Legend has it that there exists a sacred land within the Douluo Continent—the final resting place of the Water and Fire Dragon Kings.
The remains of these two dragon kings merged with the essence of the sun and moon, giving birth to two extraordinary springs: Milky White Spring and the Vermilion Red Spring. Twin yet opposing, these springs embody the perfect balance of yin and yang.
This place is known as the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Huo Yuhao's purpose in coming here was to harvest the unclaimed immortal herbs growing within this "Mandarin Duck Pot."
Among them, the Autumn Water Dew held the greatest significance for him. With its aid, he could save an immense amount of time—whether for the second awakening of his Spirit Eye martial soul or for fully stepping into the realm of tangible and intangible mental power.
Once his mental power reached that level, he could suppress his own extreme soul power and cultivate freely, completely negating the drawback of slowed cultivation speed caused by his Ultimate Ice attribute.
…
The Sunset Forest
After a swift journey, Huo Yuhao arrived at the Sunset Forest.
Compared to the Star Dou Forest, the vegetation here was sparser, and the species differed slightly.
This was due to geographical differences—the Sunset Forest lay closer to the frigid extreme north. Its flora consisted primarily of coniferous forests, interspersed with a few subtropical plants.
Once a thriving gathering place for soul beasts in the Heaven Dou Empire and one of the three great soul beast forests, the Sunset Forest had long since lost its former glory. The soul beasts residing within were no longer formidable.
Through his spiritual detection, Huo Yuhao observed that even thousand-year soul beasts were rare, let alone ten-thousand-year ones. Along his path, he encountered no soul beast capable of posing a threat.
Moreover, with his mastery of the Life Gold, he could keenly sense the decaying vitality of this ancient forest—like rotting wood.
In stark contrast to the Star Dou Forest, teeming with powerful soul beasts, the current state of the Sunset Forest reflected the devastation wrought upon the soul beast world by human soul masters.
Perhaps, before long, this forest would cease to be a haven for soul beasts and become nothing more than an ordinary woodland.
Huo Yuhao sighed.
'At last, I have time to come here.'
Truthfully, aside from the Jade Phosphorous Seven Absolute Flowers guarding the periphery of the Mandarin Duck Pot and the 100,000-year-old immortal herbs within, there were no overt threats.
Given Huo Yuhao's current strength, he could move freely.
In the original timeline, Tang San had only a few contingencies left on the Douluo Continent:
One hidden within Wang Dong'er's sea of consciousness, another in the Yin-Yang Love Querying Valley, and likely one monitoring Niu Tian and Xiao Wu within the Haotian Sect.
Was it the seven-colored miasma barrier deliberately arranged around the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well that gave him confidence? Or was it sheer arrogance, believing his schemes flawless?
Of course, without Huo Yuhao's foreknowledge, who would have guessed that such an opportunity lay hidden within the Sunset Forest?
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had long been under Tang San's control, effectively becoming the Tang family's private garden.
In the original story, even Huo Yuhao only learned of its existence through two Haotian Sect disciples—NPCs assigned by Tang San's mission—when he sought to save Wang Dong'er. Otherwise, he would have retreated halfway.
Even Dugu Bo's descendants, the previous masters of this land, knew little about it, leaving almost no records.
As for Shrek Academy, though they were aware of the fate-altering potential of immortal herbs, they possessed no concrete information.
Even if one stumbled near the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, ordinary soul masters would be helpless against the Jade Phosphorous Seven Absolute Flowers guarding the Mandarin Duck Pot.
These flowers ranked among the most poisonous plants in the world, renowned for their extreme toxicity and corrosive properties. Their neurotoxins induced unbearable agony upon contact, capable of dissolving flesh and bone.
Moreover, the seven-colored miasma enveloping the area was enough to deter most soul masters.
As Huo Yuhao ventured deeper into the Sunset Forest, the soul beasts vanished entirely. The surrounding light dimmed, and a pale dust permeated the air—floating steadily, unaffected by wind, even partially blocking sunlight.
"Yuhao, it's miasma," Skydream's voice echoed in his mind.
"We're close," Huo Yuhao nodded.
Miasma typically formed from decaying organic matter in stagnant, windless conditions. Its toxicity varied—mild cases caused dizziness and vomiting, while severe exposure could be fatal.
Huo Yuhao leaped upward, his feet treading on air as if stepping on solid ground. When he breached the treetops, light flooded his vision as though breaking through a barrier.
From this height, the Sunset Forest sprawled beneath him, veiled in thick miasma. The poisonous clouds thickened toward the center, where a mushroom-shaped, multicolored miasma swirled magnificently.
"I've seen miasma in the Star Dou Forest, but never on this scale—let alone such vibrant colors," Skydream mused. "That mushroom-shaped cloud suggests something extraordinary lies within. A treasure land, perhaps even sentient plant-type soul beasts."
"Our destination is there," Huo Yuhao confirmed, gazing at the dense core.
Only where the Jade Phosphorous Seven Absolute Flowers gathered would the miasma be so concentrated.
For most, this poisonous barrier was impenetrable—even for Titled Douluo. But for Huo Yuhao, it posed no threat.
Ultimate Ice was the natural counter to all poisons.
"Light Rainbow Gu!"
Using the Light Rainbow Gu, Huo Yuhao soared above the densest miasma.
"Ice Soul Sword Domain!"
A frigid gale erupted, razor-sharp sword energy descending like winter itself.
"Ice Empress's Armor! Ice Empress's Claw!"
Extreme Ice encased his body as the domain condensed, entwining around his dark-blue armor.
Huo Yuhao became the sword, slashing downward.
Ice crystals spiderwebbed around him as a terrifying sword light—tens of meters wide—cleaved through the poisonous clouds like a sword parting the sea.
The moment he landed, a deep green light flashed on his back—the Domain of Perpetual Ice (Permafrost Domain) activated.
Alongside the Northern Dark Ice Soul Domain and Blue Water Field, the cold currents repelled the miasma, forming a five-meter safe zone around him.
As for soul power consumption?
With the Tianyuan Treasure Lotus Gu, Huo Yuhao had no such concerns.
The surroundings were a kaleidoscope of colors. The ground was carpeted in vibrant, toxic flora, leaving no soil visible. Few trees stood—likely corroded long ago.
Bones of soul beasts littered the terrain, dyed in poisonous hues. Even the hardest skeletal structures had succumbed to corrosion.
"This is horrifying," Skydream muttered. "The miasma is expanding. In a few millennia, the entire Sunset Forest could become a toxic wasteland."
"If I get the chance, I'll cleanse it," Huo Yuhao replied.
After half an hour, the scenery shifted dramatically.
A sea of emerald green stretched before him—Jade Phosphorous Seven Absolute Flowers and their evolved form, Jade Phosphorous Nine Absolute Flowers.
Each plant stood half a meter tall, with nine hand-like leaves and a large emerald blossom. The poisonous miasma emanated from their stamens.
The Jade Phosphorous Nine Absolute Flowers were plant-type soul beasts, each at least ten-thousand years in cultivation.
Thousands of Jade Phosphorous Seven Absolute Flowers and hundreds of Jade Phosphorous Nine Absolute Flowers formed an invincible defense. Even a group of Titled Douluo would avoid this place.
Behind them, the miasma thickened, sinking into a valley—the location of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, one of the three great treasures of the world.
"These flowers are artificially arranged," Skydream noted. "But Ultimate Ice renders them harmless to us."
Huo Yuhao expanded his domain.
A hundred-meter radius instantly froze. The flowers recoiled, their poisonous mist dissipating.
Without hesitation, he stepped into the air, heading toward the valley.
The miasma here was so dense that even spiritual detection was suppressed.
Suddenly—
"Yuhao, on your right!" Skydream warned.
A 30,000-year plant-type soul beast lashed out—a thick, dark-blue vine, patterned in poisonous hues, striking like a python.
Huo Yuhao flicked his wrist.
swords of ice severed the vine effortlessly.
More vines attacked, but Huo Yuhao had no patience for them.
His mental power flared, clearing the area as he teleported downward, piercing through the miasma.
Three hundred meters later, the air cleared.
Before him lay a paradise.
The sky was veiled by the poisonous clouds, casting a rainbow-like glow over the valley—a fairy-tale world.
The cliffs were draped in the same dark-blue vines, shimmering like sapphires.
The valley floor bloomed with rare plants, their fruits glowing with precious light.
At its heart lay a divided lake—one half ice-white, mist curling from its surface, the other fiery-red, its light distorting the air.
"Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."
"This is a treasure land!" Skydream cheered. "Yuhao, we're rich!"
Even the Ice Empress's gaze burned with desire as she stared at the cold white spring.
...
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was so saturated with life energy that most of the plants here had developed intelligence, evolving into plant-type soul beasts.
Due to the disturbance Huo Yuhao had caused earlier, many plants swayed faintly, some even emitting intense light. However, under the concealment of his imitation soul skill, his infiltration was as smooth as entering an unguarded space.
Compared to beast-type soul beasts, plant-type soul beasts had one major disadvantage—limited mobility. Most were rooted in place, their control range restricted to the area around them.
Just like the vines on the cliff earlier, they couldn't pursue Huo Yuhao beyond their reach.
However, within their domain, plant-type soul beasts were even more dangerous than their beast counterparts. In a place teeming with them, the threat was immense.
This was also Tang San's only contingency here.
He had deceived a group of immortal herbs into guarding the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for him.
With these extraordinary 100,000-year-old immortal herbs standing vigil, even a Titled Douluo wouldn't leave unscathed.
But lies were meant to be exposed.
Today, Huo Yuhao was here to reveal the truth—and dismantle the deception!
After scanning the area, Huo Yuhao locked onto his target.
It was a large, light-pink flower growing at the convergence of the two springs, with no other plants within a 30-meter radius.
Its stem stretched three meters high, and the flower itself was nearly a meter in diameter. The petals, delicate as pink crystal, swayed gently in the mist.
A 100,000-year-old Aromatic Silk Beauty!
Renowned as one of the finest among immortal herbs, it could cure all poisons in the world.
With a flash of teleportation, Huo Yuhao appeared before it.
"Time to wake up, Aromatic Silk Beauty." Huo Yuhao gently roused the slumbering plant.
"Huh? How did you get here? And how do you know my name?"
A soft, surprised voice rang out as the massive flower shuddered.
Suddenly, its petals glowed pink, and a dome of light expanded, covering a 30-meter radius—enveloping Huo Yuhao as well.
This was the Aromatic Silk Beauty's goodwill. Without its protection, the concentrated scents of the plants and the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's aura alone would harm any human soul master.
Though Huo Yuhao wasn't afraid of these effects, he didn't resist the fragrant barrier.
As the aroma seeped into him, a refreshing sensation surged through his body. His mind cleared, his spirit sharpened, and he felt as if his entire being had been cleansed.
Even his soul power churned subtly, his cultivation advancing a fraction.
"What a soothing feeling," Skydream murmured in his sea of consciousness.
Indeed, this fragrance could greatly benefit a soul master's cultivation. If placed in Shrek Academy's inner courtyard, it would likely become a second treasure, revered alongside the Golden Tree.
"Hmm… You carry an aura similar to the Ice Eye's. No wonder you bypassed the deadly miasma outside."
The flower tilted slightly, its tone tinged with excitement.
"And you were right earlier—I am the Aromatic Silk Beauty. You can call me Youyou. Cute name, isn't it?"
Youyou immediately revealed her chatty nature.
"Hello, Youyou. I'm Huo Yuhao." His lips twitched. Of all the immortal herbs, this one was definitely the easiest to talk to.
Youyou giggled. "Alright, I'll call you Yuhao! Since you recognize me, you must know this is the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—one of the world's three great treasure troves, home to countless immortal herbs! So… what brings you here?"
Huo Yuhao decided to follow protocol first.
"I came to retrieve a book and gather herbs to save someone."
"A book?" The keyword triggered a violent tremor in Youyou.
"Ahhh! So you were sent by that person! Is he okay? It's been so long since we last saw him… He never visits anymore…"
"Actually, it's not that he doesn't want to. It's because Tang San is dead—he can't see you anymore."
Huo Yuhao cut her off bluntly, delivering the cold, hard "truth."
Better to let this white moonlight stay dead.
After all, Tang San had ascended to the God Realm. He couldn't come down to refute it.
'Dead? Might as well be.'
Huo Yuhao was certain he'd clash with Tang San eventually—their fates were already locked in opposition. It was only a matter of time.
Youyou: "…?"
Her laughter died instantly.
Not just her—other immortal herbs eavesdropping in the valley seemed struck, their radiant glows dimming slightly.
Huo Yuhao could feel at least twenty spiritual senses locking onto him now.
All were 100,000-year-old immortal herbs.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's effects were just that monstrous.
Here, one day of growth equaled ten outside. A 10,000-year immortal herb could reach 100,000 years.
Even heavenly tribulations were easier here, thanks to the lingering luck of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings.
"Dead? Tang San… is really gone?" Youyou's voice was faint, almost fragile.
Huo Yuhao sighed. "Yes. The dead don't return. Even the strongest soul masters can't defy time. Ten thousand years have passed—Tang San has long turned to dust."
"I also know picking herbs requires a trial. 'One herb per person, fate decides'—those were Tang San's words, right? Oh, and let me show you this."
His hands shimmered jade-white—Mysterious Jade Hand, a signature Tang Sect technique.
As an unofficial Tang Sect member, it was only natural he knew their secrets, right?
A little manipulation had earned Tang Ya's blind trust. Her naivety almost moved him to tears.
"Mysterious Jade Hand! You really are his descendant!"
Youyou's tone grew urgent. "Since you know the trial's rules and our origins… it seems you're not lying."
"Back then, Tang San nurtured us and set up the Poison Formation to protect us. Thanks to him, we survived these ten thousand years. I'd hoped to thank him one day, but…"
Huo Yuhao stayed silent.
The immortal herbs' longing was one-sided.
Would the cold, calculating God King Tang San ever care about outsiders?
Especially a bunch of plant soul beasts—mere consumables in his eyes.
'Who befriends something they plan to consume?'
Besides, Tang San's "kindness" was purely self-serving—to turn the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well into a sustainable resource for the Tang Sect.
Selfish motives were understandable. A treasure land like this? Tang San would never sleep soundly unless it was under his control.
But his methods spoke volumes.
The enhanced Jade Phosphor Poison Formation wasn't just a deterrent—it could kill even Super Douluo.
Countless soul beasts in the Sunset Forest had perished because of it, turning the once-thriving forest into a wasteland.
Worse, the poison was still spreading.
Seeing the timing was right, Huo Yuhao stepped forward.
"Youyou, I know this is hard to accept, but may I begin the trial now? The person I need to save… is a descendant of Tang San's brother."
This was true—Ma Xiaotao was linked to Ma Hongjun. Though her life wasn't actually in danger.
"Then let's proceed immediately." Youyou composed herself.
"First, know this—there are two trials, both deadly. Fail, and you die. Think carefully."
"Even if you pass, you may only take seven herbs. If they've become soul beasts, you'll receive split-off materials with equivalent effects."
Tang San might be dead, but the rules remained.
To pick an immortal herb, one must pass the trial—overseen by Youyou, the Herb King!
"Understood. I know the rules." Huo Yuhao nodded.
"Good. For the first trial, consume an herb here—and don't resist."
A purple light floated from Youyou's petals, landing on Huo Yuhao.
After a moment, the light retracted, and the flower trembled in surprise.
"Such formidable spiritual power! And this domineering ice aura… In that case, you'll take that one."
Another purple beam shot out, landing on an unassuming herb over a hundred meters away.
The herb was plain green, save for three snow-white leaves at its center, cradling dewdrops as pure as morning frost.
Guided by the light, it drifted to Huo Yuhao.
"Here. This is your trial herb. Be warned—many here are lethally toxic." Youyou's tone carried a hint of expectation.
"Yuhao, be careful," Skydream warned mentally. "This herb isn't hostile, and Aromatic Silk Beauty neutralizes most poisons. But stay alert."
Huo Yuhao smiled. "Thank you, Youyou. If I'm not mistaken, this is Wangchuan Autumn Dew (Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew)."
He tilted the herb, letting the dewdrops slide into his mouth.
Sweetness flooded his throat, followed by a refreshing coolness that spread through his body.
The moment the liquid was consumed, the herb withered instantly, crumbling to dust—only a few seeds remained.
A purple light whisked them away to regrow elsewhere.
Skydream confirmed the liquid was harmless—even beneficial—before relaxing.
"Focus on absorbing it. Bingbing and I will guard you."
The Ice Empress's voice was cold. "I'll handle it."
Huo Yuhao sat cross-legged, attuning to the changes within.
The cooling energy flowed through his blood, converging toward his head—then exploding in his mind.
A glacial clarity engulfed his eyes as his spiritual power, already on the verge of a breakthrough, surged.
…
While Huo Yuhao meditated, Youyou communicated with the other herbs.
"Even if his surname isn't Tang, he knows Tang San's techniques and the rules he left behind. He even recognized Wangchuan Autumn Dew. He must be Tang San's descendant. There's no reason to doubt him… So Tang San really is gone."
"Good riddance," the blunt Infernal Delicate Apricot muttered.
The Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass sneered. "So what if he's dead? We all know he never cared. Otherwise, why didn't he visit even once in ten thousand years?"
The immortal herbs fell silent, waiting for Youyou's response.
After a pause, she sighed. "You're right. Tang San never cared. We just refused to admit it."
The silence lingered until Infernal Delicate Apricot broke it.
"Youyou, you're too soft. Even if he's Tang San's descendant, why make his trial so easy? I worked hard for my fruits—I'm not giving them up!"
…
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