Xie Tianyang stepped outside the chamber, his mind swirling with thoughts. The mysterious survivor he had taken in was intriguing, but couldn't be trusted easily. He turned to the guards stationed outside the room.
"Keep an eye on him," Xie Tianyang ordered: "Until I am sure of his loyalty, he is not to leave these walls unattended."
The guards bowed, their expressions serious: "Understood, Young Master."
Inside the lavish chamber, Baili Yunfeng sat up slowly, his body still adjusting to the surge of energy from forming his dantian. He closed his eyes, taking deep, controlled breaths.
He had expected to be placed under surveillance, as it was a natural precaution. But this did not deter him. If anything, it played into his hands. He needed time to refine his newfound strength, and this temporary confinement provided the perfect opportunity.
He crossed his legs and entered a meditative state, circulating his energy through his newly-formed dantian. The power of the devouring flame intertwined with the Fateless Dao Qi, merging within him as he refined every single energy inside his body.
Unlike before, where he had only stabilize the energy, he now focused on refining the foundation, making his strength more stable and versatile.
Time passed slowly, his body absorbing the formless energy within the chamber. The guards outside remained vigilant, unaware of the immense transformation happening inside of the chamber.
With each cycle of energy refinement, Baili Yunfeng's control over his power became sharper. His meridians, once raw and unstable after his rebirth, now became steady. After solidifying his base, he began to wipe his sweat around the body.
Once again, he crossed leg, closed his eyes and thought According to the supreme scripture. I need to form second dantian in the depth of consciousness.
He slowly focused his breath and started to dig deep inside his consciousness, as he ventured deeper, and reached at the core of his newly-formed dantian. With intricate hand signs forming in his mind, he guided his energy to manifest the body of himself purely made of energy, a humanoid dantian.
A surge of crimson and black energy converged within his spiritual sea, condensing into a flickering silhouette, a exact replica of his body but in its cocoon shape. It was an embodiment of his will, a manifestation of his power in its purest form.
(Humanoid dantian: It is the embodiment of his will. If his body is destroyed, he will not die completely due to the energy supply from the dantian and will only be in soul state for a limited time before dying.)
As the process continued, the humanoid dantian pulsed with his devouring flame, absorbing strands of Fateless Dao Qi. Every breath it took refined Yunfeng's control over his abilities, linking his physical and spiritual cultivation into one seamless flow.
A day passed by, as he continued to refine his newly formed dantian. He slowly opened his eyes as he finished polishing his strength.
He examined his body and continued: "Hmm... Second stage of mortal realm. Not bad."
He slowly stood up, he adjusted his tattered robe, ensuring that he still looked like a recovering warrior rather than a reborn powerhouse. He walked towards the chamber door and knocked lightly. A guard promptly opened the door, his whole body tensed the moment he saw Baili Yunfeng.
"What do you need?" the guard asked gruffly.
"I need a bath," Baili Yunfeng said calmly, his voice carrying a faint weariness: "I've been bedridden for too long. I need to cleanse myself."
The guard hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Follow me."
The guard led him towards the dimly lit corridors of the mansion. Before stepping in, Yunfeng turned his head and motioned towards guard: "Can you get me a new clothes, Mine are torn."
Guard nodded and moved out to bring the clothes. Yunfeng stepped into the water, feeling the heat seep into his skin, relaxing his body while subtly circulating his energy to reinforce his foundation.
He submerged himself completely before resurfacing, wiping his face as he let the fatigue from his act wash away with the water.
He took his time, ensuring that his outward appearance remained that of a man recovering from great strain. Once he finished, he changed into a fresh robe provided by the Guard and stepped out.
Just as he adjusted his sleeves, another guard approached swiftly. "Young Master Xie Tianyang has summoned you for dinner."
Yunfeng blinked, feigning mild surprise. "So soon? I did not expect such courtesy."
The guard remained silent, merely gesturing for him to follow. Yunfeng let out a small chuckle and nodded. "Very well. Lead the way."
As he walked through the grand halls, he kept his expression neutral, but deep inside, his mind was already at work, his mind was already at work. Xie Tianyang was the next piece in his game, and tonight, the real play would begin.
....
The dining hall was an extravagant display of wealth and power. A long table adorned with lavish dishes sat at the center. Xie Tianyang sat at the head, his eyes watching as Baili Yunfeng was led in.
"Sit," Xie Tianyang gestured, his tone neither warm nor hostile.
Baili Yunfeng inclined his head slightly and took a seat. He did not reach for the food immediately, maintaining the mannerisms of a cautious guest.
Xie Tianyang smirked slightly: "No need to act so reserved. You're my guest, after all. Eat."
Baili Yunfeng nodded and picked up his chopsticks, sampling the dishes with measured movements. Silence stretched between them before Xie Tianyang finally spoke again.
"I have an expedition planned for beast mountain near the Youming Valley. I want you to accompany me."
Yunfeng looked up, his expression unreadable. "An expedition? May I ask what purpose it serves?"
Xie Tianyang leaned back, twirling a cup of wine in his hand: "There's something in that valley I need. But the journey is dangerous, and I can use an extra pair of hands. You seemed capable enough to survive out there before I found you, so you'll be useful."
He lowered his gaze slightly, adopting an expression of contemplation. "If Young Master Tianyang believes I am worthy of such trust, I will be honored to accompany you."
Xie Tianyang's smirk deepened. "Good. We leave in three days. I suggest you prepare yourself."
Baili Yunfeng simply nodded, his mind already calculating his next move. This expedition was more than just a journey, it was an opportunity. And he needed to meet the master of Azure Flame, Kunpeng to unlock the true potential of his devouring flame.
.....
With dinner concluded, both men stood from their seats, exchanging brief nods before departing towards their respective chambers. The faintly shadow of their slowly turned into their silhouette, as Baili Yunfeng walked, his expression unreadable.
As he neared his room, a fleeting thought crossed his mind.
Maybe I should meet Zhuo Fan along the way