Fallen Heaven Rise of Faizi Tian
Episode 31 – Shadows Beneath the Flame
The seal's faint hum still echoed in the night air, its golden light flickering weakly after the intense battle. The courtyard was littered with the remains of shattered demon fragments, their black smoke curling into the cold wind. Elder Ren stood near the seal's edge, one hand on his staff, the other hidden in his sleeve. His calm, collected expression seemed almost too composed for someone who had just fought with his life on the line.
Faizi Tian's breathing was heavy, sweat and dust marking his face. His eyes, however, were sharp — sharper than they had been a moment ago. Something about Elder Ren's movements during the fight gnawed at him. That one strike Ren had "missed" — was it truly a mistake? Or… had it been intentional?
"Good work, Faizi Tian," Elder Ren's voice was steady, even warm. "Without you, the seal might have already been breached tonight."
Faizi gave a faint nod, masking his suspicion. "We all did our part," he replied, though his tone was neutral.
Elder Yao approached, checking the seal's condition. "The barrier will hold for now, but its core is unstable. We'll need a stronger reinforcement soon."
Ren stepped closer, his eyes scanning the seal with a strange intensity. "I might know a technique," he said smoothly. "But… I'll need some time to prepare the materials. Rare flames, specifically."
Faizi Tian didn't miss the way Elder Ren's fingers brushed the seal's surface for a fraction of a second longer than necessary. The air around the elder shimmered faintly — as if something unseen stirred beneath his robes.
Later that night, when the others dispersed, Faizi lingered in the shadows of the sect's outer wall. From here, he could see Elder Ren walking alone toward the northern cliffs. The elder paused, glancing around… then produced a small black crystal from his sleeve. He held it to his lips, whispering words too faint to hear.
The crystal pulsed once — a dark, abyssal glow — before vanishing into smoke.
Faizi's eyes narrowed. That was no ordinary flame transmission… who are you really, Elder Ren?
But he stepped back silently into the darkness. Without proof, confrontation would only drive the snake deeper into hiding.
The wind carried the faint scent of burning ash, and Faizi Tian knew — the real enemy was not only outside the seal… but standing within their walls.