Chapter 33 : The Fragile Aether Bridge
The journey back to the Aether Cavern was entirely different from the journey out. The usual silence of the tunnels was now tinged with a subtle tension and stolen side-glances. Lira, the elven scout, led the way, but her steps were quicker, her movements more anxious, and she avoided looking at Tian Heng as much as possible. Vaila, the dark elf, walked just behind her, her mask of cold indifference failing to fully conceal the sharp curiosity and constant assessment in her violet eyes as she studied the transformed Tian Heng from behind. As for Lilith, she stayed closer to Tian Heng than ever before, almost brushing against him, her dark aura pulsing with fierce protectiveness and a growing sense of possession. From time to time, she cast cold, warning glances at Vaila and Lira.
Tian Heng himself was immersed in exploring his new state. His body felt significantly lighter and stronger. His senses—both natural and aetheric—were sharper and wider in range. Most importantly, he could feel a dual flow of energy within him: the cold, condensed aether nurtured by the Frozen Star Refinement Style, and the other—dark, primal, draconic energy radiating from the tattoo coiled around his arm. The two didn't clash outright; rather, they flowed side by side, and with enough focus, he could sense or guide either, though his control over the draconic energy was still instinctual and not fully understood.
They passed the collapsed rockfalls more easily this time—perhaps thanks to Tian Heng's enhanced agility or Vaila's added caution as she pointed out unstable areas she might have overlooked before.
When they finally reached the entrance to the Aether Cavern, they found Elara and Failer on alert at the entrance, clearly sensing the group's return. Their gazes froze when they saw Tian Heng. Shock, disbelief, and then deep wariness appeared clearly on both their faces. Silver hair, glowing golden eyes, snow-white skin, and small black horns—this was not the human they had left behind just a few hours ago.
"What… What happened to you?" Elara asked, her voice barely composed, trying to maintain her usual leadership poise. Failer had already placed his hand on his sword, his eyes wide.
"Unexpected integration with an ancient energy component in the Purification Unit," Tian Heng replied in his usual calm, clipped tone, offering no further details. His new appearance and the turbulent aura he emanated were explanation enough for now. "The objective hasn't changed. We still need to raise the central core's energy to access the data."
The elves didn't argue. The shock and the undeniable power radiating from Tian Heng now made them more cautious and hesitant to question him.
Tian Heng walked straight to the center of the cavern, checking the three condensers he had left operating. They were still humming steadily, and each had gathered a small but notable amount of condensed, shimmering aether. It was a tiny amount compared to what he needed for a 12–14% boost, but it could serve as a starting fuel or stabilizing factor.
"The plan has changed," Tian Heng announced to the gathered group, who watched with cautious anticipation. "Attempting to activate the 'Amber Heart' in the purification unit is far too risky in my current state. Instead, we'll try to transfer the energy directly from the crystals here to the central core. My increased control may now make that possible in a more stable way."
He began assigning roles again, his voice carrying even greater authority now:
"Elara, I need you to monitor the stability of the Heart Crystal I'll be working with and any fluctuations in the surrounding aether field. Inform me immediately of any danger signs."
"Failer, Lira—you're on guard duty at the cavern entrances. Report any movement or unusual sounds immediately."
"Vaila," he turned to the dark elf. "I may need your shadow control to stabilize or absorb any unexpected energy leaks during the transfer. Be ready." Vaila nodded slowly, her violet eyes glinting with hidden challenge and curiosity.
"Lilith, by my side. Your shield may be our final defense if things spiral out of control." Lilith met his gaze, her eyes blazing with absolute loyalty and readiness to die for him.
Tian Heng chose the largest and most stable Heart Crystal. He sat before it, carefully placing the aetheric resonator at a measured distance. Closing his golden eyes, he began to focus his awareness completely. He didn't draw the energy in a surge as he had during the previous attempt; instead, he started extremely slowly, using the condensation and control principles of the Frozen Star Refinement Style, blending them instinctively with the sense of steady draconic power within his arm.
He began pulling a thin, steady thread of pure aether from the crystal, guiding it through the resonator, which now glowed with a constant blue light, then through the fragile mental link stretching over a hundred meters of stone tunnel toward the distant central core.
He monitored the core's energy gauge in his mind with absolute focus.
[8.1%... 8.2%... 8.3%...]
The rise was extremely slow—far slower than the previous surge—but it was stable! There was no violent shaking in the resonator, and the crystal showed no signs of strain.
[8.9%... 9.5%... 10.2%...]
It required tremendous focus to maintain this steady, precise flow across such a distance. Despite the icy energy he channeled, a cold sweat began to bead on his white forehead.
[11.0%... 11.8%... 12.5%...]
He sensed a slight fluctuation in the flow. "Vaila, be ready," he whispered without opening his eyes. Vaila felt the aetheric ripple and summoned fine shadows around the unseen conduit, absorbing the subtle disturbance before it escalated.
[13.0%... 13.7%... 14.3%...]
He was so close now. He pushed his focus harder, feeling the aether paths in his body begin to strain again under the continued pressure.
[14.8%... 14.9%...]
Everyone seemed to hold their breath. Elara's eyes were closed, tracking the aether flow with her elven senses. Failer and Lira kept watch nervously at the entrances. Lilith and Vaila were fully concentrated on supporting Tian Heng.
[15.0%... Target energy threshold reached! Maintaining stability…]