Forest of Life and Death, Grass of Purifying Evil

The Boss Lady's unexpected kindness took Chen Chang'an by surprise—this woman was definitely not the type to act so warmly.

Could she have some ulterior motive?

Chen Chang'an wasn’t sure, but his immediate priority was to heal the young boy, so he didn’t dwell on it too much.

"In the northern part of No-Return City, there’s an auction house. You might find what you need there."

"However, the most critical issue is the blood-fiend energy in his mind. That won’t be easy to purge."

"If you want to completely cleanse it, you’ll need to find one thing."

"The Blood-Cleansing Herb from the Forest of Life and Death."

Blood-Cleansing Herb?

This was the first time Chen Chang'an had heard of such a thing. Was it unique to this chaotic region?

The Boss Lady seemed to read his thoughts and continued, "The Blood-Cleansing Herb is exclusive to the Forest of Life and Death."

"That forest is saturated with overwhelming blood-fiend energy. Ordinary people who enter rarely make it out alive."

"Most lose their minds from the rampant blood-fiend energy, and with the countless dangers lurking inside, few dare to venture there."

"Yet, the Blood-Cleansing Herb thrives in such an environment, completely unaffected."

"So, it possesses a unique property—consuming it can fully absorb and purge the blood-fiend energy within one’s body."

That sounded like a remarkable herb. But why did it have to be from the Forest of Life and Death? Couldn’t the auction house have it?

"Does the auction house not carry the Blood-Cleansing Herb?" Chen Chang'an asked.

"It seems you’re not entirely familiar with blood-fiend energy. While it can harm one’s consciousness and body, it also enhances combat power when harnessed properly."

"But the Blood-Cleansing Herb eradicates all traces of blood-fiend energy. Given the dangers of the Forest of Life and Death, it’s not worth risking one’s life for something like this."

"Even if it were sold at the auction house, it wouldn’t fetch a high price."

"So, why bother with it?" The Boss Lady explained.

Chen Chang'an nodded. From that perspective, it really didn’t seem worthwhile.

"How far is the Forest of Life and Death from No-Return City?" he asked.

"Hmm… If you move quickly, you can reach it in a day. But how long it’ll take to get out once you’re inside—that’s hard to say."

"Are you really willing to risk the Forest of Life and Death for this boy?"

"Even those in the Void Comprehension Realm avoid that place."

"You’re only at the first level of the Transcendent Realm. Aren’t you afraid of death?"

The Boss Lady couldn’t understand. Even if Chen Chang'an had hidden strength, why would he take such a risk for a stranger?

Chen Chang'an glanced at the boy, who had just finished washing up and stepped out, and his resolve hardened.

So similar. Too similar.

"This is what I owe him," Chen Chang'an said with a faint smile.

Owe him?

That only deepened the Boss Lady’s confusion. How could someone like Chen Chang'an owe such a heavy debt to a fool?

"Boss Lady, prepare some things for him."

"Da Huang, Xian'er, both of you stay here and keep an eye on him."

"I’ll head to the auction house first, then the Forest of Life and Death."

"I’ll try to return within three days!" Chen Chang'an said calmly.

He hadn’t forgotten—three days later, an important duel awaited him.

"Stay here and behave. I’ll be back soon."

Chen Chang'an patted the boy’s shoulder. The boy seemed to sense his kindness and grinned foolishly, though with a touch of sincerity.

"Let’s go!"

Without hesitation, Chen Chang'an left the Joyful Tower.

The Boss Lady watched his departing figure, her eyes flickering with an unreadable emotion.

Just what kind of man was he?

"Aren’t you going to stop your master?"

"Aren’t you worried about his safety?" the Boss Lady asked Gu Xian'er.

"My master’s decisions are not for a mere maid to question. Besides, I trust him completely." Gu Xian'er held blind faith in Chen Chang'an.

"No matter how terrifying the Forest of Life and Death is, it won’t stop Chen Chang'an now."

"What he wants to do, no one can prevent." Da Huang knew Chen Chang'an too well—this was something he had to do himself.

"If you can’t stop him, then just let him go? Then—"

Mid-sentence, the Boss Lady froze. The… the dog just spoke?

Until now, she hadn’t paid much attention to the dog, thinking it was just an ordinary animal.

But now, it had spoken?

"You… you can talk?"

"You’re not just a normal dog?" the Boss Lady asked, slightly stunned.

"Of course, I—"

"Da Huang is the King of Dogs!"

Before Da Huang could finish, Gu Xian'er proudly introduced his title, oblivious to the glare Da Huang shot her way.

"King of Dogs? I’ve never heard of that."

"But the world is full of wonders. Tell me, King of Dogs, what rank of spirit beast are you?" the Boss Lady asked curiously.

Rank of spirit beast?

Da Huang gave her a disdainful look before sulkily lying down in a corner, refusing to speak.

King of Dogs? You’re the damn King of Dogs! Your whole family’s the King of Dogs!

Seeing Da Huang ignore her, the Boss Lady chuckled helplessly and left.

Meanwhile, after leaving the Joyful Tower, Chen Chang'an headed straight for the auction house in the northern district.

As a Platinum Badge holder, he was immediately attended to the moment he entered.

"You… you’re Chen Chang'an?"

"Yes, that’s me. Who’s in charge here? I need to speak with them."

Chen Chang'an no longer cared why people recognized him—he got straight to the point.

"Well…"

"Very well. Please follow me."

Given Chen Chang'an’s rising fame in No-Return City and his Platinum Badge status, the attendant led him to a private room.

"Elder Ma, Chen Chang'an wishes to see you. He says it’s important."

Hearing this, Elder Ma, the manager, was taken aback. Chen Chang'an?

"Bring him in."

"Yes."

Once the attendant left, Chen Chang'an entered. Elder Ma studied him carefully.

So this was the man causing such a stir?

At the first level of the Transcendent Realm, yet bearing a Platinum Badge—undoubtedly, he stood out.

"You’re Chen Chang'an?"

"What brings you here?" Elder Ma asked.

"I’d like to know—do you have any soul-restoring treasures in this auction house?" Chen Chang'an asked.

Soul-restoring treasures?

"Aren’t you aware of the auction house’s rules? All items must be obtained through auctions—no private transactions."

"Even as a Platinum Badge holder with privileges, you don’t have the right to bypass the auction process."

Elder Ma's words were far from polite—in fact, they were downright blunt, carrying a tone of unmistakable sternness. It seemed he held no particular fondness for Chen Chang'an, though it wouldn't be accurate to call it outright hostility.

Chen Chang'an, however, remained unfazed. His reply was calm and measured: "I asked whether it exists or not."

"Are you deaf to reason?"