Chapter 111: Arrival-The Strongest Student in Urban Cultivation(August Moods)

Lin Hongbin felt that even against a single phantom, he would have to exert his full strength to prevail. Consequently, he chose to leave, reasoning that the campfire gathering was crowded and would spare him from fighting a lone battle as he had just done. Confident as he was in his martial arts, he feared being overwhelmed by superior numbers.

He returned to the campfire quickly. Upon his arrival, his keen eyes suddenly locked onto a specific figure: Zhang Pu. It turned out that Zhang Pu had returned before him. Being exceptionally sharp-witted, Zhang Pu instantly sensed Lin Hongbin’s gaze. He deliberately looked over, offering a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Zhang Pu knew that Lin Hongbin would never suspect he was in league with the phantom, Elder Ge; the man likely assumed their encounter had been purely coincidental. The way Lin Hongbin looked at him now seemed to convey, "Boy, you’re lucky. Next time you run into the phantom and his accomplices alone, you’ll be in for a rough time."

Zhang Pu figured Lin Hongbin must believe he had seized the chance to run back to the camp while the others were occupied with their clash. Let him think that, Zhang Pu mused; at least he could sleep soundly now. Compared to those still gripped by anxiety, Zhang Pu felt fortunate to enjoy a peaceful rest. If they refused to heed the advice of their "elders" and suffered for it, who else was to blame for their own paranoia?

The night passed without further incident. Because of the arrangement between Zhang Pu and Elder Ge, the latter would not harass the group—especially now that he knew a formidable rival, the leader of the enigmatic faction, Lin Hongbin, was among them. Zhang Pu didn't know if those who had spent the night tossing and turning regretted their lack of rest, but the following day, the journey had to continue.

The destination was now close at hand; they would reach the Poison Dragon Pool within the day. As the morning broke, the group seemed to put the memory of the "phantom" behind them, perhaps due to the urgency of their goal or because more people had come to believe Zhang Pu’s explanations.

Throughout the day, Zhang Pu kept a subtle watch on the leader of the enigmatic faction, occasionally sensing that the man was observing him in return. Ultimately, however, Zhang Pu did not venture away from the group, and he noted that Lin Hongbin refrained from doing so as well. Despite his prowess and daring, Lin Hongbin had been genuinely rattled by the previous night’s close call. His survival thus far was a testament to his caution; after all, the saying that "caution is the parent of safety" was an eternal truth.

Zhang Pu had already settled matters with Elder Ge; there was no need for further meetings before reaching the pool, especially since their destination was now within sight. With neither Zhang Pu nor Lin Hongbin venturing out alone, and Elder Ge unwilling to provoke the group, the journey proceeded without incident. The wild beasts of the mountains posed no threat to such a large party.

By the afternoon, the group followed their map to a mountain that appeared utterly barren.

"I have a feeling that this mountain... yes, if we cross this peak, we will certainly see the Poison Dragon Pool," Dr. Li declared.

At his words, the crowd erupted in excitement, as if the pool were a mountain of gold and silver. Everyone had their own reasons for enduring the hardships of the trek. No one disputed the doctor’s assessment; the desolate, lifeless landscape ahead was proof enough that they had arrived. True to its name, the "Poison Dragon Pool" was indeed poisonous, evidenced by the complete lack of vegetation. Experts in geomancy like Elder Yang and Liu Yingde, along with the medically gifted Dr. Li, confirmed that there were no immediate environmental hazards.

The only remaining concern was the legendary Black Dragon. Despite the shadow of that creature, the group pressed forward at full speed and soon crested the ridge. On the other side lay a pool of water, neither too large nor too small, stretching across the valley. The air was still, and the water remained as undisturbed as a stagnant pond. The valley floor surrounding the pool was equally barren, consisting only of sand and stone. Yet, even from a distance, sharp-eyed members of the group spotted faint, shimmering specks near the water’s edge.

"Immortal herbs!"

As the shouts rang out, Zhang Pu saw the excitement mirrored on everyone’s faces. These herbs were within reach, and even for those who did not need them, they could fetch a fortune at auction. Even Zhang Pu wondered how such herbs could grow in such a desolate place—perhaps only such a location could nurture such a miracle.

But were these herbs so easily plucked? The legendary, terrifying Black Dragon remained a threat. Despite their feverish excitement, the crowd did not rush forward immediately. Perhaps it was not due to any formal rules, but rather the looming fear of the creature. It likely hid at the bottom of the pool, a beast that would devour anyone who dared disturb its domain.

Zhang Pu silently observed the group, paying special attention to those of interest. Ultimately, all eyes turned to Elder Yang and Liu Yingde, as it was known they possessed the mystical arts required to deal with such a creature; mere brute strength would be ineffective against a Black Dragon, unless one possessed the divine power of a martial arts grandmaster.

But who among them truly knew the extent of Lin Hongbin’s strength? Zhang Pu noticed that Lin Hongbin appeared to be deliberately keeping a low profile. *What is that man planning?* Zhang Pu wondered. *Is he waiting for the snipe and the clam to fight so he can catch them both?*

Dr. Li, Zheng Lan, Elder Yang, and Liu Yingde began to organize a temporary meeting to discuss how to harvest the herbs and handle their eventual distribution.