Chapter Fourteen: The Heartbreak Herb of Longing

Seeing the poisonous mist spreading once more, A-Jiao immediately turned to Youyou and said, “Youyou, is it possible to surrender? You know how deadly this poison is.” Then she turned to Muyang, adding, “Wait a moment. If surrender isn’t allowed, let’s put on a show—then you beat me, but don’t use the poison mist.”

Youyou looked at A-Jiao, speechless, but there was truly nothing she could do. Muyang’s toxic mist was irresistible, not even her own fragrance could ward it off, and the Extreme Flame was even more terrifying. Even if A-Jiao surrendered outright to Youyou, there was nothing she could do to stop it.

A-Jiao’s asking so politely whether surrender was possible was already generous. She’d made her stance clear: if surrender wasn’t an option, she’d act out a defeat with Muyang. In the end, she’d accept defeat.

Youyou could only agree, retrieving a book and handing it to Muyang.

No sooner had Muyang opened the book than the Snow Empress came over to take a look.

The first page was sparsely written, the script ancient and dignified.

“I’m glad someone has found my message. Passing the test of the Fragrant Marvelous Immortal proves you are qualified to read this book. This tome was written by Tang San, the founder of Tang Sect, and records the differences among various immortal and poisonous herbs, as well as some lost Tang Sect techniques for using poisons. After mastering its contents, please leave the book behind and use its knowledge with utmost caution.”

On the second page:

“Greetings, fated one. I am Tang San, founder of the Tang Sect.

“The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well is a gift from the heavens, formed by the harmonious interplay of the Ultimate Cold Spring and the Fiery Yang Spring—yin and yang in perfect balance. It is one of three treasure-rich terrains, and the only one of its kind on the Douluo Continent. After discovering this place, I did not keep it to myself; my companions and I obtained some peerless herbs here, and replanted some rare treasures. Whoever you are, since you have passed my test, you must restrain greed and desire—you may not take more than seven herbs from this place.

“Methods of using poison and medicine can save lives or bring calamity. In the wrong hands, they can cause great suffering. For this reason, I have left the Medicine and Poison Chapters of the Tang Sect’s Mysterious Heaven Record here. Only those who pass the test and possess excellent character may learn these secrets. To learn from my record is to become one of Tang Sect—please take care of the sect. If you do not wish to join, return the book, and let the Fragrant Marvelous Immortal guide you to obtain herbs here. If you do join, never divulge the Medicine and Poison Chapters to others; they are for your use alone. Be cautious, be cautious.

“Mysterious Heaven Record, Hidden Weapons Unveiled, Medicine Chapter.

“The Fragrant Marvelous Immortal is the bane of all poisons, able to neutralize any toxin. Though it cannot cure poison, it can suppress it; its faint, elegant fragrance renders all poisons powerless within its range. The flower is pink, its petals…”

“Snow Silkworm: a supreme type of cordyceps. This fungus appears gray-white, with circled markings and eight pairs of legs, most prominent at midsection. Its texture is brittle and easily broken, with a flat, pale yellow interior. The fruiting body is slender, deep brown to chestnut, cylindrical and longer than the host insect, with a slightly swollen spore cap. Externally yellow and bright, internally white and plump, it is larger and more potent than common cordyceps, found only at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well…”

“Nine-Rank Dragon Ganoderma, a celestial treasure, born of the world’s spiritual energy, absorbs…”

“Eight-Point Mysterious Ice Grass: a large white blossom, eight-pointed, with a crystalline center sparkling with tiny stamens. It emits no scent. It grows at the very heart of the Ultimate Cold Spring…” (The author is elaborating here.)

Muyang and the Snow Empress were enthralled as they read.

Just then, the Fragrant Marvelous Immortal’s voice spoke, “Hey, have you finished reading the first pages? Do you wish to join the Tang Sect? If not, you can’t keep reading. I swore an oath to that person, you know.”

Muyang glanced at Youyou, then silently instructed, [System, transmit the method for using the Jade Hand into my mind.]

[Jade Hand
Grade: Pale Green
Ability: Instantly imprint the technique of the Jade Hand into your mind
Value: Soul Power at Level 30]

Although Muyang’s expression showed no sign of exhaustion, who knew how much soul power he’d silently consumed.

He raised his hand and performed the Jade Hand technique for Youyou to see.

“So, you’re a disciple of Tang Sect? You may continue reading. But when you finish, you must return the book—so you’d better commit it to memory,” Youyou said. She recognized the Jade Hand—though Muyang’s execution was unpolished, it was unmistakably the real technique. (Muyang never claimed to be a Tang Sect disciple; this was all Youyou and the others’ fantasy, which can hardly be blamed on him.)

The Snow Empress regarded Muyang curiously. Though she’d asked him to study human society, she hadn’t expected there to be a cultivation manual in his spatial ring—she’d only seen metal odds and ends. But she didn’t dwell on it; after all, she’d never really checked the ring’s contents.

Muyang then turned his attention to the Lovesick Heartbreak Grass. Since enmity had already formed, there was no harm in going further.

[System, is there a way to harvest the Lovesick Heartbreak Grass?]

[Host, the Lovesick Heartbreak Grass before you contains a fragment of a second-tier divine inheritance. It is absorbable.]

Hearing this, Muyang’s eyes lit up. Keeping his expression calm, he approached the Lovesick Heartbreak Grass, bit his finger, and let several drops of blood fall onto it.

[Now! System, absorb the inheritance.]

Without the slightest tremor, the uppermost petal of the Heartbreak Grass drifted down.

Muyang quietly picked up the petal and stored it away.

Seeing the petal fall, Youyou sighed, “I didn’t expect this person to have someone they love so deeply. Appearances can be deceiving, truly deceiving.”

Then she walked toward the Eight-Point Mysterious Ice Grass…

This is today’s chapter. There will be no more updates today.