Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Black Flames

The little darling returned to her consciousness.

The dark golden book was nestled in her arms. Ye Xiyao opened it and found only a few lines of text inside. Upon closer inspection, she realized it contained instructions for cultivating spiritual energy.

Ye Xiyao hadn't yet shared with her family that she had activated her spirit root, and she was vexed about how to begin her cultivation. This technique was precisely what she needed at the moment.

Thus, she promptly summoned Cuizhu and instructed her to guard the door, allowing no one to enter. Following the book's guidance, Ye Xiyao sat on the bed, calming her mind and commencing her practice.

Initially, Ye Xiyao felt nothing unusual. Gradually, however, she sensed a surge of spiritual energy emanating from her dantian, ascending and circulating throughout her body. Before long, she was entirely immersed in a state of confusion.

Unbeknownst to Ye Xiyao, as she entered this meditative state, the room's spiritual energy began to gather around her. Strands of it entered her forehead, forming a cluster that condensed over time. After an indeterminate period, it burst forth, coursing through her limbs and bones...

It was a sensation she had never experienced before, as if she had been reborn anew.

Ye Xiyao slowly opened her eyes, only to find the book had vanished. The little darling reappeared from her consciousness, exclaiming joyfully,

"How was it? How was it? Pretty good, right?!"

"Well, it's alright," Ye Xiyao responded.

"What do you mean 'alright'? Fool, take a look at your spiritual sense!"

Prompted by the young lad, Ye Xiyao refocused and delved into her own consciousness.

Before, Ye Xiyao could sense her spiritual sense, but it was a jumbled mess. However, at this moment, she clearly 'saw' that within her spiritual sense, there was now an inexplicably formed open space encircled by massive stones. In the center of this clearing stood a stone altar.

The altar wasn't tall, exuding simplicity yet dignity. Suspended above it was a grayish-black gemstone the size of a cat's eye, shimmering with light!

This was... the Early Crimson Rank? !

Ye Xiyao was astonished. Every cultivator of spirit energy had to first become a Practitioner before advancing through the First, Second, and Third Levels to become a genuine Spirit User. Only then would they form their Spirit Stones.

Even for prodigies with talents at the Fourth Level or above, this process required relentless cultivation day and night for over a year and a half to achieve. As for herself...

Ye Xiyao withdrew from her spiritual sense in disbelief. The young lad then emerged from her consciousness, boasting, "What do you think, woman? Impressive, right? Try focusing your spirit energy onto your finger now."

Ye Xiyao followed the instructions, and soon, a tiny flame emerged on her fair and rounded fingertip!

More importantly, the flame was of the same ashen-black color as the spirit stone!

Ye Xiyao could hardly believe her own eyes. Under normal circumstances, only spirit users at the Yellow Rank could release their innate spiritual energy externally. However, she had just started cultivating, so even if she had truly reached the Crimson Rank, it would still be impossible for her to do so. How could this be...

"...You did this?"

Though unsure of the situation, Ye Xiyao quickly grasped the general idea after some thought. As expected, the smug little boy nodded his head.

"So... I'm fire-aligned?" Ye Xiyao asked again.

"Of course not! Hmph, how could such a lowly talent compare with this young master? Let me tell you the truth, this young master is of the Dark Element! Flames are merely a manifestation of this young master; didn't you notice that my flames are black? They're called Infernal Flames. Hmph, you really are a country bumpkin, knowing nothing! This young m- Aiyah, what are you doing, woman? Let me go, owww!"

With one swift kick, Ye Xiyao opened the door, lifted her leg, shut the door, and sent the chatty little boy flying once more.