The Road to Strength

Li Xueyan stood in the temple ruins, her hands still warm from the flames she had summoned in battle. The Black Sun Hall had been driven away, but she knew they would return. Next time, they would bring more warriors, more danger.

She had won today, but she was not strong enough yet.

She turned to Elder Mei. "Tell me how to grow stronger."

Elder Mei nodded, her eyes filled with wisdom. "The power of the Phoenix is not just about fire. It is about rebirth, endurance, and wisdom. To master your power, you must train your body, mind, and spirit."

Xueyan straightened. "Then I will train."

Elder Mei smiled. "Good. But strength does not come easily."

---

The Training Begins

The next morning, Xueyan stood in the training ground, ready to begin. Elder Mei had set up three challenges for her.

First, endurance. She had to carry a heavy boulder up the mountain, strengthening her body and energy control.

Second, combat. She would fight Jin Hu and Lan Xi, training her reflexes and technique.

Third, fire control. She had to summon her Phoenix flames without letting them go out of control.

Zhiwei leaned against a tree, watching with crossed arms. "This will be interesting."

Xueyan ignored him and lifted the boulder onto her back. It was heavier than she expected, pressing down on her like an iron mountain.

Elder Mei stood nearby. "Breathe. Let your energy flow through your body. Do not fight the weight—become one with it."

Xueyan took a deep breath and focused. Slowly, step by step, she climbed the mountain. Sweat dripped from her forehead, her muscles screaming in pain, but she did not stop.

Jin Hu whistled. "Not bad."

Lan Xi nodded. "She's determined."

Finally, after what felt like forever, she reached the top. She dropped the boulder and collapsed, gasping for air.

Elder Mei smiled. "Good. You endured."

But Xueyan knew this was just the beginning.

---

The Sparring Match

After a short break, it was time for the second challenge—combat.

Jin Hu stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. "Ready to fight?"

Xueyan pulled out her sword. "Always."

Jin Hu charged at her, his fists glowing with energy. Xueyan dodged, barely avoiding his strike. He was fast—faster than she expected.

She swung her sword, but Jin Hu blocked it with his bracers. The force of the impact sent a shock through her arms.

"Too slow," he said, grinning.

Xueyan gritted her teeth. Focus. Read his movements.

Jin Hu attacked again, but this time, she was ready. She sidestepped, using his momentum against him, and struck his shoulder with the back of her sword.

Jin Hu stumbled back, laughing. "Now that's more like it!"

Lan Xi stepped in. "My turn."

She moved like a shadow, her daggers flashing. Xueyan barely had time to react. She blocked one attack, but the second dagger nicked her arm.

Lan Xi pulled back. "Your defense is weak."

Xueyan wiped the blood from her arm. "Then I'll get better."

She adjusted her stance, watching Lan Xi's movements. When Lan Xi attacked again, Xueyan dodged just in time and countered with a quick strike.

Lan Xi smirked. "You learn fast."

The sparring match continued until Xueyan was exhausted. But she was improving. She could feel it.

---

Mastering the Phoenix Fire

The final challenge was fire control.

Elder Mei placed a candle in front of her. "Light it without touching it."

Xueyan focused on the flame inside her. She could feel it burning in her chest, waiting to be released.

She took a deep breath and extended her hand. A small spark appeared at her fingertips, but it flickered and disappeared.

Zhiwei finally spoke. "You're trying too hard."

Xueyan frowned. "What do you mean?"

Zhiwei stepped closer. "Fire isn't just about force. It's about flow. Don't push—let it come naturally."

Xueyan exhaled and tried again. This time, she didn't force it. She simply let the warmth inside her rise.

A small flame appeared. It hovered above her palm, steady and strong.

The candle lit.

Elder Mei nodded. "Good. Now, control it."

Xueyan waved her hand, making the fire dance. It flickered but did not go out.

She was learning.

She was growing.

And soon, she would be ready.

---

A Message from the Shadows

As the sun set, the group gathered around a small fire, resting after a long day.

But their peace was short-lived.

A sudden rustling in the trees made everyone tense. Zhiwei's eyes narrowed. "We're not alone."

A figure stepped out of the shadows. He wore a dark cloak, his face half-hidden by a mask. His presence felt dangerous, but he did not attack.

He simply held out a scroll.

"This is a message for Li Xueyan," he said.

Xueyan took the scroll carefully. The wax seal bore a familiar symbol—the mark of the Imperial Court.

Her heartbeat quickened. The palace.

She unrolled the scroll and read the words inside.

Her expression darkened.

"What is it?" Jin Hu asked.

Xueyan clenched her fist. "The Emperor has summoned me."

Everyone fell silent.

Elder Mei's eyes filled with concern. "This could be a trap."

Zhiwei's expression was unreadable. "Or an opportunity."

Xueyan stared at the message. The palace was dangerous, full of enemies and hidden plots.

But if she wanted to take back her family's honor, if she wanted true revenge…

She had to go.

She looked at her friends and made her decision.

"We leave for the capital at dawn."