Mist curled over the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, where milky-white and vermilion spring waters flowed quietly, and the immortal herbs beside the pool unfurled their leaves beneath the nourishment of spiritual energy.
Some sat while others stood, their gazes drifting now and then toward Golden Crocodile, who sat cross-legged in meditation. Anticipation and stillness filled the air, and even their breathing unconsciously softened.
Qian Daoliu sat cross-legged on a smooth, pleasantly warm bluestone, his fingertips lightly tapping his knee as his consciousness sank into the system panel.
The number of lucky draws on the panel flickered with a faint glow-the reward earned when Bibi Dong broke through.
Draw once.
He silently issued the command.
[Congratulations, host. Lucky draw successful. You have obtained one volume of the cultivation technique "Poison Manual," containing methods for refining, neutralizing, and controlling the world's exotic poisons.]
An ancient, yellowed book appeared out of thin air within his consciousness. The words "Poison Manual" were inscribed on its cover in cinnabar, radiating a sinister chill, as though bone-dissolving venom lurked between its pages.
Qian Daoliu brushed his fingertips over the pages and nodded slightly after reading a few-this manual was a supreme treasure perfectly suited to Dugu Bo's obsession with the poisonous arts.
He then took stock of the side quest rewards: the Nine Yin Manual and the Complete Compendium of Ancient Medicinal Materials. Together with the newly drawn Poison Manual, the three books hovered in his sea of consciousness, exuding an ancient aura that seemed to have crossed time and space.
Qian Daoliu kept the lower volume of the Nine Yin Manual, then withdrew from his consciousness space.
"Yue Guan," Qian Daoliu called.
Yue Guan immediately stepped forward and bowed. "At your service."
Qian Daoliu took out a jet-black Storage Ring and