Chapter 7: Trial of the Inner Court

The grand arena of the Crimson Sect blazed with torches, casting long shadows across the stone floor. Hundreds of disciples gathered, their voices rising in anticipation. Today was the Inner Court Trial — the test that separated the weak from the worthy.Arion stood at the edge of the arena, his robes plain, his aura suppressed. Whispers rippled through the crowd.“Why is he here?”“The cripple dares to enter the trial?”“He’ll be crushed before the first round.”Arion ignored them, his gaze steady. Inside, the Emperor’s voice murmured:“Patience. Show them enough to fear you, but not enough to reveal the flame’s true hunger.”The trial began. Disciples stepped forward one by one, displaying their cultivation in duels. Flames roared, blades clashed, illusions shimmered. When Arion’s name was called, silence fell.His opponent smirked, confident. “I’ll end this quickly.”The duel erupted. The disciple unleashed a torrent of spiritual fire, the crowd cheering. Arion moved like water, his wooden practice sword flowing with precision. He parried, redirected, and struck — each movement simple, yet flawless. Gasps echoed.Then, with a single step, Arion’s blade ignited with a faint crimson spark. His opponent’s fire collapsed, devoured by the forbidden flame. The disciple staggered, defeated, his aura shattered.The arena fell silent. Elders leaned forward, eyes narrowing. Disciples whispered in awe and fear.Arion bowed, his voice calm. “Forgive my weakness.”But inside, his heart thundered. Let them laugh no longer. Let them tremble.Selene watched from the shadows, her silver eyes sharp. For the first time, she smiled. So, the cripple rises…