Dugu Yan let out a pained cry, unable to suppress it any longer.
"What's going on, Lin Feng?!"
Dugu Bo, alarmed by Yan'er's anguished voice, resisted the urge to look back and instead anxiously asked.
"She's fine. She's just absorbing the toxins."
Lin Feng replied calmly while channeling his soul power into her through both hands.
"Old man, hurry up and help me out!"
"At the rate she's absorbing, I won't be able to sustain this with just my power."
He shouted toward Dugu Bo, who was still standing with his back turned, stiff with tension.
"Yan'er, Grandpa's here!"
Before Lin Feng even finished speaking, Dugu Bo was already at the spring in a flash, both hands pressing into the ground by the pool as he poured soul power in.
Dugu Yan lay submerged just beneath the surface of the hot spring, with only her face above water. Her brows were tightly furrowed in pain.
Seconds ticked into minutes. Hours passed in silence.
Finally, after what felt like ages, her tense expression began to ease.
Meanwhile, back at the Heaven Dou Academy's training grounds.
A full day had gone by.
"Teacher Qin, how come Lin Feng and Dugu Yan aren't here today?"
Yu Tianheng glanced around the training area but saw no sign of the two. He asked curiously.
"They requested leave. No need to worry," Qin Ming answered, having sensed Dugu Bo's presence the previous day. He found an excuse to brush it off.
No doubt the Poison Douluo was off somewhere meeting his future grandson-in-law.
"I see, thank you, Teacher."
Yu Tianheng turned and smiled, then sat down to meditate and refine his soul power.
This was a gift from the heavens.
While they were out on leave, he was training.
While they were eating, he would be training.
While they slept, he would still be training.
And when he'd grown strong enough—Lin Feng, what would you have left to fight me with?
This kind of hard work would make him the next Thunder Douluo!
Today's training? Double the intensity!
Just thinking about his own diligence filled Yu Tianheng with determination.
He walked with the wind.
But suddenly, he heard a commotion from a nearby corner of the training area.
"Tch, that Lin Feng's just coasting on talent."
"First day at the academy and already skipping practice?"
"What does he take the Preparatory Team for?"
Several of the cannon-fodder team members were slacking off on the equipment, griping loudly.
"Hmph! A bunch of weaklings like you have no right to talk."
Yu Tianheng snorted disdainfully, eyes filled with contempt.
"What did you just say, Yu Tianheng?!"
"Who are you calling weaklings?! Say it again!"
A few of the students rolled up their sleeves, ready to jump him.
"Enough! Get back to training."
Xue Qinghe coughed lightly and gave them a stern look. His noble pressure instantly cowed the group.
"Tch, Yu Tianheng, you're lucky His Highness is here today. Otherwise, we'd have taught you a lesson."
"Watch your mouth next time."
Grumbling, the group backed off with one last glare.
Yu Tianheng ignored them and resumed his meditation.
He knew that if he wanted to catch up to Lin Feng, hard work was his only option.
Back at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
"Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor!"
Dugu Bo summoned his martial soul and continued pouring soul power into Yan'er.
Dugu Yan's breathing grew steadier, and the toxin core in her dantian was finally beginning to take shape.
"Old man, increase your output. The poison core is forming—this is the critical moment!"
Another night passed.
Dawn's first light spilled across the valley, casting golden hues on their tired faces.
"Just a little more, old man!"
Lin Feng collapsed onto the ground, completely drained.
"Lin Feng, how much more toxin can Yan'er's poison core handle?"
Dugu Bo's face was tight with concern.
"Now that her core has formed, she should be able to absorb about thirty percent of your soul power's poison."
With Lin Feng's confirmation, Dugu Bo's gaze sharpened.
"Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul Avatar!"
Dugu Bo transformed into the massive Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor and unleashed a torrent of virulent poison mist.
As Dugu Yan circulated her poison core, the mist whirled like a vortex and was absorbed entirely into her body.
A quarter of an hour later—
Dugu Yan slowly opened her eyes and stood.
"Lin Feng, Grandpa—I did it."
"Thank you… both of you."
Looking at the exhausted Lin Feng and her weary grandfather, her eyes welled with emotion.
"What are you thanking us for?!"
Lin Feng leapt up and winked at her meaningfully.
Yesterday you broke your promise. You better make it up to me tonight.
"All family here. No need for thanks."
"How are you feeling now?" Dugu Bo asked, concern still etched on his tired face.
"I'm at Rank 40 now. The poison in my body has gathered in my dantian."
"I can feel how much more fluid and precise my control over toxins and soul power has become."
Dugu Yan wiped her tears and smiled brightly.
"Lin Feng, this time I finally beat you in soul power level!"
Feeling rejuvenated, she couldn't help but flaunt her success.
"Oh? You think so, Yan'er?"
Lin Feng smiled faintly and casually released his true soul power.
With all the immortal herbs, poisons, and Dugu Bo's soul power aiding her, she had jumped nine levels.
But she was still too naïve.
Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo exclaimed in unison.
"Ugh! Grandpa, he's bullying me!"
"After I finished the herbs, we were just even! And now he's ahead again!"
Dugu Yan hugged Dugu Bo, sulking.
"Hahaha! Then once I absorb the Crimson Blaze Yang Essence, the gap will be even wider!"
Lin Feng teased, his eyes glinting playfully.
"Grandpa, look at him!"
"Lin Feng's being mean!"
Dugu Bo watched the two banter and felt a warm pride in his heart.
If there ever came a day he was no longer around, having Lin Feng by Yan'er's side would put him at ease.
As long as he still had some strength left in his old bones, he'd do everything he could to help these two grow stronger.
"Haha! Alright, you two."
"Lin Feng, once you're done absorbing the immortal herb, I'll take you both to Sunset Forest to hunt your fourth soul ring."
At the same time, Dugu Yan shot Lin Feng a glare full of meaning.
Tonight, if you're not lying flat and begging for mercy, don't even think about getting out of bed.
Lin Feng caught the look and quickly averted his gaze.
"This little ancestor's stamina is scary… can't mess with her."
He then sat down cross-legged and began to absorb the Crimson Blaze Yang Essence.
Due to the natural compatibility with his martial soul, the process went extraordinarily smoothly.
The herb completely fused with his body.
"Martial Soul Possession: Emperor Flame Nine-Headed Dragon!"
Lin Feng stood and summoned his martial soul, eyes serious.
After absorbing the Crimson Blaze Yang Essence, the Emperor Flame Nine-Headed Dragon had evolved—its fire attribute now a true Ultimate Fire.