"Kid, do you have information on other immortal herbs?"
"I do!" Xu Yang nodded and quickly took out his handwritten notes on immortal herbs from his storage ring, handing them to Dugu Bo while saying, "These are all the details I've found so far on immortal herbs. There are a few in particular that I'm very interested in and have been sending people to search for."
"Mhm."
Dugu Bo nodded and focused his attention on the notebook in his hand. There weren't many herbs described, and only a few came with both images and text; most entries were just written descriptions. Still, with the traits noted, he believed he could match them with the herbs in his own medicinal garden.
When he turned to the final page and saw the description of the Land Dragon Golden Melon, Dugu Bo's pupils contracted slightly, his eyes gleaming with joy.
This immortal herb was practically tailor-made for soul masters of the Jade Phosphor Serpent line. It could not only evolve their martial spirits with an earth attribute but also enhance their resistance to poison—enough to prevent them from dying of toxicity before becoming a Titled Douluo.
As for what came after reaching Titled Douluo level, once the Poison Pill was formed, it would no longer be a problem.
And then there was the Snow Swan Kiss, and the Aromatic Silk Beauty—both of which were herbs seemingly meant for Dugu Bo. With these, his mastery over poison could reach another level, and he might even shake off the reputation of being the weakest Titled Douluo.
"Kid, this time you've earned a big favor from me. The immortal herbs mentioned in your notes—I do have some of them, and I can give them to you. But you must swear on your martial spirit that you won't reveal the existence of these herbs to anyone else, including the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
After staring at Xu Yang for a while, Dugu Bo finally spoke, his tone carrying an edge of threat.
"Senior, you actually possess immortal herbs..." Xu Yang feigned shock but didn't immediately agree. Instead, he asked, "But what if my teacher figures it out on his own? After all, I search for these herbs not only for myself but also for my teacher. You know about the defects of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul masters—immortal-grade herbs might just be able to fix those weaknesses.
Once my teacher or his relatives consume them and notice the changes, even if I say nothing, with my teacher's skills, it wouldn't be hard for him to find out. After all, you're the only one I've been in contact with who could possibly have such herbs."
"Can you guarantee that Ning Fengzhi won't leak any of this? That he won't disturb my life or come looking for trouble?" Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed, a flash of menace appearing. He realized he'd been too hasty—wanting to repay this boy's favor, he'd forgotten that Xu Yang had a massive force like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan behind him.
If Xu Yang refused, he wouldn't hesitate to kill him—even if it meant offending the clan.
Xu Yang, having anticipated this, smiled. "That shouldn't be a problem. My teacher's reputation among soul masters is solid."
"Fine. Then swear it."
"I, Xu Yang, swear on my martial spirit—the Sun—that I will not reveal anything about Senior Dugu's possession of immortal herbs to anyone except my teacher, Ning Fengzhi, and his immediate family. I also vow to persuade them not to disclose this information. Should I break this vow, may my martial spirit shatter and I never make any progress again!"
As soon as the oath ended, Xu Yang felt a constraining force settle upon him.
"Good. Come with me!"
Without waiting for Xu Yang's reaction, Dugu Bo grabbed him and soared into the air, flying toward the Sunset Forest. At the same time, he transmitted a message to Dugu Yan, asking her to request leave on Xu Yang's behalf.
While flying, Dugu Bo looked at Xu Yang—who was dangling like a little chick in his grasp—and asked with a smile, "Kid, what other immortal herbs do you know about?"
"There are a few more, but the records are shallow—just travel notes, with no real detail on how to harvest or use them. That's why I didn't include them in the notes. But I suspect some factions probably have more complete information."
Xu Yang adjusted his posture to be more comfortable, answering quickly.
"Which factions?"
"One is Elder Chrysanthemum of the Spirit Hall—he's said to adore flowers and should have records of all the immortal herbs. The other is the Po Clan, a former vassal of the Clear Sky Clan. While they pursue ultimate offense, they're also known for their medicinal skills. They likely have information on the herbs too."
"Both are tough nuts to crack..."
Dugu Bo frowned. Chrysanthemum Douluo was a Titled Douluo—he was no match for him. And while the Po Clan didn't have a Titled Douluo, their strength in combat was immense. Their clan leader, Yang Wudi, once fought a Titled Douluo to a standstill despite being surrounded by Spirit Hall.
"Forget it. I have the Land Dragon Golden Melon now. As long as I find it, it should solve the problems for both me and Yan Yan. The rest can wait."
Dugu Bo was a loner by nature. As long as no one provoked him, he wouldn't cause trouble—regardless of whether they had something he needed.
Soon, the two arrived near the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. After giving Xu Yang an antidote pill, Dugu Bo let him enter.
Even though Xu Yang had mentally prepared himself, the sight of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well still rendered him speechless.
Not just the enormous yin-yang cauldron at the center, but even the sea of vibrant medicinal herbs all around dazzled the eye.
More than that, the air was saturated with a bizarre energy—just a few breaths left his body feeling extremely uncomfortable.
Instinctively, Xu Yang moved closer to the yang spring, and only then did he feel a bit better.
"Seems you've sensed it," Dugu Bo said. "This place radiates potent cold and heat energy. Without the cultivation of a Soul Sage, anyone staying here would be torn apart by the conflicting forces.
But when these energies harmonize, they create a unique force that helps suppress my internal toxins."
Yin and Yang in harmony—supreme under heaven.
This phrase echoed in Xu Yang's mind.
The state of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well perfectly embodied it. The opposing elements of fire and ice clashed constantly, but some of the energies fused to form a rare, life-giving force.
This force was likely why so many immortal herbs flourished here.
"Kid, eat this!"
Seeing Xu Yang stay silent, Dugu Bo tossed him a pill and a brocade pouch. "This pill will stabilize the conflicting energies for half an hour. The pouch is a Wishful Hundred Treasures Purse. Pick whichever immortal herbs you want."
With that, Dugu Bo turned and began searching around the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. He remembered seeing something resembling a sweet potato vine—that had to be the Land Dragon Golden Melon.
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin