Li Xuan carefully planted the Sparkvine into a flowerpot and moved it into the backyard. Despite its fire attribute, the Sparkvine was actually fond of shade—go figure. Cool, dim places were best for its growth. Fire-type, but anti-sun? Nature really had a sense of humor.
Still, Li Xuan frowned. As powerful as this celestial-grade spirit plant was, it didn't produce a soul ring. And if this one didn't, he wasn't sure if any other rare plants would either. After some hesitation, he decided to go ahead and plant a few more of the rarer seeds he had collected, just in case.
Once everything was settled, he returned to his little thatched hut.
The sky was already dimming—late evening, judging by the soft golden hues beyond the horizon. Li Xuan was bone-tired after a full day of farming, seedling care, and what felt like the horticultural Olympics. He collapsed onto his bed, too exhausted to even wiggle a finger.
After lying still for a bit, he finally opened the system's shop. He hadn't eaten breakfast or dinner today, which was starting to feel like a poor life decision.
These past few days, he'd been getting up at the crack of dawn, working like a madman to get all his seedlings into the ground, and wrapping up with a sad, lonely takeout meal at night.
[System Shop]
[One meat, two veggies boxed meal] – 1 point
[WowHaha Mineral Water] – 1 point
[Dark Eye External Soul Bone] – 10,000,000 points
[Iceheart Cloud Dream Pill (On Sale!)] – 15 points (originally 70,000 points)
Li Xuan's gaze stopped on the last item.
Iceheart Cloud Dream Pill.
The name alone gave him a strange, mystical feeling—like a whisper brushing past the back of his mind. Somehow, it felt familiar. Intriguing. Maybe… maybe it was related to the Heartflame Gold Chrysanthemum?
He didn't dwell too long. Gut feeling was enough.
Without hesitation, he exchanged for the boxed meal, the water, and the Iceheart Cloud Dream Pill.
A small, palm-sized wooden box materialized in his hand with a faint shimmer.
Even before he opened it, a delicate fragrance seeped out, threading through the air and slipping up his nostrils like a breeze. He immediately felt calm, his mind sharper and lighter, like he'd just had a deep tissue massage and a brain detox at the same time.
Li Xuan blinked and quickly checked the item's details.
[Item: Iceheart Cloud Dream Pill]
Grade: Tier Six
Effect: Calms the mind and spirit. Increases the chance of breaking through to the Titled Douluo realm. Can also neutralize fire-based toxins.
Li Xuan stared at the description, then hesitantly asked, "System… can this pill be used alongside the Heartflame Gold Chrysanthemum? Will it counteract the Heartfire Divine Flame it produces?"
The timing of this pill showing up was a little too perfect. Li Xuan suspected the system might be behind it.
[System Response]: The host is correct. As the 'Stayin' Alive System', my purpose is to ensure the host's maximum benefit within authorized limits.
Note: The trajectory of this world have been altered. Host is advised to grow stronger as soon as possible.
Li Xuan's initial excitement vanished like a bucket of cold water over his head.
The original version of this world didn't have a particularly high combat ceiling. Heck, even ranged weapons like hidden tools could dominate. But if the course of the world had changed…
Then this wasn't the familiar setting he once knew. It was a brand-new danger zone—where fatal surprises could drop in like uninvited houseguests at any moment.
"So what you're saying is... the world's overall power level has increased?" Li Xuan asked cautiously.
[System Response]: The exact nature of changes to the world is unknown. Host is advised to remain vigilant.
The vague answer didn't help much.
Li Xuan mulled it over but came up with nothing useful. He was completely cut off in this secluded flower valley. No birds, no neighbors, no gossip—not even a pigeon with dramatic news. He had no idea what was happening beyond the greenery.
But one thing was clear.
He needed to get stronger. Fast.
Because whether it was torrential storms or raging fires, the best solution was always the same—be the rock that doesn't burn or budge.
After a moment of contemplation, Li Xuan picked up his meal and started eating. Hunger trumps existential dread, after all.
After polishing off the boxed meal and the bottle of water like a man possessed, Li Xuan opened the Void Pearl and took out the Heartflame Gold Chrysanthemum.
This celestial-grade plant had a notorious reputation. Consuming it could grant one the legendary Heartfire Divine Flame, cleanse the body, refine the physique, and significantly enhance one's talent.
The earlier one took it, the greater the impact. Theoretically.
The downside?
Extreme internal combustion.
Li Xuan stared at the radiant, fiery chrysanthemum in his hands, hesitation flickering in his eyes. If he wasn't careful, he could easily end up as grilled human fillet.
Still…
"Fortune favors the bold," he muttered.
With a deep breath, he tucked the Iceheart Cloud Dream Pill beneath his tongue and, with an impulsive determination, shoved the Heartburn Chrysanthemum straight into his mouth.
The effect was immediate.
It was like he'd just chewed on a molten lava rock. His mouth erupted with scalding pain, like every cell was screaming in protest.
His instincts screamed spit it out, but at the last second, he clamped his hand over his mouth and forced himself to swallow.
The fiery chrysanthemum slid down his throat, searing a path straight into his stomach.
Then—boom.
A blast of heat exploded from his abdomen.
"AAAAARGH!"
Li Xuan threw his head back and roared in agony. A torrent of golden-red flame shot out of his mouth, the Heartfire Divine Flame in all its scorching glory.
Next thing he knew, every pore on his body erupted in flame. He looked like a fire deity descending from the heavens, wrapped in divine blaze. His rough linen clothes were incinerated in an instant—he was now, quite literally, on fire and very naked.
Every inch of skin, every vein, every muscle, bone, and organ felt like it was being broiled alive.
His face twisted in pain as he trembled uncontrollably.
Then, through the haze of agony, he swallowed the Iceheart Cloud Dream Pill.
The pill dissolved in an instant, spreading a wave of cool, soothing energy through his system. It wrapped around his vital organs and brain like a protective blanket.
It only lasted a moment, but it was glorious.
Unfortunately, the comforting sensation vanished as quickly as it came, and the fiery torment resumed full blast.
Teeth gritted, Li Xuan forced himself into a cross-legged position and began circulating his soul power, desperately trying to merge it with the uncontrollable flames.
Suddenly, a flicker of green light flashed across his skin, blending with the red-gold flames.
A soft emerald glow spread beneath him, forming a small runic array that pulsed gently. The glow rose into the air and condensed into the shape of a green lotus flower above him.
With the appearance of the lotus, the temperature around him dropped. The pain lessened ever so slightly, and some of the tension left his face.
Then, the lotus slowly closed, enveloping Li Xuan within it.
The image was surreal. The golden-red flame forged the furnace, the green lotus became the cauldron, and Li Xuan—he was the pill being refined inside.
Time passed.
Minute by minute. Hour by hour.
Three hours later, Li Xuan's eyes snapped open—and they were no longer black.
They were pure, radiant gold.
The lotus projection dissolved into ambient soul energy, dispersing in the air. The Heartfire Divine Flame, now tame and obedient, withdrew back into his body.
Li Xuan gave a final shiver, then… slumped sideways and collapsed onto the floor.