Zhang Yan was refining the sword ball within the essence acupoint, completely absorbed, unaware of the passage of time.
He did not know how long had passed when one day, a sudden tremor in his heart and spirit startled him awake from his meditation.
He slowly opened his eyes and looked outside.
At that moment, he was still seated in the Earth Fire Sky Pit, surrounded by stacked stones facing the pit, with rolling hot fire pressing forward. Fortunately, the Treasure Robe protected him from the fire's poison, making disturbances rare, serving better than finding another Cave Mansion.
He silently examined his body; the Star Sword Ball rested quietly in the acupoint, with a stream of turbid Qi pouring in. A gentle push caused it to roll back and forth, like flowing lead mercury, conveying a faint sensation of stagnation. Adding a stream of Clear Qi made it light as a feather, floating effortlessly.
