The dark-red magma was silent save for the occasional burst of a magma bubble. The entire underground space radiated scorching heat, with almost no sign of life. If not for the two people seated on a rocky wall above the magma, it could have been called utterly lifeless.
Of the two sitting cross-legged, one suddenly opened his eyes and muttered, "The spirituality of the Fallen Heart Flame has basically been worn away. What comes next will be much easier. As long as it continues according to plan, barring any accidents, this refinement of the Heavenly Flame will succeed."
As he spoke, Gu He withdrew part of his attention from Qing and looked at him, his complexion having largely returned to normal.
After more than two months of deadlock, the energy of the Heart Flame's origin had finally been seized. Without that energy to rely upon, the Fallen Heart Flame's spirituality had suffered a fatal blow and was gradually worn away by Qing. At this point, the remaining Fallen Heart Flame possessed less spirituality than the Green Lotus Core Flame Gu He had just obtained.
Of course, over those two months, the medicinal effects of the Earth Spirit Pill and Blood Lotus Pill had been entirely exhausted. Fortunately, after refining part of the Fallen Heart Flame, Qing's body had developed resistance to it. Even without the pills' medicinal effects, the subsequent refinement could proceed normally.
Seeing that Qing was unlikely to encounter any major problems, Gu He left nearly half his attention focused on him and began considering how to strengthen himself.
More than four months had passed since he advanced to Dou Zun, yet his strength still hovered at one-star Dou Zun. Although it had improved, the increase was minuscule. At this rate, it would likely take another year just