Chapter 5: Trial in the Wildwood

Morning mist still clung to Jinshi Town as Lin Jin stepped out of his humble hut, gripping a rough wooden staff. Tucked at his waist was the copy of Flame Breath Technique he had purchased at the market. After breaking through to the Third Stage of the First Flame Realm last night, his Netherflame had grown more refined. Today, he planned to venture into the Wildwood outside town to hunt low-rank flame beasts and sharpen his combat skills.

"Kid, don't underestimate flame beasts just because they're weak," the Flame Soul Ancestor's voice echoed in his mind, carrying a note of warning. "They have spirit flames protecting them. Bring back some beast cores—they'll help you break through faster."

Lin Jin nodded silently. Just as he was about to leave, the sound of light, energetic footsteps reached his ears. Turning, he saw Su Yao bounding toward him.

She wore a fitted light-blue combat outfit, her short sword bouncing at her waist with each step. Her bright, expressive eyes sparkled in the morning light, like two luminous stars. As soon as she spotted Lin Jin, she waved enthusiastically.

"Hey, Lin Jin! Where are you off to? I'm coming too!"

Lin Jin frowned slightly. "I'm going to hunt flame beasts in the Wildwood. Why would you come?"

"Hunting flame beasts? Sounds fun!" Su Yao grinned, hands on her hips, her large eyes full of excitement. "I saw you fight yesterday, and now I want to see how you handle real beasts. Don't say no—we're friends, and friends go on adventures together!"

Lin Jin rubbed his temples. This girl was far too energetic, darting around like a wild deer that refused to be tamed. He was about to refuse when she tilted her head and blinked up at him.

"You're not afraid I'll slow you down, are you? I'm at Third Stage too, you know. Not weaker than you."

"It's not that," Lin Jin replied flatly. "The Wildwood is dangerous. You're a—"

"A girl?" Su Yao interrupted, jumping up to smack his shoulder lightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So what? I've been to the Wildwood plenty of times—I know it better than you! Now stop wasting time, let's go!"

Before Lin Jin could protest, she grabbed his sleeve and dragged him off toward the town gate.

Lin Jin stumbled slightly but had no choice but to follow. He sighed inwardly. This girl… way too lively for her own good.

The Wildwood loomed ahead—tall, ancient trees shrouded in mist, eerie growls rumbling from the depths. Su Yao came to a stop, turning to Lin Jin with shining eyes.

"I heard there are Crimson-Tail Wolves here. They're only low-tier, but they're fast as hell. Think you can handle one?"

Lin Jin narrowed his eyes, scanning the surroundings. "With my Netherflame, I should be fine. What about you?"

"Me?" Su Yao grinned, patting her short sword. "I've got my own tricks. Watch closely."

With that, she leapt onto a nearby tree branch, moving with the grace of a seasoned hunter. Perched high above, she peered through the mist, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Lin Jin was slightly impressed. She's not just playful—she's sharp.

A low snarl echoed through the underbrush. A Crimson-Tail Wolf lunged from the foliage, its fiery-red tail blazing as it locked onto Lin Jin. Its strength matched that of a Second-Stage cultivator.

"Here we go!" Su Yao called, sounding way too excited for a bystander.

Lin Jin's stance remained steady. The Netherflame surged through his veins, seeping into his staff. With a sudden strike, he unleashed a streak of eerie purple fire, sweeping toward the wolf.

The beast reacted instantly, whipping its tail to launch a crimson fireball straight at him.

Boom!

The flames collided, but the Netherflame devoured the Crimson-Tail Wolf's attack, rendering it useless. Before the beast could react, Lin Jin closed the distance in a flash, driving his staff into its abdomen. With a final yelp, the wolf collapsed.

Su Yao jumped down from the tree, clapping her hands.

"Nice! That purple flame of yours eats up other flames like nothing! What's it called?"

"Netherflame." Lin Jin crouched down, retrieving a small red-glowing beast core from the wolf's chest. He glanced at her. "The old man says it can consume all kinds of spirit flames. I'm still figuring it out."

"Netherflame? That's so cool!" Su Yao leaned closer, examining the beast core. Then, she suddenly spun around, pointing excitedly.

"There's more wolf tracks ahead! Let's go find them!"

Without waiting for a response, she dashed off into the woods, brimming with energy.

Lin Jin exhaled, shaking his head slightly but following nonetheless. This girl… she's trouble, but somehow, it's not unpleasant.

For the next half-hour, their teamwork became surprisingly seamless.

Su Yao, nimble and sharp-eyed, darted through the trees, baiting wolves with quick sword slashes. Lin Jin, in turn, used his Netherflame to break through their defenses, eliminating them cleanly.

By the time they finished, five Crimson-Tail Wolves lay defeated, and Lin Jin had gained five beast cores.

"Ha! That was fun!" Su Yao sat on a boulder, tossing a beast core in the air with a satisfied grin. "We make a good team! Let's do this again sometime."

Lin Jin wiped sweat from his brow and stored the cores. He glanced at her. "You're faster than those wolves. I almost lost track of you."

Su Yao beamed. "I used to run all over the place when I was younger—guess I trained without realizing it. What about you? Bet you never left town much, huh?"

Lin Jin's expression darkened slightly. He spoke quietly.

"Three years ago, after my family… fell, I stayed in town, surviving however I could."

Su Yao blinked, caught off guard. For a moment, she simply looked at him. Then, instead of prying, she gave him a firm pat on the shoulder, her voice light but steady.

"Well, you're out here now, aren't you? This world is huge, Lin Jin. You'll see it all one day. And if you ever need company—I'll be there."

Lin Jin met her gaze, something warm stirring in his chest. He was silent for a moment, then finally said, "…Alright."

Su Yao grinned brightly. "Great! Now, let's go eat—I'm buying!"

Back in town, Su Yao dragged Lin Jin to a small tavern, ordering two steaming bowls of spirit beast noodle soup. She chattered about their hunt between bites, her laughter infectious. Lin Jin listened quietly, occasionally responding.

After they finished, Su Yao smacked her chest proudly. "Today was fun. Tomorrow, let's do something even better! Don't even think about avoiding me."

Lin Jin sighed but smirked slightly. "I won't."

That night, he returned to his hut, absorbing the beast cores one by one. His Netherflame pulsed with new strength, bringing him just shy of the Fourth Stage.

As he closed his eyes, a flash of Su Yao's bright, spirited gaze flickered in his mind.

He exhaled slowly.

This girl… maybe she really is a gift from fate.