The gentle hum of spiritual energy resonated through the walls of the Phoenix Courtyard, a domain carved by Lin Yue's Phoenix core flame. Within its sanctum, flickers of firelight danced across the polished obsidian floors, casting long shadows of four figures seated in quiet meditation. The aura of focused cultivation and rising power made the air feel dense—like every breath carried divine intent.
But Lin Yue's golden-red eyes remained open, alert.
He could feel it.
The Nirvana Flame Tree, anchored at the heart of the courtyard, pulsed with unfamiliar rhythm. The branches, normally dormant between breakthroughs, flickered with new light—someone was approaching. Not a threat… but a future bond.
He stood, red cloak billowing behind his slender yet powerful frame. With one thought, his system interface shimmered in front of him.
Lin Yue – Custom Status
Name: Lin Yue
Title: Guildmaster of Nirvana Phoenix
Race: Divine Flame Reincarnate (Phoenix Hatchling)
Cultivation Realm: Late Spirit Core Formation
Bloodline Grade: Crimson Phoenix (60%)
Bonded Members: 3/10
Unique Traits:
Flamebond Initiation (Active)
Phoenix Spear Art: Solar Wing Spiral
Rebirth Fragment (1x per fight)
Guild Authority: MAX
Guild Feature Unlocked: Trial Room, Flame Veil Array
Flame Affinity Sync Rate: 45%
With a sweep of his cloak, he stepped out of the chamber.
In the Guild's Training Arena
Lian Rou was mid-air, whip blazing crimson as it struck down three iron dummies, each engraved with movement sigils. With each strike, her flame imprint deepened. The Flame Sentinel tier had enhanced her already violent style into something nearly unpredictable.
On the side, Wen Qingxue practiced sword katas, calm and fluid like water, each slash freezing faint vapors in the air.
Luo Yanyue, reclined on a jade couch, hummed a haunting melody into a black flute. Her illusions swept over the battlefield, overlaying false enemies for them to slash through.
But even in training, all three paused when Lin Yue appeared. His presence had that effect—like gravity shifting.
"You sensed it too?" Luo Yanyue asked, her tone a touch playful.
He nodded. "Two cultivators are approaching the flame perimeter. One of them is injured. They're students… from another university."
"Scouts?" Lian Rou's brows furrowed. "Or seekers?"
"I don't know yet," he said. "But I will."
Outside the Guild Perimeter
Flame Veil Array: Active.
Intrusion Detected – Permission Pending.
On the outer ridge of a forested trail, two girls approached—barefoot, bruised, and weary.
The taller one bore long, maroon hair matted with blood. Her left arm hung limp. The younger one supported her, eyes wide with desperation. They were fleeing something… something that reeked of spiritual corruption.
"Yun'er… hold on," the taller girl whispered, gritting her teeth. "We're almost at the signal mark."
Suddenly, golden flame symbols ignited mid-air. The array had scanned them—and passed judgment.
Then the barrier shimmered.
And Lin Yue appeared.
Bond Triggered – Potential Flamebond Detected
New Candidate Scan
Name: Shi Yuyan
Affinity: Swordfire Hybrid
Cultivation: Mid Spirit Core Formation (Injured)
Bond Potential: High – Phoenix Resonance Confirmed
Status: Internal Fracture, Core Instability
Name: Shi Yun'er
Affinity: Wind-Light Spiritualist
Cultivation: Early Body Awakening
Bond Potential: Medium – Potential Growth
The two girls stared in awe.
"You… You're him," Yuyan gasped, knees buckling.
"I'm Lin Yue," he said, gently catching her before she collapsed. His hand touched her forehead—and the Phoenix Flame spiraled through his veins.
A vision flashed:
—Yuyan dueling a beast twice her size to protect Yun'er.
—A failed awakening, forced suppression by corrupt elders.
—Escaping execution for discovering a forbidden flame relic.
"You risked everything for her," he murmured. "You'll fit right in."
With that, he activated Bloodline Transfer.
Bloodline Transfer Initiated – Shi Yuyan
Flame surged from his core into hers. The ritual circle bloomed under them—a six-petal Phoenix sigil glowing red and gold. Her broken meridians trembled, but instead of rupturing… they began to heal.
Yuyan cried out, body rising off the ground as fire wrapped around her. Her fractured spirit core twisted—then solidified anew. The Crimson Phoenix imprint branded itself along her spine.
Shi Yuyan – Custom Status
Name: Shi Yuyan
Flamebond Tier: Tier 2 – Flame Sentinel
Cultivation Realm: High Spirit Core Formation (Stabilized)
Bond Sync: 24%
Signature Affinity: Swordfire Hybrid
Weapon: Unnamed Flame Blade
Emotional Link: 13% (Admiration + Relief)
As she slowly floated down, her tears evaporated in the heat. "You… gave me a second chance."
"Join me," he said. "Join the Guild of Nirvana Phoenix. Bring your sister. We don't serve the world. We protect each other."
Yuyan placed a hand over her heart. "Yes… Guildmaster."
Beside her, Yun'er bowed. "Me too! I want to grow strong like you!"
Lin Yue smiled and tossed her a starter ring. "Then start training tomorrow."
That Night
The courtyard was lively.
New uniforms were issued—Yuyan's battle cloak flared with crimson edges, while Yun'er wore a beginner white robe with flame embroidery. Their rings glowed faintly.
The five bonded members sat around the Phoenix Flame Tree, its light reflecting their faces like a campfire.
"You're both safe now," Luo Yanyue said, brushing Yun'er's hair softly.
"Just don't make a mess in the kitchen like last time," Wen Qingxue added, smirking at Lian Rou.
"I only burned half the rice!" Rou protested.
Everyone laughed.
And for a moment… it was peace.
But Lin Yue's gaze rose toward the mountain ridge.
He could feel it.
A hostile presence was watching.
And it had noticed the Guild's rise.
System Notification
Guild Threat Detected – Rival Mercenary Clan Identified
Estimated Clash: Within 48 hours
Prepare for Defense
Updated Guild Roster
Name
Cultivation Realm
Flamebond Tier
Role
Lin Yue
Late Spirit Core
N/A
Guildmaster
Lian Rou
Early Soulfire Tempering
Tier 2
Vanguard
Wen Qingxue
Peak Body Awakening
Tier 1
Guardian
Luo Yanyue
Mid Spirit Core
Tier 2
Charm Specialist
Shi Yuyan
High Spirit Core
Tier 2
Swordflame Blade
Shi Yun'er
Early Body Awakening
Tier 0
Trainee
Flamebond Slots Used: 4/10
Guild Level: 2 (Minor Faction)
Features Unlocked: Trial Room, Veil Array, Shared Synchronization Level 1
To be Continue..