Chapitre 15: Tides Of Flame
---
The rising sun painted the desert in hues of gold and orange, casting long shadows over the dunes as the group resumed their journey. Despite the apparent calm, GODFIFA's sharp intuition sensed that something ominous lurked in the distance.
Medusa walked beside him, her lithe movements exuding confidence. Xuner trailed slightly behind, her golden hair catching the sunlight like a beacon. Xiao Yan, though silent, carried a sense of purpose, his hand occasionally brushing against his storage ring.
"Where to next?" Xiao Yan finally broke the silence.
GODFIFA gazed at the horizon, his lips curling into a faint smile. "The Valley of Eternal Flames. There's something there that we need."
Medusa raised an eyebrow. "The valley is treacherous, even for seasoned experts. What are you looking for?"
"A Fire Lotus Seed," he replied. "It's key to forging a weapon that will tip the scales in our favor."
Xuner's eyes widened. "The Fire Lotus Seed? Isn't that an incredibly rare treasure?"
"It is," GODFIFA said, his tone measured. "And it's guarded by something even rarer—a Flame Spirit Beast."
---
Arrival at the Valley
The group reached the Valley of Eternal Flames by midday. The air was thick with heat, the ground beneath their feet scorched black. Fiery streams of magma coursed through the landscape, casting an eerie glow.
As they ventured deeper, the oppressive heat grew almost unbearable. Even Medusa, with her strong affinity for fire, seemed slightly discomforted.
"This place isn't welcoming," she muttered.
"That's an understatement," Xiao Yan said, wiping sweat from his brow.
GODFIFA led the way, his sharp eyes scanning the area for signs of the Fire Lotus Seed. Finally, they came upon a small clearing where a fiery plant with brilliant red petals bloomed.
"There it is," GODFIFA said.
But as he stepped forward, the ground trembled violently. A deafening roar echoed through the valley, and a massive Flame Spirit Beast emerged, its body wreathed in flames. The creature's eyes burned with an intense light, its presence exuding both power and menace.
---
The Dance of Flames
The Flame Spirit Beast charged, its claws igniting the air as it swiped at GODFIFA. He dodged with ease, his movements fluid and precise.
"Spread out!" he called, his voice calm but commanding.
Xuner and Medusa moved to flank the beast, their dou qi flaring as they prepared to attack. Xiao Yan hung back, ready to support with ranged techniques.
GODFIFA drew upon his Talent Tree, channeling its vast reserves of dou qi. His blade, shimmering with an otherworldly light, clashed against the beast's fiery hide, creating sparks that lit up the clearing.
Xuner unleashed a barrage of golden strikes, her movements graceful yet devastating. Medusa's violet flames joined the fray, their intensity rivaling the beast's own fire.
Despite their combined efforts, the Flame Spirit Beast seemed almost invincible. Its flames grew fiercer with every attack, forcing the group to retreat momentarily.
"This isn't working," Xiao Yan said, frustration evident in his voice.
GODFIFA's mind raced, analyzing the beast's movements and weaknesses. Then, an idea struck him.
"Xuner, aim for its legs! Medusa, hit it from above! Xiao Yan, prepare a sealing formation!"
The group sprang into action, their coordination seamless. Xuner's golden strikes targeted the beast's joints, slowing its movements. Medusa soared into the air, her violet flames raining down like meteors. Xiao Yan, using his alchemical expertise, quickly inscribed a sealing formation on the ground.
GODFIFA seized the opportunity, channeling his dou qi into a devastating attack. His blade struck the beast's core, shattering its defenses. The Flame Spirit Beast let out a final roar before collapsing, its flames extinguished.
---
A Fateful Encounter
As the dust settled, GODFIFA approached the Fire Lotus Plant, carefully plucking the seed and storing it in his system space.
"Is it over?" Xuner asked, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
"For now," GODFIFA replied.
But as they prepared to leave, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a woman, her appearance strikingly beautiful yet menacing. Her crimson hair flowed like fire, and her piercing amber eyes seemed to see through them.
"Who dares disturb the Valley of Eternal Flames?" she demanded, her voice cold yet commanding.
Medusa stepped forward, her own aura flaring. "We came for the Fire Lotus Seed. If you're here to fight, you'll regret it."
The woman's lips curved into a sly smile. "Interesting. But I'm not here to fight." She turned her gaze to GODFIFA. "You... intrigue me."
GODFIFA met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "And who are you?"
"Call me Yanfei," she said. "This valley is my domain, and you've proven yourselves worthy. I'll allow you to leave—on one condition."
"What condition?" GODFIFA asked, his tone cautious.
"You owe me a favor," Yanfei said. "And I will collect it when the time comes."
GODFIFA considered her words before nodding. "Agreed."
Yanfei's smile widened. "Good. Now go, before I change my mind."
---
A Quiet Night
That evening, the group camped at the edge of the valley. The night air was cool, a stark contrast to the day's heat.
Medusa sat by the fire, her expression pensive. "That woman... Yanfei. Do you trust her?"
"Not entirely," GODFIFA admitted. "But she's powerful, and it's better to have her as an ally than an enemy."
Xuner leaned against his shoulder, her golden eyes reflecting the firelight. "You always know what to do," she said softly.
GODFIFA glanced at her, his expression softening. "It's not always easy. But with all of you by my side, I feel like we can handle anything."
Xuner smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. For a moment, the chaos of their journey seemed distant, replaced by a quiet intimacy.
Medusa watched them from across the fire, her lips curving into a small smile. Despite her usual aloofness, she couldn't deny the growing bond between them.
---
The Journey Continues
As dawn broke, the group prepared to leave the valley behind. With the Fire Lotus Seed in their possession and their bonds stronger than ever, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
And though the road would be long and perilous, GODFIFA knew that each step brought them closer to their ultimate goal—one that only he could see, like a grand chessboard unfolding before him.
---
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone