Yue Hongsheng didn't answer Lin Xia directly. Instead, he asked another question.
"Xiao Xia, no rush. Let me ask you this—how well do you understand your Spirit?"
The moment he heard that, Lin Xia knew Yue Hongsheng was testing him.
But he wasn't nervous at all. These past days hadn't been spent reading for nothing, and Bulbasaur's independent cultivation had given him even more insight.
His knowledge might not be profound, but combined with the understanding from his previous life, he was confident.
"Senior, I've thought a lot about Bulbasaur's nature."
"First, I believe its core foundation is immense vitality."
Lin Xia's voice was calm and serious.
"Its name—Bulbasaur—already hints at this. Its root lies in the mysterious bulb on its back. That bulb is the source of growth, the core organ that carries, converts, and stores vitality."
"You've seen it yourself. It can convert sunlight into pure spirit power and life energy through Synthesis to nourish itself. It can root itself in fertile soil with Ingrain and absorb the essence of the earth."
"Even here, in this poisonous environment, it absorbs toxins and converts them into a special form of energy to sustain itself."
"No matter the environment, the ultimate purpose of everything it absorbs and refines is the growth of its own life. Promoting 'life' and strengthening 'survival' is its most fundamental instinct."
Yue Hongsheng nodded slightly, the approval in his eyes deepening as he motioned for Lin Xia to continue.
"Second, Bulbasaur has displayed a talent for 'poison' that even shocked me."
Lin Xia's tone grew heavier.
"But this poison isn't destruction or slaughter in the usual sense. From my observations, it's more like a unique evolutionary direction—a powerful survival tool and protection mechanism."
"It can refine toxins with extreme purity, freely control paralysis, corrosion, and Toxic effects, and even treat external poison as nourishment, refining it for its own use."
"This is perfect adaptation to environmental pressure, and a high-level mastery of energy forms."
"Its poison is both blade and shield, born to protect its flourishing vitality."
"Senior, you were right. On the path of poison, the potential Bulbasaur shows is a natural gift—something extraordinary."
Yue Hongsheng couldn't help but interject.
"So, it is both a miracle of 'Life' and a darling of 'Poison'?"
"Exactly."
Lin Xia nodded firmly.
"Life and poison are not separate within Bulbasaur. They form an organically unified, symbiotic whole."
"Poison provides a unique and powerful means to defend and sustain its life, while its vast vitality gives it the foundation to contain, refine, and control toxins."
"They're like the roots and branches of the same tree—vitality is the hidden, stable root system that provides nourishment, while poison is the branches and thorns that bare their edge against threats."
"Together, they form Bulbasaur's unique path—Life–Poison Integration."
Lin Xia looked straight at Yue Hongsheng, his eyes burning.
"Therefore, Senior, the direction for Bulbasaur's first spirit ring is very clear."
"We should prioritize a plant-type Spirit Beast that possesses both powerful life attributes and strong poison attributes."
"Only then can we truly align with Bulbasaur's core essence and maximize its dual potential."
He paused briefly, countless pages from Spirit Beast records flashing through his mind.
"If we succeed, it will be the perfect beginning."
"A spirit ring like that would stabilize its life foundation while unlocking its poison edge at the same time."
"The life attribute could drastically increase the efficiency of Synthesis and Ingrain, pushing its growth rate to another level, perhaps even strengthening the bulb itself or its recovery ability."
"And a powerful poison attribute could greatly enhance the intensity, purity, or diversity of its toxins—stronger Sleep Powder, more corrosive venom, or even large-scale Toxic mists."
Lin Xia's eyes shone with determination.
"This wouldn't just strengthen what Bulbasaur already excels at—it would deeply excavate its Life–Poison Integration potential."
"Senior, this is the most suitable path for us."
After finishing, Lin Xia looked down at Bulbasaur.
"Da-na!"
Bulbasaur responded with a low cry, clearly in agreement.
After hearing Lin Xia's clear, logical, and insightful analysis, Yue Hongsheng's face lit up with uncontrollable excitement.
"Good! Good! Good!"
"Such a precise analysis—straight to the essence! Xiao Xia, your understanding of this Spirit far exceeds my expectations!"
"Life–Poison Integration… what a brilliant way to put it. Your thinking aligns perfectly with mine!"
Yue Hongsheng stroked his beard, his gaze turning sharp and distant.
"Since we're of the same mind, I won't waste words. As for the spirit hunt, I already have a place in mind—one where a Life–Poison dual-attribute plant Spirit Beast is highly likely to exist."
"It won't be easy, and there will be danger. But if we succeed…"
"As long as it benefits Bulbasaur, I'm willing to take any risk."
Lin Xia straightened, his expression resolute.
"Please guide me, Senior. Where do we go?"
Bulbasaur lifted its small head, fighting spirit and curiosity blazing in its crimson eyes.
"The Emerald Forest."
Lin Xia was startled.
He knew the Emerald Forest was a small Spirit Beast forest right next to the academy. For a first spirit ring, high age wasn't necessary—but when it came to poison, the Sunset Forest was the true gathering place of toxic creatures.
Even the Poison Douluo cultivated there.
Why the Emerald Forest?
Keeping his habit of asking when unsure, Lin Xia spoke up.
"Senior, isn't the Sunset Forest more suitable? It's where poisonous creatures gather. Why choose the Emerald Forest?"
Yue Hongsheng didn't keep him guessing. He lowered his voice, carrying the thrill of a secret.
"The Emerald Forest may be small, but its depths hide mysteries ordinary people can't glimpse."
"I've been rooted in the Silves Kingdom for many years, and as a committee member of the Plant Academy, I know this."
"In the oldest core area of the Emerald Forest—where life aura is at its peak—within an extremely dangerous ecological chain, a rare Spirit Beast exists."
"They are the Emerald Ghost King Vines."