It’s begun.0

Leonard could feel the yin energy flowing through his eight extraordinary meridians swell several times over. The heat from the yang energy of the Vermilion Bird Qi that had tempered his body rapidly dissipated, cooling him as though he were steel plunged in water. Steam hissed from his pores. 0

Of course, if that had been all, balancing his Deification would not have been so arduous. 0

As the energy of the Black Tortoise claimed parts of Leonard’s body—his sanctuary—the dormant Vermilion Bird, nestled near his heart, flared to life. Its sharp gaze bore into the intruder, and with a furious flap of its wings, the yang energy coursing through his arteries and veins reclaimed the parts usurped by the yin.0

The internal struggle immediately manifested externally. 0

Crack…! Crackle…!0

The parts overtaken by the Black Tortoise turned icy cold, with frost forming on the surface, while the Vermilion Bird’s areas exuded heat so intense that it sent shimmering waves rising. 0

Ugh…! With my body’s resilience, I should be able to withstand a furnace without issue, but at this rate… my bones will start melting within an hour…! No, maybe even sooner!0

Though his body had long transcended mortal limits, Leonard’s brow furrowed deeply as the opposing forces clashed within him. This was no trivial matter. The process of tempering could only go so far—even the strongest steel would eventually shatter if melted and reforged too many times.0

Leonard fully...0