Exploring the Yin Yang Well

As they spoke, the carriage sped along, kicking up clouds of dust.

After who knows how long, the wheels gradually slowed and finally came to a stop at the edge of the Falling Moon Forest.

Though the hour was already late, with their collective strength, crossing the forest at night was hardly a challenge.

What's more, with Dugu Bo—a living map—leading the way, they could save plenty of time searching for the path.

Before long, the group arrived at the foot of two towering mountains, where a hidden valley entrance lay concealed, wrapped in layers of mist and toxic miasma. Without a careful look, it was impossible to spot.

"Dean Ye, please wait a moment. I've set up a poison formation around the perimeter. Let me open a path first." Dugu Bo's voice was barely restrained with excitement, his tone even more hurried than usual.

The others, still unaware of the astonishing treasure hidden in the valley, remained calm. The five girls knew their place—at times like this, they should just be "accessories." Wherever the teacher pointed, they'd go. To sum it up: less worrying about irrelevant things, more focus on the one in their hearts!

Before long, the mist outside the valley churned and quickly parted into a clear path leading straight inside.

Dugu Bo turned around, his voice still tinged with excitement: "Alright, Dean Ye, follow me quickly!"

Ye Feiyang nodded and gestured for the others to follow. Dugu Bo led the way, and before long, they reached their destination—the Yin Yang Well.

This extraordinary place was hidden deep in the canyon between two great mountains. One peak was perpetually covered in snow, frozen solid, radiating a bone-piercing chill; the other churned with molten lava, heat billowing, making the very air scorching.

The two opposing energies clashed in the canyon, giving rise to thick miasma that settled at the valley floor, creating this bizarre spectacle. It also made the Yin Yang Well exceptionally concealed.

Add to that the poison formation Dugu Bo had set up outside, and it was nearly impossible for any soul beast or soul master to stumble upon it. Even if some lucky fool managed to barge in by chance, they'd be turned away by the Bilin Seven Absolute Flowers at the perimeter.

These Bilin Seven Absolute Flowers were like round-the-clock, tireless natural guards, diligently protecting this pristine land.

"This place is really well hidden," Ye Feiyang said, a hint of excitement in his voice. He glanced around and couldn't help but marvel, "Even looking down from above, you'd only see a patch of toxic miasma. Who would've thought there's a whole other world beneath?"

His gaze swept over the area around the spring, where Immortal Herbs and spiritual plants covered the ground. A rich, medicinal fragrance hit him, and each herb shimmered with a faint, shifting light, dazzling to the eye.

At the very center of the dual ice-fire spring, two Immortal Herbs of different forms stood quietly, like the crown jewels of the entire garden, drawing everyone's attention.

"I was lucky back then, stumbling into this treasure trove by accident," Dugu Bo said, stroking his beard with a hint of pride, his face full of self-satisfaction at Ye Feiyang's remark.

Ye Feiyang chuckled lightly and didn't respond. Internally, he grumbled: This old poison freak is pretty pleased with himself, huh? Sitting on a divine herb garden and not knowing how to use it—it's like holding a golden bowl and begging, wasting heaven's gifts...

Beside him, Xue Qinghe also felt the strange interplay of ice and fire temperatures. Her eyes swept over the dazzling array of exotic flowers and plants, her heart full of amazement.

Though she couldn't name these herbs, anything that thrived so vigorously in such extreme conditions couldn't be ordinary. She didn't know much about immortal herbs, but she had basic common sense—some rare medicinal plants could fetch sky-high prices at auctions, and here, these herbs were as common as a wholesale market!

Xue Qinghe looked at Ye Feiyang with a puzzled gaze, curiosity burning: How did this guy know there was something good here when he'd never been before?

Ye Feiyang's five disciples also exchanged glances, muttering to themselves: Is this the good place the teacher meant? The environment is certainly strange. They didn't dare move recklessly, clustering around Ye Feiyang, waiting for him to speak first.

Just as they were about to ask something, someone beat them to it...

Xue Qinghe was the first to exclaim, "Feiyang, is this the Yin Yang Well you mentioned? How did you know about this place?" She'd heard him talk about it in the carriage and had been curious ever since. Now that she was here, the sight truly stunned her.

Ye Feiyang nodded in confirmation: "That's right, this is it." He deftly sidestepped Xue Qinghe's second question, just smiled, and turned to point at the perimeter not far away...

There, a half-meter-tall Immortal Herb grew, exuding an icy, keep-away aura. It had nine leaves shaped like human hands, supporting a flower that was entirely emerald green but bloomed with seven-colored petals—the Bilin Seven Absolute Flower they'd mentioned earlier. And this one was clearly the best-grown and oldest of them all.

"Dugu Bo, see that? That's the Bilin Seven Absolute Flower..." Ye Feiyang continued, "This one has the highest age, perfect for your granddaughter."

At these words, Dugu Bo's eyes lit up instantly. He exclaimed, "What? This is the Immortal Herb that can advance my granddaughter's martial soul?"

Before he finished speaking, he dashed over in a single bound—his main purpose in coming to the Falling Moon Forest was to find an opportunity for his granddaughter's martial soul advancement. Who knew this great opportunity had been right beside him all along, and he'd passed by it so many times without noticing!

No help for it—this was beyond his knowledge; he simply couldn't recognize the value of this herb.

Watching Dugu Bo's excitement, Ye Feiyang chuckled silently and let him "bond" with the flower. He turned and led Xue Qinghe and the five disciples toward the spring.

"Teacher, it's hot one moment and cold the next—it's like ice and fire heaven and earth!" Ning Rongrong finally seized the chance to talk to her teacher, chattering nonstop, releasing all the pent-up frustration of not having spoken to him during the journey. "I feel so uncomfortable—when it's hot, I want to take off my clothes, and when it's cold, I want a hug... Teacher, do you think that feels good?"

After saying that, Ning Rongrong was drawn to a small white flower not far away. She tiptoed over and whispered in awe, "Wow, what a pretty little flower..."

Ye Feiyang's mouth twitched slightly: What does she mean by "ice and fire heaven and earth"! That girl's wording almost made his mind wander. He ignored Ning Rongrong and turned his attention to Xiao Wu.

He noticed Xiao Wu seemed unhappy. Unlike the others, who were curiously looking around, she wore a look of unease, occasionally glancing sidelong at Dugu Bo at the perimeter.

Ye Feiyang caught her subtle movements. He smiled, reached out, and ruffled her hair, asking gently, "What's with that expression? Is that old man making you uneasy?"

Xiao Wu looked up, gave Ye Feiyang a soft smile, then hugged his arm and snuggled into his chest, acting coy. "With you here, Teacher, of course I'm not scared! It's just that I'm still a bit intimidated by that Titled Douluo... Teacher, you have to protect me~"

With that, she buried her face deeper into his chest and murmured, "Your chest is so reassuring..."

By now, the others were absorbed in admiring the scenery, their attention captured by the exotic plants, and no one noticed the interaction between Xiao Wu and Ye Feiyang.

"Alright, alright, you've grown up a lot lately. You need to learn some restraint. And don't hug so tight—what if someone sees?" Ye Feiyang said helplessly.

Xiao Wu froze at that, her face instantly turning red: How does Teacher know I've grown? He hasn't touched me, so how could he know?

She muttered softly, her voice sweet and shy, "Teacher, you're so mean. You haven't touched me, so how do you know if I've gotten bigger..."

Ye Feiyang rolled his eyes in exasperation: This rascally rabbit—who led her astray? Her thoughts are getting less and less innocent!

He didn't want to keep tangling with Xiao Wu on this topic, and just then, his gaze landed on an Immortal Herb growing on a black rock. This herb looked like a peony, but its texture was as smooth as jade. White petals were veined with blood-red lines, and at the center of the flower hung a drop of transparent liquid like dew.

Legend had it that this drop was called the "Essence of Love," and this herb was none other than the famous Xiangsi Duan Changhong.

Ye Feiyang looked down at Xiao Wu, still clinging to him, gently pried her off, and turned her face toward the herb, saying:

"Xiao Wu, see that Immortal Herb? It's called Xiangsi Duan Changhong." For some reason, Ye Feiyang suddenly felt a strong urge for Xiao Wu to pick that flower, as if it was meant to belong to her.

"I see it, Teacher. What are you trying to say?" Xiao Wu blinked her big eyes, looking puzzled, as if she'd only caught the first part of his words.

Ye Feiyang smiled and reached out to tap her nose, saying gently, "I want you to go pick it."

He paused, then explained in detail, "This flower is very spiritual. You can't pick it by force, or it will wither instantly and lose all its medicinal properties. When picking it, you must be sincere and drop a drop of your own blood onto its heart."

Ye Feiyang's tone carried a hint of a smile as he continued, "When you pick the flower, you have to think of the person you love most. If it acknowledges you, you'll succeed in picking it... Do you remember?"

Xiao Wu blinked her big eyes, listening intently to Ye Feiyang's words, but it seemed only the last part sank in—"think of the one you love."

Her heart suddenly raced: This flower is so miraculous? Isn't this the perfect chance to show my feelings to Teacher?

"Teacher, just watch me—I'll pick it... and brew it into wine for you!" Xiao Wu knew her own heart well; she was already deeply immersed in her feelings for Ye Feiyang, unable to extricate herself.

Without a moment's hesitation, she strode quickly to the Xiangsi Duan Changhong, crouched down, gently bit her fingertip, and let a bright red drop of blood fall precisely onto the flower's heart.

Xiao Wu took a deep breath, slowly closed her eyes, and her mind filled with images of Ye Feiyang—his gentle smile, his steadfastness when protecting her, his occasional playfulness...

She silently recited in her heart: The one my heart yearns for is named Ye Feiyang. I want to be with him, always and forever, never apart...

At this moment, Xiao Wu's gaze was full of deep affection, her sincerity unmatched.

The Xiangsi Duan Changhong seemed to sense her emotions. The blood that fell onto its heart quickly merged into it, and then the entire flower glowed with a soft white light, dazzlingly bright in the dim canyon.

Xiao Wu felt a connection, as if she had formed some subtle bond with the flower. She carefully reached out, gently grasped the stem, and with a slight pull, the whole plant fell safely into her hand, showing no signs of withering.

Xiao Wu was overjoyed—she had actually succeeded!

Holding the faintly glowing Immortal Herb in her hand, Xiao Wu's nose tingled slightly: So I really... really like Teacher a lot. Even the Immortal Herb could feel this feeling.

Ye Feiyang watched Xiao Wu's every move. Seeing her successfully pick the Xiangsi Duan Changhong, a relieved smile appeared on his face—Xiao Wu hadn't let him down.

Xiao Wu opened her bright, sparkling eyes and looked toward Ye Feiyang. She raised the Immortal Herb in her hand, her voice light but unable to hide a hint of shyness: "Teacher, I picked it... Do you know? When I was picking the flower, all I thought about was you."

These words were like a confession only the two of them could understand—gentle and sincere.

Ye Feiyang smiled slightly, nodded, and said, "I saw it. You did great. Since you could pick it, it means it was meant for you. Now, you can eat it."

Xiao Wu froze, asking in disbelief, "Eat... eat it?"

This wasn't how the script went! In Xiao Wu's imagination, she was supposed to give the flower to Teacher, then they'd embrace and kiss, sealing their feelings for each other. Why was Teacher telling her to eat it herself?

"Teacher, such a beautiful flower... I, I can't bear to eat it. How about we make soup with it? Let's nourish ourselves together, okay?" Xiao Wu made one last attempt, hoping to share this flower full of meaning with her teacher.

Ye Feiyang rolled his eyes, reached out and pinched Xiao Wu's cheek, saying helplessly, "If you don't eat it soon, the medicinal effects of this Immortal Herb will be lost! Hurry up and eat it. I promise you'll go up at least five or six levels, and your soul power will greatly improve."

This Xiangsi Duan Changhong was the king of flowers. Not only could it greatly enhance soul power, but it also had the miraculous effects of protecting the soul from destruction and reviving the dead. Although Ye Feiyang wasn't sure of the exact rate at which this Immortal Herb's potency faded, he just wanted Xiao Wu to eat it quickly.

After Xiao Wu ate it, she could rush to level forty as soon as possible. Then he'd get to see Xiao Wu's soul ring change from purple to black—just thinking about it was exciting!

As for the other effects of this Immortal Herb, Ye Feiyang didn't care much—since Xiao Wu was cultivating the Taiyin Jade Rabbit Scripture to its peak, she could already achieve rebirth from a drop of blood. This extra layer of protection was just icing on the cake. But cultivating immortal techniques took hundreds or thousands of years, so it was still early. Having more preparations couldn't hurt.

When Xiao Wu heard that she could jump five or six levels, she panicked—if it was true, this opportunity was second only to the fortune Teacher gave her when he accepted her as a disciple. She couldn't waste such a good chance just because she wanted to make soup!

"Alright, Teacher, I'll eat it now! So, do I just swallow it whole?" Xiao Wu asked, still reluctant to bite into the beautiful flower in her hand.

"Uh, if you don't mind, you can chew it before swallowing. That makes it easier to absorb the medicinal power," Ye Feiyang suggested.

"Hehe~ Teacher, you're so annoying~" Xiao Wu said with a coquettish pout. Before she finished speaking, she had already sat cross-legged and began earnestly consuming the Immortal Herb.

Watching Xiao Wu start to absorb the power of the Xiangsi Duan Changhong, Ye Feiyang suddenly thought of something and communicated with the system in his mind.

"System, can each person really only take one Immortal Herb?" Ye Feiyang silently asked. He felt there should be a way for his disciples to absorb more of the herbs' power.

[Host, it depends on the compatibility of the Immortal Herbs. Herbs with different compatibilities can be taken together. The specific combination method is: herbs corresponding to soul power, physique, and mental strength can be taken simultaneously without conflict...]

The system's detailed explanation finally gave Ye Feiyang a general understanding of the principle.

It turned out that plants worthy of being called Immortal Herbs contained extremely vast amounts of energy. However, the attributes of various Immortal Herbs differed, and some even countered each other.

If you took herbs with the same attribute, taking more wouldn't be beneficial and would waste energy. If you took herbs with conflicting attributes and forced them together, the immense energy would clash and repel within the body, unable to coexist harmoniously.

It was like stuffing a large block of ice and a blazing fire into the same container. The result would likely be that the body couldn't withstand such a massive energy impact, leading to damaged meridians. In severe cases, the overpowering medicinal force could even cause the body to explode and die.

Of course, if one was strong enough to endure the energy impact and make the two conflicting energies coexist peacefully within the body... then the system would take that back.

But if you took three herbs with different, non-conflicting effects, this problem usually wouldn't occur, and it would instead enhance your overall strength.

"I understand." Ye Feiyang nodded in sudden realization, his doubts finally cleared.

Of course, what the system said was the general case. There were also special exceptions. For instance, Ye Feiyang now noticed that the two conflicting Immortal Herbs at the center of the spring—their method of consumption wasn't to take them simultaneously?

Using the principle of two conflicting herbs to neutralize each other's harsh medicinal power, reducing the impact on the body, achieving the best absorption effect. But this method also carried risks. If you survived it, you'd gain a huge boost. If you didn't, you'd have to accept your bad luck, possibly even losing your life.

[Host, I suggest you refine these Immortal Herbs into pills before consuming them...] The system suddenly suggested.

"Oh? Tell me more..." Ye Feiyang became interested. He knew the system wouldn't speak without reason; it must have a good idea.

[For example, the two herbs in the spring. If you use them as main ingredients, you can refine them into 'Two Extremes Body Tempering Pills.' This pill not only fully preserves the original effects of both herbs, but given their age, if this system refines them, there won't be any loss of medicinal properties, and the yield will be considerable. Then, you can not only take them yourself but also give the surplus to your disciples...]

"Oh? Something this good? System, you're not trying to trick me out of my Immortal Herbs, are you?" Ye Feiyang blurted out instinctively. He found it hard to believe such a good deal existed.

[Host, your heart is really dirty...] The system's voice carried a hint of exasperation.

Ye Feiyang's old face flushed slightly with embarrassment—he was just raising a reasonable doubt, so why was he being called "dirty-hearted"? But on second thought, the system had always been generous to his disciples, so he shouldn't worry about false advertising regarding the pill's effects.

He stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and then said, "System, take a look at all the Immortal Herbs here and recommend which ones are suitable for each of my disciples. As for the remaining herbs, what pills can you refine from them?"

As soon as Ye Feiyang finished speaking, the system's suggestion came through immediately:

[Recommendation: Xiao Wu should take 'Xiangsi Duan Changhong' (already taken), Zhu Zhuqing is suited for 'Shui Xuan Jade Muscle Bone', Ning Rongrong can take 'Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid', Huo Wu is suited for 'Cockscomb Phoenix Crown', Shui Bing'er can take 'Snow-Colored Swan Kiss', Qian Renxue (Xue Qinghe) is suited for 'Exquisite Fluff Sky-Piercing Chrysanthemum'.]

[Host, have you considered refining all these Immortal Herbs into pills? That would maximize their value.] After making its recommendations, the system couldn't resist one last pitch for Ye Feiyang, hoping he would choose alchemy.

Ye Feiyang thought it over and felt the system had a point, but still shook his head. "Let them take the Immortal Herbs directly. There are so many here anyway, it's not a waste. Xiao Wu has already started absorbing the medicinal power, so the others might as well share in the fortune and enjoy themselves..."

Since they were already here, not letting his disciples pick and consume an Immortal Herb with their own hands felt like something was missing. Besides, this seemed to have become a custom in this world, or perhaps an obsession—after all, Immortal Herbs weren't something you encountered every day.

As for himself, he didn't really care whether he ate an Immortal Herb or not. Taking pills and consuming the herbs directly had roughly the same effect in the end, so there was no need to compete with his disciples over this little bit of "ceremony."

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