The domain shifted, its flames rising higher as the Fire Flower's spirit hovered above, her form shimmering like molten gold. The path to the flower became steep and unstable, with the stairs cracking under the pressure of immense spiritual energy.
"To claim the Fire Flower, one must face their own soul," the spirit's voice echoed, resonating deep within the hearts of those present.
The Race Begins
Xiao Feng, Chen Hao, Zhang Kai, and Fang Yi all locked their gazes on the Fire Flower perched atop the final staircase. A crimson glow surrounded it, and its petals flickered like living flames. Each step toward it felt heavier, as though unseen forces weighed them down.
"Go!" Chen Hao shouted, charging forward with his sword.
Zhang Kai, though wounded, scrambled to his feet, refusing to be left behind. "The flower belongs to me!" he snarled, dashing up the stairs with Fang Yi close behind.
Xiao Feng stood still for a moment, his unseeing eyes tilted upward. "Lei Long, guide me," he whispered.
The spirit of the lightning dragon surged within him, and Xiao Feng's steps became firm and swift, matching his competitors as they raced toward the summit.
The Trial Revealed
As they climbed, the flames around the stairs began to change. The fire turned from a glowing gold to a deep red, and suddenly, visions emerged within the flames. Each warrior froze as the trial struck at their hearts.
Zhang Kai saw his greatest fear—a future where he was powerless, humiliated before those he had once defeated. His enemies mocked him, their laughter echoing louder with every step.
"No!" Zhang Kai roared, slashing at the air. "I will not be weak!"
Fang Yi staggered, his dark aura flickering. In the flames, he saw himself abandoned and alone, a shadow cast aside by the world. His companions' voices taunted him, whispering of his insignificance.
"I don't need anyone!" Fang Yi shouted, clutching his head.
Chen Hao's face grew pale as the flames revealed his worst memory: the death of his brother, slain before his eyes while he was powerless to help. Blood covered his hands.
"I couldn't save him…" Chen Hao whispered, trembling. His sword dipped as his resolve wavered.
Xiao Feng stepped forward, the visions swirling around him. He saw flames whispering of his blindness, his inability to see the world others took for granted. The voices laughed at his weakness, taunting him with the limitations of his condition.
"You are nothing. You are broken. You will always be in darkness."
Xiao Feng's grip on his flute tightened. Lei Long's voice echoed softly in his mind.
"Your strength lies not in your sight, but in your heart. Do not waver."
Xiao Feng straightened, the firelight reflecting off his calm face. "A blind man I may be, but my path is clearer than yours."
The voices fell silent. The flames around Xiao Feng flickered, then parted, revealing the clear path ahead.
Chen Hao's Resolve
Behind him, Chen Hao fell to one knee, still trapped in his vision. Xiao Feng turned, his voice steady and resolute.
"Chen Hao!"
Chen Hao looked up, sweat beading on his face. "I can't do this. I failed before. I let him die…"
Xiao Feng walked toward him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "The past doesn't define you. It's what you choose to do now that matters."
Chen Hao stared at Xiao Feng, seeing his calm, unwavering expression. The weight on his shoulders began to lift.
"You're right," Chen Hao whispered, rising to his feet. "I won't let this stop me." His grip on his sword tightened, and he took a deep breath. The flames around him receded, clearing his path.
"Let's end this together, Xiao Feng."
The Final Ascent
Zhang Kai and Fang Yi clawed their way up the stairs, their faces twisted with anger and desperation.
"I won't let you win!" Zhang Kai screamed, his sword blazing with dark energy as he charged toward the summit.
Xiao Feng and Chen Hao surged ahead, their steps perfectly in sync. Lei Long's lightning spiraled around Xiao Feng, shattering obstacles in their path, while Chen Hao's sword slashed through the flames with unrelenting force.
The summit drew closer, and the Fire Flower's petals shone like burning stars. Zhang Kai lunged forward, reaching for the flower.
"IT'S MINE!"
Before he could touch it, a massive wave of pressure exploded outward. The spirit of the Fire Flower appeared once more, her golden form radiant and unyielding.
"The unworthy shall not claim me!"
Zhang Kai's body was thrown backward, crashing onto the steps below. Fang Yi stumbled and fell beside him, his power drained.
Xiao Feng and Chen Hao stopped just short of the Fire Flower, their breath heavy but their resolve unbroken.
The spirit looked down at them, her glowing eyes studying their souls.
"One of you must prove your worth. Show me strength, but also heart. Only then shall I grant my blessing."
The Final Test
Chen Hao looked at Xiao Feng, his expression conflicted. "Xiao Feng… take it. You've earned it."
Xiao Feng shook his head. "We face this together."
The spirit's eyes gleamed, and the final trial began. Flames erupted around them as the Fire Flower rose higher into the air, surrounded by a vortex of fiery energy.
"Hold on!" Chen Hao shouted, shielding his face from the heat.
Xiao Feng raised the Beast Caller's Flute to his lips. The haunting melody cut through the storm, calming the flames as Lei Long roared to life, its crackling energy piercing the vortex.
Chen Hao charged into the storm, his sword blazing with his inner energy. "For strength, for the future!" he cried, striking at the fiery barrier.
The combined force of Xiao Feng's melody and Chen Hao's blade shattered the storm, and the Fire Flower floated gently down between them.
The spirit's voice echoed softly, filled with approval.
"You have proven yourselves. Take the Fire Flower, and let its blessing guide your path."
Xiao Feng turned to Chen Hao. "You take it."
Chen Hao smiled, shaking his head. "No, Xiao Feng. You've led us here. The flower is yours."
Xiao Feng hesitated, then stepped forward. As his fingers touched the Fire Flower, a wave of power surged through him. Lei Long's presence resonated stronger than ever, and Xiao Feng felt his inner mana expand, the energy settling deep within his soul.
The Fire Flower's petals glowed brightly, then faded into Xiao Feng's hand, leaving behind a faint, golden mark.
The Aftermath
Zhang Kai and Fang Yi groaned, watching in disbelief as Xiao Feng and Chen Hao stood victorious.
"How… how could we lose to him?" Zhang Kai muttered.
Chen Hao turned toward them, his gaze cold. "Strength isn't just about power. It's about heart, and you'll never understand that."
Xiao Feng nodded silently, his unseeing eyes fixed forward. "The flower chose me, but this is only the beginning."
The Fire Flower's spirit faded, and the domain's flames began to dim. The trial was over, but Xiao Feng knew their journey had only just begun.
Beyond the Shadowed Abyss, greater challenges awaited.