Fallen Heaven: Rise of Faizi Tian
Episode 49 – The Voice in the Flames
The molten hand tightened its grip on the edge of reality, dragging more of its monstrous body into view.
Flames poured from the widening gap in the Seal, licking across the cavern walls until the air itself shimmered like molten glass.
Ren's blade was already drawn, his stance rooted. "Faizi, listen to me—if this thing gets fully through, even the peak of the Flame Vein Realm won't save you."
Faizi didn't answer. His gaze was fixed on the broken shackle at his feet, the lingering golden embers sinking into his skin. The surge of strength it gave him was intoxicating — fire danced inside his meridians, sharper, faster, hungrier.
The voice came again, deep and resonant, like an inferno given thought.
*"You have my scent… my fire… my chains. Break them all, and I will grant you power no mortal flame can rival."*
The Seal inside Faizi pulsed wildly, almost desperate. *"Do it! He is flame incarnate — his power belongs to us!"*
Ren's tone hardened. "Don't you see? That's no gift. That's bait."
Faizi's breathing slowed. The oppressive presence pressed down on him, every instinct telling him to obey… to free the entity and claim its promise. But deep beneath the temptation, a sharper thought cut through:
If this power was truly his to claim, why would it need chains broken first?
The fiery fissure expanded, revealing the outline of a towering figure—horns of black obsidian, eyes like molten stars. The heat was so intense that even Ren's sword steamed.
The figure tilted its head, studying Faizi. *"You bear the bloodline of the ancient flame, yet your strength is still… unfinished. Let me finish it for you."*
Faizi's grip tightened on his weapon. "If I can't finish my own path, then I don't deserve it."
The entity's molten eyes flared. *"Then you choose… resistance."*
Lava surged from the fissure in a tidal wave. Ren moved instantly, his blade weaving a barrier of silver flame. "We can't fight it here! The Seal's bindings are still holding it back—barely."
Faizi's mind raced. Breaking more chains would make him stronger… but it would also weaken the prison.
The Seal whispered slyly, *"Why not both? Take the next link, and let him try to stop you."*
The ground beneath them shuddered violently. One chain down. Eight to go. And every link would test not just Faizi's strength — but his will to remain himself.
Ren's eyes flicked toward him, sharp as steel. "Faizi. Decide now. Do you want the Seal… or do you want to live?"
The molten figure's laughter filled the cavern, a sound like a volcano awakening. *"Break the next chain, and your enemies will burn before you can even name them."*
Faizi raised his sword. The decision was made.