The High Council Chamber had never been so silent.
Not even during wars.
Not during the founding of sect branches.
Not even when the last Heavenly Decree descended three hundred years ago.
Now, a mere "outer disciple" had invoked an ancient law:
> The Sovereign's Trial.
A law carved into the foundation stone of the Searing Cloud Sect.
A rite that could only be claimed by those deemed sovereigns reborn—those who had once held a Throne of Flame and were unjustly dethroned.
Fei Liansheng trembled on his knees, spiritual bindings still wrapped tight around his mouth.
The cursed scroll, forged from his own lies, burned quietly beside him.
---
Flamekeeper's Decree
The doors burst open.
A familiar figure entered—robes embroidered in silver phoenix threads, face half-concealed by the sigil crown of flames:
The Flamekeeper.
Her voice cut like a sword.
> "All present, bear witness. The sovereign claim has been invoked."
> "I, as Flamekeeper, acknowledge the trial."
Some elders stood in protest.
> "He's a fraud! An imposter!"
> "A trickster using old laws to sow rebellion!"
The Flamekeeper raised a hand.
> "Silence. The law is clear: A Sovereign's Trial, once invoked and justified by oath and confession, must proceed."
She turned to Liu Shen, her eyes unreadable.
> "You risk everything with this path."
Liu Shen bowed slightly.
> "I risked everything once before and lost it all."
> "This time, I'll burn them before they touch me again."
---
The Circle of Judgment
Later that day, the Council Grounds transformed.
A massive flame-circle was etched onto the ceremonial platform at the Peak of Echoing Fire, glowing with ancient runes.
Twelve elders, chosen by lot, would form the Judging Circle.
The accused—Fei Liansheng—would stand as the first soul-bound defendant in centuries.
Liu Shen, as the Aggrieved Sovereign, would present evidence, memories, and witnesses.
Yun Rou approached him as the ritual began.
> "This will make enemies."
> "I've already made them," Liu Shen replied.
> "Now, I'm giving them a reason to fear me."
---
Trial by Flame
The circle lit with a deafening roar.
Each elder placed a sliver of their spirit flame into the seal.
Fei Liansheng's bindings were removed—his mouth freed but his soul still shackled by truthfire.
Liu Shen stepped into the center.
A voice echoed from the seal itself.
> "Speak your claim, Sovereign."
He raised his head.
> "Fei Liansheng, once honored elder of this Sect, is guilty of soul suppression, illegal sealing of sovereign flames, and treachery against the Sacred Flame Pact."
He turned slowly, gaze sharp.
> "And I—Liu Shen—am proof."
> "Once known as the Crimson Serpent Sovereign. Betrayed, sealed, and erased by the hands of this man and his co-conspirators."
Gasps. Whispers.
Elders exchanged glances.
One elder, Lady Yan, frowned.
> "Your name was struck from all records. Not even the Vaults remember it."
Liu Shen's ring glowed.
He tossed out a jade slip.
> "Then let the Vaults speak."
It shattered mid-air, releasing a projection of a battle—centuries ago—showing Liu Shen wielding the Serpent Flame Arts, only to be stabbed from behind by Fei.
The memories had been hidden, but not destroyed.
Fei Liansheng's face drained of color.
---
Flames of Doubt
The trial wasn't over.
Liu Shen still needed to sway the circle.
But as the first memory echo faded, and the soulbound flame recognized its truth…
A single word rang out from the platform.
> "Confirmed."
Followed by another.
> "Confirmed."
Three elders had accepted the memory.
Nine remained undecided.
But the tide was shifting.
Liu Shen smiled darkly.
> "This is just the beginning."