Three days later, Dugu Bo arrived as promised. He wore a dark green robe, his expression much softer than a few days prior, though a trace of vigilance still lingered in his eyes.
"Are you ready?" Dugu Bo looked at the assembled group, his voice low.
Li Zhaoyan cupped his hands respectfully. "We'll trouble you to lead the way, Senior."
Dugu Bo nodded. "Follow me. Remember, stay close to my footsteps and don't touch anything."
The group followed Dugu Bo into the Sunset Forest. Deep within the forest, mist swirled, and the further they went, the more secluded and difficult the path became. Dugu Bo led the way with peculiar steps, seemingly avoiding invisible traps.
Marco thought to himself, "Dugu Bo has indeed set up Poison Arrays. Without his personal guidance, we probably couldn't even make it past the outer perimeter."
Li Zhaoyan remained alert. "Poison Douluo's poison techniques are truly masterful. If these Poison Arrays were triggered, anyone below the Titled Douluo level would have no chance of survival."
Ye Qingwan and Ye Lingling followed closely behind Li Zhaoyan, their expressions tense. Yang Wudi carefully observed the surroundings, his eyes filled with curiosity.
After passing through multiple layers of Poison Arrays, the group arrived at a hidden valley entrance. The entrance was concealed by vines—impossible to discover without Dugu Bo's guidance.
"This is the place." Dugu Bo waved aside the vines. "Come in with me."
The moment they stepped into the valley, everyone was stunned by the sight before them.
The valley was rich with spiritual energy, filled with exotic flowers and rare herbs, many of which were precious specimens rarely seen in the outside world. Most astonishing was the spring at the valley's center—one side ice-blue like frozen water, the other crimson like blazing flames. The opposing energies of ice and fire merged within the spring, forming a peculiar balance.
"This... this is the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?" Yang Wudi's voice trembled with disbelief. "I've studied medicines my entire life, yet I've never seen such a marvel!"
Li Zhaoyan also marveled, "The wonders of heaven and earth—to think such a place exists!"
Ye Qingwan and Ye Lingling stared wide-eyed, rendered speechless by the incredible scene.
Marco was ecstatic inside. "The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well! Finally, I've seen it! The Immortal Herbs here will allow my strength to advance by leaps and bounds!"
But outwardly, he maintained his composure, only allowing an appropriate amount of awe to show in his eyes.
Dugu Bo watched their reactions, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes. "This is the place I discovered. For years, I've kept this secret."
Yang Wudi hurried over to a peculiar plant, his voice excited. "This is... the Faint Fragrance Kirin Immortal Grade? The Immortal Herb that can cure hundreds of poisons!"
He pointed to another plant. "The Exquisite Velvet Sky-Piercing Chrysanthemum! Consuming it allows qi to flow through the limbs, blood to circulate through the eight meridians, and forges an indestructible body!"
Then he pointed to a crimson-gold plant. "The Love Longing Heartbreak Red! The finest among Immortal Herbs, capable of reviving the dead!"
Yang Wudi listed the names and effects of each Immortal Herb as if reciting treasured knowledge, and with each one he mentioned, the group's astonishment deepened.
"The Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng! A supreme blood-tonifying herb that can rebuild bones and muscles!"
"The Autumn Water Piercing Gaze Dew! A vision-enhancing Immortal Herb that can strengthen spiritual power!"
Just then, Marco's gaze was drawn to a special Immortal Herb. It was a gold-red flower, its petals like burning flames, with a crystalline bead at its center emitting a faint glow.
"This is..." Yang Wudi followed Marco's gaze, his eyes revealing astonishment, "Nirvana Marrow Cleansing Flower? The legendary immortal herb said to cleanse bones and marrow, even containing the phoenix's nirvana power!"
Marco's heart trembled: "Nirvana Marrow Cleansing Flower! Bone and marrow cleansing, phoenix nirvana power... Isn't this the most suitable immortal herb for me?"
Suppressing his excitement, he asked: "Uncle Yang, what's special about this Nirvana Marrow Cleansing Flower?"
Yang Wudi explained: "The Nirvana Marrow Cleansing Flower is an extremely rare immortal grade herb. Not only can it cleanse bones and marrow to improve physique, but it also contains a trace of phoenix nirvana power. For Soul Masters with phoenix-type Martial Souls, this is priceless."
Dugu Bo said in surprise: "Clan Leader Yang is truly knowledgeable, to recognize even such a rare immortal herb."
Yang Wudi shook his head: "I only read about it in ancient texts. I never thought such an immortal herb truly existed."
As Yang Wudi explained, Li Zhaoyan's expression gradually grew alert. He thought to himself: "The value of these immortal herbs is immeasurable. What exactly are Dugu Bo's intentions in letting us know this secret?"
He secretly glanced at Dugu Bo, his hand unconsciously tightening, ready to respond to any potential changes at any moment.
Dugu Bo seemed to notice Li Zhaoyan's vigilance, his face showing pained expression. He sighed deeply, his voice carrying profound sorrow: "If I had known the uses of these immortal herbs earlier... my son wouldn't have died from poison..."
Tears welled in Dugu Yan's eyes as she softly called: "Grandfather..."
Dugu Bo shook his head and looked at Li Zhaoyan: "Brother Li need not be wary. Although I, Dugu Bo, am no gentleman, I'm not an ungrateful person either."
He scanned the group and said solemnly: "If not for you all, I wouldn't know the true value of these immortal herbs. Moreover, young friend Marco saved Yan Yan and is now going to help detoxify me. I'm willing to share this blessed land with you all."
Hearing this, Li Zhaoyan's expression softened considerably: "You honor us too much, senior. To be able to share such a blessed land with you is our honor."
Ye Qingwan also said softly: "Please accept our condolences, senior. Now that we know the uses of these immortal herbs, we can definitely cure your and Yanzi's poison."
Dugu Bo nodded, a flicker of hope in his eyes: "I hope so."
Marco said respectfully: "Rest assured, Grandfather Dugu. I will do my utmost to detoxify you and Yanzi."
Ye Lingling also comforted softly: "Grandfather Dugu, Yanzi, everything will definitely get better."
Dugu Yan wiped her tears and showed a smile: "Thank you all."
Yang Wudi remained in shock, muttering to himself as he scanned the immortal herbs in the valley: "Too incredible... All these legendary immortal herbs actually grow here..."
He turned to Dugu Bo and bowed solemnly: "Senior's willingness to share such a blessed land fills me with immense gratitude."
Dugu Bo waved his hand: "No need for such courtesy, Clan Leader Yang. My knowledge of medicinal research isn't deep, and these immortal herbs would only gather dust in my hands. Having an expert like Clan Leader Yang study them is their good fortune."
Li Zhaoyan thought to himself: "Dugu Bo being so generous shows genuine sincerity. If we can build good relations with him through this, it would greatly benefit our future."
He spoke up: "With such generosity from senior, we certainly won't fail your trust. These immortal herbs are extremely precious, and we will use them with utmost care."
Dugu Bo nodded: "I trust your character."
Marco's gaze never left the Nirvana Marrow Cleansing Flower, thinking to himself: "This Immortal Herb is of great significance to my Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit. Cleansing bones and refining marrow, phoenix nirvana... This is exactly what I need!"
But he maintained a calm exterior, merely focusing on observing the characteristics of this Immortal Herb.
Yang Wudi noticed Marco's concentration and explained: "For Soul Masters with phoenix-type Martial Souls, the Nirvana Marrow Cleansing Flower is the supreme treasure. It can not only improve physical constitution but also stimulate the potential of the Martial Soul."
Surprise flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes: "Young friend Marco indeed has discerning vision."
Li Zhaoyan felt pleased inwardly: "Marco has truly matured, able to recognize the value of these Immortal Herbs."
He spoke up: "Senior, these Immortal Herbs are extremely precious. We need to carefully deliberate and formulate a usage plan."
Dugu Bo nodded: "Exactly as it should be. I'm not deeply versed in medicinal research, so let Clan Leader Yang take the lead."
Yang Wudi said solemnly: "I will certainly live up to this responsibility."
Ye Qingwan said softly: "Senior, rest assured, we will use these Immortal Herbs cautiously and definitely won't waste them."
Dugu Bo looked at everyone, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes: "With your words, I can set my mind at ease."
He gazed at the Immortal Herbs in the valley, his tone profound: "These Immortal Herbs... I hope they can save more people's lives, and not end up like my son..."
Dugu Yan held her grandfather's hand, comforting him softly: "Grandfather, don't be sad anymore. Now that there's hope, things will definitely get better."
Everyone offered words of comfort, and the atmosphere in the valley became warm.
Marco thought to himself: "The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well is finally ours. The Nirvana Marrow Cleansing Flower will bring about a qualitative leap for my Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit!"
He already had plans in mind: "First, I need to consume the Nirvana Marrow Cleansing Flower to cleanse my bones and refine my marrow, stimulating my Martial Soul's potential. Then I'll look for other Immortal Herbs suitable for me..."