Fifteen days were enough for many changes to take place in the world.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was still overflowing with vitality.
Nearby, Meng Yiran practiced the Dragon-Snake Strike with focused determination, while Xiao Wu lay quietly to the side, staring blankly at the blue sky, her thoughts distant.
By the Yin Yang Well, Bai Mu sat calmly, Ah Yin resting against him. From the outside, it looked like a scene of rare peace.
During these days, Ah Yin had gradually come to terms with her situation. Though complex emotions still flickered deep in her eyes, she no longer resisted on the surface. Many things no longer required words—she could understand Bai Mu's intentions from the slightest movement.
As the Blue Silver Emperor, her adaptability and comprehension were exceptional.
"Ah Yin," Bai Mu said softly, brushing through her long blue hair.
"You've refined the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo very well. Your overall strength has improved rapidly."
After her resurrection, Ah Yin existed in a unique state between Spirit Beast and Spirit Master. With Bai Mu's guidance, Zygarde's assistance, and the effects of the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo, her true cultivation had broken through two hundred thousand years.
She had even survived a Heavenly Tribulation while in human form.
Though the tribulation had left her gravely injured, the immortality profound truth of the Blue Silver Domain—combined with Bai Mu's intervention—allowed her to recover swiftly.
Now, Ah Yin stood as a Level 70 Blue Silver Emperor Spirit Master with two hundred thousand years of cultivation.
"Yes… it's all thanks to you, Little Mu," Ah Yin replied softly, her gaze lowered, her tone subdued.
These fifteen days had been enough for her to understand one thing clearly—resistance was meaningless.
"It just so happens," Bai Mu continued calmly, resting a hand on her head, "that there's something important I need to tell you."
"Mm… go ahead," Ah Yin said gently.
"I resurrected you, protected you, helped you recover, and assisted you in breaking through," Bai Mu said mildly.
"So now, isn't it time for you to repay me?"
Ah Yin stiffened.
"…Repay?" she asked hesitantly.
Bai Mu looked at her steadily, his tone even.
"The time has come. I need you to sacrifice yourself to me."
The words struck her like thunder.
"You… what did you say…?" Ah Yin's body trembled uncontrollably.
"Sacrifice yourself," Bai Mu repeated calmly.
Tears welled up in Ah Yin's eyes.
She had hoped—foolishly—that these days together meant something more. She hadn't expected such a request so soon, and so mercilessly.
"You think I'm heartless?" Bai Mu said, sighing lightly.
"I'm your greatest support."
She looked at him in disbelief.
"If you don't sacrifice yourself to strengthen me," he continued gently, "how will I be able to protect you in the future?"
His voice was calm, persuasive, almost tender.
"I'll find ways to ensure the power of the Spirit Bone you leave behind continues to grow. This is only the first step."
Ah Yin felt her thoughts go blank.
The weight of his words crushed any lingering hope.
After a long silence, she finally spoke, her voice hoarse.
"…I will sacrifice."
Bai Mu nodded.
"I want a skull bone," he added. "Spirit abilities focused on mental control and mental strength recovery. If possible, include the Blue Silver Domain."
Ah Yin looked at him for a long moment, sorrow and resignation mingling in her gaze.
"I'll do my best," she said quietly.
"One more thing," Bai Mu said.
"Do not take human form this time. Becoming stronger comes first."
She closed her eyes.
"Okay."
Golden light erupted as Ah Yin initiated the sacrifice.
Her two hundred thousand years of cultivation transformed into a vast torrent of energy, surging toward Bai Mu. The brilliance of the sacrifice far surpassed anything Xiao Wu had experienced before.
Xiao Wu jolted upright, staring in disbelief.
"Sister… Ah Yin…"
Tears slipped silently from her eyes—tears born of shared fate.
"A Spirit Beast Sacrifice?!" Meng Yiran exclaimed, stunned.
Only now did she fully realize the truth of Ah Yin's identity.
Bai Mu, however, felt only calm and clarity.
The power flowing into him was smooth and stable, strengthening his meridians, his flesh, and his spirit power. A unique force gathered at his head, condensing and solidifying.
The Two-Hundred-Thousand-Year Blue Silver Emperor Controlling Skull Bone—
began to form.