As Xiao Feng continued stabilizing his Dou Qi, he gradually discovered that the energy within his body was far more abundant than he had initially expected.
The breakthrough to Dou Huang had already brought about a considerable transformation, but the successful refinement of a portion of the Life Spirit Flame's origin had provided him with another unexpected benefit. The flame's extraordinary vitality had subtly nourished his body, while the energy accumulated during his previous cultivation had yet to be fully absorbed.
Now that his Dou Qi had settled into a stable state, the excess energy began circulating naturally through his meridians.
Xiao Feng was slightly surprised by the sensation.
There is still so much energy remaining in my body?
He had originally intended to focus solely on consolidating his cultivation. However, as his Dou Qi continued accumulating, he sensed that the barrier separating him from the next star was becoming increasingly fragile.
Rather than deliberately forcing a breakthrough, he simply continued circulating his cultivation technique and allowed the abundant energy to flow along its established paths.
Moments later, the barrier crumbled.
Three-Star Dou Huang!
The breakthrough occurred naturally, without the slightest obstruction. There was no violent surge of energy, nor was there any need for him to risk destabilizing his cultivation. Everything proceeded smoothly, as though his body had already accumulated everything necessary to advance.
Xiao Feng continued circulating his Dou Qi for some time before finally opening his eyes.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
After carefully examining his condition, he discovered that his cultivation had already stabilized at the middle level of Three-Star Dou Huang.
Judging from the energy still accumulating within his body, he estimated that he would be able to attempt another breakthrough in just a few days, provided he continued practicing and cultivating without interruption.
This trip to the valley has brought me far more benefits than I expected.
However, his attention soon shifted to something else.
The Life Spirit Flame.
Xiao Feng directed his perception toward his dantian, carefully examining the green flame that had established a connection with him. After some time, he confirmed that he had refined only approximately one percent of Xiao Cai's original essence.
Another two percent remained.
He had deliberately limited the amount he refined because he did not want to damage Xiao Cai's origin or interfere with its development. Now that his breakthrough had been completed, he wanted to know whether Xiao Cai wished to recover the remaining portion.
Turning his attention toward the little green creature, Xiao Feng asked gently, "Xiao Cai, there are still two percent of your origin remaining in my dantian. Do you want me to return it to you?"
To his surprise, Xiao Cai did not immediately agree.
Instead, the little creature shook its head before communicating its thoughts through their newly established connection.
The moment Xiao Feng understood its meaning, his expression changed.
What? Your origin has already recovered?
Xiao Cai conveyed that after establishing the connection with Xiao Feng, the small portion of origin it had lost had not only recovered completely but had also increased considerably.
In fact, its current origin had grown to more than one and a half times its previous amount.
Xiao Feng stared at the little creature in astonishment.
He had anticipated that the Life Spirit Flame's vitality might help it recover the lost essence over time. However, he had never expected the recovery to happen so quickly, let alone result in such a substantial increase.
Is this the true advantage of the Life Spirit Flame's vitality? Or is the connection between us producing an additional effect?
He couldn't yet determine the exact reason, but one thing was certain: his decision to establish a connection with Xiao Cai had been worthwhile.
Xiao Cai shook its head again, indicating that it no longer needed the remaining portion of its origin.
Through their connection, it conveyed that Xiao Feng could use the remaining essence however he wished.
A thoughtful expression appeared on Xiao Feng's face.
He had originally intended to return the remaining origin to Xiao Cai. Since the little creature had already recovered and strengthened its own origin, however, there was no immediate need to do so.
More importantly, he had recently developed a theory.
A theory that might fundamentally change the future development of his cultivation technique.
"Xiao Long, come here for a moment."
A flicker of crimson light appeared beside him, and the magnificent little dragon emerged from the Ten Thousand Beast Flame. Its crimson scales shimmered with golden highlights as it coiled through the air, looking curiously at Xiao Feng.
"What is it?" Xiao Long conveyed this through their connection.
Xiao Feng explained his idea before pointing toward the remaining portion of the Life Spirit Flame's origin.
"I want you to refine this remaining essence. It is no longer needed by Xiao Cai, and I believe that absorbing it may help you grow stronger. More importantly, I want to see whether the energy can produce another change in my cultivation technique."
Xiao Long immediately understood what he intended.
However, rather than swallowing the essence at once, it turned its attention toward Xiao Cai.
Although Xiao Cai had agreed to let Xiao Feng use the remaining origin, Xiao Long was still somewhat hesitant. The two little flame spirits had only recently begun getting along, and it had no intention of causing harm to its new junior.
After carefully confirming through Xiao Feng that Xiao Cai's origin had already recovered and that absorbing the remaining essence would not endanger it, Xiao Long finally agreed.
It approached the green essence floating within Xiao Feng's dantian and slowly opened its mouth.
The remaining origin of the Life Spirit Flame was gradually swallowed by Xiao Long.
At the same time, Xiao Feng sat cross-legged and began circulating his Dou Qi and cultivation technique.
He did not dare to be careless. Although the two flame spirits were connected to him, their origins possessed different attributes and characteristics. He needed to observe the changes carefully to ensure that the process proceeded safely.
Inside his dantian, Xiao Long began refining the absorbed essence.
The process was slow at first. The green origin resisted being assimilated into the crimson flame, its extraordinary vitality remaining distinct from the domineering nature of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame.
However, Xiao Long did not attempt to suppress or forcibly erase its characteristics. Instead, it gradually refined the essence, allowing its energy to merge with the flame while retaining the useful properties within it.
As this process continued, Xiao Feng suddenly sensed a change in his cultivation technique.
His eyes widened slightly.
This feeling...
His cultivation technique, which had previously reached the Earth-Grade Middle Level, began to undergo a subtle transformation.
The energy circulating through his meridians became smoother, and the operation of his cultivation technique seemed to grow more profound. Previously obscure aspects of its circulation gradually became clearer, as though a new layer of understanding were being revealed to him.
Most importantly, he could sense that the technique itself was evolving.
Its aura grew stronger, steadily approaching the threshold of the Earth-Grade High Level. The transformation continued until it reached a point where it seemed to be infinitely close to the Earth-Grade High Level, yet remained just short of crossing that final boundary.
Although it had surpassed its previous Middle-Level state by a considerable margin, it had ultimately stopped at this critical point, unable to complete the final step into the High Level.
Xiao Feng carefully examined the changes before slowly withdrawing his perception.
A moment later, an uncontrollable smile spread across his face.
So my theory was correct!
Xiao Feng was overjoyed to discover that his theory had been correct. Although his cultivation technique had stopped infinitely close to the Earth-Grade High Level, the result was enough to reveal a possibility he had never seriously considered before.
He had previously believed that his technique's potential would eventually be limited to the Low or Middle Heaven Grade. However, if it could evolve by absorbing different flame origins, just like the Burning Technique Xiao Yan would eventually cultivate, then perhaps its potential had no definite limit.
I don't necessarily need to refine a genuine Heavenly Flame every time. Suitable subsidiary flames might be enough to trigger further evolution.
The thought excited him immensely. If he could obtain and fuse more sub flames into the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, he might gradually strengthen both the flame and his cultivation technique without relying entirely on the Genuine Heavenly Flames.
And if Xiao Yan's Burning Technique underwent further transformations after fusing with two or three Heavenly Flames, Xiao Feng couldn't help wondering how far his own technique might eventually evolve.
Just as Xiao Feng was immersed in his thoughts about the limitless possibilities of his cultivation technique, something unexpected happened.
Without warning, an intense heat erupted from within his body.
His entire body began radiating scorching temperatures, as though a blazing furnace had suddenly awakened inside him. The air surrounding him grew unbearably hot, and the energy within his meridians started circulating erratically.
Xiao Feng's expression changed.
What's happening to me?
Before he could investigate the cause, his Dou Qi suddenly became unstable. The energy that had been flowing smoothly through his meridians moments ago began surging wildly, threatening to spiral out of control.
Sensing the disturbance, Xiao Long and Xiao Cai immediately rushed toward him.
The moment they approached, both flame spirits noticed that Xiao Feng's eyes had turned a fiery crimson. An alarming heat radiated from his body, and even his breathing had become irregular.
Without exchanging a word, the two spirits acted in perfect understanding.
Xiao Long released the energy of the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, drawing in and absorbing the excessive fire energy surging around Xiao Feng. Meanwhile, Xiao Cai enveloped his body with the gentle vitality of the Life Spirit Flame, attempting to soothe the violent changes within him and stabilize his chaotic Dou Qi.
Their combined efforts gradually brought some order to the situation.
However, it was not enough.
The scorching heat continued to intensify, and Xiao Feng's consciousness began to fade. Despite Xiao Long's attempts to absorb the excess fire energy and Xiao Cai's efforts to restore his body's stability, neither could fully suppress the disturbance.
Just as Xiao Feng was about to lose consciousness, a familiar voice suddenly echoed through his mind.
"You little brat! What kind of mess are you making now? Calm down and go to sleep. I'm here. Leave the rest to me!"
The moment Xiao Feng heard that voice, his fading consciousness stirred.
He recognized it immediately.
Master... Xi Yun!
Relief washed over him. Trusting the familiar voice, Xiao Feng gradually relaxed his mind and allowed himself to sink into a deep slumber.
As his consciousness descended into darkness, a faint spiritual fluctuation emerged from the Dragon-Phoenix Ring resting among his belongings.
A moment later, an elderly figure materialized beside him.
It was none other than Beast Venerable Xi Yun, Xiao Feng's first master and the former master of Xiao Long.
Having been resting within the storage space of the Dragon-Phoenix Ring to recover his soul, Xi Yun had remained quiet for a long time. But sensing the sudden crisis affecting his disciple, he had finally emerged from his slumber.
The moment Xiao Long noticed the familiar figure, its eyes lit up with excitement.
"Master!"
The little crimson dragon immediately flew toward Xi Yun, circling around him with unmistakable joy.
Xi Yun smiled at the sight of his former companion. "It's been a while, Xiao Long. You've grown quite a bit since I last saw you."
Xiao Long proudly raised its head, eager to show off its progress. The two exchanged a few words, their reunion filled with the warmth of old companionship.
However, Xi Yun soon turned his attention toward the unconscious Xiao Feng. The smile on his face faded as he sensed the violent energy fluctuations within his disciple's body.
"Enough catching up for now," he said seriously. "We need to stabilize this brat before his condition worsens."
He looked toward the two flame spirits.
"Xiao Long, continue absorbing the excessive fire energy surrounding him. Xiao Cai, focus on nourishing his body and stabilizing his Dou Qi. Don't forcefully suppress the changes taking place inside him. Instead, help his body endure the transformation."
Both flame spirits immediately followed his instructions.
With Xi Yun overseeing the process, they resumed their efforts with greater coordination. Xiao Long absorbed the rampant fire energy, while Xiao Cai released its restorative vitality to protect Xiao Feng's body and maintain the stability of his meridians.
Xi Yun remained beside his disciple, carefully examining the strange fluctuations within him.
Whatever had triggered this sudden transformation, it was clearly no ordinary disturbance.
And until he understood its cause, he would not allow anything to happen to his precious disciple.
The intense disturbance continued for nearly half a day before finally subsiding.
Throughout that time, Xi Yun remained by Xiao Feng's side, carefully monitoring every change in his condition. Xiao Long and Xiao Cai continued working together, one absorbing the excessive fire energy while the other nourished his body and stabilized his chaotic Dou Qi.
Eventually, the scorching heat began to recede.
Before the eyes of Xi Yun and the two fire spirits, Xiao Feng's body underwent a subtle but remarkable transformation. The energy within him gradually settled, and the previously unstable aura surrounding him became increasingly harmonious.
At the same time, Xiao Long and Xiao Cai experienced changes of their own.
Their origins began to solidify, becoming more substantial and stable than before. Both fire spirits could sense that they had gained a portion of Xiao Feng's power through their connection with him, strengthening their foundations in the process.
Xi Yun observed these changes with a thoughtful expression.
Interesting. This brat's cultivation technique seems to be affecting not only his own body but also the flame spirits connected to him.
Unfortunately, he couldn't determine the full extent of the transformation merely by observing it.
Once Xiao Feng's condition had stabilized completely, his exhausted body finally relaxed, and he fell into a deep sleep.
Two days passed before he finally opened his eyes.
His consciousness gradually returned, and the first thing he noticed was that three figures were watching him.
One was an elderly man with a familiar presence. The other two were a tiny green creature and a crimson dragon.
"Master?"
Xiao Feng blinked several times before slowly sitting up.
Beside him, Xiao Long let out a relieved cry, while Xiao Cai happily approached him. Xi Yun, however, merely gave him a look that seemed to say he had caused more trouble than he was worth.
"You're finally awake, you little troublemaker."
Xiao Feng scratched his head awkwardly. "How long was I asleep?"
"Two days," Xi Yun replied. "And before you ask, yes, you gave us quite a headache."
Seeing his master's expression, Xiao Feng could only smile sheepishly.
Xi Yun then explained what he had observed.
"When Xiao Long absorbed the remaining origin of Xiao Cai, it successfully refined the essence. The problem arose afterward. Your cultivation technique appears to be capable of accommodating different flame origins, but your body wasn't prepared to adapt to the changes so quickly."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Your body was forced to adjust to the combined influence of two flames with vastly different origins. Your Dou Qi circulation became unstable, and the resulting heat nearly overwhelmed you. Fortunately, Xiao Long and Xiao Cai worked together to contain the disturbance until I could intervene."
Xiao Feng listened carefully, his expression becoming thoughtful.
After a moment, he asked, "Master, does that mean this will happen every time I try to evolve my cultivation technique by absorbing another flame origin?"
Xi Yun stroked his beard before shaking his head.
"I don't know."
Xiao Feng stared at him.
"You don't know?"
"Of course I don't know!" Xi Yun retorted. "I never cultivated your technique in the first place. I didn't possess the conditions required to cultivate it, so how could I possibly know every consequence of its evolution?"
Xiao Feng fell silent for a moment before letting out a helpless sigh.
Although he had hoped his master might provide a definite answer, he couldn't exactly blame him for lacking experience with a cultivation technique neither of them fully understood.
Still, the possibility of suffering another ordeal like this every time he absorbed a new flame origin was rather troublesome.
However, compared with the risks Xiao Yan would eventually face while cultivating the Burning Technique, Xiao Feng felt that his own situation might still be manageable.
After all, Xiao Yan would need extraordinary luck, a sufficiently powerful body, and careful preparation to devour and fuse genuine Heavenly Flames. One mistake could cost him his life.
By comparison, Xiao Feng had already established connections with his flame spirits and possessed a technique that seemed capable of evolving through their origins.
Even if he had to endure some discomfort during future transformations, it was a price he was willing to consider paying.
Xi Yun seemed to understand what he was thinking.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," he warned. "I suspect the difference in the flames' rankings may have contributed to what happened."
He gestured toward Xiao Long and Xiao Cai.
"Xiao Cai's Life Spirit Flame ranks fifth on the Heavenly Flames Ranking, whereas your Ten Thousand Beast Flame occupies the twenty-second position. Their origins are fundamentally different, and the difference in their rankings is considerable. When Xiao Long refined Xiao Cai's origin, your body may have struggled to adapt to the resulting change."
Xi Yun paused, allowing Xiao Feng to consider the possibility.
"If the situation were reversed, the outcome might be different. But that's only a possibility, not a certainty. We don't yet know how your body or cultivation technique would react to other combinations of flame origins."
He then gave Xiao Feng a stern look.
"Remember this: if we continue experimenting, we must do so carefully. We cannot assume every flame will interact in the same way."
Xiao Feng nodded solemnly.
He had already understood that his theory, while promising, still required considerable testing. The success of one experiment did not guarantee that every subsequent attempt would be equally safe.
For now, he would need to study the changes in his body, his cultivation technique, and the two flame spirits before attempting another fusion.
With that matter settled, Xi Yun's expression relaxed.
"So, enough about these dangerous experiments for now. Tell me, how have you been doing lately? How has your cultivation progressed? And what rank have you reached as an alchemist?"
Hearing his master's questions, Xiao Feng's expression brightened.
He had plenty to report.
His cultivation had advanced to Three-Star Dou Huang, his soul perception remained at the peak of the Mortal Realm, and his alchemy skills had continued improving. Furthermore, his discovery of the Life Spirit Flame and the apparent potential of his evolving cultivation technique had opened up an entirely new path for his future.
As Xiao Feng began explaining his recent progress, Xi Yun listened attentively.
Although his disciple had clearly managed to get himself into another troublesome situation, the results were undeniably impressive.
And as a master, Xi Yun couldn't help feeling curious about just how far this unusual disciple of his would eventually go.
After reminiscing about the past, Master Xi Yun couldn't help but feel surprised. Xiao Feng's talent was truly greater than his own. In just three years, Xiao Feng had advanced from Dou Spirit to Dou Huang!
As he recalled something, he turned towards Xiao Feng and asked, "Brat, where exactly have you brought me?"
Since they were inside an enclosed valley, Master Xi Yun couldn't identify their location.
Upon hearing his question, Xiao Feng explained, "We're still in the Northwest Continent, but this is a secluded valley. I believe this place might be where the Life Spirit Flame originated."
He suspected that this was the reason why the energy density here was so unusually high.
The soul energy density here is even greater than that of the Central Plains, while the Dou Qi density is slightly lower than that of the Central Plains.