Time flowed silently like fine water. Without sound or trace, the world turned red with the loquat trees and green with the plantains—everything quietly grew and transformed in silence.
Under Xiao Yan's continuous tempering, the ten kinds of Heavenly Flames each began to undergo distinct changes.
The originally smooth and round Earth Fire Lotus Seeds disappeared, replaced instead by vague, shadowy figures.
Every Heavenly Flame possessed its own unique nature, and as their master, Xiao Yan's understanding of them far surpassed that of ordinary people.
The Xuanhuang Flame was balanced and pure; the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame was intimately tied to magical beasts; while the Yin-Yang Dual Flames were especially peculiar.
In general, a cultivator's attribute leaned either toward yin or toward yang—but the Yin-Yang Dual Flames were born extraordinary, merging both yin and yang into one body.
According to its characteristics, once its spiritual intelligence fully awakened, the Yin-Yang Dual Flames would embody the ultimate path of martial might.
The Nether Poison Flame's greatest trait was its venom. Xiao Yan further strengthened this characteristic—every one of its attacks would now carry a deadly poison.
However, since this focused on offense, the Nether Poison Flame's defense after awakening would be comparatively weak.
Xiao Yan, of course, had accounted for this and made compensations.
For every Heavenly Flame, Xiao Yan had outlined its individual path of cultivation.
And as for the Green Lotus Core Flame, whose spiritual intelligence was the strongest—it took the form of a lotus, accompanied by a lotus seat that could calm one's mind during cultivation and prevent deviation. Its nature leaned toward the Dao.
Time lost its meaning in cultivation, and Xiao Yan did not know how long had passed.
At last, his efforts bore fruit.
After prolonged refining, the Earth Fire Lotus Seed that contained the Green Lotus Core Flame finally transformed into a large green lotus.
That lotus gleamed with jade-like brilliance, exuding a faint fragrance as if it carried boundless vitality.
Then, the previously tranquil green lotus suddenly seemed to be infused with life—it began to spin violently.
The lotus turned into a vast green vortex, radiating tremendous waves of energy. The force easily shattered the soul power Xiao Yan had wrapped around it, displaying terrifying might.
As the petals slowly folded inward, the dazzling green light grew ever brighter—like the first rays of a rising sun, shining brilliantly within the Endless Fire Domain.
Under that radiance, even the brilliance of the Embryonic Emperor Flame was overshadowed.
When all the green light finally converged, a figure gradually appeared within it.
The long-burning heat of the Endless Fire Domain receded slightly—the Embryonic Emperor Flame now shone like a sun, its light gentle and warm.
There, within the sea of fire, stood a silver-haired maiden. Her hair flowed like rippling water, glimmering with mysterious luster as it fluttered softly in the wind, carrying a faint celestial aura.
Her crystalline eyes shone like emeralds, bright with wisdom. Her sleeveless gray outfit revealed slender, graceful jade-like arms, adding to her ethereal beauty.
A short ponytail gave her an energetic air—youthful yet proud, matching her unique charm.
"Hmm, that's a bit different from what I expected," Xiao Yan murmured with slight disappointment.
According to his design, after cultivating the technique he imparted, this girl's strength should have reached above the Dou Ancestor level. Yet now, the Green Lotus Core Flame's power was far weaker than anticipated.
The maiden who had taken form from the Green Lotus Core Flame stood tall and still. She glanced around her surroundings, then suddenly lifted her head—her eyes sharp as blades, piercing straight toward the heavens.
"Show yourself. I can sense your presence."
Her voice was clear and firm, brimming with a power that would not be denied.
As each of the Heavenly Flames underwent transformation, the grade of Xiao Yan's 'Green Lotus Creation Canon' technique was likewise restored to Low Heavenly Rank.
When all Heavenly Flames revealed their full forms, the rank of his technique would rise even further—its power beyond imagination.
Through this period of secluded cultivation, Xiao Yan's strength had risen steadily, like a river warming with spring.
However, most of the world energy he absorbed was consumed by the awakening process, so he had yet to break through to the Dou Venerate realm.
The greatest change, however, lay in his soul power.
Since entering the underground world, Xiao Yan's soul power had advanced to the Spirit Realm, and it had continued improving—now reaching the mid-Spirit Realm.
The Spirit Realm meant one's soul could imbue pills with true spirituality, making them wondrously alive.
Thanks to this advancement, Xiao Yan could now cultivate his technique with flawless smoothness.
And indeed, his rapid progress was largely due to his constant use of soul power.
The Endless Fire Domain roiled with surging winds and clouds as Xiao Yan's mighty voice echoed through the entire space:"You think I'll appear just because you call me out? Wouldn't that make me lose face?"
"Despicable human! How dare you trap me in this damned place!" the maiden snapped, her cheeks puffed up in anger like a sulking child, her tone fiery and indignant.
"Do you wish to leave, or do you wish to see me?" Xiao Yan's voice steadied as his mind focused.
Above, the cloud of soul energy floating within the Endless Fire Domain quickly condensed and, as though summoned, drifted gently toward him.
A soft breeze passed, dispersing the wind and clouds—revealing Xiao Yan's calm, deep visage.
Seeing the girl clearly now, even Xiao Yan was a bit surprised.
By all reasoning, after fusion, the Green Lotus Core Flame was already his—no different from the other Heavenly Flames he had refined.
After cultivating the 'Green Lotus Creation Canon' further, even if the Green Lotus Core Flame awakened independent thought, they should not have been so hostile.
Yet reality proved otherwise—this wild-born Green Lotus Core Flame still retained her own memories.
"It seems that wild Heavenly Flames are extremely difficult to erase of their past memories," Xiao Yan thought to himself.
He recalled others—the Fallen Heart Flame, Void Swallowing Flame, and Purifying Lotus Demon Flame—even after changing masters, they had all retained deep, indelible memories.
Even a higher-ranked cultivation technique could not alter that.
"What difference could there be between us then?" the girl's eyes flashed as she caught sight of Xiao Yan, and a fierce battle intent surged within her.
The sword she carried on her back instantly swung forward, its sharp point aimed straight at him."As long as I defeat you, I'll naturally be able to leave this damned place," she declared firmly, her tone filled with unwavering determination.
"So, you think you're strong, then?" Xiao Yan smiled faintly, his gaze falling upon the wooden sword in her hand.
Although she hadn't practiced the technique he gave her, the weapon she wielded still reflected his influence.
The girl snorted softly, the corners of her lips curling into a mischievous smile.
Her toes lightly tapped the ground—her figure blurred into motion, fusing with the very space itself. In an instant, she transformed into a swift green streak, shooting toward Xiao Yan like an arrow loosed from its bowstring.
Her elegant figure traced a graceful arc through the air, swift as lightning, dazzling to behold.
End of Chapter)
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