Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor

The second soul skill was comparatively ordinary—it was Chang You's innate domain, the Magic Sea Domain, a skill that manipulates water elements to boil and erupt explosively, akin to flames and thunder. This skill did indeed offer Chen Ming a boost, as domain-type skills were quite exceptional. However, for now, Chen Ming couldn't find a situation where he could make use of it.

After all, to fully unleash the power of this skill, it would have to be used at sea. But Chen Ming had no plans for naval battles at the moment.

In the following days, a large number of soul masters were drawn to the Sunset Forest, much like sharks catching the scent of blood. They began thoroughly combing through the entire forest, inside and out.

Even though the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was located in a remote area, it was eventually discovered by some of the high-level soul masters due to their extensive probing. However, upon sensing the overwhelming toxicity and aura left by Dugu Bo around the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, most of these high-level soul masters wisely chose to avoid it.

The few who tried to investigate were either poisoned half to death—or fully dead—or were beaten within an inch of their lives, or outright killed by Dugu Bo. Eventually, it became common knowledge among high-level soul masters that Dugu Bo had claimed a piece of land in the Sunset Forest as his personal training grounds. As a result, no one dared to spy on the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well anymore.

At least for this first wave of soul masters arriving at the Sunset Forest, most were either high-level soul masters or locals living around Heaven Dou City. These people had a deep understanding of Dugu Bo's toxic temper and lethal capabilities.

As word spread among various groups, the news quickly disseminated throughout the entire Heaven Dou Empire and even began reaching the Star Luo Empire. This drew the attention of numerous factions, large and small, toward the Sunset Forest.

Inside the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, who had recently attached a 100,000-year soul ring to her second martial soul, reviewed the intelligence report in her hands. Her expression shifted slightly as she pondered the information, before dispatching Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo to investigate further.

Although Bibi Dong had long since stopped trusting those two, she had few trustworthy subordinates available. Moreover, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo performed commendably with no issues during her last hunt for a 100,000-year soul beast. With that in mind, Bibi Dong decided to act as though they were still loyal.

Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy, changes were also underway.

Upon hearing the news that the Sunset Forest might contain heavenly treasures and multiple 100,000-year soul beasts, Yu Xiaogang's eyes sparkled with excitement. Setting down the intelligence report, he lifted his head to look at Flender, who was hunched over. His gaze burned with determination.

"Flender, are you certain? Did treasures appear in the Sunset Forest that could greatly enhance a soul master's strength?"

"Of course! Have I ever lied to you, Yu Xiaogang?" Flender responded with a calm exterior, though inwardly, he sighed deeply and felt a twinge of sadness.

Sigh, even after all these years, Erlong still understands Xiaogang better than I do. Even though I don't want to do this, Erlong simply can't wait any longer…

Flender's heart ached, and the fluctuating emotions caused his lungs to twinge with pain. A nameless surge of anger rose within him, but for the sake of the woman he loved and her love for Yu Xiaogang, Flender forcibly suppressed his emotions and began discussing the situation in the Sunset Forest with Yu Xiaogang.

After some deliberation, Flender subtly hinted at the idea, and Yu Xiaogang—who had always been obsessive about improving his strength—excitedly decided that the entire Shrek Academy would venture into the Sunset Forest to seek the treasures.

After agreeing to Yu Xiaogang's decision, Flender mentioned, almost in passing, that he had some reliable connections in Heaven Dou City who could assist them. Though Yu Xiaogang was skeptical of Flender's so-called connections, his excitement prevented him from arguing. Instead, he let Flender handle the logistics as the academy's dean.

After Yu Xiaogang left, Flender heavily slammed his fist onto the table, then clutched his chest in pain, his face twisted with agony. It was only after a long while that his expression gradually eased. Reaching under his desk, he pulled out another letter.

Reading the words within, which were filled with longing, and seeing the signature at the bottom, Flender sighed deeply. "Xiaogang is my brother, and Erlong is my sister. Since Erlong loves Xiaogang, I should help her."

Though the toxins in his body affected his emotions, after muttering this mantra to himself countless times, Flender somehow managed to stabilize his mood. He reached a state of calmness and clarity that he hadn't experienced in years.

Truly, the devotion of a selfless admirer is unparalleled.

Using Ah Yin's spiritual connection, Chen Ming observed everything in the room and quietly sighed.

As for why the Blue Silver Grass could see what was happening inside the office? That was thanks to Flender's stinginess.

After all, Flender hadn't bothered to properly renovate the dean's office, leaving plants growing in the corners of the room. It was basically like giving someone else free surveillance access!

Three days later, Yu Xiaogang, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and the other teachers, along with Tang San and the Shrek Academy students, packed up all the academy's belongings and marched grandly toward the Sunset Forest.

By this time, it had been nearly three months since Tang San absorbed his third soul ring. His spirit power had risen from level 31 to nearly level 32.

Although his progress had been slowed by things like his external soul bone breaking and regrowing, setbacks from practicing strange techniques, distractions from romance, and Yu Xiaogang's physical training regimen causing bodily damage, this cultivation speed was still reassuring.

Not only was Chen Ming satisfied, but Yu Xiaogang and Tang San themselves were also pleased with the pace. After all, when Tang San was in the junior Soul master academy, it took him about four months to advance to one level. For him to maintain this speed at the Soul Elder stage was already quite impressive.

Due to his excitement, Flender had walked a long way before remembering that he hadn't yet collected the remaining copper soul coins from the village chief after Shrek's early termination of their lease. His stinginess triggered intense regret, and he trembled in frustration even while riding in the carriage.

Two days and two nights after Shrek's departure, the divine sense of the Asura God within Tang Hao's mind was activated, triggered by the great distance between Tang Hao and Tang San.

Realizing that his pawn had wandered hundreds of miles away while Tang Hao was still foolishly recovering from his injuries, the Asura God's divine sense sighed helplessly. It discreetly repaired part of Tang Hao's injuries to prevent further deterioration, then urged him to find Tang San and accompany him and Xiao Wu to the Sunset Forest.

In truth, the Asura God's divine sense was also curious about what was happening in the Sunset Forest.