Chapter Three: The First Steps of Fire
Sunlight spilled across Old Bai's small cottage, casting slanted shadows over the dusty floor. Li Yan sat cross-legged on a worn mat, frustration etched across his face as he tried to focus on the faint flicker of warmth in his chest. The supposed "flame" within him was more like a tiny ember that had a bad attitude. No matter how hard he concentrated, it refused to cooperate.
Across from him, Old Bai leaned against a low table, his expression a blend of amusement and scrutiny. He'd taught hundreds before Li Yan, but none of them had been born with a spark like Feiyan's flame. Yet Feiyan had chosen Li Yan—this boy who had never once shown a hint of cultivation talent, who could barely summon the simplest flicker of Qi, and who was as pure-hearted as the day was long.
"Focus, Li Yan," Old Bai said, his voice calm but firm. "The flame is part of you now. If you can't stabilize it, it won't answer to you. It demands patience."
Li Yan gave a slow nod, pushing his irritation down as he tried again. Breathing slowly, he envisioned the flame within as a steady, calm ember, just like Old Bai had told him to do. He focused on his breath, trying to coax the warmth forward. And, for a brief moment, he thought he'd managed it—until he felt a presence stirring, sharp and distinctly annoyed.
A voice echoed in his mind, carrying a tone that was more than a little unimpressed.
"Is this really the best you can do?" Feiyan's voice was laced with irritation. "They told me I'd be bound to a worthy soul, and yet here I am, tethered to a boy who can't even stabilize a single breath."
Li Yan blinked, caught off guard. "Feiyan?"
"Obviously," she replied, her tone dripping with disdain. "Did you think I'd stay silent while you flounder around like a hatchling? The flame is mine, boy. Earn it."
His brows furrowed. She sounded less like a mystical guide and more like a critic who'd shown up uninvited. "I'm… trying. It's not exactly easy, you know."
"Trying?" she scoffed. "Trying is what fledglings do. You are the Phoenix Bearer, my chosen. If you can't prove yourself worthy, then I'll simply let the flame consume you."
Li Yan took a slow, steady breath, holding back his frustration. He'd been in the presence of difficult elders before—his mind flashed to the more critical figures in the village, the ones who'd always whispered that he wasn't like the others, that he wasn't meant for anything beyond a simple life. But Feiyan was different. She wasn't just critical; she was relentless.
Old Bai, noticing the tension in his grandson's posture, spoke up. "Li Yan, remember, the flame isn't a tool. It's Feiyan's essence, alive and watchful. You're not just controlling it; you're building a bond."
Li Yan forced a nod, returning to his breathing, though his mind was churning with thoughts. He could be patient, but he wouldn't be passive. If he had to earn Feiyan's respect, he would find a way—even if it meant being smarter about his approach. He'd heard whispers his entire life about how he was different, and for once, maybe that difference would work in his favor.
As he continued his breathing practice, Old Bai observed him quietly, his gaze a mixture of affection and distance. He had raised Li Yan, taught him, even guided him through trials, but there was always something that Old Bai kept distant. Li Yan often wondered about his grandfather's past—the secrets he held, the loyalty that seemed to linger somewhere beyond family.
The truth was, Old Bai's loyalty lay with Feiyan and the legacy of the Emberveil Order. He cared for Li Yan, of course, but his dedication to Feiyan's legacy was absolute. If the choice ever arose, he would cast aside even his beloved grandson to preserve the Phoenix's power.
Following Feiyan's sharp reprimands, Li Yan refocused, letting her words fuel his determination. He wasn't about to let her disdain dissuade him.
"Close your eyes," Feiyan instructed, her tone curt but laced with a hint of grudging patience. "Imagine the flame in your chest, small but steady. With each breath, let it pulse outward. You are not pulling Qi in; you are allowing it to come to you. Invite it."
He followed her guidance, trying to relax, letting go of his desire for control. The difference was subtle but profound. Instead of reaching out for the Qi, he simply opened himself to it, picturing his flame as a beacon. Gradually, he felt the energy flow toward him—not in a rush, but in a gentle, natural way, like water trickling toward a basin.
For a brief moment, he could feel the Qi harmonizing with his spirit, melding with Feiyan's flame in a way that felt effortless.
"Better," Feiyan murmured, though her approval was tempered with skepticism. "You're making progress, but don't assume that's enough. You still have much to prove before you're worthy of my power."
Li Yan suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. "Thanks. I'll try not to disappoint."
Feiyan's presence flared slightly, a warmth that brushed against his spirit. "You'll try? You'll have to do better than that. Remember, I chose you because you carry potential. Whether or not you live up to it is up to you."
Old Bai gave a slight nod, catching the quiet exchange. "Remember, Li Yan, Feiyan's flame isn't yours to command yet. It's a partnership, a balance. You're asking for its cooperation, not demanding it."
Li Yan acknowledged his grandfather's words, a slight smirk forming on his face. If the flame demanded respect, then he would respect it. But he was also beginning to see that respect was a two-way street. If he couldn't force the flame, then he'd have to earn Feiyan's regard in his own way, proving he was capable not through brute strength, but through cleverness and resolve.
As he continued practicing, something began to shift around him. The air felt warmer, charged, as though he were standing at the edge of a vast energy source. And then, before he knew it, his vision changed. The familiar cottage walls faded, replaced by an endless landscape of molten earth, rivers of flame winding through valleys of lava, mountains that seemed to pulse with life.
He stood in a world of fire, a place that was both beautiful and terrifying.
"Welcome," Feiyan's voice murmured, softer now, almost respectful. "This is the Realm of Embers, the heart of fire itself. My birthplace."
The ground beneath him seemed to pulse with energy, and he could feel the flames around him, each one a living presence, ancient and powerful. It was as if he were in the heart of Feiyan's essence, a place where fire was more than an element; it was a living force with a mind and will of its own.
"Why am I here?" he whispered, feeling the weight of the realm's gaze on him.
"Because you carry my flame," Feiyan replied, her tone less sharp than before, though still tinged with skepticism. "And the Realm of Embers recognizes it. But don't think that means you belong here yet. This place will test you, judge you, and if you're found wanting, it will burn you to ash."
Li Yan's jaw tightened, a surge of defiance rising within him. "Then let it judge me. I'll prove that I'm worthy."
A flicker of approval crossed Feiyan's voice, though it was quickly masked. "We'll see, won't we? Just remember, talk is cheap. Prove your worth through action, through discipline. The realm does not care for empty promises."
The vision faded, the Realm of Embers slipping from his awareness, but the warmth of Feiyan's flame remained, steady in his chest. He opened his eyes, breathing deeply, the memory of the realm still fresh in his mind. He glanced at Old Bai, who was watching him intently.
"You saw it, didn't you?" Old Bai asked quietly, his gaze sharp and calculating.
Li Yan nodded, still feeling the heat of the vision lingering in his veins. "Yes. The Realm of Embers. It… it felt alive."
Old Bai's expression softened, though there was a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. "Then you've taken your first step. The Realm of Embers has acknowledged you. But remember, Li Yan, this path is not just about power.
"… But remember, Li Yan, this path is not just about power," Old Bai continued, his gaze intense and unwavering. "The Realm of Embers has a mind of its own, and it will challenge you in ways you cannot imagine. You are Feiyan's chosen, yes, but that does not mean you will be spared its trials. This realm—and Feiyan herself—are harsh judges."
Li Yan clenched his fists, the memory of the Realm of Embers still fresh, its fiery landscape imprinted on his mind. The heat, the vastness, the unyielding scrutiny—it felt as if the entire realm had been watching him, weighing him with eyes that burned like coals. And even now, he could feel Feiyan's presence within him, a warmth that was both comforting and intimidating.
Old Bai's voice softened slightly, though his eyes remained thoughtful. "It's not enough to survive the Realm of Embers. You must prove that you are worthy to stand within it, to carry Feiyan's essence without being consumed by it. Many have tried to walk this path, and few have succeeded."
Li Yan nodded, determination flaring in his chest. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes to prove myself."
Old Bai's lips twitched into a faint smile, but his gaze grew distant. "Just remember, boy… Feiyan's flame does not care for pride. Show it humility, patience, and respect. Anything less, and it will reject you without hesitation."
"Humility?" Feiyan's voice cut into Li Yan's mind with a snort of laughter. "Oh, don't pretend humility is all it takes, Old Bai. The boy has a long road ahead, and it won't be simple kindness that gets him through it. He'll need more than that if he ever hopes to understand me."
Li Yan suppressed a smirk, casting a side glance at his grandfather. Clearly, Old Bai wasn't immune to Feiyan's sharp remarks either. But as much as her attitude grated on him, her words struck a chord. She wasn't wrong; this path wouldn't be walked with patience alone. If he was going to earn Feiyan's approval, he would need to face the challenges head-on, with both strength and cunning.
He took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of her flame in his chest, and spoke with quiet resolve. "Then I'll earn it. I don't care how long it takes or what I have to face. I'll prove myself."
Feiyan's voice was silent, and for a moment, he wondered if she had chosen not to respond. But then she spoke, her tone less biting, though still carrying a hint of her ever-present skepticism.
"Very well," she said, her voice softer, as if she were watching him from a distance. "If you're truly determined, then I won't stand in your way. But remember this, boy—if you ever falter, if you ever forget the weight of what you carry, the flame will turn on you without mercy."
The warning lingered in his mind like an ember, a reminder that this journey would be anything but easy. Feiyan wasn't a spirit to be placated with words; she demanded action, proof of his resolve. And she would not make it easy for him.
The days that followed were filled with rigorous training. Old Bai watched over Li Yan's practice sessions, his instructions meticulous and unrelenting. Every breath was measured, every movement scrutinized. Old Bai's expectations were high, and he pushed Li Yan to the edge of his endurance, forcing him to confront his limits again and again.
Meanwhile, Feiyan's presence remained a constant, challenging force within him, a reminder that his progress was being watched, judged. She rarely spoke, but when she did, her words were always sharp, cutting through any comfort he might have found in his own achievements.
"Is that the best you can manage?" she would ask, her tone cold and critical whenever he stumbled. "The Emberveil Order trained warriors, guardians of balance. If you can't handle this, you're wasting both my time and your grandfather's."
Li Yan's patience was wearing thin, his tolerance for her attitude dwindling with every passing day. He knew she didn't approve of him, and part of him understood why. He wasn't a prodigy, wasn't a natural-born cultivator. In the village, he'd always been the one lacking in talent, the boy with no destiny, no hint of greatness. But that was before Feiyan's flame. And he was determined to prove that he was more than she thought.
One evening, after hours of exhausting practice, Li Yan sat alone by the small stream outside the village, staring into the rippling water. He felt the flame within him, quiet but watchful, as though waiting to see what he would do next.
"Why?" he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "Why did you choose me if you don't think I'm worthy?"
The question hung in the air, and for a moment, he thought she wouldn't answer. But then Feiyan's voice echoed softly in his mind, a faint thread of something that might have been sympathy—or perhaps just a reluctant acknowledgment.
"I chose you because, despite your lack of talent, you have a mind that does not yield," she replied, her tone devoid of her usual sharpness. "You are calculating, clever—qualities that have no place in traditional cultivation. And yet, they may serve you well here. Do not mistake my criticism for contempt. You have potential, boy. But potential alone means nothing without action."
Li Yan's fingers clenched into fists, his jaw tightening. "Then watch me. I'll prove that I'm more than just potential."
"Very well," she replied coolly, a hint of challenge in her tone. "Prove it, then. Show me that you are capable of wielding my flame without fear, without hesitation. Only then will I consider you worthy."
The words struck a chord within him, igniting a spark of resolve. He wouldn't just prove himself to Feiyan—he'd surpass her expectations. She might doubt him, criticize him, but he would show her that her choice hadn't been in vain.
Late that night, as Li Yan lay in bed, exhausted but unable to sleep, he overheard Old Bai's voice murmuring softly from the next room. Curious, he edged closer to the wall, listening carefully. Old Bai was speaking to himself, his tone contemplative, almost regretful.
"Feiyan," he murmured, the words barely audible. "I hope he lives up to your legacy. If he falters… if he cannot handle it…"
Li Yan felt a pang of unease. It was rare for Old Bai to show any doubt, but the quiet tone in his voice was unmistakable. It was as if he were acknowledging a possibility he'd tried to ignore—that Li Yan might not be able to carry Feiyan's flame as he'd hoped.
For a moment, Li Yan's heart sank. Had Old Bai always doubted him? Had he been nothing more than a temporary vessel, a placeholder until someone better came along? The realization stung, but it also filled him with a grim resolve. If his grandfather's loyalty truly lay with Feiyan above all else, then he would show him, too, that he was worthy.
Li Yan returned to his mat, lying awake with his thoughts churning. He had always respected Old Bai, trusted him. But now he saw a shadow of something darker in his grandfather's devotion—a willingness to sacrifice, even if it meant letting go of the one person he called family.
But that was fine. If the world thought he was unworthy, if even Feiyan doubted him, he would push himself beyond those doubts. He would make them see his strength, make them understand that he wasn't just another bearer of Feiyan's flame. He was Li Yan—and he would forge his own path, with or without their approval.
And so, as the days stretched into weeks, Li Yan threw himself into his training with a new fervor. He learned to blend his intelligence with the flame, approaching each lesson with a calculated mind rather than raw emotion. He grew accustomed to Feiyan's barbed remarks, letting her criticism fuel his progress rather than hinder it. He studied Old Bai's teachings with a hunger, extracting every bit of knowledge he could and using it to strengthen his bond with the flame.
The path was far from easy, and there were days when he questioned himself, when the weight of Feiyan's expectations felt like a burden he could barely carry. But each time, he reminded himself of his promise—to prove himself, not just to Feiyan, but to everyone who had doubted him. He would show them all.
After another grueling day of practice, Li Yan sat cross-legged on the worn mat, struggling to tame the flame within him. Every attempt at cultivating Qi felt like a battle with a force that resisted him at every turn. He was beginning to doubt whether he'd ever manage to reach any real level of control.
Then, Feiyan's voice echoed in his mind, laced with both impatience and irritation.
"Are you truly this hopeless?" she scoffed, her tone sharp. "Watching you flounder is almost painful. I chose you for your potential, yet here you are, stumbling over the simplest steps."
Li Yan clenched his fists, taking a steadying breath before speaking through gritted teeth. "It's not easy, you know. Maybe instead of criticizing, you could actually help."
Feiyan went quiet, as if considering his words, before replying in a tone that was less biting, though still skeptical. "Very well. I didn't think I'd need to reveal this so early, but if you're truly struggling, I'll grant you a technique meant only for those who carry my essence. This is called the Breath of the Phoenix Ascendant—a method unique to my chosen, and unlike any Qi Gathering you've known."
Li Yan raised an eyebrow, curiosity briefly overshadowing his frustration. "The Breath of the Phoenix Ascendant?"
"Yes," Feiyan replied, her tone unyielding. "It's not about forcing Qi into submission. You are not its master. You must learn to become a beacon, to welcome it rather than control it. With each breath, invite the world's energy to come to you, but do not force it. Let it blend with my flame naturally."
Closing his eyes, Li Yan followed her guidance. Instead of reaching for the Qi around him, he imagined his flame as a gentle light within his chest, extending an invitation for the Qi to join it. He took slow, even breaths, each one allowing the flame to grow in a subtle, harmonious way, the Qi merging with his spirit effortlessly.
For a brief moment, the energy within him felt balanced—stable, even—something he hadn't managed to achieve before.
"Better," Feiyan murmured, though her tone remained skeptical. "Do not think this means you're suddenly competent. You have far to go, but at least now you're beginning to understand."
Li Yan opened his eyes, a glimmer of pride flickering within him. Despite Feiyan's rough attitude, the technique felt like a true breakthrough.
Old Bai watched him closely, a faint smile on his face. "You've found a new approach, haven't you?" he asked, not knowing the exact technique but recognizing the calmness in Li Yan's energy. "Your Qi feels more… aligned."
Li Yan nodded, carefully considering how to explain it without giving away too much. He knew that the Breath of the Phoenix Ascendant was Feiyan's unique gift and that Old Bai, despite his knowledge, wouldn't have heard of it before.
"Yes," he said slowly. "It's a different way of connecting with the Qi, less about forcing it and more about… inviting it to work with me."
Old Bai's gaze held a hint of respect. "That sounds like the influence of Feiyan's flame," he said thoughtfully. "Her power has always been unique, far from the conventional teachings of cultivation. Remember, Li Yan, that flame has its own will. Approach it with humility, as you would a partnership."
Li Yan took his grandfather's words to heart, though he kept Feiyan's guidance as his own secret. This technique—the Breath of the Phoenix Ascendant—felt like the first real step in proving himself to her. She'd granted him this chance, and he wouldn't let it go to waste.
Li Yan's breaths came steadily now, each one drawing Qi that merged effortlessly with the flame within him. This time, there was no wild resistance, no flaring heat that threatened to burn him from the inside. The flame in his chest pulsed with a steady warmth, responding to his careful breaths instead of his old, clumsy attempts to control it by force.
His eyes closed, Li Yan focused on each breath, sinking deeper into the rhythm of the Breath of the Phoenix Ascendant. With every inhale, he imagined his flame as a beacon, quietly inviting the Qi around him to come forward, to blend naturally with the flame. Each exhale released any tension, allowing the Qi to settle without disruption. For the first time, the energy flowed to him willingly, harmonizing with the fire in his core.
Feiyan's voice echoed in his mind, her tone grudging but less biting. "You're beginning to understand," she said. "But don't grow complacent. This is only the first step. My flame is not easily tamed."
Li Yan's pulse quickened, though he kept his expression calm. For the first time, he felt like he was truly cultivating, drawing strength into his body with the flame's cooperation. Old Bai had taught him the basics, but this felt different—like he was unlocking something rare, something that went beyond his grandfather's teachings.
The Qi pooled in his dantian, a well of warmth that radiated through him. He could feel the flame in his chest brightening, its glow intensifying as it mingled with his spirit. This was Qi Gathering, the stage that marked the beginning of a cultivator's true journey.
Li Yan opened his eyes, a quiet pride settling over him. He had done it—he'd found a way to connect with the flame, to harness it without fighting against it. But he kept his excitement in check, knowing Feiyan's approval was as distant as ever.
Across the room, Old Bai observed him, his gaze sharp and inquisitive. "You've entered Qi Gathering, haven't you?" he asked, though there was a note of something deeper, almost as if he sensed an unfamiliar quality in Li Yan's energy.
"Yes, Grandfather," Li Yan replied, keeping his tone even. "It feels… different, like the flame is finally working with me instead of against me."
Old Bai nodded slowly, his gaze narrowing slightly. "It's Feiyan's flame, Li Yan. It will demand more than the usual cultivation methods. But you seem to have found a way to align with it… even if I don't quite understand how."
Li Yan tensed slightly, careful to keep his expression neutral. He wasn't sure how much to reveal. The Breath of the Phoenix Ascendant felt private, a technique Feiyan had granted him alone, something even Old Bai didn't know about.
"Good," Feiyan's voice murmured in his mind, her tone a mix of pride and skepticism. "Keep it that way. My flame is not a secret to be shared freely. This technique is for you alone. Let him see your strength, but not your methods."
He nodded inwardly, acknowledging her words. "It's… something that came to me as I practiced," he said, choosing his words carefully. "It's less about forcing the flame and more about… inviting it."
Old Bai's eyebrows rose slightly, but he gave no indication of suspicion. Instead, his eyes held a gleam of approval, though he looked at Li Yan with a new kind of curiosity. "Interesting," he said slowly, his voice thoughtful. "You've found a way to harmonize with it, then. That's rare… but promising."
Li Yan gave a slight nod, hiding the flicker of satisfaction that surged within him. Feiyan's technique remained his secret, something only he could access, and he felt a strange pride in the privacy of it. This was his connection to the flame—something even Old Bai, with all his knowledge, couldn't understand.
As he continued breathing, Li Yan felt a new sense of calm settle over him. Each breath drew Qi into his core, merging it with Feiyan's flame in a way that felt both natural and powerful. He was aware of his progress, but there was no rush to push further, no need for grand declarations. He simply focused, letting the energy settle, his body adjusting to the warmth that now filled him.
Old Bai, watching from his place across the room, seemed satisfied but said nothing more. For the first time, Li Yan could feel the weight of his grandfather's silent approval—a quiet acknowledgment that he'd taken his first real steps in the world of cultivation. There was still a long path ahead, but this was enough for now.