Chapter 6: The Flames That Never Sleep

The gentle hum of spiritual energy resonated through the walls of the Phoenix Courtyard, a domain carved by Lin Yue's Phoenix core flame. Within its sanctum, flickers of firelight danced across the polished obsidian floors, casting long shadows of four figures seated in quiet meditation. The aura of focused cultivation and rising power made the air feel dense—like every breath carried divine intent.

But Lin Yue's golden-red eyes remained open, alert.

He could feel it.

The Nirvana Flame Tree, anchored at the heart of the courtyard, pulsed with unfamiliar rhythm. The branches, normally dormant between breakthroughs, flickered with new light—someone was approaching. Not a threat… but a future bond.

He stood, red cloak billowing behind his slender yet powerful frame. With one thought, his system interface shimmered in front of him.

Lin Yue – Custom Status

Name: Lin Yue

Title: Guildmaster of Nirvana Phoenix

Race: Divine Flame Reincarnate (Phoenix Hatchling)

Cultivation Realm: Late Spirit Core Formation

Bloodline Grade: Crimson Phoenix (60%)

Bonded Members: 3/10

Unique Traits:

Flamebond Initiation (Active)

Phoenix Spear Art: Solar Wing Spiral

Rebirth Fragment (1x per fight)

Guild Authority: MAX

Guild Feature Unlocked: Trial Room, Flame Veil Array

Flame Affinity Sync Rate: 45%

With a sweep of his cloak, he stepped out of the chamber.

In the Guild's Training Arena

Lian Rou was mid-air, whip blazing crimson as it struck down three iron dummies, each engraved with movement sigils. With each strike, her flame imprint deepened. The Flame Sentinel tier had enhanced her already violent style into something nearly unpredictable.

On the side, Wen Qingxue practiced sword katas, calm and fluid like water, each slash freezing faint vapors in the air.

Luo Yanyue, reclined on a jade couch, hummed a haunting melody into a black flute. Her illusions swept over the battlefield, overlaying false enemies for them to slash through.

But even in training, all three paused when Lin Yue appeared. His presence had that effect—like gravity shifting.

"You sensed it too?" Luo Yanyue asked, her tone a touch playful.

He nodded. "Two cultivators are approaching the flame perimeter. One of them is injured. They're students… from another university."

"Scouts?" Lian Rou's brows furrowed. "Or seekers?"

"I don't know yet," he said. "But I will."

Outside the Guild Perimeter

Flame Veil Array: Active.

Intrusion Detected – Permission Pending.

On the outer ridge of a forested trail, two girls approached—barefoot, bruised, and weary.

The taller one bore long, maroon hair matted with blood. Her left arm hung limp. The younger one supported her, eyes wide with desperation. They were fleeing something… something that reeked of spiritual corruption.

"Yun'er… hold on," the taller girl whispered, gritting her teeth. "We're almost at the signal mark."

Suddenly, golden flame symbols ignited mid-air. The array had scanned them—and passed judgment.

Then the barrier shimmered.

And Lin Yue appeared.

Bond Triggered – Potential Flamebond Detected

New Candidate Scan

Name: Shi Yuyan

Affinity: Swordfire Hybrid

Cultivation: Mid Spirit Core Formation (Injured)

Bond Potential: High – Phoenix Resonance Confirmed

Status: Internal Fracture, Core Instability

Name: Shi Yun'er

Affinity: Wind-Light Spiritualist

Cultivation: Early Body Awakening

Bond Potential: Medium – Potential Growth

The two girls stared in awe.

"You… You're him," Yuyan gasped, knees buckling.

"I'm Lin Yue," he said, gently catching her before she collapsed. His hand touched her forehead—and the Phoenix Flame spiraled through his veins.

A vision flashed:

—Yuyan dueling a beast twice her size to protect Yun'er.

—A failed awakening, forced suppression by corrupt elders.

—Escaping execution for discovering a forbidden flame relic.

"You risked everything for her," he murmured. "You'll fit right in."

With that, he activated Bloodline Transfer.

Bloodline Transfer Initiated – Shi Yuyan

Flame surged from his core into hers. The ritual circle bloomed under them—a six-petal Phoenix sigil glowing red and gold. Her broken meridians trembled, but instead of rupturing… they began to heal.

Yuyan cried out, body rising off the ground as fire wrapped around her. Her fractured spirit core twisted—then solidified anew. The Crimson Phoenix imprint branded itself along her spine.

Shi Yuyan – Custom Status

Name: Shi Yuyan

Flamebond Tier: Tier 2 – Flame Sentinel

Cultivation Realm: High Spirit Core Formation (Stabilized)

Bond Sync: 24%

Signature Affinity: Swordfire Hybrid

Weapon: Unnamed Flame Blade

Emotional Link: 13% (Admiration + Relief)

As she slowly floated down, her tears evaporated in the heat. "You… gave me a second chance."

"Join me," he said. "Join the Guild of Nirvana Phoenix. Bring your sister. We don't serve the world. We protect each other."

Yuyan placed a hand over her heart. "Yes… Guildmaster."

Beside her, Yun'er bowed. "Me too! I want to grow strong like you!"

Lin Yue smiled and tossed her a starter ring. "Then start training tomorrow."

That Night

The courtyard was lively.

New uniforms were issued—Yuyan's battle cloak flared with crimson edges, while Yun'er wore a beginner white robe with flame embroidery. Their rings glowed faintly.

The five bonded members sat around the Phoenix Flame Tree, its light reflecting their faces like a campfire.

"You're both safe now," Luo Yanyue said, brushing Yun'er's hair softly.

"Just don't make a mess in the kitchen like last time," Wen Qingxue added, smirking at Lian Rou.

"I only burned half the rice!" Rou protested.

Everyone laughed.

And for a moment… it was peace.

But Lin Yue's gaze rose toward the mountain ridge.

He could feel it.

A hostile presence was watching.

And it had noticed the Guild's rise.

System Notification

Guild Threat Detected – Rival Mercenary Clan Identified

Estimated Clash: Within 48 hours

Prepare for Defense

Updated Guild Roster

Name

Cultivation Realm

Flamebond Tier

Role

Lin Yue

Late Spirit Core

N/A

Guildmaster

Lian Rou

Early Soulfire Tempering

Tier 2

Vanguard

Wen Qingxue

Peak Body Awakening

Tier 1

Guardian

Luo Yanyue

Mid Spirit Core

Tier 2

Charm Specialist

Shi Yuyan

High Spirit Core

Tier 2

Swordflame Blade

Shi Yun'er

Early Body Awakening

Tier 0

Trainee

Flamebond Slots Used: 4/10

Guild Level: 2 (Minor Faction)

Features Unlocked: Trial Room, Veil Array, Shared Synchronization Level 1

To be Continue..