The moment it entered his mouth, Xiao Jian's bronze-toned face instantly flushed red like a volcano.
Wisps of white mist rose from the top of his head, creating a terrifying sight.
In his perception, the Earthfire Lotus Seed instantly transformed into a violent surge of scorching energy, charging down his throat with overwhelming force.
Soon, the fiery energy rushed into his meridians, and intense heat swept throughout his entire body.
Xiao Jian remained completely calm. With a single thought, his Heavenly Flame surged forth, wrapping around and protecting his meridians as it began refining the energy.
Under the refinement of the Heavenly Flame, the energy gradually seeped into his meridians and organs.
At the same time, faint jade-like green sparks of light appeared throughout his body.
Feeling his meridians grow broader and tougher, Xiao Jian couldn't help but feel pleased.
The Earthfire Lotus Seed was known as the essence of fire spirits, forming only once every hundred years.
The energy it contained was both abundant and pure.....an irresistible treasure for any fire-attribute cultivator.
The energy was simply too vast. Xiao Jian couldn't even control its circulation at first and could only let it rampage through his meridians.
Fortunately, with the protection and refinement of the Heavenly Flame, it would eventually be fully absorbed.
Time passed.
That pure energy not only completely healed the injuries Xiao Jian had suffered earlier while fighting the Fire Spirit Snake, but also further strengthened his body to its current limit. Even so, nearly a third of the energy still remained.
By then, Xiao Jian could finally control the remaining energy with relative ease. Following the cultivation routes of the Fire Origin Art, he began steadily absorbing it.
The hand seals he formed shifted, and the remaining energy was refined and drawn into his qi sea.
Time continued to flow.
The energy within Xiao Jian's qi sea grew increasingly full.
His deep, immersive cultivation lasted from the dead of night until the sky gradually brightened at dawn.
When the final strand of energy poured into his qi sea, Xiao Jian exhaled a long breath of turbid air and slowly opened his eyes.
"Six-Star Dou Shi."
Feeling the surging battle qi within his body, Xiao Jian's lips curved into a faint smile.
The energy of the Earthfire Lotus Seed far exceeded his expectations. This breakthrough had not only brought him to Six-Star Dou Shi, but left plenty to spare. Within half a month, he was confident he could reach Seven-Star.
"It's morning. Time to leave."
He swung his legs off the bed and was about to stand when the door was gently pushed open.
"Young Master… are you leaving?"
Qinglian stepped inside, her jade-green eyes filled with quiet disappointment.
"This is only a temporary departure," Xiao Jian said softly with a smile, stepping forward to rub her head.
"The road ahead is dangerous. I can't protect you if you come with us, so you'll have to stay here for now.
"When Xiao Yan and I return with the Heavenly Flame, I'll come back for you. Then, you'll leave with me."
"…Alright. I'll wait."
Qinglian lowered her gaze and nodded softly.
You won't be alone," Xiao Jian said with a chuckle.
"You have the Fire Spirit Snake, and Big Brother and Second Brother will look after you. My maid won't be bullied by anyone."
"Yes! I'll work hard and become stronger too!"
Qinglian nodded firmly. Within her green pupils, three faint dots flickered in and out of view.
"I believe you will."
After changing into clean clothes with Qinglian's help, Xiao Jian stepped out.
"Help me say goodbye to my brothers. They'll understand."
With a light laugh, he turned and walked away.
Moments later, Xiao Yan's figure appeared beside him. One in white, one in black—the two figures walked side by side toward the courtyard gate.
Watching their gradually fading silhouettes, Qinglian gently stroked the Fire Spirit Snake on her arm and whispered:
"You must come back safely, Young Master…"
From the highest tower of the mercenary group, Xiao Li propped his chin on his hand and laughed.
"These two brats… truly brothers born together. Even their temperaments are identical."
Beside him, leaning against a pillar, Xiao Ding smiled faintly as he gazed at the departing figures.
"In the blink of an eye, they've grown this strong. We'd better work harder too… or we'll only hold them back in the future."
"Yes… that's right."
Xiao Li nodded in agreement.
With the Sand Mercenary Group already absorbed into the Mo Tie Mercenary Group, now was the perfect opportunity to expand their influence.
Perhaps the next time Xiao Jian and the others returned, the Mo Tie Mercenary Group would truly become the number one mercenary force in Stone Desert City.
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