Chapter 7: The Prodigy’s Challenge

Chapter 7: The Prodigy's Challenge

The Flamewind Sect buzzed with excitement following the Blazing Tide trials. Whispers of Li Tian's control over the Lingering Flame spread like wildfire, his name now recognized alongside the sect's most promising talents. But not all attention was welcome.

Wei Jun, the sect's prodigy and favorite of the elders, watched Tian with an intensity that made his intentions clear. To him, Tian was a threat to his carefully cultivated position—a spark that needed to be extinguished before it could grow into a blaze.

It was only a matter of time before that tension boiled over.

The Confrontation

Tian was in the practice fields the next afternoon, practicing the flame-guided strikes Master Zhao had assigned him. The exercises were repetitive but necessary to improve his focus.

"Not bad for a beginner," a voice drawled behind him.

Tian turned to see Wei Jun, his golden robes immaculate, his hands tucked casually behind his back. A small crowd of disciples gathered, sensing an impending confrontation.

"What do you want?" Tian asked, keeping his tone neutral.

Wei Jun smirked. "You're the talk of the sect now. The boy from nowhere, wielding the Lingering Flame. But let's not kid ourselves—you're out of your depth."

Tian's jaw tightened. "If you're here to prove a point, just say it."

"I am," Wei Jun said, his smile fading. "A flame that burns too brightly too soon will consume itself. Let me show you what happens to sparks that think they're infernos."

The crowd murmured, some excited, others concerned. Challenges like this were unofficial but not uncommon in the sect.

Wei Jun raised his hand, summoning a circle of golden flames that danced around him. "Do you accept, or will you let the embers die before they ignite?"

Tian hesitated. He knew Wei Jun wasn't just strong—he was leagues ahead in skill and cultivation. But backing down would only confirm the doubts whispered by others.

"I accept," Tian said, stepping forward.

A Battle of Flames

The practice field cleared as the disciples formed a wide circle around the two combatants. Feng Yan appeared beside Tian, whispering urgently. "Are you insane? Wei Jun's not just stronger—he's ruthless. Don't let your pride get you killed."

"It's not pride," Tian said quietly, meeting Wei Jun's piercing gaze. "It's survival."

The elder overseeing the field nodded, signaling the start of the duel.

Wei Jun struck first, his golden flames lashing out like a serpent. Tian barely dodged, feeling the heat singe his robes. He countered with a burst of his Lingering Flame, but Wei Jun deflected it with ease, his movements precise and fluid.

"Pathetic," Wei Jun taunted, sending a spiraling inferno toward Tian.

Tian raised his arms, summoning the burning lotus within him. The Lingering Flame surged outward, forming a barrier that absorbed the attack. The crowd gasped, impressed by the display.

Wei Jun's smirk faltered. "So, you do have some control. Let's see how far it goes."

He unleashed a barrage of golden fireballs, forcing Tian to dodge and defend in rapid succession. Each movement drained his energy, and his barriers began to falter.

"Focus," Tian muttered to himself, recalling Master Zhao's lessons. The flame responds to your will.

When the next fireball came, Tian didn't dodge. Instead, he stepped into the attack, channeling the Lingering Flame to envelop his body. The golden fire scorched his arms but was quickly consumed by his own flames.

The crowd erupted in cheers, but Tian didn't let it distract him. He pushed forward, launching a wave of fire that forced Wei Jun back.

The Turning Point

Wei Jun's expression darkened, and the air around him grew heavy with heat. "You're stubborn. I'll give you that. But this ends now."

He clasped his hands together, summoning a massive sphere of golden fire that pulsed with energy. The ground beneath them cracked as the sphere grew, its light blinding.

Tian's heart pounded. He knew he couldn't match that kind of power directly. But he didn't need to.

Closing his eyes, he centered himself. The burning lotus bloomed in his mind, its petals radiating calm strength. The Lingering Flame swirled around him, forming a small but intense flame in his palm.

As Wei Jun released the sphere, Tian thrust his flame forward. It shot out like an arrow, small and focused, cutting through the larger attack with precision.

Wei Jun's sphere exploded in midair, the shockwave knocking both combatants to the ground.

When the dust settled, Tian struggled to his feet, his body trembling. Wei Jun remained on one knee, his face a mixture of disbelief and anger.

"You... blocked it?" Wei Jun growled.

Tian met his gaze, standing tall despite his exhaustion. "The size of the flame doesn't matter. Only its purpose."

Aftermath

The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement drowning out the tension. Feng Yan rushed to Tian's side, helping him stay upright.

"That was insane," Yan said, grinning. "Reckless, but insane."

Wei Jun stood, brushing the dust off his robes. Without a word, he turned and walked away, his back stiff with suppressed fury.

As the crowd dispersed, Master Zhao appeared at the edge of the field, his expression unreadable. "A bold display," he said, his voice low. "But do not mistake survival for victory. You are still far from mastering the Lingering Flame."

"I understand," Tian said, bowing deeply.

Zhao nodded, his gaze lingering on Tian for a moment longer before walking away.

A New Rivalry

That night, Tian sat in the gardens, the events of the day replaying in his mind. The duel had been a narrow escape, but it was clear that Wei Jun would not let the matter rest.

As the stars twinkled overhead, Tian clenched his fists. The Lingering Flame stirred within him, its warmth a reminder of the power he had yet to fully command.

"I have a long way to go," he whispered to himself. "But I won't stop. Not until I stand at the summit of the Flamewind Sect—and beyond."