Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Icegrass Pill
Yan's inner fiery energy was ferocious, akin to a raging blaze churning within his body. This power not only granted him flaming red hair that resembled a cascade of fire but also etched unique flame-like patterns on his skin, forming a totem that symbolized his extraordinary strength.
In the past, Yan took immense pride in his fiery aura and appearance. His striking hair and flame markings were declarations of his identity as an exceptional fire-attribute Spirit Master. However, his mindset had recently shifted.
While his flamboyant presence often gave him a psychological edge against opponents weak to fire, it also made him a glaring target. In battles against true experts, his attributes and power would be laid bare at first glance, an undeniable disadvantage.
Determined to conceal his aura and wield it with mastery, Yan sought a solution. He believed Yue Guan, the Chrysanthemum Douluo, might hold the key, which led him to this late-night visit.
Upon hearing Yan's request to suppress his fiery energy, Yue Guan showed a mix of surprise and amusement. Gently fanning himself, he asked, "Yan, didn't you used to flaunt your fiery aura with pride? Why the sudden change?"
"Elder Yue, I used to think it was impressive. Now, I see it differently. Showing off my strengths so openly might not be the wisest choice," Yan replied.
Nodding in understanding, Yue Guan mused, "You have a point. Your fiery aura is indeed conspicuous. Even my servants recognized you immediately when you arrived. In all of Spirit City, there's no one else like you, a walking flame!"
The elder chuckled, and Yan scratched his head awkwardly.
"Elder Yue, is there a way to suppress it?"
Yue Guan smiled knowingly and retrieved a small, shimmering pill from his storage tool.
"This," Yue Guan explained, holding up the translucent blue pill, "is an Icegrass Pill, crafted from thousand-year Icegrass and Frostsilk Cocoon. It's infused with intense cold energy and can temporarily suppress your fiery aura."
Yan's eyes sparkled as he examined the pill, its cold energy palpable even from a distance. "Elder Yue, did you make this yourself?"
Yue Guan nodded. "Indeed. While Frostsilk Cocoons are common in the extreme north, thousand-year Icegrass is rare. I managed to procure enough to craft a few pills. Here, take these two."
The elder handed over two Icegrass Pills, their chilling touch sending a refreshing sensation through Yan's hands.
"Thank you, Elder Yue! These pills are invaluable!" Yan bowed deeply in gratitude.
Yue Guan waved dismissively, saying, "No need to thank me. You came to me for help, and I can't let you leave empty-handed. However, these pills only suppress your aura for about 12 hours each. Once you reach Level 50, their duration will halve."
"I understand. I'll use them wisely," Yan promised, carefully storing the pills in his own spatial tool.
Before leaving, Yan hesitated, then asked, "Elder Yue, do you happen to have any records or guides about rare plants and flowers?"
Yue Guan raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? Why are you suddenly interested in flora?"
Yan explained, "These Icegrass Pills are too rare. If I can identify and locate Icegrass myself, I might be able to learn how to make these pills in the future."
The elder chuckled, his interest growing. Few ever sought his expertise in flowers and herbs, a subject he was particularly passionate about.
"Very well. But suppressing your aura with Icegrass Pills is only a temporary solution. Once you surpass Level 60, these pills will become ineffective."
"Then what should I do?" Yan asked.
"You'll need to seek out an exceptional celestial herb. Ordinary plants can't permanently suppress such intense energy, but a truly rare herb can help you harmonize it," Yue Guan explained.
Yan's eyes glimmered with understanding. He recalled a legendary location, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well deep in the Sunset Forest. It was a miraculous spring where countless celestial herbs flourished.
"Wait here," Yue Guan instructed. He soon returned with a thick, ornate book.
"This is the 'Compendium of Rare Flowers and Plants'. It documents various rare and mystical plants. Study it well. If you can find a suitable celestial herb, it will help you suppress your aura for years, or even integrate it fully."
Yan accepted the book with reverence. "Thank you, Elder Yue. I'll make good use of this knowledge."
As he left Yue Guan's residence, Yan felt a renewed determination. Somewhere out there was the celestial herb he needed, and he vowed to find it.