Btth heavenly flame system

Chapter 2: The First Trial

The desert sun blazed overhead, its scorching rays casting long, flickering shadows across the endless sand. Xiao Yan's feet sank into the hot earth as he paced back and forth, his mind buzzing with anticipation and uncertainty. Seven days. Seven days to reclaim the Heavenly Flame, or risk losing everything.

The weight of the quest was a heavy burden, but something within him stirred—a sense of determination he hadn't felt in years. For the first time since his powers were sealed, Xiao Yan felt as though he had a chance. The system had offered him a path, and for that, he was willing to fight with every ounce of his being.

Xiao Yan closed his eyes and focused. He could still feel the faint remnants of Dou Qi within his body, locked away behind the seal. But the sensation was like a distant echo—there, yet unreachable. The system had told him the first step was to regain access to his lost power. That meant one thing: he needed to find the Heavenly Flame.

*But where to start?*

As if on cue, the system's voice rang in his mind.

**"Ding! Quest update: You must locate the source of the Heavenly Flame. First Trial: The Trial of Fire awaits."**

Xiao Yan's eyes snapped open. *Trial of Fire?* He had heard of such trials before, spoken of in hushed tones among cultivators—a test designed to push one's strength to the limit, to awaken the hidden power within. But never before had he imagined being the one to face such a trial.

**"Trial location: The Inferno Abyss, a place where the flames burn with the power of a thousand suns. You have 24 hours to reach the entrance."**

Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat. The Inferno Abyss was legendary, a place even the most seasoned cultivators dared not venture. The flames there were said to be infused with ancient, primordial energy—powerful enough to burn away the very soul of an unprepared individual. But this was no time for hesitation. The system had pointed him toward his goal, and he could not afford to waste any more time.

He clenched his fists, his gaze hardening with resolve. *I'll face this trial. No matter what.*

The system's voice continued, this time with an air of finality.

**"Trial of Fire: Objective—Survive the Inferno Abyss and retrieve the Flame of Rebirth. Reward: Unlock the Heavenly Flame. Failure: Permanent soul damage."**

Xiao Yan took a deep breath and turned toward the horizon, where the desert seemed to stretch on endlessly. The Inferno Abyss was located to the north, deep within the Forbidden Mountain Range. It was a place many had tried to enter, but few had returned from.

Determined, Xiao Yan began his journey.

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The wind howled as he moved through the vast, barren desert. For hours, the terrain remained unchanged—an endless sea of sand stretching to meet the cloudless sky. But with each step, Xiao Yan could feel the weight of the task ahead. This wasn't just about regaining his powers; it was about proving to himself that he could overcome the darkness that had consumed his life for the past three years.

As the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, Xiao Yan reached the edge of the Forbidden Mountain Range. Jagged peaks rose in the distance, casting ominous shadows over the land. The air grew thick with the scent of sulfur, and the temperature plummeted as night fell. It wasn't long before the first signs of danger appeared.

A low growl echoed from the shadows, and Xiao Yan's instincts kicked in. His senses sharpened as the darkness around him seemed to come alive, the very air crackling with energy. From the shadows emerged a pack of desert wolves—creatures native to the Forbidden Mountain Range, known for their ferocity and agility. Their eyes glowed with a predatory gleam, and their sharp teeth gleamed in the dim light.

Xiao Yan's heart raced. He had been in countless battles, but this felt different. These wolves were stronger than anything he had faced before. They were not just wild beasts; they were infused with the energy of the Forbidden Mountain Range. The system had warned him—this place was dangerous.

But he had no choice.

Without hesitation, Xiao Yan stepped forward, summoning every last bit of energy he could muster. He couldn't use his full strength, but his body was still agile. The wolves lunged at him, but Xiao Yan twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding the snapping jaws of the lead wolf. His body felt light, his movements fluid as he danced around the creatures.

He had no weapons, no true cultivation to rely on—but his instincts, honed through years of training, kept him one step ahead. He struck out with his fists, landing blows that knocked the wolves back, but they quickly regrouped, circling him like vultures.

*I need to end this quickly.*

Xiao Yan's eyes flicked to the system interface, and a new message appeared in his mind.

**"Ding! Special Ability unlocked: Heavenly Flame Surge."**

His heart skipped a beat. He had no idea what this ability was, but it seemed to be tied to the Heavenly Flame the system had mentioned. Desperate, he focused his will and called out to the faint flame within his soul. A surge of heat rippled through his body, and before he knew it, a burst of fiery energy erupted from his palm.

The wolves yelped in surprise as the flames roared to life, swirling around Xiao Yan's body like a protective barrier. The Inferno-like heat scorched the air, and the wolves hesitated, fear flashing in their eyes. But it was too late.

With a primal roar, Xiao Yan pushed his hand forward, sending a wave of flames crashing into the pack. The wolves howled in pain as they were consumed by the fire, their bodies disintegrating into ash. The heat was unbearable, but Xiao Yan endured, his eyes blazing with an intensity he hadn't felt in years.

As the last of the wolves fell, Xiao Yan's breath came in ragged gasps. The flames around him died down, leaving behind only the faintest traces of heat. He had done it. He had unlocked a fragment of the Heavenly Flame, and it had been enough to defeat his enemies.

**"Ding! Trial of Fire—First challenge completed. Proceed to the Inferno Abyss for the next trial."**

Xiao Yan wiped the sweat from his brow and took a steadying breath. The path ahead would only get more difficult, but for the first time in years, he felt like he was on the right track.

*The Heavenly Flame is within my reach.*

With newfound resolve, Xiao Yan set his sights on the mountains ahead, ready to face whatever trials awaited him.

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*To be continued...*