A month later, the eight-hundred-year Blood-Blaze Garment was entirely transformed into Blood-Blaze Honey by the Apothecary Bees.
Holding the honey aloft with his spiritual energy, Qi Ping sent it to Yaya, who was perched atop the Sun-Blaze Wood. Bathed in brilliant sunlight and nearly tangible solar power, Yaya swallowed the honey without hesitation.
As the honey entered its body, a thick, oppressive wave of blood-blaze energy began to permeate Yaya's form. This power intertwined with the solar energy, triggering a terrifying reaction. Scorching, majestic flames ignited in the void, relentlessly tempering Yaya's physical body.
The intensity of the energy grew until it manifested as a massive, horrifying sphere of flame, completely cocooning Yaya. At such extreme temperatures, an ordinary mid-tier second-grade spirit beast would have been incinerated in moments, but the crow inside felt no discomfort. Instead, it hungrily devoured the flames.
The heavy, rhythmic thrum of a powerful heartbeat echoed from within. Soon, the black crow finished consuming the inferno.
With a high-pitched, resonant cry, the metamorphosis officially began!
Even more terrifying gold-red flames erupted from its body. The black crow's entire form began to shift toward a brilliant gold.
"Now!"
Potential Ignition!
As Yaya focused its power for the change, Qi Ping triggered the Potential Ignition skill.
[Potential Ignition: When an animal companion reaches its limit, you can actively ignite its hidden potential.]
This skill released every spark of potential buried within the companion's body. Over the years, Yaya had consumed countless spiritual herbs, including Blood-Blaze Honey and high-tier second-grade solar essence. It had also absorbed a staggering amount of solar power.
The moment the skill was activated, Yaya's aura skyrocketed. More ancestral memories flooded its consciousness, and a terrifying bloodline pressure swept across the entire territory.
Numerous bee swarms tumbled to the ground. Even the Spirit Fox and the Flower Demon couldn't withstand it, their bodies trembling under the weight of the aura. Only the Three-Colored Deer, with its third-grade bloodline, and the mysterious Stone Essence remained relatively unaffected.
"Chirp chirp... (What powerful bloodline pressure!)" the Spirit Fox exclaimed in shock.
Qi Ping watched the figure on the Sun-Blaze Wood, which seemed to resonate with the sun itself, with equal shock. He had known this metamorphosis would be impressive, but he hadn't expected it to be this overwhelming.
Without a doubt, Yaya's evolution had likely surpassed every other companion, except perhaps for the enigmatic Stone Essence. Even the Three-Colored Deer couldn't compare. As Qi Ping's primary combatant, Yaya was about to reach an unimaginable height.
'I wonder what bloodline will awaken this time?'
Sensing the strengthening aura on the Sun-Blaze Wood, Qi Ping's heart filled with anticipation. He took the opportunity to immerse himself in the comprehension of Fire Intent, watching over Yaya while simultaneously deepening his understanding of the laws.
A full week passed in a blur. Qi Ping opened his eyes at the exact moment the golden-red cocoon shattered.
"It's here!"
A crow emerged, its body entirely gold, with feathers etched with mysterious, fire-red runes. It spread its wings, and a sovereign bloodline pressure swept across the field once more. In a flash, the golden figure appeared before Qi Ping.
"Caw caw! (Boss! I succeeded!)"
Yaya stood before him, its eyes gleaming with excitement. Qi Ping looked at the creature, which was now twice his size. The divine rune on its forehead radiated a heavy, majestic pressure.
This was a top-tier sovereign among third-grade spirit beasts: the Gold-Flame Crow!
In terms of combat ranking among third-grade beasts, the Gold-Flame Crow was undoubtedly at the top. If a Golden Core cultivator had to choose an opponent, they would never pick a Gold-Flame Crow. It was a creature with no weaknesses in offense, defense, speed, or soul. Its flames were so terrifying that a mere touch would cause grievous injury.
[Species: Gold-Flame Crow]
[Bloodline: High-tier Third-grade]
[Talents: Gold-Flame Physique, Destructive Gold-Flame, Great Sun Battle Physique]
Gold-Flame Physique: Flows with the bloodline of the ancient Golden Crow. Possesses extreme talent for fire-attribute cultivation. Consuming fire-attribute spiritual items can rapidly increase its strength.
Destructive Gold-Flame: Due to the Golden Crow bloodline, it has birthed a uniquely destructive gold-red flame. This flame possesses power that strikes fear into all who witness it.
Great Sun Battle Physique: Extraordinary physical body. Naturally attuned to the sun. Can devour massive amounts of solar power to significantly strengthen its body. Fighting under sunlight grants a massive combat boost and drastically increases recovery speed.
[Evaluation: Do not provoke it! Especially, do not fight it under the sun!]
Qi Ping was well aware of how strong a Gold-Flame Crow was, but he hadn't expected the Yang-Fire Crow to skip several steps and reach this tier directly. He could only say that Yaya was incredible!
However, considering Yaya's tireless efforts and the vast amount of solar essence and herbs he had provided, such an achievement wasn't entirely unbelievable.
"Well done! Truly exceptional!" Qi Ping praised.
"Caw caw!"
As they spoke, the golden feathers and red runes faded, and Yaya returned to its usual pitch-black appearance. This was a trait of the Gold-Flame Crow; it only turned gold when channeling its full power. Normally, it appeared as a pure black crow, much like the legendary three-legged Golden Crow of myth.
With Yaya's successful metamorphosis, Qi Ping was in high spirits. Although Yaya's realm was still at the mid-tier of the second grade, an ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator would have to pray for mercy if they crossed it.
But even more exciting was the change in Qi Ping's own talent.
Gold-Flame Physique!
Feeling the dense, powerful fire-attribute energy within him, his joy was beyond words.