Chapter 578: Still Baking
Senior, not yet.
No? Qian Liqiu asked, taken aback. This is already incredible, that you managed to forge one clone like this. It isnt merely your plant-based clones. Almost all clones burn up in contact with flame qi, except for one or two techniques demonic techniques, that require a phoenixs body or feathers, or righteous techniques, that involve materials so rare and dangerous that only one clone has ever been built, and it is lost to us. We phoenixes will be grateful to you for your services for all time
Setting the small clone to the side, Hui rested a hand on the chest of the full-size clone beside him. Qi burst from Huis hand, rippling through the netted-together lotus roots. Since Im used to having a root network of my own, naturally, its easy to adapt to using the lotus network!
The network spread before him. As his qi spread, so, too, did his understanding of the network. Compared to his long-distance network that he could send materials through, the lotus roots network was far simpler. It spread between him, the nodes twisted together wherever two roots crossed. The network had no ability to send information, messages, or items, but merely the ability to pass qi around.
Almost disappointed, Hui frowned a little. This is barely different from the qi passages inside a person! How boring, how boring.
ah, well, what did I expect? Until they become clones, theyre literally plants, and not even sentient ones. Being able to pass qi around is already impressive. I should instead be praising these lotuses for such an ingenious way to share energy between separate plants!
The second he mapped out the entire network, Hui pressed his hand down and sent same qi cycle hed used on the tiny clone through the twisted lotus roots. One after another, the clones blackened, then burned red, then white, their shapes twisting subtly back to the generic androgynous clone as they did so. As long as Im remodeling their qi I might as well remodel their bodies as well.
Bai Xue clicked her tongue. What a waste.
Hmm, Song Wei agreed.
Ignoring the two of them, Hui pushed forward. Onward. A hundred. A thousand. As the clones changed forms, the water began to boil around them. In the space it takes for an incense stick to burn, the water in the field boiled away, and nearly innumerable lotus clones stood before Hui, ready for souls.
Hui panted. That was more energy than I expected. Im still not used to handling fire qi, and even if Im seventh-stage, I there are still limits to my qi reserves. He drooped slightly, but still held out his hand. Please, go ahead.
Standing at last, she pointed at his dantian. Some of our kind were too injured by Huo Fenghuang to survive on their own, whether physically or mentally. Please consider them yours. This is part of my gratitude toward you.
Ah, thank you, thank you, Hui said. Hmm. It is nice to have flame qi at my fingertips!
As for your children what do you know about their disappearance? Qian Liqiu asked.
He cleared his throat. Straightening his back, he looked into her eyes. The Eight Tiers Palace sent someone from the Fourth Tier that is, the tier that deals with poisons and hidden weapons, to kidnap my children. No one can remember them aside from myself and Bai Xue, Bai Xingxues mother.
A karmic technique, perhaps? Qian Liqiu mused. She shook her head. We phoenixes are none too fond of the Eight Tiers Palace. Before we were absorbed in Huo Fenghuang, we lived in the Northern Lands. She fell silent, drifting off.
Given that the Northern Lands and the Eastern Alliance are at war, I can imagine her grudge. Hui nodded. I understand, Elderahem, Your Majesty. Theres no need to say any more.
Giving him one last nod, Qian Liqiu took off. As she leaped from the ground, she flapped her arms, and her body transformed from human to phoenix. The other phoenixes followed her, transforming as well.
It seems the lotus clones have kept their flexibility despite increasing in hardness. Interesting, interesting! Perhaps theres yet more to discover with these clones?
Though if these new clones got out of hand Id be in trouble. Able to use flame qi, hardened, and yet flexible enough to change forms? Ahh I dont need to set a second unstoppable army into the world.
Hui stiffened. He stared up at the sky.
Wait. Did I just send a second unstoppable army into the world?