Fallen Heaven : Rise of Faizi Tian
Episode 57 – The Call Beyond the Mountains
Morning mist rolled down the peaks, curling like silver dragons through the valleys. Faizi Tian stood at the sect's eastern balcony, hands resting on the cold stone rail. The world before him seemed quiet, but his heart knew better — this was the kind of silence that always broke with the sound of chaos.
Behind him, the faint echo of footsteps approached. Elder Yao emerged, his long robes trailing softly on the polished floor.
"You've been staring at that horizon for an hour," Elder Yao said, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern.
Faizi Tian didn't turn. "I can feel something out there. A restlessness… like the air is holding its breath."
Elder Yao stepped beside him, eyes following the endless sweep of mountains. "Your instincts have grown sharper. That usually means trouble."
A faint smile touched Faizi Tian's lips. "Then I should go find it before it finds us."
Preparing to Depart
Word of Faizi Tian's impending departure spread quickly through the sect. Outer Court disciples bowed respectfully when they passed him, while Inner Court disciples sought one last piece of guidance before he left.
He spent the next two days moving through the training fields, sparring with senior disciples, correcting techniques, and passing on insights. His voice was calm but firm, the kind that carved its way into memory.
On the third night, under the pale glow of a spirit moon, he gathered the Inner Court.
"These pills," he said, holding out small jade bottles, "are not shortcuts. They will help you, but only if you earn their effect through effort. Strength taken without discipline becomes a blade you can't control."
The disciples bowed deeply. None dared to speak; they knew every word came from a man who had faced death and returned stronger.
Farewell with Elder Yao
The morning of departure was crisp, with thin clouds drifting lazily across the sky. Elder Yao waited at the sect gates, his hands clasped behind his back.
"You've done more for this sect in a few months than most do in years," Elder Yao said. "But remember, there's always a home for you here."
Faizi Tian bowed slightly. "And I will return. Stronger, sharper… ready for whatever comes."
Elder Yao's eyes narrowed slightly. "Whatever's calling you… it isn't simple, is it?"
"No," Faizi Tian replied. "But neither am I."
With that, he stepped beyond the gates, the path stretching forward like an unwritten scroll.
Into the Wilds
The first days of travel were uneventful — winding mountain trails, whispering forests, and the distant roar of waterfalls. Faizi Tian used the time to stabilize his breakthrough, refining his Qi until it flowed like molten gold through his meridians.
By the fifth day, he reached the border of a mortal province. The scent of tilled earth and woodsmoke filled the air, a welcome change from the sharp tang of spiritual herbs. He passed small farms and roadside inns, exchanging polite nods with villagers who had no idea who he truly was.
It was almost peaceful.
Almost.
A Whisper of Trouble
That night, while resting in a small inn, Faizi Tian overheard two merchants speaking in hushed tones over their cups of ale.
"They say the south road is cursed now," one whispered. "Travelers vanish without a sound. Sometimes… you hear screaming in the hills."
The other shivered. "I heard it's demons. My cousin's friend swore he saw a shadow with burning eyes in the old quarry."
Faizi Tian's eyes opened slowly. His instincts were right — trouble was brewing.
He left the inn before dawn, moving toward the south road. The further he went, the fewer people he saw. By noon, the wind had turned cold, carrying the faint scent of iron… and something darker.
When the first scream tore through the still air, Faizi Tian's hand was already on his sword.