Shen Yuan had settled into a quiet rhythm—cultivating each day, resting when needed. A full month had passed, nearly unnoticed, the days blending into one another like the steady beat of a drum. But his progress was undeniable. Just moments ago, he had broken through to Dou Shi, 9th Star.
He slowly stood up, stretching slightly, a calm expression on his face. Inside, though, he was waiting.
"There it is," he thought, as a faint glow shimmered before his eyes.
[1st Month of Awakening — Rewarding Host with Sub Flame of Fallen Heart Flame]
The familiar system panel appeared, hovering gently in the air. Shen Yuan took a moment to process what he was seeing.
A Heavenly Flame.
Even if it was only a sub flame, it remained something most cultivators could only dream of. Rare beyond measure—so rare, in fact, that only one man had ever wielded the original: Xiao Yan, the Flame Emperor.
He stared at the panel for a long moment, a quiet sense of awe settling in. This wasn't just another reward. This was something that could shift the very course of his cultivation.
Still, Shen Yuan knew better than to let excitement cloud his judgment. This was only a fragment of the true flame. To restore it—or even approach its full potential—would take years, perhaps decades, of tireless effort.
He exhaled slowly, allowing the flicker of excitement to fade before it could take hold.
No shortcuts. No illusions.
Just the next step.
He sat back down and closed his eyes, allowing the warmth of the sub flame to settle quietly into his core. The road ahead was long, and he had no intention of rushing it.
"Now, I should evolve the Origin Immortal Sutra," Shen Yuan thought to himself, his eyes glowing faintly with determination.
If he could successfully devour the Sub Flame, then advancing to the Da Dou Shi realm would no longer be a dream—it would be a realistic goal. However, the process would be neither simple nor safe. To refine the Sub Flame without damaging his foundation, three key items were required: the Blood Lotus Pill, the Acceptance Soul, and the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain.
Fortunately, one of them—the Acceptance Soul—was already in his possession. It was a peculiar object, one the original Shen Yuan had found by pure chance. Back then, unaware of its true nature, he'd dismissed it as nothing more than an oddly-shaped stone. Only after his memories returned did he realize the priceless treasure he held. That left the Blood Lotus Pill and the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain.
The Blood Lotus Pill, he recalled, could be found in the Pill Hall of the Falling Star Pavilion. Gaining access wouldn't be easy, but it was at least a clear lead. The Ice Spirit Cold Fountain, on the other hand, was a complete mystery. He had no idea where to begin.
Then, like a sudden flash of lightning in the night sky, a thought struck him. Without hesitation, Shen Yuan turned and made his way toward his father's courtyard.
Over the past month, he had been careful to keep a low profile. Ever since his sudden change in temperament and cultivation path, he'd been cautious not to draw unwanted attention. For that reason, he had moved to a modest room in the rear of the estate, quietly focused on his growth.
The Shen Estate was vast—grand enough to house a hundred people comfortably. Built generations ago with ambitious vision, it stood as a symbol of the Shen family's longstanding influence.
Shen Yuan stepped quietly into the main residence, careful not to disturb anyone. The corridor was silent, save for the soft creaking of the wooden floor beneath his feet. He moved with purpose, eyes scanning each room in search of his father. Yet after a thorough search, he found no sign of him.
Just as he was about to turn back, a familiar voice rang out behind him.
"Mother, did you see Father?" Shen Yuan asked softly, turning toward her.
His mother sat poised beside a low table adorned with herbal teas and old scrolls. She raised an eyebrow. "What do you need him for?" she asked, a playful note in her voice.
He paused for only a moment before replying, "Mother… do you have the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain?"
Her expression shifted—first to surprise, then to a more cautious curiosity. "I do," she said slowly. "But why are you asking?"
Prepared for her suspicion, Shen Yuan answered with calm precision. "I've been preparing to refine a beast fire. But after examining my meridians, I realized they're not stable enough yet. I thought the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain might help reinforce and regulate them during the process."
His mother studied him for several seconds, her gaze sharp and unreadable. Then she gave a slight nod. "Very well. But understand, refining a beast fire is extremely dangerous. You must not be careless."
She turned to a nearby cabinet and retrieved a small jade bottle, sealed with a pale blue talisman. Handing it to him, she added, "Take it. But promise me you'll be cautious."
A quiet relief settled over Shen Yuan's heart. He had expected to ask his father for the item, not realizing his mother had it—and certainly not expecting her to offer it without resistance. With the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain in hand, only one item remained: the Blood Lotus Pill.
He tightened his grip around the jade bottle, his thoughts turning toward the Falling Star Pavilion. Whether through negotiation, exchange, or force, he would obtain what he needed.
The path to Da Dou Shi now lay clearly before him.
And Shen Yuan had no intention of turning away.
"Understood, Mother," he replied with a gentle smile, offering her a respectful glance before turning and heading toward the exit.
With a flick of his fingers, he placed the jade bottle—containing the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain—into his storage ring, the seale glow disappearing into the spatial fold.
"The next step is the Blood Lotus Essence Pill," he thought, his gaze sharpening with purpose.