But what made Jiang Xuan almost unable to contain his joy was that beside the fully formed Golden Divine Fruit atop the radiant crown of the Golden Divine Tree, a brand-new golden fruit was slowly sketching out its illusory yet solemn outline.
It had yet to solidify, like a flower in the mist or the moon reflected in water. But the fact that it could take shape at all meant another leap in its foundation.
"It won't be long before I can solidify another law." Gazing at that phantom fruit, Jiang Xuan secretly calculated, "What should I choose this time? Continue stacking the power of adaptation, or solidify Flourishing? Or perhaps... purification, the great sun?"
The Golden Divine Fruit had not fully condensed yet, so Jiang Xuan could only indulge in wishful thoughts for now.
Yet this approaching opportunity was enough to fill him with delight. Thus, after emerging from seclusion, he summoned Xia He, Zhen Youqing, and Qin Xiangling into the courtyard. Before the three women, he said without the slightest attempt at concealment, "Junior Sister Xiangling, since you have joined the Divine Firmament Sect, as your senior brother, I naturally ought to offer something. Later, I will personally forge a sword for you."
The moment those words fell, Qin Xiangling was still staring blankly, while Xia He's bright eyes abruptly lit up. "Senior Brother, you're forging another sword?"
"Mm." Jiang Xuan nodded, then leaned forward slightly, his tone taking on an unfathomable air of mystery. "But this forging will be different from before. In a moment, you... don't be afraid."
As his voice faded, he raised his left hand, spread his five fingers, and fiercely wiped downward across his face from his forehead.
Whoosh—!
With that motion, a scarlet and ferocious Nuo Mask abruptly covered his face.