Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Six figures emerged from the vegetation, led by a man in an ancient-looking purple robe. Handsome with a tall, slender build, his features somewhat resembled the statue of Tang San at Shrek Academy.
Jing Shaoyu immediately recognized the purple-robed man's identity—the King of Immortal Herbs, Qiluo Tulip!
Behind Qiluo Tulip stood a stunning yet hostile woman in red, radiating intense heat. Her identity was unmistakable—the top-tier fire-attribute immortal herb born from the Yang Spring, Fierce Flame Apricot Enchantress.
Alongside them were four other humanoid immortal herbs, all approaching with intense emotional fluctuations. Their expressions and auras made it clear they were unwelcoming toward Jing Shaoyu, Zang Xin, and the others.
Xu Xiaoyan, Wu Siduo, and the other three women instinctively activated their Soul Power. The ability to take human form was exclusive to Soul Beasts at the Ferocious Beast level, something they had witnessed before. Thus, they understood these six hostile figures were plant-type Soul Beasts of Ferocious Beast caliber.
They prepared their Soul Power in advance as a precaution—if negotiations broke down, they wouldn't drag Jing Shaoyu down too much.
Zang Xin sensed the Soul Power fluctuations behind him but paid no mind. With a faint smile, he stepped forward and said, "Everyone, it's been a while. I hope you've been well?"
Qiluo Tulip remained expressionless, replying coolly, "We'd be even better if you hadn't disturbed us. Amorous Douluo, what's the meaning of bringing so many outsiders this time?"
Zang Xin replied, "Naturally, we seek your assistance."
At these words, Qiluo Tulip's expression darkened. "As I recall, our agreement with the Tang Sect stipulates one entry into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well per century, with no more than two herbs taken. In exchange, you guarantee the protection of this place from human destruction."
"Correct," Zang Xin nodded.
"Then why have you brought six people this time? Merely to expose our existence?" Qiluo Tulip demanded sharply.
"Alas!" Zang Xin sighed. "I wouldn't disturb Brother Luo and your cultivation unless absolutely necessary. The Tang Sect faces a crisis of survival. You once made a pact with Spirit Ice Douluo—should the Tang Sect face annihilation, you would spare no effort to help us overcome the calamity."
Qiluo Tulip's expression shifted in surprise. "The Tang Sect is at its peak—how could it face such a disaster?"
The reactions of the other five behind him were much the same—shock and disbelief.
Zang Xin's face immediately revealed a faint trace of sorrow as he said, "Esteemed ones may not know this, but Shrek Academy was attacked by the Holy Spirit Church's Evil Soul Masters with two twelve-ranked Fixed Soul Guided Cannon Shells. The Sea God Pavilion was destroyed, Sea God Island sank, and the entire Shrek Academy can almost be declared annihilated. The six children behind me are this generation's Shrek Seven Monsters from the academy."
"Our Tang Sect was also affected by those two twelve-ranked Fixed Soul Guided Cannon Shells, suffering severe losses with massive casualties. One could say we're half-crippled now."
"As the saying goes, when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold. Since Spirit Ice Douluo ascended ten thousand years ago, our Tang Sect has kept our promise to guard the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, even going a thousand years at one point without asking for any compensation from you all."
"Now that Tang Sect and Shrek Academy face existential threats, if you refuse to help, it may soon become impossible for Tang Sect to continue preserving this place's secret. When that happens and Tang Sect falls, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well will be completely exposed."
"I fear that day will mark the end of your peaceful existence. Though your cultivation is formidable, combat isn't your expertise. Moreover, human technology has advanced to the point where even your cultivation levels no longer pose sufficient threat."
After speaking, Zang Xin sighed again, his hopeful gaze fixed on the Qiluo Tulip before him.
The Qiluo Tulip frowned deeply, not doubting Zang Xin's words—or perhaps the Tang Sect's credibility built over millennia had earned their instinctive trust.
Turning to the other five Ferocious Beasts, his Divine Sense fluctuated intensely as they clearly communicated among themselves.
Their reaction made Jing Shaoyu realize something: though the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was extraordinary, its isolation had left its inhabitants uninformed. Otherwise, these six Ferocious Beasts wouldn't be so easily misled by Zang Xin's words.
Behind Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan and the other four girls struggled to recall sad memories, their expressions turning peculiar. They never expected the usually refined and amiable Zang Xin to spin such bold lies without batting an eye—the contrast was startling.
This was truly the art of rhetoric. While Zang Xin's account was fundamentally true, he'd merely exaggerated slightly. It wasn't exactly lying.
After a moment, the Qiluo Tulip turned back, his piercing gaze meeting Zang Xin's. "How does Amorous Douluo propose we assist?"
Zang Xin, having prepared his response, said solemnly, "I need each of these six children to receive at least one heavenly treasure at the hundred-thousand-year level to further enhance their cultivation and potential. Additionally, one team member couldn't attend due to special circumstances, so their captain will choose on his behalf."
"Impossible!" The Qiluo Tulip refused outright without hesitation.
What nonsense! Asking for six hundred-thousand-year immortal herbs at once? How bold of Amorous Douluo! Why not just take all six of us while you're at it? Absolutely ridiculous.
He angrily retorted, "Amorous Douluo, don't overstep! You know full well that even within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, cultivating a hundred-thousand-year spiritual herb takes ten millennia. After being plundered by that Spirit Ice Douluo ten thousand years ago, it's taken this entire time for the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to barely recover some vitality."
"If what you say is true, this place will wither away again immediately, perhaps even more desolate than ten thousand years ago! No, absolutely not!"
Zang Xin said solemnly, "Brother Luo, when the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken? If it weren't for dire necessity, I wouldn't make such a request. Please reconsider, Brother Luo!"
As he spoke, he took a step forward, and an aura as solid as substance suddenly erupted. The surrounding space instantly grew heavier, the terrifying pressure suffocating and chilling to the bone.
Seeing this, Jing Shaoyu also silently stepped forward. He had long anticipated such a situation. Despite the six Ferocious Beasts on the other side, he alone could handle them all if it came to a fight. However, he wasn't in a hurry to act.
After all, this was nominally the Tang Sect's territory, and in front of Zang Xin, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to overstep his authority.
Facing Zang Xin's threat, the Qiluo Tulip showed no sign of backing down either. With a cold snort, a layer of purple radiance bloomed from his body, and a strange, refreshing fragrance wafted through the air. Upon smelling it, Jing Shaoyu and the others felt their bodies lighten, an indescribable comfort washing over them.
"This is the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, not your Tang Sect! Do you really think we've made no preparations over all these years?"
As his voice fell, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well behind the six Ferocious Beasts began to stir. The waters of the twin springs surged simultaneously, rising into the sky like two coiling dragons. Two figures emerged from the waters.
"Welcome, Dragon Lord!" The Qiluo Tulip and the other five Ferocious Beasts took several steps back, their expressions reverent as they shouted.
Suspended above the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well were two enormous dragons formed from the spring waters—one crimson red, blazing like fire, the other deep blue, flowing like water. Both dragons radiated dazzling brilliance, their overwhelming auras sweeping outward.
Even with Zang Xin's cultivation, he couldn't help but pale at such a formidable presence, stepping back to shield Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan's group of five behind him.
With the appearance of these red and blue dragons, all the plants within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well seemed to come alive. Their life force surged explosively, many growing wildly in the wind, and all the pressure converged toward Jing Shaoyu and the others.
Jing Shaoyu's heart leaped with joy as he gazed at the two dragons. The legends were true—the source of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was indeed the resting place of the two great Dragon Kings of water and fire. These two dragons were clearly their Dragon Souls!
Zang Xin, however, knew nothing of this. All he knew was that the Tang Sect's centuries of effort and planning might now come to nothing. His expression darkened as he said, "Brother Luo, our Tang Sect has guarded the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for nearly ten thousand years. For you to treat us with such hostility and suspicion—doesn't that smack of ingratitude?"
"Guarded? Ingratitude? Hah." The Qiluo Tulip sneered. "True, you've spared us much unnecessary trouble. But in return, we've given you ample rewards. From the time of your Tang Sect's founder, Tang San, have you ever stopped demanding from us?"
"Now that your Tang Sect has declined, we owe each other nothing! We no longer need your protection—with our abilities, we can defend ourselves just fine!"
Zang Xin's eyebrows twitched slightly. "Brother Luo, aren't you worried I might leak information about the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well? If that happens, the human factions coveting it won't just be limited to our Tang Sect!"
The Qiluo Tulip chuckled dismissively. "As long as we keep all of you here, would your Tang Sect dare reveal our secrets? Those six humans behind you must be quite important to both the Tang Sect and Shrek Academy, no?"
"Hahaha!" Zang Xin laughed in anger. "It seems Brother Luo is very confident! Do you really think you stand a chance against me?"
"We wouldn't have chosen to turn against you if we weren't certain of victory," the Qiluo Tulip replied calmly. "Do you know the origins of these two Dragon Lords?"
Zang Xin glanced briefly at the two dragons. "I'd like to hear it."
The Qiluo Tulip didn't refuse—he had been waiting for this question. With pride, he declared, "In ancient times, the Dragon God, progenitor of all Soul Beasts, fathered nine children, revered as the Nine Great Dragon Kings: the Water Dragon King, Fire Dragon King, Earth Dragon King, Wind Dragon King, Light Dragon King, Darkness Dragon King, Space Dragon King, Time Dragon King, and the Mountain Dragon King.
These two Dragon Lords are none other than the Water Dragon King and Fire Dragon King among the Nine Great Dragon Kings!
When the two Dragon Kings fell together, their divine remains were buried beneath the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Their residual God Power gave birth to this place, nurturing all life here. After thousands of years of effort, we finally succeeded in summoning their Dragon Souls to guard this land.
I admit, Amorous Douluo, your strength surpasses ours. But no matter how powerful you are, can you truly contend with the Divine Souls of two Dragon Lords? Remember, they were true deities. Even now, as mere Dragon Souls, their combined power should be more than enough to keep you here, don't you think?"
Zang Xin stared at the two Dragon Souls hovering above the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, their auras radiating overwhelming intensity. His expression darkened further. What was this—prey turning on the hunter?
As a demigod, he could sense the immense power emanating from the two Dragon Kings. Though faint, the divine essence within their Dragon Souls granted them terrifying strength. Against one, he was confident he could hold his ground, but facing both at once, he might barely escape with his life.
And behind him were six children. Even if Jing Shaoyu was a Titled Douluo, the opposing side still had six Ferocious Beasts. The overall battle strength was still heavily skewed against them.
He had been careless. Now, his clever scheme had backfired—what could he do? Regret gnawed at Zang Xin. He never expected these plants to hold such a trump card.
"Why go this far?" Zang Xin sighed softly. "Brother Luo, there's no deep enmity between us. Let me take these children and leave, and we'll pretend none of this happened. The Tang Sect will still protect the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. How about it?"
"Hmph!" The Qiluo Tulip sneered. "Do you really think that's possible, Amorous Douluo? As you humans say, 'Once the arrow is shot, there's no turning back.' Since we've chosen to rebel, we must see it through to the end. What kind of coup stops halfway and suddenly regrets?"
"We're letting you leave now, but will you spare us in the future? Amorous Douluo, you shouldn't entertain such naive thoughts."
Zang Xin's eyes turned cold as he sneered, "I underestimated you. Unfortunately, your understanding of humans remains too one-sided. Brother Luo, the only reason you dare act this way is because you believe Tang Sect and Shrek Academy are about to decline. That's why you're so brazen. But what if I told you both Tang Sect and Shrek Academy are doing just fine?"
The Qiluo Tulip froze momentarily before retorting, "Hmph, trying to deceive me? Even if Tang Sect and Shrek Academy remain unharmed, what of it? As long as we keep you here, those outside won't dare act recklessly against us!"
Hearing this, Zang Xin sighed helplessly. "It seems we'll have to settle this today, Brother Luo. You show no signs of repentance. Jing Shaoyu, escort the others away first. I'll cover the rear!"
As his words faded, white light erupted from Zang Xin's body as he prepared to summon his Battle Armor. The six Soul Beasts led by Qiluo Tulip and the two Dragon Souls also began gathering their power—a great battle was imminent.
"Your Excellency, hold your attack!" Jing Shaoyu suddenly shouted.
Zang Xin paused mid-motion, the white light around him immediately dimming as he turned to look at Shaoyu with a puzzled expression. The six Ferocious Beasts also focused their gazes on Jing Shaoyu. For some inexplicable reason, they simultaneously felt an ominous premonition—they were sensing the might of heaven and earth emanating from this young human.
How could this be possible?
(End of Chapter)