Chapter 16: The Violet Nether Soaring Flood Dragon

"Dugu Yan, do you have a specific target spirit beast in mind for your third spirit ring?"

Although Dugu Bo was no longer present beside them, it was undeniable that he was silently observing from somewhere nearby, completely unnoticed by the two of them.

"Do you even need a target spirit beast to obtain a ring? Don't you just pick one when you come across a suitable one?"

Dugu Yan looked at Yun Yibai with slight surprise. Notably, the moment she had left her grandfather's side, she returned to her previous cold and alluring demeanor — that elegant, untouchable beauty.

Yun Yibai quickly realized what was going on: Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan had no specific plan when it came to choosing spirit beasts. As long as the beast had poison attributes — and the more poisonous, the better — that was enough for them.

And with someone like Dugu Bo accompanying her, Dugu Yan really could walk through the Sunset Forest fearlessly.

"What? You plan out which spirit beast you want before hunting for a ring?"

"Since you seem to know quite a bit about spirit beasts, do you have any suggestions for my third spirit ring?"

...

After a short pause, Yun Yibai asked, "Would you mind telling me what spirit beasts your first and second rings came from?"

Dugu Yan thought for a moment. Since her spirit skills had already been revealed during her matches at the Grand Spirit Arena, there was no harm in answering.

"My first ring came from a Pink Enchantress Serpent. My second came from a Blue-Striped Venom Python."

Dugu Yan's first spirit skill: Crimson Venom – Frenzied Toxin. The Pink Enchantress Serpent is a special beast whose venom induces a state of excitement — essentially a kind of lust toxin. When activated, it stimulates her allies' nerves, boosting attack and speed by 20%.

Her second skill: Azure Venom – Paralytic Toxin, nullifies the sensation of pain for allies and increases their defense by 30%.

Based on these abilities alone, she seemed to be a typical support-type Spirit Master. However, her martial soul was the Emerald-Scaled Serpent, which passively granted her extremely potent venom, making her inherently dangerous and toxic.

"I was already familiar with your skills from the Arena," Yun Yibai continued. "But let me ask you this — how do you envision your future as a Spirit Master?"

"Your two spirit skills so far classify you as a support type. Do you intend to stay on that path, or do you plan to transition into control or even offense?"

Dugu Yan halted for a moment, deeply considering Yun Yibai's words.

Hidden nearby, Dugu Bo heard all of it and was quietly impressed. Yun Yibai cared enough to think about her long-term growth — he could've just followed along and acted when she saw a beast she liked. But instead, he was giving real thought and guidance.

He didn't rush them. Since there was no danger, and Yun Yibai had already tentatively built a connection with both him and Dugu Yan, Dugu Bo didn't mind letting this boy rack up more goodwill with the Serpent Clan.

After all, the debt of favor is the hardest to repay.

Yun Yibai was the type to climb the ladder if you handed him a rung. Dugu Bo's medicinal garden? He certainly wouldn't mind taking a peek.

After all — treasures only belong to those who grab them first.

"I'm going for control and offense," Dugu Yan answered firmly.

"So," she asked, her eyes gleaming, "any recommendations?"

"First off, since your martial soul is the Emerald-Scaled Serpent, I recommend prioritizing poison-type sub-dragon species for your next rings."

"Sub-dragons? You're dreaming!" Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at him.

"Do you know how rare it is to find poison-type sub-dragons?"

"You have Dugu Bo backing you. Is that such an impossible task?" Yun Yibai replied calmly. "The issue is that you've never thought in that direction."

"A spirit ring doesn't just grant a new skill. The bloodline of the beast will strengthen your martial soul's bloodline — making it stronger overall."

"Why do you think Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul users are so much stronger than peers of the same rank? It's because they only choose spirit beasts that are sub-dragon species."

Most of what he said wasn't actually for Dugu Yan — it was for Dugu Bo, still lurking in the shadows. These were the kind of secrets only long-standing beast martial soul clans passed down. Even as a titled Douluo, Dugu Bo — a rogue cultivator — wouldn't necessarily know this level of nuance.

"Some things can't be explained. You'll only understand once you experience it for yourself."

Just as Yun Yibai finished, a familiar voice rang out behind them:

"You little brat, stop hiding it. I know you already have a target. Spill it — or don't blame me for being impolite."

Dugu Bo had somehow appeared right behind them.

Yun Yibai: "…"

He had originally wanted to build up goodwill by slowly offering more insight — but Dugu Bo had cut him off and called him out directly.

Dugu Yan also looked at him, expectantly.

Yun Yibai didn't hesitate, replying:

"In the Sunset Forest, there's a spirit beast known as the Violet Nether Soaring Flood Dragon — a poison-type sub-dragon species. They prefer to live in dark, damp, and toxic swamp regions. These beasts are not only extremely venomous but also possess terrifying physical strength. I believe that for you, absorbing a thousand-year-old one for your third ring would be a huge leap forward."

"Dark, damp, poisonous swamp… Hmph, I know exactly where that is," Dugu Bo sneered.

He'd honestly never paid much attention to what kinds of beasts Dugu Yan absorbed for her first two rings — he simply wandered the forest with her until they stumbled upon something decent. His only real plan was to be careful with her fifth ring, maybe getting her a ten-thousand-year beast.

Now, after hearing Yun Yibai's explanation, he realized there was far more to spirit ring selection than he'd ever cared to learn. And he was starting to regret being so careless before.

"Let's go." Dugu Bo grabbed them both — one on each side — and soared into the air.

As the long-time dominator of the Sunset Forest, there wasn't a poisonous place in it that Dugu Bo didn't know. His title of Poison Douluo wasn't for show.

Before long, Dugu Bo brought them to a miasma-filled swamp.

But in front of him, the poisonous fog didn't even put up a fight — a casual wave of his hand parted it like curtains.

"Tell me when you spot the beast." Dugu Bo admitted he didn't recognize the one they were after.

But with Dugu Bo around, any road became easy.

Once upon a time, Yun Yibai had this kind of privilege too.

But no one had understood him then.