Chapter 21: Your Highness, You Smell So Nice
Even though this version of the Illustrated Guide to Immortal Herbs wasn't the original, Xiao Han was still overjoyed. The replica was virtually indistinguishable from the real one.
With it, he would be able to accurately identify all kinds of immortal herbs.
Xiao Han carefully placed the book back into the box.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I will never forget this favor."
Xue Qinghe smiled slightly.
"Xiao Han, didn't you notice anything unusual?"
"Your Highness, do you mean the book? It doesn't seem to be the original."
"That's right. It's a replica made from the original. The Spirit Hall considers the book one of its rare treasures and doesn't want too many people to see it, so they kept the original for themselves. It took quite some effort to get this copy for you."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Xiao Han bowed again to express his gratitude.
"No need to be so formal. Since I promised you, I was bound to follow through."
Xiao Han wanted to take the opportunity to inquire about Dugu Bo and mustered up his courage to ask:
"Your Highness, may I ask you something? I'm not sure if it's appropriate."
"What is it? Go ahead."
Seeing how approachable Xue Qinghe was, Xiao Han relaxed a little.
"Your Highness, do you know where Poison Douluo Dugu Bo is these days?"
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe frowned slightly.
Dugu Bo was a guest elder of Prince Xue Xing and had a close relationship with him. Xue Xing openly supported the Fourth Prince, Xue Beng, and was at odds with Xue Qinghe. So, Dugu Bo—like Xue Xing and Xue Beng—was one of Qian Renxue's enemies.
"Xiao Han, why are you asking about Dugu Bo's whereabouts?"
"To be honest, Your Highness, a few years ago, my mother and I ran into him while searching for herbs in the Sunset Forest. We didn't know it was his territory and accidentally entered a poison array he had set up. Coincidentally, it contained the herb I had been seeking."
"What? You actually encountered Dugu Bo?"
"Yes, it happened two or three years ago. My mother mentioned her title as Vice Dean of Tianshui Academy, and we were fortunate enough to leave safely."
After hearing Xiao Han's explanation, a trace of disdain briefly crossed Xue Qinghe's face. He was clearly displeased that Dugu Bo had claimed part of the Sunset Forest as his own territory.
"As far as I know, Dugu Bo is an arrogant and unreasonable man. You were lucky to leave unharmed."
"Indeed, I didn't expect to trespass into his territory."
"When did the Sunset Forest become his private property? Sounds like you want to go back there for herbs? Are you not afraid of dying?"
Xiao Han laughed lightly, unconcerned.
"That's why I'm asking about his whereabouts—to go while he's not around."
"Dugu Bo is eccentric and unpredictable. But in recent years, on the sixth day of the tenth lunar month, he always stays at Prince Xue Xing's mansion for his birthday banquet."
"The sixth of the tenth month—Prince Xue Xing's birthday. He stays the whole day?"
"Yes, he's done so for the past few years."
Xiao Han was thrilled.
Given Dugu Bo's close ties with Prince Xue Xing, he would definitely attend the birthday celebration. That would be the perfect day to sneak into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and harvest immortal herbs.
Xiao Han understood that Qian Renxue's willingness to share this information showed a certain level of trust.
He leaned in slightly and said quietly:
"Your Highness, I hope you can keep this conversation confidential. If word gets out, I might not live to see tomorrow."
"Oh? So young Xiao Han is afraid of death after all?"
There was a playful tone in Xue Qinghe's voice, which made Xiao Han even bolder.
"Of course I am—Dugu Bo is a ruthless killer."
As he spoke, Xiao Han leaned in even closer and daringly sniffed the air.
"Your Highness, you smell amazing. What fragrance is that?"
Xue Qinghe was slightly embarrassed and took a couple of steps back.
"The palace maids handle those things. I don't know what's in it. If you like it, I'll have some sent to you next time."
"That'd be great. Thank you, Your Highness."
"You're welcome."
Although Xue Qinghe was actually a woman in disguise, she didn't mind the closeness of a young boy like Xiao Han and assumed it was innocent.
"By the way, do you really plan to go into Dugu Bo's poison array on the day of the banquet? From what I know, his Bi-Phosphorus Snake Emperor poison is extremely deadly. You'd better be careful."
"Don't worry, Your Highness. I have some knowledge of medicinal herbs. That poison won't be a problem for me."
Xue Qinghe nodded, a hint of admiration in her eyes.
"It seems you're quite confident. But to be safe, come see me before you go. Let me confirm that he's truly not in the forest."
"Alright."
The Sunset Forest was only about 200 li from Heaven Dou City—not far for someone with flight abilities like Xiao Han.
To confirm Dugu Bo's absence would ensure his safety.
It was now late November. The next birthday banquet would be in nearly a year. Just enough time to study the Illustrated Guide to Immortal Herbs and deepen his herbal knowledge.
Xiao Han stored the wooden box inside his soul guide.
"Your Highness, thank you for all your help. I'll find a way to repay you someday. My mother and senior sister are waiting outside. I'll take my leave."
"Go ahead. See you next time."
This was Qian Renxue's second meeting with Xiao Han, and she was becoming more intrigued by the boy.
She felt that he was courageous and intelligent—sure to become someone extraordinary in the future.
After bidding farewell, Xiao Han left the hall.
Qian Renxue had done him a great favor—not only obtaining the Illustrated Guide to Immortal Herbs but also sharing key information about Dugu Bo.
Xiao Han decided that if he successfully harvested the immortal herbs, he would give one to Qian Renxue as a token of gratitude.
Seeing Xiao Han return with a bright smile, Lin Zhiruo said:
"Looks like the Crown Prince really did get the book for you."
"Yep."
"He actually remembered? I wonder what kind of sweet talk you used."
Xiao Han chuckled.
"Mom, I moved him with my sincerity."
"Alright, don't get cocky. Let's get going."
"Yep, to the Icebound Forest!"
The four of them cheerfully took a carriage toward the Icebound Forest.
The journey from Heaven Dou City was long—it took them twenty days to arrive.
Along the way, Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu focused on cultivating diligently.
Xiao Han, however, spent most of his time reading the Illustrated Guide to Immortal Herbs, learning to identify various immortal herbs.
The four of them entered the Icebound Forest. Shui Bing'er was about to acquire her first thousand-year spirit ring.
[Note from the author: A previous issue has been corrected. The new backstory is that Shui Bing'er had innate level 9 spirit power, but fell ill after her martial soul awakened. She spent over six months recovering her health, and only then began cultivating—raising her power by one level in three to four months, keeping pace with the protagonist. Shui Yue'er has innate level 7 spirit power.]
(End of Chapter)