With Dugu Bo's recovery, his worries were resolved, and his soul power had been promoted to a quasi-Titled Douluo. He began preparing to search for a soul ring.
Catherine also benefited greatly from the Eye of Ice and Fire, taking full advantage of its special environment. She successfully advanced to Quasi-Contra.
Yuan Changqing said, "Let's head back to Tiandou City first, make some repairs, and then set out for the Star Dou Forest to find the soul ring."
Dugu Bo nodded. "Alright, I'll return first to consolidate my soul power. It will be best to take advantage of this time."
So, they all left the Sunset Forest and headed back to Tiandou City, agreeing to meet later for the soul ring hunt.
Tiandou City.
After parting ways with Dugu Bo and his family, Yuan Changqing took Catherine home.
As soon as Wang Yuyan saw them, she rushed over, her face full of concern. "Brother Changqing, Sister Catherine, are you both right?"
Catherine smiled warmly. "Sister Yuyan, we're fine, and I have good news! I've been promoted to Quasi-Contra!"
"Really? That's fantastic! Congratulations, Sister Catherine!" Wang Yuyan beamed.
"Thank you! Same to you!" Catherine replied, both laughing together.
Yuan Changqing chuckled, "Well, we're all family here, no need for such formalities. Yuyan, I left in a hurry this time; I didn't get to tell you in advance."
Wang Yuyan nodded, "I was worried when you didn't come back right away, but when I got your letter from Feiyan, I felt much better."
Yuan Changqing explained, "I was in a rush, and I feared you wouldn't find us when you came home, so I had Feiyan send you the letter to ease your worries."
Wang Yuyan nodded again, "I understand. But, did everything go well with Feiyan's family?"
Catherine answered, "Everything's resolved. Not only that, but Dugu Bo has been promoted to Quasi-Titled Douluo. After resting a few days, we'll go together to find the soul ring."
Yuan Changqing added, "Yes, I've also written a letter to my family. We'll meet them directly at Xingdou Town."
Wang Yuyan inquired, "Do you need me to go with you this time?"
"No, just stay here and look after Qinglan, Hailan, and the others. We can't all leave," Yuan Changqing replied, noticing there were many at home.
Xingdou Town.
Yuan Changqing, Catherine, Dugu Bo, and his son left Tiandou City and made their way to Xingdou Town, where they found Yuan Changqing's sister-in-law and uncle, who had arrived ahead of them.
Yuan Changqing introduced Dugu Bo and his son, "Old Poison, this is my sister-in-law Yuan Linglong, and the person beside her is my little uncle Ye Xiaofan."
He turned to his sister-in-law and uncle. "Sister-in-law, this is Dugu Bo, a quasi-Titled Douluo. And this is his son, Dugu Xin."
Yuan Linglong's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, Mr. Dugu, you're a Titled Douluo? This is the first time I've met one in person!"
Everyone froze for a moment, stunned. Who was this? Where had she come from? After a long pause, they all burst out laughing.
"Hahaha!"
Dugu Bo smiled and turned to Yuan Changqing. "Changqing, seems your sister-in-law has a good sense of humor!"
Yuan Changqing chuckled awkwardly, "Ahem, well, Old Poison, you'll get used to it. She's just like that."
After introductions and greetings, everyone went into the hotel, got comfortable and chatted.
Dugu Bo observed the strength of Yuan Changqing's family with surprise. He hadn't expected them to be so powerful.
Looking at Yuan Changqing, Dugu Bo remarked, "Changqing, I didn't realize your sister-in-law and uncle are both Soul Saints. With you and Catherine as well, your family is quite formidable!"
Yuan Changqing, modest as ever, replied, "Ah, it's not that impressive. It's all due to everyone's hard work."
Dugu Xin interjected with a laugh, "Brother Yuan, you can't be serious! Your family is so young and already this strong. How could this be the result of hard work? I would love to have such effort!"
Dugu Bo nodded in agreement, intrigued but careful not to probe too much. He could tell Yuan Changqing and his family were discreet about their methods.
Yuan Changqing, aware that they were avoiding the subject, smoothly shifted the topic. "Old Poison, Dugu Xin, how about we rest in this town for the night and head out tomorrow to search for the soul rings?"
Dugu Bo agreed, "Yes, it's been a long journey, and we're all tired. We'll rest tonight and head out tomorrow. The soul beasts we're searching for are powerful, and it will take time to find them."
They had dinner together and retired to their rooms for rest.
Outside the Star Dou Forest.
The next day, they arrived at the Star Dou Forest once more.
Yuan Changqing addressed Dugu Bo, "Old Poison, what's our plan?"
Dugu Bo replied, "We don't know how long this will take. We might need to go deep into the forest. Let's set up a formation. I'll lead the way, followed by Ye Xiaofan. Yuan Linglong and Dugu Xin will be in the middle, and Changqing, you and Catherine will cover the rear."
"Understood. Everyone, stay cautious," Yuan Changqing affirmed.
The group entered the forest, advancing through the outer areas where century-old and thousand-year soul beasts roamed. They made their way toward the deeper regions, where ten-thousand-year soul beasts resided.
For this hunt, the team didn't have a specific target, as the soul beasts they sought were rare and depended on luck.
A few days later, they found themselves in a strange, desolate area. The landscape had sparse trees, jagged rocks, and a dry, barren quality that contrasted sharply with the lush vegetation found elsewhere in the Star Dou Forest.
Yuan Changqing eyed the surroundings with caution. "Be careful, everyone. This terrain feels odd. It's unlike any part of the Star Dou Forest."
Dugu Bo, sensing something amiss, recalled something his family had passed down. "Changqing is right. This might be the right place for my soul ring."
Dugu Xin, puzzled, asked, "Dad, how did you know? What makes this place special?"