For high-level cultivators, condensing true fire was no difficult matter. At most, there was a difference in its grade and strength.
But this Xu Chengling before them was merely a child under ten, and very likely had no master's teachings to inherit.
"Younger Sister, can you tell who Xu Chengling's master is?"
Once his amazement passed, Xiahou Qingyuan hurriedly asked Xiahou You beside him.
Xiahou You knew far more than Xiahou Qingyuan about the traditions passed down among the various schools and sects of the Shangqing Cultivation World, and even certain secluded sects and organizations.
"Younger Sister, what's wrong?"
When no answer came for some time, Xiahou Qingyuan found it strange. He immediately turned to look at Xiahou You curiously, only to discover that she was lost in a daze.
"Second Brother, this child might... have no master."
Xiahou You stared at the spirit mirror before her, murmuring in astonishment.
"No master?!"
Although he had vaguely suspected as much, Xiahou Qingyuan was still deeply surprised when it was actually confirmed.
"Look, Second Brother." Xiahou You pointed at Xu Chengling in the spirit mirror. "When Xu Chengling condenses true fire, he doesn't rely on true essence stored in his body beforehand, but on true essence converted from the spiritual power of the surrounding world. If he had a master, he would never do this."
Xiahou Qingyuan looked where Xiahou You was pointing in the spirit mirror and discovered that streams of transparent worldly spiritual energy were indeed winding around Xu Chengling like whirlwinds.
"Indeed." Xiahou Qingyuan nodded in firm agreement. "Untrained cultivators and rogue cultivators without masters lack superior qi refining methods, so they can only replenish the true essence consumed by spells by absorbing great quantities of worldly spiritual energy."
Xiahou Qingyuan knew this as well.
"But however extraordinarily gifted