Over the past six months, Yan had developed an unshakable habit: every night before going to bed, he would take out that book, Record of Rare Flora and Exotic Herbs, and carefully flip through its pages one by one, as though exploring a mysterious and beautiful world.
During this time, he frequently visited Yue Guan's residence, each visit filled with a thirst for botanical knowledge and a deep reverence for nature.
Realizing that Yan's desire to study plants was genuine, Yue Guan began teaching him without reservation. Their relationship grew increasingly close.
After passing through several streets, Yan arrived straight at Yue Guan's mansion.
When Yue Guan saw him, he smiled warmly.
"Yan, what brings you here so early today?"
"Elder Ju, today marks the end of the first phase of our special training, so I came to see you. Also, there's something very important I'd like to ask your help with."
Hearing this, Yue Guan's smile softened into one of fond amusement.
"We're already this familiar, and you're still being so polite? Just say what's on your mind."
"Then I'll be straightforward, Elder Ju."
"Go ahead."
"For the next phase of our training, Teacher Lin has arranged for us to undergo experience in the Great Spirit Arena — and we'll be acting separately. I'd like to invite you to accompany me on my journey."
"What?!"
Yue Guan frowned slightly, a hint of surprise on his face.
"That Lin Zhendong really knows how to push things — sending you all to train in the Spirit Arena. Does the Pope know about this?"
Yan shook his head.
"I'm not too sure. But I think Teacher Lin will be reporting it to the Pope soon."
"Hmm. Training in the Great Spirit Arena is indeed a good way to improve strength. However, since the three of you will be traveling separately, at least three powerful experts will be needed to guard you in secret."
Yan seized the opportunity to continue:
"Exactly. Teacher Lin suggested that I go to the Tokes Great Spirit Arena, east of Heaven Dou City. There, I'll encounter many opponents with water-type spirits — battling them will help refine my fire abilities. But there's another, even more important reason I came to you."
"Oh? And what's that?"
"I've done some research — the Tokes Great Spirit Arena happens to be quite close to the Sunset Forest. I want to take the opportunity to visit the forest and see if I can find some of the rare plants described in the Record of Rare Flora and Exotic Herbs."
Hearing this, Yue Guan's interest was piqued. He smiled.
"I thought your fascination with flowers and plants was just a passing whim, but it seems you're truly invested. You've been studying them for half a year now — it's about time you went out for some real field research and broadened your horizons."
Yan's heart leapt with excitement.
"So… Elder Ju, you mean you'll go with me?"
Yue Guan nodded.
"I don't have any objections. In fact, I'm looking forward to it myself. But whether we can actually go or not will depend on the Pope's arrangements. We'll see when the time comes."
"Understood."
Yan felt a surge of anticipation.
He knew very well that even though he was aware of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's exact location, and even recognized the immortal herbs that grew there, there was no way he could go alone — because Dugu Bo guarded the place.
Dugu Bo was a Titled Douluo. In addition to his terrifying poisons, his speed and spiritual power were both formidable.
Yan understood that with his current strength, if he dared to trespass into Dugu Bo's hidden garden, once discovered, even flight wouldn't save him.
But if Yue Guan accompanied him, things would be very different.
Yue Guan and Dugu Bo had been rivals for many years.
Though Dugu Bo's Jade Phosphor Serpent venom was exceedingly deadly, Yue Guan held the upper hand in both offensive power and soul energy.
In their past confrontations, Yue Guan had usually been the one in control.
So, if Yue Guan went with him this time, there might be a real chance to drive Dugu Bo away — or at the very least, while Yue Guan engaged Dugu Bo, Yan could slip into his lair and seize the treasures hidden there.
After having dinner at Yue Guan's residence, Yan finally returned to the academy.
As soon as he arrived at his quarters, he spotted Xie Yue and Hu Liena waiting for him.
"Brother Yan," Xie Yue asked curiously, "where did you and Teacher Lin go? Why are you back so late?"
"Teacher Lin left a while ago. I went to Elder Ju's place."
Hearing this, the siblings exchanged puzzled looks.
Throughout the past six months, Yan had been secretly studying botany, never mentioning it to Xie Yue or Hu Liena.
Hu Liena found it quite surprising.
"Why would you go to Elder Ju's residence?"
"Naturally, I had business there."
Yan's tone was rather indifferent — he clearly didn't want to elaborate.
Though Hu Liena felt somewhat dissatisfied with his evasive answer, she also understood that everyone had their own space and secrets, so she didn't press the issue.
She tried her best to act as though she didn't care.
Xie Yue then asked,
"Did Teacher Lin say anything special? Did he tell you what our next stage of training will be?"
Yan nodded slightly.
"Our next phase of training is to participate in Spirit Battles at the Great Spirit Arena."
"Spirit Battles?"
"Really?!"
Both Xie Yue and Hu Liena exclaimed in surprise, their eyes wide with disbelief.
The Great Spirit Arena was the true battleground of spirit masters — a place they had always dreamed of.
The news was an enormous thrill to them.
The siblings exchanged a glance, excitement sparkling in their eyes.
"Yes," Yan confirmed. "That's what Teacher Lin said."
"However, according to his plan, the three of us will go separately to different Great Spirit Arenas for training. My destination is more or less settled — the Tokes Great Spirit Arena east of Heaven Dou City."
Xie Yue frowned slightly.
"Why there? What's special about that place?"
"It's quite unique — it's close to Tianshui City, so there are many strong water-type spirit masters there."
"Ah, I see."
The two siblings immediately understood Lin Zhendong's reasoning.
"Alright, it's getting late," Yan said. "You two should rest early. We'll likely get a definite answer about this tomorrow."
"Got it. You too."
Back in his room, Yan cultivated for an hour, then once again pored over Record of Rare Flora and Exotic Herbs before finally going to sleep.
The next morning, while Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena were training with four other teammates, Teacher Liu Can approached.
"Xie Yue, Yan, Nana — the three of you, head to the Pope's Palace."
The trio couldn't hide their excitement.
"Teacher Liu, we'll head out now!"
"Go on, quickly."
The three of them left the academy at once, hurrying toward the Pope's Palace, hearts filled with excitement and anticipation.
Upon entering the grand hall, they saw that Elder Ju, Elder Gui Mei, and Teacher Lin Zhendong were already there.
High above, Bibi Dong sat calmly upon the Papal Throne, her expression serene.
Yan could sense that she had already been briefed on Teacher Lin's proposal.
PS: Access advance chapters at