Chapter 12: The Legacy of the Supreme Flame
Just as Zhēnyè Lóng finished saying, "You have truly broken free," the fading golden light began to swirl, shifting and reshaping until it took on the form of a woman. Her face was soft, kind, and unfamiliar to Jian, yet something within him stirred, an instinctive pull he couldn't explain. The figure gazed at him with a warmth that felt foreign and yet profoundly comforting.
Jian's breath caught as he looked into her gentle eyes, a pang of recognition stirring deep within his heart. Though he had never met her, he knew—this was his mother, the woman who had died bringing him into this world. Her spirit had been bound within the remnants of the seal, protecting him silently from forces that sought to harm him, even in her absence.
"Mother…" he whispered, his voice trembling, the word feeling strange on his lips.
Her form glowed softly, her expression filled with a pride and love he had never experienced. Though she was only a vision of light, her gaze was steady, as if she had waited for this moment to see her son, to offer him strength and encouragement.
Zhēnyè Lóng watched from a respectful distance, allowing the moment to unfold. He understood now that the seal wasn't merely a restriction placed upon Jian—it had been woven with his mother's spirit, her final gift, meant to safeguard her son until he was ready to stand on his own. As the golden apparition of his mother shimmered with a gentle warmth, her voice filled the cave, soft yet resonant, as if it were a message carried through time just for him.
"Jian'er, my beloved son," she began, her tone tender and filled with emotion. "This is the last fragment of your mother's spirit. I've gathered everything I had to create this seal to protect you, to help you survive the critical moment when you were born. The energy within you was overwhelming, so strong that it threatened your life. I had to make a choice—to seal your qi, even if it meant sacrificing my own life."
Her gaze softened as she looked at him, pride evident in her glowing eyes. "Now, seeing you grown, knowing you have the strength to break this seal… I feel a peace I never imagined."
Jian's heart swelled as he listened, his eyes stinging with unfallen tears. This was the first time he was hearing his mother's voice, and every word felt like a balm, soothing the ache of her absence.
"The seal I placed on you is bound by an ancient fire," she continued, her form flickering slightly. "It is a flame from my own family, a fire of immense strength. It was my hope that one day, when you were ready, you would break free and rise with the power that lies within you."
Her form began to fade, but she gave him one final look, a loving gaze that filled him with warmth and strength. "Jian'er, my son… live with courage, hold true to your heart, and never forget the love that brought you into this world."
With those final words, a small golden flame emerged from her vanishing form, floating gently toward Jian before settling in his hand. He looked down at the flame, feeling the warmth of his mother's essence, a gift that would remain with him forever.
Zhēnyè Lóng, observing from nearby, was visibly shaken, his expression shifting as he recognized the flame. "This… this is no ordinary fire," he murmured, awe lining his voice. "This is the Supreme Flame… one of the ten legendary flames, a gift beyond measure."
As Jian clutched the golden flame, a newfound resolve filled him. His mother's love, her sacrifice, and now her final gift had forged an unbreakable strength within him. He would carry her legacy forward, strengthened by the flame and the bond he now shared with his master.
As Jian stood there, the weight of his mother's final words lingered heavily in his heart. Her voice, filled with warmth and sacrifice, echoed softly in his mind, each word wrapping around him like a gentle embrace. And then, as if in answer to her love and legacy, the flame left behind began to stir in his hand.
Slowly, it shifted, molding itself into a shape, glowing brighter with each passing moment. Jian watched, entranced, as the flame took on a majestic form—a powerful lion adorned in golden flames, its features fierce yet noble, its body wrapped in armor resembling dragon scales, with wings like a phoenix and a horn that glimmered like a unicorn's. The creature radiated strength, protection, and an unbreakable bond to those it guarded.
As the last remnants of his mother's presence faded, Jian felt a deep ache in his heart. But he knew, looking at the lion forged from her final gift, that her spirit would live on within him, guiding and protecting him.
"Thank you… Mother," he whispered, his voice filled with both sorrow and resolve, watching as the image of the lion solidified, becoming a guardian that would forever remind him of her love. And as her last fragment faded into the air, Jian understood that he was no longer alone. The flame—her legacy—was now his to wield, to honor, and to protect.
The old man's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat as he took in the sight of the lion aflame with golden fury, armored in dragon scales, bound by chains forged from pure energy. He took a trembling step back, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity radiating from the image before him.
"This… this is the Lion's Heartflame?" he whispered, his voice barely audible, yet laced with disbelief and awe. His gaze traced the magnificent creature's form—the golden flames coursing through every strand of its mane, the fierce, unyielding glow in its eyes, and the massive wings arching from its back, each feather a blazing tribute to a phoenix's rebirth.
"To think… a flame with such power exists," he murmured, struggling to grasp the full weight of what he was seeing. "Ranked ninth among the supreme flames, they say, but… seeing it here, it feels like it could stand alongside the very mightiest. This isn't just a flame—it's a fortress of power, a living embodiment of unwavering loyalty and ferocious strength."
He drew closer, eyes narrowing as he studied the intricate chains looping around the lion's body. Golden dragon-shaped links bound the creature, each link pulsing with the force of an ancient beast's will. He knew instantly what it was.
"These chains… they're made of dragon energy," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "This isn't merely a symbol. These chains have the strength to contain, to shield, to protect. To imagine that the Lion's Heartflame can wield such a binding power… it's almost beyond belief."
The old man's gaze lingered on the lion's tail, unmistakably draconic in its scales and deadly curve. Even its wings bore the essence of a phoenix, golden flames dancing along each feather with a life of their own, casting sparks of radiant energy into the air.
"Boy," he said, turning to Bo Jian, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Do you understand what stands before you? The Lion's Heartflame is no ordinary flame. It is born from ancient forces, bound by the strength of a dragon, and carries the will of a lion to protect, to endure, to stand unbroken."
He looked again at the figure, and for a moment, his voice softened with something that sounded like reverence, mixed with a hint of fear.
"This flame is bound by the very spirit of protection itself. It will not tolerate weakness or half-heartedness. To bear this flame is to take on the burden of a guardian, one who will stand against armies, who will protect even if it means being the last one standing."
The old man paused, catching his breath, his hand trembling as he pointed to the lion's heart, a blazing orb of fire encased within its chest. "That heart," he whispered, almost to himself, "is no ordinary fire. It is a core of undying loyalty, an eternal ember of courage. That… is the power of the Lion's Heartflame."
His gaze bore into Bo Jian, piercing and unrelenting. "Tell me, do you think you are worthy of this flame's legacy? Can you bear the weight of this power, the strength to protect all that you love, knowing that it will test you to the very edge of your soul? Because once this flame bonds with you, it will demand everything you have… and more."
Bo Jian swallowed, feeling the weight of the old man's words settle upon him, the gravity of the choice before him. And yet, as he looked into the blazing eyes of the lion, he felt something stir within him—a resolve, a spark of courage, an echo of the fire that now lay waiting to test him.
The old man took a step back, his awe transforming into a fierce pride. "Then take it," he said. "Take the Lion's Heartflame and become its bearer. Prove that you can match the loyalty and strength of the mighty lion and the ancient chains that bind it."
In that moment, Bo Jian knew that his journey was about to change forever.
Jian steadied himself, his heart pounding as he took slow, deliberate steps toward the lion, the embodiment of his mother's final gift. His master's words echoed in his mind, urging him onward, reminding him of the strength he would need to truly bond with this flame. The lion, regal and fierce, stood still, watching him approach, its eyes gleaming with an intensity that spoke of tests yet to come.
With each step closer, Jian felt the heat intensify, an invisible barrier of pure energy radiating from the lion. The air itself shimmered, and stones nearby began to melt, their surfaces bubbling under the immense pressure of the lion's aura. Yet, Jian did not falter. The dragon's essence within him stirred, granting him the resilience to endure the scorching heat, to face the searing power without shrinking back.
His skin tingled as the temperature continued to rise, and though he could feel his body weakening, melting bit by bit under the relentless heat, his determination only grew stronger. The pain was sharp, biting, yet he embraced it. Each agonizing step was a testament to his resolve, a silent vow to his mother and his new purpose.
Finally, through the blinding haze of heat and raw energy, Jian reached out, his hand trembling yet steady, and laid it on the lion's fiery mane. The moment he made contact, a surge of power coursed through him, an unspoken understanding between him and the lion. The lion's gaze softened, and for a brief moment, he felt the presence of his mother within the flame, proud and watchful.
In that instant, Jian knew: the lion had accepted him. This flame, this legacy, was now bound to him, a part of his soul and his strength. And as he felt the power of the Lion's Heartflame settle into him, he understood that this was only the beginning. The flame had given him its blessing, but the path ahead would require even greater resolve.
Jian withdrew his hand, his heart ablaze with newfound power and purpose, and met the lion's gaze with unwavering resolve. He was ready for whatever lay ahead.
The lion shifted, its majestic form dissolving into a brilliant golden-yellow flame that hovered above Jian's hand, flickering with a fierce, living energy. Jian's master watched, his gaze stern but encouraging.
"Absorb the flame, Jian," he commanded. "This is no ordinary fire. The Lion's Heartflame is a supreme force, one that will test every fiber of your being. I know you've studied countless techniques, but this… this is a true challenge, one that goes beyond knowledge. To master this flame, you must combine all you have learned with the strength of your will."
Jian's master paused, his voice steady but charged with urgency. "This is your moment, Jian. Your knowledge must now become action. Show the flame your resolve, prove that you are worthy of its power. Only then will it yield to you."
Jian's teacher watched, concern flickering in his eyes as he guided him through the delicate and dangerous process. "This is a trial few could withstand, Jian. The power of a supreme flame is… unpredictable." He hesitated, doubt lacing his voice, yet he knew that Jian had no choice but to face this challenge.
"Go to the old pond," he instructed, his tone both firm and encouraging. Jian nodded, moving steadily toward the pond, the golden flame still hovering above his hand. Without a moment's hesitation, he brought it to his lips and swallowed the flame, feeling it ignite within him, spreading heat like a wildfire.
The old master wasted no time. He immediately gathered rare herbs, each one possessing unique properties to help cool and soothe the burning sensation within Jian's body. With a flicker of his own flame, he began to melt the herbs, forming a mixture to feed Jian's body as he struggled to withstand the fire inside him.
As the master channeled his spiritual energy to support Jian, suddenly, thick golden chains emerged from within the Lion's Heartflame. They coiled around Jian, binding his spiritual flow, blocking any external assistance. The chains gleamed fiercely, almost as if the flame itself was enforcing its own rules.
The old master stepped back, his face etched with shock and frustration. "The flame… it's testing you, Jian. It will not allow outside interference. This is something you must conquer on your own." His gaze softened, filled with both pride and worry. "You have to endure this alone. Remember everything you've learned and trust in your strength."
Jian, feeling the intense heat consuming him, clenched his fists, determined to overcome. He knew that this was the ultimate test—not just of his knowledge, but of his spirit and resolve.
As Jian continued to absorb the intense power of the Lion's Heartflame, the strain on his body grew unbearable. His veins began to split under the pressure, unable to contain the immense energy coursing through him. Fresh blood seeped from his mouth, staining his lips as his body struggled to adjust. His skin took on a molten, golden hue, giving him an almost ethereal appearance, as if he were on the verge of melting into pure, radiant gold. The searing pain threatened to consume him, making him feel as though he would dissolve entirely under the weight of the flame's power.
But at that critical moment, the water in the ancient pond nearby, infused with the blood of his teacher—the ancient dragon—began to stir. This was no ordinary water; it had absorbed the essence of the dragon's blood and carried traces of ancient strength, resilience, and healing power. The water rose from the pond, its surface shimmering with a mystical glow, and began to flow into Jian's body, drawn to his suffering as if compelled by an ancient bond.
Each drop entered his veins, spreading throughout his system and merging with his blood. The water worked swiftly, its healing properties activating upon contact with his broken veins and damaged cells. Like an elixir of life, the dragon-infused water began to repair and regenerate his body from within, mending torn veins, reinforcing weakened cells, and infusing him with a strength and resilience beyond anything he had known. Jian felt the overwhelming heat transform, settling into a steady, warming force. His heart, which had been pounding erratically under the strain, now beat in a calm, rhythmic pattern, soothed by the combined essence of flame and dragon's blood.
As Jian's body integrated the flame and dragon blood, his physical form began to change, merging the lion's fiery power with the ancient dragon's strength. His skin hardened briefly, transforming into shimmering dragon scales that covered every part of him. These scales were not merely protective—they symbolized a fusion of his master's legacy and the supreme flame, giving him resilience akin to the ancient beasts.With a primal shout that resonated through the cave, Jian released the pent-up energy within him in an explosive surge. The sheer force shook the entire cavern, displacing rocks and sending ripples across the pond. The powerful outburst was a release, a moment where his body fully embraced the new power, signaling the successful union of flame and blood.
As he calmed, Jian felt an unusual warmth on his forehead. Touching it, he sensed a new mark—a Flame Dragon Swordsymbol, a stark contrast to the dark dragon symbol he had borne before. This new mark glowed with a radiant, golden intensity, representing the fierce flame he now held within, tempered and balanced by his master's dragon blood.
Looking at his hands, Jian saw that the dragon scales briefly reappeared, glistening like liquid fire and radiating strength, before fading back to his human skin. He understood that he now possessed a power that went beyond human limitations—a power marked by his master's legacy and the supreme flame he had absorbed. He had emerged transformed, ready to wield this strength for the trials that awaited him. Zhēnyè Lóng stood there, utterly speechless, his usually composed expression replaced by one of astonishment. He watched as Jian's form stabilized, his body resonating with both the fierce power of the Lion's Heartflame and the unmistakable presence of a dragon's essence—his own legacy, the dragon scales that once symbolized Zhēnyè Lóng's unparalleled strength.
"This… this shouldn't be possible," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, as he observed Jian's transformation. Zhēnyè Lóng had long accepted that his physical body was lost, and with it, his ability to pass down his dragon-scaled protection to anyone. Yet here it was—his student standing before him, adorned with the very legacy he believed was forever gone.
Jian, oblivious to his teacher's shock, flexed his hand, feeling the strength of the scales that flickered across his skin before returning to human form. He looked to Zhēnyè Lóng, who was still trying to process what he was witnessing.
Zhēnyè Lóng took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a mix of pride, wonder, and disbelief. "Jian… not only have you mastered the Lion's Heartflame, but you've somehow absorbed a part of my essence, my scales, my protection." He paused, struggling to find words. "I never thought… I never thought my legacy could live on in this way, especially when I no longer possess a body to give it."
The realization sank in, and Zhēnyè Lóng's gaze softened, filled with a rare, unguarded warmth. "You are far more than I anticipated, Jian. You are carrying not just the flame, but the essence of a dragon as well. This is a bond forged by fate itself." Zhēnyè Lóng threw his head back, laughing heartily, both amused and utterly astonished by Jian's transformation. "You—you truly surprise me, Jian!" he exclaimed, barely able to contain his delight. "To think you now hold not only the Lion's Heartflame but also the protection of a dragon's scales! And here I was, thinking it impossible to pass down such a legacy."
As his laughter subsided, Zhēnyè Lóng's gaze turned curious, studying Jian more closely. His eyes sharpened, searching for the flame's presence within Jian's body. Then, his expression shifted, shock replacing his amusement as he discovered where Jian had embedded the supreme flame.
"You… you placed it in the Life Flame Circle?" Zhēnyè Lóng stammered, genuinely taken aback. "Most cultivators wouldn't even know of such a concept, let alone manage it with a flame as powerful as this. Where did you gain such knowledge?"
Jian's smile held a quiet confidence. "I read about it once. It said that a supreme flame, when absorbed, is best placed within the Life Flame Circle—it aligns the flame with the core life energy, allowing it to be used more fully, even harmoniously."
Zhēnyè Lóng shook his head, a look of pride and admiration settling in his eyes. "Incredible, Jian. Not only did you claim the flame and my dragon protection, but you knew exactly where to channel that power. Knowledge, instinct, and execution… you possess them all." At his teacher's request, Jian lifted his hand, summoning the golden flame. As it ignited in his palm, the flame flared brilliantly, and in a powerful surge, the spirits of both a dragon and a lion emerged from the blaze, their roars echoing through the cave, filling the air with an ancient resonance.
Zhēnyè Lóng's eyes widened, a spark of surprise flickering across his face. As he observed closely, he noticed something incredible: this wasn't just the Lion's Heartflame anymore. The flame now pulsed with his own essence—the essence of a dragon. The flame's aura, which had once been potent, was now interwoven with the powerful chain of dragon energy, amplifying it to a level he hadn't thought possible.
"So, it's true…" Zhēnyè Lóng murmured, his voice almost reverent. "This flame has fused with my essence, becoming something even greater. The chains of dragon energy binding it have grown stronger, more resilient." He shook his head in awe. "Not only did you absorb the flame, Jian, but you elevated it, blending it with my legacy."
The flame in Jian's hand seemed alive, the spirits of the lion and dragon intertwined in a perfect balance of fierce protection and overwhelming power. Zhēnyè Lóng looked at Jian, pride in his eyes. "You've forged something entirely new, Jian. This flame is now your own, a union of lion and dragon, tempered by your spirit. It will serve you well, but remember—the greater the power, the greater the responsibility it demands."
Jian nodded, feeling the weight and strength of his new flame. For the first time, he truly sensed the bond of both legacies within him, a power that felt vast, boundless, and ready to be unleashed. Zhēnyè Lóng observed Jian with a satisfied nod, his eyes gleaming with approval. "That's enough for today," he said, his voice both calm and encouraging. "Take a moment. Open up your qi pathways and sense the change within. Feel the strength you've gained through today's trials and the legacy now bound to you."
Jian closed his eyes, focusing inward, and let his qi flow freely through his body. As he did, an overwhelming energy surged within him, stronger than he could have ever imagined. Shocked, he sensed his cultivation level and gasped, his eyes snapping open in disbelief.
"Level 4… Qi Armor Stage?" he whispered, almost not believing his own senses. "Bo Qijia, 8 stars…"
He looked at Zhēnyè Lóng, astonishment written on his face. "I wasn't even at Level 1, Bo Kai before," Jian said, his voice tinged with wonder. "And now, I've not only surpassed Levels 1, 2, and 3… but reached Level 4?"
Zhēnyè Lóng smiled knowingly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Indeed, Jian. Through the trials of today, you gained not just power but a profound transformation. The flame, the dragon's essence—they unlocked your potential, bringing you strength most could only dream of achieving so swiftly. But remember," he added with a wise, steady gaze, "while you may now stand at a new level, true mastery lies in understanding and wielding this power with wisdom."
Jian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of this newfound strength settle within him. Jian took a deep breath, gratitude filling his heart as he reflected on all that had brought him to this moment. His mother's sacrifice, the seal she placed upon him to protect him from the overwhelming forces within him, and her gift—the Lion's Heartflame, one of the rarest flames in existence—had all paved the way to his transformation. And then there was his teacher, Zhēnyè Lóng, whose legacy, wisdom, and strength had given him not only protection but guidance on this arduous journey.
He looked at his hands, feeling the new power coursing through him, realizing that he was no longer the boy confined to knowledge alone. His path had shifted, expanding beyond study and books. He was now able to embody the power he had learned so much about, to act with strength as well as intellect. Knowledge was no longer his only weapon; it was now paired with the force of his spirit and the dragon-infused flame.
"This is a new beginning," he murmured to himself, feeling the boundless potential within. His heart, once burdened by limitations, now pulsed with resolve and excitement. With both knowledge and action at his side, Jian knew he was ready to step into the world as a cultivator—a path he would forge with gratitude, strength, and a legacy built from those he loved most.