Chapter 48: Fainting First, Getting Ambushed, Waking Up to Helpless Panic
Silently, the two figures glided over the mountain that obstructed their view, landing on a small platform. Neither spoke as they stared, stunned, at the valley below.
Perhaps because the sky had darkened, the basin below looked almost otherworldly. At its center, an oval shaped pool continuously emitted thick clouds of steam that drifted upward before dispersing in all directions, making the entire valley appear shrouded in mist a paradise hidden in the clouds.
But the most striking sight was the pool itself perfectly divided into two distinct halves, one crimson red, the other milky white. The billowing steam rose precisely from the meeting point between the two colors, creating an almost dreamlike effect.
Surrounding the pool, countless strange plants swayed gently with the mist, their bioluminescent glow flickering in waves, making it seem as if the entire basin was breathing alive.
"It's… breathtaking."
After a long pause, Guang Ling couldn't help but murmur in awe. Beside him, Han Li nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring his master's amazement.
Even though he had mentally pictured this scene multiple times, even though he had seen countless stunning visuals in his past life, the sheer beauty of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye still momentarily mesmerized him. This wasn't just light and optics this was the beauty of life itself. It was only when he felt his Ice Fire Bow trembling and heard Guang Ling's voice that he snapped out of it.
"So this is the legendary Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye described in that book… I can't believe such a place actually exists. And that we managed to find it."
Guang Ling's initial awe quickly gave way to excitement, and he was about to fly straight down
Until Han Li grabbed his sleeve, stopping him in his tracks.
"Huh? What's wrong? Let's go! There's definitely treasure down there!" Guang Ling turned around, confused.
Han Li sighed, exasperated. "Master, didn't you notice? There's already someone down there."
Guang Ling froze. He had been so overwhelmed by excitement that he had forgotten to scan for life signs.
When he finally spread out his spiritual sense, his brows furrowed in surprise.
"You're right. There is someone… and they're strong. At least Titled Douluo level."
Then, his expression grew even more puzzled.
"But… something's off. Their aura feels weird. Wait… they're unconscious?"
"Unconscious?"
Han Li narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. If that was the case, then the person below had to be Dugu Bo.
His spiritual perception was weaker than Guang Ling's, and the dense energy of the basin suppressed it even further, making him only able to sense a life force, not its condition. He had initially worried about a potential ambush, which was why he had stopped Guang Ling.
"Let's go." Guang Ling grinned coldly. "Whoever got here first… too bad for them. We'll take them out while they're vulnerable."
"Master, let's check the situation first." Han Li quickly intervened before Guang Ling could straight up execute Dugu Bo.
He wasn't saying this out of kindness a Titled Douluo was too valuable to kill so carelessly.
"Fine. We'll subdue them first, then decide."
As they descended, Guang Ling moved first.
The moment Han Li's feet touched the ground, Guang Ling disappeared.
Then
Thud!
A muffled grunt.
"Done. He's frozen solid." Guang Ling's voice was calm, almost bored.
Han Li blinked and quickly moved forward. As he did, the fog shifted, revealing Guang Ling standing smugly with his bow, and
A human shaped ice block lying on the ground.
Inside the transparent ice, a tall, thin old man with messy hair and sunken cheeks was frozen stiff, his expression locked in a state of pure shock. His black green beard and glowing green eyes made him look both eerie and unsettling but in this moment, with his mouth slightly open in frozen terror, he almost looked comedic.
Han Li twitched at the sight.
He stepped closer, carefully examining the trapped figure.
"Oh, so it's Dugu Bo."
Guang Ling chuckled. "Makes sense. He's a poison expert, his martial soul is the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, and this entire area is filled with poisonous flora. He must've been looking for some rare poison when he stumbled upon this place."
Han Li nodded.
"Good thing we arrived in time. Otherwise, this treasure trove would've been wasted on him."
As Guang Ling spoke, his eyes gleamed with excitement, and he began eagerly inspecting the surrounding plants.
"Master, don't touch anything yet. Let's figure out what to do with Dugu Bo first."
Han Li sighed, watching his overexcited teacher.
"What? He's already frozen. What's there to figure out?" Guang Ling waved dismissively.
Han Li glanced at Dugu Bo again. "Master… he's dying."
Guang Ling paused mid step, turning back to face Han Li.
"What?"
"He's being poisoned to death by his own martial soul."
For a moment, there was dead silence.
Then
Guang Ling burst into laughter.
"A poison based Titled Douluo getting poisoned by himself? That's the funniest thing I've ever heard! Dugu Bo, you absolute joke!"
He squatted next to the frozen Dugu Bo, tapping the ice mockingly.
Inside the ice, Dugu Bo's already wide eyes somehow widened further, his rage and frustration clearly visible, but he remained completely immobilized.
"Alright, Master, let's not bully him too much. He's still a Titled Douluo, after all." Han Li pulled Guang Ling back, sighing.
"Bully him? I'm just stating facts. And from what you're saying, he's not just killing himself he's probably passed this poison down to his descendants too!" Guang Ling snorted.
Dugu Bo's expression contorted even further, as if he were screaming internally.
"Actually, he can be saved." Han Li interrupted before Guang Ling could roast Dugu Bo to death.
"Oh? You have a solution?"
Guang Ling's interest was immediately piqued.
"Yes. Before discovering this place, it would've been difficult. But now? It's actually quite simple."
Inside the ice, Dugu Bo's desperation intensified. He struggled, but couldn't even make a sound.
His mind screamed
"Kid! Say it! Hurry up and say it!"
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