Chapter 61: The Corrosion from the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well

Chapter 61: The Corrosion from the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well

The fluctuations of soul power around Guang Ling grew stronger and stronger. Even the surrounding mist, affected by his aura, crystallized into ice, falling continuously to the ground like tiny shards.

Han Li was just about to remind him when Guang Ling, perhaps recalling the destruction from his last breakthrough, suddenly realized this wasn't his personal chamber. If he accidentally destroyed something here, he'd be heartbroken for a long time.

Under their watchful gazes, Guang Ling abruptly stood up. Without time to say a word, the wings on his back unfurled, and he soared into the sky. In the blink of an eye, he vanished beyond their line of sight.

Dugu Bo, watching Han Li's crimson tinted eyes light up, asked enviously, "What's happening now? Tell me."

Han Li was just about to speak when, up above, a brilliant light exploded in the sky. A pure white radiance spread across the heavens, temporarily blotting out the blue sky. Under the sunlight, it formed a circular halo white in the center, encased by a rainbow colored ring.

"He succeeded. Master is on his way back."

By now, there was no need for Han Li to answer what had just happened in the sky said it all.

The moment Han Li finished speaking, Guang Ling's laughter echoed from above.

"Han Li was right I've officially reached Rank 98!"

Alongside Guang Ling's descent, countless ice crystals rained down from the sky. However, as they approached the valley entrance, the influence of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well caused them to rapidly melt into raindrops. Han Li and Dugu Bo had to raise soul power barriers over their heads to avoid getting soaked.

"Congratulations, Master, on reaching new heights."

"Congratulations."

Han Li and Dugu Bo spoke in unison, both gazing at the newly returned Guang Ling.

"Haha! Congratulations to us all!"

Guang Ling's joy was impossible to hide, his face radiating excitement.

"Huh? Your left eye you're able to open it now?"

Dugu Bo's eyes widened in surprise as he noticed Guang Ling's left eye. Previously covered in dark blue ice crystals, the skin was now completely smooth, without a single trace of abnormality.

"That's right. The Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass repaired my… flaws. The restriction on me is gone. From now on, I'll be at my full strength."

Guang Ling's response was vague, instinctively omitting some details. The only reason he even answered Dugu Bo at all was because he was in a good mood and also out of consideration for his disciple.

Hearing this, Han Li couldn't help but feel happy for his master.

Though Guang Ling always acted indifferent, as an elite archer, having his left eye constantly restricted was something he rarely spoke about. The unexpected bonus from this breakthrough was definitely cause for celebration.

"And that's not all. My martial soul has been greatly enhanced, especially its ice affinity. Moreover, I can now selectively use the lethal poison from the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass."

As he spoke, a divine bow radiating a soft white glow appeared in Guang Ling's hands. While its form hadn't changed much, the chilling aura it exuded was palpable.

Is this Ultimate Ice? Or just close to it? Han Li mused, sensing the intensity of the ice element radiating from Guang Ling's divine bow.

Honestly, he wasn't even sure if his own martial soul counted as Ultimate Ice. He had never finished reading the sequels, and new settings kept popping up. Fortunately, Douluo Dalu 1 didn't have such distinctions, so it wasn't something he needed to worry about.

Eh, as long as I can fight, that's all that matters. Comparing their elemental strength, Han Li noted that while Guang Ling's ice energy was formidable, it was still slightly weaker than his own. He quickly abandoned his train of thought.

"What are you thinking about, Han Li?"

Guang Ling interrupted Han Li's thoughts, grinning as he flicked his forehead with a finger.

Caught off guard, Han Li instinctively raised both hands to shield his head and took a step back.

Then, suddenly, the atmosphere around them shifted. A heavy silence fell.

At the same time, Guang Ling's voice, low and filled with barely restrained anger, reached his ears.

"Han Li, tell me what happened to your hands? Is this because you used your martial soul to transfer energy for me?"

Feeling the weight of his master's emotions, Han Li belatedly realized his earlier reflexive action had accidentally exposed his hands to them.

"It's nothing, Master. No need to worry I just need some time to train, and it'll recover."

Han Li forced a smile and lowered his hands, palms facing upward, letting them see for themselves.

From the back of his hands to his wrists, a dense layer of red and white dragon scales had formed. The sight was unnerving, and the scales emitted a faint but distinct pressure something only high ranking dragons possessed.

"Explain. Now."

Guang Ling wasn't buying any of his nonsense. His gaze was serious. It was clear that Han Li had been corrupted by something.

Even Dugu Bo turned toward him, his expression filled with concern.

Han Li sighed helplessly. Fine, there's no hiding it now.

He gathered his thoughts before looking at the two of them.

"Master, Senior, remember when you asked me why my martial soul can't be touched? And why it suddenly developed a draconic aura? I can tell you now."

"If my guess is correct, the reason for my martial soul's transformation lies in the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well itself. During my evolution, I clearly sensed that this so called pool of water… might not be water at all."

"Instead, I suspect it was formed from the corpse and blood essence of an incredibly high ranking dragon."

"The blood of a dragon? What kind of dragon's blood could create a treasure ground like this? And even alter the surroundings, producing such a vast number of divine herbs?"

Both Guang Ling and Dugu Bo visibly flinched, their gazes unconsciously shifting toward the deceptively calm surface of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well.

"Perhaps… a god." Han Li answered with a faint smile.

"A god, huh? That might be the only explanation for such power."

Guang Ling's expression darkened slightly, recalling the Angel God that the Spirit Hall revered. He turned to Han Li.

"So, Han Li, your martial soul didn't evolve it was corroded?"

"No, Master. My martial soul did evolve." Han Li shook his head, rejecting Guang Ling's assumption.

"Because my Ice Fire Divine Dragon Bow perfectly integrates both ice and fire, it wasn't corroded. Instead, it managed to forcibly devour some of the beneficial energy, completing its evolution."

"But for that same reason, I chose to stop before pushing it any further. Right now, neither my martial soul nor my body can handle a full evolution. If I had forced it, I would have had to endure a baptism of dragon blood and residual spiritual will."

"At that point, I might have been polluted corrupted. I might have lost my sense of self. As for the bow, who knows what would have happened to it? So the moment I reached my limit, I made the conscious decision to stop."

"As for my martial soul's spontaneous activation, it's likely because the residual will inside hasn't been fully expelled. My hands are suffering from the same issue. But I still have control if I have enough time, I'll purge it completely. I have no intention of turning into a spirit beast."

Hearing this, both Guang Ling and Dugu Bo finally sighed in relief. At least the situation isn't dire.

But now, when they looked at the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well, a trace of fear had settled into their eyes.

"From now on, you are forbidden from pulling a stunt like this again. If you do, I'll disown you as my disciple."

Guang Ling turned to Han Li, his expression dead serious.

"Don't worry, Master. I understand. This was a special circumstance I won't take reckless risks."

Seeing his master's reaction, Han Li knew he had passed this hurdle. With a grin, he stepped forward and started massaging Guang Ling's shoulders.

"Get lost. And from now on, you're never to use that pool's water for cultivation, understand? If you do, I'll break your legs I refuse to have a monster for a disciple."

Guang Ling shoved him aside with a look of disdain, though his voice was filled with care.

"Got it, Master. No problem, Master. Have faith in me even without it, I'll still be the youngest Titled Douluo in history."

Han Li laughed as he sidled up to Guang Ling again, and the two began their usual banter.

Dugu Bo watched their lighthearted exchange, feeling a pang of envy.

It's fine I still have Qiu'er. I'm not jealous. Not at all.

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