At this moment, the core circle of the Sunset Forest was free of any poisonous arrays—clear proof that Dugu Bo hadn't discovered this place yet.
The Ice and Fire Two Eyes lay hidden at the bottom of a valley. From above, the sight was striking: a dark void below, surrounded by sheer cliff faces and jagged stone. Some rocks loomed like crouching beasts, others jutted like drawn swords, each one radiating danger and mystery.
It was nature's craftsmanship at its finest.
"It's here," Yueguan's eyes lit up. "I can feel it—the same aura. The strange mushroom chrysanthemum should be below. And not just that… I can sense other immortal herbs as well. Come on, let's go down!"
Excitement colored his face. It was his first time here—he'd never even read the book his teacher mentioned when he was young. If Gu Han hadn't brought up the possibility of fairy grass in this place, he might never have come in his lifetime.
Fate really does play tricks on people, Yueguan sighed inwardly. Without Gu Han, he would have missed a treasure and a friendship.
The ghostly figure carrying Gu Han descended swiftly, and Bibi Dong hopped off Yueguan's back the moment they landed. Her eyes sparkled as she took in the surroundings.
"Wow… what a beautiful place~" she breathed.
The valley was a sea of rare flora, each plant exuding a unique fragrance. In its heart lay a clear spring—half crimson, half azure—its two colors forming a perfect Tai Chi pattern. The red half radiated intense heat, the blue half an icy chill, two extremes intertwined in harmony.
Because of this spring, the valley's climate shifted unpredictably—one moment warm, the next frigid.
"So this is the Ice and Fire Two Eyes," the Ghost muttered, arms folded. He scanned the area, unimpressed. Special, yes, but nothing worth getting worked up about in his eyes.
Gu Han, however, felt different. Even though he'd seen this place in animation, standing here in person made it feel… alive. Every inch of the valley was a treasure trove of rare herbs.
"Brother, look at Senior Yueguan—what's he doing?"
Bibi Dong nudged Gu Han, gesturing toward Yueguan.
Yueguan knelt reverently before a blazing red flower, hands trembling as he reached out, then pulled back, again and again. His expression bordered on the theatrical, eyes rolling with emotion.
"Hey, Chrysanthemum Pass, what's wrong with you?" Ghost finally called out.
"This… is… Acacia Broken Intestine Red!!!" Yueguan's voice shook.
At first sight, he had been thrilled by the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum. But then, beside it, atop a Wujue Stone, he spotted the true king among immortal herbs—the Acacia Broken Intestine Red.
Without hesitation, he ignored the chrysanthemum and worshipped this flower instead.
"Senior Yueguan, is it really that amazing?" Bibi Dong asked curiously, unable to understand why he was acting like this.
"Of course!" Yueguan straightened, clasped his hands to his chest, and launched into a heartfelt retelling of the Acacia's legend.
Bibi Dong, used to Gu Han's storytelling, listened with mild interest, though something about the tale felt… off.
"This is the king of immortal herbs," Yueguan declared. "It heals mortal wounds, restores flesh to bone, and never withers once it recognizes a master. It boosts cultivation, improves talent, and even shields its owner in danger. If anyone can earn its acknowledgment… I'd stay by their side for life!"
He didn't try himself—he knew the flower only yielded to the purest love, and he had no such bond. In truth, perhaps no one on the continent did.
The three others exchanged silent glances.
They understood… but they didn't.
"Calm down, Chrysanthemum Pass," Ghost said bluntly. "Don't forget why we came."
That brought Yueguan back to his senses, though excitement still shone in his eyes. He glanced around—besides the Acacia and Chrysanthemum, there were countless other immortal herbs.
"Chicken Crown Phoenix Sunflower, Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, Looking-Through Autumn Water Dew, Qiluo Tulip, Bright Paradise Grass, Dragon Blood Vine, Underworld Soul Grass… so many… so many!"
There were also rare treasures like Nine-Grade Purple Zhi, Snow Silkworms, and the Ten-Thousand-Year Ginseng King.
To Yueguan, this was paradise.
He turned to Gu Han with a teasing smile. "Xiaohan, didn't you always ask me about herbs? Well, here's your chance. Which one do you want?"
Gu Han's eyes shifted toward two plants—one ice-blue, one blazing red—growing opposite each other by the spring.
"Senior Yueguan, I want to take the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Fire Apricot."
Yueguan's brows furrowed. "Those two are dangerous. Alone, they're highly poisonous—but together they can reshape your body and fix your flaws. Still… if you can't handle the collision of their extreme energies, you could die."
The warning was clear. Neutralizing toxins was one thing; surviving two clashing forces was another. If Gu Han endured, he could soar to unimaginable heights—perhaps even level 99. If not… he'd lose everything, life included.