As Dustin and the others navigated through the perilous herb garden, every step felt like walking through a minefield. The spiritual herbs that glowed so enticingly now seemed no different from snarling demons in everyone's eyes.

Following close behind Dustin, everyone was on edge as they avoided areas with abnormal energy fluctuations. As they reached the far end of the garden, the mist thickened, and the sound of running water grew clearer.

They finally broke through the last layer of mist blocking their vision, and the sight left them speechless.

A vast expanse of calm water spread out before them, its mirrorlike surface glowing a dreamlike shade of blue. A dense spiritual energy hung above its surface, so thick it almost looked tangible.

Each breath they took filled them with renewed strength and calm. Even the internal energy they had depleted earlier in the mist zone and poisonous gas was slowly recovering.

At the center of the lake, a small island could vaguely be seen. T