Chapter Thirteen: The Ultimate Poison, Mu Yang

Within Muyang’s body, potent toxins already raged. The instant he swallowed that drop of green liquid, they erupted violently—multicolored vapors seeped from his form, clashing against the delicate fragrance drifting from Youyou. The scents and toxic fumes swiftly neutralized each other, yet, curiously, the fragrance released by Youyou gradually lost its effect on Muyang’s toxins, and was even overwhelmed and devoured by them.

Even the Yin-Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire were summoned by Youyou in an attempt to subdue the poisons; the Fiery Apricot Spirit and the Eight-Spoke Profound Ice Grass joined forces to resist as well. Only then did they barely manage to contend with the toxic miasma. Gradually, with each breath, Muyang reabsorbed the poisonous mist back into his body. Only after he had taken it all in did he slowly rise to his feet.

“Have I passed the first trial?” Muyang asked with a smile as he stood.

That single drop of liquid had a profound effect on him—not only did it strengthen the toxins within him, but it also gave him control over them. There was a drawback, however: a portion of the toxins now lingered just beneath his skin. Although the amount was small, the toxicity was intense—anyone who merely touched him would likely be poisoned.

“You’ve passed, you’ve passed! Jiao, it’s your turn now. The trials must go on,” Youyou called out toward the edge of the red spring.

“Youyou, you nagging creature! Not only do you disturb my peace, but you gave this human undiluted Nether Essence! If he hadn’t managed to control it, it would have taken two or three years for our home to return to normal,” came a voice, full of indignation. It belonged to a woman as well, but her tone was much clearer, lacking Youyou’s gentle elegance and possessing instead a spirited vigor.

A cluster of red light glimmered along the distant shore of the crimson lake. There stood a plant, its entire form a fiery red. It resembled a flower, but not quite—a tall stalk, nearly ten feet high, with a blossom only slightly smaller in diameter than Youyou’s ethereal form, and shaped much like a cabbage. Its body appeared carved from ruby, and as its glow spread, the air in the valley seemed to grow noticeably warmer.

Youyou, the Ethereal Aromatic Immortal, spoke: “Jiao, isn’t he simply too anxious? You should be the one to test him. Besides, it’s a chance to teach him a lesson. If he fails, so be it; if he succeeds, I can finally lay this matter to rest.”

The plant called Jiao snorted coldly. “Lay it to rest? All you ever want is the fruit of our years of cultivation. I’d rather no one ever came here.”

Youyou giggled. “What’s so bad about it? We have no use for those things ourselves. Besides, he may not even pass your trial! Without that person’s help in the past, we wouldn’t be here at all. Why quibble so much? If you truly don’t want to, I’ll have Eight-Spoke handle it. That would prove it’s stronger than you.”

“Nonsense! That fool Eight-Spoke is nowhere near as strong as I am. It’s clear I’m the superior one. Enough chatter. Poison boy, come here and let your grandaunt teach you a lesson. Lose, and be on your way.”

The fiery red plant swayed, sending a beam of red light skyward. A strange scene unfolded—the plants densely packed in the valley parted, opening a path as those on the ground moved aside. This road extended from the Ethereal Aromatic Immortal all the way to the fiery plant’s position.

Youyou said to Muyang, “Go on! Jiao’s temper isn’t the best. Her proper name is Fiery Apricot Spirit, a fire-attribute immortal herb. Her temperature is extremely high. Moreover, in battle on her side, you’ll be affected by the Scorching Sun Spring, and your toxins will be suppressed by the ultimate fire.”

Muyang nodded, then relaxed his body, allowing the toxic mist to drift out once more…