Dark lord of Duo Qi continent

The forest seemed quieter as Yan Feng emerged from the temple, the Infernal Ember Art scroll securely in his hands. His breath was steady, but his mind raced with questions. The glow of the symbols still lingered in his eyes, a testament to the scroll's mysterious power.

"Zhu Yan, you said this technique is no ordinary find," Yan Feng began. "What makes it so special?"

Zhu Yan's voice rumbled softly in his mind, almost reverent. "You're holding a treasure that many would kill for, boy. The Infernal Ember Art isn't just a fire control technique; it's an ancient legacy. At its peak, it can rival the flames of a Heavenly Flame."

Yan Feng's eyes widened. "A technique that powerful?"

"Indeed. This art was created by a fire-focused Dou Di, a cultivator who stood among the strongest in the continent's history. They didn't just control fire—they bent it to their will, shaping it into weapons, shields, and even sentient constructs. This technique will make your flame far more potent than it is now."

Yan Feng felt a surge of excitement, but it was quickly tempered by caution. "If it's so powerful, why was it abandoned in this ruined temple?"

"Not abandoned—hidden," Zhu Yan corrected. "Powerful techniques attract greed. Wars have been fought for lesser treasures. Whoever placed it here didn't want it to fall into the wrong hands. Or perhaps they didn't think anyone could master it."

Yan Feng glanced at the scroll, his fingers tracing the intricate symbols etched onto its surface. "And you think I can master it?"

Zhu Yan chuckled. "You have potential, but don't let arrogance blind you. The Infernal Ember Art is unforgiving. Fail to control it, and it will consume you. But if you succeed... even the heavens will tremble before you."

Yan Feng sat cross-legged on the forest floor, unrolling the scroll carefully. The symbols lit up faintly as if responding to his presence. Zhu Yan guided him through the initial steps, his voice steady and patient.

"The Infernal Ember Art begins with understanding fire—not just as a tool, but as a living force. Close your eyes. Feel the flame within you. Let it speak to you."

Yan Feng did as instructed, shutting out the world around him. He focused on the flicker of heat in his core, the faint ember that had been awakened by the Crimson Flame during his escape.

At first, it was chaotic—flashes of heat surging unpredictably through his body. But as he concentrated, the flame began to settle, its rhythm matching his breathing. It felt alive, almost sentient, as if it were testing him.

"Good. Now, visualize it growing. Feed it with your energy, but don't let it escape your control. This is the first step: dominance."

Sweat beaded on Yan Feng's forehead as he poured his energy into the flame. It flared, threatening to spiral out of control, but he held firm, his will unyielding. Slowly, the flame shrank back, becoming a steady, controlled blaze.

"Excellent," Zhu Yan said, his tone approving. "You've taken the first step. But this is just the beginning. The true strength of the Infernal Ember Art lies in its techniques—each one designed to push the limits of fire manipulation."

Yan Feng opened his eyes, his chest heaving. "What's the first technique?"

Zhu Yan's voice grew serious. "It's called Ember Genesis. This technique allows you to summon a controlled inferno from a single spark. It can engulf your enemies and reshape the battlefield. But it's dangerous. Misuse it, and you'll burn yourself alive."

Yan Feng's determination didn't waver. "Teach me."

"Very well. First, summon the flame you just tamed. Focus it into a single point, and then expand it outward. But remember—control is key. Let the fire overwhelm you, and you'll lose everything."

Yan Feng stood, his hands trembling as he summoned the flame to his palm. The ember danced, small but fierce. Closing his eyes, he channeled his energy into it, imagining it growing into something greater.

The flame flickered, then flared. It grew larger, its heat intensifying as it stretched outward. But as it expanded, Yan Feng felt it slipping from his control.

"Damn it!" he cursed, clenching his teeth as the flame threatened to consume him.

"Focus!" Zhu Yan barked. "You're letting fear take over. Fire isn't your enemy—it's your ally. Command it!"

Taking a deep breath, Yan Feng steadied his mind. He visualized the flame as an extension of himself, a part of his being. Slowly, the chaotic blaze began to calm, its edges sharpening.

When he opened his eyes, a swirling sphere of fire hovered before him, its heat radiating outward.

"Not bad for a first attempt," Zhu Yan said. "But don't get complacent. You've barely scratched the surface of what this technique can do."

Yan Feng grinned despite his exhaustion. "If this is just the beginning, I can't wait to see what's next."

As Yan Feng prepared to continue, a sudden chill swept through the forest. The temperature dropped, and the shadows around him deepened.

"Something's coming," Zhu Yan said, his voice tense.

From the darkness emerged a faint, ethereal figure—a man clad in white robes, his features obscured by a glowing aura.

Yan Feng's heart raced. "Who is that?"

"The guardian soul of the Dou Di who sealed me," Zhu Yan said grimly. "He's here to judge you—and he won't show mercy."

The figure raised a translucent hand, and a surge of power shot toward Yan Feng. Instinctively, Yan Feng raised his flame, the newly-learned Ember Genesis forming a barrier of fire around him.

The attack struck the barrier, shattering it but leaving Yan Feng unharmed.

"Not bad," the figure said, its voice echoing eerily. "But power without purpose is meaningless. Show me your worth, or perish."

The guardian soul attacked again, its strikes relentless and precise. Yan Feng fought back with everything he had, his flames clashing against the spirit's energy. But it was clear he was outmatched.

"Zhu Yan, what do I do?" Yan Feng shouted, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Keep fighting," Zhu Yan said. "Prove your resolve. If you fall here, you were never worthy of the Infernal Ember Art to begin with."

Yan Feng gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of strength he had. The flame in his hand grew brighter, fueled by his determination.

With a final cry, he unleashed the full force of the Ember Genesis. The firestorm engulfed the guardian soul, its radiant heat lighting up the forest.

When the flames subsided, the guardian soul was gone, its presence faded.

"Did I… win?" Yan Feng asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"For now," Zhu Yan said. "But this was just a test. The real challenges lie ahead."

Yan Feng nodded, his resolve stronger than ever. He had survived the guardian soul's trial, but his journey was far from over. With the Infernal Ember Art in his possession, he was ready to face whatever the world threw at him.