Chapter 12: The Secret of Molten Flame Valley

Night draped the border town of Moltenstone in shadows. Dim lanterns flickered along its sparse streets, casting an air of desolation befitting a frontier settlement. Inside a humble inn, Lin Jin, Su Yao, and Han Lie sat around a worn wooden table, the ancient parchment map spread before them. Under the wavering glow of a candle, the words "Molten Flame Valley" stood out, carrying an air of mystery.

"Molten Flame Valley…" Han Lie stroked his chin, curiosity flashing across his rugged face. "The old folks say it's a death trap—filled with flame beasts and strange ruins. You two sure about this?"

Su Yao hopped onto her chair, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Of course! We didn't get this map just to turn back now! Right, Lin Jin?"

Lin Jin's gaze remained fixed on the map, his voice steady. "The Flame Soul Patriarch said this valley was born from the Ashen Cataclysm. If an ancient inheritance truly lies within, we might just have a shot at advancing to the Flame Master realm."

"Flame Master?" Han Lie's brows shot up before he slammed a fist onto the table. "I've been stuck at Initial Flame Ninth Stage for two damn years. If this place can help me break through, count me in!"

Su Yao grinned and clapped his shoulder. "That's the spirit! With your blade skills, the three of us are bound to make a fortune in there!"

Lin Jin nodded but cautioned, "We have to stay sharp. Those ambushers at the canyon were after the map. They might be from the Skyflame Pavilion. Molten Flame Valley won't be unguarded."

Han Lie smirked. "Skyflame Pavilion, huh? Let 'em come. If they want a fight, my blade's always ready."

With their plan set, the trio departed at dawn, following the map's guidance toward the valley's entrance.

Into the Flames

Molten Flame Valley stretched across the borderlands, a vast canyon of scorched rock and smoldering fissures. Steam rose from cracks in the ground, and the air reeked of sulfur. Standing at the valley's mouth, Lin Jin narrowed his eyes. "The spirit energy here is dense—but something about it feels… hostile."

Su Yao sniffed the air and grinned. "I smell medicinal herbs! There's gotta be valuable spirit plants in here! Let's go!" Without hesitation, she drew her short sword and strode forward. Lin Jin and Han Lie followed close behind.

Jagged cliffs flanked the winding path, their surfaces entwined with crimson vines. Distant roars echoed through the valley, a reminder that they were not alone. After traveling half a mile, they arrived at a natural stone platform where several stalks of Flameheart Grass swayed, their fiery red petals exuding potent energy.

"Jackpot!" Su Yao darted toward the herbs, reaching out to pluck them—

A sudden blur of motion.

A Moltenfang Panther—its fur laced with flickering embers—lunged from beneath the platform, its aura radiating the might of an Initial Flame Ninth Stage beast. With a piercing snarl, it swiped at Su Yao, molten energy crackling around its claws.

"Watch out!"

Lin Jin activated Emberstride, surging forward as his wooden staff ignited with Netherflame. He thrust a hand out, sending a violet flame blast toward the panther. The beast twisted mid-air, narrowly dodging the strike before counterattacking. Its fiery claws raked against Lin Jin's staff, forcing him back a step.

Su Yao spun, her sword tracing a swift arc. Azure Luan Flame Slash! Ethereal blue fire surged forward, forcing the panther onto the defensive.

"Enough playing around!" Han Lie roared, raising his broadblade. Blazing Earth Cleave! His blade descended with crushing force, a crimson arc of energy slicing through the air. The panther barely had time to react before the attack struck home.

The trio fought in perfect sync—Lin Jin's Netherflame weakened the beast's fiery defenses, Su Yao's agile strikes harassed its movements, and Han Lie's overwhelming power delivered the finishing blow.

After ten fierce exchanges, the Moltenfang Panther collapsed with a final pained growl.

Lin Jin knelt beside it, prying a fiery-red beast core from its chest. The crystal pulsed with energy.

Han Lie exhaled and grinned. "This thing's core has enough energy to push me past my bottleneck!"

Su Yao cradled the Flameheart Grass, eyes bright with satisfaction. "And these herbs will fetch a fortune! We're on a roll!"

Before Lin Jin could respond, a distant explosion rocked the valley. The ground trembled, and a surge of intense flame energy erupted from deeper within.

The trio turned in unison. At the valley's far end, a volcanic crater spewed thick plumes of smoke, while deep within, an ancient structure loomed—the remains of a stone temple, its walls carved with glowing runes.

"That's it." Lin Jin's voice dropped to a whisper. "The ruins."

The voice of the Flame Soul Patriarch stirred in his mind. "I can feel it—Sourceflame Crystals! The remnants of the Ashen Cataclysm! With one of those, you could ascend beyond the Flame Spirit realm!"

Lin Jin's heart pounded. A treasure of that caliber…

Su Yao pumped a fist. "Well? What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

They wove through the valley's rock formations, navigating past streams of molten lava until they arrived at the temple's entrance. A massive stone doorway loomed before them, its surface covered in ancient inscriptions.

Han Lie let out a low whistle. "Looks old as hell… but still standing."

Lin Jin stepped forward, pressing a hand against the runes. As if responding to his touch, the symbols flickered to life, and the doors groaned open, revealing a vast chamber bathed in an eerie red glow.

At its center stood an altar, and atop it—

A Sourceflame Crystal.

The jewel-like shard pulsed with a heat more intense than any fire they had ever felt, its radiance illuminating the temple walls.

"A treasure like this…" Su Yao whispered in awe.

But before they could approach, a slow clap echoed through the chamber.

"Well, well… Quite the find you've made, little ones."

A dozen figures emerged from the shadows, led by a middle-aged man clad in dark crimson robes. A Flame Master Third Stage. He twirled a flame-tipped spear, his expression one of amusement.

Behind him, his subordinates stood ready, their weapons glinting in the red light.

"The map, the valley, and now the treasure?" The man smirked. "I'll be taking those. But if you kneel, I might just let you leave in one piece."

Lin Jin's grip on his staff tightened. "Skyflame Pavilion…"

Han Lie cracked his knuckles. "I was hoping they'd show up."

Su Yao flicked her sword up, her stance sharp. "If they want a fight… let's give them one."

The temple grew silent.

Then, the flames roared to life.