The magma world was roaring once again.
Endless torrents of fiery elemental energy were drawn into the whirling storm above the magma lake, merging and condensing before being funneled into Liu Xi's body.
Seated motionless atop the Green Lotus Platform, Liu Xi absorbed the purified essence refined by the Fallen Heart Flame, refining it into Dou Qi while waiting for the moment of advancement — the step into the Dou Huang realm.
One month passed.
Then two.
Before long, eleven months had quietly gone by.
At last, the swirling energy storm abruptly poured entirely into Liu Xi's body. The surging waves of fire energy gradually calmed, as though the world itself had fallen silent — the saturation point had been reached.
Seven days later, after nearly a year of seclusion, Liu Xi slowly opened his eyes. Azure flames flickered within his pupils as a vast, oppressive aura exploded from his body — dozens of times stronger than before.
A streak of white light flashed as Yao Tianhuo emerged from the ring, his gaze filled with astonishment.
"Little friend, your Dou Qi is so dense that, though you've only just stepped into Dou Huang, it's already on par with an ordinary 3-Star Dou Huang!"
Liu Xi smiled faintly. He had undergone body tempering by Heavenly Flame, been nourished by the Earth Core Body Tempering Milk, and finally baptized by the Heaven Demon Phoenix's blood. His meridians were broader and tougher than any ordinary Dou Huang's — it was no surprise his foundation surpassed others.
"Elder Yao flatters me. Tell me — how long did this breakthrough take?"
Floating down from the lotus, Liu Xi extended his hands, feeling the tidal surge of power within his body. A smile tugged at his lips.
"Almost a full year," Yao Tianhuo replied.
Liu Xi paused, momentarily dazed.
A year…?
'So long… The three-year promise must be drawing near by now.'
He turned, retracting the Green Lotus Platform into his ring, and smiled. "Elder Yao, I think it's time we prepare for the matter I promised you before."
Without spreading his Dou Qi wings, Liu Xi stepped directly into the air. The surrounding energy condensed into invisible steps beneath his feet, lifting him effortlessly upward toward the black vortex above.
Though the duration was short, the ability to stand upon the void was something only a Dou Zong could achieve. For Liu Xi, this fleeting taste of that power was exhilarating.
Yao Tianhuo's spectral face glimmered with excitement as he followed. "Finally… after all this time, my rebirth may soon be realized!"
...
Emerging from the first floor of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, Liu Xi's figure drew immediate attention. The passing students all bowed respectfully.
"Elder Liu!"
Liu Xi smiled faintly and nodded in response, walking through the dim passage until a wash of golden sunlight greeted him at the exit.
Outside, beneath the shade of a tall tree, stood a petite figure with violet hair and amethyst eyes — Zi Yan. She was holding a Jade Lotus Fruit, taking a large bite.
"Ugh—so sour! So awful!"
She grimaced and looked toward the tower, a trace of resentment flickering across her expression.
After finishing all the pills Liu Xi had made for her, she still hadn't broken through to Dou Huang. And since he hadn't emerged from seclusion, she could only pass the time gnawing on medicinal herbs… for half a year straight.
Suddenly, her eyes widened. A familiar figure appeared at the tower's entrance.
"Big Brother!"
She tossed the fruit aside and sprinted over.
Liu Xi had just stepped out when he saw the small violet figure rushing toward him. He waved and smiled. "Zi Yan!"
"Big Brother, you finally came out! Do you have any idea how hard these months were for me?"
She leapt straight into his arms, amethyst eyes brimming with affection and grievance.
Liu Xi chuckled softly, rubbing her head. "I didn't expect it to take so long. My fault. Tell me — how should I make it up to you?"
"Ehehe… I haven't decided yet. I'll tell you later!"
Hearing the word compensation, Zi Yan's mood immediately brightened, a mischievous grin curling her lips.
As they walked together, Liu Xi asked, "Zi Yan, I'll be going to see the Grand Elder and then returning to the Jia Ma Empire for a while. Do you want to come along?"
In his mind, the plan was clear: once back in the Jia Ma Empire, he would find Medicine Sovereign — Yao Chen — and learn both the Body Refinement Technique and the Poison Pill Method, as well as Flame Mantra. After that, he would set out for the Central Plains to help Xiao Yixian completely master her Woeful Poison Body.
Zi Yan's eyes lit up, her voice bursting with excitement. "Wherever Big Brother goes, I'll go too!"
...
Before long, they returned to their courtyard. Zi Yan raced ahead, slamming the door open and shouting, "Sister Xian'er! Come out quick! Big Brother's finally done with seclusion!"
In a blur of white, Xiao Yixian appeared, her snow-white hair fluttering like silk in the sunlight, eyes shimmering with excitement. She still held an open jade bottle in her trembling hands.
"Young Master… you're back!"
For Liu Xi, that long year of cultivation had passed in an instant — eyes closed, eyes opened, and time had flown. But for Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan, they had truly waited for him through every moment of those months.
Liu Xi smiled warmly, spreading his arms. "I'm back."
Despite Zi Yan's presence, Xiao Yixian couldn't help but rush into his embrace.
...
After explaining his intentions to Xiao Yixian, Liu Xi went to see Su Qian to bid farewell.
Su Qian regarded him with a mixture of admiration and amazement.
"Ordinary cultivators spend three to five months breaking through to Dou Huang. You, however, took an entire year. There were times I almost came down to check, but whenever I sensed the surging fire energy below, I decided not to interrupt you."
Liu Xi bowed slightly. "I didn't expect it to take so long. My apologies for the trouble, Grand Elder. I've come today to bid farewell. Zi Yan will be leaving with me."
Su Qian hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "It was bound to happen sooner or later. Zi Yan's always clung to you — I'll entrust her to your care."
"You have my word."
...
Before leaving, Liu Xi's status ensured a quiet yet respectful send-off. Though not a public event, nearly every available Inner Academy Elder came to wish him well.
After a few brief farewells, Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and Zi Yan mounted the enormous Blue Eagle that now served as his aerial companion — its wingspan stretched over eight meters, with the strength of a 3rd Rank magical beast.
As they soared over the skies of the Black-Corner Region, Zi Yan's violet eyes gleamed with mischief.
"Big Brother, how about we make another little trip through the Black-Corner Region — and… borrow a few things again?"
Liu Xi gave her a helpless look. "No more of that. Last time was out of necessity. I'm a 6th Tier Alchemist — I can't keep resorting to theft."
"Fine…" Zi Yan muttered, puffing her cheeks. Truthfully, she wasn't lacking in resources — she just wanted to have fun.
Their journey continued without delay. With the Blue Eagle's speed, a month later, the trio finally crossed the borders of the Black-Corner Region and set foot once more upon the lands of the Jia Ma Empire.
"The three-year promise has come due," Liu Xi murmured, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "Jia Ma Empire… Liu Xi has returned."
(End of Chapter)
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