Chapter 10 – Recognition and Doubt
The training ground was heavy with silence after Elder Jian's words. Disciples who once mocked Chen Liang now stared at him with complicated eyes—some filled with envy, others with doubt, and a few with fear.
Chen Liang himself could barely believe what had just happened. His hands were still trembling, but deep inside, the warmth of the flame whispered: Move forward. Do not stop.
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Elder Jian's eyes were sharp, yet not unkind.
"Chen Liang," he said, his voice echoing across the courtyard, "from this day onward, you will train under my supervision. Your performance yesterday and today proves that you are no ordinary disciple."
The crowd erupted in shock.
"Elder Jian himself?!"
"Why would he waste time on him?"
"This must be a mistake…"
Liu Fang's face twisted with rage. To him, this was humiliation. He clenched his fists until blood seeped from his palms.
Chen Liang bowed respectfully. "Disciple Chen Liang thanks Elder Jian for this chance."
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Later that evening, Elder Jian summoned him to the inner chamber. The room was dimly lit, the scent of incense hanging in the air. Scrolls lined the walls, and in the center rested a glowing crystal orb.
"Sit," the elder commanded.
Chen Liang obeyed, nervous yet determined.
Elder Jian placed the orb before him. "Place your hand on it. Let me see the truth of your flame."
Taking a deep breath, Chen Liang extended his palm. As soon as he touched the orb, a surge of heat erupted from within his dantian. The orb blazed crimson, flames licking its surface, until faint streaks of black flickered within the light.
Elder Jian's eyes widened.
"This… this is no ordinary flame. It is the Primordial Flame… the ember that once shook the heavens!"
Chen Liang was stunned. He didn't understand fully, but the elder's tone carried both awe and fear.
Elder Jian muttered to himself, "If word of this spreads, the sect will never leave him in peace… nor will the great clans."
He looked at Chen Liang, his gaze heavy. "From this moment on, you must hide your strength. Train in silence. Speak of this to no one, or you will not live to see another sunrise."
---
Chen Liang clenched his fists. His path was no longer a matter of choice. The world would either bow before him—or try to destroy him.
And so, the boy once scorned as trash took his first step into a destiny intertwined with fire, gods, and blood.