Chapter 9 – The Flame Awakens
The morning sun crept over the mountains, spilling golden light across the sect. Disciples bustled about, eager to start their training, but for Chen Liang, today felt different. His body was sore, his mind weary, yet the tiny flame within his dantian pulsed with warmth.
"I've taken the first step," he whispered, gazing at his clenched fist. For years, he had been mocked as useless trash, but now… now he could feel power stirring inside him.
---
When he arrived at the outer sect training grounds, whispers followed him like shadows.
"There he is."
"Can you believe it? Trash Chen Liang broke the stone."
"Tch, maybe it was luck. He'll fail again soon."
Chen Liang ignored them, his steps steady. For once, the jeers no longer pierced him like knives.
But at the corner of the field, a tall figure blocked his way. It was Liu Fang, a senior disciple renowned for his talent—and the very same who had mocked Chen Liang since childhood.
"So, the cripple dares to walk proudly now?" Liu Fang sneered, his arms crossed. "Do you think one lucky strike makes you my equal?"
Chen Liang looked at him calmly. "I never said that."
"Good. Then kneel, admit yesterday was a mistake, and I might let you live peacefully in this sect."
The surrounding disciples chuckled, waiting for humiliation to unfold.
But Chen Liang didn't kneel. Instead, he raised his gaze, his voice low but firm:
"Yesterday was not a mistake. It was the beginning."
---
Liu Fang's face darkened. "You dare—!" He launched forward, his palm wreathed in qi, striking toward Chen Liang's chest.
For a moment, fear flashed in Chen Liang's eyes—but then the flame stirred. Heat surged through his veins, his instincts sharpening. At the last second, he sidestepped, fist clenching.
Bang!
His punch met Liu Fang's strike, sparks dancing between them. Though Chen Liang was forced back several steps, he did not fall. His fist trembled, but he had endured.
The crowd gasped.
"He blocked Senior Liu Fang's strike?!"
"Impossible!"
Liu Fang's eyes widened in disbelief. "You—!"
Before he could attack again, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Enough!"
Elder Jian descended, his robes fluttering. His gaze swept the crowd, then lingered on Chen Liang.
"The trial stone was no accident," the elder said slowly. "This boy… he has awakened something."
The disciples murmured in shock. Chen Liang's heart pounded, but he stood tall. For the first time in his life, he felt seen—not as trash, but as someone with potential.
Unbeknownst to him, that single moment would mark the start of countless trials, betrayals, and battles to come.