Chapter 8: The Furnace of Growth

Chapter 8: The Furnace of Growth

The aftermath of the duel with Wei Jun left Li Tian in a state of quiet reflection. Though he had held his own, he knew his victory was not one of overwhelming power but sheer determination and a dash of luck. His journey with the Lingering Flame was far from complete, and Wei Jun's piercing gaze as he walked away haunted him.

The Flamewind Sect had returned to its usual rhythm, with disciples immersed in their daily routines. Yet, for Tian, the pace had only quickened. Master Zhao summoned him the next morning to the Hall of Embers, his stern expression hinting at the grueling session ahead.

Zhao's Warning

"You surprised the sect with your performance," Zhao said as Tian knelt before him. "But you also drew attention you are not yet prepared to handle."

Tian nodded, remembering the whispers and glances from the other disciples. "I know I'm not ready. That's why I'm here."

Zhao's sharp gaze softened for a moment. "Good. Then you'll understand why we must escalate your training. The Lingering Flame is not a passive power. If you do not control it, it will consume you."

Tian's resolve hardened. "I'm ready."

"Are you?" Zhao stepped back, summoning a small orb of fire in his palm. It flickered with a soft blue hue, radiating an intense heat. "Your next challenge is not about strength but endurance. To wield the Lingering Flame, your body must become its vessel. This means enduring its nature—not as an adversary, but as a partner."

He gestured to a brazier in the center of the room, its flames crackling with an unnatural intensity. "Step into the circle."

Tian hesitated. The brazier's heat was unlike anything he had felt before, even during the trials. But he clenched his fists and stepped forward, his heart pounding.

"Sit," Zhao commanded.

As Tian lowered himself into the circle, the heat enveloped him, suffocating and oppressive. Zhao's voice cut through the haze. "Meditate. Let the flame into your core. Do not resist it, or it will burn you from the inside out."

The Inner Inferno

Closing his eyes, Tian focused on his breathing. The flames licked at his skin, and pain surged through his body. Every instinct screamed at him to flee, but he remained still, recalling Zhao's words.

The burning lotus appeared in his mind, its petals trembling under the onslaught of heat. Do not resist. The words echoed in his thoughts. Slowly, he began to relax, allowing the Lingering Flame to flow freely within him.

The pain lessened, replaced by a strange warmth. The lotus steadied, its glow brightening. Tian felt the flame's essence intertwine with his qi, a delicate balance that required constant focus.

Hours passed, though it felt like days. When he finally opened his eyes, the brazier's flames had dimmed, and Zhao stood before him, a hint of approval in his gaze.

"You've taken your first step," Zhao said. "But this is only the beginning. The Lingering Flame has acknowledged you, but it will test you again and again."

Tian nodded, his exhaustion tempered by a sense of accomplishment.

An Unexpected Invitation

As Tian left the Hall of Embers, Feng Yan was waiting for him, leaning casually against the outer wall.

"You look like you've been roasted alive," Yan said, grinning.

"Feels like it too," Tian replied, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Perfect," Yan said, slinging an arm around Tian's shoulders. "Because you're about to get roasted again. The senior disciples are hosting a sparring session tonight, and they've invited you."

Tian raised an eyebrow. "Sparring session? Or another test?"

"Probably both," Yan admitted. "But it's a chance to prove yourself—and maybe pick up a few pointers. Besides, if Wei Jun shows up, it'll give you another shot to rattle him."

Tian hesitated. His body ached from training, but the opportunity was too valuable to pass up.

"Fine," he said. "Let's go."

The Gathering

That evening, the sparring grounds were alive with activity. Senior disciples demonstrated advanced techniques, their flames illuminating the night sky. The younger disciples watched in awe, eager to learn.

When Tian arrived with Yan, all eyes turned to him. The whispers began again, but he ignored them, focusing on the task ahead.

"Li Tian," a voice called. He turned to see Lin Mei, one of the sect's top female disciples, stepping forward. Her crimson robes flowed like liquid fire, and her confidence was palpable.

"I heard about your duel with Wei Jun," she said, her tone neutral. "Let's see if it was a fluke."

Before he could respond, she raised her hand, summoning a whip of fire that crackled with energy.

The crowd murmured, excitement building.

The Dance of Flames

The sparring match began in an instant. Mei's fire whip lashed out, its movements unpredictable and precise. Tian dodged the first strike, summoning the Lingering Flame to counter.

Mei pressed her attack, her whip carving through the air in elegant arcs. Tian struggled to keep up, his defenses barely holding.

"You're reactive," Mei said, her voice cutting through the clash. "The Lingering Flame isn't just about defense—it's about adaptation. Show me your fire."

Her words struck a chord. Tian took a deep breath, centering himself. As Mei's whip came down again, he didn't dodge. Instead, he stepped into the attack, letting the Lingering Flame envelop him.

The whip struck, but the flames dissipated against his barrier. Tian surged forward, releasing a burst of fire that forced Mei to retreat.

The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement fueling Tian's determination. Mei smirked, nodding in approval. "Not bad. But don't let it go to your head."

The match ended with a bow, and Tian left the grounds feeling a mix of pride and exhaustion.

A Growing Shadow

As the night deepened, Wei Jun watched from the shadows, his expression unreadable. The sparring session had only confirmed what he already knew—Li Tian was no ordinary disciple.

"This is just the beginning," Wei Jun murmured to himself. "Let's see how far your flame can burn before it extinguishes itself."

The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but Tian's resolve burned brighter than ever.