Luminous Veil Lake shimmered like a frozen breath of heaven, tucked between the arms of jagged cliffs veiled in pale mist. The early sunlight filtered weakly through the clouds, splintering into shafts of gold that danced across the lake's shifting surface. The trees at the lakeside were tall and gnarled, their roots coiling over wet stones like ancient fingers. Faint blue light rose from the lakebed, swirling beneath the waters like spirits trapped in glass.
Qingjian Lanyu stood upon a moss-covered slab, half-sunk into the earth, her robe fluttering in the thin breeze like a silk banner. Embroidered waves shimmered along the hem—one crash frozen mid-surge in silver thread. Beneath her boots, the dew-slick grass was crushed flat, a single red petal sticking to her heel.
Behind her, the three elders—Bojing, Yuanzhen, and Liushui—stood motionless like shadows etched into mist. Their eyes didn't just scan the water—they measured it, as if the surface might blink at any moment.
Disciples circled the lake, hammering pointed flags into the damp ground. Each flag was no bigger than a child's arm, etched with translucent runes that shimmered faintly, humming in rhythm with the pulse of the lake. As they activated the formation, the air inside thickened—like walking through dreams.
Lanyu raised her hand, her voice as steady as stone. "This Sea Dragon Flame shall be offered to our Chief. No mistake shall be tolerated. Begin the descent."
No more words were needed. One by one, the elders leapt forward—**feet grazing water like dragonflies—**before vanishing beneath its luminous surface.
The silence that followed was brief.
Beneath the lake, the world twisted. What had once seemed like peaceful blue glass fractured into molten brilliance. The water churned as though boiling from the inside. Then came the rumble—low at first, then rising like the groan of an angry god.
From the darkest part of the lakebed, it emerged.
A dragon of pure fire, vast as a temple gate, slithered forth through the water like it lived there. Its body flickered between shape and essence—fire and thought. Its eyes were twin suns, its breath a rolling tide of vapor and steam.
The lake did not reflect the beast—it was the beast.
Yuanzhen was first to act, blade out in a spinning spiral. His Water Slash Spiral carved a line through the currents, hissing like wind over hot stone. It struck—and did little. The flame recoiled, smoke curling, then lunged forward.
Liushui brought up his Tidebreaker Curtain, forming a dome of spiraling water around Lanyu as her robe scorched at the sleeve. Her sword lit up with Whirlpool Edge—its hilt formed of pearl-colored jade, its edge quivering with silver ripples. She slashed across the dragon's molten back.
A burst of steam exploded outward, momentarily masking them.
Bojing's Flow Sever Lance followed—a weapon more spell than steel—but it fizzled out inches from contact, as if the flame devoured intent itself.
The Sea Dragon Flame shrieked, light bending. It swirled around them in a prison of burning threads. Their techniques faltered. Even the air inside their lungs began to boil.
Yuanzhen's voice broke through the crackle of flame. "It's adapting too fast! Retreat!"
A rumble sounded as he stabbed his blade into the lakebed. Runes flared and burst, tearing a spiral passage through the water. Their bodies escaped through it, flung back into the morning light.
On the lake's edge, steam hissed from their robes. Lanyu gritted her teeth, red droplets falling onto her palm. Behind her, the grass had begun to wilt from the heat.
Just then, three shadows approached—one walked like a breeze, one like a storm, and one like a boy who didn't know better.
Huo Chuntian yawned exaggeratedly, brushing a fallen pine needle from his shoulder. "Ah, what a place. Scenic, steamy, and loud. Like a festival with too much soup. Mind if we cut in now, mushroom heads?"
Jian Dao smirked, adjusting his wide-brimmed hat. "Mike, seems our old man thinks this is a vacation."
Mike looked over the lake, hands behind his head, eyes sharp despite his grin. "Don't worry, Master. I'm not here for a swim."
Lanyu's eyes narrowed. She stepped forward, her boots making a soft squish against the moss. "This is a Qingjian Clan operation. Who are you to interfere?"
Huo's wings gave a single flap, sending leaves tumbling. "We're no one important. Just passing through. But when your 'operation' nearly gets turned into roasted eel, maybe it's time for a new chef."
The elders of Qingjian gathered behind Lanyu. Their voices low, tense.
"If we fail again, we die," Yuanzhen said flatly.
"But if they die trying," Bojing added, "perhaps we still learn something."
Liushui closed his fan. "We let them try."
Lanyu exhaled slowly, lips pressed tight. "Fine. But once you enter, it's your grave."
Huo Chuntian winked. "Generous as always, Miss Moonlight."
Jian Dao turned to Mike and placed a hand on his shoulder. "This is it. Once you're in, no help comes. If you falter, the flame devours your core."
Mike nodded, serious now. "If I can't do this alone, I have no right to that flame."
Jian Dao handed him a pill. It glowed faintly in the morning haze. "Breathe under water for one incense stick's time. No more."
Mike popped it into his mouth, stepped forward.
The grass under his boot gave a quiet crunch.
He dove.
The surface rippled, then stilled.
Lanyu stared at the lake's center. "He went alone? With only that soul and the old man watching him?"
Yuanzhen's brow furrowed. "The old man... and the spirit eagle... they both radiate pressure like the sea itself. But that boy? His spirit doesn't even ripple the grass."
Bojing sneered. "Foolish bravery. He'll be bones before he reaches the bottom."
Far below, the light stirred again. The Sea Dragon Flame uncoiled.
And the lake began to boil.