Chapter 97: Half a Year of Cultivation, All Gone
Yu Tianlin sat cross legged, lightning crackling around him. His body was covered in a layer of blue purple dragon scales that shimmered like metal under the flickering light.
However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that only the scales on his limbs were real—the ones on his head and torso were still faint illusions.
But in the next moment, those phantom scales solidified, becoming tangible and gleaming with divine brilliance.
It's done.
Yu Tianlin slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a long breath. After half a year of cultivation within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he had finally achieved complete dragon transformation.
"You little rascal, you're getting stranger by the day."
Dugu Bo approached leisurely, his tone laced with faint amusement. His hair, once vibrant emerald green, had now turned a normal gray white. Only his pupils retained a glint of emerald, proof that traces of his toxins still remained.
Dugu Bo's cultivation was deep, and his toxins were immense—so deeply integrated into his body that expelling them completely was far more difficult than for his granddaughter. Even after half a year, the venom in his body wasn't entirely gone.
Yu Tianlin smiled lightly. "Senior, I've reached the stage of full dragon transformation. We can return now."
It had taken six months to evolve from limb transformation to full body dragon transformation. The next stage—winged dragon transformation—would demand far more dragon power. Even if he continued cultivating here, it would take over a year. He wasn't willing to spend that long in this place, so he decided to end his seclusion.
"My toxins are mostly cleared." Dugu Bo nodded. "A bit remains, but that's for the best. After all these years, my body has adapted to them. If I were completely cleansed, I might not be able to handle the change."
"In that case, let's go," Yu Tianlin said as he stood. "After half a year down here, I'm honestly bored out of my mind."
Dugu Bo gave him a knowing smile. "Leaving already? Not even taking any herbs with you?"
"Senior, are you offering them to me?" Yu Tianlin's eyes lit up. The moment Dugu Bo hinted at it, he clasped his hands and said gratefully, "Then thank you very much, Senior!"
Dugu Bo waved dismissively. "Don't pretend. I know exactly what's going through that head of yours. Go ahead, take what you want. I've already reached the Title Douluo realm, and now that the poison afflicting me and Yan Yan has been resolved, these herbs don't hold much value for me."
"Gathering them will take time, though. I'll come back for you in three days."
With that, Dugu Bo leapt out of the valley surrounding the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eye.
Of course, Dugu Bo had already guessed that Yu Tianlin would harvest most of the herbs. Though he didn't truly care, having lived here for decades, he had grown attached to the place. Rather than watch the destruction of his beloved garden, he chose to leave before his heart could ache.
Once he had Dugu Bo's permission, Yu Tianlin didn't hold back. He began to collect the herbs one by one.
Unlike Tang San, who was selective and careful not to pick unripe herbs, Yu Tianlin had no such scruples. As long as a plant had medicinal value, he took it.
What was the point of leaving unripe herbs here? By the time they matured, those destined to become gods would have long ascended. Better to take everything now.
By the time Yu Tianlin was done, the valley was stripped bare. Only the steaming Ice Fire Pool remained.
Three days later, Dugu Bo returned—only to freeze at the sight before him. The once lush valley now looked as if it had been ravaged by wild beasts.
"Did I go to the wrong place?" he muttered in disbelief.
"Senior, it was you who said I could take whatever I wanted." Yu Tianlin approached with a straight face. "I thought it through carefully… and decided I wanted them all."
"You little rascal!" Dugu Bo's expression darkened as he lunged forward, grabbing Yu Tianlin by the collar. In the next instant, he shoved him to the ground and delivered several sharp smacks to his backside. "You actually picked every single one! Half of them weren't even ripe yet! How could you do this!"
Each strike landed with crisp precision, and Dugu Bo grew angrier with every slap.
Holy crap.
Yu Tianlin was completely dumbfounded.
At his age, he never thought he'd get spanked again—and by Dugu Bo, no less.
Still… considering the treasure haul he'd just secured, getting hit a few times didn't seem like too bad a price.
After a few more swats, Dugu Bo's anger finally subsided. Yu Tianlin, however, remained sprawled on the ground, motionless, pretending to be dead.
"Alright, get up," Dugu Bo grumbled, glaring down at him. "I'll let you off this time. But don't ever do this again."
Yu Tianlin rubbed his sore backside, groaned, and climbed to his feet without protest.
"Oh, my poor medicine garden…" Dugu Bo sighed heavily as he gazed at the barren valley. Shaking his head in frustration, he leapt toward the mountain path, muttering curses under his breath.
Yu Tianlin didn't take it personally. Entering his dragon form, he drove his claws into the cliffside and swiftly climbed up after him.
He truly had returned with a full harvest this time.
Among the fully mature Immortal Herbs he had collected were the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, Acacia Heartbroken Red, Beautiful Silk Tulip, Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, Aromatic Silk Beauty, and the Snow Swan Kiss.
The semi mature Immortal Herbs included the Land Dragon Golden Melon, Black Jade Divine Bamboo, Origin Energy Immortal Grass, and Star Lou Holy Pearl.
There were also countless high grade herbs below the Immortal Herb level, such as Snow Silkworm, Nine Grade Purple Ganoderma, Cinnabar Lotus, Dragon Ganoderma Leaf, and many more.
Yu Tianlin already had a clear idea of how he would distribute these treasures.
When he climbed up the cliff, he saw Dugu Bo waiting silently above. Smiling, Yu Tianlin said, "Alright, Senior, don't be angry. Let's head back."
"What's the rush?" Dugu Bo replied with mock irritation. "Didn't you just break through to level 40? Before you leave, I'll help you find a Spirit Ring."
That was true. After consuming the Nine Dragons Lingzhi, Yu Tianlin had reached level 37. Half a year of cultivation in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had boosted him another 3 levels, finally reaching level 40.
That was the true power of immortal herbs. Normally, for a three ring Spirit Master, advancing 3 levels in a year was already impressive. But under the influence of an immortal herb, his cultivation speed had doubled, achieving that progress in half the time.
Though Dugu Bo's tone still carried irritation, it was clear his anger had mostly faded.
"That's really too much trouble," Yu Tianlin said with a sheepish smile. "I'll be in your care, Senior."
Dugu Bo crossed his arms. "Stop talking nonsense. Just tell me—what kind of Spirit Beast do you want?"
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