Qian Renxue's efficiency was far beyond Dai Mubai's expectations.
What she had promised to accomplish in three days had been completed by the second afternoon—with results better than anticipated.
Not only had Chrysanthemum Douluo's botanical record been "delivered" without delay, but a carefully orchestrated "incident" had also forced Dugu Bo to leave Heaven Dou City.
The plan was simple yet audacious: Chrysanthemum Douluo's partner, Snake Lance Douluo, personally orchestrated the kidnapping of Dugu Yan and transported her to a desolate area near the borders of Heaven Dou Empire.
Dugu Bo, who was enjoying a rare moment of peace at Prince Xue Xing's residence, was immediately enraged when he discovered what had happened. The resulting wave of his Title Douluo-level soul power nearly destroyed half of Prince Xue Xing's estate.
Prince Xue Xing, however, wasn't concerned about his damaged estate. His worries were far greater.
"If someone could abduct Dugu Yan under the noses of three Spirit Douluo, then this must be the work of a Title Douluo…"
Prince Xue Xing began to panic, suspecting that this was part of a larger conspiracy—perhaps targeting Emperor Xue Ye himself.
But Dugu Bo couldn't be persuaded to stay.
Even if he understood the situation was likely a trap, he had no choice. Dugu Yan was his only bloodline. No matter the risk, he had to save her.
Meanwhile, back at Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou City, Qian Renxue delivered the news to Dai Mubai.
"Dugu Bo has left Heaven Dou City."
Qian Renxue's gaze lingered on Dai Mubai with faint suspicion.
She had done everything he asked—secured Chrysanthemum Douluo's botanical records, orchestrated Dugu Yan's "kidnapping," and ensured Dugu Bo's absence.
And yet, she still had no idea what Dai Mubai was planning.
The pieces started falling into place.
"His target… could it be the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?"
Qian Renxue had thoroughly investigated Dugu Bo's background. She knew he resided in a secret location deep within the Sunset Forest—a place shrouded in poisonous flora and mystery.
It was a stretch, but Dai Mubai's requests for rare botanical knowledge and his insistence on distracting Dugu Bo pointed directly to the legendary "Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well".
"Thank you. I need to hurry now. Farewell for the moment."
Dai Mubai didn't waste time. He nodded toward Qian Renxue and left immediately.
Qian Renxue watched him go, her expression mixed.
"He's hiding something. But what?"
After a moment's hesitation, she decided not to follow him. For now, she trusted him enough to let him act. Besides, she had her own affairs to attend to.
Arriving at Sunset Forest
Dai Mubai had spent the past few days meticulously scouting the area. He now knew the route to Dugu Bo's lair by heart.
Unlike other spirit masters who entered Sunset Forest stealthily, Dai Mubai moved with boldness, taking advantage of the heavy traffic caused by soul beast hunters and herb seekers.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was located within a basin-like valley surrounded by rugged mountains and deadly toxic flora. From above, the poison-filled mists made it nearly impossible for outsiders to enter without proper resistance.
When Dai Mubai reached the outskirts of the poisonous valley, he didn't hesitate.
"Flying in? That's for later. For now, let's test this body."
He activated his Golden Vajra Indestructible Physique, causing his skin to take on a metallic sheen as he transformed into a "golden figure."
"Let's go!"
The poisonous mists were deadly to most spirit masters, but to Dai Mubai—who was immune to poison thanks to his technique—they posed no threat.
Without missing a step, he strode confidently through the toxic clouds, leaving a trail of golden light in his wake.
Reaching the mountain peak, Dai Mubai looked down into the valley.
The sight was breathtaking.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was unmistakable—a massive crater-like basin split into two distinct halves. One half glowed an ethereal ice-blue, while the other shimmered with a fiery crimson.
Both sides radiated power, as if the forces of ice and fire were locked in eternal opposition.
Surrounding the well were clusters of rare medicinal herbs and immortal grasses, their vibrant colors glowing faintly under the influence of the well's energy.
"Finally found it."
Dai Mubai's expression turned resolute. He didn't allow himself to get distracted by the beauty of the scene. He descended swiftly, his White Tiger Saint King Martial Soul activated to control his landing.
The moment he touched the ground, he immediately spotted the first treasure:
The Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum—a radiant golden flower growing nearby.
"This one's mine."
Without hesitation, Dai Mubai plucked the Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and consumed it on the spot, following the exact method described in the original story.
The effects were immediate. A surge of energy spread through his body, reinforcing his bones and meridians.
But he wasn't done yet.
The Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Infernal Delicate Apricot—two other core treasures—were his next targets.
Over the next three days, Dai Mubai methodically collected every herb and immortal grass he could identify.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, once a sacred and untouched paradise of medicinal wonders, was now completely… ransacked.
Meanwhile, Dugu Bo Returns…
At the desolate location where Dugu Yan had been left, Dugu Bo finally found his unconscious granddaughter.
Seeing that she was unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief. But confusion clouded his mind.
"What was the purpose of this? There's no ambush here… so why lure me out?"
The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became.
"Could this be a diversion? A trap to target Emperor Xue Ye?"
Just as he began to suspect foul play back in Heaven Dou City, Dugu Yan stirred awake.
"Grandfather? Where are we? What happened?"
Dugu Bo sighed heavily. "I don't know, Yan'er. But we need to get back quickly."
Back at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dai Mubai stood atop a mountain ridge, surveying his work with satisfaction.
The valley now lay barren, its once-lush flora stripped away entirely.
"Sorry, Dugu Bo. I'll make good use of your treasures, I promise."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving behind an empty paradise… and a furious Title Douluo on the way.
(End of Chapter)