Chapter 36: Bone-Chilling Flame

On a stormy, black night, torrents of rain lashed against the mountains, while fierce winds howled through the forests. Lightning occasionally ripped through the sky, illuminating the dark woods in brief flashes.

After persuading Tianmeng Iceworm to abandon its plan, Xiao Yan left Shrek City under the cover of night, making his way to a remote mountain peak outside the city.

"Xiao Yan, get ready. In a moment, I'll inject a wisp of the Bone-Chilling Flame into you. Try to condense it into your second martial spirit. If successful, your second spirit will be the Bone-Chilling Flame."

On the rugged cliff, an elderly, translucent figure stood with hands behind his back. In front of him stood a young man with a large, black ruler strapped to his back. The youth stood calmly, his gaze fixed on the stormy sky above.

"While the wisp of Bone-Chilling Flame may lack the full power of the original, it will far surpass the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion. Plus, spirits in this world seem capable of evolving."

"The Bone-Chilling Flame possesses an extreme ice attribute, meeting your second martial spirit's requirement. But it also contains an intense fire attribute. With Flame Mantra, you should be able to handle it."

After a moment's thought, Yao Lao flicked his finger, sending a wisp of pale white flame towards Xiao Yan's chest.

A chill spread instantly as Xiao Yan's shirt began to freeze, then shattered. The extreme cold seared his skin, drawing beads of sweat to his forehead. Xiao Yan gritted his teeth, refusing to resist or cry out, silently bearing the pain.

The Bone-Chilling Flame's wisp finally entered his body, leaving a pale white flame mark on his chest.

"Let's hope this wisp of Bone-Chilling Flame can help you shape your second martial spirit. If not, I'll extract it by force," Yao Lao said with a hint of concern.

"Teacher, I can do this," Xiao Yan replied through clenched teeth, his eyes blazing with determination.

He looked within, focusing on the eerie, pale flame now embedded in his body. Gritting his teeth, he began to meditate and absorb its energy.

Instantly, he was hit by extreme cold and heat, rendering his body and soul numb. The intense pain made him scream; his body shook uncontrollably.

As the agony pushed Xiao Yan to his limits, Yao Lao stepped up, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. With a surge of spiritual energy, he steadied Xiao Yan.

The combination of Yao Lao's support and his iron will allowed Xiao Yan to catch his breath, even as beads of sweat poured down his body. He fought to absorb the flame's energy and focus his mind.

Soul rings, in essence, were a form of energy, and the Bone-Chilling Flame was a unique energy source. If he could successfully absorb it, he might condense it into a soul ring.

As the pain ripped through his body and his spiritual sea began to crack, Xiao Yan found himself teetering on the edge. Just as Yao Lao prepared to intervene, Xiao Yan roared, "Teacher, trust me. I can do this."

"For my mother… for those I care about… and for the vengeance I owe the Duke's household!"

Driven by a fierce determination, Xiao Yan's Flame Mantra suddenly activated, stabilizing the raging flame within him. Gradually, a pale white soul ring began to form around his waist.

When the final wisp of Bone-Chilling Flame's energy was absorbed, a comforting warmth spread through Xiao Yan, cooling his fevered mind and calming his nerves.

"Did it work?"

High above the mountain, Yao Lao sighed in relief, a smile of satisfaction crossing his face.

"Yes, I think it worked." Xiao Yan nodded, the pain ebbing away. His eyes gleamed, and, with a deep breath, he raised his hand, palm up. "Bone-Chilling Flame, manifest!"

A wisp of pale white flame danced in his palm, flickering eerily.

"Unbelievable… that flame actually became your second martial spirit," Tianmeng Iceworm murmured, awestruck.

"Heh. Xiao Yan, you did well. Just don't let vengeance cloud your sight," an ancient voice echoed gently in Xiao Yan's mind.

Xiao Yan barely heard the caution, his gaze fixed on the ghostly white flame in his hand. A smile crept onto his face, slowly turning into a laugh.

"White Tiger Duke, Dai Huabin, Madam Duke, Dai Hao… one day, I will bring you all to your knees."

---

Two and a half months quickly passed.

During that time, aside from his usual training, Xiao Yan immersed himself in studying alchemy with Yao Lao and spending hours in the library, learning about martial spirits and soul tools.

In the classroom of Class 7 for new students:

"Today's class is canceled," Wang Yan announced kindly. "It's been three months since the term bega

n, and now it's time for your first assessment at Shrek Academy."