Within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Marco began his solitary and arduous cultivation life. When the first rays of morning sunlight fell upon the spring water, he had already started his daily training. The spiritual energy of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was extremely abundant, but the interwoven Yin Yang Essence also made cultivation full of challenges.
In the initial days, Marco cautiously adapted to the environment here. Following Yang Wudi's instructions, he consumed one Yin Yang Body Tempering Pill every three days, devoting himself fully to cultivation during the twelve hours when the pill's effects lasted. The Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit became exceptionally active under the stimulation of the Yin Yang Essence, and the circulation speed of his Soul Power increased by at least thirty percent compared to the outside world.
"The spiritual energy concentration here far surpasses the outside world, but the erosion of the Yin Yang Essence is indeed formidable," Marco sensed the condition within his body. Even with the protection of the pills, the Yin Yang Essence still penetrated the protective layer, slowly tempering his body. This tempering process was filled with pain but also brought obvious benefits.
Half a month later, Marco began attempting to strengthen his body with medicinal baths. He searched for suitable herbs around the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to prepare medicinal baths that would enhance his physique. Although these herbs couldn't compare to immortal-grade treasures, they were still rare treasures seldom seen in the outside world.
"Golden Scale Grass enhances defense, Blood Ginseng Fruit strengthens qi and blood, Purple Spirit Mushroom warms and nourishes the meridians..." Marco meticulously prepared the medicinal baths according to the pharmacopoeia left by Yang Wudi. He placed the collected herbs into a wooden bucket and added water from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The unique spring water could stimulate the efficacy of the herbs, doubling the effects of the medicinal bath.
The medicinal bath process was exceptionally painful. Under the stimulation of the ice and fire spring water, the medicinal power became extremely domineering, like millions of fine needles piercing into his pores. Marco gritted his teeth and persevered, while the restorative power of the Azure Flame Phoenix continuously repaired his damaged meridians. After each medicinal bath, he could feel a noticeable improvement in his physique.
One day a month later, while taking the Yin Yang Body Tempering Pill, Marco suddenly had an inspiration: "Since this pill is refined from the Eight-Horned Mystic Ice Herb and Blazing Apricot Affectionate Frond, could I also temper my body with the help of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, just like Tang San did in the original story?"
This idea made his heart race. The Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit possessed extremely strong restorative power, and perhaps it could truly withstand the tempering of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
He decided to proceed with caution. First, he slowly extended his right hand into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Piercing cold and scorching heat assaulted him simultaneously; even with the protection of the pill, he still felt excruciating pain. But the restorative power of the Azure Flame Phoenix immediately took effect, rapidly repairing the damaged tissues.
"It can be withstood!" Marco was ecstatic in his heart. He gradually increased the contact area, eventually stepping entirely into the spring water.
The extreme experience of simultaneous ice and fire almost made him lose consciousness. His left side felt as if falling into an ice cellar, while his right side felt as if entering a sea of flames. The two extreme energies clashed within his body. The Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit automatically protected its master, with azure flames flowing over his body surface, striving to balance the ice and fire energies.
The first attempt lasted only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, but the effects were remarkable. After emerging, he felt his physical strength had significantly improved, and his resistance to ice and fire energies had also enhanced.
From then on, Marco incorporated ice and fire body tempering into his daily cultivation. Each time after taking the pill, he would soak in the spring water for a period. As time passed, the duration he could endure in the spring water gradually increased—from the time of an incense stick to half an hour, and finally, he could persist for a full hour.
During the cultivation period, Dugu Bo and Li Zhaoyan visited on several occasions. When they first came to deliver supplies and elixirs, they were both astonished to see Marco tempering his body in the spring.
"This is madness!" Li Zhaoyan exclaimed in shock and anger. "How dare you immerse yourself directly in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well? It's extremely dangerous!"
Dugu Bo also frowned and said, "Even I wouldn't dare to casually touch this spring water. Young friend, you're taking too great a risk."
But when they examined Marco's condition, they were stunned to discover that not only was his physique unharmed, it had actually been significantly enhanced. The regenerative power of the Azure Flame Phoenix far exceeded their expectations.
"Incredible..." Dugu Bo marveled. "The restorative ability of the Azure Flame Phoenix is truly remarkable."
Li Zhaoyan's anger turned to delight: "It seems this is Marco's destined opportunity. Still, you must remain cautious and not rush for quick gains."
With each visit, they brought new supplies and elixirs to ensure Marco's cultivation proceeded smoothly. Ye Qingwan had even specially asked Ye Lingling to prepare some medicines for nourishing the meridians, which were delivered through Dugu Bo.
Time flew by, and before they knew it, over half a year had passed. Through arduous cultivation at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Marco made astonishing progress—his mastery of Armament Haki had advanced to the point where he could cover his entire body.
Physically, his body—already at the level of a Soul King from consuming the Immortal Herbs—had now strengthened to rival that of a Soul Emperor. His muscle fibers had become more resilient, his bone density had greatly increased, and his meridians had widened considerably. His resistance to ice and fire energy far surpassed ordinary people; he could now cultivate beside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for several hours without needing to take any elixirs.
In terms of Soul Power, he had progressed from level 42 right after absorbing the Spirit Ring to level 44. Although the level increase wasn't particularly rapid, the density and purity of his Soul Power far exceeded that of other Soul Masters at the same level. The Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit, tempered by the Yin Yang Essence, had further improved in quality, with the golden-red glow within the Azure Flame becoming more distinct.
The most pleasant surprise was his mastery of the fourth Spirit Ability, "Azure Flame Engulfment." After more than half a year of cultivation, Marco could now skillfully control this powerful enhancement ability.
On this day, Marco decided to conclude his secluded cultivation. He gathered some rare medicinal herbs from the garden. While these herbs couldn't compare to immortal-grade items, they were still top-tier and would greatly benefit his future cultivation.
"Dragon Blood Mushroom, Raging Underworld Grass, Adamantine Fruit..." Marco carefully collected them, taking only portions of each to ensure the plants could continue to grow. He specifically gathered some Mind Calming Flowers with soothing effects for Ye Lingling, and some Poison Aversion Grass that could enhance poison resistance for Dugu Yan.
After packing his belongings, Marco took one last look at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Over half a year of solitary cultivation had made him develop an attachment to this place. This miraculous location had not only enhanced his strength but also tempered his will.
"Time to return." Marco took a deep breath and set off on his journey back.
Passing through the dense forest, Marco effortlessly retraced his route. Most of the Soul Beasts in the Sunset Forest had become familiar with this frequently passing human and gave way accordingly. Occasionally, a few foolish Soul Beasts would challenge him, but he easily dispatched them.
Just as he was about to exit the forest, he suddenly heard a peculiar cry. It sounded neither like a bird's call nor a beast's roar, carrying an indescribable aura of majesty and mystery.
Marco halted his steps, listening intently. The cry came again, clearer this time, carrying a hint of pain and a plea for help.
The Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit suddenly manifested on its own, as if drawn by the sound. The Martial Soul was unusually active, its azure flames flickering uncontrollably.
"This voice..." Marco's heart stirred, "seems to resonate with my Martial Soul."
He changed direction and walked toward the source of the sound. The further he went, the more intensely the Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit reacted. A peculiar aura permeated the air—both familiar and strange.