After a brief moment of quiet thought, Li Yan lifted his head, his expression composed yet intent. "Senior Yao," he said, "I hope you don't mind. There are a few things I wish to ask."
Yao Fuhuo tilted her head slightly, her gaze open and unguarded. "Ask without hesitation," she replied, her tone calm, inviting neither restraint nor doubt.
Li Yan drew a measured breath before continuing. "It concerns Spiritual Consciousness. I searched the sect's library thoroughly, yet found nothing. There was no record, no mention at all."
A faint shift passed through Yao Fuhuo's expression, subtle but distinct. For a moment, her eyes seemed distant, as if recalling something buried deep within inherited memory.
"Yes," she said softly. "I know of it. But what I know is not something commonly understood, not here, not in this world."
Her gaze steadied as she continued. "Spiritual Consciousness is not merely heightened perception. It's one of the abilities that belongs to an entirely separate cultivation system, known as Spiritual Cultivation, or Soul Cultivation."
"It stands alongside Qi and Body cultivation," she added, her voice even, "a path equally vast, equally profound, yet largely forgotten in this realm, or you can say, it's an advanced cultivation path, which is unknown or unreachable by cultivators on this planet."
She paused briefly, then spoke again with quiet restraint. "There are limits to what I can share. This world carries karmic restrictions, and some knowledge cannot be passed freely."
"But you should understand this much," she continued, "The path begins with the Spirit Foundation Realms."
"There are seven minor realms in the Spirit Foundation Realm, each divided into four stages: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Peak." Her voice grew more precise as she explained, each word deliberate.
Li Yan remained still, his expression unchanged, yet every word etched itself firmly into his mind. The structure was clear, yet the depth behind it hinted at something far beyond ordinary cultivation.
Yao Fuhuo lifts a finger slightly. "The seven are:
-Spiritual Awakening Realm (Soul Infant)
-Spiritual Refinement Realm (Soul Initiate)
-Spiritual Strengthening Realm (Soul Disciple)
-Spiritual Flow Realm (Soul Practitioner)
-Spiritual…"
But in the middle of counting the minor realms, Yao Fuhuo stopped, her gaze drifting to the sky beyond the window. Li Yan was surprised by her reaction as his gaze followed hers, and he saw black clouds gathering as thunder rolled in the sky beyond the canopy.
"Li Yan, it seems I don't share more details about Soul Cultivation with you," Yao Fuhuo added, her gaze still fixed on the sky. "Your current cultivation won't be enough to know more. See the Karmic Restrictions already giving signs to stop."
Yao Fuhuo's gaze returned to him for a moment before softening slightly. "But you know one thing. Your case is different," she said. "Even cultivators who reach the Peak of the Mortal Realms never have the chance to awaken Spiritual Consciousness."
"To awaken it so early…" she added quietly, "is something I have never witnessed. Even if it awakened with my assistance, your Spiritual Energy became far denser and purer when your soul transmigrated into this body."
Li Yan cupped his hands respectfully; his voice was sincere. "Then it seems I've gained an advantage others do not have."
He paused briefly before continuing. "But if this is a separate path, how should I cultivate it?"
Yao Fuhuo fell silent for a moment, her expression thoughtful as she weighed her response carefully. When she spoke again, her tone carried a note of caution.
"Li Yan, your talent is undeniable," she said. "But even talent has limits when divided across too many paths. Qi cultivation alone will already be slower for you," she continued. "Your multiple elemental affinities increase both potential and difficulty."
"Body cultivation demands endurance and time," she added. "It is not a path that yields easily, nor one that can be rushed. But you need it to strengthen your body."
"If you pursue Spiritual Cultivation alongside both," she said, her voice had a hint of concern, "you risk slowing all three. Your progress may become fragmented rather than strengthened."
Li Yan listened without interruption, his expression steady, absorbing each point with clarity. Yet beneath that calm surface, his resolve did not waver.
"Senior Yao," he said after a moment, "I understand your concerns. But I have a reason to pursue it."
"I need to unlock something," he continued, his voice firm but controlled. "Something tied directly to my strength."
Yao Fuhuo's eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity surfacing. "What is it you seek to unlock?"
Li Yan did not hesitate. He recounted his experience within the Ancient Techniques Hall, his acquisition of Divine Tier techniques, and his comprehension of the inscribed words—Spirit and Sword.
He spoke of awakening Sword Intent, and finally, of the tower that had appeared within his Spiritual Consciousness, silent yet waiting.
"I believe it is connected to swordsmanship," he said. "And I believe it will only open through further increase in my Spiritual Cultivation."
Yao Fuhuo remained silent for a moment after hearing everything, her expression shifting subtly as she processed the extent of his experience.
"Li Yan…" she said quietly, "your growth has already exceeded what I expected."
"To obtain Divine Tier techniques, comprehend inscribed words, and awaken Sword Intent within three months…" she added, her voice filled with genuine astonishment. "Such progression is not ordinary."
She fell silent briefly, then nodded once, as if reaching a decision.
"Very well," she said. "I will search my inherited memories for a Spiritual Cultivation method suited to you and record it."
Her gaze sharpened slightly. "But you will not receive it freely. You must earn it by completing the task."
Li Yan's posture straightened slightly. "Then what is the task?"
"I had already prepared your next task and reward," she replied. "But now, I will offer you a choice instead."
"You may choose between awakening your next elemental affinity," she said, "or obtaining the Soul/Spiritual Cultivation technique."
There was no hesitation.
"I choose the Soul/Spiritual Cultivation technique," Li Yan said, his voice steady and decisive.
Yao Fuhuo nodded faintly. "A wise decision."
"What is the task?" he asked again, his focus sharpening.
Her lips curved slightly, a trace of quiet amusement returning. "This one will not be as simple as the last."
"You must collect five thousand Tier-2 beast cores," she said evenly, "and ten thousand Tier-3 beast cores."
Li Yan's composure faltered for the first time, his eyes widening slightly. "That many?"
Yao Fuhuo inclined her head. "The requirement is steep, but necessary. As the tier increases, so does the drop rate. Difficulty must rise with reward."
Before he could respond, she added calmly, "However, if you collect five thousand Tier-2 cores within three months, I will grant you foundational knowledge of Spiritual Cultivation, which is not restricted by karmic law."
The offer settled heavily in the air.
Li Yan remained silent, his mind already calculating. He had surpassed one thousand Tier-2 cores, which took him almost a month of hunting—but four thousand more, within three months, would demand precision, endurance, and relentless efficiency.
The path ahead was clear.
And far from easy.
The treehouse seemed to fall into a quiet stillness, as though even the ancient structure was listening. Beyond its walls, the vast valley lay silent beneath the dimming sky, unmoving and watchful.
Li Yan exhaled slowly, steadying his thoughts as they settled into clarity. With composed respect, he bowed once more, his movements precise and unhurried.
"Thank you, Senior Yao," he said, his voice calm yet sincere. "That knowledge… it holds more value than any material resource I could obtain. I do my best to reach your expectations."
Yao Fuhuo inclined her head slightly, her expression resolute. "You are welcome," she replied. "But understand this—what lies ahead is only the beginning."
"The path of cultivation is long," she continued, her voice steady. "At times, it will test you beyond reason. But if your will does not break, neither will your ascent."
Li Yan straightened, his gaze firm despite the weight of her words. "I understand," he said. "I will not disappoint you."
He paused briefly before adding, "But what about the Tier-1 cores I've already collected?"
Yao Fuhuo turned her gaze toward him, her tone soft yet unwavering. "They belong to you now. Use them, trade them, or keep them. That choice is yours alone."
Li Yan remained still for a moment, considering her words. "Then I will keep them," he said quietly. "They may prove useful for alchemy in the future."
The treehouse pulsed faintly, its ancient structure resonating with a quiet, living rhythm. A faint herbal fragrance lingered in the air, blending with the distant whisper of leaves beyond the open space.
After a brief silence, Li Yan spoke again, his tone thoughtful yet composed. "There is something else I wish to ask."
Yao Fuhuo's gaze shifted back to him, attentive and calm. "Go on."
"Last time you mentioned that my body possesses a unique construction after its reconstruction," he said. "Recently, during my hunts, I noticed something unusual."
He paused briefly, recalling the moment with clarity. "Flames touched my body… yet left no mark. It was as if they had no effect at all."
His eyes lifted slightly. "Is my body immune to fire? Is that one of the abilities you referred to?"
Yao Fuhuo's lips curved faintly, her expression carrying quiet confirmation rather than surprise. "Yes," she said. "What you have discovered is only a little thing."
"You possess a unique construction called Flame Body," she continued, her voice calm yet precise. "Immunity to fire is its most basic trait. Ordinary flames will not harm you."
Li Yan's brow lifted slightly, intrigue surfacing, but she continued before he could speak.
"This is only the beginning," she said. "When you acquire a Heavenly Flame in the future, your body will evolve further, refining itself with its essence."
"Your strength will increase," she added. "Your regeneration will improve. Your control over flame will deepen, and even absorption will become possible."
She allowed the weight of her words to settle before shifting her gaze toward his attire. "And your advantages are not limited to your body alone."
"The robe I gave you," she continued, "was designed specifically for your unique body construction. It shares your resistance to fire and will remain unaffected by any flame."
Her expression softened slightly. "But more than that, it evolves alongside you."
"Each time you obtain a Heavenly Flame," she said, "the robe will refine itself, enhancing both its protection and its functionality."
"It can reshape its appearance at your will," she added. "Color, design, and form—all can be adjusted according to your intent."
Her tone grew slightly lighter. "It can also regulate temperature, keeping you comfortable regardless of your environment. It remains clean, untouched by dust or blood."
"And if damaged," she concluded, "it will repair itself over time."
Li Yan's gaze lowered briefly to the yellow sect robes he currently wore, a trace of realization forming within his otherwise composed expression.
"Then…" he said, a faint hint of embarrassment surfacing, "why am I still wearing these?"
Yao Fuhuo observed him quietly, then asked with gentle curiosity, "Why indeed? Why are you not wearing the robe I gave you?"
Li Yan hesitated briefly before letting out a soft chuckle. "I wished to remain unnoticed," he admitted. "My goal here was to blend in, not draw unnecessary attention."
"If I stood out too much," he continued, "it would invite questions I would rather avoid."
His gaze lowered slightly again. "And I did not know the robe could change its appearance. If I had known… I would have used it differently."
Yao Fuhuo did not interrupt. Her expression softened, understanding evident in her calm gaze, while a trace of quiet amusement lingered beneath the surface.
She gave a small, approving nod.
The silence that followed was not empty, but comfortable—steady, grounded, and quietly affirming.
For a few moments, the treehouse settled into a tranquil hush once more. The spiritual pressure in the air rose and fell gently, as though the ancient structure itself breathed alongside them.
Yao Fuhuo spoke at last, her voice calm and distant, yet precise. "It is good that you remain cautious. Discretion is often wiser than pride, especially for one who carries hidden strength."
Li Yan inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. The knowledge of his body's hidden potential and the robe's evolving nature settled within him, not as a burden, but as a responsibility he accepted without hesitation.
Silence lingered briefly before his gaze shifted back to her. A quiet resolve surfaced, something he had considered for some time now, finally rising to the forefront of his thoughts.
"Senior Yao," he said, his tone steady yet earnest, "there is something I wish to request."
Yao Fuhuo raised a delicate brow, her interest piqued but controlled. "Oh?" she replied softly. "And what would that be?"