Brawl at the Mysterious Altar

The third set of patterns was a sword: a straight thrust, a diagonal cleave, an upward lift, and a downward slash—four postures.

Spirit Flame Maiden's flames traced arcs through the air: the sword tip pierced the void, the sword blade slashed diagonally, the sword edge lifted upward, and the sword light pressed down.

Four clusters of flame struck with precision, and the doorway opened.

The fourth set, the fifth set, the sixth set—the patterns grew more and more complex, changing from simple objects into intricate plants, from plants into animals, and from stillness into motion.

The tenth set of patterns was a running deer, all four hooves in the air, body leaning forward, tail raised, its posture vigorous and nimble.

Spirit Flame Maiden's flames condensed in the air into the shape of a deer, all four hooves airborne, body leaning forward, tail raised.

The Flame Deer ran through the void and crashed into the pattern on the wall. The doorway opened.

Fine beads of sweat seeped from Spirit Flame Maiden's forehead.

The fifteenth set of patterns was a flying eagle: spreading its wings, circling, diving, hunting—four consecutive movements.

Spirit Flame Maiden's Flame Eagle spread its wings and soared through the void, circled once in the air, then dove downward, its sharp talons extending to seize a phantom prey.

The Flame Eagle's movements were smooth and natural, exactly like the pattern on the wall. The doorway opened, and Spirit Flame Maiden took a deep breath before continuing forward.

The eighteenth set of patterns—a beauty dancing. The movements were continuous, as natural as flowing water.

An ordinary person would have found it hard even to see the movements clearly, let alone imitate them with fire.

Spirit Flame Maiden's eyes fixed tightly on the pattern on the wall. The beauty spun, arms stretching