The day was bright in the Heavenly Flame Sect, and the sound of the wind blowing through the trees echoed like a gentle melody. Yulan was excited, for today would be a special day. Elder Li Mei, her mentor, had promised to teach her about spiritual flames—knowledge that could take her alchemy skills to a new level.

Upon arriving at the small pavilion where the classes were held, Yulan found Li Mei already prepared, sitting in a serene position. The pavilion was illuminated by the bright sunlight, and the walls were adorned with alchemy symbols and ancient artifacts. The elder was an imposing figure, her gaze exuding wisdom and patience, and Yulan always felt at ease in her presence.

“Good morning, Yulan,” Li Mei said with a gentle smile. “Today, we’re going to talk about spiritual flames and how they can be used in alchemy.”

Yulan nodded, her curiosity piqued. Li Mei raised a hand and, with a subtle gesture, summoned a flame that danced in her palm. The flame was a deep blue, emanating a vibrant and powerful aura. Yulan marveled at the beauty of the flame, which seemed alive and pulsating.

“This is my spiritual flame,” Li Mei explained. “Every cultivator has a unique flame that can be used in advanced alchemical processes. The stronger the flame, the rarer and more powerful the pills we can create.”

Yulan watched intently as Li Mei demonstrated different flame manipulation techniques, creating shapes and patterns that defied gravity. The class was a dance of light and heat, and Yulan couldn’t help but feel inspired.

“But what happens to the spiritual flame if the cultivator dies?” Yulan asked, her mind restless with curiosity.

Li Mei looked at Yulan, admiring her insight. “Good question, young lady. When a cultivator dies, their spiritual flame usually dissipates, returning to the source of energy that generated it. However, in rare cases, if the cultivator was extraordinarily strong or if the flame was especially powerful, it may leave a remnant. This flame can be found on objects the cultivator owned, or even in places where they spent a lot of time. Sometimes, the most dedicated disciples can inherit this flame or manage to awaken it in a place where the cultivator’s energy was intense.”

Yulan pondered Li Mei’s words, remembering the alchemist’s skeleton she had found in her secret cave. Could the skeleton also possess a spiritual flame? The idea intrigued her. What had happened to his flame? Had it dissipated, or was there some remnant of power she could discover?

“If I find any trace of that flame, can I use it?” Yulan asked, her excitement growing.

Li Mei smiled, sensing her student’s passion. “If you can find a spiritual flame or even a trace of it, it could enrich your alchemy practice. But remember, respect and reverence for the cultivator who possessed it is paramount.”

The class continued, and Yulan absorbed every word Li Mei said, practicing the techniques she had learned and dreaming of the possibilities the future might bring. As the morning wore on, her heart burned with the determination to become a skilled alchemist, not just for herself, but also to honor those who came before her.

Yulan felt that her destiny was intertwined with the flames she had yet to discover. And so, with the elder’s lesson, a new flame of hope and curiosity was ignited in her heart, leading her to seek not only knowledge, but also the truth that might be hidden in the shadows of her journey.

After the fascinating lesson on spiritual flames, Yulan was filled with questions and concerns. As she watched Li Mei, who sat in her calm and serene position, an idea began to take shape in her mind. With curiosity pulsing in her heart, Yulan decided to ask something that had intrigued her from the beginning.

“Elder Li Mei,” Yulan began hesitantly but determinedly, “how did you manage to obtain your spiritual flame? Is there any way to acquire one here in the sect, such as exchanging it for contribution points or even buying it on the market?”

Li Mei looked at Yulan, surprised by the audacity of the question, but also in awe of the young girl’s willingness to learn. A fond smile appeared on her face as she pondered the answer.

“The spiritual flame is something very special, Yulan. Every cultivator is unique, and their flame is an extension of their own being and potential. In our sect, spiritual flames can be bought and sold, but this is not common. The transfer of flames usually occurs under special circumstances.”

Yulan listened intently, absorbing every word. The idea of acquiring a spiritual flame seemed fascinating, but also distant. She hesitated a bit before continuing.

— So, is there a possibility for me to acquire a flame through trade or purchase? How does that work?

Li Mei nodded, her expression gentle. “Yes, flames can be transferred from one cultivator to another. Those who possess a spiritual flame have the ability to create flame seeds. These seeds can be gifted to another person, sold, or even exchanged for contribution points during a special ceremony. This ceremony is a sacred time where cultivators gather to share their flames and strengthen the bonds within the sect.”

Yulan felt a mixture of frustration and determination. The idea of being able to acquire a flame seemed like an intriguing opportunity, but also a great challenge.

“So even if I can buy or trade for a flame, doesn’t that mean it’s the same as developing it myself?” Yulan asked, her eyes shining with hope.

—Exactly. While you can acquire a flame, the connection and control a cultivator has over their own flame is unparalleled. The flame seeds created by a cultivator carry with them the essence and experience of the original bearer. And oftentimes, these new flames may not resonate as strongly with the new person. True strength comes from a personal, intimate relationship with your spiritual flame.

With these words, Yulan felt a new surge of determination. The possibility of acquiring a flame excited her, but at the same time, it ignited in her heart the desire to work hard and seek her own connection.

“Thank you, Elder Li Mei. I will do my best to find my own path,” Yulan said with conviction.

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Li Mei smiled, knowing that the young cultivator was on the right path. Yulan’s journey had only just begun, and the future promised to be bright and full of discoveries. With the knowledge she had gained, Yulan felt motivated to explore not only her flame, but also the depths of her own soul, determined to discover who she truly was and what she could become.

With her mind buzzing with ideas and determination pounding in her chest, Yulan decided that she needed to know more about the alchemist’s skeleton she had found in the cave. Ever since she had discovered the alchemy furnace and the books that belonged to it, one question had been lingering in her mind: could that alchemist have possessed a spiritual flame? And if so, could that flame be compatible with her?

The decision to explore the cave again was not without a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The memory of the place, with its mysterious atmosphere and the echoes of her own footsteps, was still fresh in her mind. However, curiosity overcame any fear she might have felt. Yulan donned her cultivator’s robe, picked up her spear, a recent gift she had acquired at the market, and set off toward the cave, determined to learn more about the alchemist’s past and his legacy.

As she approached the cave entrance, the sun illuminated the surroundings, causing shadows to dance across the rocky walls. Yulan took a deep breath, feeling the pulsing energy around her as she walked inside. The cool, humid air enveloped her body, and each step took her closer to her goal. When she reached the spot where the alchemist’s skeleton lay, a wave of respect and reverence washed over her.

However, upon entering the cave, Yulan soon realized that things were different this time. The skeleton was there, but none of the objects that had previously intrigued her were there. All of the items had been taken , probably in her own search last year. The cave seemed empty and silent, a shadow of its former self.

“What’s left of you, alchemist?” Yulan whispered, looking at the bones.

The frustration was palpable. Without the alchemy tools, herbs, or books that had once enchanted her, the place seemed devoid of any magic. However, as she looked closer, Yulan’s determination did not waver. If he had a spiritual flame, perhaps he could still connect to it.

With the spear in one hand, Yulan approached the skeleton. The meditation she had done earlier returned to her mind. What if the alchemist’s essence was still here? With this conviction, she decided to try again.

She closed her eyes, breathing deeply as she focused her Qi, trying to sense the energy around her. She called upon the alchemist’s presence, asking him to manifest himself. The silence of the cave enveloped her like a blanket, and for a brief moment, frustration was replaced by a sense of anticipation.

Then, something unexpected happened. A gentle breeze swept through the cave, as if an answer was coming from somewhere deep within. Yulan opened her eyes, feeling a wave of heat emanating from the area where the skeleton was.

“If you’re here, show me what you have to offer,” he asked, his voice echoing softly in the cave.

In the next instant, a small, dancing flame appeared before her, floating in the air with an ethereal softness. It was a spiritual flame, but not in the way she had imagined. It was a vibrant glow that seemed to pulse with a life of its own, as if it were testing her presence.

“You… you belong to the alchemist, don’t you?” Yulan asked, her heart racing at the possibility. The flame seemed to sway in agreement, and a deep understanding began to form in her mind.

If this flame was indeed an extension of the alchemist, it could mean that there was a connection between them. Yulan reached out, and the flame approached, wrapping her fingers in comforting warmth. It felt as if the alchemist’s very essence was there, willing to help her on her journey.

With a new goal in mind and a growing sense of determination, Yulan realized that the true quest had only just begun. Even in an empty cave, the spiritual flame could be the catalyst that would take her to a new level of power and understanding. With this in mind, Yulan left the cave, ready to explore the mysteries that still awaited her.

As she left the cave, Yulan could still feel the comforting presence of the spiritual flame she had just discovered. The sun was setting, dyeing the sky in vibrant colors, but her attention was quickly diverted when a strange figure emerged from the shadows of the trees. It was Numerius, a demonic cultivator shrouded in a dark aura that seemed to be fueled by the darkness around him.

“Ah, Yulan!” he began, his soft tone contrasting with the threat emanating from his presence. “Your name has a special meaning in my knowledge. Based on numerology, I can calculate what the future holds for you.”

Confused but intrigued, Yulan listened as Numerius began to pronounce the numbers corresponding to each letter of her name.

— Let's calculate the corresponding numbers for "Yulan". See:

* Y = 7

* U = 3

* L = 3

* A = 1

* N = 5

He then added up all the numbers:

7+3+3+1+5=197 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 5 = 197+3+3+1+5=19

Yulan watched, a mixture of disdain and skepticism on her expression.

— Now, we need to reduce the number, because if the total is greater than 9, we must reduce it to a single digit. Since 19 is greater than 9, let's add the digits:

1+9=101 + 9 = 101+9=10

— And 10 is still greater than 9, so we continue the sum:

1+0=11 + 0 = 11+0=1

Numerius smiled, satisfied, as he explained:

— The final result for the name "Yulan" is 1. This number is often associated with traits such as leadership, innovation, determination, and self-confidence. You, my dear, are destined to be a leader!

Yulan was not swayed by his words. She felt a wave of suspicion, knowing that he was not here for a friendly chat. What Numerius truly wanted was to capture her and use her as a component in his demonic alchemy.

“You’re not taking me anywhere!” Yulan declared, gripping her spear tightly. The spiritual flame within her pulsed strongly, as if it were answering the call of the approaching battle.

Numerius, noticing the determination in his eyes, gave him a disdainful look.

— Your struggle is futile, Yulan. With my numerology, I manipulate fate. You cannot escape your future!

Without another word, the battle began. Yulan struck with a swift strike, her spear glowing with green flame, spiritual energy reflecting her willpower. Numerius dodged gracefully, summoning shadows that seemed to dance around her.

“Don’t you see, Yulan?” he said, reciting complex spells. “The number 1 is a symbol of great power, but you don’t know how to use it. Its essence is only a fraction of what it could be!”

But Yulan did not hesitate. With every movement, she felt the spiritual flame intensify, heating her body and increasing her focus. With a determined cry, she unleashed a strike that sent Numerius flying backward, his shadows dissipating beneath the glow of her energy.

“Never underestimate who I am again!” she shouted, feeling the power of the flame manifest. With each blow, Numerius’ strength began to diminish, his confidence fading.

In one decisive move, Yulan gathered all the energy of the flame within her. She felt her essence merge with the burning force, creating an explosion of light that enveloped the spear. Numerius, realizing that he had underestimated Yulan’s determination, tried to retreat, but it was too late.

With a final strike, Yulan struck down a powerful blow, the green flame enveloping her spear and transforming into a beam of concentrated energy. The impact was devastating, and Numerius was struck dead on. Within seconds, his shadowy form was reduced to dust, as the ashes drifted away in the wind, disappearing into the darkness of the night.

“I will not be just a pill in your hands!” Yulan shouted, her voice firm and full of power, as the last shadow of Numerius dissipated. “My destiny is mine, and I will not let you shape it!”

With the battle won, Yulan turned around, feeling the flame within her burn brighter. She had defeated the demonic cultivator and proven that her essence was not just a fraction of what it could be, but a powerful force worthy of being recognized. The journey had only just begun, and with every step, Yulan knew that she was getting closer to her true destination.