Upon seeing the toxic mist enveloping the mountain peak, Tang Yin easily thought of the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, from the original story. However, what truly attracted him was the rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth within. He was now certain that this was indeed the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, a treasure location.
'That's it, there's no mistake,' he thought. 'The concentration of spiritual energy inside is so rich, it seems prepared just for my adoptive mother. If I can move her here, I'm sure her revival will be even faster.'
"However, this toxic mist is highly poisonous, and I worry..." At this moment, Tang Yin was only at the eleventh level of soul power and had no means to evade such deadly toxins.
He could only rely on his adoptive father, Tang Hao, who was determined to protect him. His weakness left him feeling powerless, and the desire to grow stronger had already taken root deep within him. In a world where the strong are revered, power is everything. If he became invincible, he could do as he pleased.
Tang Hao glanced at the mist with disdain and smiled, "A mere toxic mist, what is there to worry about? Just stay close to me." Tang Hao was eager.
Once he confirmed the location, a powerful aura surged from him, and the toxic mist before him was instantly dispersed by this overwhelming presence.
Tang Yin watched this scene, slightly moved. Tang Hao's strength was formidable. No wonder he could be so arrogant in the original story.
"Let's go," Tang Hao called to Tang Yin, stepping forward into the mist. Tang Yin followed closely, not daring to stray too far.
The toxicity was no joke; even with Tang Hao's Title Douluo-level soul power protecting him, a mere eleventh-level soul master like him would surely die upon contact.
As they moved deeper, guided by the rich spiritual energy, they approached a massive cave at the center of the toxic mist.
Inside, a tall, slender man with green hair and beard suddenly opened his eyes. His eyes sparkled like emeralds, giving him an ethereal appearance. His expression was stiff, with sunken cheeks, and he wore a simple gray robe.
This man was none other than the infamous Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.
"Who is it?" Dugu Bo sensed a powerful aura intruding into his poison formation. Although his formation was vast, as the Poison Douluo, he could perceive anyone entering his toxic mist. He had created this formation not only to drive away spirit beasts and protect the area but also to sense enemies and keep a backup plan.
Now, he sensed the intruder's aura approaching rapidly. "Wait, this person's... aura..." Dugu Bo suddenly realized that the presence was getting closer, and the powerful aura was overwhelming.
'Not good.' He thought of something and his expression changed drastically as he transformed into a shadow, vanishing from the cave in an instant.
Moments later, he appeared on a cliff, gazing at the powerful soul power aura that was drawing near. Below the cliff was a valley. Looking out, the scenery was quite unique. In the valley, there was a hot spring, not large but divided into two sections.
The water in the oval pools was milky white and crimson red. Strangely, although they were in the same pool, they remained distinctly separate, never encroaching on each other's space.
The steam rising from the two springs mingled in the air before dissipating at the mountain's peak.
Without a doubt, this was the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. This extraordinary spring, with its dual nature, had taken millions of years to form. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well not only nurtured life but also had extremely special effects on the human body.
If humans or animals lived near it and could not withstand the energy, their bodies would be impacted by the extreme properties of the spiritual energy, leading to certain death if they could not escape in time.
Those who could endure the impact of the ice and fire spiritual energy would reap unimaginable benefits. Moreover, the extreme heat and cold had a restraining effect on toxins. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eye was particularly effective against poisons, and Dugu Bo occupied this place to suppress the toxins within his own body.
Now, he stared at the approaching figures with unprecedented seriousness. At that moment, Tang Hao and Tang Yin slowly came into Dugu Bo's view.
Initially, Dugu Bo did not recognize Tang Hao due to his disheveled appearance and aged look, but the aura emanating from him made Dugu Bo uneasy.
"Title Douluo!" Dugu Bo realized. "A Title Douluo even stronger than me." Just one glance was enough for him to sense that the opponent was at a higher level, and not by a small margin. However, he could also sense that the opponent was injured, and quite severely.
"It's him!" As Tang Hao led Tang Yin and spotted Dugu Bo on the cliff, memories of Dugu Bo flooded his mind. The only Title Douluo known for using poison on the continent, recognizing him was not difficult.
"To intrude into my territory without reason, is that a bit excessive?" Dugu Bo's voice echoed from the cliff. He showed no signs of fear or hesitation despite Tang Hao's superior strength. As he spoke, he leaped down from the cliff, landing not far from Tang Hao.
As he approached, he could sense Tang Hao's aura more clearly. "This place used to be your territory, but from now on, it no longer belongs to you; it belongs to me."
Tang Hao's words exuded dominance. This location was crucial for reviving Ah Yin. Not even Dugu Bo, let alone the Pope of the Spirit Hall, would deter him from claiming it.
Dugu Bo's expression changed at Tang Hao's arrogance. To come to his territory and claim it without hesitation was infuriating. He was not known for his good temper, and Tang Hao's presence ignited his anger.
"Then let me see if you have the ability," Dugu Bo retorted.
With that, a piercing howl erupted from his mouth. Emerald green light burst forth from his body, and as he spread his arms against the wind, his seven soul rings lit up simultaneously. His tall, slender figure began to swell within the green light, transforming into a massive green serpent.
His transformation was instantaneous. The serpent was thirty meters long and as thick as a water barrel, rising up to confront Tang Hao. Its cold, green eyes stared menacingly at Tang Hao, its forked tongue flicking in and out, surrounded by a thick green mist. This was Dugu Bo's martial spirit, the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor. Acknowledging Tang Hao as a strong opponent, he unleashed his strongest martial spirit right away.
Tang Hao smiled disdainfully. "Just Dugu Bo? I don't take you seriously, even with my injuries."
"Since you seek death, I will grant it to you." Tang Hao was not one for many words. With Dugu Bo making the first move, he would not stand by idly. With a cold snort, he released his soul rings: nine rings of yellow, purple, black, black, black, black, red lit up, with one black ring enveloping the Clear Sky Hammer. At the same time, the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand grew several times larger in an instant.
Facing Dugu Bo, he did not feel the need to use all his strength. Even injured, he was confident that one strike would crush him.
"This is... the Clear Sky Hammer, a hundred-thousand-year soul ring... you are Tang Hao." Dugu Bo was stunned upon seeing the hundred-thousand-year soul ring and the Clear Sky Hammer. He had not expected this person to be the renowned Clear Sky Douluo.
However, Tang Hao showed no signs of stopping. "Sky Piercing Strike!" He raised the Clear Sky Hammer and struck down at Dugu Bo's Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor form with incredible speed. The powerful impact created a whistling sound in the air.
Dugu Bo was momentarily stunned upon realizing Tang Hao's identity and the hundred-thousand-year soul ring. In a battle between experts, a second could determine victory or defeat. Taking advantage of Dugu Bo's moment of distraction, the Clear Sky Hammer descended upon him.
"Not good!" Dugu Bo quickly reacted, hastily channeling all his soul power to resist the attack, but it was too late.
Boom! The powerful impact sent him flying, crashing against the cliff with a cloud of dust rising.
After the attack, Tang Hao retracted his martial spirit and soul rings, returning to Tang Yin's side. "Let's go."
"Okay," Tang Yin replied, following Tang Hao but glancing back at the defeated Dugu Bo, a thought forming in his mind.
Tang Hao had so arrogantly defeated Dugu Bo and claimed his territory; they had already established a grudge that could be utilized later.
As they walked towards the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dugu Bo, now covered in dust and dirt, struggled to rise. His face was twisted with rage.
Tang Hao... wait for me. One day, I will take my revenge.
Injured and knowing he could not defeat Tang Hao, Dugu Bo realized that confronting him would only lead to humiliation and death.
However, his pride would not allow him to swallow this defeat easily. With the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well now occupied by Tang Hao, he could no longer suppress the toxins within his body, which was tantamount to a death sentence.
Dugu Bo glanced at Tang Hao, who was already moving towards the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and ultimately had to retreat for now, waiting for an opportunity. One day, he would pay him back.