The Path of Trials

Fen Jin stood amidst the ruins of the cave, the black-robed man's words echoing in his ears: "The power of the Nether Flame can only be truly controlled on the edge of life and death." Those words had imprinted deeply upon his heart, like a brand. The power of the mysterious flame was growing stronger, but it was also becoming harder to control. Every time he wielded it, Fen Jin could feel the energy inside him fluctuate, as if the Nether Flame was a formless beast, waiting to tear through the confines of his body and consume him.

Yet, within his heart, an indomitable flame also ignited—this was his only chance to turn the tide, his opportunity to rise from the ashes and become powerful once more. No matter whether the Nether Flame's power was one of destruction or salvation, he had to master it if he was to return to the peak of his family and reclaim the glory that was once his.

Fen Jin left the cave and returned to his family's territory. His mind was calm, but he felt an alertness and unease regarding the challenges ahead. The trial by the black-robed man was clearly just the beginning. The true mystery of the Nether Flame had yet to be uncovered.

Upon returning to his family, Fen Jin carefully hid the enhanced power within him. He understood that if anyone discovered the changes within his body, it would cause an uproar. His family had already had doubts about his transformation from a genius to a useless member, and if his sudden rise in power became known, it would likely attract more hostility—perhaps even seen as a threat.

However, this life of concealment was not easy. Every time Fen Jin walked through the family's square, he could feel the cold stares and ridicule from those around him. The disdain and contempt from the Fen family had become a shadow he couldn't escape. Especially from those once his peers—now, they stood at the higher echelons of the family, having inherited the family's Dou Qi traditions. And Fen Jin? He was still a waste, a once-promising talent who could not even restore his original Dou Qi.

Still, Fen Jin did not choose to retreat. Instead, his determination only grew stronger. "I will show them," he swore silently, "Fen Jin is not just a useless person!"

One day, Fen Jin quietly practiced in the family's training grounds. This arena was often used by the family's younger generation to hone their Dou Qi and enhance their strength. Fen Jin cautiously used the Nether Flame to drive the energy within him, circulating his Dou Qi while continuously enhancing the flow. Every time that eerie green flame ignited, his heart would become exceptionally clear and resolute.

"This is the only power I can control," Fen Jin muttered to himself. "I can't let it go out of control, nor can I let it harm anyone. It must become my sword, leading me out of this predicament."

As his training deepened, Fen Jin gradually felt the uniqueness of the Nether Flame. It didn't solely rely on his original Dou Qi, but was instead intricately linked to every emotion within him—anger, pain, persistence, and determination. These emotions seemed to be the triggers for the Nether Flame's eruption. Whenever Fen Jin's heart stirred, the Nether Flame would automatically respond, manifesting in different forms.

He began to experiment, blending his emotions with his Dou Qi, slowly finding a balance. Every attempt to control the power revealed new discoveries, but every success came with immense risks.

At times, the Nether Flame would grow volatile and uncontrollable; other times, it would become unusually docile, as though it were silently communicating with him. Fen Jin began to understand that this power wasn't his enemy—it was a separate life form in its own right. It yearned to find its direction, and it sought to establish a true connection with Fen Jin.

Yet, behind this mysterious power, was there some larger conspiracy? Fen Jin could never be sure.

One day, the family sent out a message: the Fen family would hold a grand family competition, where the next elder would be chosen. As once the family's genius, now seen as a "waste," would Fen Jin even get the chance to participate? This became the subject of much discussion.

Fen Jin knew that if he could display enough strength during the competition, he might earn more respect, perhaps even regain the family's trust. So, he decided to take part in the grand competition. No matter the outcome, it would be his best opportunity to prove himself.

However, doubts still lingered in Fen Jin's mind. He could now rely on the Nether Flame to restore his strength to the fifth level of Dou Qi, but would this mysterious power be enough to face the stronger members of the family? If the Nether Flame lost control again, it could become a disaster.

"I must understand it more thoroughly to ensure nothing goes wrong," Fen Jin resolved. He continued to train in the family's arena, hoping to make a breakthrough before the grand competition.

At this point, Fen Jin began to intensify his study of the Nether Flame. Not only did he strengthen his Dou Qi's flow in daily practice, but he also sought out extreme battle scenarios to test the Nether Flame's reactions. Each experiment was a challenge to his will and his power.

Gradually, Fen Jin was able to control the Nether Flame through meditation and focus. He even managed to fuse it with his Dou Qi, unleashing a power stronger than before. Every successful practice made him feel a strange force circulating within him, as though some unseen power was helping him surpass his limits.

Finally, on the last night before the family competition, Fen Jin completed his final meditation. Sitting in his training room, he closed his eyes, relaxed his entire body, and concentrated. The power of the Nether Flame surged within him once more. Fen Jin felt the heat flow through his body, as though it had become part of him, no longer an external force.

This time, he was certain: he was ready.

"No matter what this power brings, I will control it," Fen Jin whispered to himself, his gaze unwavering.

The horn of the family competition was about to sound.