Wu dong Qian Kun: I, Lin Langtian, Refuse to be a Supporting Character

”Black Flame Physique!” The ancient characters flickered on the circle of black flames, releasing a powerful force that briefly took Lin Langtian’s breath away.

”What…is this?” Lin Langtian looked at Aunty Ling, his gaze intense with curiosity and excitement.

”As the name suggests, it’s a rare body-strengthening technique. Its creator was once a mighty figure on another continent, someone who imitated the indestructible black flame of my Nine Nether Flame Sparrow clan to invent this technique,” she explained. ”The Black Flame Physique that I’m giving you is only the first level of his body-refining art. Yet even so, it’s comparable to the highest-tier martial arts in this world, which should suit you well.”

”Body-refining martial arts of creation level!” Lin Langtian’s eyes burned with eagerness. Martial arts of this caliber were rare even in his clan, and the fact that this Black Flame Physique might have further levels meant its value was practically limitless! He had expected nothing less from Aunty Ling; her gifts were always remarkable.

”Don’t get too excited just yet,” she warned, meeting his gaze. ”To cultivate this technique, you’ll need to endure the constant tempering of the black flame. It will feel as if you’re being cooked alive in molten lava. Few people can bear such agony.” She looked him over, as if to gauge his resolve.

Lin Langtian hesitated but then gave her a solemn nod. ”Aunty Ling, I can withstand it.”

...

After fully absorbing the information about the Black Flame Physique, Lin Langtian didn’t begin training immediately. He took several days to recover his strength fully, and during this time, the Beast Fruits he had cultivated with the ancient dragon ape’s blood essence also reached full ripeness.

Standing in the cavern, he took a deep breath, his gaze sharpening as he turned over his hands to reveal two similarly colored spiritual fruits. A wave of powerful energy rippled outward from the fruits, causing the air around them to waver.

These fruits were, of course, the Beast Fruits. Although practicing the Black Flame Physique required continuous scorching by the black flame, the Beast Fruits would provide excellent support in fortifying his body. Combined, they promised to yield even more remarkable results.

”Aunty Ling, I’m ready.”

”Very well,” she replied, giving him a meaningful look. ”From here on, it’s up to you to endure.”

With that, she opened her beak wide, releasing a torrent of dense black flames that cascaded like a waterfall, quickly enveloping Lin Langtian’s seated form and penetrating his body.

As the black flames surged over him, Lin Langtian gasped; the intensity of the burning sensation took him by surprise.

”Ssszz…” Just as he felt the sting, the black flames spread, and his skin began to sizzle as if he were roasting. The intense pain instantly clenched his muscles, but he gritted his teeth, his entire body tensing up.

”Lin Langtian, the Black Flame Physique is not like ordinary body-refining techniques. To succeed, you must channel this black flame through every muscle and bone, tempering your entire body,” Aunty Ling’s voice echoed within his mind. ”If you can’t endure this hardship, leaving this small region will be nothing but a dream.”

”Let the black flames temper your muscles and bones!” he thought, releasing his resistance and allowing the black flame to flood every part of him.

It felt like fire flooding his entire body, burning through his muscles, bones, and even organs. The pain was so intense it was as if he would be reduced to ashes.

However, even amid the searing agony, he could feel his muscles and bones strengthening, as though brimming with a heat that promised explosive power over time.

”Haa…” Lin Langtian’s body shook violently, and a low, hoarse growl escaped him. Seizing one of the Beast Fruits in a determined grip, he swallowed it whole.

The effect was like adding fuel to fire, with the pain surging anew as if a thousand biting ants were burrowing into his bones. He clenched his fists, clinging to his desire to grow stronger.

Aunty Ling watched from a distance, her gaze steady. Although the Black Flame Physique was powerful, its difficulty made it rare. Even in the Greater Thousand Worlds, few could master it.

”This boy… If he truly succeeds in cultivating the Black Flame Physique, he might really leave this place—and maybe even this continent,” she murmured to herself.

Days blurred as black flames continued to engulf Lin Langtian’s body, with no reprieve. His agonized cries echoed within the cavern, the intensity of the pain beyond description. Yet through it all, he endured, impressing Aunty Ling with his tenacity.

Finally, after three days, a change occurred. No more cries came from within the fire; instead, a figure sat motionless, enveloped in the black flames as if in deep meditation.

Aunty Ling observed the scene, and as she did, she noticed a faint glimmer beneath his skin, pulsing through his body like a hidden energy source.

”Black flames, illuminating beneath the skin…” Her eyes widened slightly with surprise, and she muttered under her breath, ”He did it. He actually succeeded.”