Fallen Heaven: Rise of Faizi Tian
Episode 52 – The Seal's Hunger
The night was unnaturally still. No insects. No wind. Just the faint, ominous *thrum* of the Demon Seal in Faizi Tian's chest.
He sat cross-legged on the cold plateau stone, eyes closed, trying to steady his breath. Every inhale carried heat; every exhale, a whisper not his own.
> *"More… give me more."*
Faizi's fists clenched. "You've had enough."
> *"Your body grows stronger. Your flame deepens. But without blood… you will stagnate."*
Before he could respond, the air shifted. A crimson ripple spread across the night sky, warping the stars. From it stepped a towering demon — its form jagged, like molten rock wrapped in shadows.
Elder Ren appeared at Faizi's side instantly, his hand already on his blade. "Seal Guardian," he muttered. "It's here sooner than I thought."
The demon's molten eyes fixed on Faizi. "Bearer of the Seal… feed me your soul, and be free."
Faizi rose slowly, his pulse steady. "Not happening."
The Guardian's laugh was like a landslide of stone. "Then I will tear it from you."
It charged — a blur of black flame. Ren intercepted, steel clashing against claws, sparks hissing in the dark. But the impact hurled Ren back several meters, cracks spiderwebbing beneath his boots.
"Faizi!" Ren barked, regaining his stance. "It's not after me. This is your fight!"
Faizi gritted his teeth. The Seal pulsed violently, heat flooding his veins. His vision tinted crimson, and for a moment… the demon's heartbeat echoed in his skull.
> *"Take it… take everything. I will guide your hand."*
His flames surged higher, hotter — unnatural, edged with shadow. He could *feel* the Guardian's life-force, like a candle begging to be snuffed out.
Ren's voice cut through the haze. "Don't let it control you!"
The Seal's tone sharpened, seductive.
> *"Ignore him. Power is yours if you claim it. One strike, and you will ascend."*
Faizi's body trembled. The choice was clear — and yet, unbearably heavy.
Draw on the Seal's full hunger and risk becoming its vessel… or fight it on his own and risk losing to the Guardian.
The demon roared and leapt again, black talons descending.
Faizi moved.
Flame erupted — not from his hands, but from *within*, surging outward in a tidal wave of molten gold laced with shadow. The Guardian shrieked as the force slammed into it, driving it back.
Faizi stood in the aftershock, chest heaving. The Seal purred in satisfaction.
> *"Yes… that's it…"*
Ren's eyes narrowed. "You're walking a dangerous edge, boy."
Faizi didn't answer. He knew Ren was right — and the trial wasn't over yet.
The Guardian straightened, molten cracks glowing brighter. Its second assault was coming.
And this time… there would be no holding back.