The days following Yan Rui's foray into alchemy were grueling but rewarding. Between refining pills, training his Flame Foundation Breathing Technique, and enduring Zhao Yi's relentless drills, he found himself growing stronger in ways he hadn't imagined. Each step forward, however, brought new challenges, and the Flameborne Sect was not a place that tolerated stagnation.
One morning, the sect announced a major event that sent a ripple of excitement through the disciples: the Inferno Trials, a rite of passage designed to test the strength, resourcefulness, and willpower of outer disciples.
Yan Rui sat with Fei Yue near the training grounds as the announcement was read. Zhao Yi stood at the front of the gathered group, his sharp eyes scanning their faces.
"The Inferno Trials are a test of survival and growth," he explained. "Those who perform well will earn their place among the ranked outer disciples. Fail, and you will remain at the bottom—or worse, be expelled from the sect."
Murmurs spread among the disciples. The prospect of climbing the ranks was enticing, but the threat of failure loomed heavily.
"The trials will begin in three days," Zhao Yi continued. "Prepare yourselves. You will be sent to the Ember Wilds, a forest teeming with spirit beasts and natural hazards. Your task is to gather Ember Hearts—crystalline cores that form within the bodies of certain beasts—and return with at least three. You will be judged not only on how many you collect but also on your conduct during the trial."
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That evening, Yan Rui returned to his quarters, his mind racing. The Ember Wilds were notorious for their dangers, and while he had faced challenges before, this would be his most difficult test yet.
Fei Yue appeared at his door, leaning against the frame. "Nervous?"
"Not really," Yan Rui lied, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed him.
Fei Yue chuckled. "You should be. The Ember Wilds aren't forgiving. The spirit beasts there are far stronger than anything you've faced so far."
"I'll manage," Yan Rui said, meeting her gaze.
She studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. Just remember—don't trust anyone too easily during the trials. The competition will bring out the worst in people."
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The three days passed quickly, and soon the outer disciples stood at the edge of the Ember Wilds, their expressions a mix of excitement and apprehension. The forest stretched before them, its trees glowing faintly with ember-like veins. The air was thick with heat, and the distant roars of spirit beasts echoed through the canopy.
Zhao Yi addressed the group one final time. "You will have three days to complete the trial. Return with your Ember Hearts before the sun sets on the third day. Those who fail to do so will be disqualified. Good luck."
With that, the disciples were sent into the forest, their footsteps swallowed by the dense undergrowth.
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Yan Rui moved cautiously, his senses on high alert. The Ember Wilds were alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant growls, and every shadow seemed to conceal a potential threat.
He followed a narrow path that led deeper into the forest, his wooden sword at the ready. As he walked, he activated the Flame Foundation Breathing Technique, allowing the fiery Qi to flow through his body. The technique not only heightened his senses but also helped him endure the oppressive heat of the forest.
Hours passed before he encountered his first spirit beast—a Flame-Tusk Boar. The creature was massive, its tusks glowing with fiery energy. It pawed the ground, snorting as it prepared to charge.
Yan Rui tightened his grip on his sword, his mind racing. The boar was stronger than any opponent he had faced so far, but he couldn't afford to retreat. He needed the Ember Heart that lay within its body.
The boar charged, its tusks aimed straight at him. Yan Rui sidestepped at the last moment, narrowly avoiding the attack. He countered with a swift strike to its flank, but the beast's thick hide absorbed most of the blow.
The fight continued, the boar's relentless attacks forcing Yan Rui to rely on his speed and agility. Each time the beast charged, he dodged and struck, gradually wearing it down. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he landed a decisive blow to its neck, severing its artery.
The boar let out a final roar before collapsing. Yan Rui knelt beside the corpse, using his blade to cut into its chest. Within moments, he extracted the Ember Heart—a glowing red crystal pulsing with fiery energy.
"One down," he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow.
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As night fell, Yan Rui found a small clearing where he could rest. He built a fire using the glowing embers scattered across the forest floor and sat with his back against a tree.
The day had been exhausting, but he couldn't afford to let his guard down. The Ember Wilds were even more dangerous at night, and he knew other disciples might try to steal his Ember Heart if given the chance.
As he stared into the fire, his thoughts drifted to the path he had chosen. The Flameborne Sect was a crucible, designed to forge disciples into warriors—or destroy them in the process. Yan Rui clenched his fists, determination burning in his chest.
He would survive. No matter what it took, he would rise above the challenges and claim his place among the strong.
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The next morning, Yan Rui continued his search for Ember Hearts. Along the way, he encountered more spirit beasts—each battle pushing him to his limits. He used every ounce of his strength and cunning, relying on the Ember Vein Constitution to sustain him through the grueling fights.
By the end of the second day, he had collected two more Ember Hearts, bringing his total to three. But the forest was unforgiving, and he had barely slept or eaten. His body ached, and his Qi reserves were nearly depleted.
As he prepared to return to the sect, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching. He turned, his sword at the ready, to see a group of three disciples emerge from the trees.
"Hand over your Ember Hearts," one of them demanded, his eyes glinting with malice. "You've done the hard work—now it's time for us to reap the rewards."
Yan Rui tightened his grip on his sword, his heart pounding. He was outnumbered, but he refused to back down.
"If you want them," he said, his voice steady, "come and take them."
The disciples charged, and the forest erupted into chaos.
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