After Jiang Xiaofeng had fully stabilized his cultivation, he finally prepared to leave.
"Holy Son, are you really not going to leave anyone stationed here? His Holiness the Pope said this place is quite beneficial for cultivation!"
Jiang Xiaofeng shook his head. It had been beneficial, but after he absorbed the energy from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, this place no longer held much value. At most, some residual energy remained, but that would dissipate in a few days.
"No need. This place is useless now. Leaving people behind would be a waste of manpower. If the teacher asks, just say it was my decision. Pull the team out."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
After Jiang Xiaofeng left, the area became a no-man's land, quickly overtaken by nearby soul beasts.
A few months later, Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, returned.
Only after confirming the news did he dare return to his secret ground—only to unexpectedly find a young man named Tang San. Though there was conflict between them, Tang San, in order to survive and recognizing Dugu Bo's Title Douluo status, agreed to detoxify him.
Dugu Bo reclaimed his territory, only to discover that not only had the immortal herbs vanished, but even the mystical lake water had disappeared.
Dugu Bo roared: "Spirit Hall, I swear I will never coexist with you!!!"
Tang San looked at the surroundings, his face turning grim.
"Senior, this place didn't used to look like this, did it?"
Dugu Bo replied: "Of course not. The toxins in my body could only be suppressed by this lake water's power. Now look at it—just ordinary water. Useless. And those pits around us—those were all spirit herbs. I may not recognize them all, but clearly none were common plants."
Tang San approached the lake and used his unique ability to sense the remaining energy. His expression changed dramatically.
"Senior, was the lake water previously both hot and cold?"
Dugu Bo nodded: "Yes. Even as a Title Douluo, I couldn't stay near the lake too long—it would harm my very foundation!"
Tang San's expression turned even darker. That was the legendary Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—it had all been taken by Spirit Hall, and the accompanying immortal herbs were all harvested.
"Spirit Hall really is trash. This blessed land has been turned into an ordinary cave. What a loss!"
Dugu Bo shook his head helplessly.
"Spirit Hall's influence is vast—especially their Pope, Bibi Dong. She's notorious for being ruthless. She personally led the group that stole my secret realm!"
Tang San asked: "If Spirit Hall is that domineering, why hasn't anyone punished them?"
Dugu Bo shook his head again: "Punish them? It's not that simple. I was severely injured, and even the Heaven Dou royal family tried to apply pressure—but it amounted to nothing. That's Spirit Hall. One person's strength isn't enough. To go against them, we'd need to unite all soul masters across the continent. Otherwise, it's just throwing eggs at a stone!"
Tang San: "Senior, I can detoxify your poison—but it will take time."
"No problem. As long as you can detoxify me, everything's negotiable."
"You better keep your word, senior."
In Tang San's heart, losing the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and the immortal herbs was a great regret—but it was okay. As someone from another world, he had other ways to grow stronger.
When Jiang Xiaofeng returned to Blackhorn City, Hu Liena and the others eagerly greeted him.
"Brother Feng, you've been gone for over a month and didn't even take me with you!"
Looking at the flirtatious Hu Liena, Jiang Xiaofeng had a headache.
"Cut it out. I was handling serious business. Come on, back to the room—I brought you all some good stuff!"
Hu Liena laughed: "I knew you wouldn't forget me! I want the best one!"
Jiang Xiaofeng smiled and shook his head. The group returned to the inn's room.
Mobote looked at Jiang Xiaofeng, nodding in admiration.
"In just over a month, the Holy Son has grown again—he's already reached level 50! This cultivation speed is insane!"
"What?! Level 50 already?!"
Everyone gasped. He was just level 44 when he left—how was he now level 50?
"Brother Feng, you're brutal. How are other soul masters supposed to survive?"
"Exactly! Gaining six levels in one month? What kind of divine pill did you take?"
Jiang Xiaofeng said: "Listen, how have your trainings gone over the past month?"
Hu Liena said proudly: "With me here, everything's under control!"
Mobote nodded: "With you gone, the Saintess led us perfectly. It made me think of a different lineup—where you're our secret weapon, Holy Son. Let the Saintess lead, the rest of us attack, and you step in only when needed. Keep your full strength hidden!"
Jiang Xiaofeng asked: "You sure that'll work?"
Xie Yue replied: "Absolutely. Trust us—we're no slouches!"
Yan: "My martial soul hasn't felt this good in ages. You've been suppressing us, Brother Feng. Let us go wild for once. You'll be the ace up our sleeve!"
Feng Lingling nodded: "Xiaofeng, we're ready."
Jiang Xiaofeng nodded: "Alright then. Wolf Third, how have things been for you lately?"
Wolf Third looked miserable: "Brother Feng, they're animals! Constantly pushing me! I've got limited talent, I can't take it!"
Hu Liena scolded: "You're the most useless one here, and still have the nerve to complain? I was only being strict for your own good!"
Jiang Xiaofeng nodded: "She's doing it for your own benefit. Don't resist. I've got something for all of you—hopefully it helps."
He took out an immortal herb.
"Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid. Nana, this one's for you. It can stabilize your soul power and enhance your skill control and duration."
Hu Liena looked at the beautiful herb, stunned.
"Really for me?"
Jiang Xiaofeng: "Of course. After taking it, meditate to absorb it."
"Okay! Thank you, Brother Feng! Come give me a kiss!"
Jiang Xiaofeng pushed her head back: "Cut it out. Go take it already."
Disappointed, Hu Liena sulked and walked off to a corner.
Jiang Xiaofeng took out another herb.
"Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. Xie Yue, this one's for you. Same—take it and meditate."
Xie Yue didn't fuss. Anything Jiang Xiaofeng gave clearly wasn't ordinary.
"Thanks."
Jiang Xiaofeng: "We're all on the same team. Go absorb it. Next—Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. Yan, this one suits you best!"
Yan's eyes lit up at the fire-attribute herb.
"Brother Feng, I love you to death!"
Jiang Xiaofeng: "Get lost. Just work on controlling that temper of yours!"
Yan: "Will do! Absolutely!"
The three closest to Jiang Xiaofeng received immortal herbs. The others looked on enviously. Though they wanted one too, they knew their standing wasn't quite the same.
Jiang Xiaofeng took out another herb, looked at Feng Lingling, and said:
"Sister Ling, this one's specially prepared for you."
Feng Lingling froze. An immortal herb—specially prepared for her?
(End of Chapter)