In the Heavenly Flame Sect, the air was heavy and solemn. This was the place where missions were set and destinies were forged. Yulan, Jiang Rui, and Xiao Yu, still covered in the remnants of the last battle, walked together down the long stone corridor that led to the Mission Hall. Their expressions were serious, but a flame of determination still burned in their eyes—the mission had been accomplished.
Upon arriving at the hall, they were greeted by looks of curiosity and respect from the other inner disciples. Everyone knew that the mission of eliminating the gang led by the fearsome Shao, the Shadow Lord, was no easy task, especially for someone as young as Yulan. But no one dared to doubt her or her companions; they had returned, and that spoke for itself.
Elder Wei Jian Qiu , who presided over the hall that day, looked up as the three approached. He stood up, allowing a look of pride to form on his face. The elder knew the intensity of this mission and how powerful Shao’s shadow manipulation ability was.
“Elder Wei,” Jiang Rui began, bowing respectfully. “We have come to inform you that the mission has been completed. Shao, the Shadow Lord, has been eliminated, as has his gang.”
Yulan stepped forward, her posture straight, as if she knew the weight of her actions. “We have eliminated every single one of the bandits. Their shadows are no longer a threat to the sect or the surrounding villages.”
Elder Wei nodded slowly, absorbing every word. He knew that this mission had challenged not only their combat abilities, but also the unity and spirit of sacrifice of the three. He looked at Yulan, whose green flames had already become a legend among the disciples, then at Jiang Rui and his incandescent fire aura, and finally at Xiao Yu, whose golden flames and courage shone even in the darkest moments.
“You are the pride of this sect,” Wei Jian Qiu declared, his voice firm. “Each of you has displayed not only the skill of a Heavenly Flame disciple, but also the spirit that defines our sect.”
He paused and looked directly at Yulan, a barely noticeable smile on the corner of his lips. “Yulan, your courage and skill in manipulating the green flames are unmatched for someone your age. It is an honor to have you among us.”
Then, he turned to Jiang Rui and Xiao Yu. “The two of you, ever vigilant and committed, are examples of discipline and loyalty. This sect grows stronger with every battle you face together.”
With a wave of his hand, he handed them the golden emblem of honor of the Heavenly Flame Sect, proof that they had successfully completed a high-risk mission.
After reporting the success of the mission, Yulan decided to seek out her teacher, Elder Li Mei . Li Mei was a special figure to Yulan, both a guide and a motherly presence, who understood her young disciple deeply and knew the challenges she faced, even those that went beyond mere physical strength.
Yulan walked to the alchemy pavilion, where Li Mei would spend hours amidst the rare vials and plants. The soft scent of herbs wafted through the air, making the place feel almost ethereal, as if time here had a different rhythm. Li Mei stood attentively on a wooden table, carefully grinding ingredients in a stone bowl.
Hearing the disciple’s footsteps, Li Mei looked up and saw Yulan, and she smiled softly. There was a glint of pride in her eyes.
"Yulan, I have heard of the success of the mission. You have stood up to Shao and his gang... I am deeply proud of your strength and courage," Li Mei said, her voice warm and calm as she put down her pestle to give her full attention to the young disciple.
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Yulan nodded, but it was clear that the weight of the mission still rested on her shoulders, perhaps something only Elder Li Mei could understand. “Yes, Master. We managed to defeat them, but… that man, Shao, his shadows were different. It felt as if the darkness was alive.” Yulan hesitated, her voice lowering, as if revealing an unsettling thought. “I can still hear the sound of battle.”
Li Mei walked over, placing a gentle hand on Yulan’s shoulder. “Fights like this leave their mark, Yulan, but remember: you didn’t face this alone. And it’s only natural for shadows to leave an impression, for the light in your heart is what makes them disappear.” She paused, assessing her disciple’s expression, then continued calmly. “But I know how heavy these experiences are. I’ll concoct a restorative pill for you. Not only will it renew your energy, it will also calm your spirit.”
Yulan smiled, feeling the warmth of her master’s care, and then watched as Li Mei selected herbs from a shelf. The old woman’s experienced gaze examined each leaf with precision, and her hands seemed to glide with a grace that only years of practice could bestow. As she worked, Li Mei took the opportunity to impart her wisdom.
“Yulan, the power of flames you control is unique, a strength that few people in this sect possess. Remember that a cultivator’s true strength lies not in raw power alone, but in how we choose to use it, especially in the choices we make after battle. Never fear confronting the shadows; your light is what defines who you are.”
Minutes later, Li Mei finished preparing it and handed a sparkling green pill to Yulan. The pill exuded a gentle, calming energy, filled with an aura of peace. “Take it tonight,” the elder recommended. “It will help your mind find rest, and your inner flame will burn even brighter.”
Yulan held the pill reverently, feeling that this was not just medicine, but a symbol of her master’s guidance and support. “Thank you, Master Li Mei. I will be more careful and continue to honor your teaching.”
Li Mei smiled again and, with a gentle nod, bid Yulan farewell, certain that her disciple was on the right path. As Yulan walked out of the pavilion, she felt that Li Mei’s guidance had strengthened her as much as any combat technique—not just as a cultivator, but as someone who carried the flame of the sect within her.
In the Heavenly Flame Sect, the monthly ceremonies were eagerly awaited and revered by all. Every full moon, the sky would darken and illuminate the main hall, where a colossal bonfire would be lit. Around it, the inner and outer disciples, and even the elders, would gather, forming a circle of respect and connection, dedicating the night to the fire spirits and the cultivator spirit itself.
The ritual dances began, with more skilled disciples like Jiang Rui and Xiao Yu taking the lead. They moved in unison, their silhouettes silhouetted against the glow of the fire, their steps seeming almost like an extension of the flames themselves, pulsing and dancing in response. With each gesture, they told ancient stories: of legendary warriors who had conquered their flames centuries ago, and of how the sect had been founded on the sacred power of fire.
For Yulan , this was a special night. At only twelve years old, she had not yet led the rituals like Jiang Rui or Xiao Yu, but she was mesmerized by the fervor and devotion of her companions. As the drums echoed across the mountain, she closed her eyes and connected with her own inner fire, feeling the flames outside and inside resonate with each other. She knew that this moment was a vow—a promise to the spirits and to herself to follow the path of fire with determination and courage.
The disciples then formed a line to make their vows. Each approached the fire and threw into the flames a piece of red paper, on which they had written their wishes and commitments. As Yulan approached, she felt the heat of the fire against her face and the pulse of the flames around her. She whispered her vows in a low voice, pledging loyalty to the sect and its teachings, swearing that she would never hesitate to defend her flame, her honor, and that of her companions.
The culmination of the ceremony was a ritual led by the elders, especially Elder Li Mei . With unwavering calm, Li Mei held a flaming torch high and spoke the sacred words that sealed the union of all present with the power of fire. With each sentence, the flames seemed to grow, as if the fire itself were responding. The glow of the bonfire reflected in everyone’s eyes, and the atmosphere was filled with a vibrant energy, as if the ancestral spirits themselves were present.
As the bonfire burned until dawn, the disciples felt strengthened, their inner flames rekindled by their connection to the sect’s sacred power. This ritual was not just a ceremony—it was a moment when each cultivator renewed their essence and commitment, embracing the path of fire and honor, certain that together they were an indomitable flame that would never be extinguished.