Moonlight spilled softly through the latticed window of Xiao Yan's chamber, the quiet night a stark contrast to the storm raging in his mind.
Xiao Yan sat cross-legged, his fists clenched tightly, eyes fixed on the spot where the jade ring glowed faintly.
From within, the faint light coalesced into the familiar translucent figure of Yao Lao, his aged face etched with concern.
"You're troubled," Yao Lao said softly.
Xiao Yan nodded without speaking.
"I know what's weighing on you," Yao Lao continued. "The boy you saw today — Xiao Chen."
Xiao Yan's jaw tightened. "He fought Liu Fei. Brutally. And won."
"I didn't just see his fight." Yao Lao's voice dropped, heavy with unease. "I felt his Dou Qi."
Xiao Yan raised his eyes. "What was wrong with it?"
Yao Lao sighed. "It's corrupted. Twisted with malice and hatred. It's no ordinary Dou Qi. It's complete. A full inheritance of demonic cultivation."
Xiao Yan frowned. "Complete? What do you mean?"
"In my many years," Yao Lao explained, "I've encountered traces of demonic Qi before — scattered techniques, remnants of forbidden arts. But this…" He gestured toward the glowing ring, as if the image of Xiao Chen's energy was there.
"This is something else. The kind of power that consumes the cultivator's soul. A power born from embracing pain, despair, and even cruelty."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"The philosophy behind demonic cultivation is perverse. It teaches that to grow stronger, one must sever ties to compassion and mercy. One must feed on suffering — both their own and others'."
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. "How is that different from what we practice?"
"Great question," Yao Lao smiled faintly, "but our path is one of balance. The Dou Qi we cultivate flows in harmony with nature, with the world. It respects yin and yang, fosters growth and renewal."
"Demonic cultivation," Yao Lao continued, "is a defiance of that balance. It is chaos given form. It is the pursuit of power at any cost — even if it means losing yourself."
Xiao Yan's hands clenched harder. "So if Xiao Chen has fully embraced this path… what does that mean for us?"
"It means danger," Yao Lao said plainly. "Such power is unpredictable and ruthless. It's not just a threat to the Xiao Clan, but to anyone who crosses his path."
Xiao Yan felt a chill creep up his spine. "Can he be stopped?"
Yao Lao's eyes gleamed. "He can be. But only if you understand what you're facing. Fighting demonic Qi with conventional methods is like trying to douse a raging fire with a bowl of water."
The old master leaned closer.
"If you face him, you must be ready to fight with not just strength, but clarity of mind. Do not let anger or hatred cloud your judgment — or the darkness will consume you as well."
Xiao Yan swallowed hard. "Then I must be stronger. I'll protect the clan — no matter the cost."
Yao Lao nodded slowly, the faint light of the jade ring pulsing like a heartbeat.
"Remember, disciple. The greatest enemy is not the power itself, but the desire to let it change who you are."
---
Xiao Yan's gaze hardened as the figure of Yao Lao faded back into the jade ring. Rising from his seat, he fixed his eyes on the faint glow within the ring.
"Teacher," Xiao Yan said, voice steady but resolute, "I need your guidance. I must grow stronger—fast."
Yao Lao's form shimmered, then nodded. "Very well. There is a technique you have not yet mastered. One that channels flame unlike any other."
From the depths of the jade ring, a faint pulse of fiery energy surged forth, swirling like a living blaze.
"This is the Azure Flame Dance," Yao Lao explained. "It's a powerful fire technique that demands precise control of both Dou Qi and spirit. It can overwhelm enemies with rapid, unpredictable bursts of flame."
Xiao Yan's eyes shone with determination. "Teach me."
Yao Lao smiled faintly, a flicker of pride crossing his features. "Prepare yourself. This path will test your limits and your resolve."