Absorbing the Water Dragon King Spirit Bone

"Hey, A Zhen, you went to all this trouble just to recruit a poisonous old man? What use is he?"

Jiang Zhen withdrew his gaze and smiled. "Ice Empress, what do you think of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye?"

"Of course, it is a treasured land blessed by Heaven and earth."

Ice Empress answered without hesitation.

"Yes, a treasured land. But neither you nor I can guard it here forever. We need someone strong enough and trustworthy to watch over it."

"Dugu Bo is quite formidable, familiar with this place, and now owes me a great favor. His loyalty can be relied upon, making him the best candidate. That is the first reason."

Jiang Zhen spoke slowly.

"Second, he is a guest adviser to the Heaven Dou Empire's royal family. His status is extraordinary, and he commands many resources and sources of information. With his help, it will be much more convenient for us to travel the Human World in the future."

"Third, the art of poison can sometimes produce unexpected effects."

Ice Empress gave a half-understanding "Oh." She was not particularly interested in all these twists and turns of the Human World. Anyone who could not beat her was trash anyway.

What she cared more about was the Herb Garden before her.

"Now that the trouble is settled, This Empress shall begin collecting her reward!"

A glint flashed through Ice Empress's eyes as she darted through the Herb Garden. Before long, she had gathered more than a dozen top-grade cold-attribute spiritual herbs that would greatly benefit both her and Snow Empress, carefully sealing them in the jade boxes Jiang Zhen had given her.

After finishing, she returned to Jiang Zhen. Her tone was unusually serious. "A Zhen, now that matters here are settled, This Empress must immediately return to the Extreme North Core Circle."

"Snow Empress is still in seclusion. I need to bring these Immortal Herbs back to help her break through. I must also enter seclusion to digest what I gained this time and challenge the four-hundred-thousand-year threshold."

Hearing that Ice Empress was leaving, Jiang Zhen inexplicably felt a trace of reluctance.

During this period together, although they often bickered, this proud yet powerful scorpion had already come to occupy a unique place in his heart.

He fell silent for a moment, then suddenly took a jade box from his Storage Ring and opened its lid.

In an instant, an extreme chill even purer and more fundamental than the icy spring of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye spread through the air.

Inside lay ten crystalline Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrows, their interiors seemingly filled with drifting icy stars!

"Take these with you."

Jiang Zhen handed the jade box to Ice Empress.

"Challenging the four-hundred-thousand-year Heavenly Tribulation is no trivial matter. It never hurts to be prepared. Remember, safety comes first."

Ice Empress stared at the ten Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrows, enough to drive any Ice Attribute Soul Beast mad, and was completely stunned.

She looked up at Jiang Zhen. Her emerald eyes shimmered with an immensely complicated light—surprise, gratitude, and an indescribable emotion.

She had never expected Jiang Zhen to give her something so precious, much less ten of them at once!

Nor did she ask how Jiang Zhen had obtained so many Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrows.

She did not put on airs and refuse. Silently, she accepted the jade box and carefully put it away.

Then she looked at Jiang Zhen and suddenly stretched out her little hand, awkwardly patting his arm.

She had originally wanted to pat his shoulder, but unfortunately, she was not tall enough.

Damn A Zhen. Didn't he say he was only a little over nine? Why was he so tall?

(T_T)!!

"Got it... You're so annoying."

She turned her head away. Her voice still carried its usual pride, but her concern came through clearly.

"You... You should be careful in the Human World too. Don't get yourself killed before This Empress returns."

With that, jade light flashed around her body. She transformed into a streak of light that shot into the sky, speeding toward the depths of the Extreme North Land and vanishing beyond the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Zhen stood where he was, watching the direction in which Ice Empress had disappeared. Feeling the faint lingering coolness on his arm and her unusual concern, the corner of his mouth rose slightly.

This somewhat tsundere scorpion was rather cute.

Only after Ice Empress's figure had vanished from the sky did Jiang Zhen slowly shift his gaze back.

He looked around the spiritually blessed Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye. The springs still flowed in clearly divided currents, while the hazy mist nourished the spiritual herbs filling the garden.

The spiritual energy here is so dense. For Ah Yin, it truly is an excellent place to cultivate... Perhaps we can come here often in the future.

Jiang Zhen pondered inwardly.

As one of the Three Great Treasure Basins, this place could accelerate plant growth tenfold, offering Ah Yin boundless benefits.

He walked over to the sacred Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid and carefully picked it.

Even after leaving the soil, the Immortal Orchid continued to emit a gentle glow and a refreshing fragrance.

Jiang Zhen took out a high-quality jade box, carefully placed the Immortal Orchid inside, sealed it with Soul Power, and only then stored it in his Storage Ring.

This Immortal Herb had the mildest and richest medicinal properties. It could strengthen one's foundation, nourish one's origin, and gradually nurture Soul Power.

It was especially suitable for a Spirit Master like Ah Yin, whose level was not high but who possessed a top-tier plant-type Martial Soul. It could help her solidify her foundation and accelerate her cultivation.

After finishing all this, Jiang Zhen did not linger. Blue-gold light flashed from his right leg.

His Flight Spirit Bone Skill activated, and he shot into the sky, flying toward Heaven Dou City.

More than two hours later, the towering outline of Heaven Dou City came into view once again.

Jiang Zhen landed in an uninhabited area outside the city, straightened his robes, and calmly entered the city by the main road like an ordinary traveler.

The city remained bustling and prosperous, as though it were a completely different world from the tranquility of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye beyond its walls.

Without slowing, Jiang Zhen headed straight back to the ordinary inn where they had been staying.

The moment he pushed open the door, a small figure rushed toward him.

"Brother A Zhen!"

Ah Yin raised her little face, her eyes full of expectation and a faint, almost imperceptible worry.

"You're back! Where's Sister Ice Empress?"

She peered behind Jiang Zhen but did not find the older sister in the Green Dress.

Jiang Zhen smiled faintly and rubbed her hair. "Sister Ice Empress had something urgent to do, so she returned to her home in the Extreme North Land first. She asked me to let you know."

"Ah? She went back..."

A clear hint of disappointment appeared on Ah Yin's little face. Although Ice Empress always looked cold and aloof.

Ah Yin could sense that Ice Empress bore her no ill will. Moreover, as fellow beings who were "not human," she naturally felt close to her.

"Alright, don't be disappointed. There will be another chance to meet again."

Jiang Zhen comforted her. "Come on, let's eat first. Then I'll take you somewhere new."

He took Ah Yin to a nearby tavern for a hearty meal, satisfying her craving for delicious food.

Jiang Zhen did not take her back to the inn. Instead, following the address Dugu Bo had left behind, he headed toward the relatively remote southern district of Heaven Dou City.

The farther they went, the quieter it became. Finally, they stopped before an ancient residence that occupied a considerable area but appeared somewhat deserted at its entrance.

No official title or noble rank was written on the plaque above the gates. There was only a dark green, slightly ferocious serpent emblem—this was the mark of Dugu Bo's private residence.

Jiang Zhen stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker.

Before long, a side door opened, and an old servant poked his head out, his eyes wary.

However, when his gaze fell upon Jiang Zhen, he was initially puzzled, then seemed to remember something. His expression abruptly changed.

He became incomparably respectful, even slightly fearful, and hurriedly opened the main gates all the way.

"Could you be... Young Master Jiang Zhen?"

The old servant's voice trembled slightly. Clearly, Dugu Bo had given him strict orders.

"It's me."

Jiang Zhen nodded indifferently. "Is Dugu Bo here?"

"Master... After returning, he hurried off to the young lady's courtyard. He instructed us that if you came, Young Master, everything in the residence would be under your command. Please make yourself at home."

The old servant bowed as he spoke, stepping aside to clear the way.

Jiang Zhen led Ah Yin into the residence.

The inside of the manor was even more spacious and secluded than it appeared from outside. Its decorations were not extravagant, yet it possessed an austere air. Faint traces of hidden Poison Arrays could also be sensed throughout, making it nearly impossible for ordinary people to trespass.

"Take us to a quiet room where we will not be disturbed."

Jiang Zhen instructed.

"Yes, yes, Young Master. Please follow this old servant." The old servant hurriedly led the way, bringing them deep into the residence to a secluded cultivation chamber.

The chamber was built from thick bluestone, with excellent soundproofing. The fluctuations of Soul Power within also seemed stabilized by some kind of formation.

It truly was an excellent place for seclusion, far safer and more private than an inn.

"Alright, you may leave. Without my orders, no one is allowed near this place."

Jiang Zhen dismissed the old servant.

Only Jiang Zhen and Ah Yin remained in the chamber.

"Brother A Zhen, what are we doing here?" Ah Yin curiously looked around the unfamiliar stone chamber.

Jiang Zhen took out the jade box containing the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid and said gently, "Ah Yin, do you remember the Immortal Herb I told you about, the one that can help you grow stronger faster? This is one of them."

"This place is safe. I'll stand guard for you, so take it and absorb it without worry, alright?"

Seeing the Immortal Orchid in the jade box, radiating sacred light and fragrance, Ah Yin's eyes brightened. She nodded vigorously. "Mm! Ah Yin will work hard!"

After arranging for Ah Yin to sit on a Meditation Cushion in the chamber and carefully explaining the precautions for taking the Immortal Orchid, Jiang Zhen stood guard beside her.