and half with the hot. In the original story, Tang San had used these waters to wipe out an entire herd of Evil Demon Orcas, condemning them to a terrible fate. Dai Yao smirked, picturing his future revenge. One day, the Empress of Xingluo will experience these waters' true power. I won't be at peace until she's paid for every bit of the suffering she caused my mother.
With each container filled, the water level in the well slightly lowered. Placing them in his Hundred Treasure Pouch, he clenched his fists. From now on, any who wrong me will perish. Those who have committed grievous sins will endure the torment of these waters.
The next day, Dai Yao found himself at Dugu Bo's wrath.
"You brat! How dare you!" Dugu Bo's voice rang out as he fumed over the stripped herb garden. Soul power crackled around him as his anger flared.
Dai Yao glanced calmly at him, unimpressed. "Why the fuss? The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well belongs to me. If I decided to take every herb, that's my decision."
Dai Yao secretly chuckled at Dugu Bo's reaction. This well was always mine. Besides, didn't Tang San clear out every single herb in the original story? You didn't get this angry then. But he didn't voice these thoughts aloud.
Dugu Bo's face twitched, his initial rage replaced by reluctant acceptance. With a sheepish chuckle, he conceded, "Fine, I suppose you're right. Anyway, Chrysanthemum Douluo's ready to leave. When will you head back?"
"Now," Dai Yao replied, satisfied that he had gathered what he came for. But as he unfurled his wings to depart, Dugu Bo's voice, uncharacteristically serious, stopped him.
"There's something I need to tell you."
Dai Yao paused, looking back. "Go ahead."
Dugu Bo sighed, his face a mix of concern and resolve. "I understand that you plan to join Spirit Hall, and I won't stop you from being with Yan. But she won't be following you there."
"Why not?" Dai Yao's heart sank with anxiety.
Dugu Bo raised his hand to quell Dai Yao's concerns. "I don't oppose the two of you being together. But the continent's political situation is unpredictable, even as a Title Douluo, I can sense an oncoming storm. I understand your reasons for aligning with Spirit Hall, but the internal power struggles and shifting alliances there are far more dangerous than you may realize."
He looked back at the boiling springs of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, his gaze distant. "The current Pope… her goals are difficult to grasp, and her personality is… volatile. You, with your talents, will quickly become invaluable to Spirit Hall, placing you at the center of this approaching storm. Danger will be all around you. I have faith in your abilities, but Yan doesn't possess the same level of protection."
He sighed heavily. "One day, when I can no longer protect her, or you have grown powerful enough, I'll entrust her to you. But until then, she will remain with me."
Dai Yao understood Dugu Bo's protective instincts and his cautious approach, even though the thought of separation pained him. He nodded. "Ultimately, it's Yan's choice. If she decides to stay, I will respect it. But if she wants to join me in Spirit Hall, I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe."
A flicker of admiration crossed Dugu Bo's face, and he nodded deeply. "That's a fair answer. Go now, and take good care of Yan."
Dai Yao returned the nod and, with a beat of his wings, soared into the sky, quickly reaching Chrysanthemum Douluo's side.
Back at Spirit Hall, Dai Yao handed out the harvested herbs to his team, carefully explaining their unique properties and advising each member on how to use them. Following his precise instructions, they each consumed their designated herb, unlocking incredible new powers and enhancements to their abilities.
In the days that followed, each member of the team emerged from training transformed. Dugu Yan's Jade Phosphor Serpent had grown stronger, her venom more potent. Ye LingLing's healing abilities had intensified, her powers now refined and sharper. The entire team's spirit power had significantly increased, and they could feel the difference in every sparring session.
Pleased with the results, Dai Yao watched his friends sparring with newfound strength and skill. This was just the beginning. With these advancements and continued training, we'll be prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.
"Lord Chrysanthemum Douluo," Dai Yao respectfully greeted.
Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded and, in his soft yet cold tone, instructed, "Come along." Led by a Titled Douluo, they soared through the Sunset Forest at incredible speed, quickly reaching its edge. But as they prepared to leave, Chrysanthemum Douluo turned, his gaze sharpened.
"I have some advice for you," he said, his voice grave.
"Yes, please, go on." Dai Yao braced himself, knowing the Titled Douluo's words were not to be taken lightly.
"My advice: don't get too close to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. The closer you get, the more it will harm you." Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes glinted with a warning.
Dai Yao understood he meant well, yet he couldn't ignore the kindness the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had shown him. To join Spirit Hall and sever all ties with them would be an act of betrayal. How could he repay kindness with ingratitude? "I'll let things take their course," he said quietly.
Seeing Dai Yao's lack of full commitment, Chrysanthemum Douluo wasn't angry, merely making a mental note. "There's more," he continued. "You've caught the attention of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation. They asked me to relay a message—they'll be waiting for you at the finals, eager to 'teach you a lesson,' so keep your guard up."
Dai Yao smirked. "Please tell them I'll be ready. It won't be hard to put them in their place."
Seeing Dai Yao's confidence, Chrysanthemum Douluo's face lit up, clearly enjoying the show of spirit. "Brave words! I'll relay that to them. Better prepare yourself."
Back at the academy, Dai Yao wasted no time gathering his teammates, who had been training under Jackson's watch, to distribute the prized herbs he had harvested. Hearing these herbs could not only enhance their spirit power but also strengthen their foundations, his teammates were wide-eyed with astonishment.
Some were skeptical until Dai Yao pointed out, "Both Wu Tong and Zhu Zhuqing have taken these herbs. If you doubt me, trust the results you've seen in them."
With his assurance, they had no further doubts. Though these weren't the rarest herbs he possessed, even ordinary herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well were an immense boon for his team.
Dai Yao, in selecting herbs for each teammate, had focused on herbs suited to their individual attributes. Once they ingested the herbs, they retreated to cultivate, emerging days later with glowing expressions and newfound power. Each had advanced one to two levels in spirit power.
Dai Yuan Yi and Feng Wu Tong, both already at level thirty-nine, had even broken through the barrier into the realm of Spirit Ancestor, reaching level forty. They could now hunt for their fourth spirit rings, which would greatly elevate Oakland Academy's overall strength.
Witnessing this progress, Dai Yao felt a wave of relief. With six Spirit Ancestors on their roster, Oakland's strength was unmatched among the competing teams.
Yuan Yi, now radiating intense sword energy, looked gratefully at Dai Yao. Overwhelmed, he dropped to one knee, crossing his hands over his shoulders in a noble gesture. "Thank you, Dai Yao. I owe you a debt. Whatever the future brings, I will stand by your side."
Dai Yao was surprised, realizing Yuan Yi's gesture was the highest form of noble gratitude. So, Yuan Yi has quite a background of his own.
"It was nothing," Dai Yao replied with a smile. "We're teammates; this is just a small gesture. There's no need to be so formal."
Nearby, Dou Yu, Luo Feng, and Luo Ling, who had each gained two levels, felt lighter and healthier, their bodies rid of impurities. They couldn't find words to express their gratitude to Dai Yao.
Dai Yao waved off their thanks, focused instead on the upcoming tournament. Meanwhile, Feng Wu Tong stood quietly by his side, eyes downcast and lips pressed together as though she had made a silent decision.
As for Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan, Dai Yao had other plans. Zhu Zhuqing's earlier use of the Narcissus Jade Flesh Bone herb still lingered in her system, so no additional herbs were needed for her yet. And as for Dugu Yan, Dai Yao had something much more valuable in mind for after the tournament.
A month later, Yuan Yi and Feng Wu Tong had successfully obtained their fourth spirit rings, securing Oakland's strength. Feng Wu Tong's fourth spirit ring was especially unique. While hunting with Jackson, she encountered a volcanic firebird spirit beast that, sensing her divine Zhuque (Vermilion Bird) spirit, willingly sacrificed itself. Its seven-thousand-year spirit ring not only exceeded the limit for a fourth ring but also granted her the Zhuque Domain, giving her tremendous power second only to Zhu Zhuqing within their team.
Dai Yao couldn't help feeling a tinge of envy. Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wu Tong had both received powerful spirit rings without experiencing the grueling process he endured to obtain his own.
Comparing yourself to others really is the path to frustration, he thought, shaking his head. With a team stronger than ever, he now set his sights on the tournament's next phase.
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