The intense flames continued to surround Yun Yun, gradually transforming from a pale violet hue to a deep, pulsating amethyst. She was caught in a maelstrom of purple fire, her expression focused yet serene as she continued to refine the powerful essence of the Amethyst Lion Birth Essence. Shen Yuan watched closely, maintaining his guard while carefully regulating his own Dou Qi. His eyes glinted with a quiet determination, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of trouble.
Meanwhile, the invisible panel that had appeared before Shen Yuan kept flashing notifications, each one revealing the astonishing rewards he was receiving for aiding Yun Yun in this dangerous process.
[Ding, Bounded Candidate Yun Yun has refined a bit of Purple Spirit Flame]
[Received Tenfold feedback, a small energy of a new Heavenly Flame, Amethyst Spirit Flame]
The steady rhythm of notifications appeared almost hypnotic, a testament to the immense power and reward embedded in Yun Yun's refining process. With each passing moment, Shen Yuan felt the subtle growth of his own energy. The feedback was real and tangible, a slow infusion of the Amethyst Spirit Flame's essence that was enhancing his cultivation.
Shen Yuan glanced down at his hand, where a faint glow had begun to gather, a soft amethyst light that mirrored the fire swirling around Yun Yun. The essence of the Amethyst Spirit Flame within him was weak yet promising, like a young seed with the potential to grow into something formidable.
Despite the intense heat, Shen Yuan held his ground. The residual power of the Golden Incinerating Flame that he had summoned wrapped around him like an invisible shield, counteracting the worst of the Amethyst Spirit Flame's fury. Though the flames weren't at the level of a true Heavenly Flame, they still held a fierce power that kept the purple blaze from overwhelming him.
Yun Yun, in the meantime, was beginning to feel the incredible strain of her refinement. Her skin glistened with sweat as she concentrated, channeling the powerful energy into her body with every bit of control she could muster. The violet flames licked dangerously around her, pressing inward, as if to consume her entirely. But her resolve was unshakable, and her spirit surged with a fierceness that rivaled the flame's heat.
The notifications continued flashing:
[Ding, Bounded Candidate Yun Yun has refined a bit of Purple Spirit Flame]
[Received Tenfold feedback, a small energy of a new Heavenly Flame, Amethyst Spirit Flame]
Each alert carried with it a rush of Dou Qi for Shen Yuan, fortifying him even as he stood watch. The amethyst energy circulating within him started to take on a life of its own, fusing with his core as if becoming a part of him. The power felt strange and wild, but he could feel himself growing stronger.
Watching Yun Yun's struggle, a new depth of admiration filled his heart. She was taking in the raw, raging energy without complaint, facing the pain head-on and showing her indomitable spirit. Perhaps his initial intentions had been more self-serving—seeking a tenfold return in energy from helping her—but now he was beginning to see her as more than just a means to an end. The steady determination in her eyes, the fire of her spirit—it all stirred something unfamiliar within him.
Suddenly, the purple flames around Yun Yun surged higher, swelling and pulsing with such intensity that Shen Yuan instinctively drew back. Even with his protective barrier, he could feel the searing heat radiating outward. It was as if Yun Yun had touched the very core of the Amethyst Spirit Flame, unleashing a torrent of raw, unbridled energy.
He heard the panel ding again:
[Ding, Bounded Candidate Yun Yun has refined a substantial portion of Purple Spirit Flame]
[Received Enhanced Tenfold feedback: Substantial infusion of Amethyst Spirit Flame energy]
The rush of energy this time was more potent than any before. Shen Yuan felt his Dou Qi surge, filling him with a newfound strength that was nearly intoxicating. The power flowing within him was no longer just a faint essence—it was becoming a foundation, a true Heavenly Flame energy growing inside him. It was as if he had bypassed years of cultivation in mere moments, every bit of feedback from Yun Yun's refinement accelerating his own strength to unimaginable levels.
Finally, the flames surrounding Yun Yun began to recede, slowly calming as they withdrew into her core. Her breathing steadied, though her face was marked by exhaustion. As the last of the flames died down, Yun Yun opened her eyes, meeting Shen Yuan's gaze with a soft, grateful smile. For a long moment, they simply looked at each other, both aware of the connection they had forged in the midst of the intense refinement process.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice laced with gratitude.
Shen Yuan simply nodded, though he could feel his heart racing. Helping her, guiding her energy flow, protecting her in the midst of her struggle—it had all brought them closer, building a bond forged in the fires of the Amethyst Spirit Flame.
The panel chimed one last time:
[Ding, Bound Candidate Yun Yun has completed the initial refinement of the Purple Spirit Flame.]
[Received Final Tenfold Feedback: Foundational energy of the Amethyst Spirit Flame, cultivated within core]
"[Does the Host wish to fuse the residual energy to form a Sub Heavenly Flame?]"
The system's voice echoed in his mind, this time posing a question. Without a moment's hesitation, he responded, "Yes, fuse the residual energy using Feng Jue." His voice reverberated through his thoughts.
[Ding, fusion successful. Adding 'Amethyst Spirit Flame.']
[Ding, successfully added.]
The system chimed again, this time bringing good news. As the notification appeared, he felt an intense surge in his cultivation level. Feeling this power, he commanded, "System, status," and a panel immediately appeared before him.
[Name - Shen Yuan]
[Age - 11]
[Cultivation - Dou Ling, 4th Star]
[Click here to view more]
As he gazed at the panel, his eyes filled with satisfaction. He had leaped two stars—slower than before, but still remarkable progress. After all, how often does one see an 11-year-old Dou Ling at the fourth star?