Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Flame fusion
Ding!
Congratulations to host Xiao Tianyang for obtaining the magic tool Youhai Na Ring.
**Youhai Na Ring: In BTTH universe, the Youhai Na Ring is a high-level, superior to standard storage rings. It is capable of storing and preserving powerful entities such as the Fallen Heart Flame.**
Congratulations to host Xiao Tianyang for receiving a complete set of improved, indestructible exquisite kitchen utensils
Xiao Tianyang stood there, stunned momentarily before his face shifted into an expression of helpless amusement. "So, this is pushing me even further down the road of being a chef?"
First, he had received a comprehensive set of cooking knowledge. Now, a full set of high-quality, indestructible kitchen tools? Was the system narrowing the path ahead of him like this?
With a sigh, Xiao Tianyang turned his attention to the ring resting in his hand. It was simple in appearance, etched with wave-like patterns along its surface.
Reaching into his mind, he released a small pulse of mental energy, probing the ring's contents.
In the next instant, a clear image appeared before his eyes. A vast pavilion, 500 meters by 500 meters, stood before him. One side was lined with neatly arranged shelves, while the other side was wide open, empty, and awaiting use.
"This is certainly a great item," Xiao Tianyang murmured, nodding in approval. "Even if it's left out, this is a high-level magic tool."
Pulling his focus back, he then turned to examine the set of kitchen utensils. True to the system's promise, it was indeed a complete set—everything he could need was there. Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but feel impressed. Despite his earlier skepticism, the system hadn't deceived him.
Among the array of knives, pots, pans, and even a barbecue grill, Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but marvel at the completeness of the set. What could be missing?
Shaking his head with a wry smile, he slipped the ring onto his finger. With a wave of his hand, he absorbed everything into it.
Sighing deeply, he glanced over at Bubu, who was sprawled lazily on the ground, muttering to himself. 'The haul in just one day rivals the three months I spent grinding in Holy Soul Village.'
With those thoughts, Xiao Tianyang let go of his worries and drifted into a peaceful sleep. He wasn't concerned about any potential ambushes—Bubu was with him, and with his loyal companion on guard, there was no threat to fear.
When the sun had yet to rise, Xiao Tianyang was already up, washing by the lake. After surveying the traces from the previous day, he signaled to Bubu, and they decided to make their way back to Nuoding City.
Xiao Tianyang wasn't worried about any trouble arising from the previous night. He hadn't rented a room under his true identity, and given the sparse population around, not to mention the wilderness as an escape route, he doubted anyone could trace the incident back to him.
However, he didn't return to the academy right away. Instead, he rented a guest room in the city. There was still something he had to take care of—something he had been putting off for far too long.
Sitting on the bed, Xiao Tianyang raised his right hand, staring at the three swirling balls of strange fire in his palm. His brow furrowed in deep thought.
"The first soul ring can only be placed on one of my martial spirits. Even though both are in my right hand, seamlessly connected and able to switch back and forth, the complication remains unavoidable.
"So there's only one way..."
Xiao Tianyang murmured to himself, his eyes closing as he focused on the strange flames swirling in his hand. Gently, he absorbed the fire into his body, feeling the heat and energy course through him. "Fusion is the only answer," he continued, his voice low, "Only through fusion can I fully bring out the characteristics of all three martial spirits."
This realization had come to him in the stillness of last night.
The age of the first soul ring was over 2,000 years, a daunting number that had made Xiao Tianyang hesitate. He understood the difficulty—normally, a soul master's first soul ring was a hundred years at most, sometimes even less, perhaps a mere ten-year soul ring.
But for him to leap straight into a 2,000-year-old ring? That was an enormous challenge.
However, Xiao Tianyang was confident that, he could overcome this obstacle. The system would never give a task if he could not handle it and let him die. With that reassurance, he pushed the thought to the back of his mind, setting it aside for the moment.
But something else had gnawed at him in his half-conscious state last night.
There were so many different types of fire spirits, each with their unique qualities—yet which one should he focus on for his first soul ring?
Xiao Tianyang, ever ambitious and greedy for power, wanted it all. He didn't want to choose one over the others.
So, the decision was clear. He would fuse the flames, and merge the martial souls into one. He would combine their strengths into a single, formidable force, and give them a unified body.
Sitting by the window, Xiao Tianyang adjusted his posture, trying to center himself. He focused on gathering his energy, preparing himself for what was to come. He needed to be as sharp and alert as possible for the task ahead.
As the first rays of the morning sun crept over the horizon, Xiao Tianyang felt the Nine Suns Divine Art within his body stir. This was yet another benefit granted by the system, a hidden advantage that had become more apparent with time.
Under his focused intervention, the Flame of Life and the Red Lotus Karmic Fire inside him began to move slowly toward one another. Naturally, there was initial resistance—after all, they were two distinct, powerful flames.
But then, something extraordinary occurred.
The Nine Suns Divine Skill released a faint but powerful breath, an unseen force that bridged the gap between the two flames. Just like that, the repulsion between them vanished, replaced by an overwhelming harmony.
It was as if the two flames, separated for eons, had found each other once more and were drawn together in a passionate embrace, becoming one in a perfect union.
Xiao Tianyang watched in awe, his heart racing. "The Nine Suns Divine Art has such miraculous power," he murmured, his voice filled with wonder. "Had I known about this sooner, why wait until now?"
Before he could even contemplate further, the Three Thousand Flames eagerly surged forward, joining the fusion without hesitation, as though it feared being left behind.
With his eyes closed, Xiao Tianyang instinctively drew in a deep breath. At that moment, every sense in his body seemed to sharpen, his breath flowing effortlessly, his thoughts clearer and more focused than ever. He felt an intense clarity wash over him, as though he had been purified from within.
But once the fusion was complete, Xiao Tianyang realized something—his body felt oddly uncomfortable. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of Bubu, who had retreated to the corner of the room, pinching his nose and rolling his eyes in dramatic distress. The poor creature appeared to be suffocating from the overwhelming scent.
Xiao Tianyang blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Is it that bad?" he asked, a smile tugging at his lips.
Though he too could sense the unpleasant black impurities clinging to his skin, the situation was far from what Bubu was making it out to be. In his mind, the exaggerated response was just that—a drama. And, as any good dramatist should, he would take it seriously.
"Come here, Bubu!"
Bubu, with his hands tightly covering his nose, shook his head frantically, his eyes wide with panic.
"Hmph, I can't cure you yet," Xiao Tianyang teased, stepping forward with a slight smirk on his face.
Bubu's expression shifted to one of pure fear. He kicked his legs in desperation, clinging to the corner of the room as though trying to escape, but the effort was futile. His mouth opened, but no sound came out—his body language screamed what he couldn't vocalize: "Don't come near me!"
Xiao Tianyang watched the scene unfold with a wry smile, amused by Bubu's exaggerated reaction. He could easily read the intent behind the frightened gestures.
—
The playful moment came to an end, and Xiao Tianyang finally finished washing up. Sitting on the bed, he stretched out his right hand, watching the mesmerizing three-colored flame flicker within his palm. A satisfied smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"A martial spirit with the combined traits of burning cause and effect, vitality, and undying property… I believe it's truly worthy of me," he murmured, almost to himself, as he admired the flame.
In a way, Xiao Tianyang now possessed four martial spirits. Although the Scythe of Judgment was his primary weapon, the Red Lotus Karmic Flame, Flame of Life, and Three Thousand Burning Flame had been fused into one, they still retained their unique characteristics. They were not fully merged, but their existence had become a singular force.
The beauty of this fusion, however, was that he no longer had to switch between them. All the powers could now be accessed simultaneously, feeding into the same soul ring.
Xiao Tianyang felt a sense of completion—everything that had been on his mind had been addressed. There was no reason to linger any longer.
First, he checked out of the house and then took care of Bubu's accommodation. It wasn't difficult, after all, money could solve most problems.
With everything in order, Xiao Tianyang decided to take a detour and headed to the vegetable market in Nuoding City.
"Since I've already chosen this path, why continue to hold myself back?" he mused.
Reflecting on the complete cooking knowledge and the full set of exquisite kitchen utensils he'd won from the lottery, Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but feel a bit amused. He hadn't expected to be on this road, yet here he was.
Of course, what had happened could not be undone. Xiao Tianyang had long accepted it, and there was no point in regretting it.
So, with that in mind, it wasn't too much to ask for a little luxury, right? Perhaps cooking delicious food for himself was a step in the right direction.
...
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