The sun rose over Feng Clan's training grounds, but peace was a fleeting illusion.
The outer court buzzed with tension.
Tomorrow, the Spirit Ascension Trial would begin.
Fifty disciples would enter the trial grounds.
Only ten would return.
And from those ten, one might be granted access to the inner court—or even chosen by the main branch elders for cultivation beyond the clan.
It was a test of spirit, talent, and survival.
---
Disciples' Barracks – Training Square
Liu Shen stood alone beneath a withered tree, eyes closed, breathing steady.
In his hands, a black jade slip hovered, spinning slowly.
It was a cultivation technique drawn from the Doctrine of the Hollow Flame—a forbidden art.
> Black Ember Conversion Technique, he thought. Absorbs fire-type Qi from others and refines it into Abyssal Essence…
The perfect counter to most of Feng Clan's flame-based techniques.
He had no intention of using it openly—not yet.
"Still training, monster?" came a mocking voice.
Liu Shen opened his eyes lazily.
It was Feng Yan, a senior outer court disciple, ranked fifth.
Behind him stood two cronies.
"I've heard the rumors. They say you embarrassed Elder Mo's favorites and even silenced Feng Zhou."
"And?"
Feng Yan smirked. "That means I can't ignore you anymore."
Without warning, he drew his curved spirit blade and slashed at Liu Shen's chest.
Clang!
Sparks flew.
Liu Shen didn't move—but a barrier of black Qi stopped the blade an inch from his heart.
The others gasped.
"You've formed an external Qi shield?! Already?!" one of the lackeys stammered.
Feng Yan stumbled back, eyes wide.
Liu Shen finally moved.
He reached out with two fingers, grasping Feng Yan's blade—not dodging, not deflecting. Grasping.
Snap!
The blade shattered.
Feng Yan fell to his knees, face pale.
"Th-this is the outer court! If you cripple me—"
"I won't," Liu Shen said coldly.
Then he leaned down.
"But next time you draw your sword on me, I'll tear your core apart from the inside and let your spirit burn for days."
Feng Yan screamed and scrambled away.
The other disciples watched in awe—and terror.
> They fear me now. Good.
But fear alone won't change fate. I need chaos. And a throne built on broken names.
---
That Night – Inner Pavilion of Shadows
Feng Yulan waited in the shadows of a moonlit courtyard. Liu Shen arrived silently.
"They sent word," Yulan said. "The trial will begin at dawn. The location: Ashfire Hollow."
Liu Shen frowned slightly. "That place…"
"You know it?"
He nodded. "It used to be a burial ground for fallen demon beasts. Then, years ago, a rift tore open beneath it."
Yulan smirked. "Still got your ancient memory, I see."
"But why would the clan use such a place for a trial?"
"That's just it," Yulan whispered. "They don't know."
Liu Shen narrowed his eyes.
"You mean the rift is still open."
Yulan's voice dropped. "And something inside it is still alive."
---
Elsewhere – Deep Beneath Ashfire Hollow
The air shimmered.
In a hidden cavern soaked in demonic energy, a corpse floated in a pool of black flame. Except… it was no longer lifeless.
A sigil glowed on its chest.
Then its eyes snapped open—deep red and pulsing with malice.
> The scent of Abyssal Blood… it returns…
Liu Shen… you dare live again?
The corpse smiled.
> Then I shall devour your second life with my first hate.