One month later, one night.
Once all the medicinal ingredients and formations required for Cailin's Heavenly Flame tempering had been prepared, the Snake-People Tribe island chosen as the site of her evolution was already shrouded in a solemn, tense atmosphere.
Layer upon layer of barriers had been erected around the island, cutting it off from all outside scrutiny and interference. Only the wind passed through the jagged rocks, carrying a desolate, mournful howl.
Su Baichen, Cailin, and Caidie stood in a carefully leveled clearing at the center of the island.
Apart from them, only four Snake-People Elders with white hair and beards stood present. They remained some distance away, their expressions grave as they looked upon their resolute queen with complicated gazes.
A month earlier, when Cailin had announced this decision, the elders had collectively knelt to remonstrate with her. They had described the near-certain death that came with Heavenly Flame tempering throughout history and begged their queen to place the tribe first.
Yet Cailin had already made up her mind. The flames burning in her beautiful eyes were fiercer and more unwavering than any Heavenly Flame they had ever seen.
She had even made a clear final decree before all the elders: should anything happen to her, her younger sister Caidie would inherit the throne.
From beginning to end, Caidie had not tried to dissuade her. More than anyone, she understood her sister's nature. Once that pride ingrained in her bones and blood, along with her desire for strength, had chosen a path, she would never turn back.
She merely helped her sister prepare everything in silence, burying her worry and fear deep in her heart.
Now, the final moment had arrived. The breeze stirred the loose strands before Caidie's forehead. As she looked at her sister's peerlessly beautiful