In the blink of an eye, seven times seven-forty-nine days-had passed.
Early that morning, Shen Luo sat cross-legged in his room, the flame-spark fire crystal suspended before him. Ten Pure Yang Flying Swords circled it, blazing with flames as they refined a drop of golden blood into the crystal.
As the fire crystal gradually absorbed the last of that drop of blood essence, the true solar fire on the Pure Yang Flying Swords slowly died out.
Just then, Shen Luo discovered to his surprise that the mass of flame inside the flame-spark fire crystal had somehow split into fifteen faint flames, each nestled within a lotus petal.
Does this mean it might give rise to fifteen artifact spirits in the future? Shen Luo pondered.
Just as he was about to call Fire Spirit Child out to take a look with him, a sudden series of shouts came from outside.
"Hey, Brother Shen! Brother Shen..."
Recognizing Black Bear Spirit's voice, Shen Luo put away the flame-spark fire crystal and rose to greet him outside.
The moment they met, Shen Luo saw the delight in his eyes and asked, "Brother Black, what happy occasion has put you in such a good mood?"
"Come, come! Yulin Fairy sent me to fetch you. She said they're ready." Black Bear Spirit strode forward, grabbed Shen Luo by the sleeve, and turned to leave.
"The Grand Purity Pills are ready?"
Shen Luo was overjoyed at the news and hurried after Black Bear Spirit toward the valley.
On their last visit, they had been unable to enter the valley. Today, they arrived to find all the restrictions open to them, and made their way to an alchemy lodge within.
Once inside the lodge, Black Bear Spirit led Shen Luo straight into the pill-refining chamber with practiced ease.