But now, with such strength already in hand, he could grasp some things that were previously beyond his reach.
Even considering the growth of his subordinates, it was not wise to delay too long.
And those things that were once unattainable naturally referred to the opportunity of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
If we talk about the essential events in fanfiction that involve crossing into Douluo, it must be the scheme to seize the Immortal Herb from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
If someone were to cross over yet never attempt to "take" the Immortal Herb, instead choosing other means to grow stronger, there are likely only two possibilities.
The first possibility is that before crossing over, they had not read the original work, or their memory was hazy, and they could not recall the existence of the Immortal Herb.
The second possibility is… they simply lack the ability or opportunity.
And You Chen clearly could not be the first type; it is evident that he could only be the second.
First of all, the Poisonous Miasma of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well was not set up by Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, but existed long before he arrived.
From the previous explanation about gunpowder, it is known that You Chen is indeed a genius, but this genius also requires sources of knowledge to have numerous inventions and a rich understanding.
You Chen might spend some time developing an antidote that would allow him to operate within the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
However, research has always been about practical knowledge; asking him to delve into poisons and develop an antidote… Not to mention the issue of whether sampling the Poisonous Miasma of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well would attract the attention of the Martial Soul Hall, the biggest problem beforehand is earning the necessary funds.
So, at You Chen's age, how could he earn enough funds without delaying his own cultivation?
It should be noted that You Chen's Innate Soul Power is only level 2. If he spreads his energy too thin, he might not even reach level 10 by the age of 9 as he currently does.
Without sufficient strength, let alone approaching the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, even going to the Sunset Forest would be fraught with danger.
The danger level of the Sunset Forest is far less than that of the Star Dou Forest or the Heavenly Disaster Mountain Range, but there are still many Soul Beasts at the thousand-year and ten-thousand-year levels, especially near the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, which is a treasure land. Before Dugu Bo cleansed it, there would undoubtedly be powerful Soul Beasts lurking.
Just like Feng Zhenglong cultivating in a high-concentration energy environment, the value of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well goes without saying, right?
For a ten-thousand-year Soul Beast, You Chen would need to elevate himself to the level of Soul Grandmaster to have a certain degree of assurance in dealing with it.
In reality, You Chen reached the level of Soul Grandmaster at… 28 years old. By then, it would be too late.
As for having others, like a teacher, take him to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to obtain the Immortal Herb?
Do you think the words of an insignificant wretch with Innate Soul Power of level 2 would carry much weight?
Before You Chen rose as a theoretical scholar, he was nothing!
As for after he rose, going to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well with the people from the Martial Soul Hall?
As an important researcher rather than a combatant, how could he casually touch the flora and fauna of the wild?
What about introducing that he knows these plants? How could he secretly take them after introducing them?
As for leveraging his discovery to request a suitable Immortal Herb from the Martial Soul Hall?
Do you really think the Martial Soul Hall would give him such top-tier cultivation resources just because You Chen displayed research capabilities?
It would definitely be given to those cultivation geniuses!
Then they would earnestly advise You Chen that with his talent, using these Immortal Herbs would be a waste.
What's more, they would directly warn You Chen not to have any improper thoughts about treasures that do not suit his status!
And by the time You Chen truly grows up and has a certain degree of autonomy…
Dugu Bo would have already taken control of that treasure land.
Dugu Bo discovered the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well shortly after Dugu Yan was born. Rewinding the timeline, You Chen at that time was only in his teens, at most a Two Rings Great Soul Master.
Even if You Chen were to rise more quickly and brilliantly, he would still not be able to obtain the Immortal Herb.
Because at that time, he would inevitably attract more attention.
In fact, after he rose as a theoretical genius, countless eyes began to watch him, scrutinizing every word and action.
This made it impossible for him to quietly amass wealth and secretly seize treasures like the Immortal Herb.
Talent, strength, status, time, and the position of the Martial Soul Hall—these five factors determined that You Chen could not easily obtain the Immortal Herb like many protagonists in fanfiction.
He was merely an orphan with mediocre talent, raised by the Martial Soul Hall.
Theoretically, You Chen could achieve the early-stage acquisition of the Immortal Herb through the following methods:
Develop steadily before the age of 9, obtain a Soul Ring with the help of the Martial Soul Hall, and after gaining a certain ability to survive independently, escape from the Martial Soul Hall.
As for accumulating to Two Rings? Without publishing papers and obtaining resources that come with the title of theoretical genius, he would likely have to wait until his twenties to reach Great Soul Master. And becoming a theoretical genius would make it impossible for him to quietly amass wealth, so this option was immediately ruled out.
Not to mention the risk of being hunted down for betraying the Martial Soul Hall, he would have to rely on being a child, using excuses like boredom to cover up his actions, and try to complete his goals before being caught.
In an extremely fortunate scenario where he was neither caught nor hunted down, he would cross mountains and rivers, finally arriving at Heaven Dou City. All in all, it would take one to two months.
Then he would start working to earn money, preparing for future research.
As a runaway orphan, he didn't dare to go to the Martial Soul Hall to claim Gold Soul Coins, so earning money was not easy.
And with You Chen's strength, sampling the Poisonous Miasma outside the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well would require hiring a Soul Master for assistance, which would cost more money. Moreover, he couldn't think too deeply about the various risks involved in a child hiring a Soul Master.
Earning money while researching poisons.
Optimistically estimating, it would take about three years, relying on his intelligence, to finally achieve his research.
And after that, extremely fortunately, without encountering any Soul Beasts, he would successfully find an opportunity to enter the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well before Dugu Bo.
However, You Chen's status would not allow him to build a good relationship with Yue Guan, and he did not know how to use the Immortal Herb. After all, who pays attention to such a one-time setting that is completely unrelated to the plot and worldview when reading the original work? And who would remember it?
To be honest, apart from the King of Immortal Herbs 'Lovesick Heartbroken Red' and the two Immortal Herbs with opposing properties that Tang San consumed, You Chen had barely any impression of the methods of harvesting and consuming the others.
The former goes without saying; he couldn't pick it. As for the latter… with You Chen's physical strength at that time, he would probably explode and die if he consumed it.
But fortunately, what is being discussed here is merely a theoretically achievable possibility.
In short, You Chen smoothly consumed the Immortal Herb that was most suitable for him…
Now, looking back, how many unreliable aspects were there in this process?
He might not be able to sneak out of the Martial Soul Hall without being noticed, nor could he guarantee that a child without identification could smoothly settle down and earn money in Heaven Dou City or nearby villages…
The entire process had almost no steps that could guarantee a lower risk, filled with uncontrollable variables.
And even if he succeeded, how would he deal with the aftermath of escaping from the Martial Soul Hall for years? That was also a big problem.
Given You Chen's character, it was impossible for him to engage in this nearly impossible theoretical gamble.
Of course, with a bit more thought, he could probably optimize this rough feasible plan to some extent.
But as plans change, the most critical issues remain, and he was destined to not easily overcome them.
After realizing this, the young You Chen quickly gave up on unnecessary thoughts about the Immortal Herb and turned to focus on his current research path…
Time flowed, and everything had changed.
To be honest, the value and allure of the Immortal Herb had never been particularly high for You Chen.
At least, unlike many protagonists in fanfiction who expect the Immortal Herb to change their fate, before obtaining the system, the most suitable Immortal Herb for You Chen was likely the most ordinary Eight Petal Immortal Orchid.
Yes, the one that most protagonists in fanfiction would usually give to their harem.
As for the two from Ice and Fire, as mentioned before, he couldn't handle them.
Longing for something, You Chen's mental power talent was already overflowing, and he completely did not need this thing to enhance his abilities.
From the perspective that absorbing the Immortal Herb is best done early, as the effects would greatly diminish with age, this thing requires the vigorous energy of youth, meaning… most of these Immortal Herbs work through the Soul Master's own body rather than enhancing the Martial Soul's essence to improve talent.
In other words… those with special effects that are unsuitable likely cannot improve the quality of the Martial Soul or break through.
The effects of the Bone Refining and Marrow Cleansing are useful for You Chen, but in terms of enhancing bloodlines, they are of little use.
You Chen was more limited by his soul power qualifications; he did not need to enhance any dragon bloodline to break the shackles of his Martial Soul. What he needed was the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, which could enhance his soul power qualifications.
But by that time, he would be over thirty years old, and the effects of the Immortal Herb would be greatly diminished. Even if he absorbed it, it would only enhance his soul power qualifications, and without improving the quality of his Martial Soul, his intermediate Martial Soul would still not be able to reach the top level later, unable to break through to Titled Douluo.
Then he would likely continue along the previous path, quietly distancing himself from the Martial Soul Hall, and survive until the end of time.
There would be no changes regarding the upcoming shifts.
And compared to the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, it was evidently much safer and more comfortable to obtain the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone. The life-attribute Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone's effects of Bone Refining and Marrow Cleansing are not inferior to the Immortal Herb. Obtaining this soul bone would be enough to support his future survival path, so why take the risk to scheme for the Immortal Herb?
Thus, the Immortal Herb naturally held no allure for You Chen.
But now, even if it was just to prevent the Immortal Herb from falling into Tang San's hands, he had to seize the Immortal Herb first.
In addition, there were two other purposes.
One, to provide opportunities for his subordinates.
Second, to pull Dugu Bo to his side.
After returning to the camp for a brief rest, You Chen quickly set off again, heading alone to the Sunset Forest.
...
On this day, Dugu Bo, as usual, was suppressing the intense poison within him at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
Suddenly…
"Hmm?"
Sensing the aura that abruptly intruded, he suddenly opened his eyes: "Soul Beast?"
Only those rather foolish ones would barge in like this, unlike the other intelligent thousand-year Soul Beasts that knew this place was already occupied by him.
As for hundred-year Soul Beasts or ten-year Soul Beasts? Even poison-type Soul Beasts could not possibly pass through this Poisonous Miasma.
Dugu Bo quickly stopped paying attention to it.
After all, it was just a thousand-year Soul Beast; it would likely die on its own after staying for a while or going a bit deeper.
"No, wait."
Dugu Bo's expression suddenly tightened; the aura of the Soul Master was distinctly different from that of a Soul Beast.
He sensed that the aura had already broken through the outermost area of the Poisonous Miasma and was rapidly approaching.
Dugu Bo's expression shifted from relaxed to serious.
This treasure land was crucial for his cultivation and his granddaughter's life! He absolutely could not allow other Soul Masters to interfere!
However, Dugu Bo did not rush out to capture the intruder.
Instead, he concealed his aura, waiting for the other party to fall into his trap.
He had been cultivating here for many years; the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well had become his home ground, set with many hidden traps. Even if a Titled Douluo with stronger hard power came, Dugu Bo still had a certain degree of confidence in defeating them here.
Of course, how rare is a Titled Douluo? Dugu Bo was not overly worried; this approach was merely precautionary.
Not long after, when the figure truly stepped into the core area of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, Dugu Bo's expression finally relaxed.
"Hahaha, I wondered who the rare guest was; isn't this our Martial Soul Hall's theoretical expert, Master You Chen!?"
Upon seeing the face of the visitor, Dugu Bo let out a sarcastic laugh.
"Oh? You Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, actually recognize me? That saves me the trouble of talking too much."
You Chen looked at Dugu Bo, who was sitting cross-legged waiting for him, and revealed a hint of surprise.
His reputation was indeed great, but there were not many who truly knew what he looked like. Moreover, his appearance had changed significantly now; if one was not genuinely paying attention to him, they would likely not recognize him as the same person.
But looking at Dugu Bo's aged face and his green eyes and hair, You Chen suddenly understood.
'Did you pay special attention to me to solve the issues on yourself and your descendants?'
"Hehehe…"
Dugu Bo chuckled oddly and said, "The famous theoretical master, in terms of fame, is far above me, Dugu Bo! You, a dignified theoretical master, come here alone? Speak, which people from the Martial Soul Hall are following you this time?"
You Chen shook his head: "It seems that Poison Douluo is still unaware that I have parted ways with the Martial Soul Hall. I won't say much idle talk; my purpose for coming this time—"
Whoosh.
Before You Chen could finish his sentence, Dugu Bo suddenly made a move, his sharp white fingers striking towards You Chen's neck.
"Are we ultimately going to have a confrontation?"
You Chen shifted his foot and sidestepped Dugu Bo's grasp.
Seeing this, Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow.
This seemingly ordinary grab, given the physical quality of a Titled Douluo, was something a typical Soul Sage might not even react to at this distance.
"No wonder you came alone and appeared so confident. But… since you call me Poison Douluo, you haven't forgotten that you are facing a Titled Douluo, right!?"
A powerful soul pressure suddenly erupted, yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—nine Soul Rings spiraled out. However, Dugu Bo released his Soul Rings without unleashing his Martial Soul, indicating that his control over the essence of his Martial Soul was extremely close to perfection.
Even if the Martial Soul itself was of average quality, once entering the title level, the control over the essence of the Martial Soul became an even more important talent.
Under such pressure, even ordinary Soul Sage experts would find it hard to breathe, and weaker Soul Masters would likely feel nearly suffocated and unable to move.
However, You Chen appeared completely unfazed, showing a hint of approval towards Dugu Bo, calmly completing his Martial Soul Avatar.
That inexplicable sense of superiority made Dugu Bo feel a bit irritated.
Upon hearing that You Chen had left the Martial Soul Hall, he initially thought of restraining his strength to capture You Chen without harm, but now he changed his mind.
"Martial Soul Avatar!"
Dugu Bo's form suddenly changed.
He sneered, "Since you can withstand my soul power fluctuations, it seems the rumors are not true; you are not a weakling! Then… I'll use a bit of strength; you should be able to survive, right?"
Dugu Bo made a threatening remark, but You Chen was too lazy to engage in banter with him, instantly splitting into three avatars, all charging towards Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo, who had just made a threatening remark, immediately frowned. He clearly wanted to see through this clumsy trick and identify You Chen's true body, but the result was… all three avatars felt exactly the same to him!
'What's going on!? And—so fast!'
The movements of the three avatars were exceptionally quick, and before Dugu Bo could even process the surprise, they had already rushed in front of him.
'But what use is speed alone!'
Dugu Bo snorted coldly, and a thousand-year Soul Ring glowed, releasing a circle of gray poisonous mist.
However, the three avatars paid no heed to this; a circle of starlight radiating holy energy suddenly expanded, and they charged into the poisonous mist without losing speed.
Seeing that even the avatars, along with his true self, did not fear his poison, Dugu Bo's eyelids twitched. He was not surprised that You Chen was unafraid of his poison; he was worried that You Chen underestimated his poison!
Immediately, he formed his hands into palms and struck out repeatedly, trying to force You Chen out of his poisonous mist.
But the reality was that the fists of You Chen's three avatars, wrapped in a whirlwind, simultaneously struck Dugu Bo.
Puff—!
Dugu Bo's eyes widened as he felt the power of the Wind Movement Fist, spitting blood as he was sent flying!
You Chen did not pursue; he merely looked indifferently at Dugu Bo, who was struggling to rise from the
ground and wipe his mouth, and said lightly, "Poison Douluo, is that all you've got?"
Hiss—.
Dugu Bo, who had just been shocked, suddenly had veins bulging on his forehead, his heart filled with rage.
"Kid! You've angered me! Next, you will deeply regret your foolishness in provoking a Titled Douluo!"
Dugu Bo's dark seventh ring suddenly rotated, transforming into a massive Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor.