Wen Ran clenched his teeth, barely breathing as he carefully balanced the flame's warmth. Sweat dripped down his face, yet he remained motionless, his fingers tense with focus. The night passed slowly, the moon hanging in the sky like a patient guardian. Finally, as morning light trickled into the cave, the Lotus shimmered brilliantly — its petals glowing with dazzling crystal hues.
"It's ready," Xiao Lingyun rasped. "Now… the Frozen Heart Ginseng... grind it fine."
Wen Ran crushed the brittle root with swift, practiced movements, reducing it to a powder.
"Slowly sprinkle it in..." Xiao Lingyun instructed. "Steady your flame... the ginseng will cool the cauldron and stabilize the Lotus's energy."
As Wen Ran added the powder, the cauldron's mist thickened. His flame flickered violently — the chill gnawed at it like a starving beast.
"Don't lose control!" Xiao Lingyun barked, sensing the flicker. "Balance it!"
