After being led into the reception hall of the Lingchong Pavilion by the girl named [Xiaoyu], Nie Kong and Tai Yan hadn't lingered long before Mu Xiaoling came running back in, beaming, clutching two wooden boxes, one large and one small, presumably containing the herbs she had just retrieved.

The moment she set the boxes down, Mu Xiaoling was struck breathless by Tai Yan's appearance. Although she had noticed the red-robed woman beside Nie Kong when she left, she hadn't paid much attention. But now, seeing her up close, she suddenly realized that this woman's features and figure seemed carved by divine artistry, almost flawlessly perfect. And her eyes... they were like two pools of clear, pristine spring water, entirely without blemish.

There couldn't be many women like this across the entire Tianling Continent. In her presence, any woman who prided herself on beauty would surely feel ashamed.

Lost in thought, Mu Xiaoling couldn't help but ask with a hint of curiosity, "Nie Kong, who is she?"

"She is my sister; her name is Tai Yan."

Nie Kong quickly introduced her. If he waited for Tai Yan to speak, she would probably introduce herself as Nie Kong's concubine rather than his sister.

Unfortunately, Nie Kong's subtle attempt at control had no effect. As soon as his words fell, Tai Yan corrected him seriously, "Not a sister. A concubine."

"Ah?"

Mu Xiaoling was momentarily stunned.

Nie Kong broke out in a cold sweat: "Don't listen to her nonsense."

Mu Xiaoling quickly recovered, nodding with a playful smile, her gaze lingering ambiguously between Nie Kong and Tai Yan. "Oh, I see, I see."

What did she see?

Nie Kong was speechless and too lazy to explain further. In matters like this, a hundred of his own explanations were less effective than a few simple words from Tai Yan.

After a pause, Nie Kong asked curiously, "Xiaoling, when I first arrived, I saw a notice posted outside the Lingbao Pavilion offering high prices for various medicinal herbs found at the mouth of the 'Forbidden Spirit Marsh.' The price for the same type of herb was even thirty percent higher than outside. What kind of place is this 'Forbidden Spirit Marsh' that makes the herbs so expensive?"

Mu Xiaoling looked surprised. "Nie Kong, you don't know?"

On her way to fetch the herbs, she had considered that Nie Kong, being a Spirit Alchemist, might have come specifically for the 'Forbidden Spirit Marsh,' but judging by his expression now, that didn't seem to be the case.

Nie Kong chuckled wryly, "I just arrived in Weitian City; how could I know anything?"

Mu Xiaoling couldn't help but laugh either. "I'm not entirely clear what the 'Forbidden Spirit Marsh' is, but the herbs produced there have incredibly potent medicinal qualities, generally twenty percent stronger than similar herbs found elsewhere. Spirit elixirs refined using these herbs have much greater efficacy. However, the herbs inside are very rare, and they tend to pop up in the most bizarre ways. Legend has it that a Phantom Realm is hidden in there."

"What? A Phantom Realm?"

Nie Kong grew increasingly shocked as he listened. Herbs with stronger potency than their counterparts outside—wasn't that the effect of the Medicine Spirit Phantom Realm? And the herbs appearing unpredictably, wasn't that also like the Medicine Spirit Phantom Realm? Especially when Mu Xiaoling uttered the words 'Phantom Realm,' Nie Kong could no longer remain still.

Where effort is useless, success is found without seeking!

That saying was true, but if what he found after 'breaking his shoes' was already common knowledge, it was a genuine tragedy.

Mu Xiaoling nodded. "Yes, but that's just rumor; no one seems to have actually seen it. The talk about this Phantom Realm started over a decade ago, but after many Heavenly Spirit experts came to investigate, they found nothing, and it faded from conversation."

Nie Kong’s heart skipped a beat. A decade ago—that was precisely when Hua Chen and Jing Rong discovered the Phantom Realm. Many Heavenly Spirit experts investigating—this aligned perfectly with Hua Mei's memories. After Hua Chen informed the Spirit God Hall about the Phantom Realm, a large number of powerful figures from the Spirit God Hall had indeed come searching for it.

A thought struck Nie Kong, and he asked, "If no one mentioned it, why has the rumor resurfaced now?"

"That's thanks to these."

Mu Xiaoling patted the two medicine boxes on the table and smiled. "It started three days ago when a Spirit Master accidentally found some Gold Jade Gourd Seeds—herbs needed for refining fifth-grade Spirit Elixirs—at the mouth of the Forbidden Spirit Marsh. Because the quality was exceptional, he sold them for a high price and went back in. Sure enough, right where he found the Gold Jade Gourd Seeds, he discovered another herb... After making several trips like that, his movements were noticed, and the news slowly spread. Many nearby Spirit Masters have already rushed to Weitian City, and I expect even more Spirit Masters will arrive in the next few days, perhaps even some Heavenly Spirit experts coming to search for the Phantom Realm."

"I see. No wonder, while wandering around Weitian City, I noticed quite a few Spirit Masters hurrying westward." Nie Kong realized, secretly letting out a breath of relief. He had arrived quite timely. If too many experts from the Tianling Continent arrived, things would become complicated.

"Nie Kong, do you want to try your luck at the Forbidden Spirit Marsh? As long as the herbs you find aren't at the level of Gold Jade Gourd Seeds, hardly anyone will fight you for them. Moreover, the area inside the Forbidden Spirit Marsh is extremely strange; all spiritual energy is neutralized, so conflicts over herbs mostly happen outside the swamp. But for now, not many top experts are present, and those who are here are generally hunting for the Phantom Realm. As long as the herbs you find aren't as precious as 'Gold Top Flowing Silk' or 'Icy Snow Divine Heart Grass,' they won't be interested."

"Oh, right, Hong Lou mentioned you became a Spirit Tamer two years ago. Your cultivation must be much higher now, so you should be quite safe for the next couple of days. Then, just display your inner-city disciple identification plaque from Lingyu City prominently; few foolish people will dare bother you," Mu Xiaoling added with a light smile.

"You're right, I'll set off immediately." Nie Kong was already impatient, leaping to his feet. "Xiaoling, where exactly is the 'Forbidden Spirit Marsh' mouth located west of Weitian City?"

"Why the rush? You just arrived in Weitian City; as the host, I must offer you some hospitality. Besides, it's almost dark today. What good would it do for you to go now?" Mu Xiaoling said, simultaneously exasperated and chiding playfully. "Also, spiritual energy is useless inside the 'Forbidden Spirit Marsh'; it's easy to get trapped in the swamp if you aren't careful. No matter how strong your cultivation, it's useless. You need to prepare before going."

"You have a point; I was too eager."

Nie Kong looked slightly embarrassed. It was difficult to tell Mu Xiaoling that he had the Ghostly Hawk King as his steed, meaning even without spiritual power, there would be no danger... However, Mu Xiaoling was genuinely concerned, and it felt rude to refuse her kindness. Coupled with Tai Yan gazing at him with those dark, pleading eyes, clearly hoping to rest well in Weitian City for a night, Nie Kong couldn't insist on his own way. He might as well treat it as a chance to rest and recuperate.

"Very well, we'll stay one night and leave tomorrow morning."

"That's much better!"

"..."