"More than a year without seeing each other, did you miss your master?"
The saying "voice before a person" perfectly describes Guang Ling.
From a great distance away, the familiar voice reached their ears. By the time the words fell, Guang Ling's figure appeared before them, smiling as he looked at them.
A few seconds later, Azure Luan appeared and nodded at them.
"Of course, Master, Martial Uncle, I missed you both dearly."
Han Li smiled and stepped forward, even winking at Shui Bing'er. It was only at moments like this that he displayed a bit of youthful exuberance.
Guang Ling disdainfully reached out to press his forehead, gave him a flick on the forehead, and then continued, "Go away, with all that killing intent, anyone would think we have a grudge. I'm afraid I might not be able to resist taking you down."
Despite his words, his eyes were full of amusement.
"Master."
Shui Bing'er obediently greeted Azure Luan and walked to his side. Azure Luan nodded, his gaze softening a bit, but he said nothing.
"You've gained a lot. If it weren't for my big brother stopping me, I'd want to go in myself."
Guang Ling seriously eyed them, lingering on Dugu Bo for a long time. Seeing that he had stepped into the realm of a Super Douluo, he couldn't help but exclaim.
"Without me in there, you probably wouldn't gain any soul power."
Han Li shook his head. Being able to quickly increase soul power in there was his exclusive ability; normal people would be lucky not to go mad inside.
"You're so impressive."
Guang Ling glared at him, seeing his smug look.
"Alright, judging by your appearance, the process must not have been easy. Head to the camp ahead. Guang Ling and I have prepared everything for you. Rest first, then we can talk."
Azure Luan suggested from the side.
"Martial Uncle, you are the best."
Han Li offered flattery immediately, glancing at his master, only to find Guang Ling rolling his eyes and walking towards Dugu Bo.
"Well done. We'll drink tonight, as much as you want."
Guang Ling said to Dugu Bo, patting his storage belt at his waist.
"Deal."
Dugu Bo's eyes lit up, and he readily agreed, overjoyed.
In the City of Slaughter, he had been holding back for ages, but for the sake of everyone's safety, he had been dutiful. With Guang Ling's promise, there would be good wine, and his craving was instantly piqued.
"Let's go, let's go, back first."
Dugu Bo couldn't wait to organize everyone to leave, causing the others to shake their heads and smile.
They immediately set off, chatting and laughing as they walked towards the camp under the guidance of Guang Ling and Azure Luan.
...
An hour later, by the campfire in the center of the camp.
They had all cleaned up, changed clothes, and were lying leisurely on the carpeted grass, looking up at the starry sky in silence, immersed in the beauty of nature.
After a while, with yawns all around, the three girls greeted them and headed to the tent.
With their tense nerves finally relaxed, they only wanted to sleep, leaving a few men still chatting.
In the firepit, slightly damp branches crackled as they burned, adding a touch of serenity to the night.
"This killing intent of yours is quite useful; you don't even need insect repellent."
Guang Ling teased as he looked at Han Li and Dugu Bo, who still had killing intent occasionally leaking out.
"It's not a big issue for me. In a few days, I can completely control it."
Han Li said casually, then turned to look at Dugu Bo.
He was deliberately keeping it, wanting to study the laws in depth over the next few days.
"Don't look at me like that. My mental strength is strong. Even if I do nothing, it'll take about a month. But Yan Yan and the others need to refine it more."
Dugu Bo said, feeling a bit ruffled under Han Li's gaze.
"Little monster, who do you think you're looking down on? Even if we don't talk about Slaughter City, he still killed a lot of people before. He has some experience."
"When we get back to Heaven Dou City, let Qian Renxue purify them once, then read some books, walk around a bit, and settle down for a while. It will be fine. We're not aiming to become nobles or politicians; being able to handle things smoothly is enough."
Han Li thought for a moment before looking up and answering.
"Aren't you planning to go back to Spirit Hall?"
Guang Ling turned to look at his disciple, suspecting that this kid had become wild after being out for a while.
"No, going back to train hard has no real meaning at this stage. Besides, I haven't started my journey yet."
Han Li answered decisively. There's no benefit going back now, just like returning to a prison.
"Alright then, it's not like you would do anything if you went back. It's good for you to wander around more."
Guang Ling also realized that after Han Li came out, he hadn't really traveled much, just plunged straight into the Slaughter City.
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Guang Ling was a bit eager; he was also feeling a bit restless inside.
"No need, you go have fun yourself. This time, I plan not to take even the Grandpa. We'll travel on our own."
Han Li glanced at him and immediately saw through his master's little thoughts, firmly rejecting him.
"Hey, you brat."
Guang Ling and Dugu Bo couldn't sit still. It seemed they were planning to leave them behind.
Azure Luan watched the amusing scene from the side and shook his head.
"So, when you went in, you sent a message for me and your uncle to come, just to prepare the logistics for when you got out?"
Guang Ling looked at Han Li with a not-so-happy expression, looking ready to torment him at any moment.
"Of course not. By the way, Master, how's the Martial fusion technique between you and Martial Uncle?"
Han Li didn't mind Guang Ling's expression and instead turned to ask about something else. He knew his master too well; it was just for show.
"Tch, not cute at all. The martial soul fusion technique is complete. Its manifestation is somewhat similar to you with Bing'er. However, our martial soul fusion technique is better suited for ambushes. Even your Grand Uncle can't say he's one hundred percent able to detect it."
When talking about this, Guang Ling became animated, full of pride, almost saying, "Keep asking, I'm ready to show off."
"An enhanced version of your Invisible Arrow?"
Han Li asked thoughtfully.
"That's right. With your uncle's wind element and sonic abilities added, even your Grand Uncle would find it hard to detect. Our martial soul fusion technique is completely silent and invisible."
"Although it's not as flashy if used for assassination, hehe."
Guang Ling laughed sinisterly, making Han Li and Dugu Bo involuntarily shiver.
They could already picture it: two Super Douluos hiding in the dark, taking down a Title Douluo from the Clear Sky Sect with one shot. The enemy wouldn't even know how they died.
As for why it was the Clear Sky Sect, well, it's the number one sect in the world. It wouldn't be polite to use Spirit Hall members for practice, right?
"Can Grand Uncle block it without using his Martial Soul True Body and domain?"
Han Li couldn't help but ask.
"We haven't tried it, but Golden Crocodile can't block it, and he's an Ultimate Douluo, haha."
Guang Ling laughed heartily, looking extremely pleased.
He had been in a suffocating fight with the newly promoted Ultimate Douluo Golden Crocodile before. Although he wasn't beaten, it was frustrating. He could only drag it out to a draw. Once the martial soul fusion technique was completed, he started to show off again.
"That's indeed very strong."
Seeing his master's proud look, Han Li's mouth curled up slightly. This made things even better.
"Are you planning to obtain your sixth soul ring? What kind of hundred-thousand-year soul beast is it?"
Azure Luan, on the side, caught the implication in Han Li's words and asked calmly.
"Not a hundred-thousand-year, just a fifty to sixty-thousand-year. But its combat power is indeed not inferior to a hundred-thousand-year one. I was thinking if you and Master hadn't completed the martial soul fusion technique or if its effect wasn't suitable, I'd ask Grand Uncle to help."
Han Li looked at Azure Luan and seriously explained.
"What kind of soul beast is that powerful? Titan Giant Ape? That can't be it."
Dugu Bo frowned.
If it were the Titan Giant Ape, any one of them would be enough. With poison, he could even drag it to death. Even with the Sky Azure Bull Python, two people would be more than enough.
"No, it's a Dark Devilgod Tiger."
Han Li smiled and provided the answer.
"Huh? This kind of soul beast has appeared again? It indeed needs to be killed."
Guang Ling's brows furrowed, and his expression became more serious.
According to the records of Spirit Hall, this is a legendary soul beast. Every time it appeared, it caused quite a stir.
Because the Dark Devilgod Tiger not only devoured other soul beasts but also actively hunted soul masters. According to the records, Spirit Hall had sacrificed several Title Douluos to kill it.
"Yes, it has appeared again, probably in the Star Dou Forest."
Han Li said directly. They were all his people, so he didn't bother hiding anything. Besides, they wouldn't question his source of information.
"If it's the Dark Devilgod Tiger, it's indeed not inferior to a hundred-thousand-year soul beast."
Azure Luan nodded seriously.
"Dark Devilgod Tiger, following you broadens one's horizons. The experiences of these past few years are more bizarre than the first half of my life combined."
Dugu Bo, who also knew about this legendary soul beast, sighed.
"You've indeed hit the jackpot. Otherwise, you would've poisoned yourself to death."
Guang Ling teased Dugu Bo, tossing him a bottle of wine, and then couldn't help but laugh.
Dugu Bo didn't mind his teasing. A small white sword appeared on his forehead, and the Deathgod Domain activated, looking at Guang Ling with a provocative expression.
"Damn, bad luck, showing off a broken domain."
Guang Ling's smile froze, grabbed the wine bottle, and took a few gulps.
Han Li and Azure Luan exchanged smiles without joining the conversation.
"When are you going?"
Azure Luan looked at the now more mature Han Li and asked softly.
"About a week later. I have some things I want to research. Once I figure them out, the subsequent gains will be greater."
Han Li unconsciously looked at the wristband on his left hand, where the neidan was lying quietly.
This thing was much more precious than Dugu Bo's poison pill. His little son was about to wake up, and he wanted more than just a sixth soul ring.