The setting sun vanished beyond the horizon, and the Star Dou Great Forest sank into darkness once more.
Within the forest, a spherical domain lit up the surroundings like an enormous lantern. Red and white flames supported the domain like a nest holding a bird's egg, wrapping it tightly within.
Dan Hong sat inside. Red flames enveloped her Soul Ring, continuously eroding it alongside her Soul Power.
Elsewhere, flames formed a rough circle. A short-haired youth with ink-black hair sat cross-legged at its center. Beyond his two yellow and one purple Soul Rings, a black Soul Ring slowly floated.
A tree branch jutted diagonally into the sky. Nan Li leaped up, landing lightly on its tip. In her sight, a small bird entirely red, its feathers flickering with tiny flames, flew straight toward her.
"Chirp, chirp—"
"Fei Fei, come here."
Nan Li's gaze suddenly softened. She reached out and caught the palm-sized Flame Feather Sparrow, gently poking its head. "Go on, what is it?"
"Chirp, chirp, chirp—" The little Flame Feather Sparrow did its best to report the information to Nan Li. Once it had completed its task, it flew onto Nan Li's shoulder and affectionately rubbed against her neck.
After listening, Nan Li glanced down at the ground, then casually continued speaking with the little Flame Feather Sparrow. "How long did you fly? Are you tired?"
Fei Fei rubbed against Nan Li's cheek, then flew up and circled around her, brimming with energy.
"Your Aunt Dan Hong is cultivating, so you can't disturb her." Nan Li patiently answered the little Flame Feather Sparrow's questions. "Tell me, what do you want? A'zu has some too."
Nan Li cupped the little fellow in her palm and landed back on the original branch. She filled a Star Flame Flower with Star Flame