Chapter 9: The Elder’s Suspicion

The Crimson Sect’s halls were heavy with silence. Elder Kael sat upon his throne, his eyes narrowed, his mind restless. Reports of Arion’s performance in the Inner Court Trial had reached him — whispers of crimson sparks, duels won with unnatural ease.“A cripple does not rise from ashes,” Kael muttered. “Something festers within him… something dangerous.”He summoned shadows from the sect’s hidden ranks — assassins trained to kill without mercy. “Find him. End him quietly. Let no one know.”That night, Arion walked alone beneath the moonlight, crimson aura suppressed. Yet the forest stirred unnaturally. Figures cloaked in black emerged, blades gleaming.“Arion,” one hissed. “The elder sends his regards.”Arion’s eyes hardened. So it begins.The assassins struck, their blades swift, their Qi sharp. Arion moved with fluid grace, forbidden flames igniting at his fingertips. Crimson fire devoured their attacks, consuming steel and spirit alike. The forest blazed with sparks, shadows collapsing into ash.When silence returned, Arion stood among the ruins of his attackers, his chest heaving, his aura burning brighter than ever.The Emperor’s voice echoed in his mind, dark and amused.“Even your sect fears you now. Good. Let their fear feed your flame.”Arion clenched his fists, his gaze cold. If Kael wants me dead, then I will rise beyond his reach. And when the time comes… he will burn.