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The golden morning light filtered through the flame-root canopy of the Valley of Harmonious Fire, casting flickering patterns across the crimson stone paths. Su Yang sat beneath the Spirit-Flame Tree, his body as still as a mountain, the air around him pulsating gently with spiritual rhythm.
On his wrist lay Zi Shu, the violet-scaled serpent, resting calmly—no longer fragile or flickering.
Her breathing was even now. Her aura was dense, refined. She had completely stabilized—and not just that.
Su Yang's eyes slowly opened as he felt the change.
Zi Shu's inner qi had condensed like a blooming lotus. A distinct martial rhythm beat from her core—a clear sign that she'd reached Marrow Tempering Realm. And she hadn't cultivated like others. Her progress had been forged inside his Spirit Land, absorbing his Karma Fire aura over what felt like three decades.
> "She's evolving faster than I anticipated."
As if sensing his thoughts, Zi Shu flicked her tongue and coiled gently around his wrist, her bright eyes watching him with curiosity and calm.
Just then, Max padded into the courtyard, yawning. The golden pup's ears perked as he saw Zi Shu awake, but he didn't bark. Instead, he wagged his tail and settled next to Su Yang, tail flicking lazily.
Just as Su Yang leaned back against the tree, the sound of footsteps approached from outside.
KNOCK—KNOCK.
"Su Yang? Are you inside?"
The voice was familiar—Jin Hao.
A second voice followed, gentler but tinged with resolve. "We came to see you before heading out."
It was Lin Xue.
Zi Shu tensed and immediately slithered back into Su Yang's sleeve.
> "Still cautious… or just instinctively hiding?"
Su Yang smiled faintly and stood, walking toward the courtyard gate. With a light spiritual pulse, the gate creaked open.
Jin Hao stood with a confident grin on his face, a travel scroll tied to his belt. Lin Xue looked focused, dressed in a soft silver robe layered with light armor.
"Both of you, fully geared?" Su Yang said, raising an eyebrow.
"We've accepted missions," Jin Hao said proudly.
Su Yang stepped aside and gestured for them to enter. "Come in."
As they entered the courtyard, Max trotted over to greet them. Lin Xue knelt and patted his head affectionately, while Jin Hao glanced around, eyes lingering for a moment on the spirit-qi-rich tree in the center.
"Still as peaceful as ever here," Jin Hao muttered. "You really picked a great place to cultivate."
Su Yang offered tea and sat with them under the tree.
> "What kind of missions?" he asked.
Jin Hao puffed out his chest. "Mine's a subjugation mission. There's a flame-type beast in the Red Vein Canyon—believed to be at Marrow Tempering Realm. Fire affinity. I figured it'd be good training, and the reward includes fire marrow stones and a purification herb."
> "And you?" Su Yang turned to Lin Xue.
She replied quietly, "Mine is a recovery mission. An Eye Soul Lotus appeared in the Mist Mirror Marsh two nights ago. The sect needs it for a soul-based formation project. I volunteered."
Su Yang's brows furrowed. "That's dangerous. The lotus' illusions can corrode a person's spiritual sea."
She nodded. "Which is why I came to see you."
Jin Hao added, "We were hoping… if you're free, you'd come with us."
> "You don't have to fight. Just being nearby, if something goes wrong..."
Their request was genuine. But Su Yang hesitated.
In truth, he had been planning to use the next few days to attempt the Soul-Fused Fire-Soul Nourishment Pill. Zi Shu was still undergoing deep transformation—her bloodline rhythm changing—and he had to be present in case of fluctuations.
Besides, they didn't know about Zi Shu. And for now, he wasn't ready to reveal her.
Her origin… her link to an ancient bloodline… even her soul-touched essence. Not even the sect elders could understand her yet.
"I'm honored you trust me," Su Yang said at last. "But I have something important to take care of—something I can't leave right now."
Lin Xue didn't press. She simply bowed her head slightly.
But Jin Hao glanced around the courtyard once more.
"…Then you're not going with anyone?"
Su Yang smiled, deflecting. "My cultivation has reached a critical turning point. I need to stay still—focus on a certain fire technique."
Max barked once, as if to cover up any awkward silence.
Jin Hao nodded. "Alright. I understand. But we'll be back in three days. If we're not, send someone."
"I'll be waiting," Su Yang said. "And…"
He turned to Lin Xue and handed her a thin silver talisman.
"A spirit warding seal. It won't stop the lotus' illusions, but it'll give you a moment's clarity if you feel yourself slipping."
She accepted it without a word.
Then Su Yang reached into his pouch and tossed Jin Hao a crimson pellet.
"Swallow that before entering the canyon. It resists fire-type poison for a full hour."
Jin Hao caught it, blinking. "Did you refine this?"
Su Yang nodded. "A minor side product during my last flame refinement. Not very stable, so don't bite it."
Jin Hao chuckled. "Thanks."
As they stepped outside the gate, Lin Xue paused.
"…Su Yang."
He looked up.
"Take care of yourself too."
He nodded. "I will."
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As the courtyard gate closed again, Su Yang stood in silence.
Zi Shu peeked out from his sleeve, blinking once at the direction the two had gone.
> "You'll meet them… when the time is right," Su Yang whispered.
He turned and walked back beneath the Spirit-Flame Tree.
In his hand, he held a new jade slip.
The inscription upon it read:
> Soul-Fused Flame Nourishment Pill: Essence-Stabilizing Variant
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