A week had passed since Xiao Feng discovered the spirit of the Life Spirit Flame in the secluded valley.
During that time, he had grown increasingly familiar with the valley's unique environment. Its abundant spiritual energy and extraordinary vitality made it an ideal place for cultivation, particularly for practicing his soul cultivation technique. Every time he cultivated here, his progress was noticeably faster than usual. The difference was so significant that he had begun considering whether he could use this place as a long-term cultivation ground.
However, the valley wasn't the only reason he was reluctant to leave.
The little green creature he had named Xiao Cai had become a constant companion during the past week.
At first, Xiao Cai had been interested in him primarily because of the medicinal pills and pure wood-attributed energy he provided. Whenever Xiao Feng took out something that could nourish it, the little creature would immediately rush to his side, its bright eyes fixed expectantly on his hands.
But as the days passed, their relationship gradually changed.
Xiao Cai no longer approached him only when he offered medicinal pills. Sometimes, it would simply curl up beside him while he cultivated. At other times, it would follow him around the valley, curiously observing whatever he was doing.
Occasionally, it would even climb onto his lap without invitation, apparently deciding that the spot belonged to it.
Xiao Feng had initially found this behavior amusing. Now, he had grown accustomed to having the little green creature around him.
Even Xiao Long had gradually accepted Xiao Cai's presence.
Although the spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame still possessed a somewhat proud temperament, it no longer reacted with hostility whenever Xiao Cai approached. On several occasions, Xiao Long had even taken the initiative to show off its abilities in front of the smaller creature, apparently determined to demonstrate the superiority of a senior.
Xiao Cai, for its part, seemed perfectly content to watch.
Whether it genuinely admired Xiao Long or simply found its antics entertaining was something Xiao Feng couldn't determine.
Regardless, the atmosphere between the two flame spirits had become much more harmonious.
And that was precisely why Xiao Feng had decided to take the next step.
On this particular day, he sat cross-legged beside the lake, the gentle sound of flowing water filling the otherwise peaceful valley.
Xiao Cai was resting beside him, its small green-scaled body curled comfortably against his leg. Xiao Long hovered nearby, its crimson flames flickering gently as it watched them.
Xiao Feng lowered his gaze toward Xiao Cai and gently stroked its head.
"Xiao Cai, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
The little creature raised its head.
Its bright eyes looked directly at him, seemingly waiting for him to continue.
Xiao Feng smiled faintly before speaking again.
"You already know that Xiao Long is connected to me, right?"
He glanced toward the crimson dragon-phoenix.
Xiao Long immediately straightened proudly, its posture practically declaring that it was Xiao Feng's first and most important companion.
Xiao Feng couldn't help but chuckle at its reaction.
"Yes, yes. I know you're proud of that."
He then returned his attention to Xiao Cai.
"What I want to do is establish a similar connection with you. More specifically, I'd like to refine a portion of your origin and fuse it with my own."
The moment Xiao Cai heard those words, its expression changed.
It slowly lifted its head from Xiao Feng's leg and stared at him.
Although it possessed considerable intelligence, it was still a spirit of the Life Spirit Flame. Its instincts naturally made it cautious about allowing another being to touch its origin.
For a Heavenly Flame, its origin was no ordinary source of energy. It was the foundation of its existence, the core of its power and vitality.
Allowing someone to refine a portion of it was therefore not a decision that could be made carelessly.
Xiao Cai didn't show any favorable reaction.
Instead, it looked at Xiao Feng with a hint of hesitation, its little ears lowering slightly.
Xiao Feng understood its concern.
He hadn't expected Xiao Cai to agree immediately, nor did he intend to pressure it into accepting something it wasn't comfortable with.
"Don't misunderstand me," he explained gently. "I'm not asking you to surrender your entire origin, and I certainly don't intend to take away your freedom."
He paused, carefully choosing his next words.
"I only want to refine a portion of your origin so that our energies can establish a connection. If everything goes according to plan, you'll be able to remain with me, and I'll be able to draw upon your abilities when necessary. At the same time, you'll be able to benefit from my cultivation and the resources I provide."
Xiao Cai continued watching him.
It didn't seem entirely convinced.
Xiao Feng sighed inwardly.
'Well, I can't blame it. From its perspective, I'm asking it to hand over a portion of something essential to its existence. Even if we've become close during the past week, that doesn't mean it should automatically trust me with its origin.'
He didn't rush to persuade it further.
Instead, he turned toward Xiao Long.
"Xiao Long, come here for a moment."
The crimson dragon-phoenix immediately flew over and settled beside him.
Xiao Feng smiled and gently patted its head.
"Look at Xiao Long. It has been connected to me for a long time, and its origin has never stopped developing. I haven't placed it under any restrictions, nor have I forced it to obey me through some kind of suppression."
Xiao Long raised its head proudly, seemingly agreeing with every word.
In truth, the relationship between Xiao Feng and Xiao Long had developed differently from the relationship between an ordinary cultivator and a Heavenly Flame.
The Ten Thousand Beast Flame had been nurtured through Xiao Feng's efforts, and Xiao Long had grown alongside him. Their connection had been built through companionship, mutual development, and the unique bond they shared.
Xiao Feng had never regarded Xiao Long as a mere tool.
And he had no intention of treating Xiao Cai that way, either.
"Of course," Xiao Feng continued, "your nature is different from Xiao Long's. I'm not expecting you to become exactly like it. I simply want us to establish a connection that benefits both of us."
He then made his most important promise.
"Most importantly, I won't allow you to lose a significant amount of your energy during the fusion process. I'll proceed carefully and make sure the portion of your origin involved is within a range you can safely recover from. If I discover that the process poses a serious risk to you, I'll stop."
Xiao Feng's expression became more serious.
"I won't force you to accept this. The decision is yours, Xiao Cai."
He gently stroked the little creature's head one last time before withdrawing his hand.
For a while, the valley returned to silence.
Xiao Cai lowered its head and appeared to be thinking.
Its gaze shifted toward Xiao Long.
The crimson dragon-phoenix was currently hovering beside Xiao Feng, completely at ease. Its connection with Xiao Feng showed no visible signs of suppression or restriction. Instead, the two seemed to understand each other naturally, as though they had long since become accustomed to sharing their strength and thoughts.
Xiao Cai watched them for a considerable time.
It had spent the past week observing Xiao Feng at close range. He had fed it medicinal pills, provided pure wood-attributed energy, and allowed it to remain by his side without demanding anything in return.
Even when it had behaved mischievously, he had never attempted to punish or control it.
Now, he was asking for a portion of its origin—but he had also promised to protect it during the process.
Gradually, Xiao Cai's hesitation began to fade.
It turned back toward Xiao Feng.
Then, to his surprise, the little creature stepped forward and gently rubbed its head against his palm.
Xiao Feng paused.
"Xiao Cai?"
The little creature looked up at him, its eyes clear and calm.
It seemed to have made its decision.
Xiao Feng could sense its willingness through their growing connection, and a smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Have you really decided?"
Xiao Cai nodded its little head.
A trace of delight flashed through Xiao Feng's eyes, though he quickly restrained his excitement.
He knew how valuable this opportunity was.
The Life Spirit Flame ranked fifth among the Heavenly Flames. Even obtaining a small portion of its origin would be an extraordinary gain, especially for an Alchemist like himself.
Yet, more important than the gain itself was the trust Xiao Cai had placed in him.
He would not take that trust lightly.
"All right," Xiao Feng said softly. "Then we'll proceed carefully. I won't rush the process, and I'll make sure you have enough time to recover."
Xiao Cai gave a cheerful little cry and jumped onto his lap, apparently satisfied with the arrangement.
Xiao Long, watching from nearby, let out a low rumble.
Its expression suggested that it approved of Xiao Cai's decision—but it also seemed eager to supervise the entire process as the senior spirit.
Xiao Feng glanced at it and shook his head with a smile.
"Don't get too excited. I'm the one doing the refining, not you."
Xiao Long immediately puffed out its chest, looking somewhat offended.
Xiao Cai, meanwhile, seemed amused by the exchange and happily nudged Xiao Feng's hand.
Looking at the two fire spirits, Xiao Feng couldn't help but laugh.
'One week, and they've already become quite the pair.'
He then turned his attention back to Xiao Cai.
The preparations would need to be thorough. Even with Xiao Cai's voluntary consent, refining the origin of a Heavenly Flame was no trivial matter. He needed to ensure that the process was safe for both of them and that their energies could harmonize without damaging Xiao Cai's foundation.
Fortunately, he had time, resources, and a suitable environment.
And, most importantly, Xiao Cai was willing to cooperate.
With that in mind, Xiao Feng began planning the fusion process in earnest.
Two days later, Xiao Feng had finally completed all the preparations for refining a portion of the Life Spirit Flame's origin.
During those two days, he had carefully reviewed every step of the process, considering the potential complications and preparing countermeasures for each of them. Although Xiao Cai had voluntarily agreed to the fusion, Xiao Feng had no intention of treating the matter casually.
After all, the origin he was about to refine belonged to the fifth-ranked Heavenly Flame.
Even a small mistake could have unpredictable consequences.
Fortunately, Xiao Feng already possessed experience in this area. He had previously established a connection with Xiao Long and incorporated the origin of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame into his dantian. That experience provided him with a valuable reference for the current process.
However, there was one important difference.
The Ten Thousand Beast Flame had been a genuine Heavenly Flame born naturally between heaven and earth but it is also been through the fusion of numerous beast fires, and Xiao Feng's unique Beast Creation Physique was exceptionally compatible with it. This compatibility allowed him to nurture the flame and establish a natural connection with its spirit, Xiao Long.
The Life Spirit Flame, however, was an entirely different existence—a genuine Heavenly Flame born naturally between heaven and earth. Its origin possessed a distinct nature, and its extraordinary vitality made the process of refining and fusing a portion of it far more delicate.
Therefore, Xiao Feng couldn't simply repeat the exact same process.
He needed to adjust his approach to accommodate the Life Spirit Flame's unique characteristics.
To ensure that he could remain in peak condition throughout the refinement, he had also prepared several medicinal pills. These pills were designed to help him maintain his spiritual clarity, stabilize his Dou Qi circulation, and recover his energy when necessary.
He had no intention of allowing fatigue or a momentary lapse in concentration to jeopardize the process.
Once everything was ready, Xiao Feng sat inside the secluded hut he had repaired earlier. The surrounding valley was peaceful, and the gentle sound of flowing water could be heard in the distance.
He took a deep breath before calling out to his two companions.
"Xiao Long, Xiao Cai. Come here."
A crimson streak of light emerged from his body.
A crimson streak of light emerged from his body.
In the blink of an eye, Xiao Long appeared in front of him, its magnificent dragon-phoenix body radiating a faint crimson glow. Its scales shimmered with golden highlights, and its eyes immediately turned toward Xiao Feng, waiting for his instructions.
A moment later, Xiao Cai also appeared.
The little green creature hopped toward Xiao Feng before settling beside him. Its bright eyes wandered between Xiao Feng and Xiao Long, apparently curious about why he had called them both over.
Xiao Feng smiled at them.
"Today, we're going to establish a proper connection between Xiao Cai and me."
Xiao Long immediately straightened its body, while Xiao Cai raised its head attentively.
"As we discussed earlier, I'll refine a very small portion of Xiao Cai's origin and incorporate it into my dantian. Once the process is complete, I'll be able to establish a connection with the Life Spirit Flame, similar to the one I share with Xiao Long."
He paused before continuing.
"However, there's something I need both of you to remember."
His expression became serious as he looked directly at Xiao Long.
"During the fusion, Xiao Cai's origin will enter my dantian. You must not attack it, interfere with it, or attempt to suppress it. Do you understand?"
Xiao Long blinked.
It looked toward Xiao Cai, then back at Xiao Feng.
A low rumble emerged from its throat, as though it were protesting that it had never intended to attack Xiao Cai in the first place.
Xiao Feng raised an eyebrow.
"Really? Then I suppose I can trust you not to cause trouble."
Xiao Long nodded proudly.
Xiao Feng couldn't help but smile at its reaction. Nevertheless, he repeated the warning to make certain that there would be no misunderstandings.
"Remember, Xiao Cai will be entering my dantian to establish a connection with me. It isn't an enemy, and its origin must be allowed to stabilize naturally. Your Ten Thousand Beast Flame must not interfere with it."
This time, Xiao Long gave a more serious nod.
Through their established connection, it understood that Xiao Feng wasn't merely making a casual request.
It was an important matter.
Having received Xiao Long's assurance, Xiao Feng turned toward Xiao Cai.
"Now, Xiao Cai, I need you to provide only a tiny portion of your origin flame."
He raised one finger.
"Approximately one to three percent should be sufficient for us to establish the initial connection. I don't intend to refine your entire origin, nor do I want to weaken you significantly. We'll proceed gradually, and I'll carefully monitor your condition throughout the process."
He gently stroked Xiao Cai's head.
"If anything goes wrong, we'll stop immediately. Your safety comes first."
Xiao Cai looked at him for a moment.
Then it nodded.
A gentle green light began emanating from its body.
Xiao Feng's expression grew focused.
"Good. Let's begin."
Xiao Cai moved closer to Xiao Feng and lowered its body.
A moment later, a strand of green flame emerged from its small body.
Unlike the crimson flames of Xiao Long, which carried a fierce and domineering aura reminiscent of countless Magical Beasts, Xiao Cai's flame possessed a gentle, refreshing quality.
Its green light was clear and vibrant, and faint wisps of energy seemed to flow within it like the pulse of a living organism.
Yet beneath that gentle appearance lay the extraordinary power of a Heavenly Flame ranked fifth on the Heavenly Flames Ranking.
Xiao Feng carefully extended his hand.
The green flame drifted toward his palm, hovering above it for a moment before slowly condensing into a small, luminous cluster.
He could immediately sense the immense vitality contained within it.
Even though this was only a tiny fraction of Xiao Cai's origin, the energy it carried was astonishingly pure.
'As expected of the Life Spirit Flame.'
Xiao Feng's eyes shone with anticipation.
He didn't immediately absorb the flame.
Instead, he released his soul perception and carefully examined its energy fluctuations, ensuring that the portion Xiao Cai had offered was stable.
Only after confirming that everything was in order did he begin the next step.
He guided the small green flame toward his lower abdomen, directing it through his Dou Qi circulation and gradually toward his dantian.
The moment the flame entered his body, Xiao Feng felt a distinct change.
A warm sensation spread through his meridians.
Unlike the intense heat associated with many other Heavenly Flames, the energy of the Life Spirit Flame didn't immediately erupt into a violent surge. Instead, it spread with a strange, living rhythm, as though it were attempting to understand the structure of his body.
Where the green energy passed, a faint sensation of warmth lingered.
His meridians seemed to relax, and the Dou Qi flowing through them became noticeably smoother.
However, Xiao Feng didn't allow himself to become distracted by the sensation.
He immediately concentrated on guiding the flame toward his dantian.
Within that space, the Ten Thousand Beast Flame was already present.
The crimson flame floated quietly amid the swirling Dou Qi, its magnificent fire spirit manifesting beside it.
Xiao Long watched as the green flame approached.
For a moment, its eyes widened with curiosity.
This was the first time it had witnessed the origin of another genuine Heavenly Flame entering Xiao Feng's dantian.
Xiao Feng's voice immediately sounded through their connection.
'Xiao Long, remember what I told you. Don't interfere.'
Xiao Long gave a reluctant nod and moved aside.
It continued watching the green flame with intense curiosity, but it made no attempt to approach or exert its own power.
Meanwhile, the fragment of the Life Spirit Flame entered the dantian and began circulating around Xiao Feng's Dou Qi.
The moment it encountered the surrounding energy, the green flame trembled.
A faint wave of vitality spread outward.
The crimson energy of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame responded instinctively, its fiery aura rising slightly as though acknowledging the presence of another powerful flame.
The two energies briefly came into contact.
For an instant, their fundamentally different natures created a subtle disturbance within Xiao Feng's dantian.
The Ten Thousand Beast Flame carried the fierce characteristics of beast fires, while the Life Spirit Flame possessed an extraordinary affinity for life and growth.
Neither naturally belonged to the other's domain.
Xiao Feng immediately guided his Dou Qi between them, carefully separating their energies before allowing them to approach one another again.
'Slowly. There's no need to rush.'
He controlled his breathing and concentrated on the delicate task before him.
Rather than forcing the green flame to submit to his control, he allowed it to circulate alongside his own Dou Qi. Little by little, he guided it toward the position where he intended to establish the connection.
At the same time, he began refining the tiny portion of origin he had received from Xiao Cai.
The process was painstaking.
Every movement required precise control over his Dou Qi and soul perception. He needed to ensure that the origin fragment could harmonize with his own energy without damaging its inherent characteristics.
Whenever the green flame showed signs of instability, he adjusted the flow of Dou Qi and gave it time to settle.
Whenever his concentration began to waver, he used one of the medicinal pills he had prepared, restoring his spiritual clarity and maintaining his condition.
Minutes passed.
Then an hour.
The interior of the hut gradually filled with two distinct auras.
One was crimson, carrying the intense and vigorous presence of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame.
The other was green, gentle yet brimming with an astonishing vitality.
As the refinement continued, the two flames began to settle into their respective positions within Xiao Feng's dantian.
The crimson flame remained in its familiar place, while the green flame slowly formed a stable circulation alongside it.
They didn't merge into a single flame.
Instead, their energies began moving in harmony, each retaining its own distinctive nature.
This was precisely what Xiao Feng wanted.
He had no intention of destroying the individuality of either flame. He wanted to establish a connection that would allow them to coexist within his body.
Gradually, the green flame began responding to his Dou Qi.
At first, its movements were hesitant.
Then, as Xiao Feng continued guiding it, the flame started following the circulation of his energy more naturally.
A faint green thread of light appeared between the origin fragment and Xiao Feng's own Dou Qi.
It pulsed once.
Then again.
With every pulse, the connection became more stable.
Xiao Feng's expression grew increasingly focused.
He could feel the Life Spirit Flame's extraordinary vitality flowing through the newly established connection. It was different from the power of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, which was better suited to displaying its strength through its fierce and domineering characteristics.
The Life Spirit Flame's energy felt warm and restorative.
It didn't simply provide him with another source of flame energy. Its unique properties seemed to complement his cultivation in a way that he would need time to explore fully.
Most importantly, the connection was gradually becoming stable without requiring him to suppress Xiao Cai's will.
'It's working!'
Xiao Feng felt a surge of satisfaction, but he maintained his concentration.
The final stage was the most delicate.
He needed to ensure that the refined origin fragment had settled properly and that the connection could remain stable even after he withdrew his active control.
He continued circulating his Dou Qi, carefully reinforcing the newly formed connection.
The green flame flickered.
For a brief moment, its light became brighter, illuminating the interior of his dantian with a soft emerald glow.
Then everything settled.
The green flame floated quietly beside the crimson one, its energy moving in a smooth, continuous cycle.
The fusion was complete.
Xiao Feng finally released a long breath.
A faint sheen of perspiration covered his forehead, and the tension in his shoulders slowly disappeared.
Although the process had gone smoothly, maintaining such precise control for an extended period had required considerable concentration.
He had succeeded in establishing a stable connection with the Life Spirit Flame without taking more than the small portion of origin he had intended to refine.
More importantly, Xiao Cai's remaining origin had not suffered any significant damage.
Xiao Feng immediately checked the condition of both flames through their connections.
Xiao Long was perfectly fine.
The newly established connection with Xiao Cai was also stable.
Only after confirming these details did he allow himself to relax.
"Finally..."
A satisfied smile spread across his face.
-----------------------------------------
After resting for a short while, Xiao Feng slowly opened his eyes.
The first thing he noticed was the unusual sense of vitality spreading through his body.
It wasn't an overwhelming surge of power, nor had his cultivation realm suddenly advanced. Instead, he could feel the gentle presence of the Life Spirit Flame within his dantian, steadily circulating alongside his own Dou Qi.
The sensation was subtle but unmistakable.
His connection with Xiao Cai had been established.
Xiao Feng raised both hands and examined his palms.
Then, with a thought, he activated the newly formed connection.
A soft green glow emerged between his fingers.
The next instant, a green flame appeared in his right palm.
Its light illuminated his hand, revealing delicate patterns within the flame that resembled countless tiny leaves moving in a gentle breeze.
Unlike the crimson flames of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, which carried an intense and domineering aura, this green flame radiated an atmosphere of vitality.
The air around his palm seemed to become fresher.
Even the faint traces of spiritual energy within the hut appeared to respond to its presence, gathering gently around the flame.
Xiao Feng stared at it in fascination.
"So this is the power of the Life Spirit Flame..."
He carefully examined the flame, sensing the energy circulating through it.
Although he had only refined a tiny portion of Xiao Cai's origin, he could already summon a manifestation of its flame through their connection.
Of course, this didn't mean he had obtained the Life Spirit Flame's complete power. The greater part of its origin remained with Xiao Cai, and its extraordinary abilities would require further study before he could utilize them effectively.
Even so, this was an excellent beginning.
A sixth-rank Alchemist possessing a connection to the fifth-ranked Heavenly Flame had just gained an entirely new avenue for development.
Xiao Feng couldn't suppress his smile.
"Not bad. Not bad at all!"
As though sensing his happiness, the green flame danced gently above his palm.
At that moment, two streaks of light emerged from his dantian.
Xiao Long appeared first, its crimson body circling Xiao Feng's arm before hovering beside the green flame.
Xiao Cai followed a moment later.
The little green creature appeared in front of him, looking considerably more energetic now that the refinement process was complete.
It immediately rushed toward Xiao Feng and rubbed its head against his chest.
Xiao Feng laughed and caught it gently in his arms.
"Easy, Xiao Cai! The process is over. There's no need to rush."
Xiao Cai ignored his words and continued rubbing against him, its little tail wagging excitedly.
Through their newly established connection, Xiao Feng could sense its happiness.
There was no fear or resentment in its emotions.
Instead, there was a clear sense of satisfaction, as though it had finally become a proper member of the little group that Xiao Feng and Xiao Long had formed.
Xiao Feng gently stroked its head.
"How are you feeling? Is your origin stable?"
Xiao Cai nodded enthusiastically.
It then turned toward Xiao Long and gave a cheerful cry.
Xiao Long responded with a low, resonant rumble.
The crimson dragon-phoenix moved closer, circling Xiao Cai once before hovering proudly beside it. Its expression seemed to suggest that the younger spirit had successfully completed an important step under the supervision of its senior.
Xiao Feng couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
"All right, all right. I understand. You're both happy."
He looked at the two spirits, his expression gradually becoming warm.
One was the spirit of the artificial Ten Thousand Beast Flame, a companion that had accompanied him through countless experiences.
The other was the spirit of the genuine Life Spirit Flame, an unexpected discovery that had become an important part of his journey.
Now, both were connected to him.
And for the first time, Xiao Feng could sense the beginnings of a small but genuine bond forming between all three of them.
Xiao Cai jumped excitedly beside Xiao Long, while the crimson dragon-phoenix held its head high, seemingly accepting the little green creature as its junior once again.
Xiao Feng shook his head with a smile.
"Well, it seems our little family has grown."
Xiao Cai immediately responded with another cheerful cry.
Xiao Long also let out a proud roar, as though announcing that its group had officially welcomed a new member.
Looking at the two spirits, Xiao Feng felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
He had obtained more than another source of flame energy.
He had established a connection without taking away Xiao Cai's freedom, and he had done so while preserving the unique characteristics of both flames.
The road ahead would undoubtedly bring new challenges. He still needed to understand how the two flames could complement each other, and he had only begun to explore the extraordinary potential of the Life Spirit Flame.
But those matters could wait.
For now, Xiao Feng allowed himself to enjoy the moment.
He gently stroked Xiao Cai's head with one hand and patted Xiao Long with the other.
"From now on, we'll continue growing together."
The two spirits responded almost simultaneously.