Chapter 118: The Yin and Yang Energies of Heaven and Earth

“Yu Qin, where are your thoughts drifting again? It’s just some trivial matters requiring a trip back to the northern part of the city. You need not worry.” Yi An’s expression faltered slightly. It had to be said, Shen Yu Qin’s intuition was indeed sharp, but now was not the time to reveal anything. Even if she knew, it would only add unnecessary trouble.

“Be careful...” Shen Yu Qin’s eyes furrowed slightly, a trace of caution stirring in her heart.

Outside, the bright moon hung high as Yi An swiftly navigated through the city. Before long, he arrived at the very center of the Ghost City. He did not know the exact location but relied on a rough sense of direction to find his way.

Ahead lay a restricted zone, an empty expanse devoid of any buildings for hundreds of meters. Only beyond this desolation stood a towering wall, guarded meticulously by spectral soldiers stationed every few dozen meters.

“Looks like this trip to the Ghost City was the right choice,” Yi An’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he gazed upon the imposing wall. Without hesitation, he vanished underground, heading towards the barrier.

The spectral soldiers were mere scattered remnants, unaware of his infiltration even as he slipped inside the high wall.

After several breaths, he found himself deep within the forbidden area.

Suddenly, Yi An’s expression changed as he sensed a faint poisonous miasma ahead. He quickly focused, gathering his vital energy to form a protective shield around himself.

He exhaled in relief. “No wonder the outer defenses were lax. They feel invincible.”

Surveying his surroundings, he saw every corner suffused with a frightening, toxic haze. Anyone touched by it would perish instantly. Even cultivators dared not relax for a moment; a single misstep inviting the poisonous air into the body could mean death. This was no exaggeration—this poison was extraordinary.

The land was barren and lifeless.

To most, such a desolate place would be avoided at all costs. Who would willingly venture inside?

Yi An soon realized the poison was even more virulent than it seemed. His protective shield, forged from vital energy, was gradually corroded by the toxic mist.

Before long, the shield grew thinner under the miasma’s assault. If he did not replenish his energy soon, it would dissipate completely within minutes.

“This poison can even eat through vital energy. The damage to the soul must be far worse. No wonder no one dares to set foot here. What an unexpected boon.”

“However, my vital energy might only last for two more hours. I must hurry.”

Though visibility was poor beneath the night and toxic haze, Yi An’s extraordinary perception allowed him to sense within a hundred meters without trouble.

So far, he had found no signs of human presence.

He had feared someone might get here first, but it seemed he had been overcautious.

Under the threat of such poison, no one else dared approach.

At least, not at present.

This journey had been part of his plan from the start. He had kept it secret out of uncertainty, but now that he was here, he felt seventy percent confident. The remaining thirty percent remained unknown until he uncovered more.

Observing the customs of the Ghost City was just one aspect. His original intent was to explore and seek something here. Success would bring great joy; failure would bring no harm, only the peace of having tried.

The Ghost City was a boundary between yin and yang. Under the influence of these opposing energies, a pure strand of primordial yin-yang energy was generated. All tangible things arise from the mingling of heaven and earth’s yin and yang. The movement of this energy creates yin and yang, which blend to birth the five elements.

Grass bears five colors, ever-changing and wondrous; plants yield five flavors, rich beyond measure. Desires differ, each connecting uniquely. Heaven feeds humans with five energies; earth nourishes with five tastes. The five energies enter the nose, stored in the heart and lungs, enhancing the colors and sounds. The five flavors enter the mouth, stored in the stomach and intestines, nourishing the five energies, harmonizing the qi, generating fluids, and naturally fostering spirit.

In short, that strand of primordial yin-yang energy was something Yi An was determined to obtain. Its benefits would be immense.

In fact, he ought to be grateful for the poisonous miasma. Without this protection, that precious energy might have been seized by others before he arrived. Even if they did not comprehend its significance, their instincts would sense something extraordinary.

Just as Yi An prepared to delve deeper, a strange, ghostly howl echoed ahead—like a wild beast. But what beast could brave such poisonous air?

His expression darkened. This place was not as simple as it seemed. He had thought the poison was the greatest hazard, but apparently, there was more.

He moved swiftly toward the source of the sound, his speed increasing. Within moments, he covered several hundred yards and found the source of the disturbance.

Careful not to alert them, he crept forward until he reached a thicket. Pushing aside the branches, he peered in.

About a hundred yards ahead, two strange beasts were locked in fierce combat. The clash was intense. Due to the night and poisonous haze, Yi An could not clearly discern the creatures but estimated them to be tiger-like, though unlike ordinary tigers. Both were enormous, roughly twice the size of a fierce tiger.

Yi An’s eyes narrowed. Holding his breath, he strove to remain silent to avoid startling them. When two tigers fight, one must be wounded. Once the dust settled, he could strike from behind—a perfect ambush.

Even though he was unafraid of the beasts, why not spare himself some trouble?

He waited for the right moment. Once one beast faltered, he would deliver a decisive blow, hoping to capture it and uncover the truth.

Soon, one beast began to weaken under the other’s relentless attack, retreating. The victor pursued swiftly.

The Mysterious Scrolls Library