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The courtyard slowly emptied, but the tension lingered like the fading echo of the sect bell. Su Yang made his way to the Flame Pavilion—a side hall adjacent to the central stage—where disciples of the Valley of Harmonious Flames gathered to receive further instructions from Valley Master Mei Yuling herself.
The Flame Pavilion glowed faintly under layers of flame-engraved formations. Its wooden beams, carved from Fireroot Trees, hummed with latent fire qi. Inside, red and gold banners floated gently in the air without wind, reacting to the presence of spiritual energy. Su Yang stepped into this sanctum of heat and history, his gaze steady.
Dozens of disciples stood or sat in rows, waiting for the valley master to speak. They ranged from eager new recruits to more senior cultivators preparing for advanced fieldwork. Some whispered about their postings, others speculated about dangerous territories.
Then, without fanfare, Valley Master Mei Yuling appeared.
Her presence was like a silent wildfire—impossible to ignore, impossible to approach carelessly.
"Disciples of the Valley of Harmonious Flames," she said, standing before the flame lotus sigil of the sect. "Today's tasks will not only test your strength—but your resolve, your clarity of purpose."
She raised her hand, and a scroll unraveled in the air, glowing with inscriptions that shifted like firelight.
"We have received requests for aid from several border provinces," she continued. "Bandits rising. Spirit beasts rampaging. Internal corruption. The continent does not wait for cultivators to be ready. It moves, and you must move with it."
One by one, names were called out, matched with assignments.
"Yuan Tao—escort mission to Ash Wind Village. Report to Elder Heng by sunset."
"Liang Mu—stationed at the East Flame Watchtower for three weeks."
"Ren Mei—assistant alchemist in the Burnt Ember Herb Fields."
Su Yang listened patiently, still clutching the golden-sealed scroll hidden beneath his robe. Then, her voice shifted tone.
"Su Yang."
He stepped forward.
The room quieted.
Valley Master Mei Yuling didn't read from the scroll this time. Instead, she looked directly at him.
"Your assignment is special. You are to depart immediately for Amberlight City, located in the Southern Ridge Mountains. A border settlement frequently targeted by bandits and rogue cultivators. Your mission: investigate the source of repeated attacks and assist the City Lord in protecting the people."
Murmurs swept the room.
"Amberlight? That's a Vein Refinement zone!"
"They're sending him there alone?"
Mei Yuling ignored the whispers. "This is not a patrol. This is a test of leadership, insight, and restraint. You are to observe first. Protect where necessary. Report only to me upon return."
Su Yang bowed deeply. "Yes, Valley Master."
Just as he turned to leave, she added in a softer tone, "I've sent you the details in a sealed scroll. Do not open it until you are beyond the sect boundaries."
He nodded silently, understanding the weight behind those words.
---
Outside, the sun had climbed to its peak, casting long shadows through the stone-paved paths of the sect. Su Yang walked toward the supply depot to collect basic rations, spiritual salves, and a travel token for outer disciples.
As he passed through the eastern corridor, two familiar figures called out to him.
"Su Yang!"
It was Lin Xue, her icy blue robes fluttering in the breeze. Her expression was calm, but her eyes held concern. Beside her stood Jin Hao, arms crossed and frowning.
"They're sending you out of the sect already?" Lin Xue asked.
He nodded. "A mission to Amberlight City."
Jin Hao leaned in. "I heard that place is crawling with Vein Refinement bandits. Are they crazy sending you alone?"
"It's not about fairness," Su Yang said. "It's about trust—or maybe a gamble."
Lin Xue hesitated, then reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small charm—a snow lotus talisman. "This can help stabilize your qi if your flame goes unstable. It's not much, but…"
He accepted it with a rare smile. "Thank you. I'll return it when I come back."
Jin Hao slapped him on the back. "Just don't go dying before we finish our next sparring match."
They walked him toward the outer gate.
Just as they approached the exit, Elder Yao appeared beside the Flame Gate, looking as gruff as ever.
"Young brat," the elder said, holding out a small pill pouch. "Flame Recovery Pills. Low-grade, but you'll need them if you overdo it with that Karma Fire of yours. Consider it… repayment for not blowing up my archive room last week."
Su Yang bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Yao. I'll come back with results."
Max appeared then—silent and loyal as ever. beside him, tail swaying gently.
"Ready?" Su Yang asked.
Max gave a low chuff.
Su Yang stepped through the gate.
Beyond the stone archway, the road stretched far—winding down into the valley below and eventually into the southern mountain ridges.
He took one last look at the sect behind him.
> "This is it. My first real test—not just of alchemy or flame control. But of judgment. Of strength… of heart."
Then he stepped forward.
And so began Su Yang's journey toward Amberlight City.
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