Chapter 16: Consumption

When the extreme energies of ice and fire collided, they began to bizarrely neutralize each other.

The violent and intense energy gradually became calm and gentle through this process.

Seizing the moment when the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Delicate finished neutralizing, Jiang Jie swiftly picked up the two celestial herbs from the ground and began to devour them.

The Fiery Apricot Delicate had a texture reminiscent of its appearance, like eating raw cabbage with a hint of crisp cucumber, and it was quite juicy. The Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, on the other hand, tasted more like fruit, with a sweet and sour flavor similar to green apples.

Expecting a harsh taste, Jiang Jie was pleasantly surprised by the flavors of the celestial herbs, savoring the experience as he awaited their effects.

“That’s it?” Dugu Bo stared in astonishment at Jiang Jie’s actions.

He had expected that even after the herbs’ neutralization, consuming them would still be an ordeal, perhaps even life-threatening. Concerned for Jiang Jie’s safety, he had been suppressing his own rampaging toxins while closely monitoring the situation.

“Hmm? Teacher, why are you still here?” Jiang Jie turned, puzzled by Dugu Bo’s presence. Dugu Bo looked rather disheveled, with a large section of his left sleeve burnt away, leaving charred edges, and his right sleeve covered in frost. His aged hands glowed with both fiery and icy hues, remnants of the herbs’ toxic effects.

Dugu Bo frowned, “I was worried about you. The toxins in these herbs are formidable, even for me. Only you would dare to consume them so boldly.”

Actually, Tang San would also dare, Jiang Jie thought to himself. Just as he was about to speak, the herbs’ effects exploded in his abdomen, and red and blue light burst forth, the forces of ice and fire suddenly boiling within him.

The violent energies left burn and frostbite marks on Jiang Jie’s skin, causing his face to alternately flush red and turn pale.

“Teacher… don’t mind… me! Go and… eat that flower!” Jiang Jie managed to say through gritted teeth, before diving headfirst into the Yin-Yang Spring of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

After consuming the celestial herbs, it was crucial to enter the spring at the peak of their effect. If entered too soon, without the protective effects of the herbs, the spring’s waters would kill instantly. Entering too late, after the herbs’ effects had waned, would also be fatal due to the clashing forces of ice and fire.

Jiang Jie was waiting for the herbs to take effect.

Seeing him plunge into the spring, Dugu Bo’s heart nearly stopped. The power of the spring waters surpassed even that of the celestial herbs.

Dugu Bo didn’t know the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well also facilitated the absorption of the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Delicate. He quickly approached the spring’s edge to check on Jiang Jie.

Fortunately, although visibility in the spring was low, it wasn’t entirely opaque. With his keen eyesight, Dugu Bo could see Jiang Jie slowly floating within the spring.

“Phew, this kid,” Dugu Bo sighed in relief, cursing under his breath, “He’s always worrying me.”

“Since he’s fine, it’s time to solve my own problem.”

Normally, entering the spring would either freeze someone solid or burn them to ashes. Jiang Jie’s painful yet unharmed state reassured Dugu Bo.

Looking down at the fiery and icy toxins still invading his body, Dugu Bo felt a deep sense of dread. These toxins were more potent and aggressive than those of his Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor.

He admitted to himself that, in terms of pure lethality, his own poison paled compared to the two herbs.

With the toxins inside him nearing uncontrollable levels, Dugu Bo wasted no time. He swiftly located the Fragrant Heart Passion Flower, picked it, and quickly ate it, chewing briefly before swallowing.

He remembered this flower well.

It was distinctive enough to leave an impression.

When Jiang Jie mentioned the Fragrant Heart Passion Flower, Dugu Bo recalled the peculiar pink blossom. However, he had always avoided it out of caution.

Dugu Bo had suffered many setbacks in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well due to his lack of knowledge about the various celestial herbs. On several occasions, including encounters with the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Delicate, he had narrowly escaped with his life.

He had even accidentally touched the Snow Swan Kiss once…

Those who know, know…

Since that incident, he had been wary of any unknown herbs, including the Fragrant Heart Passion Flower. Though he had sensed its invigorating scent, approaching it always made his martial spirit feel suppressed.

Once bitten, twice shy, Dugu Bo had been afraid the flower might harm him further.

He had only remembered it but dared not approach it.

Without Jiang Jie’s advice, Dugu Bo wouldn’t have known its true purpose of granting poison immunity.

“Ah, ignorance really costs you,” Dugu Bo sighed softly, sitting cross-legged to refine the flower’s medicinal effects.

Each celestial herb had its unique properties.

As Jiang Jie had anticipated, the Fragrant Heart Passion Flower’s effects were perfect for someone like Dugu Bo, whose body had been ravaged by toxins for most of his life. The flower’s effects were akin to using detergent on a greasy pan, rejuvenating his toxin-riddled body.

Not only did his green hair and eyes return to their natural black, but his appearance also seemed to rejuvenate by twenty years, restoring the look of a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties.

Even Dugu Yan would have to take a moment to recognize him now.

While Dugu Bo continued his absorption, Jiang Jie, too, endured the refining process in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Shortly after entering the spring, the overwhelming medicinal power knocked him unconscious.

Now, he was instinctively undergoing the transformation from the ice and fire energies.

Fortunately, Jiang Jie’s unconscious state spared him the agony Tang San experienced from the explosive ice and fire energies within.

Jiang Jie’s luck was indeed remarkable.

(End of Chapter)