Tie Kuang raised a hand, and another layer of translucent fiery curtain rose around the black iron platform, enclosing him, Ning Zhuo, and the Southern Bright Fire Furnace within it. The roaring of the furnace fire outside immediately softened, as if heard through a thick wall. The inner formation was activated.
A silver light flashed from Ning Zhuo's sleeve. The Spirit Communication Mirror flew out, hovering before his palm. The mirror's surface was as clear as water, reflecting a small, fiery red shadow deep within the belly of the Southern Bright Fire Furnace.
That was the Vermilion Bird artifact spirit. It was much stronger than before. Its tiny bird body already had bright, fiery feathers, but it was still curled up deep in the furnace's core, its head buried under its wings, revealing only a tuft of fine golden feathers.
Ning Zhuo's expression softened, and he kept his voice extremely low.
"Little one, don't be afraid. After today, you'll be completely restored."
The Vermilion Bird artifact spirit curled up its body, about to tremble with fear. The Life-Hanging Thread stirred slightly. Tethered by that invisible thread, the Vermilion Bird artifact spirit could only slowly raise its head.