Chapter 1: The Ember Within

The storm had passed, but the ruins of the Crimson Sect still echoed with whispers of betrayal. Arion lay among the shattered stones, his body broken, yet his soul ablaze. Crimson fire pulsed through his veins, repairing what had been destroyed. Each breath carried the weight of vengeance, each heartbeat a promise to rise again.

He staggered to his feet, eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. The jade pendant at his chest burned with a sinister light — the mark of the Emperor of Ten Thousand Flames. His master’s strike had stripped him of cultivation, but in its place, a forbidden power now surged, wild and untamed.

Arion clenched his fists. I must hide this strength. If they learn what I carry, they will hunt me to the ends of the earth.

The sect’s disciples returned at dawn, mocking whispers filling the courtyard. “The prodigy is crippled,” one sneered. “He will never rise again.” Arion lowered his gaze, feigning weakness, letting their laughter mask the fire within.

But when the elder’s eyes met his, Arion felt the chains of fate tighten. He bowed, silent, obedient — yet inside, the ember of rebellion grew.

That night, alone beneath the storm-scarred sky, Arion whispered to the voice within him.
“Teach me.”

The Emperor’s laughter echoed in his mind, ancient and cruel.
“Very well, mortal. But know this — the path of forbidden flames is paved with blood. To rise, you must burn everything you once loved.”

Arion’s eyes hardened. Betrayal had already taken everything. Now, he would take it back — with fire.