Inside the mountain cave, as the Green Lotus Core Flame reluctantly merged into the Acceptance Soul, Liu Xi's refinement of the Heavenly Flame was finally complete.
Sitting cross-legged atop the Green Lotus Platform, he looked like a statue carved from clay. A layer of hardened crimson crust—formed from the medicinal power of the Blood Lotus Pill—still covered his entire body. Now, however, that crust had lost its original luster and reeked faintly of burnt impurities.
These residues were the toxins left behind by countless pills Liu Xi had consumed over the years. To hasten his cultivation, he had taken more elixirs than he could count. But through the refinement of a Heavenly Flame, his very flesh and bones had been reforged, purging every trace of poison from within—one of the hidden blessings of subduing such a flame. It was a rebirth in every sense.
Suddenly—
Crack… crack!
Thin fissures began to spread across the crimson shell, fragments crumbling away piece by piece. As Liu Xi opened his eyes, the blood crust shattered completely, falling off like dried bark. Beneath it, his figure gleamed faintly beneath a soft blue glow—the protective light of the Green Lotus Core Flame—that slowly dissipated into the air.
When the glow vanished, Liu Xi finally saw his reflection on the polished stone wall. His skin looked smooth and luminous, his once-handsome features now radiating a serene brilliance, as if haloed by divine light.
He smiled faintly. 'Not bad. The transformation's complete… I might truly live up to that saying—"the gentleman stands as jade, unmatched beneath the heavens."'
After flexing his limbs and rolling his shoulders, Liu Xi began to assess his gains with undisguised excitement. This venture had indeed been a monumental success.
First, he had subdued the Green Lotus Core Flame, one of the legendary Heavenly Flames. For an alchemist, it was the ultimate treasure—something that could elevate one's craft to unimaginable heights.
Second, his cultivation had advanced. With the aid of the Heavenly Flame, he had directly broken through to become a 2-Star Dou Wang, and his Dou Crystal had changed from fiery red to deep azure—his Dou Qi now carried the refined might of the Green Lotus itself.
Thinking of this, Liu Xi smiled wider and extended his right hand. With a thought, the Acceptance Soul in his dantian quivered, releasing a surge of azure fire that coursed through his meridians before blooming in his palm.
"Fwoom—"
A lotus-blue flame flared to life, wrapped in a faint bluish aura that shimmered like moonlight. Instantly, the cave's temperature dropped sharply. Liu Xi's smile deepened. The Nine Nether Ghost Flame Technique's ability to draw heat had fused perfectly with the Green Lotus Core Flame's nature.
The Heavenly Flame in his hand pulsed excitedly, as if cheering in response. After all, a Heavenly Flame was a living thing—one that could evolve just like its master.
Glancing around, Liu Xi noticed that the once-compact cavern had expanded by nearly a full ring, its walls melted and reshaped by the sheer heat of the refinement. He stepped forward, pressing his palm toward a nearby stone wall.
Without even exerting force, the surface hissed and cracked, crumbling into ash beneath the faint touch of the azure flame. Within seconds, a hole had been bored straight through the rock.
"Heh… now that's the true might of a Heavenly Flame."
Liu Xi admired his handiwork with satisfaction before musing aloud, "The so-called Flame Mantra devours the core essence of a Heavenly Flame, using it to rapidly elevate one's realm and power. But in doing so, the flame itself loses its independence, its strength limited by the user's cultivation. Others who refine a Heavenly Flame as I did, without consuming it, instead gain long-term benefits—stronger physiques, purer Dou Qi, and the rebirth of one's foundation. The flame remains whole, yet serves its master loyally."
He smiled faintly, murmuring, "But I'm clearly not 'others.' The Green Lotus Core Flame seems unusually fond of me. It's already healed my wounds, refined my Dou Qi, and even pushed me to 2-Star Dou Wang."
His tone softened, thoughtful. "Still, from this realm onward, progress won't be easy. Before reaching Dou Wang, anyone with enough talent, resources, and a good technique can rise quickly. But beyond Dou Wang… only patience and opportunity pave the way. To reach Dou Zong is another chasm entirely—where one must touch upon the power of space itself. Without exceptional spirit and talent, that barrier can stop a lifetime of effort."
He sighed, but it quickly turned to a grin as he tore off his tattered clothes and let them burn to ash. From his ring, he drew a fresh sky-blue robe and slipped it on, the fabric swaying gently in the warm air. Appearance mattered, after all—even a Dou Wang should look the part.
After tidying the cave, Liu Xi stepped out into the night. A sky full of stars stretched above him.
"It seems I've spent more time refining than I thought…" he murmured.
Not far away, Qing Lin sat beside a small campfire, nodding sleepily. The serpent, Ling Shuang, was nowhere in sight—likely lurking nearby in the shadows.
Liu Xi's lips curved as he watched Qing Lin fighting sleep, slapping her own cheeks to stay awake, still keeping vigil like a loyal little guardian.
He chuckled softly, the sound startling her awake. Qing Lin's head snapped up in alarm—until her gaze met his.
"Young Master, you're out!" she cried, running toward him with unrestrained joy.
"Mm," Liu Xi replied with a warm smile. "How long was I in there? Anything unusual while I was gone?"
Qing Lin tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "About eight hours, I think! I've been watching carefully the whole time. Not even a bird came close."
Seeing her weary expression, Liu Xi gently lifted her into his arms. "You've worked hard. Rest now, Qing Lin. Sleep well."
Blushing faintly, she murmured something incoherent before slipping into peaceful slumber against his chest.
Carrying her back to the fire, Liu Xi noticed Ling Shuang coiled around Qing Lin's wrist. He plucked the serpent off and tossed it lightly to the ground. "Change back into your true form and make me a bed," he ordered lazily.
"Hissss!" The serpent hissed indignantly.
Liu Xi's eyes narrowed. "Hmm?"
Ling Shuang froze, then glanced pitifully at the sleeping Qing Lin. After a reluctant hiss of surrender, its massive form unfurled—five meters of gleaming scales coiling into a warm, serpentine cradle beside the campfire.
"That's better." Liu Xi nodded in satisfaction and sat down upon the serpent's body, Qing Lin resting peacefully in his arms.
He gazed into the flames, thoughts drifting. 'I'd originally planned to head for the Imperial Capital after obtaining the Green Lotus Core Flame. But since there's still that fragment of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame map in Hai Bodong's possession… I'll need to linger a while longer.'
'Once I've fully synchronized with the Green Lotus Core Flame, breaking through to 6th Tier Alchemist will be effortless. Then refining the Breaking Adversity Pill will be within reach… only problem is that the Sand Datura grows exclusively in Snake-People territory.'
He folded the map away, determination flashing in his eyes. 'Looks like I'll have to visit the Snake-People after all. With my identity as a 5th Tier Alchemist, they shouldn't dare act recklessly—and if they try, unless a Dou Zong intervenes, none can stop me.'
This journey to the Tager Desert had fulfilled its purpose. With the Heavenly Flame now his, Liu Xi finally allowed himself to relax.
He tightened his embrace around the sleeping Qing Lin, chuckling softly.
'Her body's even softer now… she really is growing fast.'
His gaze lingered on her delicate features, a faint smile on his lips.
"Hehe, Qing Lin… grow up quickly," he whispered.
(End of Chapter)
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