Heavenly Flames Are Hard to Tame

The first pale light of dawn appeared on the horizon, washing Black Wind Cliff's outline in a faint gray-white. Morning mist wound around the jagged cliff faces like gauze. The occasional cry of an early-rising bird of prey was quickly swallowed by the faint heat waves drifting up from the valley below. Xiao Yan sat steadily atop the Purple Gold Winged Lion King's back. Its body, over a zhang long, was covered in sleek purple-gold mane, every strand gleaming with a metallic luster and flowing with a dark purple halo beneath the weak morning light. As the Lion King's four paws stepped across the piles of broken stone, they produced crisp crunching sounds. Yet these were not the light sounds of gravel breaking, but carried the deep, heavy pressure unique to a Sixth-tier Demonic Beast. With Each Step, the ground beneath them trembled slightly, and the scattered pebbles around them actually bounced.

But when they were only three zhang from the valley entrance, the Lion King, which had been advancing steadily just moments ago, suddenly stopped. Its enormous body Trembled slightly beyond its control. This was not a minor quiver, but a shudder rising from the depths of its Limbs and body. Even Xiao Yan Clearly felt that uncontrollable fear. Its raised lion head instinctively lowered, and rare terror churned within its golden vertical pupils. Its pupils constricted slightly under extreme fear as it stared fixedly into the depths of the valley, as though some ancient beast capable of tearing it apart with ease lurked there. A suppressed whimper squeezed from the Lion King's throat, low and hoarse, carrying an almost desperate plea. No matter how Xiao Yan patted its neck and urged it onward, its paws seemed nailed in place by invisible chains. It refused to move another inch, and its hind legs even edged backward instinctively, seeking to flee this place that filled it with primal terror.

"Little lion, we're already at the door. Why are you getting scared now?" Feeling the tremors coming from the lion's body, Xiao Yan laughed helplessly. His fingertips brushed over the smooth mane on the Lion King's neck, clearly feeling its taut muscles. Before the words fell, the Purple-Gold Radiance around the Lion King abruptly contracted. The protective halo covering its body vanished as swiftly as a burst bubble. Its massive form shrank rapidly, as though compressed by some invisible force—its body shortened first, its mane flattened against its skin, then its limbs contracted and its head grew smaller. In the blink of an eye, it had become a palm-sized ball of fur, looking just like a young lion cub born not long ago. The little fellow shot onto Xiao Yan's shoulder, slid down his arm to his back, and clung desperately to the hem of his clothes with tiny paws. Its sharp little claws nearly dug into the fabric. It buried its head in his collar, revealing only a pair of amethyst-like eyes as it timidly watched the valley entrance. Even its breathing became extremely soft, the fur on its chest rising and falling gently with each faint breath, utterly flustered.

"You little fellow, a dignified Sixth-tier Lion King, yet your courage is smaller than a rabbit's." Xiao Yan reached back and patted the trembling little lion. His fingertips could feel its tense little body shaking violently in fear, like a helpless young beast in a cold wind. "Don't be afraid. With me and Teacher here, nothing will happen." With that, he clenched the Black Heavy Ruler tightly by its handle. The familiar heaviness of the cold ruler calmed him somewhat, and he strode toward the valley entrance. Elder Yao's Soul phantom floated beside him, his pale blue soul body glowing faintly in the morning light like a candle flame swaying beneath water. Faint soul ripples Wreathed around the edges of his form. Elder Yao's gaze had long since probed into the valley. A trace of gravity showed in his aged yet sharp eyes as he spoke in the ethereal tone unique to a soul, "The Fire Attribute Energy in this valley is far too violent, crashing about like Boiling magma. The Myriad Beast Spirit Fire is, after all, a Heavenly Flame born of heaven and earth. It ranks in the middle of the Heavenly Flame Ranking and has an arrogant, untamable nature. It will not be easy to take. Remember not to be impatient later. Heavenly Flames possess intelligence. If you rush for quick success, you will only suffer its backlash."

The moment he stepped into the valley entrance, a scorching heat wave rushed toward him. It was not the burning heat of summer sunlight, but a searing heat carrying an Aura of Destruction, as though he had stepped into a red-hot furnace. Xiao Yan instinctively narrowed his eyes. Countless desolate yet savage Beast roars Mixed with the heat wave. They did not sound close by, but instead seemed to come from ancient times, Layer upon layer, crashing against his eardrums Like a Tide. His ears buzzed from the impact, and even the Dou Qi within his body was thrown slightly into disorder by the vibrations. Xiao Yan looked ahead. The valley floor was covered in charred black stone, rocks that had seemingly been Flame Scorching for countless years. Their surfaces were covered in cracked patterns like the dry palms of an old man. Not a blade of grass grew there, and even the hardiest thornbushes were nowhere to be seen. Yet the instant he entered, translucent Demonic Beast phantoms suddenly emerged from the cracks in the rocks:

At the forefront was a Thunder Eagle phantom with wings that blotted out the sky. Its body spanned a full ten zhang, and its flapping wings crackled as purple lightning coiled around them like writhing snakes. Every beat of its wings sent tiny bolts striking the charred rocks, scattering sparks. Beside it stood a Giant Elephant phantom as large as a mountain, more than three times the size of an ordinary elephant. Its tusks gleamed with a chilling white light, as if they could pierce steel with ease. Each step made the ground tremble faintly, leaving shallow prints even in the charred stone. More startling still were the ancient Qiongqi phantoms, each with twin horns and the appearance of a fierce tiger. Their agile bodies were wrapped in ghostly black flames. Though those flames had no physical form, they emitted a Heart-palpitating aura of destruction. With every breath, the surrounding air twisted into waves, as though even space itself would be Completely burned away.

These phantoms packed the valley, Surrounded tightly around its center, forming an invisible barrier like well-trained soldiers. Though they had no physical bodies, they radiated suffocating pressure. It was not the aura of a single Demonic Beast, but the combined force of countless powerful beast souls, pressing down on his heart like a mountain and making even Xiao Yan's breathing hitch. Especially when the Qiongqi phantoms' gazes swept over him, carrying the savagery unique to ancient ferocious beasts, He clenched the Black Heavy Ruler tightly. A chill rose over his back, as though a real Qiongqi had fixed its eyes on him. Countless phantoms roared at once, their sound Like a thunderclap as it echoed continuously through the valley, as if it would overturn the entire place. The little lion on Xiao Yan's back whimpered in fright, tightening its grip on his clothes until its claws nearly embedded themselves in the fabric. Its tiny body curled into a ball, as though it wished to hide itself completely.

"Teacher, this is the phenomenon triggered by the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire, right? Where exactly is it hiding?" Xiao Yan suppressed the shock in his heart, though his voice trembled slightly with excitement. The sight before him was even more spectacular than the little lion's earlier fragmented description. The fiery aura emanating from those phantoms pricked his skin like countless fine needles, making it go numb, while the Dou Qi in his body stirred faintly beneath the Heavenly Flame's influence, as though yearning to merge with this powerful flame.

Elder Yao's soul body swayed slightly in the air, his eyes locked on the valley's center. Wonder appeared on his aged face before he nodded heavily. "That's right! This is the beast soul phenomenon triggered by the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire! For you to find it in the Monster Beast Mountain Range is already an enormous stroke of fortune. If it were anyone else, they likely could not even approach within a hundred meters of this valley. But remember, Heavenly Flames possess intelligence and are arrogant and untamable. The Myriad Beast Spirit Fire in particular contains the wills of countless ancient beast souls. To subdue it, the first step is enduring the pressure of its beast souls and preventing these phantoms from causing you actual harm. The second step is refining its Origin Fire and merging it with your Blazing Art. One wrong move, and at best you will be seriously injured and your cultivation will regress. At worst, the spirit fire will backlash, burn your soul, and leave you without even a chance at reincarnation!" He pointed toward the Core Area where the phantoms gathered, faint blue light glowing from his soul-body fingertip. "The spirit fire's source lies beneath that charred black rock, wrapped in Layer upon layer of beast soul power, as though protected by countless layers of armor. These phantoms are its first line of defense, and also your first trial. If you cannot pass this, do not even think about subduing the spirit fire."

Xiao Yan followed where he pointed and saw that all the phantoms circled around a millstone-sized piece of charred black rock at the valley's center. That rock was darker than the surrounding stones, its surface covered in spiderweb-like cracks. Dark red light faintly seeped from within those cracks, like the breathing of a sleeping giant beast. Every flicker of light and darkness made the surrounding heat waves intensify. He took a deep breath, tucked the little lion farther beneath the hem of his clothes, and said quietly, "Hold on tight. Don't fall. It might get a little bumpy later." He then gripped the Black Heavy Ruler and walked steadily toward the rock. Every step was firm as the Dou Qi within him circulated slowly, ready for any sudden danger.

After only two steps, the Thunder Eagle phantom at the front suddenly Dived down. It moved as fast as lightning, its sharp talons crackling with electricity as they struck straight for Xiao Yan's head! Though he knew it was merely a phantom, Xiao Yan did not dare let down his guard—Elder Yao had warned him that the illusionary phantoms stirred by Heavenly Flames often carried some real power. With a flick of his wrist, he Swept out with the Black Heavy Ruler. Light purple Dou Qi flowed over it like water as it Collided with a roar against the eagle's talons. With a muffled bang, the Thunder Eagle phantom scattered like foam, turning into motes of light that dissolved into the air. But a violent current of lightning energy traveled through the ruler and into his body, like countless tiny electric snakes darting through his meridians. His arm went numb, his fingertips tingled, and even the circulation of his Dou Qi stalled for an instant.

Before he could recover, two fifth-tier Fierce Wolf phantoms pounced from both sides. Their bodies were agile, their Fangs glinting coldly as they snapped at his wrist with scorching heat. Xiao Yan twisted aside and swung the Black Heavy Ruler backhandedly. Dou Qi Poured into it, making the ruler shine with dazzling purple light as it smashed heavily into the Fierce Wolf phantom on the left and shattered it. Yet the Fierce Wolf phantom on the right took the chance to close in, its flaming claws Swiped past his arm. Though it did not break his skin, a burning pain flared through him, as if he had been branded by red-hot iron. Even his Dou Qi Shield was Torn Open with a gap, its faint purple halo shaking violently and nearly collapsing entirely.

"Though these phantoms have no physical bodies, they can release attacks of their corresponding attributes. And the closer you get to the spirit fire's source, the stronger they will become. Deal with them carefully, and don't let them drain all your Dou Qi!" Elder Yao's warning rang out in time. His soul body drifted slightly forward, seemingly observing the phantoms' patterns. Xiao Yan nodded and quickened his pace. The Black Heavy Ruler danced in his hand, Air-tight, forming what seemed like a purple barrier that smashed apart the Giant Elephant phantoms and Bear Clan phantoms charging at him. But the phantoms seemed endless. Whenever one shattered, another immediately emerged from the rock cracks. Even Sixth-tier One-Horned Rhinoceros phantoms appeared. Their horns blazed with searing flames like red-hot iron pillars, and when they rammed Xiao Yan, he actually felt a solid impact. He Continuously retreated several steps, his chest tightening as his blood and Qi churned.

A moment later, fine Sweat Beads appeared on Xiao Yan's forehead. The instant they emerged, the surrounding heat Evaporated them, leaving a layer of white frost across his Skin Surface. Nearly forty percent of the Dou Qi in his body had been depleted. His back was soaked with sweat, and his robes clung tightly to him, outlining the youth's somewhat slender yet upright frame. Looking at the phantoms still streaming forth without end, he frowned deeply. This can't go on. Sooner or later, my Dou Qi will be depleted. I have to reach the spirit fire's source as soon as possible and break this deadlock!

"Try using your Purple Fire!" Elder Yao suddenly said, a Sharp Glint flashing through his soul-body eyes. "The Myriad Beast Spirit Fire is a collection of flame origins, fused with the essence of countless Beast Fires. Your Purple Fire has merged with the little lion's Beast Fire source and belongs to the same lineage. Their auras share a natural connection, so it may be able to suppress these beast soul phantoms temporarily. But remember, only suppress them. Do not try to forcefully disperse them, or you will anger the spirit fire. Then the power of these phantoms will increase several times over, making them even harder to handle!"

Xiao Yan's eyes brightened. He immediately put away the ruler, and a pale purplish-red flame rose from his palm. More condensed than an ordinary Beast Fire, its edges shone with a faint Golden Halo. It was Purple Fire fused with the Purple Gold Winged Lion King's Beast Fire source. The instant it appeared, the savage Demonic Beast phantoms around him froze, as though someone had pressed pause. Fear appeared on their faces. The lower-tier Fierce Wolf and wild rabbit phantoms even began Trembled slightly and backed away repeatedly, their eyes full of submission. Xiao Yan seized the chance and controlled the Purple Fire into a Flame Barrier before him. It was like a flowing wall of fire, radiating a gentle yet intimidating aura. He advanced step by step toward the charred black rock. Where the Flame Barrier passed, the phantoms did not vanish, but none dared attack again. They merely roared anxiously in place, clearly wary of the Purple Fire as though they had encountered their natural predator.

Very quickly, Xiao Yan arrived before the charred black rock. The cracks in it had now expanded severalfold, and the dark red light nearly burst free of the rock's restraints. The heat scorched his skin with Stinging pain, as though even his bones would melt. He drew a deep breath, only to inhale the scent of sulfur and burning flame, which made him cough faintly. He pressed his Right Hand against the rock's surface. It was incomparably hot, and waves of burning pain shot through his palm, nearly scalding his skin. Just as he was about to use Dou Qi to split the rock apart, it cracked open by itself with a rumble. The fissure spread from the center in all directions, expanding rapidly like a spiderweb. Amid the sound of tumbling stones, a heat wave ten times more violent than before Gushed out like a volcanic eruption, sweeping toward him and forcing Xiao Yan to circulate his Dou Qi instinctively to protect his entire body. Then, a basketball-sized flame wreathed in seven-colored light slowly rose from the crack. It had no fixed form. At times, it became charging lions and tigers, majestic and imposing; at others, it transformed into circling birds, graceful and nimble. Countless tiny Demonic Beast phantoms surrounded it like stars around the moon. This was the source of the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire!

"Found it!" Joy surged through Xiao Yan's heart, and excitement flashed in his eyes. Just as he was about to circulate the Blazing Art and attempt to draw in the spirit fire, the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire erupted with Terrifying pressure. The pressure was stronger than all the previous phantoms combined, like an ancient giant beast awakening. The Seven-Colored Flame Instantly expanded, turning into a Fire Dragon Phantom Several dozen zhang long. Its scales looked vividly real, every one of them flowing with seven-colored light. Opening its huge mouth, it spat out a mass of scorching flame. The flame was Dark red, and Where it passed, the air gave off sizzling cries as it burned. Even the charred rocks on the ground began to melt into dark red magma, rushing straight toward Xiao Yan!

"Careful! This is the spirit fire's source counterattack. It's resisting being subdued!" Elder Yao's voice was urgent. His soul body instantly floated before Xiao Yan, attempting to use Soul Power to block some of it. "Circulate the Blazing Art to protect your heart meridians, and use your Purple Fire to guide it slowly. Do not resist it head-on! Heavenly Flames hate brute force the most. The harsher you are, the more fiercely it will resist. Once its Origin Fire wraps around you, even with me here, it will be difficult to save you!"

Xiao Yan did not dare delay. He immediately circulated the Blazing Art technique, and Dou Qi from his Dantian surged madly through his Limbs and body, forming a layer of pale purple Dou Qi Shield around his body. The shield was thicker than before, like sturdy armor, yet it Trembled slightly as the Fire Dragon's flames approached. At the same time, the Purple Fire in his palm condensed until it resembled crystal, like a translucent gemstone of flame. It slowly extended toward the Fire Dragon Phantom, attempting to use the Purple Fire to convey goodwill and draw in the spirit fire's source. But the moment Purple Fire touched the Fire Dragon Phantom, the dragon released a deafening roar, Like a thunderclap echoing through the valley. Its flames Instantly expanded and engulfed the Purple Fire. The searing temperature traveled through the Purple Fire and into Xiao Yan's body, causing his Dou Qi Shield to dissolve at a speed Visible to the naked eye. Its pale purple halo grew dimmer and dimmer. Waves of agonizing pain shot through his arm, his meridians seeming ready to burn apart, while even the blood in his body felt as though it were boiling.

"Hold steady! Use the Blazing Art to guide the Purple Fire into communicating with the spirit fire. Let it sense your sincerity, not hostility!" Elder Yao's voice rang out In his mind, carrying a trace of urgency. "The Myriad Beast Spirit Fire has fused with countless beast souls. Its nature is fierce, but it possesses the simplicity of beasts. If you show the intent to conquer it, it will resist with all its strength. But if you convey the intent to coexist, it may lower its guard!"

Xiao Yan Gritted his teeth, veins bulging across his forehead. Sweat streamed down his cheeks and instantly Evaporated when it fell to the ground, leaving tiny marks upon the charred black stone. Enduring the intense pain, he slowed his Dou Qi output and kept the Purple Fire gentle, no longer allowing it to carry aggression. At the same time, he silently recited the Blazing Art technique in his heart, releasing his own aura along with the fluctuations of the Blazing Art. He tried to convey the intent of coexistence rather than conquest—he wanted the spirit fire to understand that subduing it was not about treating it as a tool, but growing together with it and using the power of the Blazing Art to make it stronger.

But the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire clearly did not accept this. The Fire Dragon Phantom suddenly swung its tail. That tail was like a gigantic burning whip, carrying an Aura of destruction as it struck Xiao Yan heavily. Xiao Yan was sent Flying Backwards as though struck by a massive blow, smashing heavily into the valley wall with a muffled thud. Broken stones rained down from the cliff face. He spat out a mouthful of blood, which instantly evaporated into bloody mist upon hitting the ground. His Dou Qi Shield shattered completely, and multiple burns appeared across his skin, radiating fiery pain. He struggled to his feet, wiped the blood from his lips, and looked at the still-rampaging Fire Dragon Phantom. As expected, it won't be this easy. This spirit fire's ferocity is even stronger than the Green Lotus Core Flame I subdued before! Forcing it won't work.

Seeing that Xiao Yan had not fallen, the Fire Dragon Phantom flashed a trace of surprise in its eyes before pouncing at him again. Countless tiny beast soul shrieks Mixed with its flames. Those shrieks were like demonic sounds, attempting to rip apart his soul and throw him into confusion. Xiao Yan's Gaze sharpened. Rather than use Purple Fire to resist again, he flashed away and spread the Purple Cloud Wings behind him. The pale purple wings gleamed beneath the morning sunlight. Using the Purple Cloud Wings' Explosive Power, he rapidly dodged through the valley. The dragon's flames repeatedly struck where he had just stood, melting the charred rocks into magma and creating one Small hole after another filled with fire. At the same time, Xiao Yan keenly observed the Fire Dragon Phantom's movements and discovered that, though violent, it always remained around the area where the spirit fire's source was located. No matter how it attacked, it never truly pursued him too far, as though bound by invisible shackles.

"Teacher, it seems to be bound by some kind of power and can't leave this area!" Xiao Yan shouted to Elder Yao as he dodged, a trace of delight in his voice—this might be the key to subduing the spirit fire.

Elder Yao's soul body moved swiftly through the air. His gaze swept around the valley as he carefully examined its layout. A moment later, he nodded. "That's right! The layout of this valley faintly bears traces of an array. Look at the surrounding cliff walls. There are faint runes carved upon them. It should be a Fire-Trapping Array left behind by someone in the past, used to trap the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire and stop it from escaping. Though it can release pressure and attack, it cannot truly leave the hundred-meter range around the valley's center! This is an opportunity for you, because it limits its movement. But it is also a restriction—you must make it willingly acknowledge you within this area. Otherwise, you will never be able to take it out of the valley, let alone truly subdue it!"

Xiao Yan's heart stirred, and he immediately changed his strategy. He no longer tried to draw in the spirit fire. Instead, he stopped, withdrew the Purple Fire, and allowed the Fire Dragon Phantom's flames to burn around him. The flames scorched his robes, making the fabric hiss as it was quickly burned through with one Small hole after another. Waves of intense pain ran across his skin. Yet he merely circulated the Blazing Art, protecting his heart meridians and soul with all his strength to stop the flames from entering his body. At the same time, he closed his eyes and released his own aura and the fluctuations of the Blazing Art Without reservation. Those fluctuations carried the youth's tenacity and sincerity as he tried to let the spirit fire understand that he was not seeking to seize it by force, but hoped to merge with it, grow together, and use the Blazing Art's power to make them both stronger.

Seeing that Xiao Yan no longer attacked, the Fire Dragon Phantom slowed as well. Its flames were still violent, yet it did not pounce again. It merely circled Xiao Yan like a curious giant beast studying the human before it. Countless tiny beast soul phantoms drifted through the flames. Some were savage, some gentle, as though conveying different emotions while judging Xiao Yan together. Xiao Yan Clearly felt that beneath the spirit fire's aura of violence and resistance lay a trace of confusion and loneliness—the loneliness of being Trapped in this valley for countless centuries. It was like an abandoned child that had long grown accustomed to disguising itself with savagery in order to fend off outside threats.

Time passed bit by bit. Xiao Yan's Dou Qi was consumed more and more rapidly, and his body grew red from the flames. Pain crashed over him Like a Tide, and several times he nearly fainted, relying entirely on his powerful will to endure. His consciousness gradually became blurred, and illusions began to appear before his eyes. He seemed to see countless Demonic Beasts struggling and roaring within flames—memories of the beast souls Contained within the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire. Yet he held fast to his true heart, continuously purifying his aura with the Blazing Art and maintaining calmness and sincerity. The little lion on his back also sensed his hardship. It poked its head out from beneath his clothes and let out a low lion roar at the Fire Dragon Phantom. That sound no longer carried fear, but a hint of pleading and soothing, as though it were begging on Xiao Yan's behalf. A faint Purple-Gold Radiance appeared around it, enveloping its small body as it attempted to use its Beast Fire aura to share some of Xiao Yan's burden.

Perhaps the little lion's Beast Fire aura had taken effect, or perhaps Xiao Yan's persistence and sincerity had moved the spirit fire. The Fire Dragon Phantom's flames gradually withdrew somewhat, and its seven-colored halo softened. No longer as blinding as before, it also circled more slowly. The beast soul phantoms within the flames became much gentler as well. They no longer let out savage roars, and some even wagged their tails at Xiao Yan, as though expressing goodwill. Joy rose in Xiao Yan's heart. He knew the spirit fire's resistance was weakening, but he did not dare relax. He continued maintaining a peaceful aura, using the Blazing Art to convey the intent of coexistence, as though patiently communicating with a stubborn child.

Just then, Elder Yao suddenly spoke, satisfaction in his voice. "The opportunity is here! It has begun to acknowledge your aura and no longer sees you as an enemy. Now use Purple Fire to draw in a wisp of the spirit fire's source. Do not be greedy—take only one wisp and let it slowly adapt to your aura. This is the crucial step in subduing it!"

Xiao Yan immediately did as told. Purple Fire rose from his palm once more, gentler than before like a flickering candle flame, and slowly approached the spirit fire's source. The Fire Dragon Phantom no longer resisted. It merely watched Purple Fire silently, the savagery in its eyes completely gone, leaving only curiosity and caution. When Purple Fire touched the spirit fire's source, a wisp of seven-colored flame flowed into Xiao Yan's palm along the Purple Fire like a drifting thread. The flame was warm and gentle, without the slightest burning pain. Instead, it carried an incomparably pure energy.

When that wisp of flame entered his body, Xiao Yan felt warmth spread throughout him. It was not the earlier burning sensation, but a warm power flowing through his meridians. Where it passed, the pain from his previous burns gradually eased, and his depleted Dou Qi was replenished slightly. He knew this was a sign that the spirit fire had begun to accept him—the first time in countless centuries that this arrogant Heavenly Flame had lowered its guard toward a human. Yet he also knew this was only the first step. To truly subdue the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire, he still needed a long process of refinement, thoroughly merging this wisp of spirit fire source with his Dou Qi and soul until it became part of his own strength. And that process would be far more dangerous than this confrontation. With the slightest mistake, the spirit fire source would run wild inside his body, burning his meridians and soul and condemning him to eternal ruin.

Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. They held exhaustion, but even more determination. Looking at the Fire Dragon Phantom still circling the valley's center, the excitement he had felt at first was gone, replaced only by reverence and steadiness. He understood that subduing a Heavenly Flame had never been something achieved in one stroke. The Myriad Beast Spirit Fire before him had merely given him the first problem. The true trial lay in the refinement process ahead. He took a deep breath, nodded to Elder Yao, and spoke in a hoarse yet incomparably firm voice. "Teacher, I understand. Next, it's time to begin refining this wisp of Origin Fire."

Elder Yao looked at him with satisfaction in his eyes and nodded slightly. "Good boy. You've learned to keep your composure. That is the mindset needed to subdue a Heavenly Flame. Remember, no matter how great the pain or how terrifying the illusions you see during refinement, you must hold fast to your true heart. Do not let the beast souls within the spirit fire disturb you. Those beast souls will try to seize your consciousness. Once you lose yourself, you will never wake again."

Xiao Yan nodded and found a relatively cool rock—though "cool" only meant slightly less hot than the valley center; the rock was still scorching. He sat cross-legged, formed a hand seal, and began circulating the Blazing Art, guiding the wisp of seven-colored flame through his body. The little lion on his back also jumped onto his knees and Curled Up into a ball. A faint Purple-Gold Radiance glowed around its small body as it wrapped Xiao Yan in its Beast Fire aura, guarding him. Its amethyst-like eyes watched the surroundings vigilantly, Afraid of any accident.

The Fire Dragon Phantom at the valley's center continued circling, its flames waxing and waning as though watching Xiao Yan and waiting for the final outcome. Sunlight gradually crossed the cliff walls and spilled into the valley, stretching the youth's shadow long. The surrounding Demonic Beast phantoms gradually turned translucent before finally dissolving into the air, leaving behind only the flickering Seven-Colored Flame and the still figure of the youth. This contest between man and Heavenly Flame had only just begun. Xiao Yan knew that he had to win—not only to become stronger, but to protect those around him and walk the higher path of cultivation.