Whispers of the Past
The forest, eerily silent at night, seemed to hum with unseen energy. The campfire flickered between Lan Yi, Ruo Chen, and Mei Lin, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames.
Lan Yi poked at the fire absentmindedly, lost in thought. Mei Lin’s warning replayed in his mind. The Phoenix Flame felt both a blessing and a curse, its power overwhelming yet essential.
Ruo Chen, sitting beside him, noticed his distant expression. His gaze hardened as he glanced at Mei Lin, who was perched on a rock a few feet away, sharpening a dagger.
Ruo Chen (ML)
You’ve stirred enough trouble for one day.
(Ruo Chen said to her, his voice low and edged with irritation.)
Mei lin
(Mei Lin smirked, not looking up.)
I told you the truth. If that troubles him, it’s not my fault.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi sighed, breaking the tension.)
She’s right, Ruo Chen. I need to face this. Ignoring it won’t help.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen frowned, his protective instincts warring with his respect for Lan Yi’s strength.)
Just remember, you don’t have to face it alone.
A Glimpse of the Unknown
As the group settled for the night, Lan Yi found sleep elusive. The weight of the Phoenix Flame bore down on him, its power both a comfort and a torment.
Restless, he wandered to the edge of the camp, the cool forest air brushing against his skin. He raised his palm, summoning a small flame. It flickered weakly, its light casting shadows on the trees.
Mei lin
You’re trying too hard.
(Mei Lin’s voice broke the silence.)
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi turned to see her leaning casually against a tree.)
What do you mean?
Mei lin
(She walked closer, her gaze fixed on the flame.)
The Phoenix Flame isn’t just power. It’s a part of you. You can’t control it with sheer will. You need to understand it, accept it.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi frowned.)
And how do I do that?
Mei lin
(Mei Lin shrugged.)
That’s for you to figure out. But I’ll warn you—if you let fear guide you, the Flame will consume you.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Before Lan Yi could respond, Ruo Chen appeared, his expression dark.)
What are you doing here?
Mei lin
Relax.
( Mei Lin said with a smirk.)
I was just giving him some advice.
Ruo Chen (ML)
I don’t need your advice.
( Ruo Chen snapped, stepping between her and Lan Yi.)
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi placed a hand on Ruo Chen’s arm, his touch soft but firm. )
It’s fine, Ruo Chen. She’s not the enemy.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen’s possessiveness flared, but he bit back his retort, nodding curtly.)
Let’s get back to camp. You need rest.
Lan Yi smiled faintly, appreciating Ruo Chen’s concern despite his overprotectiveness.
Dreams of Fire and Shadows
That night, as Lan Yi finally drifted into sleep, his dreams were vivid and haunting. He stood in a vast field of fire, the flames rising high around him.
From the inferno, a figure emerged—a dark silhouette with piercing golden eyes.
Unknown
Lan Yi.
( the figure said, its voice echoing in his mind.)
You carry the Flame, but you do not wield it. If you wish to survive, you must embrace the truth of who you are.
Lan Yi reached out, but the figure vanished, leaving him alone in the blazing field.
When he awoke, his heart raced, the figure’s words echoing in his mind
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