The next morning, the jade pendant pulsed with urgency, guiding Lin Tian and his companions deeper into the valley. The air grew hotter with every step, and soon they found themselves before a massive chasm filled with molten lava. At its center floated a glowing, fiery orb—the Spirit Flame.
"This is the next piece of your inheritance," Xia Ling said, her voice tinged with awe. "The Spirit Flame is one of the purest sources of elemental power, but it's also the most volatile. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
"I don't have a choice," Lin Tian replied, stepping forward. "If I don't grow stronger, none of us will survive."
As Lin Tian approached the edge, a fiery beast emerged from the chasm—a phoenix made of living flames. Its screech was deafening, and its presence exuded both majesty and danger.
"This is your trial," Xia Ling explained. "The phoenix guards the Spirit Flame. To claim it, you must prove yourself worthy."
Lin Tian wasted no time, launching himself into battle. The heat was overwhelming, but the Dragon's Scales shielded him from the worst of it. The phoenix's attacks were swift and deadly, each strike a whirlwind of fire and fury.
From the sidelines, Zhao Yue and Su Lan watched anxiously, their hands clenched in silent prayer. Even Xia Ling seemed tense, her usual composure faltering as the battle raged on.
Lin Tian gritted his teeth, his golden aura flaring as he unleashed the Dragon's Breath. The flames collided with the phoenix's, creating a blinding explosion. When the dust settled, Lin Tian stood victorious, the Spirit Flame now encased in his palm.