Fallen Heaven: Rise of Faizi Tian
Episode 50 – Chains of Fire, Bonds of Will
The molten figure's laughter echoed like an eruption, shaking the cavern from its roots. The lava tide surged forward again, threatening to swallow everything.
Faizi's sword cut through the steam, scattering embers into the air. Each swing was heavier now, not from fatigue — but from the Seal's presence, urging him to give in.
*"One more link,"* it whispered. *"Break it… and the flames will kneel."*
Ren's blade intercepted a molten claw, sparks exploding where steel met living fire. "Faizi! Whatever you do—don't touch that chain!"
The next chain was suspended above a pit of molten rock, glowing so brightly it looked like a fragment of the sun. Power radiated from it in waves, each pulse feeding into the creature's imprisoned form.
Faizi's eyes locked on it. He could feel the truth in his bones — breaking it would catapult him straight to the **Flame Vein Realm**, early stage. But it would also loosen the monster's prison.
The molten figure's voice was smooth as molten gold. *"Power to protect. Power to destroy. All yours."*
The Seal pulsed eagerly. *"You will not survive the battles to come without me at my full strength."*
Ren's voice cut through both temptations. "You'll gain nothing if this thing walks free. Sometimes the stronger choice… is restraint."
Faizi clenched his jaw. Every breath tasted of heat and ash. Every heartbeat felt like it could ignite his veins. His instincts screamed for power — but his mind remembered the trial before, the Seal's lies, and how close he had come to losing himself.
He exhaled.
Then turned his back to the chain.
The molten figure roared in fury, its voice shaking the cavern. *"FOOL! When the day comes and you are crushed, remember — I offered you the means to stand."*
Ren stepped forward, his sword flashing in a single arc. The chain's energy dimmed, not from being broken — but from Ren's sealing slash, which reinforced the bindings with layers of silver flame.
The fissure snapped shut with a deafening crack. The molten figure's bellow faded into silence, leaving only the hiss of cooling stone.
Faizi collapsed to one knee, chest heaving. The Seal in his body throbbed in protest. *"You denied me again… but I will wait. Power always finds its way to those who need it most."*
Ren extended a hand. "Get up. We're not done."
Faizi took it, his legs heavy but his mind clear. "You knew I could've broken it. You knew… I wanted to."
Ren's expression softened by a fraction. "Wanting power isn't wrong. But if you can't choose when to take it and when to leave it… then it owns you."
They stepped out of the cavern into the cold mountain air. The storm had cleared, revealing the long path ahead. For the first time in hours, Faizi felt the weight of the Seal quiet.
Ren sheathed his sword. "This trial's over. The next… will decide whether you're ready for the path beyond Ember Root."
Faizi looked toward the horizon, where the sun burned like a distant flame. The road to the Flame Vein Realm had begun — and this time, he would reach it by his own will.