Yue Guan and Yan had reached a mutual understanding — they would keep the existence of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well a secret.
He knew well that this mysterious place must never be revealed to the outside world. The immense energy and rare resources contained within it would, once exposed, surely attract endless greed and bloodshed.
As the first person to discover the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dugu Bo naturally did not wish for anyone else to learn of its existence. He would continue to guard that place.
When the time was right, Yan planned to kill Dugu Bo and take his place — to become the new master of that mysterious garden.
Yan also knew the true reason why the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had formed: it was the place where the Water Dragon King and Fire Dragon King had perished.
The remains of the two great Dragon Kings lay deep at the bottom of the spring, containing unimaginably vast power.
And that secret — was known only to Yan.
He looked forward to the day he could claim those dragon bones for himself, believing that doing so would grant him incredible power and elevate his strength to an entirely new level.
For that reason alone, he could never let Bibi Dong know of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Though his outward appearance had changed somewhat, Yan was confident he could face Bibi Dong without raising suspicion.
His overall appearance was not much different from before — only that he looked noticeably thinner.
The fiery patterns on his skin could now appear or vanish at will.
For a seventeen-year-old, such physical changes could easily be explained as natural results of growth and cultivation.
After all, soul masters who focused on tempering their bodies could also achieve similar effects.
Moreover, Yan's soul power hadn't increased abnormally from consuming the three immortal herbs — it was still improving at a normal rate.
Even if his rank surpassed Xie Yue and Hu Liena by one or two levels, it was perfectly understandable.
After all, his mentality had transformed; once he devoted himself fully to cultivation, the advantages of his martial soul had begun to manifest more and more clearly.
At Yan's urging, Yue Guan sat down to absorb the Strange Velvet Sky-reaching Chrysanthemum.
For soul masters, the younger they were when absorbing an immortal herb, the better the effects.
Although Yue Guan was already advanced in years, the perfect compatibility between the herb and his martial soul meant that he might still gain astonishing results.
While Yue Guan focused on absorption, Yan returned to his own room. Sitting cross-legged, he prepared to absorb the Autumn-Water Dew.
He carefully picked up the delicate herb and gently tilted his head back. A few crystal-clear drops of dew slid into his mouth.
As the dew entered his body, the entire Autumn-Water Dew plant seemed to have fulfilled its purpose — it rapidly withered and turned to dust, scattering from his hand.
Closing his eyes, Yan focused his mind completely and began to cultivate.
Time passed quietly.
When he opened his eyes again, night had already fallen.
He immediately sensed the change within his eyes — his vision had improved drastically.
Standing, he walked to the window and looked into the distance.
With a thought, his dark red pupils turned into a gleaming gold-red.
The distant buildings, lights, and even the birds gliding in the sky all appeared crystal-clear before him, as if right within reach.
He tried focusing even farther away — and was astonished to find that he could clearly see things several li away.
Even the fine veins of distant leaves could not escape his gaze.
Such extraordinary vision was as though he had opened a Heavenly Eye.
But that wasn't all. His spiritual focus had also increased significantly, which would undoubtedly enhance his cultivation efficiency.
Yan couldn't help but sigh in admiration — the Autumn-Water Dew truly lived up to its name; its effects were miraculous beyond measure.
Just then, Yue Guan also finished absorbing the Strange Velvet Sky-reaching Chrysanthemum and walked in, his face glowing with health and vitality.
He could feel the surging fluctuations of soul power within his body — clearly, the absorption had benefited him greatly.
The two exchanged smiles, both sensing the transformation in each other.
"Elder Ju, it seems you've finished absorbing the Strange Velvet Sky-reaching Chrysanthemum,"
Yan said with a smile.
"Mm. And you've finished with the Autumn-Water Dew, haven't you? How do you feel?"
Yue Guan asked, equally pleased.
Yan nodded.
"My vision has improved tremendously — I can see farther and clearer than ever before. My mental focus has also strengthened a great deal. What about you, Elder Ju? Has your soul power increased?"
Yue Guan smiled, his expression filled with satisfaction.
"I'm already of advanced age, so the effects of immortal herbs on me aren't as dramatic as on you. However… I've been stuck at Level 95 for over ten years, unable to break through. After absorbing the Strange Velvet Sky-reaching Chrysanthemum, I can faintly sense a trace of movement — as if the bottleneck toward Rank 96 might finally give way."
"That's wonderful! Congratulations, Elder Ju! It may not be long before you break through to Level 96."
Yue Guan chuckled happily, unable to hide his joy.
"It's all thanks to you."
For a Titled Douluo, every rank above the ninety-fifth was a monumental challenge.
Between Level 95 and Level 96 lay a chasm that few could ever cross — not only requiring immense effort, but also exceptional comprehension to shatter that invisible barrier.
Yue Guan had explored countless paths over the years without success.
But today, he had finally caught a glimpse of hope.
"Yan, from now on, you don't need to call me 'Elder' in private anymore — it sounds too distant."
"Then… how should I address you?"
"Why don't you call me 'Grandpa,' like Nana does?"
Yan hesitated for a moment.
He had no family in this world, so calling Yue Guan "Grandpa" wasn't inappropriate by seniority.
Still, it felt a little awkward to him.
"Over the past half year, you've guided me with such patience, teaching me about herbs and plants without complaint. I've benefited immensely from your lessons. In my heart, you've long been like a teacher to me.
So… how about I call you 'Teacher' instead?"
Hearing this, Yue Guan nodded with satisfaction, a smile blooming on his face.
"Good. From now on, you'll be my student. I'll not only teach you everything I know, but also protect you."
"Thank you, Teacher."
"It's only right. For now, let's not return to the Sunset Forest — it might arouse Dugu Bo's suspicion. You should focus on training at the Great Spirit Arena instead."
"Understood."
The two exchanged another smile.
From that day onward, their bond deepened even further.
The Next Day
After an early dinner, Yan and Yue Guan prepared to head to the Tokes Great Spirit Arena.
By now, Yan could fully control the flames within his body.
When he restrained them, the fierce flame markings on his skin completely disappeared.
Walking down the street, he no longer drew unwanted attention.
After several days, the two once again arrived at the Great Spirit Arena.
As before, Yan went to the front desk to register for the competition — the same receptionist as the last two times was on duty.
When the young woman saw Yan, she looked surprised.
"You're from the Yama Battle Spirit Sect?!"
"Mm. Don't doubt it — I am."
Yan nodded lightly.
Even after hearing it confirmed, the surprise on the receptionist's face did not fade in the slightest.
"It's only been a few days, but… you look thinner."
"That's from training. Anyway, let's not dwell on that. I want to register for tonight's one-on-one match. Do you have the authority to assign my opponent?"
"I don't. But the supervisor left instructions — if you come, I'm to arrange for you to face a soul master with a water attribute."
"Perfect. That's exactly what I wanted."
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