Fallen Heaven: Rise of Faizi Tian
Episode 41 – The Shattered Oath
The icy wind howled through the mouth of the cavern as Faizi Tian stood at its edge, his gaze fixed on the ancient sealing formation glowing faintly in the depths. The aura of the Demon Seal was more oppressive than ever, a presence that seemed to press down on his soul, urging him to retreat. But Faizi Tian did not step back. He had endured too much to turn away now. His fingers tightened on the hilt of his weapon, and his heart burned with the oath he had sworn—to destroy every demon that plagued this world.
Elder Ren stood beside him, his expression unreadable. In the flickering light from the formation, the old man's face was like carved stone—calm, unmoving, and yet… hiding something. Faizi Tian had noticed it before: the way Elder Ren's eyes lingered on the seal, the faint tremor in his hand whenever the topic of the Demon Seal was mentioned.
"Remember, Faizi," Elder Ren said in a low, grave tone, "this is not just a tool. The Demon Seal is a curse as much as it is a weapon. Many have died trying to wield it. Even those who succeeded… were consumed by it."
Faizi's lips curled into a cold smile. "If it can kill demons, I'll pay whatever price it demands."
The cavern trembled slightly, as if in response to his words. Deep within, the seal pulsed—a slow, heartbeat-like rhythm that sent waves of dark energy rolling through the air.
As they moved deeper inside, strange shadows began to form along the walls. They twisted into demonic shapes, their whispering voices clawing at Faizi Tian's mind. He felt a sudden weight in his chest, as though unseen chains had wrapped around his heart.
"Do not listen to them," Elder Ren warned sharply. "The closer we get, the more it will try to break you."
Faizi Tian shut out the whispers, focusing instead on the glow of the seal ahead. It was carved into the ground itself, an intricate pattern of ancient runes surrounded by layers of protective wards. But those wards… they were weak. Cracks ran through them, and faint strands of demonic energy were leaking out like poisonous mist.
"What happened here?" Faizi asked, his voice low.
"Something… someone tried to break it," Elder Ren replied, his tone darkening. "And they nearly succeeded."
The thought sent a chill down Faizi's spine. If the seal broke entirely, demons could pour into the continent without warning, and no army would be able to stop them.
Elder Ren stepped forward, placing his palm over the central rune. His body glowed faintly as spiritual energy surged into the seal, stabilizing it for a moment. Faizi watched silently, but suspicion gnawed at him. Elder Ren's technique was unlike any he had seen before—there was something in it, a trace of power that didn't feel… human.
"You've done this before," Faizi said suddenly.
Elder Ren's eyes flickered, but he didn't turn. "Some things are better left unspoken."
Faizi clenched his jaw. "And yet those unspoken things may be the very ones that kill us."
Before Elder Ren could reply, the ground shook violently. A deep, guttural roar echoed from within the seal. The air thickened with killing intent so strong that even breathing felt like swallowing knives. The runes flared, and the shadows on the walls began to move—no longer illusions, but actual demon spirits breaking free.
"Faizi, behind you!" Elder Ren shouted.
A massive clawed hand erupted from the darkness, swiping toward him. Faizi spun, his weapon flashing as he sliced through the demon's arm. Black blood splattered across the cavern floor, sizzling where it landed. The creature roared, its form solidifying into a towering beast with burning eyes.
Faizi didn't hesitate. His blade danced in a storm of strikes, each blow infused with his bloodline's awakened power. The demon staggered, but more shapes emerged from the shadows—three, then five, then ten.
"They're feeding off the seal's weakness!" Elder Ren shouted, moving to join the fight. His strikes were swift and precise, his energy strange but undeniably deadly to the demons. Yet with every swing, Faizi noticed something—Elder Ren's power seemed to resonate with the demonic aura, not repel it.
The thought unsettled him, but there was no time to dwell on it. The battle raged, the cavern filling with the sound of steel, claws, and unearthly roars. Faizi's muscles burned, but his resolve only grew stronger. This was why he had come—to face the darkness head-on.
Finally, with a final surge of energy, he drove his blade through the last demon's heart. It shrieked, dissolving into black mist that was drawn back into the seal. The cavern grew quiet again, though the oppressive aura lingered.
Elder Ren wiped the blood from his blade. "The seal is barely holding. If it breaks completely, the continent will drown in blood."
Faizi stepped closer to the runes, his gaze locked on the faintly glowing center. "Then I'll take it," he said. "I'll wield the Demon Seal myself."
Elder Ren's head snapped toward him, his eyes narrowing. "Do you have any idea what you're saying? This is not a power to be claimed so easily. Once it bonds with you, there is no turning back."
Faizi's expression hardened. "I don't need to turn back. My path is forward—always forward. If this is what it takes to wipe out the demons, then so be it."
For a long moment, Elder Ren stared at him. Then, with a sigh that sounded almost… resigned, he stepped aside. "Very well. But know this—once you take it, your fate will no longer be entirely your own."
Faizi knelt at the center of the seal, pressing his palm against the cold, ancient stone. The moment his skin touched it, a surge of energy exploded into his body. Pain tore through him, as if every vein was being filled with molten fire. His vision blurred, his heart pounded, and in the depths of his mind… a voice spoke.
*"So… another mortal dares claim me."*
It was deep, cold, and ancient—so powerful that it made even Faizi's bloodline feel small in comparison. He gritted his teeth, refusing to be cowed.
"I am Faizi Tian," he said aloud, his voice steady despite the pain. "And I will make you serve my will."
The voice laughed, a sound like cracking stone. *"We shall see, little human. We shall see."*
The light from the seal flared blindingly, engulfing him completely. Elder Ren watched silently, his expression unreadable, but in his eyes, a shadow of something—worry? Regret? Or… anticipation.
When the light finally faded, Faizi Tian collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily. But in his hand, glowing faintly with a mixture of divine and demonic energy, was the Demon Seal.
The battle for control had only just begun.