If the plight of hundred-thousand-year-old spirit beasts improved, even Title Douluos would think twice before hunting ancient beasts in the future, let alone ten-thousand-year-old ones.
However, this had little to do with Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er. As Title Douluos themselves, they no longer needed to acquire spirit rings.
Besides, the strengthening of spirit beasts could be seen as a good thing. Without them, the decline in spirit beast populations on the continent would eventually impact spirit masters.
If spirit beasts vanished, the spirit master profession would inevitably face decline.
"What is going on? You must be the Ice Emperor, right? Then this one must be the Snow Emperor. How are you managing this?" The three Immortal Herbs were utterly dumbfounded.
"I've learned a method of transformation that doesn't involve reforming into a human. I can wield the power of a spirit master while remaining a spirit beast at my core. As long as I don't return to my spirit beast form, even the most powerful human experts cannot discern my true nature," Ice Emperor replied indifferently.
"I want to learn this!" The Alluring Fragrance Immortal Orchid exclaimed excitedly.
"Me too," added the Fiery Delicate Apricot. Gaining this ability would be a huge advantage, even if they never ventured into the human world. If humans ever invaded this place, they could disguise themselves as humans and increase their chances of survival.
"I'm in as well," said the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, unable to resist the temptation.
For spirit beasts, this transformation method was almost irresistible. Even if it were taken to the ferocious beasts of the Star Dou Forest, it would cause an uproar.
The constant hunting of hundred-thousand-year-old spirit beasts stemmed from their visibility—spirit beasts were in the open while spirit masters operated from the shadows. With this ability, the battlefield would become much more evenly matched.
"You want this transformation technique? Sure, but you'll need to become my little followers. Or do you expect me to give it to you for free?" Ice Emperor crossed her arms and snorted softly.
Qian Ran chuckled, amused by Ice Emperor's cleverness.
Getting these three hundred-thousand-year-old Immortal Herbs to submit to him wouldn't be a short-term task. Spirit beasts naturally harbored hostility toward humans. Even for Qian Ran, it would take time to win their trust, and he didn't intend to linger at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for too long.
Having them submit to Ice Emperor and Snow Emperor, however, would be much easier. After all, spirit beasts were bound by a strict hierarchy.
Ice Emperor and Snow Emperor were among the most powerful beasts in existence, far stronger than the Immortal Herbs.
Submitting to them in exchange for the miraculous transformation technique was undoubtedly a fair trade.
"Well? Submitting to me and Snow Emperor doesn't sound like a bad deal, does it?" Ice Emperor smiled confidently.
"I have no objections," the Alluring Fragrance Immortal Orchid agreed first. She could no longer resist after seeing the benefits of the transformation technique. In the world of spirit beasts, submission to a stronger being was no shame. Strength ruled.
"Fine, but you can't make us do anything we don't like," Fiery Delicate Apricot relented. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was a good place to stay, but after so many years, even she had grown tired of it. She didn't dare leave for fear of being discovered by powerful humans.
With the other two agreeing, the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass had no choice but to follow suit.
Of course, their quick agreement wasn't made lightly. They were Immortal Herbs with hundred-thousand-year cultivation—highly valuable to both Title Douluos and spirit beasts alike.
Serving under Ice Emperor and Snow Emperor promised not just survival but an excellent quality of life, along with the chance to transform. Refusing might provoke Ice Emperor, Snow Emperor, or even Qian Ran. As Immortal Herbs, their entire being was a treasure trove.
"Alright, step back. I'll summon the dragon souls," Qian Ran instructed.
The progenitor of spirit beasts, the Dragon God, had nine sons. These nine included the elemental dragons of Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, and Space, as well as the Mountain Dragon and the supreme Golden Dragon. Together, they were known as the Nine Dragon Lords.
The Dragon God perished in the Divine Realm, leaving the Nine Dragon Lords to their own fates. Among them, the Water Dragon King and Fire Dragon King fell simultaneously, their bodies buried deep beneath the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. This land was born from their essence, nourishing all life within it.
By the Dragon King's era, the souls of these two dragons had been revived after long cultivation and possessed extraordinary combat power.
As Qian Ran's words fell, the women rose into the air, watching him with both curiosity and anticipation.
"What is he planning?" The three Immortal Herbs couldn't shake a sense of unease.
Meanwhile, Qian Ran had already focused his mind.
"System, claim the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well," he said with a smirk. He was draining this treasure dry. From now on, the Alluring Fragrance Immortal Orchid, Fiery Delicate Apricot, and Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass would need his permission to enter the well. These herbs were now firmly in his grasp.
If Tang Hao could "play with grass" (herb spirits), why couldn't he?
And he would do it better—double the fun!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Suddenly, the earth shook violently, and the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well underwent a shocking transformation.
A dazzling white light burst forth, so intense that even the powerful Snow Emperor and Ice Emperor had to close their eyes. When they opened them again, the well was gone.
What had once been a paradise of unrivaled beauty was now barren and desolate, as if hollowed out in an instant. But who could possibly remove such a massive treasure in the blink of an eye?
"Ahhh!"
Fiery Delicate Apricot and the others were distraught, nearly beside themselves with despair.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had been their lifeline. Its mysterious properties increased their cultivation speed tenfold—not to mention its countless other benefits. Its sudden disappearance left them utterly panicked.
"Don't worry. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well is still here. I've just relocated it temporarily," Qian Ran reassured them, seeing the Immortal Herbs on the verge of tears.
Hearing this, their mood eased, though disbelief filled their faces.
He moved it? Just like that?
Who was Qian Ran? Could he be a god? Only a deity could perform such a feat!
Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er, meanwhile, wore expressions of utter exasperation. Could this even be considered humanly possible?
Though they were growing used to Qian Ran's miracles, removing such a vast treasure in an instant was beyond comprehension. Had they not witnessed it themselves, they wouldn't have believed it.
"Heh, it's my special ability," Qian Ran said casually, offering no further explanation. They'd already become accustomed to his peculiar powers. Besides, he'd be dealing with figures like Qian Renxue and Gu Yuena in the future—there would be plenty more miraculous feats to explain later.
"Qian Ran is amazing," Ice Emperor said, staring in awe at the vanished Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, her eyes brimming with admiration.
Snow Emperor felt the same. The extraordinary powers Qian Ran occasionally displayed were simply dazzling. How many more secrets did he harbor?
(Chapter Ends)
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