The aftermath of the Inferno Trials marked a turning point for Yan Rui. Though still an outer disciple, his performance during the trial—especially bringing back five Ember Hearts—earned him recognition among both his peers and the sect elders. Whispers of his potential spread through the sect like wildfire.
But with recognition came new dangers.
One evening, as Yan Rui trained in a secluded corner of the sect grounds, he heard the soft crunch of footsteps behind him. He turned, gripping his wooden sword tightly, only to see a familiar figure emerge from the shadows.
Fei Yue crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "You're becoming popular, you know," she said.
Yan Rui relaxed slightly but kept his guard up. "I didn't ask for popularity."
"That doesn't matter," Fei Yue replied. "You've painted a target on your back. People don't like it when someone climbs too quickly, especially from the bottom."
Yan Rui frowned. "Are you saying I should hold back?"
She smirked. "Not at all. But you should be prepared. Ambition is a double-edged sword."
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The next few days were tense. Yan Rui noticed the subtle changes in how others treated him. Some disciples greeted him with newfound respect, while others glared at him with open hostility.
One morning, Zhao Yi summoned him to the training grounds. The instructor's stern face gave nothing away as Yan Rui approached.
"Yan Rui," Zhao Yi began, "your performance in the Inferno Trials was commendable, but your growth has not gone unnoticed by the inner sect. The elders have decided to give you an opportunity to prove yourself further."
Yan Rui's heart quickened. "What kind of opportunity?"
"A mission," Zhao Yi said, handing him a jade slip. "You'll be sent to investigate reports of spirit beasts attacking a nearby village. It's a dangerous task, but if you succeed, it will solidify your standing among the outer disciples."
Yan Rui accepted the jade slip, bowing respectfully. "I won't fail."
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The mission took Yan Rui to the outskirts of the sect's territory, a small village nestled at the base of a mountain range. The villagers greeted him with a mix of hope and desperation, their faces worn with fear.
"The attacks started a week ago," an elder explained. "At first, it was just livestock, but now... they've taken people."
Yan Rui listened carefully, piecing together the details. The spirit beasts seemed to strike at night, their glowing red eyes haunting the villagers' dreams.
That night, Yan Rui stood at the edge of the village, his senses on high alert. The moon cast a pale glow over the landscape, and the air was heavy with tension.
Hours passed, and just as Yan Rui began to think the night would pass uneventfully, he heard a low growl.
From the shadows emerged a pack of Shadowfang Wolves, their sleek black fur blending seamlessly with the darkness. Their eyes glowed an eerie crimson, and their movements were unnaturally fast.
Yan Rui drew his wooden sword, channeling the Flame Foundation Breathing Technique. The blade glowed faintly as he took a defensive stance.
The first wolf lunged at him, its fangs bared. Yan Rui sidestepped and slashed downward, the fiery energy of his sword cutting through the beast's side. It yelped and fell, but the others showed no hesitation, circling him like predators stalking prey.
Yan Rui fought with precision, his movements honed by countless hours of training. He dodged, parried, and counterattacked, each strike imbued with fiery Qi. One by one, the wolves fell, but their numbers seemed endless.
Just as he began to tire, a deep, guttural roar echoed through the night. From the darkness emerged a massive wolf, easily twice the size of the others. Its eyes burned with malevolence, and its fur seemed to ripple like shadows given form.
"A Shadowfang Alpha," Yan Rui muttered, his grip tightening on his sword.
The Alpha wasted no time, charging at him with incredible speed. Yan Rui barely managed to block the first strike, the force of the impact sending him skidding backward.
He steadied himself, focusing his Qi into his sword. The Ember Vein Constitution thrummed within him, amplifying his power. With a battle cry, he charged, meeting the Alpha head-on.
The clash was brutal. The Alpha's claws slashed at him with deadly precision, but Yan Rui's fiery strikes kept the beast at bay. Their battle lit up the night, the glow of Yan Rui's Qi illuminating the village outskirts.
Finally, with a powerful upward slash, Yan Rui struck the Alpha's chest, his blade cutting deep. The beast let out a final howl before collapsing to the ground.
Yan Rui stood over its body, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. The remaining wolves, sensing their leader's defeat, fled into the night.
---
The villagers celebrated his victory, their fear replaced with gratitude. The village elder presented Yan Rui with a small token—a piece of Spirit Jade—as thanks.
"This may be small," the elder said, "but it's all we have. You've saved us."
Yan Rui accepted the gift humbly, his thoughts already drifting back to the sect. The mission had been a success, but it was only the beginning.
---
When Yan Rui returned to the Flameborne Sect, he was summoned to the elders' hall. The room was vast, its walls lined with intricate carvings depicting the sect's history.
Elder Han, a stern man with a long beard, regarded Yan Rui with a piercing gaze. "You've proven yourself once again, Yan Rui," he said. "Your actions have not only protected the sect's reputation but also demonstrated your potential."
Yan Rui bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Han. I only wish to grow stronger."
The elder nodded. "Then you shall be given the opportunity. From this day forward, you are no longer just an outer disciple. You have earned the right to compete for a place among the inner disciples."
The announcement sent a ripple of shock through the hall. Yan Rui's heart raced, but he kept his composure.
"Thank you, Elder," he said, his voice steady.
As he left the hall, Fei Yue was waiting for him outside, her arms crossed and a knowing smile on her lips.
"You just don't stop, do you?" she teased.
Yan Rui shrugged. "If I stop, I'll get left behind."
Fei Yue chuckled. "Good answer. But don't forget—climbing higher only means the fall will hurt more. Be ready for what's coming."
Yan Rui nodded, determination burning in his eyes. The path to the inner sect would be fraught with challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on.
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