Jiang Yun and Zhu Zhuqing settled at the edge of the valley, the misty air tinged with the scent of strange herbs. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well pulsed at the valley's center, its twin pools radiating opposing auras—one of scalding heat, the other of bone-chilling cold.
Dugu Bo had not returned since their first encounter. But his presence was felt—an invisible force always lingering at the valley's edges.
Zhu Zhuqing crouched beside a patch of shimmering blue grass. "This place is dangerous… but it's also a treasure trove."
"Precisely," Jiang Yun agreed. "A place where poison and vitality merge. Training here could transform us."
She looked at him. "But that old man… Dugu Bo. Can we trust him?"
"We don't need to trust him. Just understand him."
Hours passed in quiet study. Jiang Yun identified several potent herbs—some deadly, others capable of strengthening the body when used correctly.
Jiang Yun didn't waste time. He carefully studied the herbs growing wildly around the valley—plants that thrived in the poisoned, energy-rich soil. He recognized some immediately: the Fiery Apricot Jiaoshe, the Star Anise Mysterious Ice Grass. Each a deadly treasure, capable of strengthening or destroying the body depending on how it was used.
Zhu Zhuqing moved quietly, her sharp eyes tracking Jiang Yun's movements. "Are you really planning to use this place to train?"
"I am," Jiang Yun said without looking up. "But not without preparation. The well is both a blessing and a curse. If I can adapt to it, my body will become much stronger."
"And Dugu Bo?" she asked, voice low. "If he changes his mind…"
"Then we'll leave," Jiang Yun replied calmly. "But I don't think he will. He's curious about us."
Her gaze shifted to the mist, where shadows seemed to twist. "Curious or wary."
Jiang Yun smiled slightly. "Either works."
Evening fell, and they made camp beside a large rock. Jiang Yun maintained a careful balance between exploration and caution,avoiding poisonous patches, and observing the mist's movement. He knew Dugu Bo's strength and didn't dare provoke the Poison Douluo, but he also saw an opportunity.
The opportunity came just as night fully descended.
"You two are quite bold." Dugu Bo's voice echoed from the mist before his figure appeared, leaning against a tree, his emerald-green robes shifting like liquid poison. His sharp eyes fell on Jiang Yun. "Poking around like you own the place."
Jiang Yun stood calmly, offering a slight bow. "Understanding our surroundings is the first step to survival."
Dugu Bo's expression twisted into a smirk. "Survival? In a place that could kill you with a single breath?"
Jiang Yun met his gaze without fear. "Only if one is reckless."
Dugu Bo chuckled. "And what do you seek here? Just herbs? Or something more?"
Zhu Zhuqing stiffened slightly but said nothing. Jiang Yun's voice was steady. "I came seeking strength. This place has the potential to refine the body and enhance one's abilities. But I don't intend to steal anything."
"Strength…" Dugu Bo laughed dryly. "Countless have sought it here. Most found only death."
"Most didn't know what they were doing," Jiang Yun replied. "But you do. And I… I can help you."
Dugu Bo's smile faded, replaced by a sharp, almost dangerous interest. "Help me? You, a child?"
Jiang Yun's gaze remained steady. "The poison in your veins—it's killing you slowly, isn't it?"
A tense silence fell. Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened slightly, but she remained still.
Dugu Bo's expression darkened. "You think you're clever, boy. And if you're wrong?"
"I'm not." Jiang Yun stepped forward, confidence clear in his voice. "Your aura is unstable. The energy you release isn't fully controlled. The poison inside you is trying to devour you."
Dugu Bo's fists clenched, venomous mist swirling around him. "Bold words. But if you cannot prove them…"
"Let me try to stabilize it," Jiang Yun said calmly. "If I succeed, I only ask for a chance to train here under your supervision."
Dugu Bo's laughter was harsh, a rattling echo. "Arrogant! You think you can save me?"
"I can try," Jiang Yun replied. "And if I fail, I won't resist if you wish to kill me."
Silence again. Dugu Bo's sharp gaze shifted between Jiang Yun and Zhu Zhuqing, who remained still but ready to react. Finally, the Poison Douluo grinned.
"Fine, boy. Impress me. But know this—if you worsen my condition, I'll ensure your death is slow."
Jiang Yun nodded. "Understood."
Dugu Bo led them to a secluded spot near the well, where the mist grew thicker, and the poisonous aura was even stronger. Sitting cross-legged, he focused his energy, allowing the green, toxic mist to slowly gather around him.
Jiang Yun observed, carefully studying the flow of the poison within Dugu Bo's body. It was chaotic—pulsing like a beast trapped within. No wonder even someone of Dugu Bo's power struggled with it.
"I'll need to redirect it first, then slowly neutralize the overflow," Jiang Yun murmured.
Dugu Bo's brow arched. "You speak confidently. But do it."
Jiang Yun closed his eyes, focusing his own energy. His body—his martial spirit—allowed him to manipulate his internal strength with incredible precision. Carefully, he extended a faint thread of energy toward Dugu Bo, like a gentle guide.
Dugu Bo tensed, his aura flaring, but Jiang Yun's energy remained calm, like a gentle current guiding a raging river. Slowly, he began redirecting the poisonous mist's flow, creating stable channels within Dugu Bo's body. The old man's breathing eased slightly.
"You… actually…" Dugu Bo muttered, surprise lacing his voice.
"It's not a cure," Jiang Yun clarified, still focused. "But this should stabilize it temporarily. With time, I can improve this method."
Dugu Bo's eyes opened, his glare less hostile now. "Impressive, boy. You've earned a chance. But this won't be enough."
"I never thought it would be easy," Jiang Yun replied, standing.
The old man chuckled. "Arrogant, yet capable. Fine. You may remain and train here. But know this—should you misuse the well or offend me, your life is mine."
Jiang Yun bowed. "Understood."
Dugu Bo glanced at Zhu Zhuqing. "And you, girl? You plan to follow him?"
Zhu Zhuqing met his gaze, calm and fierce. "Where he goes, I go."
Dugu Bo snorted. "Loyalty… or foolishness. We'll see."
As the Poison Douluo vanished into the mist, Jiang Yun turned to Zhu Zhuqing. "It begins."
"You really intend to use that spring?" she asked, wary.
"Not immediately," Jiang Yun replied. "But I'll adapt slowly. That's the key."
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze softened slightly. "Then I'll watch your back."