Chapter 63: The Celestial Forge

A wave of intense heat washed over Jin Long and Yue Lan as they emerged from the blinding light. The scene before them was unlike anything they had ever seen—a vast expanse of molten gold and silver, swirling like a sea of liquid stars. Towering above them were massive anvils made of shimmering celestial stone, each one radiating a powerful, otherworldly aura.

"This is... the Celestial Forge," Yue Lan whispered, her eyes wide in awe.

The air crackled with raw energy, and the very ground beneath them seemed to pulse like a living heartbeat. The heat was oppressive, but there was a distinct sense of life and power here, as though the forge itself were breathing.

Jin Long clenched his fists, feeling the Starbound Crystal within him resonate with the forge's energy. This was the place where spirits were tested, where wills were tempered, and where destinies were forged.

A deep, booming voice echoed through the chamber.

"Welcome, travelers."

Before them, a massive figure materialized—a blacksmith as tall as a mountain, his skin glimmering with molten gold. His eyes blazed like twin suns, and in his hand, he held a hammer that radiated pure celestial power.

"I am Vulcanus, the Celestial Smith," he said, his voice rumbling like an earthquake. "The Forge of Stars is my domain, and those who enter must prove themselves worthy of the blessings of the heavens."

Yue Lan swallowed nervously. "What do we have to do?"

Vulcanus raised his hammer, pointing it toward a massive anvil. "Step forth and place your weapons upon the anvil. The forge will reveal your inner strength and forge it anew. But beware—the fire of the forge burns not just flesh but spirit. Only those with an unbreakable will can endure."

Jin Long and Yue Lan exchanged a glance.

"I'm ready," Jin Long said, stepping forward. He drew his sword, the blade gleaming with celestial light. Placing it upon the anvil, he felt the heat intensify, the flames licking at his skin.

Yue Lan followed, placing her celestial whip beside Jin Long's sword.

Vulcanus lifted his hammer high, his eyes fixed upon them. "Prepare yourselves."

He brought the hammer down, and the entire forge erupted in blinding light. The flames surged, enveloping both Jin Long and Yue Lan in a sea of fire.

Jin Long gasped, the heat searing his skin, but the pain was not just physical. Memories surged through his mind—his failures, his regrets, the faces of those he had lost. The flames consumed him, each burst of heat dragging forth a painful memory.

"You think you can protect them?" a voice echoed, and the image of Zhan Wuhen appeared before him, his eyes blazing with malice. "You will only bring them suffering."

Jin Long gritted his teeth, the flames intensifying. "No! I will protect them. I will not fail!"

The Starbound Crystal flared within him, its power surging through his veins, pushing back against the flames.

Beside him, Yue Lan screamed as the flames consumed her. Images of her family, of her brother, of her clan flashed before her eyes. Their voices echoed in her mind, accusing her, blaming her.

"You let us die," they said, their faces twisted in agony. "You weren't strong enough."

Yue Lan fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "I tried... I tried to save you..."

"Yue Lan!" Jin Long shouted, reaching for her. But the flames intensified, a wall of fire separating them.

Vulcanus's voice echoed through the inferno. "The forge reveals your deepest fears. To conquer them, you must first conquer yourselves."

Jin Long's jaw clenched. "Yue Lan! Listen to me!"

Yue Lan trembled, her eyes filled with anguish. The flames roared around her, the voices growing louder.

"Yue Lan!" Jin Long shouted again, his voice cutting through the chaos. "You are not alone! I'm here! We're in this together!"

Yue Lan's eyes snapped open. The flames around her flickered, and she forced herself to stand, her fists clenched. "No... I am not weak. I am not a failure."

The flames around her began to dissipate, revealing a brilliant light within her—the light of her celestial whip, now glowing with newfound power.

Vulcanus watched, his expression stoic. "Well done," he said, raising his hammer once more. "But the trial is not yet over."

He brought the hammer down again, and the flames erupted even higher. This time, the fire took form, shaping itself into a massive, roaring dragon—a beast of pure celestial flame, its eyes burning with a fierce, unrelenting light.

"This is the final test," Vulcanus said, his voice like thunder. "Defeat the Celestial Dragon, and your weapons shall be reborn."

Jin Long and Yue Lan met each other's gaze, their weapons now blazing with celestial light.

"This is it," Jin Long said, his grip tightening around his sword. "Are you ready?"

Yue Lan smirked, her whip crackling with newfound energy. "Let's show this dragon what we're made of."

Together, they charged forward, the flames surging around them as the Celestial Dragon roared, its massive maw opening wide to consume them both.