Chapter 11: Journey to the Flame Spirit Valley

The first rays of dawn painted Emberstone Town in hues of gold, a thin veil of mist still clinging to the streets. Outside a modest wooden hut, Lin Jin and Su Yao stood with their packs secured, ready to embark on their journey to Flame Spirit Valley. Lin Jin had his wooden staff strapped to his waist, while his hand clutched the aged parchment map. Su Yao, on the other hand, could hardly contain her excitement, bouncing on her toes, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Flame Spirit Valley—just the name sounds thrilling!" Su Yao patted the short sword at her waist, grinning. "Lin Jin, what do you think we'll find there? Spirit herbs? Ancient techniques? Or maybe some legendary treasure?"

Lin Jin kept his gaze on the map, his voice calm. "The old man mentioned it's a secret realm. There might be ruins. First, we reach the southern border of the Flame Domain—then we'll pinpoint its exact location." He glanced at her. "You just recovered. Don't push yourself too hard."

"Relax!" Su Yao spun in place, spreading her arms. "Do I look sick to you? I'm full of energy! Let's go already!" Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Lin Jin's arm and tugged him toward the town gate.

They had barely left the outskirts when the sharp whistle of a blade cutting through the air reached their ears. Lin Jin narrowed his eyes, watching as a towering figure emerged from the roadside, wielding a massive broadblade. The man's weapon cleaved downward, slamming into the back of a formidable Ironhide Bear, a spirit beast at the eighth rank of the Initial Flame Stage. The sheer force of the strike sent a burst of fiery energy through the air. With a final pained growl, the bear collapsed.

The warrior turned to face them, revealing a rugged face with a wild grin. "Travelers, eh?" he said, resting the blade on his shoulder.

Lin Jin offered a polite nod. "I am Lin Jin, and this is Su Yao. We're heading to the Southern Flame Domain."

The man raised an eyebrow. "The Southern Flame Domain? What a coincidence. I'm headed that way myself." He tapped the hilt of his blade. "Name's Han Lie, a wandering blade master. That bear was blocking the road, so I took care of it. Mind if I tag along?"

Su Yao's eyes sparkled as she stepped forward. "Of course not! That was some impressive swordplay. The more, the merrier!"

Lin Jin studied Han Lie for a moment before nodding. "Appreciate the help, Han brother. Traveling together might be beneficial."

"That's the spirit!" Han Lie laughed, slapping his chest. "You two seem like an interesting pair. Let's move out!"

As they journeyed south, Han Lie proved to be a lively companion, regaling them with tales of his travels. Su Yao listened with rapt attention, occasionally interjecting with her own comments, while Lin Jin remained mostly silent, quietly assessing their new ally. A blade master of his caliber could be useful. If we can earn his trust, the trip to Flame Spirit Valley will be much smoother.

By midday, the trio arrived at a canyon, a narrow pass flanked by towering cliffs. Lin Jin frowned at the markings on the map. "This is the only route to the Southern Flame Domain."

A gust of wind howled through the pass, carrying an ominous chill. Lin Jin's instincts flared. He tensed, his voice low. "Something's wrong. Stay alert."

The words had barely left his lips when arrows rained down from above. In an instant, seven or eight masked figures leaped from the cliffs, their auras flickering with energy. The leader, clad in dark robes, twirled a long spear in his grip. His voice was cold. "Hand over the map, and you might live."

Lin Jin's eyes darkened. "They're after the Flame Spirit Valley map!"

With a flick of his wrist, Netherflame erupted from his staff, incinerating several arrows mid-air. Su Yao's sword gleamed as she unleashed a flurry of azure flames, slicing through the projectiles. Han Lie bellowed, his broadblade sweeping outward in a fiery arc, forcing two attackers to retreat.

"Fight!" Lin Jin commanded, darting forward. His footwork blurred as he closed in on the spear-wielding leader, Netherflame crackling around his fingertips. The enemy thrust his spear, igniting it with scarlet flames. Their energies clashed, sending shockwaves rippling through the canyon. Lin Jin absorbed the impact, twisting midair to strike from the side. His flames seared into the man's shoulder, drawing a pained grunt.

Su Yao moved like a shadow, her sword flashing in precise, lethal arcs. Three assailants surrounded her, but she wove between them, her strikes swift and relentless. Two fell back, their wounds scorched by her spirit flames.

Meanwhile, Han Lie roared as he brought his blade down upon an unfortunate foe. The sheer force split the man's weapon in half, sending him crumpling to the ground. Blood splattered against the canyon rocks.

The enemy leader scowled, realizing the tide had turned. "Fall back!" he ordered, retreating into the depths of the canyon. His men followed swiftly, disappearing into the rocky terrain.

Lin Jin exhaled sharply, watching their silhouettes vanish. He was about to give chase when Su Yao grabbed his wrist. "Don't," she warned, her expression uncharacteristically serious. "They have more people waiting. Our priority is the map."

Han Lie wiped the sweat from his brow, grinning. "Well, that was fun! So, what's this map of yours that's got people so riled up?"

Lin Jin hesitated before answering. "It leads to Flame Spirit Valley. There's a high chance of ancient treasures hidden there."

Han Lie's eyes widened with interest. "Flame Spirit Valley? Now, that's a name I haven't heard in a long time. If there's treasure to be had, count me in!"

Lin Jin met his gaze and nodded. "Fine. We'll take this journey together."

By nightfall, the trio reached a small town near the Southern Flame Domain's border. Seated around a flickering fire, Lin Jin spread the map before them. "We're close. One more day's travel, and we'll reach the valley's entrance. We rest tonight and set out at dawn."

Su Yao sat beside him, her eyes alight with excitement. "With Han brother joining us, we have an even better shot at making it out in one piece. Just you wait, Lin Jin—Flame Spirit Valley is where we make our name in this world!"

Lin Jin glanced at her enthusiasm, then at the battle-hardened Han Lie. A fire ignited within him.

"Then let's make it count," he said, determination gleaming in his eyes.