Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Fire Arts
Vahn went to work, his spirit sense and knowledge of earthly chemistry allowing him to manipulate the spiritual essences on the table. He used Flama’s compounds, applying his knowledge of basic chemical reactions to produce a refined, concentrated spiritual vapor.
He mentally followed the procedure he performed in his high school days—the synthesis of a compound known as "laughing gas" (Nitrous Oxide). As the familiar sequence of mixing and purifying occurred, a wave of nostalgia washed over
Vahn was briefly reminded him of his past life.
Finally, he successfully contained the gaseous spiritual essence within a small, fragile vial.
"Ready, Saintess?" Vahn asked, a mischievous glint in his spiritual eyes.
Before Flama could fully reply, Vahn deliberately broke the vial. The concentrated, volatile spiritual gas instantly dispersed throughout the small spiritual room.
The effect was instantaneous and overwhelming.
HAHAHAHAHA!
Vahn and Flama instantly burst into wild, uncontrollable laughter. The uncontrollable laughter was infectious and all-consuming. Flama’s fierce posture dissolved as she clutched her stomach. Vahn, unable to stand, rolled onto the ground laughing, glancing at the beautiful Saintess who was also rolling in helpless mirth. The Alchemical room was momentarily turned into a bizarre playground.
Outside the spiritual connection, Lilith watched this bizarre scene on the black mirror calmly, though a subtle twitch of envy passed between her brows. She had never seen such a chaotic, innocent exchange of emotion.
After several minutes, the spiritual gas dissipated, leaving both Vahn and Flama exhausted, their laughter slowly fading into breathless chuckles.
Flama slowly sat up, wiping a tear from her eye. She looked at Vahn, not with the hatred of a Saintess, but with genuine interest and profound amusement.
"Incredible! I’ve studied countless poisons and transmutations, but never an essence so simple yet so... effective!" Flama praised him. Her so-called Husband was really something else. He was a being capable of both immense power and bizarre, unexpected joy.
The combination of Vahn’s vulnerable plea, his devastating truth, and his unexpected charm had shattered the last of Flama’s preconceptions.
[ System Notification ]
[ Condition Met: Flama Astoria’s initial bond requirements overridden by genuine emotional connection and shared passion.]
[ Bond with Saintess Flama Astoria unlocked.]
[ Emotional Connection: 2.1% ]
[ Physical Connection: 1.2% ]
With the bond unlocked, the system delivered the immediate, promised reward:
[ Rewards Gained: Fire Affinity Unlocked, Ninefold Heavenly Flame ]
> Ninefold Heavenly Flames: It’s a type of Spirit Flame born from the fusion of nine elemental fires. Can refine spirit materials into top-grade pills, medicines and artifacts by burning their flaws and impurities.
Awestruck, completely awestruck. The system reward was too generous. He could immediately imagine how invaluable the Ninefold Heavenly Flame would be for his cultivation and resource acquisition, especially now that he was fighting all the Holy Lands.
A tear of pure joy silently fell down Vahn’s cheek amidst their fading laughter.
After the effects of the laughing gas fully wore off, Flama enthusiastically pulled Vahn over, requesting to see more incredible alchemy.
Vahn continued his demonstration, showing simple experiments rooted in Earth’s concepts: the molecular construction of Fire and Water, and how they could be manipulated without relying on spiritual energy alone. This exposure to pure scientific principles opened a whole new world for Flama. Things she had never dreamed of imagining became possibilities.
With each passing interaction, their understanding and connection increased. Vahn, in turn, learned the basics of Pill Concoction using a Cauldron from the expert Saintess. In return, he shared his newly acquired heavenly flame.
"Heavenly Flame?" Flama uttered with genuine shock this time. "You are saying you have Heavenly Flame?"
"Why would I lie? Just watch."
Flashing a smile, he projected the brilliant, multicolored flame (mix of Green, Blue, White, Red, Yellow, Indigo, Purple, Violet, and Black) onto the large cauldron, instantly bringing it blazing to life. The herbs inside became purified to perfection under the absolute heat, allowing Flama to forge pills of a much higher grade than before.
After witnessing all these mind blowing talents from Vahn, Flama looked at him with genuine admiring eyes.
[ Emotional Connection: 20% (↑17.9%) ]
[ Physical Connection: 5% (↑3.8%) ]
[ Rewards Gained: Fire Affinity +100%, Infernal Spirit Summoning Art ]
"You have great talent for Alchemy, Vahn. Why don’t you come over to our Alchemy Land? I can ask my father to make a plea on your behalf. You wouldn’t have to run like this," she offered sincerely, looking at him with her phoenix-like eyes.
Vahn understood the depth of the offer. Flama was offering him protection within the esteemed Alchemy Land, as a sanctuary from his enemies. But why should he make a plea to those who had betrayed him? It was they who should be on their knees asking for his forgiveness.
"No need," Vahn denied, looking firm even as a spiritual projection. "This Vahn Necrotis has never bowed down to anyone, and it will continue like this until I have life in me."
This was the unshakable conviction of Vahn Necrotis. If he bowed his head to his enemies, how could he ever become the Strongest Immortal of all?
Flama looked into a difficult position. "But, how are you going to live like this? They will be able to find you one day eventually... And the Demonic Faction... They could also target you for their evil means." She looked genuinely worried while saying this.
"I know... But I won’t give up. I will fight until I can stand as the Strongest."
"Ugh, why are you so stubborn?" Flama said angrily, looking like she was about to erupt very soon.
Plop!
The connection broke then, and Vahn’s soul disappeared, leaving Flama with a profound sense of loss.
"What else should I do?" she muttered, a trace of sadness in her voice. "I can’t betray my father and mother."
"What are you mumbling about, daughter? Who do you want to betray?"
Just then, a man entered the small house with a warm smile. It was Xion Astoria, the current Patriarch of Alchemy Land and Flama’s father.
"Father..." Flama managed. "It’s nothing... I was just talking to myself."
Flama forced herself into a cheerful mood, for some reason deciding not to tell him about Vahn’s arrival.
"Oh, is that so?" Xion, though slightly suspicious, didn’t force the issue.
Smiling, he added, "Anyway, how’s the preparation for the Seven Saintesses Competition going, my dear? You’re not completely neglecting your battle training because of your passion for alchemy, are you?"
"Of course not, Father. I have prepared myself well. In the coming competition, I will be the one who will win!"
"That’s my daughter." Xion smiled proudly. "I believe you can. But I will be satisfied if you just secure a good spot. It’s important if you want to access more resources from that Secret Realm."
"I am aware." Flama’s focus sharpened instantly at the mention of the Secret Realm.