Battle Through the Heavens 03: Ascension of the Flame God
Episode 8: Trial of the Ancient Altar
The sun had just begun to rise over the mountain range where Xiao Yan and his companions had taken shelter the previous night. The warm golden light illuminated the jagged peaks like blades cutting through the clouds. Xiao Yan sat cross-legged at the edge of a cliff, eyes closed, calmly circulating his Dou Qi. His aura had changed slightly since the last battle — deeper, steadier. He could feel the subtle refinement in his internal energy after fusing with the fourth Heavenly Flame fragment.
Not far from him, Xun Er stood silently, her violet robe swaying gently in the wind. Her gaze was distant, as if sensing a storm looming on the horizon. Beside her, Zi Yan was chewing loudly on a roasted beast leg, completely unbothered by the solemn mood.
"Today's the day," Xiao Yan finally said, opening his eyes.
Xun Er nodded. "The Ancient Altar of Fire awaits. But be careful — it is not just a place of inheritance, it is also a trial of survival."
Zi Yan tossed aside her bone and cracked her knuckles. "Sounds fun. I hope there are strong beasts inside!"
With their preparations complete, the trio soared through the skies, heading toward a hidden valley shrouded in perpetual mist. According to the ancient map retrieved from the Flame Spirit Temple, this was the location of the Primordial Flame Altar, a sacred ground left behind by the Flame God himself.
As they approached, the clouds parted, revealing a colossal altar of black volcanic stone, etched with countless flame sigils and ancient runes that glowed faintly with residual heat. Giant stone steps spiraled upward, leading to the central platform, where a blazing red crystal levitated in mid-air — the fifth fragment of the Heavenly Flame.
The moment Xiao Yan set foot on the first step, a surge of fire burst from the ground, forcing him to leap back.
A deep, ethereal voice echoed across the valley.
"Only those worthy of the Flame God's will may ascend. Prove your soul, prove your strength, prove your heart."
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. "It's a three-phase trial."
"Let's go," he said with determination, stepping forward again.
---
First Trial: Trial of the Soul
Xiao Yan suddenly found himself in complete darkness. A chilling voice whispered in his mind:
"You think you're strong, but your soul still trembles. Face your fear."
Visions began to flash — scenes from the past: the moment his mother died, the burning of his clan, the times he felt powerless. But then another voice echoed louder in his mind — Yao Lao's voice.
"The strength of your soul isn't in being fearless, but in facing fear head-on."
Xiao Yan clenched his fists. Flames burst around his spirit form as he roared, shattering the illusions. The first trial faded.
---
Second Trial: Trial of Strength
Back in the physical world, stone statues emerged from the altar — ancient flame beasts carved in stone, now moving with terrifying speed. They surrounded Xiao Yan, Xun Er, and Zi Yan.
"Let's show them what we're made of," Zi Yan yelled, her body transforming into her dragon form. She charged headfirst into the beasts, smashing one into rubble.
Xiao Yan activated the Flame Mantra, combining his Heavenly Flames into a swirling inferno. With each strike, the heat intensified until the statues melted under his blows.
But just as they thought it was over, a final beast emerged — a colossal Fire Titan, wielding a blade of lava.
Xiao Yan nodded to Xun Er. "Let's finish this together."
Their energies fused — Dou Qi and ancient divine flame heritage — creating a piercing spear of golden fire. Xiao Yan launched it straight into the Fire Titan's chest. With a thunderous boom, the beast crumbled into ashes.
---
Third Trial: Trial of Heart
This time, Xiao Yan was pulled into a dream-like realm. A gentle voice asked him:
"Why do you seek power?"
He saw visions of his mother smiling… of her last breath… of the promise he made to her spirit.
"To protect those I love… and to burn down everything that threatens them."
The trial realm trembled.
"Your heart is true. You may proceed."
---
The altar lit up in golden flame. The levitating crystal began to descend, pulsing with immense heat.
As Xiao Yan reached out, the fragment hovered above his palm — then suddenly flared up and shot straight into his chest!
Flame surged through every meridian in his body. His eyes glowed crimson, his aura erupted to a whole new level. A tattoo-like flame pattern etched itself on his back — the mark of the Flame God's legacy.
"Five fragments collected," he murmured.
But the moment he stood up, the sky cracked open. From within the rift, a figure slowly descended — cloaked in black flames, a mask hiding his face.
"You've come far, Xiao Yan," the man said in a hoarse voice. "But the final fragments… they belong to me."
Xiao Yan's gaze hardened.
"Then you'll have to take them from me."