Origin energy misted through the secluded chamber.
The milky-white marrow in the Aperture-Nurturing Jade Pool flowed slowly, the delicate fragrance of the imperial extremity lotuses mingling with the marrow's warm, mellow scent.
Cao Zhen's gaze slowly settled on the two imperial extremity lotuses growing side by side in the Aperture-Nurturing Jade Pool at the center of the chamber, his eyes filled with appreciation.
These two sacred lotuses were part of the Profound Truth Sect's reserves. They had been hard to come by and had to be cherished with the utmost care.
After studying them for a moment, Cao Zhen hesitated no longer. He raised his right hand slightly and flicked a finger.
In an instant, a wisp of highly condensed, pale-gold astral qi shot from his fingertip. Gentle and substantial, without the slightest sharpness, it resembled a soft ray of sunset light as it flew straight toward one of the imperial extremity lotuses in the pool.
After leaving his body, the astral qi did not disperse. Instead, it instantly became a thin yet resilient golden barrier, gently enveloping the entire lotus.
A faint halo rippled across the barrier, completely isolating the lotus from the surrounding pool. It did not harm the imperial extremity lotus in the slightest while perfectly shielding it from outside disturbances.
Only after finishing did Cao Zhen withdraw his hand and turn toward Yang Jing beside him. "Yang Jing, the imperial extremity lotus you will refine today is the one not covered in astral qi. Simply concentrate on absorbing its medicinal power."
As he spoke, he pointed toward the center of the Aperture-Nurturing Jade Pool, at the imperial extremity lotus still blooming in all its delicate splendor, bathed in the marrow's origin energy.
Yang Jing immediately followed the direction of Cao Zhen's finger, fixing his gaze on