"The Lihuo Meridian is a very rare type of special meridian among cultivators. Strictly speaking, it can't be classified as a special constitution… but it isn't a spirit root either."
Jiang Yan explained softly.
Everyone only became more confused, staring at him with puzzled expressions.
He continued:
"The Lihuo Meridian is a special meridian, but unlike a special constitution, it doesn't originate from one's innate essence."
"The Lihuo Meridian is—strictly speaking—an acquired meridian, something that can be stripped away."
"All special constitutions manifest as a full-body, fundamental transformation. But the Lihuo Meridian is different. It's purely a meridian anomaly—nothing more."
"Those who possess it are exceedingly gifted in fire-attribute immortal arts. But at the same time, whenever they use fire arts, the pain they endure is also the strongest."
Rosalyne stiffened.
"That's right…" she said quickly. "If I use the Witch of Flame's power, it's… unbearably painful. But the Witch of Flame's strength far surpasses anything else I have."
Jiang Yan nodded.
"The origin of the Lihuo Meridian is unclear. Even the cultivation world barely records it."
"But…" He shook his head slightly, then added:
"More than once, records mention that countless Lihuo Meridian cultivators were captured by demonic cultivators, their meridians forcibly stripped and refined into magic treasures."
Rosalyne froze.
"So," Jiang Yan continued gently, "you must be cautious. In Mount Shu and Teyvat, you're safe. But if you ever travel to the Profound Nether World… take care."
"Do not reveal the characteristics of the Lihuo Meridian. Otherwise, you will attract attention."
"As the saying goes, fear not the thief who steals—fear the thief who covets."
"You understand what demonic cultivators are capable of. Better safe than sorry."
Rosalyne's expression darkened.
She had simply been living her life, and suddenly she became someone that demonic cultivators would hunt down to peel meridians from…
Wonderful.
Her gaze drifted to Childe with silent resentment.
Who told this man to be practicing demonic arts?
"Master," the Cryo Archon asked softly, uneasy, "what about cultivation? How does the Lihuo Meridian affect her path?"
Jiang Yan chuckled.
"Cultivation-wise, it's excellent. Don't worry about the details—just think of it as a type of fire-attribute special constitution."
"However, while fire arts will be strong, the pain they bring is intense."
"Only after reaching mid-stage Spirit Transformation will the pain fade."
Hearing that, Rosalyne finally exhaled in relief.
Pain? She couldn't care less. She had already survived over five centuries of torment.
And Jiang Yan said the pain disappears after reaching Spirit Transformation.
A matter of time. She could endure it.
To Jiang Yan, the Lihuo Meridian was unusual, but hardly astonishing.
If one talked about truly powerful fire-attribute bodies—
Klee's former Fire Spirit Body, and her current Crimson Emperor Sun-Burning Body, were true sovereigns of all flames.
Compared to that, the Lihuo Meridian was simply unique because it could be stripped.
Records said many geniuses possessing the Lihuo Meridian had been forcibly harvested for their meridians, which were then transplanted into others.
That part Jiang Yan didn't tell Rosalyne. No need to traumatize the poor woman.
Painful to cultivate? Yes.
But in the eyes of those seeking power—pain was meaningless.
In the cultivation world, people would give up anything for strength.
For Rosalyne, the Lihuo Meridian could be a blessing—or a curse.
"As for you two," Jiang Yan looked at Focalors and the Cryo Archon, "you're both Heavenly Spirit Roots."
This surprised no one—by now, it seemed all the Archons who appeared were top-tier Heavenly Spirit Root geniuses.
But…
Jiang Yan's gaze lingered on Focalors.
He wasn't sure if she could pass the Ninefold Heart-Questioning Formation. If she could… then she might stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Furina.
And besides…
Jiang Yan's eyes deepened as he looked at her.
"You and Furina share a similarity—you do not possess a complete true spirit. If this issue remains unresolved, you will be forever stuck at Unity-of-Void."
Focalors' expression changed. She sighed and gave Furina a guilty glance.
Of course she knew why this happened.
To deceive the Heavenly Principles, one had to use extreme methods—especially on oneself.
Her true spirit had been torn apart completely.
Back then, she hadn't expected the future to unfold like this.
Now, she regretted it a little.
"This is not something you need to worry about," Jiang Yan reassured her. "Mount Shu has ways to repair incomplete true spirits. But I don't intend to do so yet."
This left Furina puzzled.
Jiang Yan didn't keep her guessing.
"You two… each possess one half of a true spirit. In essence, the two of you are the same person."
Gasps filled the hall.
Most had suspected something—but hearing it confirmed by the Sect Master himself was shocking.
To forcibly split one's true spirit into two without collapsing… that level of willpower was terrifying.
"Normally, even the slightest damage to a true spirit wounds the core."
"But you two split yours cleanly—and survived. Incredible."
"Now, you exist as separate individuals. But at the true spirit level… your hearts can resonate."
"If the two of you become Dao-Companions in the scholarly sense, exchanging cultivation insights… it is an enormous stroke of fortune."
"As the saying goes—the person who understands you best… is yourself."
"So before reaching Unity-of-Void, I suggest you do not mend your true spirit."
"This state will benefit your cultivation greatly."
The two women exchanged glances—finally understanding.
They were separate minds, separate personalities.
But their true spirits were perfectly matched.
For cultivation, this was the perfect mirror.
Furina's eyes brightened instantly.
"Master! If Focalors reaches Spirit Transformation, and we exchange insights…"
Jiang Yan smiled in praise.
"Correct. You will be able to absorb her understanding and reach Spirit Transformation at unprecedented speed."
Furina practically pumped her fist in excitement.
She looked at Focalors like someone staring at a treasure trove waiting to be mined.
This wasn't Focalors…
This was her cheat item!
She had never been so grateful for bringing Focalors along.
Focalors was also delighted.
She knew her own limits. Even if she entered the immortal path, her peak would likely only be mid-Spirit Transformation.
She could never alter Fontaine's mortal constitution alone.
But if she could accelerate Furina's cultivation…
Perfect.
Once Furina reached the peak of Refining Essence into Qi, combined with Fontaine's national fate, she could reshape Fontaine's laws.
Focalors had worried Furina's comprehension speed would fall short.
But now?
She herself had become Furina's cheat code.
If she could help fix Fontaine, what shame was there in being the "plug-in"?
Meanwhile, the Cryo Archon was quite satisfied with her Heavenly Spirit Root.
In Mount Shu, Heavenly Spirit Root wasn't rare—but it was still just beneath Divine Physique level.
And despite splitting some of her power away, she was still not weak.
By Jiang Yan's estimation, she was at least early Spirit Transformation.
Not enough to become a Peak Master… but surely enough to serve as an Elder?
And Elders had monthly offerings.
She felt a little regret, though.
Had she not scattered her power, she would at least be mid-Spirit Transformation—maybe even close to late stage.
With a bit more talent, she could've competed for an Acting Peak Master position.
Peak-Master-level privileges were nearly divine.
She sighed quietly.
Everyone else was lost in their thoughts when Jiang Yan finally turned toward Neuvillette.
Even Neuvillette—normally composed—subconsciously straightened his back.
Jiang Yan studied him for a long time.
Then he let out a long breath of surprise.
"Teyvat truly never stops giving me surprises…"
Furina immediately relaxed.
The last time Jiang Yan said something like this…
Was when Lumine and Paimon turned out to be Divine Physiques.
She didn't expect Neuvillette to be that exaggerated, but surely he wouldn't be inferior to a special constitution?
A strong Neuvillette meant a strong Fontaine—which meant she would be strong.
And most importantly—
Both Focalors and Neuvillette listened to her.
With two big powerhouses under her influence…
Her confidence soared.
"It seems Neuvillette's aptitude is extraordinary," Zhongli said calmly, genuine admiration in his eyes. "Congratulations, Sect Master. Another peerless prodigy joins Mount Shu."
Zhongli wasn't jealous—he himself had a Heavenly Spirit Root.
And Jiang Yan had repeated many times:
Talent determines the lower limit.
The Dao-heart determines the upper limit.
He had already given up the Geo Archon's throne for the sake of the Dao.
What greater proof of Dao-heart could there be?
Besides, he was the earliest Peak Master. His relationship with Jiang Yan was close.
Whenever resources were distributed, had he ever lacked anything?
The Acting Peak Master of Dragon-Head Peak enjoyed immense benefits—and immense responsibility.
With someone like Neuvillette joining, Mount Shu only grew stronger. Why wouldn't Zhongli be pleased?
Everyone's eyes turned toward Neuvillette, expectant.
It felt like they were about to witness the fourth Divine Physique of Mount Shu.
Jiang Yan nodded.
"Neuvillette's talent is indeed extremely strong. In a sense, it rivals Divine Physiques—and in terms of cultivation progress, it may even surpass them."
That stunned everyone.
Rival Divine Physique?
Even more monstrous than Divine Physique in cultivation growth?
Ningguang finally asked what everyone was thinking:
"Master… what do you mean by 'rival Divine Physique'? Is he not a Divine Physique holder?"
Jiang Yan smiled faintly.
"I never said Neuvillette was a Divine Physique."
"Because he isn't."
He paused slightly.
"He is something… rarer."
"—a descendant of the Violet-Gold Dragon Clan."
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