Chapter 34: Entering the Sunset Forest
When Yang Potian heard that Dugu Bo had brought his son for treatment, his eyes lit up.
He knew this was a golden opportunity for both himself and the Po Clan. Evidently, Dugu Bo had not yet claimed the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well; otherwise, he would have broken through to Titled Douluo by now, and his son's poison would likely be curable. According to the original story timeline, Dugu Xin would die first, after which Dugu Bo would acquire the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. So, at this moment, it remained unclaimed.
This trip to the Sunset Forest, then, would be the best opportunity—perhaps the last one—to reach it.
Early the next morning, Yang Zhentian took his son to set out. They traveled to the forest by carriage, and once underway, Yang Zhentian spoke. "Son, what kind of spirit beast are you hoping to hunt for your spirit ring? And what age range?"
Yang Potian thought for a moment. "Dad, I'd still prefer a strength-type spirit ring. It'd be even better if it has unique strength-based abilities. As for the age range, I'm looking for something over 900 years but under 1000."
Zhentian's interest was piqued. "Why did you choose this?"
"I'm committed to a pure strength path, though I'd consider other options if I found an interesting skill. As for the ring's age, I'm not sure yet if I can handle a full thousand-year ring, and a second ring of that level would draw a lot of attention. Our clan isn't quite strong enough for that."
He explained further. Although each spirit ring would enhance his physical strength, his first ring only provided a limited increase. According to future Body Sect knowledge, the first two rings don't significantly affect physical enhancement; the real advantage comes with progressively stronger rings. Even in the future, when Poison Immortal reached a 100,000-year seventh ring, his first four rings were two yellow and two purple.
So Yang Potian chose not to pursue a thousand-year second ring. Besides, such an achievement would be too conspicuous, attracting the attention of countless powerful entities who might desire him for their own lineage. If he absorbed a thousand-year ring, the Upper Three Sects would likely intervene, as they understood the significant benefits of such powerful rings on physical development.
As for possibly obtaining a 10,000-year fourth ring, he would need a way to resist spiritual shock. Tang San managed it because he trained in the Purple Demon Eyes technique.
Hearing his son's reasoning, Zhentian nodded approvingly. "Son, it seems you've matured quite a bit."
Two hours later, they arrived at the edge of the Sunset Forest. After storing the carriage, they headed directly into the forest without stopping in the surrounding town.
As they ventured into the dense forest, Yang Potian felt the invigorating aura of nature around him, filling him with renewed energy. Meanwhile, his father, Yang Zhentian, became increasingly vigilant, keeping a firm hold on his son's hand, never allowing him to wander. He meticulously inspected every path, tree, and clearing before letting Potian proceed. When they encountered swamps, thick groves, or small streams, Zhentian would carry him to prevent any possible danger.
At first, Yang Potian thought his father was being overly cautious, but then he spotted a small, thin snake no thicker than a finger and barely half a meter long, moving at lightning speed. Its tiny frame belied its lethal venom. Thankfully, his father's quick reflexes had avoided the danger.
For three days and nights, they searched the forest without finding a suitable beast. Some were either too low in age or lacked the right attributes. Potian was holding out for something with a unique, strength-based trait, which was rare. Although he came across some good options, like a 700-year Titan Beetle, he rejected them, unwilling to let every ring be from Titan Beetles. That would be embarrassing, he thought.
They also found some bear-type beasts around 800 years old, but he still declined. Potian was determined to find something extraordinary.
That night, as the two were resting, Yang Zhentian suddenly sprang to his feet, pulling his son up with him.
Potian could vaguely hear a faint tiger's roar in the distance.
"Son, there's a chance we have a very powerful spirit beast nearby. I'm not sure if it's the right age, but we'll see."
"What kind of beast is it, Dad?"
"From the sound, I'd say it's a tiger. Let's go take a look."
In the Sunset Forest, Zhentian wouldn't dare leave his son alone, especially at night, when the risks were highest. Holding Potian's hand, they hurried forward, traveling about half a kilometer before spotting the creature.
It was a massive tiger, measuring over four meters long, nearly five. Its fur was black with a faint blue sheen, and a prominent king symbol stood boldly on its head, exuding majesty fitting for the king of the jungle.
"Son, that's a Purple-Eyed Devil Tiger. It's one of the most powerful tiger-type spirit beasts, possibly even surpassing the White Tiger."
"Tigers are typically active during the day, but the Purple-Eyed Devil Tiger is nocturnal. It possesses immense strength and has some dark attributes. The rarest part? Some who obtain its spirit ring gain teleportation abilities. The Zhu family of the Star Luo Empire, whose martial spirit is the Nether Civet, loves hunting Purple-Eyed Devil Tigers. In fact, the Zhu family offers a bounty on them, as they're so rare. What do you think?"
"Teleportation? Really? Isn't that usually a trait of agility-type or special beasts?"
"I don't know all the details. I've just heard it. Supposedly, the Purple-Eyed Devil Tiger has some connection to the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger from the Star Dou Great Forest, but who knows if it's true."
"Also, this one looks to be just over 900 years old, nearly a thousand."
After careful consideration, Yang Potian made up his mind. "Dad, I want this Purple-Eyed Devil Tiger. I think it's perfect for me."
(End of Chapter)
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