Zhao stood on the platform, his body still trembling from the intensity of the trial. Though his mind was reeling from the emotional turmoil of reliving his past, something within him had shifted. It was as if a barrier had been broken—a floodgate that, once opened, could not be closed.
Yun Xia stepped closer, her expression unreadable. "You've taken the first step," she said softly. "But there are many more trials ahead. Each one will test you in ways you can't predict."
Zhao nodded, still trying to steady his breathing. "I understand," he said, though he wasn't entirely sure that he did. The Trial Stone had brought out emotions he thought he had buried long ago. It was one thing to know his weaknesses, but facing them so vividly was another matter altogether.
Yun Xia turned, motioning for him to follow. "Your body and spirit need time to recover from the trial. But before we rest, there's something important you need to know."
They walked through the forest in silence, the trees towering above them, their branches forming a canopy that blocked out most of the sunlight. Zhao couldn't shake the feeling that the forest itself was alive, watching him with unseen eyes. He had been feeling it ever since they had entered this part of the woods, a strange energy that seemed to pulse through the ground beneath his feet.
Finally, they arrived at a small clearing. In the center stood an ancient stone pillar, similar in appearance to the Trial Stone but much smaller. The carvings on its surface glowed with a faint orange light, pulsing rhythmically like a heartbeat.
"This is the Flame Pillar," Yun Xia said, her voice low and reverent. "It is one of the few remnants of the ancient Celestial Flame sect that once ruled these lands. This pillar is tied to the Celestial Flame Medallion you carry."
Zhao's hand instinctively went to the medallion resting against his chest. The moment his fingers brushed it, the medallion began to pulse, matching the rhythm of the Flame Pillar.
"What is it doing?" Zhao asked, his voice filled with awe.
Yun Xia stepped closer to the pillar, her eyes fixed on the glowing carvings. "The medallion and the pillar are connected. The Flame Pillar is a conduit of the Celestial Flame—a way to channel its power into this world. With the medallion, you have the potential to awaken the flame within you. But doing so will come with a great cost."
Zhao frowned. "What kind of cost?"
Yun Xia turned to face him, her expression grave. "The Celestial Flame is not a mere tool or weapon. It is a force of nature, an ancient power that predates the very heavens. To wield it is to risk being consumed by it. You've already felt a small taste of that during your meditations. If you aren't careful, the flame will burn you from the inside out."
A chill ran down Zhao's spine. He had known the medallion was dangerous, but hearing Yun Xia speak of it in such ominous terms made it feel all the more real.
"What do I have to do?" Zhao asked, determination replacing his fear.
Yun Xia's eyes softened, and she gestured toward the pillar. "You must attune yourself to the Celestial Flame. Place your hand on the Flame Pillar and allow its energy to flow through you. It will test your spirit, your will, and your control over your Qi. If you succeed, you will awaken the flame within you. If you fail…"
She didn't finish the sentence, but the implication was clear. Zhao took a deep breath and stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. He extended his hand, hesitating for only a moment before pressing his palm against the cold stone of the pillar.
The instant his skin made contact, a surge of heat shot through his body, like fire coursing through his veins. Zhao gasped, clenching his teeth as the energy from the Flame Pillar flowed into him. His Qi responded instinctively, rising up to meet the foreign energy, but it was wild, chaotic—he struggled to control it.
"Focus, Zhao!" Yun Xia's voice rang out sharply. "You must keep your mind clear, or the flame will overwhelm you!"
Zhao squeezed his eyes shut, forcing himself to breathe deeply, to steady his racing heart. He concentrated on his Qi, imagining it as a steady stream of water, flowing calmly through him. Slowly, he began to regain control, though the heat inside him continued to burn hotter with each passing moment.
The medallion against his chest pulsed in time with the flame, and Zhao felt the connection growing stronger. His body trembled with the effort of maintaining his focus, but he refused to give in. He had come too far to fail now.
Suddenly, the heat intensified, and for a moment, Zhao thought he would be consumed by it. But just as he was about to lose control, the energy from the Flame Pillar shifted. The fire within him settled, no longer raging out of control but burning with a steady, controlled heat.
Zhao opened his eyes, gasping for breath. His entire body was drenched in sweat, but he felt a new strength coursing through him. The flame had awakened, and it was now part of him.
Yun Xia approached, a faint smile on her lips. "You did it."
Zhao nodded, though he could still feel the heat simmering beneath his skin. "What now?"
"Now," Yun Xia said, "your real training begins."