NOVEL NEXT Chapter 84: Chapter 84: The Plains of Du Guang
No one knew what Jiang Huai had told the other Jiang clan members.
By the time Han Zhan finished refining the pill and walked out of the house, he could sense something different in the gazes directed at him by the surrounding Jiang clan members.
Was that... respect?
Ignoring these, Han Zhan sought out Jiang Huai and informed him about the functions of the Mixed Essence Pill.
"Clan Leader Jiang, is there any place nearby that cannot be traversed by an ordinary body of flesh and blood?"
"A place impassable by ordinary flesh?" Jiang Huai's face lit up in realization after hearing Han Zhan's description of the Mixed Essence Pill's abilities.
"If I must name one, there indeed is such a place. There, even during the day, we cannot cross it, let alone with ordinary flesh."
Even Jiang Huai couldn't traverse it?
Han Zhan hurriedly asked, "What is this place?"
"The Plains of Du Guang."
"The Plains of Du Guang?"
The name struck a familiar chord in Han Zhan's mind. He racked his memory and finally unearthed an answer from its depths.
In the Classic of Mountains and Seas, it is recorded:
"Between the black waters of the southwest lies the Plains of Du Guang, where Hou Ji is buried. Here, the fertile grains of millet and rice grow, sprouting in winter and summer alike. Luan birds sing, phoenixes dance, spirit trees bloom, and grass thrives, untouched by death through the seasons. Here, myriad beasts gather and live in harmony, an eternal sanctuary of life."
The Plains of Du Guang was none other than the sacred land sought by Shennong and a key to reaching the Heavenly Palace.
With this realization, everything suddenly made sense.
The Heavenly Palace held the final safeguard left by Shennong. It was also Han Zhan's ultimate destination.
"Clan Leader Jiang, where is this Plains of Du Guang? I must go there immediately."
"Well..." Jiang Huai hesitated, looking at Han Zhan with a conflicted expression. Finally, he said, "To be honest, the materials used to refine the Mixed Essence Pill have been completely exhausted. Among them are ingredients that have become extinct since Shennong's passing."
So, the Mixed Essence Pill in his possession was the only one in existence?
Han Zhan had anticipated that the matter wouldn't be easily resolved.
"One Mixed Essence Pill should suffice, right?"
"No. To reach the Plains of Du Guang, one must cross the River of Thorns. The river is endless, and aside from Shennong, no one has ever successfully crossed it."
"Once you step onto the path, there's no turning back. Consuming the Mixed Essence Pill leaves you with no second chance."
There was no retreat.
Han Zhan understood.
But even so, he was determined to walk this path.
Seeing Han Zhan's resolute gaze, Jiang Huai no longer attempted to dissuade him. Moreover, he had a premonition. If this young man couldn't resolve the curse, then no one else could.
"Since the Saint Master has made his decision, the Jiang clan will assist you in traversing the first half of the journey."
As Jiang Huai finished speaking, several of the clan's strongest warriors stepped forward, including Jiang Huo.
Jiang Huai pointed to the group and continued, "The road to the River of Thorns is uncertain. These men are the strongest warriors of our clan. They'll escort you part of the way, saving you trouble. All I ask is for you to refine a few Lesser Return Pills for their journey back."
Han Zhan initially wanted to refuse.
But realizing he was unfamiliar with the terrain and could indeed use some guidance, he accepted Jiang Huai's offer.
After some quick preparations, they set out.
With the Jiang warriors accompanying him, Han Zhan encountered no danger along the way.
Several days later, they reached the River of Thorns.
As the name implied, the river was composed entirely of densely packed thorny vines.
The river stretched endlessly into the horizon, its boundaries obscured. The thorns were as tall as two men, completely blocking the view ahead.
"Saint Master, do not underestimate these thorns. They can pierce even our skins and carry a peculiar poison."
Even a ninth-tier body couldn't withstand the thorns' assault. If it were Han Zhan himself, he would have been skewered into a sieve long ago.
"Saint Master, this is as far as we can take you. The path ahead leads into the unknown. We can do no more."
"Thank you all. If everything goes well in the Plains of Du Guang, the curse passed down through generations in your clan will finally be broken. I hope for success."
"Saint Master, may your journey be smooth."
After bidding them farewell, Han Zhan took out the Mixed Essence Pill.
The moment he swallowed it, his entire body transformed into a grayish-white mist, becoming a form of chaos.
His mortal body vanished, replaced by a swirling cloud of gray-white mist, eerily similar to the black mist he had encountered before.
The mist had form but no substance, color but no shape.
Han Zhan tested his new body by reaching into the River of Thorns. The vicious thorns that could pierce anything brushed against him, dissolving harmlessly into a faint mist before reforming moments later.
Physical damage immunity.
Seeing this, Han Zhan felt a surge of confidence.
He immediately propelled his mist-like form forward, charging through the River of Thorns.
The duration of the Mixed Essence Pill's effects was unknown, so he dared not delay, pressing onward with all his might.
Within the River of Thorns, there were no other creatures—just endless, densely packed spikes.
These spikes were sharper than weapons, and without the Mixed Essence Pill, crossing was impossible.
It was clear that Shennong must have relied on alchemical means to reach the Plains of Du Guang.
Such an illustrious figure, unmatched in the art of alchemy, was truly extraordinary.
As Han Zhan pondered these thoughts, he found himself completely disoriented amidst the thorns, unable to discern direction.
He didn't know how far he had traveled until, suddenly, the thorns disappeared.
A vast, bright plain unfolded before him.
As described in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, luan birds sang, phoenixes danced, spirit trees bore flowers, and grasses thrived eternally. The breathtaking scenery resembled a celestial paradise.
Amid this heavenly landscape, a woman in a resplendent gown danced gracefully, as if tireless.
Sensing his gaze, she paused her movements but did not turn around immediately.
"How many years has it been? How many years since an outsider set foot here? Young man, where do you come from?"
Her voice was as melodious as a songbird's, like a clear spring flowing, evoking an image of a stunning maiden in one's mind.
This must be the legendary Plain Maiden residing in the Plains of Du Guang.
"I come from the Jiang clan's settlement, following Shennong's footsteps to the Plains of Du Guang. It is an honor to behold the Plain Maiden in person."
"Young man, your words are sweet. But I have yet to turn around. How do you know my true appearance?"
As she spoke, the figure gracefully turned.
A face without features appeared before Han Zhan.
"Young man, am I beautiful?"
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