Loud voices echoed across the mountainside, a chorus of anguish that rolled like thunder. Some were sharp with panic, others low and guttural with despair. Wails bled into hoarse cries, the sound carrying far enough that even disciples outside the peak cast wary glances at the crimson-lit skies above the Body Refinement Division.
On the peak itself, the scene was a vision of torment. The stone courtyard had been transformed into a furnace. Heat shimmered from the ground, distorting the air like waves rising from molten rock. Dozens of new disciples, those who had passed the trial of the steps were scattered across the ground. Some lay unconscious, their bodies twitching with spasms; others knelt trembling, sweat pouring from them in rivulets as they fought to remain upright.
The source of this suffering was not hard to find. A massive basin-like formation carved into the peak glowed with furious light. Within, hot stones burned bright orange, veins of magma-like qi running through them, releasing bursts of searing steam. It was as if the mountain's own heart had been cracked open.
Floating above the basin was Bai Tianyu, the examiner from the trial of steps. His stern gaze swept across the writhing disciples, lips pressed into a thin line. Yet, when he finally spoke, his voice was steady, almost calm, cutting through the screams like a blade.
"For one to claim they have stepped into the Mortal Flesh Realm," Bai Tianyu intoned, "their body must withstand extremes that ordinary flesh cannot. Impurities cling to you like rot. Today, you begin the process of purging them."
He extended one hand, and the burning stones flared brighter, exhaling another blast of blistering heat. Several disciples collapsed instantly, their bodies convulsing as though struck by lightning foam evaporating upon contact with the blistering ground. Bai Tianyu's eyes glinted with satisfaction.
"This beginner training is known as Lián Huǒ Jiàn Tǐ—the Tempering of Fire and Flesh. Every disciple of this division undergoes it. Only through fire can the mortal body be reforged into a vessel worthy of cultivation."
His mouth curved into a grin, wide and merciless.
"Do not faint yet. This is only the lowest level."
As his words fell, the temperature spiked again. The air itself twisted; the courtyard wavered like a mirage. The stone beneath the disciples scorched their palms and knees. Cries erupted louder, raw and unrestrained, rising into the night like hymns of the damned.
Hei Lóng stood among the suffering, teeth clenched as heat gnawed at his skin. His chest rose and fell heavily, each breath a struggle against air that scalded his lungs.
'It burns. Even my bones feel as though they're melting'.
His vision blurred at the edges, sweat rolling down his jaw before sizzling on the stone below. For a fleeting moment, his mind whispered temptation 'collapse, just collapse, let the dark take you'. But the thought only made his jaw tighten.
Hei Lóng had endured hunger. He had endured the stupid steps. Compared to those quiet, endless torments, pain was almost… familiar. He did not curse or scream like the others. He simply endured, body trembling violently, refusing to give Bai Tianyu the satisfaction of his collapse.
Above,Bai Tianyu watched the disciples, eyes narrowing when they passed over Hei Lóng. The heat grew unbearable. The world narrowed into a haze of red and roaring blood. Time lost all meaning. And still, the torment continued.
By evening, the training finally ended. One by one, disciples dragged themselves from the courtyard, their robes plastered to their bodies, skin flushed crimson from the ordeal. Some were carried out by fellow disciples, unconscious. Others stumbled forward, staggering like drunkards after a battle.
It was the same air of relief one found at the end of a merciless school day, only magnified by the lingering smell of charred sweat and scorched flesh.
Hei Lóng was among those departing, steps heavy like lead. He did not look at the others, nor did he speak. Each step was heavy and slow, his expression unreadable, though beneath his muscles still twitched from the lingering heat.
"Hey, you."
The voice came from behind. Hei Lóng turned, eyes narrowing slightly.
sweat dripping into his eyes. Striding toward him was the silver-haired youth from the stair trial. His upper body was bare, clothes discarded, every line of his frame glistening with sweat under the fading light. Lean, defined muscles rippled with each movement, his build the perfect blend of power and agility. His skin was still flushed red from the heat, as if forged from a furnace.
What drew the eye most, however, were his features. sharp yet striking, with long silver hair, now shortened and singed at the tips from the trial's flames. And when he drew close, his eyes caught the light: silver, gleaming like cold stars in twilight.
If one compared his face to the duo clan's famed talents, it might not surpass Du Wèi's captivating allure, but it held its own, distinct and unforgettable.
The young man came to a stop before Hēi Lóng, a confident grin tugging at his lips.
He strode confidently to Hei Lóng's side, smiling faintly.
"You were on the steps too," he said, tone carrying a faint haughtiness, though not without warmth. "I noticed you then, and I noticed you today. Not many can endure like that."
Hei Lóng gave no reply, only watching him with guarded calm.
The youth chuckled, undeterred.
His silver eyes gleamed. "Name?"
"Hēi Lóng," came the quiet reply.
The silver-haired youth repeated it under his breath, then let out a small chuckle. "Hēi Lóng… Black Dragon. Hah, fitting. Sounds cool." His grin widened. "I'm Tiān Yīn. Remember it."
His tone carried a hint of arrogance, but there was no malice in it—only a kind of easy self-assurance. He leaned closer, lowering his voice though his grin remained.
"I've been watching since the steps. Most of these new recruits aren't worth remembering, but you—heh, you stand out. And I like keeping talent close. Surviving here isn't just about strength, you know. Having someone by your side can make all the difference."
Hei Lóng remained quiet, his expression unreadable. Yet inwardly, he felt a flicker of unease.
Tiān Yīn tilted his head slightly, then laughed. "Well, you don't need to answer now. Just know I came to make a friend."
Tian Yīn slapped him lightly on the shoulder, ignoring the silence.
"Anyway, take my advice, rest well. If the stories my old man told me are true, today was nothing but a warm-up. The real hell starts tomorrow. Lucky for us, the Body Refinement Division throws scraps our way. healing resources, barely enough to matter. But miss the fourth stage of the Mortal Flesh Realm within three months?" He smirked. "Then you're on your own."
Stepping back, Tian Yīn offered a final wave.
"See you around, Hei Lóng. Hope we get to know each other better."
He walked off, leaving Hei Lóng standing in the twilight, the mountain winds still hot against his skin.
Not far away, another disciple approached Tian Yīn with a puzzled expression.
"Why him? Others showed better talent today. Why single him out?"
Tian Yīn paused, silver eyes narrowing as he glanced back once more at Hei Lóng's retreating figure. His grin faded, replaced by something thoughtful.
"I don't know," he admitted slowly. "Something about him… feels wrong. I can't put my finger on it. But my instincts tell me… he's not ordinary."
And with that, he turned away, leaving the words to linger in the evening air.