"Let's go."
Qian Ran gestured to his companions, signaling them to move forward. He hadn't expected the sheer presence of these mythical soul beasts to be so effective. Just their aura was enough to subdue the fearsome plant-type soul beasts around them.
Of course, this was also due to the Ultimate Ice radiating from Ice Empress.
The Jade Scaled Seven Deadly Flowers were impervious to fire but highly susceptible to extreme cold. With Ice Empress, a supreme ice-type beast, standing before them, it was no surprise the flowers recoiled in fear.
A Poisonous Path
As they traversed the area, they encountered a host of deadly obstacles:
Toxic mists in myriad colors,Expansive fields of Jade Scaled Seven Deadly Flowers,Thick clouds of Biphosphor Poison,Venomous vines clinging to the cliffsides...
Step by step, the group pushed forward, each new sight deepening their astonishment.
The Evolving Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well
Since the time of Tang San, over 10,000 years had passed. The area had grown exponentially more dangerous. With the Yin Yang Well nurturing the plants, a mere thousand years of growth here equated to tens of thousands of years in the outside world.
With Ice Empress and Snow Empress shielding them, the group faced no significant threats and made swift progress. Before long, they reached the peak of a towering cliff.
From there, they could finally see the fabled Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
A Natural Wonderland
The valley below was a vibrant mosaic of life.
The area wasn't particularly vast, yet it teemed with an astonishing variety of plants. Vivid hues painted the landscape as countless flowers and foliage competed for attention. Some plants bore luminous fruits, radiating with a divine brilliance that spoke of their extraordinary properties.
In the heart of this lush haven was the Yin Yang Well itself—a lake split cleanly into two halves.
One half glowed an icy white, emitting a faint mist.The other half burned with fiery red, its surface shimmering with waves of heat distortion.
The stark contrast of red and white was like two massive gems embedded within the earth. The intense life force radiating from the well filled the valley, invigorating everything within.
"Such a beautiful place," Cai Mei'er whispered, her voice tinged with awe. "It's like a paradise, yet so perilous."
"It's almost unbelievable that such a place has gone undiscovered for so long," Snow Empress said, her brow furrowing. "Yet it feels as though this area has been intentionally protected. The arrangement of the Jade Scaled Seven Deadly Flowers outside wasn't natural—it was deliberate."
The others exchanged glances, their expressions growing grave.
Qian Ran, of course, knew the truth.
The protective barriers and cultivated dangers surrounding the Yin Yang Well were the work of Tang San. This area, guarded by fearsome flora and shrouded in toxic mists, had been meticulously preserved. Even Title Douluos would struggle to make it through unscathed.
Tang San's greed knew no bounds. What should have been a treasure for all had become his personal property. Worse, it became a resource exclusively benefiting his lackeys.
"Such a treasure trove," Ice Empress remarked as she and Snow Empress descended into the valley. Despite their amazement, the two soul beasts remained largely indifferent. The treasures here were of little use to their already supreme powers.
"Qian Ran, is the dragon soul you mentioned here?" Xian Lin'er asked, ignoring the dazzling flora around her. Like Cai Mei'er, her sole interest lay in the dragon soul Qian Ran had promised.
A Voice from the Shadows
"What dragon soul?"
A soft, feminine voice suddenly rang out, resonating from within a massive pink flower. The petals trembled as it spoke.
A Ten-Thousand-Year Plant Soul Beast
"A sentient plant," Cai Mei'er whispered, stepping protectively in front of Qian Ran. Only soul beasts with over ten thousand years of cultivation could speak the human tongue.
The pink flower continued, its tone tinged with unease. "And what business do you have here, seeking a so-called dragon soul?"
Qian Ran looked up with a faint smile, unbothered by the soul beast's wariness.
System Notification
Ding!
Host has triggered the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's ten-thousand-year-old guardian: Fragrant Qiluo Immortal Herb, Youyou.Reward: The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The system can transfer the well and its surrounding flora into the host's storage space.
Qian Ran's lips curled into a smirk.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was his for the taking. With the system's help, he could uproot the entire sanctuary, including all the plants and treasures within it. Tang San's legacy would become his personal domain.
Tang San hoarded this treasure for his inner circle? Fine. Qian Ran would ensure no one else ever saw it again.
"Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was born of the energies left behind by the Ice Dragon King and Fire Dragon King after their demise. It's their power that created this unique environment," Qian Ran said casually. "I'm here for that power. Of course, I won't be leaving without taking the flora as well."
The pink flower froze, its petals trembling with a mix of shock and anger.
"How do you know such things?" Youyou demanded, her voice rising.
Even she, a guardian of this land, had no knowledge of the dragons' origins. This boy, however, spoke of them as if recounting a familiar story.
"And... you intend to plunder this sacred place?"
Her tone shifted to fury. "Greedy humans! You're no different from the rest."
"I'm not here to defend humanity's virtues," Qian Ran said, waving her accusations aside. "But don't think too highly of Tang San. The so-called protector you seem to admire was just as selfish. He exploited this place for his gain, and you all were nothing more than pawns in his plans."
"You dare slander Tang San?" Youyou retorted angrily. "Without his barriers, this sanctuary would have long been overrun by outsiders!"
Qian Ran sneered.
"Think about it. He didn't protect this place for your sake. It was all for himself. He needed a haven to grow his power, a playground to groom his followers. He used you to that end."
The revelation struck Youyou like a hammer. Could the Tang San she revered truly have been so manipulative?
But before she could respond, Qian Ran turned to his companions, his voice steady.
"Ladies, let's clean up here."
(End of Chapter)