The book in his consciousness updated its information in a timely manner: [Flame Control · Elementary (1/100): Control over flames has entered a very high Domain.
With a slight thought, one can command fire as easily as one’s own arm, with exquisite precision.
The speed of absorbing and refining fire-attribute energy is greatly increased; resistance to fire and fire-attribute energy attacks is greatly enhanced.
Fire element affinity is slightly increased.] ‘Fire element affinity?’ Xiao Qing murmured this new term in his heart.
He subconsciously rubbed his chin, the dancing flames in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by deep thought.
This no longer seemed to be a simple increase in control and resistance…
Affinity meant that the relationship between Xiao Qing himself and the fire element—a fundamental energy of heaven and earth—had undergone a brand-new change!
Closer, more harmonious, even…
It would be easier to understand its ’emotions’ and ‘Laws’!
‘Is this…
an elevation in status?’ Xiao Qing quickly realized that the changes brought by this advancement were far more miraculous than he had imagined.
This wasn’t just an accumulation of quantity, but a qualitative leap, opening a door for Xiao Qing to an even more mysterious Realm!
Xiao Qing sank his mind into his body to investigate briefly, and was instantly surprised and delighted.
His cultivation level had actually risen along with the Breakthrough of his [Talent], reaching the level of a Three-Star Dou Practitioner!
He saw that the Dou Qi cyclone was a full circle larger than before, rotating even faster.
The Dou Qi contained within, whether in quantity or quality, had undergone a significant Ascension.
What pleased Xiao Qing even more was that this two-star cultivation increase, which had been forcibly raised, showed no signs of a weak Foundation or instability!
Instead, it was incredibly condensed, with a Foundation as solid as if he had cultivated it step by step himself, perhaps even better!
As each strand of Dou Qi flowed through his Meridians, it carried a sense of substantial power, moving with ease and without the slightest obstruction.
‘What a pleasant surprise!’ The corners of Xiao Qing’s mouth couldn’t help but curl up slightly.
Xiao Qing carefully estimated his current true strength.
Although only a Three-Star Dou Practitioner, Xiao Qing could directly feel that by relying on his pure Dou Qi, which far exceeded those of the same Rank, and his newly transformed Spiritual Grade [Flame Control] talent, even if he faced a Dou Master powerhouse capable of condensing a Dou Qi Gauze, he was confident he could trade several blows head-on without falling into a disadvantage!
Although the gap between a Dou Practitioner and a Dou Master wasn’t like the chasm of later major Realms, the difference still couldn’t be ignored!
A Dou Master was stronger than a Dou Practitioner in terms of total Dou Qi volume, recovery speed, and the application of Dou Qi.
Xiao Qing knew very well that his advantage at the moment lay in the quality of his Dou Qi and his extreme Flame Control techniques, which were enough to bridge the gap between Ranks in a short period and unleash astonishing combat power.
‘But in the end, my Dou Qi storage is far inferior to a true Dou Master.’ Xiao Qing thought calmly.
‘If I can’t end the battle quickly, then after a few exchanges, once my Dou Qi consumption becomes too great, I’ll be left powerless and at the mercy of others!’ At this thought, a flash of heat appeared in Xiao Qing’s eyes, and his obsession with Cultivation Techniques deepened significantly.
If he could Cultivate a Profound Rank Low Level Cultivation Technique…
With its Dou Qi quality and volume far superior to Yellow Rank techniques, combined with his Spiritual Grade [Talent], perhaps…
He would truly possess the strength to face a low-star Dou Master head-on, or even defeat one!
Gurgle— Just then, an extremely loud sound suddenly came from Xiao Qing’s stomach.
An intense feeling of hunger surged into his heart, instantly scattering his thoughts.
“So hungry…” Xiao Qing clutched his suddenly hollow stomach.
He felt as if his body had been emptied, urgently needing a large amount of food to replenish his consumed energy.
‘How does advancing a Spiritual Grade [Talent] feel like it’s about to suck me dry?’ Xiao Qing complained lightly in his heart, while also noticing the changes in the surrounding environment.
The heaven and earth energy inside and outside the cave had become extremely thin, as if it had been completely drained.
Now, it was very slowly flowing back from further away to replenish the area.
‘It seems this advancement consumes more than just Innate Spiritual Rhyme; the energy required has also reached a terrifying level.’ Xiao Qing felt a chill in his heart.
‘No, if I want to advance or Breakthrough again next time, I can’t choose this place!’ ‘This is still too close to the Xiao Family, and the commotion is too large and easily noticed.
I must find a more remote place with abundant energy.’ “That’s enough for today.
I’m so hungry my stomach is sticking to my back.
Getting back to eat is the priority.” Xiao Qing patted his famished stomach, jumped down from the bluestone, and left the cave with somewhat hurried steps.
Xiao Qing walked back toward the Family residential area, the setting sun stretching his shadow very, very long.
The hunger in his belly was still strong, but an even greater desire was churning in his heart at this moment!
‘It seems I need to carefully plan for a future Cultivation Technique.’ Xiao Qing pondered secretly, his brow furrowing slightly.
The Yellow Rank Intermediate “Mystic Fire Mantra” was sufficient for a Dou Practitioner or even a newly entered Dou Master, but with his strength increasing and his Spiritual Grade talent evolving, it had already become his current shortcoming.
The level of a Cultivation Technique directly determined the speed, volume, and recovery ability of Dou Qi cultivation; it was crucial.
As his thoughts turned, a name naturally surfaced in his mind— Xiao Yan!
This nominal “younger clan brother,” who was actually a “fellow countryman,” was currently only over three years old, still a young child.
Moreover, in about half a year, that girl who would be enough to change the entire Wutan City and even affect the continent’s situation for countless years to come would be sent to the Xiao Family…
Gu Xun’er…
Xiao Qing spoke this name in his heart, a complex light flashing in his eyes.
Who wouldn’t like such a perfect partner with a deep background, wealth rivaling a nation, and who—once she set her sights on someone—would be “only romantically obsessed with you”?
Xiao Qing shook his head, facing his true self quite frankly.
Sorry, he, Old Qing, was just a vulgar man.
He might be able to work for his own delicacies, but when this fragrant “soft rice” was delivered to his mouth, what reason was there not to eat it?
As for how to draw the gaze of this Gu Clan Young Miss away from her destined Xiao Yan and toward himself…
The corners of Xiao Qing’s mouth curled up slightly; he had already thought of a plan.
There were many ways, and it wouldn’t come to using certain low-class methods.
‘Climbing over walls in the middle of the night to touch a little girl?’ Xiao Qing gave a light laugh.
He, Xiao Qing, would never do that!
Then, Xiao Qing’s mind began to work rapidly: ‘Similar age is an advantage.
When she first arrives in Wutan City and is unfamiliar with the people and the place, she will definitely feel sensitive and uneasy.’ ‘A well-timed first impression that doesn’t seem forced but carries sincerity is crucial!’ Displaying “Talent” and “Heart-Nature” far beyond his peers?
‘No, it can’t be too much, especially under the eyes of the Gu Clan.
But occasionally revealing maturity and unique insights into things might make her feel surprised.’ Most importantly…
“Companionship” and a “sense of security.” Appearing as a gentle, reliable, and interesting—but not overstepping—older brother figure when she is most lonely and in need of a friend, subtly influencing her…
‘And the Xiao Family…
perhaps I can use this opportunity to slightly improve my current situation.
If I can get even a tiny bit of care from the Gu Clan’s eldest miss, many things will become much easier.’ Countless thoughts and preliminary plans sketched out a vague outline in his mind.
Xiao Qing took a light breath, suppressing all these emerging stray thoughts.
For now, it was best to fill his stomach first, and then prepare for the “opportunity” arriving soon.
He gradually quickened his pace, walking toward the Xiao Family Inner Academy, a brightness beginning to emerge in his eyes.
The future Wutan City would not be as peaceful as it was in the original timeline…