The Gates of the Phoenix Temple

Li Xueyan stood at the entrance of the hidden path, the last trial's heat still lingering on her skin. The mist had cleared, revealing a steep staircase made of ancient stone, winding up toward the peak.

The Phoenix Temple was near.

Jin Hu wiped sweat from his forehead. "That fire almost roasted me alive. Are all Phoenix Clan people this crazy?"

Lan Xi shot him a glare. "This was a test, not an attack."

Hei Yue, the spirit wolf, flicked his tail. "Only those of true Phoenix Blood can pass through the flames unharmed."

Xueyan touched the Phoenix Jade around her neck. It was proof of her bloodline. Proof that she belonged here.

Zhiwei adjusted his sword belt. "Let's keep moving. We don't know what else is waiting for us."

With that, they climbed the final steps toward the Phoenix Temple.

---

The Temple's Guardians

The air grew warmer as they ascended. Strange symbols were carved into the stone walls beside the path, glowing faintly with golden light.

Jin Hu ran a hand over one of them. "Looks old… but still powerful."

Lan Xi studied the symbols. "They're ancient runes. Protection spells."

Xueyan's eyes narrowed. "Protection from what?"

A deep growl echoed from ahead.

Everyone froze.

From the mist, two massive stone lions emerged, their eyes glowing red. Their bodies were carved from jade, their claws sharp as swords.

The temple's guardians.

One lion stepped forward, its voice rumbling like thunder.

"Who seeks the Phoenix Temple?"

Xueyan stood tall. "I am Li Xueyan of the Vermillion Phoenix Clan. I have come to claim my birthright."

The lions exchanged a glance. Then, the second lion spoke.

"Blood alone is not enough. You must prove your heart."

With a deafening roar, they attacked.

---

The Test of Will

Xueyan barely had time to react as the first lion lunged at her. She rolled to the side, her sword flashing as she struck its leg.

Clang!

Her blade bounced off its stone body. It was like cutting through iron.

Jin Hu leaped forward, his fists glowing with energy. He punched the second lion in the chest—but it didn't even flinch.

Lan Xi cursed. "Our weapons won't work!"

Zhiwei stepped in front of Xueyan. "This is a test. You have to figure it out."

Xueyan gritted her teeth. If strength wasn't the answer, then what was?

She dodged another strike, her mind racing. The spirit had tested her blood. Now, the lions were testing something else.

Then she remembered the spirit's words.

"You must prove your heart."

Xueyan took a deep breath and dropped her sword.

"Stop!" she called out.

The lions paused, their glowing eyes watching her.

She placed a hand over her heart. "I don't seek power or revenge. I seek the truth of my family… and the strength to protect those I care about."

The lions stared at her for a long moment. Then, slowly, their eyes faded from red to gold.

The first lion nodded. "Your heart is true."

The second lion stepped aside. "You may pass."

The temple gates opened with a deep rumble.

Jin Hu let out a sigh of relief. "I thought we were going to die."

Lan Xi smirked. "You always think that."

Xueyan picked up her sword and stepped forward. She had passed the second trial. Now, the Phoenix Temple awaited.

---

The Heart of the Temple

Inside the gates, the temple was breathtaking.

Golden phoenix statues lined the courtyard, their eyes shimmering with fire. The walls were covered in ancient carvings, telling the story of the Phoenix Clan's past.

In the center of the temple stood a massive crystal flame, burning without fuel. It pulsed with power, filling the air with warmth.

Xueyan felt drawn to it. As if it was calling to her.

An old voice spoke.

"You have come at last."

An elderly woman in red robes stepped forward. Her silver hair was long, her eyes sharp despite her age.

Xueyan bowed slightly. "Who are you?"

The woman smiled. "I am Elder Mei, the last guardian of the Phoenix Temple."

Jin Hu looked around. "Where is everyone else?"

Elder Mei's face darkened. "Gone. The temple has been abandoned for years. Only I remain."

Xueyan's heart tightened. "What happened?"

"The Black Sun Hall," Elder Mei said grimly. "They have been hunting the Phoenix Bloodline for decades. Most of our people were killed or forced into hiding."

Xueyan clenched her fists. The same enemies who had destroyed her family… had nearly wiped out her entire clan.

Lan Xi whispered, "So they're trying to erase the Phoenix Clan completely."

Elder Mei nodded. "Yes. And you may be the last hope we have."

Xueyan took a deep breath. "Then tell me… what must I do?"

---

The Final Trial

Elder Mei gestured to the crystal flame.

"This is the Phoenix's Heart, the source of our power. If you are truly of the Phoenix Bloodline, you must awaken it."

Xueyan hesitated. "How?"

Elder Mei's eyes gleamed. "Step into the fire."

Jin Hu choked. "What?!"

Lan Xi looked alarmed. "That's insane."

Zhiwei, however, remained silent. He simply watched Xueyan.

Because he knew—this was her destiny.

Xueyan exhaled. She had come this far. She couldn't turn back now.

She stepped forward, feeling the heat grow stronger.

Then, without hesitation, she walked straight into the flames.

The world exploded in light.

Pain seared through her body, but she did not scream. The fire wrapped around her, burning away weakness, filling her with something ancient… powerful… unstoppable.

Visions flashed in her mind—memories of her ancestors, warriors of fire, guardians of the Phoenix Bloodline.

A voice echoed through the flames.

"Rise, child of the Phoenix."

And Li Xueyan opened her eyes.

---

Awakening

When the fire died down, Xueyan stood in the center of the temple.

Her body felt lighter, stronger. Her veins pulsed with energy, her blood humming with power.

Jin Hu stared. "She's glowing…"

Elder Mei smiled. "The Phoenix has returned."

Xueyan looked at her hands. She could feel it—the fire inside her, waiting to be unleashed.

She had awakened the Phoenix Bloodline.

And with it, she would burn her enemies to ashes.