"The Icefire Yin-Yang Well?"
Yun Ming's expression remained calm as his gaze silently settled on Tang Luochuan, lost in thought for a moment. In truth, it wasn't because the request was too demanding.
Quite the opposite—it was actually quite simple.
Long ago, the Icefire Yin-Yang Well had been managed by the Tang Sect, a top-tier organization closely tied to Shrek Academy.
Every generation of the Shrek Seven Monsters had the privilege of visiting the Icefire Yin-Yang Well. And if Tang Luochuan was willing to dedicate himself to studying at Shrek, he would undoubtedly become the leader of the next generation of the Seven Monsters.
Selecting an Immortal Herb from the Icefire Yin-Yang Well would naturally pose no issue. However, the crux of the matter was...
Tang Luochuan belonged to Leng Yaozhu's faction within the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, alongside Gu Yue. There was no way he would develop his future at Shrek.
"Luo Chuan, I won't hide the truth from you."
"At Shrek, apart from students who have made outstanding contributions, only the Shrek Seven Monsters of each generation are permitted to select one Immortal Herb."
Yun Ming spoke slowly, his tone composed.
He greatly admired this young man, but rules were rules. Currently, the relationship between the Spirit Transfer Pagoda and both Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect was strained. If they simply handed over such an opportunity...
The Tang Sect wouldn't take it well either.
"So, what the teacher means is..."
Beside him, Na'er immediately grasped Yun Ming's implication. Her expression stiffened—her Luo Chuan Gege wasn't one of the Shrek Seven Monsters. Like Older Sister Gu Yue, his future lay with the Spirit Transfer Pagoda.
Did that mean he couldn't obtain an Immortal Herb at all?
"Master, I don't intend to take an Immortal Herb. As I said, I just want to visit the Icefire Yin-Yang Well."
Hearing Yun Ming's words, Tang Luochuan shook his head with a smile, completely unbothered.
He just wanted to take a good look, that was all.
"Just to look..."
"Only to look?"
A trace of confusion flickered across Yun Ming's face.
The Icefire Yin-Yang Well was indeed one of the world's rare treasure troves, the optimal environment for plants. But if it was just for sightseeing, how could that possibly benefit Luo Chuan?
"If it's just a visit, then there's no issue. Very well, I'll take note of this. Wait for my message."
After a brief pause, Yun Ming nodded.
"Then I'll trouble the Master."
Tang Luochuan grinned in gratitude.
"Teacher."
"I also want to visit the Icefire Yin-Yang Well."
Once Tang Luochuan finished speaking, Na'er also spoke up, her tone earnest.
"Na'er, you want to go too?"
Hearing her words, Yun Ming instinctively glanced at Tang Luochuan before letting out a helpless chuckle.
Was she truly interested in the Icefire Yin-Yang Well, or was it because of a certain someone? He knew the answer all too well...
"Master, Senior Ya Li."
"We won't trouble you any further."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Tang Luochuan and Na'er departed together, their figures gradually fading from Yun Ming's sight.
"Luo Chuan's intentions..."
Watching their retreating figures until they disappeared, Yun Ming's eyes flickered with contemplation, though it was unclear what exactly he was pondering.
"Ming."
"Is there a problem here?"
Beside him, Ya Li voiced her confusion. Clearly, she also sensed something amiss, but as for what exactly...
She couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"A problem? Not exactly."
"But..."
Yun Ming shook his head. Simply wanting to take a look naturally wouldn't be an issue. Once he contacted the Tang Sect's deputy leader, Zang Xin—who was also one of the former Shrek Seven Monsters—it should be settled.
But he couldn't shake the feeling…
That something just felt off.
"Never mind."
"Perhaps Luo Chuan developed a strong interest in the Icefire Yin-Yang Well after reading ancient texts. It's just a look—it won't cost anything, and Zang Xin won't refuse."
Yun Ming shook his head, thinking to himself.
"…"
"Luo Chuan Gege, do you want an Immortal Herb?"
On the way back, Na'er kept stealing glances at Tang Luochuan before finally asking softly.
"Hmm?"
"Of course not. Why do you ask?"
Tang Luochuan chuckled and shook his head.
"Because Brother wants to visit the Icefire Yin-Yang Well."
Na'er looked at him, her tone serious.
"The best things in the Icefire Yin-Yang Well are the Immortal Herbs, which greatly benefit the body. Twenty thousand years ago, they even helped that Tang San achieve godhood…"
"They would definitely be very beneficial for Luo Chuan too. But you said you didn't want them because you noticed Teacher's hesitation, right? That's why you only said you wanted to look, didn't you?"
A thoughtful glimmer flashed in Na'er's eyes as she spoke softly.
She was sure it must be so.
"You…"
Hearing Na'er's analysis, Tang Luochuan was momentarily stunned before he couldn't help but find her adorable.
He hadn't expected that his simple desire to see the Icefire Yin-Yang Well had already sparked so many thoughts in her mind. Na'er really was clever, and…
She cared deeply for him.
"Luo Chuan Gege."
"If you want an Immortal Herb, Na'er can ask Teacher for it. As the successor to the Sea God Pavilion, I can definitely get one. Just tell me which one you want, okay?"
The next moment, Na'er suddenly stopped and turned to him, smiling sweetly as she spoke softly.
"I'm sure Teacher wouldn't dare refuse me."
"Hmm? Na'er, you…"
Hearing this, Tang Luochuan was taken aback before he smiled gently. So this was what Na'er had meant. Though it was a little surprising, he wasn't shocked at all.
Na'er had always been sincere and straightforward with him.
"Thank you, Na'er, but I really don't have any plans for an Immortal Herb."
Gently pulling her into his arms, Tang Luochuan spoke. He hadn't even considered asking for a single Immortal Herb because…
What he wanted was to take control of all the Immortal Herbs—and the entire Icefire Yin-Yang Well—for himself. As for begging the Tang Sect or the like?
Pfft—spit!
"But…"
"No buts. Unless… you think I'd lie to someone as important as you."
Tang Luochuan smiled as he spoke softly.
"I understand, Luo Chuan Gege…"
Hearing this, Na'er finally responded, though her cheeks had already flushed with shyness, her heart swelling with joy.
A very important person…
In Luo Chuan Gege's eyes, she was a very important person!
"In my heart…"
"Luo Chuan Gege is also the most, most important person."
Na'er murmured to herself.
"So, Na'er wanted to visit the Icefire Yin-Yang Well to help me get an Immortal Herb?"
Tang Luochuan quickly released the beauty in his arms, gently stroking her hair as he softly asked, "So that's why you suddenly said that back then."
What a sweet and obedient Na'er she was!
"There's a bit of that, yeah..."
Na'er nodded earnestly, a smile on her face, while her heart brimmed with wandering thoughts.
It wasn't just about wanting to fetch the Immortal Herb for Brother—there was another reason. She also wanted to see the Icefire Yin-Yang Well for herself. After all, she had something she desired too...
The next day.
"Luo Chuan, come to Sea God Island."
That afternoon, just as Tang Luochuan had finished breakfast with Gu Yue and the others and was about to return to the dorm, his communicator suddenly rang. It was Yun Ming calling.
"Yes, Pavilion Master."
Hearing this, Tang Luochuan quickly responded, though he was slightly surprised. He had only mentioned wanting to visit the Icefire Yin-Yang Well yesterday—could it be...
That he would get to go today?
"Luo Chuan, what's this about...?"
Beside him, Gu Yue's usually calm expression carried a trace of curiosity. Luo Chuan and the Sea God Pavilion Master, Yun Ming—what were they planning to do?
"I'll tell you when I get back."
Tang Luochuan stepped forward and gave her a quick hug before turning in the opposite direction with a smile.
"Ooooh..."
Nearby, Xie Xie and Tang Wulin's eyes sparkled with mischief, while Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, and Wei Xiaofeng mirrored their expressions. The girls, however, weren't in the same mood.
Xu Xiaoyan's gaze was filled with silent blessings, Ye Xinglan's expression was visibly downcast, and Wu Siduo's face darkened in an instant.
"Luo Chuan, really..."
As for Gu Yue, the center of attention, she simply wore a radiant smile under everyone's gazes.
"Then I'll wait for you to come back."
"..."
Sea God Island, near the wooden cabin.
Before Tang Luochuan even arrived, he could already make out several figures from a distance. Aside from Na'er, Yun Ming, and Ya Li, there was another man present.
He was a handsome man dressed in white, with large, peach-blossom eyes that exuded an inexplicable charm, carrying an aura of irresistible allure that ordinary people couldn't withstand.
At this moment, that man's gaze was fixed on Tang Luochuan, sending a shiver down his spine.
"Na'er, Pavilion Master, Senior Ya Li..."
"And who might this be?"
Tang Luochuan quickly stepped forward, first glancing at the two before turning his attention to the last figure, unable to hide his curiosity.
"This is the Deputy Sect Master of the Tang Sect, an old friend of mine, and one of the previous generation's Shrek elites—Zang Xin."
Yun Ming smiled faintly as he revealed the man's identity.
"The Amorous Douluo..."
Hearing this, Tang Luochuan immediately fell into thought.
This must be the Amorous Douluo of this generation's Tang Sect, the one from the saying, "Seemingly heartless yet full of passion, where love since ancient times leaves only regret."
A 99th-rank demigod powerhouse—truly terrifying.
"Greetings, Your Excellency."
Tang Luochuan quickly snapped back to reality and spoke respectfully.
"Hahaha, so this is the little fellow Luo Chuan? Truly worthy of being Shrek's top genius of this generation—your talent even surpasses Na'er's..."
"And you share the Tang surname..."
"Luo Chuan, how about joining the Tang Sect?"
Zang Xin's peach-blossom eyes gleamed with appreciation as he laughed.
Such an outstanding genius—how could he have joined that so-called Spirit Transfer Pagoda? What right did that organization have to claim him?
Only by joining our Tang Sect can one truly unleash their full potential and embrace a bright future!
"..."
Upon hearing this, Tang Luochuan paused, his smile slightly stiffening as a thoughtful expression flashed across his face.
This Emotion Douluo Zang Xin...
He really went straight for the kill!
——————
Zang Xin: You are fated with our Tang Sect.
Tang Luochuan: Fate my ***
PS: Dark humor indeed, a "bright future."
Gong Changwei of the Tang Sect once said that only in the Tang Sect could one find a bright future. But it wasn't until that day, when the Soul Guidance Cannon Shell descended like a meteor, that he truly realized...
So this is what they meant by a "bright" future.
"That was also the day the Tang Sect became full of familiar faces."