Next Day
When morning came, Salas, who had been cultivating inside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, slowly emerged—his well-defined physique glistening with blue and red droplets.
But these seemingly beautiful droplets were only harmless to Salas's body. As they slid down from his skin and touched the ground, ice crystals and melted rocks formed at the same time—one extremely cold, the other blisteringly hot.
...
After changing into a white robe and putting on his mask, Salas summoned Dugu Bo using his spiritual power.
"I'll be leaving for a while... In the meantime, I want you to do something."
"Tell me, Lord. If it's within the capabilities of this old man, I will fulfill it," Dugu Bo nodded hurriedly.
Yesterday, after experiencing the effectiveness of the pill and method provided by Salas, he was now eager to earn his goodwill.
After all, he also knew—if he wanted Salas to cure his granddaughter, he had to prove his usefulness.
Only after some time could he bring such a request to Salas. After all, Salas was the lord here. From ancient times to the current era, a subordinate could only gain his lord's favor by working hard.
"Are you familiar with the Heaven Dou Royal Family?" Salas asked calmly, though he already knew the answer.
"Yes, my lord. I'm familiar with Heaven Dou Prince Xue Xing," Dugu Bo replied without hesitation.
"Good. I want you to get the Heaven Dou Royal Family's national treasure into your hands. Try your best. Even if you can't get it, at least find out where it's located," Salas said, as if it were a trivial matter.
"My lord, this... May I know why you need it?" Dugu Bo asked. He didn't even know his lord's true name—whenever he asked, Salas would just say, "I don't know." Naturally, he had his doubts.
"It's not something you need to know. If you can't do it, just say so." Behind the mask, Salas gave Dugu Bo a golden-eyed glance. Inwardly, though, he was amused.
What would Dugu Bo do if he ever learned Salas's real cultivation level and identity?
"It's really cool to bluff someone", Salas thought with a smile. But he also knew that even if Dugu Bo discovered the bluff, he'd still choose to submit to him.
After all, what truly made Dugu Bo bow his head was his love for his granddaughter... The chance to extend her life was something he had always dreamed of.
Of course, if Salas were significantly weaker than Dugu Bo, then the old man's approach would be very different.
In the canon, if Tang San had just told Dugu Bo to submit to him—would it have worked?
Nah. Dugu Bo would probably have tortured Tang San until he voluntarily gave up the method...
"I understand. I'll try my best, Lord." In the end, Dugu Bo could only accept.
---
When the sun hung high in the sky, Salas activated his first soul ring and quietly left the place in his stealth form.
"Although my first soul skill is super useful, it would've been fulfilling if I could actually use soul power outwardly while it's active..."
"And if I remember correctly, the Vast Sea Cosmic Cover has the same ability as my first soul skill... and it's even a level better. After all, it doesn't have any restrictions like being unable to use soul power or soul skills..." Salas mused silently.
"Heh... what am I feeling dejected about? That's a divine artifact—of course its effect will be better than a soul skill." Thinking like this, Salas's mood lifted again.
"But still... I'm reluctant to let the Vast Sea Cosmic Cover fall into Tang San's hands..."
Thinking about its abilities, he couldn't help but want to keep it for himself.
The Vast Sea Cosmic Cover had four abilities. Among them, the Vast Sea Protective Barrier was similar to Salas's Mirroring Stealth, but when it came to stealth, it far outclassed his soul skill.
Once activated, the Vast Sea Cosmic Cover would form a protective barrier. After shrouding a specific area, it rendered it invisible—even intangible. Not only could it hide people, but it could also completely suppress their aura.
Moreover, within the range of the Vast Sea Protective Barrier, even a God King couldn't overhear the conversation inside.
"Alas... everything is for a better future, everything is for a better future..." muttering to himself, Salas soon headed in the direction of Nuoding City.
Yes. Salas wanted to find the waterfall cave of Tang Hao. If Tang Hao wasn't there, he would take the Blue Silver Emperor soul bone.
If he was, then Salas would scheme against Xiao Wu's animal-lovers.
Although he initially planned to visit Yang Wudi, a sudden thought disrupted those plans, forcing him to choose a new path.
---
Nearly Two Weeks Later
A waterfall near Holy Soul Village.
Salas, still in his stealth form, silently looked at the beautiful lake beneath him and the towering hundred-meter waterfall before him.
"So Tang Hao really was here during this time... It seems he only starts following Tang San consistently when Tang San goes to Heaven Dou City in the future..." Salas thought to himself.
Of course, Tang Hao might still visit Tang San occasionally even now... It wasn't certain. If Salas were willing to spend months watching him here, maybe he'd get an answer.
But Salas wouldn't.
Now was the time to obtain his second and third soul rings—he couldn't miss the opportunity. If he did, he'd have to wait nearly two more years for the next chance.
So, without wasting any time, Salas turned and headed toward Soto City...