The First Step
The morning light filtered through the dense canopy, casting soft golden rays on the forest floor. Lan Yi sat by the dying embers of the campfire, staring at his palms as if searching for answers. The dream from the previous night lingered in his mind, the figure’s golden eyes burned into his memory.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen approached, carrying a bundle of fruit he’d gathered.)
You barely slept.
( His voice was gentle, but his concern was evident.)
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi nodded, his expression distant.)
I had... a dream. Or maybe it was more than that.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen crouched beside him, placing the fruit between them.)
What kind of dream?
Lan Yi hesitated before recounting the vision—the field of fire, the golden-eyed figure, and its cryptic words. As he spoke, Ruo Chen’s expression darkened.
Ruo Chen (ML)
This isn’t just a dream.
(Ruo Chen said firmly.)
The Flame is trying to guide you, or warn you. Either way, we can’t ignore it.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi sighed.)
But what does it mean? Embrace the truth of who I am? What truth?
Mei lin
(Before Ruo Chen could respond, Mei Lin’s voice cut through the morning air.)
It means you’re not ready yet.
A Tense Conversation
Lan Yi and Ruo Chen turned to see Mei Lin leaning against a tree, arms crossed. Her sharp eyes seemed to pierce through Lan Yi’s uncertainty.
Mei lin
You’re connected to the Phoenix Flame, but you’re afraid of it.
( Mei Lin continued.)
That fear is holding you back.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi frowned.)
And what would you know about it?
Mei lin
I’ve seen what happens to those who let fear control them.
( Mei Lin replied, her tone uncharacteristically serious.)
They either burn out or fall into darkness.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen stood, his protective instincts flaring again.)
Lan Yi doesn’t need your lectures. He’s stronger than you think.
Mei lin
(Mei Lin smirked, her confidence unshaken.)
Strength means nothing without control. If you want to survive, you’ll need to face the Flame head-on.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi stood as well, placing a hand on Ruo Chen’s arm to calm him.)
She’s right. I can’t keep running from this.
Mei lin
(Mei Lin led them to a secluded glade, where the air seemed to hum with energy.)
This place is safe for now. It’s the perfect spot for you to practice.
Lan Yi (MC)
(he hesitated.)
Practice What?
Mei lin
Connecting with the Flame.
( Mei Lin said simply.)
Let it flow through you, but don’t force it. Feel it. Understand it.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Lan Yi glanced at Ruo Chen, who nodded encouragingly.)
I’m here. You can do this.
Taking a deep breath, Lan Yi closed his eyes and focused inward. He could feel the Flame, a flickering presence deep within him. Slowly, he reached for it, letting its warmth spread through him.
The glade lit up as a burst of fire surrounded Lan Yi. It was wild and untamed, but he didn’t let it scare him. He let the flames flow, guiding them gently rather than trying to control them.
For a moment, the fire danced beautifully around him, a perfect balance of power and grace. But then, a sharp pain shot through him, and the flames flared out of control.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen moved instantly, pulling Lan Yi back as the fire erupted.)
Enough!
(he shouted, his protective instincts overriding any hesitation.)
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi collapsed into Ruo Chen’s arms, his breathing labored.)
I... I lost control.
Ruo Chen (ML)
You’re pushing too hard.
(Ruo Chen said, his tone softer now.)
You’ll get there, but not like this.
Mei lin
(Mei Lin watched silently, her expression unreadable.)
He’s closer than he thinks.
(she said after a moment.)
But he still has a long way to go.
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