Lin Yang stared intently at Dugu Bo's unpredictable expression. He could roughly guess what the old Poison Douluo was thinking.
An extremely powerful poison… it wasn't entirely impossible.
He should know that the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well still contained the "Snow Swan Kiss" plant.
The Snow Swan Kiss herb was extremely special. It had no toxicity of its own, yet it was known as a "herb with extremely strong toxicity" because it could amplify toxins by hundreds or even thousands of times. Even a tiny amount of poison could become terrifyingly potent under its influence.
In theory, if the old Poison Douluo consumed the Snow Swan Kiss, it could become the ultimate poison.
The problem was that no one could withstand that terrifying toxin.
However, if one could condense a poison-attribute spirit core while simultaneously controlling the effects of the Snow Swan Kiss, a two-pronged approach might be possible.
Of course, Dugu Bo himself also possessed the Danzhu.
But a pill was still a pill. Ultimately, it was different from a spirit core, and its effects were weaker than those of a spirit core.
Trying to seal the ultimate poison inside a pill was no different from courting death.
Lin Yang did not voice these thoughts aloud. It wasn't that he didn't trust him, but he worried the old man might become too impatient, rushing for quick success and immediate gains.
Spirit core techniques had become common in later generations, but no one in this era had ever attempted them. A rash attempt would only lead to regret later.
...
After awakening the Ultimate Gold form of the Nichirin Blade martial soul, Lin Yang clearly felt that his cultivation speed had slowed considerably, yet it was still within acceptable limits.
After all, his Sun Breathing Method was practiced continuously every day, steadily accumulating into a very large amount.
In his spare time, he spent a great deal of time pondering how to incorporate his complex characteristics into sword techniques and strengthen his attack methods.
Meanwhile, Little Rabbit, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling were not falling behind. Their cultivation progress remained steady.
And so, a year and a half quietly passed.
One and a half years later, among the three girls beside Lin Yang, Little Rabbit was the first to break through level 50. She was still only twelve this year.
Considering that her soul power had been level 29 at age twelve, this little rabbit's growth was truly remarkable.
That said, most of it had been forced upon them by Lin Yang.
One month later, not to be outdone, Dugu Yan also broke through level 50.
Meanwhile, Ye Lingling had been a bit slower to start and was currently at level 48, but she was steadily advancing.
Lin Yang himself was at level 55.
This speed was much slower than before, but it was still extremely fast compared to ordinary Soul Kings.
...
Heaven Dou Royal Academy
Watching Little Rabbit and Dugu Yan break through one after another, Qin Ming couldn't help but feel dizzy despite his strong physique.
There were always weirdos every year, but this year there seemed to be more than usual.
Including Lin Yang, the Heaven Dou team now had three Soul Kings.
Before the Spirit Master Elite Competition, it was a foregone conclusion that Ye Lingling would reach the fifth ring.
At that time, the Heaven Dou team would have four Soul Kings.
Even the Spirit Hall probably couldn't assemble a better lineup for this competition.
He could already imagine the complete silence that would fall when the group appeared at the competition venue.
If it weren't for the image of a "teacher," he would probably be screaming right now.
"Who else is there?"
When Qin Ming learned that Lin Yang planned to take Dugu Yan and Little Rabbit to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt for spirit rings, he only hesitated for a moment.
"Is Lingling going? Or not?"
Qin Ming knew the relationship between the two was special and assumed Ye Lingling would probably accompany him when he went to find spirit rings for Dugu Yan.
However, this would change the plan he had originally made to take Shi Mo and the others to the Great Spirit Arena for practical training.
With Lingling's help, he had become more confident about having the students challenge him in the arena.
In fact, Osler and his team had made considerable progress over the past year or so.
With so many monsters around, Osler and the others naturally felt tremendous pressure. They couldn't even lie down anymore; instead, they had started curling up.
Pressure could be a source of motivation.
Currently, the Shi brothers were both level 39 Soul Masters, and becoming Soul Grandmasters wasn't far off.
Although Osler and Yu Feng were slightly inferior, they still had level 38 soul power.
According to Qin Ming's training plan, not everyone would reach Soul Master level, but at least the Shi brothers would definitely make it without issue.
Lin Yang conveyed Qin Ming's meaning to Ye Lingling.
After careful consideration, Ye Lingling ultimately decided to stay at the academy.
She also wanted to stay by Lin Yang's side, but she wouldn't be of much use on this soul hunting expedition.
It would be better to remain at the academy to assist Teacher Qin and train in the Great Spirit Arena.
Lin Yang didn't say much about it.
After quickly packing, the three set off on their journey to the Star Dou Great Forest.
However, before departing, Dugu Yan and Little Rabbit had a confrontation.
Originally, Dugu Yan had planned to use this opportunity to enjoy some alone time with Lin Yang and perhaps seize a chance for victory.
She was already nineteen. If things continued like this, she would soon be getting married.
In the end, this annoying rabbit ruined her plans and insisted on coming along no matter what.
She already had a fifth spirit ring.
Was she targeting her?
"This damn rabbit," Dugu Yan gritted her teeth and whispered.
"Are you going to defy me?"
"Old hag," the little rabbit mocked.
"I don't understand what you're saying. I came to visit my former university professor."
"Hmph, a school that produces people like you can't be a good school," Dugu Yan sneered inwardly.
"Still better than you!"
Just as the two were about to make a move, Lin Yang lightly coughed.
"Let's go!"
"Hmph!"
Dugu Yan swayed her waist and walked straight toward the carriage.
Of course, the little rabbit couldn't lose, so she quickly teleported and sat inside the carriage.
Dugu Yan was naturally furious.
Lin Yang sighed inwardly, realizing that this trip would definitely not be peaceful.
Since the soul search wasn't urgent, the three basically traveled and played along the way, taking half a month to arrive at Suotuo City.
Then, the little rabbit proudly led Dugu Yan to the courtyard where she and Lin Yang had once lived.
It hadn't been cleaned for a long time and was dusty, but Xiao Wu didn't care at all.
Her soul power surged, purifying the entire room.
"Hmph, I'm staying at a hotel!"
Dugu Yan glared at Xiao Wu, then turned and left.
Lin Yang gave the little rabbit a "warning" look, then reached out and pulled Dugu Yan.
"You can stay in my room tonight. I'll be in the living room."
Dugu Yan's expression softened slightly.
She knew that Lin Yang had known that stupid rabbit much earlier than her, so she no longer wanted to kick him out.
However, Lin Yang absolutely must not show favoritism. That was the key point.
"I want to go out for a bit. Anyone want to come with me?" Lin Yang asked.
"I'm not going. Call me when it's time to eat."
Dugu Yan waved her hand and swayed into Lin Yang's room.
With a "click," the door closed, and she collapsed onto the bed.
"Hmph!"
The little rabbit gave Lin Yang a dumbfounded look, then returned to her own room.
"These two women are really difficult!"
Lin Yang muttered to himself, suddenly thinking of Ye Lingling.
Lingling was much better. She never fought or competed.