Searing-Fire#

Eternal life, a simple dream, True ascent, a distant gleam. The world seeks shortcuts, lost in their quest, With countless sacrifices, they never rest.

Outside the walls of the Kingdom of Sacrifice, atop the mountains, stood the Fumefire Temple. Renowned for its ability to reform wayward youths from fallen households, the temple was spoken highly of for guiding lost souls toward righteous paths. This tale, as told by a landowner, is about one such disciple, Zhao San.

Zhao San was a vagabond. He beguiled guests of brothels into lavish spending, and one of his patrons turned out to be Landowner Wang's son. He soon found himself pursued by the authorities and facing a trial against Wang. A Daoist from the Fumefire Temple happened upon him and offered sanctuary.

From that point forward, Zhao San immersed himself in the pursuit of wisdom, practiced diligently, and dutifully undertook tasks assigned by his master. One day, when he descended the mountain on an errand, he came across Meiniang, a concubine being mistreated by the wife of a household during their journey to the temple. Without hesitation, Zhao San intervened, rescued Meiniang, and brought her to the temple to shield her from the cruelty of that family. With nowhere else to turn, Meiniang was welcomed into the temple by the master and became a disciple. Filled with gratitude for Zhao San saving her life, she tended to the temple's chores. Over time, she repeatedly sought to become Zhao San's spiritual partner, yet her advances were always rebuffed.

Years later, having made significant spiritual progress, Zhao San underwent an ascension ceremony organized by his master, with Meiniang invited as a witness. They were taken to a mountain peak with a river of fire flowing down. Zhao San received a talisman from his master and courageously leaped into the fire. Filled with a longing to practice alongside him, Meiniang followed suit amidst cheers and blessings.

As the smoke rose, they were reborn from the blazing flames as the eternal guardians of the river of lava. Thus, in the fiery embrace, they found immortality and everlasting life, forever part of the river's endless flow.