People shivered everywhere, blaming it on the harsh winter cold.
"Are they absorbing emotions?" Han Yu wondered. "It feels like Eight Emotions Energy, but also not the same."
Hour after hour passed as more souls changed color. From pale white, they became corrupted gray. The entire town seemed to grow gloomy. Even the sky darkened, though it was still afternoon.
It was now the second day since the process had begun, yet Han Yu felt no exhaustion. What he was witnessing held his full attention.
After another six hours, the crystal had grown to three times its original size. Every soul had turned gray.
"Everyone prepare," Han Yu finally said after a long silence. "It is time."
"Finally," Fatui Zhuwen muttered, his voice hoarse.
With the crystal at the required size, the final refinement could begin.
Han Yu's flames grew fiercer as he closed the lid of the cauldron.
DENG!
The lid locked in place, its latches clamping down tightly as pressure began to build inside.
