Hun Tian explained, "The Fire Spirit, also known as the Red Lotus Karmic Fire, is the only flame that can dissolve into the bloodline and be passed down through generations."
"I see, but this Red Lotus Karmic Fire doesn't seem any different from ordinary flames, right?" Ye Lanshan condensed a wisp of flame, but whether in color or temperature, it was no different from regular fire.
"Hey, can you come in and talk? I can't see anything outside from the space," Hun Tian shouted from within the space.
With a thought, Ye Lanshan entered the space. "Are you sure this is the Red Lotus Karmic Fire?"
Hun Tian looked at the flame and explained, "Because this was awakened to protect your body, it hasn't evolved yet, so naturally it's no different from ordinary fire."
"It needs to evolve?" Ye Lanshan was a bit skeptical.
Hun Tian said helplessly, "The Fire Spirit is the most unique among the Nine Spirits, and it's common knowledge that it needs to evolve, you know."
"What are the Nine Spirits?" Ye Lanshan, hearing unfamiliar terms, began to wonder if she hadn't fully absorbed the original owner's memories.
Faced with Ye Lanshan's questions, Hun Tian could only silently complain about her ignorance while explaining what the Nine Spirits were: "The so-called Nine Spirits are: the Fire Spirit Red Lotus Karmic Fire, the Water Spirit Nectar Pure Water, the Earth Spirit Thick Fertile Soil, the Wood Spirit Vitality Fate Wood, the Metal Spirit Bright Shining Gold, the Wind Spirit Light Wispy Breeze, the Thunder Spirit Crackling Purple Thunder, the Light Spirit Holy Cleansing Light, and the Dark Spirit Shadow Heart. They are the pinnacle of mystic power."
Ye Lanshan stroked her chin and said, "So that's how it is. If that's the case, then getting one would let you instantly kill opponents of the same rank, wouldn't it?"
"Instant kill? If you could master these to their fullest, you could even overpower and kill those of a higher rank."
Ye Lanshan was shocked. "That powerful? Can you tell me where the other eight spirits are?"
Hun Tian rolled his eyes. "I've been asleep for so many years and lost so much of my memory—how would I know where they are?"
"Besides, you already have the Red Lotus Karmic Fire. Just evolving it and mastering its use to the peak would take you hundreds of years, maybe even a lifetime."
Ye Lanshan raised a hand to stop him. "Got it, just evolving the Red Lotus Karmic Fire. Tell me how to do it."
Hun Tian explained, "The fastest way is to devour other strange fires, refine them, and merge them. Another way is to use the Red Lotus Karmic Fire more often—it will evolve and upgrade with each use."
"Ye Lanshan, can I come in?" A knock came from the door, and Ye Yutian's voice followed.
Startled, Ye Lanshan immediately left the space. She opened the door, and Ye Yutian followed her to sit at the table.
"Is something the matter?" Ye Lanshan looked at him warily.
Ye Yutian said apologetically, "Sorry, I didn't know that worm would suddenly burrow into your body and burst into flames."
Ye Lanshan relaxed inwardly. It seemed he didn't know the fire was the Red Lotus Karmic Fire. Still, to be safe, she decided to test him. "Do you know about the Nine Spirits?"
"What are the Nine Spirits?" Ye Yutian clearly had no idea.
"And you said everyone knows this," Ye Lanshan said to Hun Tian through her spiritual sense.
"Before I fell asleep, it was indeed common knowledge. Who knew you people don't know it now?" Hun Tian pouted in grievance.
"Ye Lanshan, are you listening?" Ye Yutian waved a hand in front of her face.
"Ah, I'm listening. Go ahead," Ye Lanshan quickly withdrew her spiritual sense.
Ye Yutian said, "You might have to stay here for half a month before you can go back."
"Why?" Ye Lanshan asked.
"I need you to help me figure out Ye Changbai's intentions. But you don't have to do anything—just pretend we're getting along well." Ye Yutian stood up. "I'll take my leave now. Get some rest."
Two days later, Ye Lanshan and Ye Yutian arrived at a pavilion in the outskirts.
Ye Lanshan gazed at the pond filled with blooming lotuses and sighed, "The scenery here is beautiful. When did you develop such refined taste to find a place like this? But admiring the view alone is a bit dull. A flask of fine wine would be perfect, but I came in such a hurry I didn't think to bring any."
Ye Yutian said, "Is that a problem? Bai Yan, go back and fetch that jar of top-quality bamboo-leaf green liquor."
"Yes." In an instant, Bai Yan vanished before them.
Ye Lanshan couldn't believe Ye Yutian had such leisure. "Are you really the Night King? Not swapped out?"
Ye Yutian laughed. "I never expected Miss Ye to have such an adorable side."
Ye Lanshan felt a bit awkward. "I just didn't think the Night King would have the leisure to enjoy the scenery and drink here."
Before she finished, Bai Yan returned with the liquor.
"The wine is here. Why not try some of our Night Kingdom's bamboo-leaf green?" Ye Yutian took out two delicate cups, poured the wine, and filled both.
Ye Lanshan took a cup, sipped it, and praised, "Clear as crystal, fragrant as orchids, smooth and mellow on the palate, with a lingering aftertaste. Truly fine wine."
"But such a beautiful scene and fine wine without music would be a pity, wouldn't it?" Ye Lanshan pulled a jade flute from her space and began to play "Pulling Silk Strings."
"What tune is that?" Ye Yutian asked, hearing a melody he'd never encountered before.
Ye Lanshan said with a hint of pride, "It's 'Pulling Silk Strings.' Good, isn't it?"
"Hmm." Ye Yutian set down his cup, about to say something, when a final fire sword shot toward him.
"Who's there? Show yourself." Ye Yutian stood up, conjuring a light sword as he scanned his surroundings warily.
Slowly, many black-clad figures emerged from beneath the lotus flowers in the pond, leaping into the pavilion. From a tree across the way, another black-clad figure flew over, this one wearing a silver mask.
Ye Yutian sneered. "He really doesn't give up, does he? But sending just you—isn't that underestimating me?"
The man snorted coldly. "Whether I'm underestimating you or not, we'll find out after we fight."
Ye Yutian blocked the man's attack and said, "Bai Yan, take Miss Ye away."
Ye Lanshan conjured a dagger. "How can I leave before I've fed their blood to my blade?"
The black-clad figures charged at Ye Lanshan, whom they deemed the weakest, but they didn't expect her to be no pushover. Soon, the group was nearly wiped out.
Though most of the black-clad men were dead, the ominous feeling in Ye Lanshan's heart grew stronger. Sure enough, as soon as they finished the fight, several figures with black masks flew over from the opposite side.
Ye Yutian's expression turned grim. "I didn't expect you all to come too."
The figures said nothing and directly attacked Ye Yutian.
Watching them, Ye Lanshan felt her inner wildness stir.