Chapter 23: Honest to a Fault

In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the crevices of the leaf-paneled window, projecting a beam of light into the treehouse, filled with suspended dust.

Tiny particles drifted lazily in the beam, like captive stardust, serene and ethereal.

Seated cross-legged on the bed, Anton opened his eyes and let out a long breath.

After a full night of cultivation, his mastery of the Five Elements Flame Transformation Skill had deepened.

'A few more months, and I should be able to condense the Five Elements True Flame.'

Anton glanced down at his lap, where a branch, not quite the length of his palm, lay quietly.

Its entire length glowed with a soft, pale green luster. Intricate patterns, like the veins of a leaf, spread out toward either end, and it looked as if mercury were flowing slowly within.

Just by looking at it, one could feel its burgeoning vitality, as if it might sprout new shoots and buds at any moment.