The Flameborne Sect's outer disciples, numbering in the hundreds, were the lifeblood of the sect. They were the foundation upon which the lofty heights of the sect rested. However, the path of an outer disciple was one fraught with challenges, cutthroat competition, and endless struggles. Yan Rui, despite the startling revelation of his Ember Vein Constitution, was no exception to these harsh realities.
The training grounds of the sect sprawled beneath the towering pagodas of the main hall, surrounded by the fiery streams of molten lava that marked the sect's territory. New disciples gathered in groups, their robes still crisp and untainted by the grueling trials that awaited them. Elder Xuan, the crimson-haired figure who had brought them to the sect, stood before them like an immovable mountain. His gaze swept over the crowd, lingering briefly on Yan Rui, before addressing them with a voice as sharp as a blade.
"Listen well," Elder Xuan began, his voice resonating across the training field. "The Flameborne Sect does not nurture the weak. Here, strength is your only currency, and progress is your only guarantee of survival. Those who stagnate will be cast out. Those who falter will be left behind. Remember this: mediocrity is death."
The elder's words sent a shiver through the new recruits. Yan Rui, standing among them in his ill-fitting robe, clenched his fists. He had not come this far to remain at the bottom. He would carve his name into the annals of the sect, no matter how long it took.
After the elder's speech, the recruits were divided into smaller groups of ten, each assigned a senior disciple as their overseer. Yan Rui found himself in Group Seven, alongside familiar faces like Lin Zhan, who glared at him with undisguised contempt, and new ones like Fei Yue, a sharp-eyed girl with an air of quiet confidence, and Liu Qiang, a reserved boy who seemed to avoid drawing attention to himself.
"Group Seven," a voice called out, drawing their attention to a stern-faced man standing nearby. "I am Senior Disciple Zhao Yi, and I will oversee your training. Make no mistake—your success or failure reflects upon me, and I do not tolerate incompetence."
Zhao Yi's eyes swept over the group, his gaze lingering briefly on Yan Rui before moving on. "Your first task," he continued, "is to cultivate in the Inferno Cavern. It is a place rich in fire-attributed spiritual energy, but do not underestimate its dangers. The cavern's searing heat and chaotic energy have broken many disciples. Survive, and you will strengthen your foundation. Falter, and you will be burned away."
The Inferno Cavern was a natural hotbed of spiritual energy located deep beneath the sect. It was said that the cavern's flames were remnants of an ancient fire beast that once roamed the mountain. Now, the sect used it as a proving ground for new disciples.
As Group Seven made their way toward the cavern, tension crackled in the air. Lin Zhan, walking just behind Yan Rui, couldn't resist sneering. "You should stay behind, cripple. The Inferno Cavern isn't a place for someone with a shattered dantian."
Yan Rui didn't respond. He had long grown used to such remarks. Instead, he focused on the path ahead, his mind steeling itself for the challenge to come.
Fei Yue, walking beside him, glanced his way. "You're surprisingly calm," she remarked. "Most would be trembling at the thought of entering the cavern."
Yan Rui shrugged. "Fear won't help me survive. Besides, I have no choice but to move forward."
Fei Yue nodded, a hint of respect flickering in her eyes. "Good answer. Just don't get yourself killed."
The entrance to the Inferno Cavern loomed before them, a jagged maw that exhaled waves of heat. As they stepped inside, the temperature rose sharply, and the air grew thick with spiritual energy. Flames danced along the walls, casting flickering shadows that seemed almost alive.
Zhao Yi led them to a circular chamber deep within the cavern. "This will be your training ground," he announced. "You will sit here and cultivate for six hours. Absorb the energy around you, temper your bodies, and awaken your potential. But be warned—the flames here are not passive. They will test your resolve. Fail, and you may not leave this cavern alive."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. Even Lin Zhan, who had been so boastful earlier, seemed unnerved. But Yan Rui's eyes burned with determination. He had endured years of ridicule and hardship—this was just another trial.
Zhao Yi gestured for them to begin. One by one, the disciples sat cross-legged on the scorching ground, their eyes closed as they focused on their breathing. Yan Rui did the same, feeling the heat seep into his body. At first, it was unbearable, like being enveloped in a furnace. But as he concentrated, he felt something shift within him.
The Ember Vein Constitution that Elder Xuan had mentioned began to stir. A faint warmth spread through his veins, different from the oppressive heat of the cavern. It was a controlled flame, pulsing with a rhythm that matched his heartbeat. Following his instincts, Yan Rui guided this energy, allowing it to merge with the spiritual energy in the cavern.
Time seemed to blur as he cultivated. The searing pain became a dull ache, then a distant sensation. He could feel his body changing, the impurities within him being burned away. His breathing grew steadier, his mind sharper.
When Zhao Yi finally called for them to stop, Yan Rui opened his eyes, his body drenched in sweat but his gaze filled with newfound clarity. Around him, the other disciples were in varying states of exhaustion. Lin Zhan looked pale, his arrogance dampened. Fei Yue and Liu Qiang seemed composed, though both were visibly tired.
Zhao Yi's sharp eyes scanned the group, lingering on Yan Rui. "Not bad," he said, though his tone gave nothing away. "You've taken your first step, but this is only the beginning. The path of cultivation is long and unforgiving. Those who cannot keep up will be left behind."
As they left the cavern, Yan Rui felt a flicker of hope. He had survived the first trial, but he knew this was just the start. The road ahead would be filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them.
For the first time in his life, he felt like he belonged—not as a nameless orphan from Ember Village, but as a cultivator walking the path of the Eternal Flame.
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