Chapter Ten: Trial by Fire - Endurance

"Arrgh! My body is on fire! I'm in so much pain!" a young boy's voice echoed, the distress evident in his cries. He was literally being cooked inside a cauldron, his struggle apparent to anyone who heard.

Meanwhile, a golden-haired man sat on a mat, a sly smile playing on his lips as he leisurely sipped his wine. He observed the scene before him with an air of detached amusement.

"Brat, endure it. Is this how you want to become the Spear Emperor with beauties everywhere?" the man's voice cut through the boy's anguished cries. "If you can't even handle this bit of pain, then you probably aren't fit to become the Spear Emperor," he added, his tone a mixture of challenge and mockery.

Inside the cauldron, Li Wei's clenched fists trembled as he fought to withstand the searing pain that engulfed him. His body felt like it was being consumed by flames, every fiber of his being screaming out for relief. But beneath the agony, a stubborn resolve burned in his eyes.

"This bastard's probably trying to get back at me," Li Wei thought, gritting his teeth against the pain. "Just wait till I come out."

Long San's smirk remained intact as he observed Li Wei's struggle. He knew that enduring this trial was crucial to unlocking the potential of the Primordial Fiend Body Technique. He leaned back against his mat, swirling the wine in his goblet, his eyes fixed on the cauldron.

Minutes turned into an eternity for Li Wei, each second a battle against the excruciating pain. As the flames roared around him, he closed his eyes and focused on his breath, attempting to find a semblance of peace amid the torment.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the pain began to subside. Li Wei's body felt like it had been through a crucible, but he had endured. The flames receded, and the cauldron's lid was lifted, revealing Li Wei's sweat-soaked and disheveled form.

Li Wei staggered out of the cauldron, his legs trembling beneath him. He took a few shaky steps before collapsing onto the ground. Gasping for breath, he cast a glare at Long San, his eyes a mix of exhaustion and determination.

"Brat, you've shown promise," Long San said, a hint of approval in his voice. "Endurance is key to mastering the Primordial Fiend Body Technique. And remember, this is only the beginning."

Li Wei's chest heaved as he nodded, his resolve unshaken despite the ordeal he had just endured. He was one step closer to becoming the Spear Emperor.