Three days blurred into a rhythm of forest paths and quiet nights.
The ancient woods east of the Abyss Rift were alive with subtle power: towering spirit trees whose leaves shimmered with faint Qi luminescence.
Vines that retracted when stepped on, and distant roars of mid-tier beasts that never drew close, perhaps sensing the awakening predator coiled on Lin Feng's arm.
Each evening, they camped beside small streams. Lin Feng cultivated in lotus position while Xiao Huo hunted flame-aspected spirit rabbits, returning with warm prey to share.
Their bond deepened through small moments—banter over the viper's "regal" hunting style, shared watches under star-filled skies, and quiet meditation where Lin Feng glimpsed fleeting echoes of volcanic palaces from Xiao Huo's bloodline memories.
By the third dawn, the air grew noticeably warmer, carrying the faint scent of sulfur and blooming lotuses.
"We're close," Lin Feng said, wiping sweat from his brow.
Xiao Huo lifted his head, horns glowing eagerly. This king can taste the Flame Essence already. Richer than expected. Hurry, human—my bloodline stirs.
They crested a moss-covered ridge and stopped.
Below lay a hidden valley cradled by black volcanic rock. At its center bubbled a series of steaming hot springs, their waters glowing soft orange from the spirit vein beneath.
Crimson lotuses floated on the surface, petals unfurled like flames frozen in time. Wisps of pure Flame Essence rose with the steam, visible even to the naked eye.
A natural flame spirit vein, minor compared to those guarded by great sects, but perfect for early cultivation.
Lin Feng's system confirmed it:
[Location Discovered: Crimson Lotus Grotto]
[Ambient Qi Density: High (Flame-Aspected)]
[Cultivation Speed Bonus: +200% for Flame-affinity beings]
[Resources Detected: Flame Spirit Lotuses x12 (Mature), Minor Fire Crystals x37, Natural Tempering Pools x3]
Xiao Huo uncoiled fully for the first time since the bond, stretching to nearly two meters in length. His scales blazed brighter.
Excellent, he transmitted, voice thick with satisfaction. This place will serve nicely. This king approves.
Lin Feng descended carefully. The heat intensified, but thanks to their shared Flame Essence, it felt comforting rather than oppressive.
No immediate signs of other cultivators, only a few low-tier beasts: a pair of Flame Salamanders basking on rocks and a lone Earthveil Tortoise soaking in a side pool.
"Clear the small fry first?" Lin Feng asked.
Xiao Huo's tongue flicked. Leave the tortoise. Its shell may prove useful later. The salamanders dare to hoard lotuses near my vein—unacceptable.
They moved as one.
The salamanders noticed too late. Xiao Huo struck first.
Ember Coil Strike wrapping around one, injecting venom while flames seared its scales.
Lin Feng followed with an enhanced Inferno Palm, shattering the second's fire barrier and crushing its core.
Quick. Clean. No wasted movement.
[Battle Complete. Experience Gained.]
[Host Cultivation: Qi Gathering Stage 6]
[Xiao Huo Growth: 12% toward Mature Stage]
Lin Feng harvested the salamander cores—decent alchemy materials. Then turned to the lotuses.
He carefully plucked three mature ones, storing the rest for sustained use. Each lotus contained concentrated Flame Essence; refining even one could push a Qi Gathering cultivator several stages.
They claimed the central pool, its waters deepest and hottest.
Lin Feng stripped to his under-robes and sank in up to his chest. The heat pierced his meridians like needles, then soothed them, expanding channels with every breath.
Xiao Huo dove fully, coiling at the bottom like a living ember. Flames danced across the water's surface.
Perfect, the viper sighed contentedly. This king hasn't felt such pure essence since...
He trailed off.
Lin Feng closed his eyes, beginning circulation.
Hours passed. Qi cycled faster than ever, drawn in by the vein and refined through his bond with Xiao Huo. The viper shared his own absorption, creating a feedback loop—human and beast cultivating as one.
Midway through the session, the system pinged softly.
[Deep Resonance Active. Bloodline Echo Unlocked Further.]
A vision flooded Lin Feng's mind:
A massive crimson serpent—hundreds of meters long, with nine crystal horns and wings of pure flame, hovered above a volcanic throne. Thousands of lesser serpents bowed below.
The sovereign's voice thundered: "The Crimson Inferno Lineage bows to no heaven, no sect, no false emperor."
Then flames—enemy flames—engulfed the palace.
The vision faded.
Lin Feng opened his eyes, breathing hard.
Xiao Huo surfaced beside him, eyes solemn.
My father, he confirmed quietly. The last true Sovereign.
Lin Feng met his gaze. "We'll make sure he's not the last forever."
The viper's coils tightened briefly—an unspoken promise.
Night fell over the grotto. Steam rose like incense, lotuses glowed softly, and two exiles cultivated in silence.
In the distance, Azure Cloud Town's lights flickered faintly on the horizon—civilization, resources, and the first steps toward greater power.
But for now, the hidden grotto was enough.
Strength was building, one flame at a time.