"Hmm?"
"There's no need to refuse so hastily. Take a look first. If there's truly something suitable, we can discuss it then."
Zang Xin was clearly taken aback by Tang Luochuan's reaction, but he still smiled faintly and spoke calmly.
He hadn't expected this young Luo Chuan to reject him so decisively. After all, he hadn't even brought up the matter of inviting the boy to join the Tang Sect—he had merely offered benefits.
"Thank you for your kindness, Senior."
Tang Luochuan, however, shook his head, his expression composed and his tone indifferent.
"It seems convincing him to join the Tang Sect..."
"...won't be easy."
Zang Xin's gaze lingered on the young man as if trying to see through him, though inwardly, he wasn't overly concerned.
He trusted in his methods—sooner or later, he would recruit this boy. After all, what young man could truly resist the allure of Immortal Herbs? Right now, he was likely just putting on a brave front.
"Let's go."
With that thought, he chuckled and led the two deeper into the area.
"Hah..."
"Finally, we're moving again."
Tang Luochuan exhaled in relief. Though he had maintained an unruffled demeanor, he had long grown somewhat exasperated inside.
Did Zang Xin really think he could be bought with a single Immortal Herb?
...What a fantasy.
"Brother..."
"You really don't seem interested in the Immortal Herbs, huh?"
Beside him, Na'er's attention remained fixed on her brother. She blinked thoughtfully.
Gradually, as Zang Xin guided them swiftly forward, a surreal and wondrous sight came into view in the distance.
Before them now lay an extraordinary lake—one side a fiery red, the other a deep blue.
These two diametrically opposed elements coexisted without conflict, instead harmonizing perfectly, as though this were the natural order of things.
"The Icefire Yin-Yang Well."
A trace of awe flickered in Tang Luochuan's eyes.
Even though he had anticipated this, he couldn't help but be stunned by the sight before him. Along the shores of the dual-colored lake grew an array of exotic flowers and rare herbs, their presence stretching all the way to where Tang Luochuan now stood.
Each plant radiated an immensely powerful aura—these were the finest natural treasures.
Even if they couldn't compare to the legendary Immortal Herbs recorded in history, for the vast majority of Soul Masters, they were once-in-a-lifetime finds.
The Icefire Yin-Yang Well, the greatest treasure trove of the Douluo Continent, truly lived up to its reputation.
[Host detected at the Douluo Continent's treasure trove—the Icefire Yin-Yang Well. Consuming any of the natural treasures here will yield immense benefits...]
[This system is highly motivated! Reward: Host's absorption efficiency doubled. Henceforth, no matter what is absorbed, gains will be doubled.]
[Of course, the Icefire Yin-Yang Well is ownerless—those with the capability may claim it. Host, do your best!]
The system's voice echoed in his mind, but Tang Luochuan wasn't surprised. If anything, he had half-expected the system to simply grant him ownership of the place outright.
Not that it mattered. After all, this place could be relocated into his personal pocket dimension—especially its core...
His gaze shifted toward the center of the lake. Beneath those waters, without a doubt, lay two immensely powerful Dragon Souls.
"My liege."
"The auras of the Ice Dragon King and Fire Dragon King are right there!"
In Tang Luochuan's spiritual world, the Mountain Dragon King's Dragon Soul had been waiting for a long time, his eyes now filled with a glimmer of hope.
The Nine Great Dragon Kings were originally one entity. The absence of two had long been a deep regret for him. Now, the dragons finally had a chance to reunite.
"Mountain Dragon King, follow the plan later. When the time is right, emerge with the two Dragon Kings to engage Zang Xin in battle. Once we repel him..."
"I will relocate this place into the miniature world."
Tang Luochuan spoke slowly, a smile on his face.
"Yes, my lord."
The Mountain Dragon King quickly nodded in acknowledgment.
"Luo Chuan, Na'er."
"This is the Icefire Yin-Yang Well."
Zang Xin, still unaware of the impending danger, wore a gentle smile as he softly explained to the two.
"Luo Chuan, if there's anything you desire in the future, don't hesitate to ask me, your senior..."
But soon, his gaze shifted into the distance, his smile fading as his expression became unreadable.
"Esteemed representative of the Tang Sect."
"The timing of your visit seems to be far earlier than our agreed schedule!"
In the next moment, a woman's voice suddenly rang out—her presence unseen, but her voice heard first.
Then, a figure materialized before the three of them: a woman clad in a violet robe, her calm face now tinged with wariness.
Behind her, six more figures appeared, each radiating distinct auras. Their ability to take human form was proof enough of their formidable strength.
Led by the Qiluo Tulip and supported by other top-tier immortal herbs—the Six Ferocious Beasts!
This was the true foundation of the Icefire Yin-Yang Well. Over countless eras, the most elite plants here had developed power rivaling other Soul Beasts.
Though their strength was only sustainable within the Icefire Yin-Yang Well, it still granted them some measure of self-preservation. Of course, compared to a powerhouse like Zang Xin, they stood no chance.
"Qiluo Tulip."
Tang Luochuan quickly recognized the leader among them. The figure before him was undoubtedly the Qiluo Tulip.
This was also the same immortal herb Ning Rongrong had absorbed twenty thousand years ago. Consuming this supreme herb had allowed her Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda to evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda, granting her the potential to ascend to godhood.
His gaze shifted to the others—blue, red, golden, each distinct. These were likely the Eight-Cornered Ice Herb, Fierce Flame Apricot, Earth Dragon Golden Melon, and other immortal herbs.
"Everyone, it's been a while. How have you been?"
Zang Xin regarded the visibly unsettled group before him with a composed smile, speaking unhurriedly.
"Passion Douluo, I believe we would be much better off without your interference this time."
"And what is the meaning of bringing humans here again?"
The Qiluo Tulip's expression remained neutral, but her words were blunt.
"As I recall, our agreement with the Tang Sect stipulates that you may bring a maximum of five people here to select immortal herbs once every hundred years. The time since the last visit has not yet elapsed."
As she spoke, her face darkened, and the others beside her mirrored her displeasure, their eyes filled with vigilance.
Among them, the red-haired Fierce Flame Apricot had the most volatile temper. Her voluptuous human form trembled with barely suppressed fury.
This time they dare to come decades early, next time they'll dare to come every few decades, and after that every ten years. These humans, not a single one is any good!
"We came this time just to bring two juniors for a preliminary look. And while we're here, we might as well see if there are any suitable Immortal Herbs, such as..."
"The Lovesick Heartbreak Red. Do you still have any?"
Zang Xin spoke calmly and slowly.
"Lovesick Heartbreak Red..."
"We do have it. Is that all you want?"
Qiluo Tulip was taken aback, clearly not expecting this request. Among the Immortal Herbs, this one wasn't particularly valuable.
She had been ready to tear into them, but if all they wanted was the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, it didn't seem like a big deal.
"Bring it over first."
Zang Xin shook his head and spoke slowly.
"..."
"Melon Melon, go get it."
Qiluo Tulip sighed and called out toward Earth Dragon Golden Melon.
Earth Dragon Golden Melon was a yellow-haired woman. Hearing this, she hesitated for a moment before gritting her teeth and leaving. Soon after, she returned holding the Lovesick Heartbreak Red.
It was a peculiar white flower dotted with specks of red. Its stem grew intertwined with a stone. Only those who truly harbored deep love in their hearts could restore it to its original form, hence its name as the flower of undying affection.
"Passion Douluo, here you go."
Earth Dragon Golden Melon reluctantly handed the Lovesick Heartbreak Red to him.
"Na'er, this is for you."
Zang Xin smiled in satisfaction and handed it to Na'er.
"So this is the Lovesick Heartbreak Red!"
Na'er's eyes sparkled with delight as she happily took it, examining it closely. She was tempted to keep it in her hands but eventually stored it in her Soul Guidance Device.
"Passion Douluo, I've given you the Lovesick Heartbreak Red you asked for. Now can we—"
Qiluo Tulip let out a relieved sigh and was about to say something when Zang Xin abruptly cut her off.
"Before that, let me introduce them to you."
"This girl is the disciple of the Sea God Pavilion Master of Shrek Academy, the continent's strongest, Atlas Douluo. And this young man beside her is Shrek Academy's top genius."
"The Lovesick Heartbreak Red is just an herb symbolizing affection—hardly significant. What we really need are herbs that enhance talent. Surely you wouldn't refuse to gift us some?"
Zang Xin's gaze swept over the group of soul beasts, his smile unwavering, betraying no emotion, yet his tone was icy.
Such outstanding human talents—if they hadn't known about them, fine. But now that they did, surely these Immortal Herbs wouldn't begrudge them a few gifts?
Could it be that the friendship between the Icefire Yin-Yang Well and the Tang Sect meant so little?
"You're bullying us with your power..."
Fierce Flame Apricot saw right through his intentions and gritted her teeth. The other soul beasts also wore expressions of anger.
"Oh?"
Zang Xin's smile didn't fade. But in the next moment, as he took a step forward, an overwhelming pressure instantly radiated from him.
Bullying them with power? So what?
He had never been one for pleasantries. As a standout of his era, his current status and abilities were earned step by step, one battle at a time.
If these Immortal Herbs refused, then he wouldn't hold back.
"..."
The Qiluo Tulip remained silent, but the fury in its eyes was unmistakable, fists clenched as if ready to erupt at any moment.
Watching the scene unfold, Tang Luochuan said nothing, his expression calm as he instinctively shielded Na'er behind him.
Then, within his spiritual world, he summoned the Dragon Soul of the Mountain Dragon King, transforming it into an inconspicuous golden light that quietly appeared.
His spiritual realm, divine power, and cultivation far surpassed those of Zang Xin and the savage beasts, allowing him to go unnoticed as he headed straight for the Icefire Yin-Yang Well.
"Brother?"
At that moment, Na'er blinked and looked at Tang Luochuan before her. For some reason, she felt the situation wasn't as simple as it seemed.
"It's nothing, Na'er," Tang Luochuan said softly, a faint smile on his face.
The show...
was about to begin.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Icefire Yin-Yang Well's lake, beneath its depths, lay two massive skeletons—one glowing blue and the other red, corresponding to the well's twin springs.
Within these enormous skeletons resided two equally formidable Dragon Souls: the Ice Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King. They had awakened centuries ago, absorbing the energy of the Immortal Herbs from the Icefire Yin-Yang Well to replenish their strength.
By now, they had regained some of their former power.
"Wait."
"This aura... this aura is..."
The moment Tang Luochuan appeared earlier, the weakened Dragon Souls within the two Dragon Kings' remains had trembled instantly.
Exchanging a glance with what little rationality they had left, they could see the recognition in each other's eyes. This aura—they knew it all too well.
The Sovereign. This was the Sovereign's aura!
"Could it be..."
"That the Sovereign is still alive and has come for us?!"
The Fire Dragon King's Dragon Soul was exhilarated, communicating through their shared connection.
"How should I know? Should we go out and see?"
The Ice Dragon King was equally eager.
But just then, as a wisp of golden Dragon Soul drifted into the depths of the lake, the two nearly lost control!
"Moun—"
"Mountain Dragon King!"
The two Dragon Kings froze, staring at the Mountain Dragon King, who had long since perished but now stood before them as a Dragon Soul. For a moment, they were too stunned to speak.
Didn't this prove that the one outside was truly...
"It's been a while, you two."
"But now isn't the time for reunions. Everything can wait until the Sovereign brings this Icefire Yin-Yang Well under his control within his pocket dimension..."
Gazing at the two dragons, the Mountain Dragon King was also deeply moved but maintained his composure.
"Yes!"
"What does the Sovereign command us to do?!" the two Dragon Kings asked respectfully.
"You two should later..."