Accompanied by the motions of the Yi Guang Breathing Method,
Colin's muscular energy was efficiently extracted, forming a trickle of a stream that continuously nourished the Blood Qi Group in his lower abdomen, slowly growing in size.
During this process, the shell of the Ancient Tree Heart Crystal in his chest also began to dissolve slightly, releasing a weak heat flow.
After a short time, having completed the Yi Guang Breathing Method twice, the energy in his flesh was nearly depleted.
Colin ceased his movements, waiting for the heat flow released by the Ancient Tree Heart Crystal to recover his physical energy.
At the same time, he closed his eyes and focused on the crystal in his chest.
"If the thickness of the crystal shell was comparable to an eggshell just now, then now it's at most similar to the thickness of a few sheets of paper stacked together... Progress is good."
Observing for a moment, Colin came to a conclusion.
By now, the energy within his flesh had been replenished; he opened his eyes and continued to practice the Yi Guang Breathing Method.
However, after completing the method twice this time,
Colin was surprised to find that the changes in the crystal shell of the Ancient Tree Heart in his chest were minuscule compared to before—
about only a fifth of the absorption from last time.
At the same time, perhaps for the same reason, the released heat flow was also less, resulting in a slower recovery of his muscular energy than before.
"The deeper I go, the harder the absorption becomes..." Colin pondered.
He took a breath, his expression unchanged, quietly waiting for the recovery of the energy in his flesh.
Many things are like this, increasing in difficulty as one progresses... He had long been mentally prepared for this.
At least with the Golden Paper present, as long as he continued to practice without ceasing, he would never stop progressing before reaching his limit.
Absorbing the Ancient Tree Heart Crystal was the same.
Even if the absorption rate had slowed down, the moment of completely assimilating the shell and contacting its core essence was estimated to be within the next few days.
About half an hour passed, and his muscular energy was restored.
He began practicing the Yi Guang Breathing Method once again.
And so, he continued back and forth until dusk fell.
In the dimly lit front yard of the villa,
Crack.
A faint sound arose within Colin's heart.
He exhaled a breath of murky air and slowly ceased his movements.
The glow of the setting sun outlined his tall figure.
If one observed closely, they would also notice the soil under his feet was darker than the surrounding ground—
marks of sweat-soaked land.
Colin turned his attention to the crystal in his chest.
An imperceptible crack had appeared on the left side of the crystal!
"It's a pity... it cracked from the inside and did not penetrate the entire outer shell."
Colin opened his eyes, sighed, and went inside to prepare for meditation.
Yanan Calendar, November 11th.
In the dining room of Villa No. 5,
Colin was looking over the Supreme Council bulletin that had arrived today.
Since Hosone sent a bulletin three days ago, this seemed to have become a daily routine.
Each morning, a bulletin was promptly delivered, and these days it was accompanied by some other newspapers, such as the Merredith City daily.
As for the Magic Stone that Renee had paid, the delivering Great Knight did not stubbornly refuse as he had expected, but rather calmly accepted it.
This, in turn, had increased his favorable impression of the shrewd real estate agent.
There was nothing significant on the Supreme Council bulletin for November 10th.
However, the Merredith City daily had an interesting piece of news—
The trade in Elf slaves, which had been banned for a thousand years, was once again legal in the market, and the prices of Elf Clan goods had all dropped sharply... It seemed to be the impact of the war.
After all, traitors are always more despised.
Closing the newspaper, Colin stood up and went to the yard to start a new day of cultivation.
Eyes closed, spirits concentrated.
The surface of the Ancient Tree Heart Crystal in his chest was now covered with cracks, dense like a spider's web.
It appeared fragile, as if it would shatter upon touch.
"Perhaps today?"
Colin's expression was unchanged, meticulously continuing with the Traction Technique.
The rising sun slowly painted glimmers of light over the Leibo River.
The sound of the distant bustle reached him, but when it arrived at the villa, it became faint, accentuating the quiet here.
On this stretch of river belonging to the villa area, fishermen usually did not come, nor did women come here to wash clothes.
Even passersby mostly hurried past without lingering,
Afraid of disturbing the nobles residing here.
In the silence, the gurgling of the river, the rustling of the wind, the chirping of insects, and the calling of birds... sounds that might not usually be noticed now became the main melody.
Until—
A crisp, substantial crack sounded!
"?"
Renee, as usual, was sitting in the gazebo in the yard, reading her book, occasionally glancing at the diligent master of the house.
But this crisp crack interrupted her thoughts, causing her to look up involuntarily.
"Take Demi and the little Elf Nasi to the basement for a while."
Before Renee could react, she saw Colin, his face both solemn and joyful, issue the command in a deep voice.
"Yes, Master." Renee didn't hesitate, nodded quickly in response, and then called Demi and the little Elf Nasi to the basement.
Colin took a breath, waved his hand, and set up witchcraft in the yard to prevent sound and light from escaping.
After doing this, as if he could no longer contain himself, he eagerly continued to practice the Yi Guang Breathing Method.
Swoosh—!
With each of his movements,
The crystal of the Ancient Tree Heart on his chest seemed to trigger a chain reaction; the outer shell, covered in fissures, began to shatter from the position where a small piece had just flaked off.