Chapter 10: Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well

The journey to Sunset Forest started early the next day, with the cool morning air carrying a faint mist. As we traveled deeper into the forest, I couldn't help but admire how serene yet dangerous this place was. The beasts lurking within were quiet, but now and then, I'd feel eyes watching us from the shadows. It was a stark reminder that this world, unlike my previous one, was brimming with danger at every step.

Dugu Bo led the way confidently, his jade-green robes almost blending into the forest. Dugu Xin stayed close by my side, occasionally checking to make sure I was alright. We moved quickly, barely stopping except for short rests, as Grandpa was eager to show me his so-called "secret place" where the Whale Rubber would be melted.

"Grandpa, how far is it?" I finally asked after what felt like hours of travel.

Dugu Bo chuckled without looking back. "Not too far now. You'll know when we're close. The place has an unmistakable energy."

He wasn't lying. As we approached, I felt it, a strange pull, an aura that made the air heavier and yet strangely invigorating. It was unlike anything I had felt before. My second martial spirit, the Dragon Slaying Saber, stirred faintly within me, like a blade humming in its scabbard. I furrowed my brows as realization struck.

Could it be reacting to the place itself?

As we emerged from the thick trees, the scene before me stole my breath away. There it was: the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The landscape looked like something out of a legend, a place where two extremes of nature existed in harmony. One side burned red-hot with flames and steam rising from a molten pool, while the other side radiated a frosty white aura, covered in layers of ice and frost. And at the center, where the energies met, a miraculous spring bubbled gently, clear, and pure, releasing a faint mist into the air.

"This is incredible," I whispered, stepping forward to take it all in. Herbs—hundreds of them—grew in organized chaos all around the spring, their vibrant colors like splashes of paint against the stark landscape.

"Welcome to my little garden," Grandpa said with pride in his voice. "It's been here for as long as I've known, and the herbs growing here are treasures beyond compare."

Dugu Xin smiled broadly as he watched me. "You look like you've seen a treasure trove. I'm guessing you already know what this place is?"

I nodded, barely able to hide my excitement. "Yes, Uncle. I've read about places like this, but seeing it in person is something else entirely. Do you know how this place was formed?"

Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow. "I've always wondered. Why don't you tell us, young genius?"

I grinned slightly before explaining. "This place exists because of the remnants of two powerful Dragon Kings, the Water Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King. Their death essences nourished this land, creating the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. That's why the energies here are so extreme but also balanced."

Both Dugu Bo and Dugu Xin looked at me in surprise. "How do you know all of this?" Dugu Bo asked, his tone curious but impressed.

I hesitated for a moment before using my usual excuse. "I… dreamed about it."

They exchanged glances but didn't push further. Over time, they had learned to trust my strange insights, though I could tell it always left them curious.

The closer I got to the well, the more my Dragon Slaying Saber reacted. It wasn't just a faint hum anymore; it felt like a heartbeat, synchronized with the energies of this place. Was it because the saber once slew the Water Dragon King? I couldn't be certain, but one thing was clear—this place held immense power, and I needed to tread carefully. If the essences lingering here had even the faintest consciousness, I might be in trouble.

Thankfully, that didn't seem to be the case.

I turned my attention back to the herbs. My eyes scanned the garden, recognizing several immortal herbs I had read about in the novel. The Beautiful Silk Tulip, the Infernal Delicate Apricot, the Eight-Petal Orchid... they were all here! These herbs had transformed the Shrek Seven Devils in the original timeline, pushing them to unimaginable heights. Seeing them now, a wave of determination coursed through me.

These herbs won't just be for me and my family. I can use them to create my own allies… strong soul masters who will help me with my ultimate goal. Mother, Father… your actions will not go unanswered.

I clenched my fists, my gaze sharp. One step at a time. First, I'll heal my family.

"Grandpa," I said suddenly, turning toward Dugu Bo. "You mentioned this place has an area hot enough to melt the Whale Rubber, right?"

Dugu Bo snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Yes, the hottest part is just over there." He pointed to the far edge of the well, where the fiery energies were most intense.

"Then let's get started," I said firmly. "The Whale Rubber needs to be melted, and we need to consume it as soon as possible."

Dugu Bo's expression turned serious as he led the way. The closer we got, the more unbearable the heat became, but it didn't stop me. I watched intently as Grandpa began the process.

He placed the Whale Rubber near the flames, using a careful mix of his spirit power and the natural heat to melt it down slowly. The black material began to soften and bubble, releasing a faint, strange scent into the air.

"This will take some time," Dugu Bo muttered. "Once it's ready, we'll take turns consuming it. Remember, Bei, the process might be painful. Your body is young, so the effects could be intense."

"I can handle it," I said confidently, though I couldn't deny the slight flutter of nerves in my chest. Pain or not, this was a necessary step to strengthen myself.

As I watched the Whale Rubber melt, my mind raced with possibilities.

After consuming this, my body's tolerance for soul rings will skyrocket. I'll be able to absorb stronger rings far earlier than anyone else. But before I take any immortal herb, I need to get that first soul ring I've been planning for. Everything needs to happen in order.

I smirked slightly. Soon, my path to strength will accelerate. Mother, Father… just wait. The son you abandoned will return, and when he does, the world will tremble.

As the flames crackled and the Whale Rubber melted, I couldn't help but marvel at how everything was falling into place. My original plan had been to beg Grandpa to bring me here using my usual excuse of "dreams," but fate had made it much easier.

Soon, everything I need will be within my grasp. This place, these herbs… my family. I will heal them. And we will grow stronger than anyone could ever imagine.