Enlightenment at the Spirit Source Pool

The Spirit Source Pool lay hidden in the deepest reaches of the Ancient Realm Holy Land, surrounded by peaks that soared into the clouds. Snow that had not melted for a thousand years blanketed their slopes, and only a narrow cleft at the valley entrance connected it to the outside world. A thin veil of mist lingered around the cleft. Without a special token, even a Dou Zun would struggle to find the entrance. The Spatial Jade Slip became a streak of light, carrying Xiao Yan through the mist and into the hazy valley.

The moment he entered the valley, spiritual energy rushed toward him, so dense it almost took solid form. Wisps of white vapor coiled around his body, and with every breath, he felt his meridians hum in comfort, like parched earth nourished by sweet rain. The air at the valley floor carried a faint fragrance of grass and trees, emanating from the spiritual herbs unique to this place. Mingled with the Spirit Liquid's distinctive sweet, crisp scent, it seemed to cleanse even his soul as he breathed it in, sweeping away all fatigue and irritation.

At the center of the valley floor, a lake shimmered with seven-colored radiance, like an enormous multicolored gemstone set into the valley. Its water was clear enough to reveal the thousand-year spirit crystals covering the bottom. They varied in size: the largest measured over ten feet across, while even the smallest was as big as a fist. Their gentle luster resembled solidified moonlight. Beneath the water, they refracted a dreamlike glow, illuminating the lakebed like a fantastical crystal palace. This was the Spirit Source Pool itself, an energy source passed down through ten thousand years of the Ancient Realm's history, a sacred site where generations of its experts had broken through to higher realms.

The pool contained not only the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, but also spatial law painstakingly infused into it by ancient Spirit Gatherers. Runes floating on its surface drifted slowly like living creatures, gathering and scattering in turn. Every change carried profound spatial fluctuations, the clearest evidence of law power. Xiao Yan could even sense the runes drawing in energy from the world, continuously strengthening the Spirit Source Pool.

"What pure energy," Xiao Yan exclaimed sincerely. He removed his outer robe and stepped barefoot into the pool. Cool Spirit Liquid instantly submerged his knees, and a gentle yet immense force surged into his body through his pores. Like countless warm streams, it raced through his meridians. Wherever it passed, the Dou Qi that had grown somewhat disordered after the fusion of heaven and earth thunderflame immediately settled, like a mischievous child meeting a loving mother.

He could clearly feel the spatial law within the Spirit Liquid arranging his body's energy pathways with extraordinary finesse. The tiny injuries caused by collisions between the two Heavenly Flames healed at a visible pace. Nourished by the Spirit Liquid, his previously sluggish meridians became clearer, and his Dou Qi circulated more smoothly.

He sat cross-legged at the center of the pool, steadied his breathing, and slowly began circulating the Flame Mantra. Six Heavenly Flames flowed through his body like six rivers of different colors, winding along his meridians. They remained independent, yet shared a subtle connection. Heaven and earth thunderflame was the most active among them. Its purple flames crackled with thunder as they leaped through his meridians, like an unruly youth brimming with vitality and destructive urges. Now and then, it struck the black-and-gold demon flame, throwing off tiny sparks. Each collision sent a faint tremor through Xiao Yan's meridians.

One flame was forceful, the other yielding; one violent, the other tranquil. Like the opposing poles of yin and yang between heaven and earth, they both restrained and depended upon each other, forming a delicate balance. The thunderflame's violent power needed the demon flame's tranquility to temper it, while the demon flame's purification power needed the thunderflame's destructive force to support it. Neither could be missing.

Before, I merely suppressed them by force. I never truly fused them. Xiao Yan closed his eyes in contemplation, sinking his soul power into his dantian. It became an invisible searchlight as he carefully examined the Heavenly Flames within him. He could clearly see an invisible barrier separating the thunderflame from the demon flame at all times. Like the hardest crystal, it kept the two flames apart. This divide arose from their utterly different fundamental natures, and it was the crux of his inability to fully control the thunderflame.

The Spirit Source Pool's energy acted like a catalyst, dissolving the barrier little by little, but the process was far too slow. At this rate, completing the fusion would likely take months. With the World-Devouring Demons about to invade, he simply did not have that much time to wait.

He tried guiding the two flames closer, only to suffer a violent backlash the instant they touched. As though provoked, the purple thunderflame suddenly swelled severalfold, driving the black-and-gold demon flame three feet back with a force that threatened to destroy everything. Savage thunder battered his meridians, sending waves of stabbing pain through his arms, as though countless steel needles were piercing them at once. Cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

"It really isn't that simple." Xiao Yan gave a bitter smile. Fine beads of sweat formed on his forehead, slid down his cheeks, and dripped into the Spirit Source Pool, sending out rings of ripples. Clearly, relying on the Spirit Liquid's nourishment alone was nowhere near enough to achieve a perfect fusion. He would have to find another way.

His gaze happened to fall upon the Spirit-Gathering Runes floating on the water. They shone with an ancient, mysterious light, as though holding the ultimate truths governing heaven and earth. Inspiration suddenly stirred within him. The Ancient Realm's Spirit-Gathering Art emphasizes resonance with the world's energy, following its flow rather than forcibly controlling it. Perhaps that principle could reconcile these two unruly Heavenly Flames?

He extended a finger, dipped it into a drop of Spirit Liquid, and lightly touched the water's surface. Then he turned his wrist, drawing an elegant arc across the water with his fingertip to trace the Flame Mantra's fundamental rune. The moment the rune took shape, it emitted a faint golden glow, as though it had come alive.

Something marvelous happened-the surrounding Spirit-Gathering Runes seemed drawn by an invisible force and gathered around it. Like stars clustering around the moon, they circled the Flame Mantra rune, intertwining with it until they formed a complex, precise formation. Light flowed over the formation, brightening and dimming in turn, giving off harmonious yet powerful energy fluctuations. All the spiritual energy within the Spirit Source Pool trembled faintly with its operation.

The formation's energy fluctuations traveled through the water into his body, like a gentle hand softly stroking the Heavenly Flames within him. The thunderflame and demon flame, which had been repelling one another, actually quieted at the same time. Like two mischievous children meeting a stern teacher, they reined in all their sharp edges.

Xiao Yan seized the opportunity and circulated the Flame Mantra at full power, guiding the two flames slowly toward each other again. This time, a miracle occurred: a thread of black-and-gold demon flame willingly merged into the purple thunderflame, while the demon flame also absorbed a wisp of thunder's power. The two flames began permeating and blending into each other at a slow but steady pace, like two drops of ink falling into water and gradually merging.

That's it! Joy surged through Xiao Yan, and his spirits soared as he quickened his rune drawing. His fingers danced across the water like those of a master painter, continuously tracing runes of the Flame Mantra and the Spirit-Gathering Art. Every rune was drawn with exceptional precision, embodying his deep understanding of both arts.

As more and more Spirit-Gathering Runes merged with the Flame Mantra, the pool's energy seemed to find an outlet. It became torrents visible to the naked eye, pouring madly into his body. The Dou Qi vortex in his dantian spun faster and faster, humming like a rapidly whirling top. Under the onslaught of this energy, the barrier of the Seven-Star Dou Zun realm began showing signs of loosening. Like a dam on the verge of bursting, it could collapse at any moment.

After seven days and seven nights, the instant the final wisp of thunderflame completely fused with the demon flame, dazzling purple-gold light erupted from Xiao Yan's body. Like a miniature sun, it lit the entire Spirit Source Pool as brightly as day. Bathed in that radiance, the valley's spiritual herbs grew wildly, exuding vigorous life.

Heaven and earth thunderflame and demon flame merged completely, becoming an enormous dragon of purple-and-black fire. It raced once through his meridians and released a deafening roar, as though announcing its rebirth. Then the fiery dragon sank into his dantian and formed a perfect balance with the other four Heavenly Flames. Like a well-ordered star system, they revolved around one another, nourishing each other.

"I've finally mastered them." Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. Purple-gold flames flashed through them and vanished, carrying the confidence of someone in complete control. He could clearly feel a profound connection with the two fused Heavenly Flames, as though they were part of his own body, ready to obey his every whim.

With a wave of his hand, purple-and-black fire gathered in his palm into a vividly formed thunder spear. Sizzling purple lightning coiled around its shaft like nimble little dragons, while black-and-gold patterns flowed over its tip, radiating a cold, keen edge. The spear held both the thunderous power to burn all things to ash and a sacred presence capable of purifying everything. Its might far surpassed any form his Heavenly Flames had taken before.

When he gently thrust the spear into a spirit crystal at the bottom of the pool, the incredibly hard crystal-which even an ordinary Dou Zun expert would struggle to shake-rapidly melted like butter. It became pure energy, which the flame devoured completely. Xiao Yan felt the flame's power grow stronger still, and delight stirred in his heart.

With his perfect mastery of the thunderflame, the Flame Mantra underwent a new transformation as well. The latter half of the cultivation method, once as obscure and incomprehensible as a heavenly script, now appeared clearly in Xiao Yan's mind like newly lit stars. Every word and every sentence contained profound truths. Only now did he understand that the Flame Mantra's ultimate secret was not simply to fuse Heavenly Flames without limit. Rather, it used the balance and resonance between Heavenly Flames to connect with the world's fundamental laws-with each additional Heavenly Flame fused, he could master another corresponding law power, eventually reaching a realm where he shone alongside heaven and earth.

"So that's how it is..." Xiao Yan murmured, enlightenment gleaming in his eyes. He finally understood the Flame Mantra's true essence. It was not merely a cultivation method for devouring Heavenly Flames, but a supreme principle for connecting with the laws of heaven and earth and pursuing the Great Dao.

The purple-and-black flame at his fingertip suddenly separated into four colors. Gold, green, red, and blue flames danced around it like lively sprites, each corresponding to an attribute of the four-symbol heaven-burning flame. The five flames intertwined, forming a miniature five-element formation in the water. At its center, faint spatial law fluctuations could be seen spreading continuously, like ripples across the surface of water.

Guided by the formation, the Spirit Source Pool's energy became fiercer and purer. Like a surging river, it began tempering every aspect of his body and soul. Washed by that energy, his bones rang with the crisp sound of colliding jade, their surfaces gradually acquiring a faint luminous sheen as their strength increased enormously; his meridians became as transparent as glass, the flow of Dou Qi clearly visible within them, while their resilience increased severalfold; his soul power soared several times over as though riding a rocket. As it spread, he could clearly sense the flow of energy throughout the entire Ancient Realm. He could even hear the faint sounds of spiritual herbs growing in distant mountains, along with the heartbeats of the Ancient Realm's people.

When this transformation reached its peak, his aura suddenly surged, as though breaking through invisible shackles. Eight-star, nine-star... Dou Qi churned and seethed in his dantian like boiling water, giving off a tremendous roar. Finally, his aura settled firmly at the Peak Dou Zun realm! A mighty pressure spread outward from him, lifting the pool water three feet high into a circular wall. It then slowly fell, scattering countless sparkling droplets like a beautiful shower of crystal rain.

"I've broken through!" Xiao Yan clenched both fists, feeling the ceaseless surge of power within him, his heart filled with excitement and joy. His Peak Dou Zun strength, combined with the perfect fusion of seven Heavenly Flames, gave him confidence that he could face an ordinary Dou Sheng head-on. More importantly, his understanding of the Flame Mantra had risen to a new level. That meant fusing more Heavenly Flames in the future would no longer be an unreachable dream. His path would grow broader still.

Just then, the Spatial Jade Slip at his waist suddenly began vibrating violently, its humming interrupting his thoughts. Xiao Yan's heart tightened. Realizing an emergency might have occurred, he immediately took out the Jade Slip and infused it with a trace of soul power.

Xuan Kongzi's anxious voice came through at once, carrying a barely perceptible tremor. "Young friend Xiao Yan, return to the Ancient Realm's main hall at once! The World-Devouring Demons' Vanguard Force has already appeared in Outer Space, half a year ahead of schedule! This is an emergency. There isn't a moment to lose!"

The joy in his heart instantly gave way to solemn concern. Not daring to delay, Xiao Yan flickered into a streak of purple-gold light and shot out of the Spirit Source Pool, leaving behind the slowly calming water and the still-circulating runes. He moved with extraordinary speed, like lightning tearing across the sky, and soon vanished beyond the valley.

When he reached the Ancient Realm's main hall, the leading figures of the various factions had already gathered inside. The atmosphere was so heavy it almost seemed to drip water. The Ancient Realm's Grand Elder, his hair and beard white, sat in the seat of honor. His face was as dark as the sky before a storm, his brows tightly furrowed and his eyes full of worry; Xuan Kongzi stood beside him, constantly rubbing the jade ruler in his hands, betraying his anxiety. Now and then, he glanced outside the hall as though waiting for something; Yao Qing Lin and Wang Yue stood in a corner, speaking quietly. Worry marked Yao Qing Lin's face, while Wang Yue remained relatively composed, though her eyes also shone with solemn concern; Ye Feng and the other younger experts stood in the center of the hall, rubbing their fists and flexing their palms. Their eyes gleamed with battle spirit, both excited and nervous. They longed to prove themselves on the battlefield, but they also understood the cruelty of this war.

"You're back." A trace of relief flashed through the Grand Elder's eyes when he saw Xiao Yan enter, and his tense expression softened slightly. "Good timing. We have just received a message from the Outer Realm. The situation is extremely dire." He waved a hand, and gentle energy carried a Water Mirror into the center of the hall.

The Water Mirror clearly reflected the scene in Outer Space-countless sinister-looking black Demon Warships crossed the spatial barrier, packed as densely as a swarm of locusts. Their sheer numbers inspired dread. Twisted, horrifying World-Devouring Demon emblems were carved into their hulls, giving off a heart-chilling evil presence that seemed capable of corroding the soul. The three enormous ships at the front were like moving castles. Vast in size, they radiated terrifying pressure comparable to a Dou Sheng's, filling those who saw them with despair.

"This is the World-Devouring Demons' Advance Fleet. By our estimates, they have at least a hundred thousand troops." Xuan Kongzi stepped forward and pointed at the enormous ships in the Water Mirror, speaking gravely. "All three commanders leading them are at least one-star Dou Shengs. They will be extremely difficult to deal with. The left-wing commander, the Rift-Splitting Demon, is the most troublesome. He specializes in spatial law and is exceptionally fast. He was the culprit who pursued the dream soul flower back then. His methods are utterly ruthless, and countless experts have died at his hands."

Xiao Yan fixed his gaze on the enormous ship covered in bone spikes and emitting waves of spatial distortion. The purple-and-black flame at his fingertip flickered involuntarily, carrying a hint of eager battle spirit. He could sense a close connection between the aura emanating from that ship and the Rift-Splitting Demon's spatial law. It made him all the more eager to face him and test the Eye of Laws he had comprehended.

"How long until they reach the Central Plains?" Xiao Yan asked gravely, a trace of solemn concern in his voice.

The Grand Elder took out an ancient-looking Compass. Its needle spun wildly, pointing in an indistinct direction, while the markings around its edge flashed a dangerous red, as though warning of the coming catastrophe. "Three months at most. The spatial barrier is already showing signs of weakening. We must cast the Heavenly Net before they break through, or the consequences will be unthinkable. Once they set foot in the Central Plains, the consequences will be unthinkable."

The discussions that followed lasted an entire day. The various factions crossed verbal swords, arguing over the details of their defensive strategy. Some advocated taking the initiative and intercepting the enemy in Outer Space; others believed they should hold their positions, using the spatial barrier and defensive formations to wear down the enemy's strength; still others proposed dividing their forces to guard vital strategic locations.

Finally, under the guidance of the Grand Elder and Xuan Kongzi, the factions reached a consensus: the Ancient Realm would use its mastery of spatial law to reinforce the spatial barrier, delaying the World-Devouring Demons' advance as much as possible and buying time for the Central Plains' defenses; the Central Plains Alliance would mobilize all its forces and establish multiple layers of defensive formations at strategic locations such as the Black Wind Mountain Range and the Ten Thousand Demons Cave, creating defense in depth to intercept the enemy at every stage; the Pill Tower would devote its full effort to refining wartime pills and providing logistical support, ensuring the soldiers had enough pills to restore their strength and resist demonic qi; Xiao Yan would lead the finest experts of the younger generation in an elite strike team, seeking opportunities to destroy the enemy's command ships, disrupt their offensive deployments, and sow chaos.

"The Spirit-Gathering Runes in the Spirit Source Pool might be useful." Xiao Yan suddenly broke the hall's silence and explained everything he had comprehended in the pool. "I discovered that combining the Spirit-Gathering Art with the Flame Mantra can produce a special barrier. It can both defend against demonic qi corrosion and amplify the power of Heavenly Flames. It might become a powerful weapon against the World-Devouring Demons. If we can place it on the spatial barrier and defensive formations, it will greatly strengthen our defenses."

A sharp light flashed through the Grand Elder's eyes. He sprang to his feet and said excitedly, "If we can inscribe this barrier onto the spatial barrier, it will surely strengthen its defenses enormously! Young friend Xiao Yan, we're entrusting this task to you! The Ancient Realm's Spirit Gatherers are yours to command!"

Xiao Yan nodded. "I'm willing to try. But I'll need the full cooperation of the Ancient Realm's Spirit Gatherers. Their understanding of Spirit-Gathering Runes is deeper than mine, and they can bring out the barrier's full potential. We'll also need a large quantity of world-origin grass to refine the barrier's core. The spatial energy within world-origin grass is the key to keeping the barrier running. Without it, the barrier won't last."

Xuan Kongzi immediately replied, "The Pill Tower still has a considerable stock of world-origin grass. I'll have it delivered as quickly as possible. We must not delay something this important. I'll oversee it personally and make sure it reaches the Ancient Realm in the shortest possible time."

Over the next month, the entire Ancient Realm mobilized, entering a tense state of preparation for war. It seemed to become one enormous construction site, with busy figures visible everywhere. Xiao Yan and the Ancient Realm's Spirit Gatherers worked day and night near the spatial barrier. They divided their tasks: Xiao Yan fused the runes of the Flame Mantra and the Spirit-Gathering Art, while the Spirit Gatherers inscribed them onto the spatial barrier.

After countless trials and adjustments, they finally succeeded in creating an entirely new "Heaven-Burning Barrier." Purple-black in color, with patterns of thunder and flame flowing across its surface, it covered the spatial barrier like an enormous suit of armor and radiated powerful energy fluctuations. Contact with the World-Devouring Demons' demonic qi automatically triggered a purification reaction. With a sizzling sound, it dissolved the demonic qi into nothingness, while also reflecting a portion of incoming attacks, greatly easing the strain on the spatial barrier.

Meanwhile, Yao Qing Lin led the Yao Clan disciples in improving the Purification Pill formula day and night with the Pill Tower's assistance. They searched through the Pill Tower's medicinal stores for all manner of rare ingredients, conducting countless experiments and enduring failure after failure. Finally, after tremendous effort, they successfully added the ashes of heaven and earth thunderflame to the pills,