In the distance, Kai could make out the main Alchemy Pavilion, standing tall and imposing among the other buildings of the inner sect grounds. Its design was ostentatious, an unmistakable display of wealth and power. The building was the second largest in the area, dwarfed only by the grand sect hall that loomed even higher in the distance. Every direction Kai looked, the architecture was lavish, with intricate carvings and gilded accents that glimmered in the light, as if the very stones had been bathed in gold. The beauty of the place was undeniable, to Kai, it only highlighted the stark divide between the elite inner sect and those like him—lowly outer disciples.
Kai had never imagined, in his wildest dreams, that he would ever step foot in this sacred ground. The inner sect was a place reserved solely for the most skilled and powerful disciples—those who had earned their place through years of grueling training, cultivation, and favor from the elders. Kai had never been close to earning such a privilege. He had always known his place in the outer sect, working with spirit beasts, gathering herbs, and staying out of the political affairs that swirled in the halls of power. But now, under these grim circumstances, the inner grounds had become his prison.
Shackled and surrounded by armed inner disciples, Kai was being escorted through the heart of the sect. His hands were bound tightly in iron cuffs, the cold metal digging into his skin with every step he took. The presence of the disciples around him was suffocating—each one holding a weapon, their eyes sharp and distrustful. They moved in perfect synchronization, like a well-oiled machine, their every action sending a clear message: there would be no escape, no mercy. The weight of their stares bore down on Kai, and he couldn’t help but feel small, insignificant in the face of their silent accusations.
Despite the overwhelming beauty of the inner sect grounds, Kai couldn’t focus on anything but the shackle around his wrist, the bitter taste of injustice rising in his throat. He had been dragged here with no explanation, no chance to defend himself. The accusation of being a demonic cultivator echoed in his mind, absurd and horrifying. He had never engaged in dark practices, never even entertained the thought of it. Yet, here he was—caught in a trap, a pawn in a game he didn’t understand, and powerless to stop it.
As Kai was ushered through the inner sect grounds, the streets were bustling with activity. Young cultivators, no more than a few years older than Kai himself, stopped in their tracks to stare at him. Their eyes were filled with curiosity, some whispering among themselves, others openly pointing or gesturing to their peers. It felt like a twisted spectacle—a show for the amusement of the privileged few. Kai could hear their hushed voices, their amusement at the sight of an outer sect member, a “criminal” no less, paraded through their sacred grounds. Some of them seemed to pity him, while others appeared to gawk at his shackles as if he were some curious animal on display.
Kai couldn’t understand how things had escalated to this point. His mind raced, replaying the events that had led him to this humiliating walk. How had he gone from a simple, dedicated disciple of the outer sect to a prisoner in the heart of the sect’s inner sanctum? The faces of the inner disciples, the glint of their swords, and the crushing weight of their judgment all blurred together in his mind. He had been working with spirit beasts and gathering herbs, trying to make a living. He never sought trouble, never asked for anything beyond that. And yet, here he was.
The group of inner disciples that surrounded him continued their march, the weight of their presence pressing on him like a constant reminder of his helplessness.
Soon, they arrived at the heart of the sect—the Main Sect Hall. Kai had never seen the building during his time in the outer sect, but now that he was standing before it, the sheer scale and opulence took his breath away. It was more than just a hall; it was a palace. The architecture was grand and imposing, designed to convey the power and prestige of the sect. The structure was rectangular in shape, with a series of grand arches framing the entrance, but it was the roof that truly set the building apart. Curved and sweeping, it was adorned with shimmering gold accents that reflected the sunlight, giving the entire building a divine glow. The golden tips of the roof seemed to touch the sky itself, as if daring anyone to question the sect’s authority.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Kai swallowed hard, his throat dry. He had never imagined that a place so vast and lavish existed within the sect. To him, the Main Sect Hall was a symbol of everything that separated the inner disciples from the outer ones—a world of unimaginable wealth and power. It was a place where only the most favored, the most powerful, and the most important were allowed to tread. And yet, here he was, being marched into its shadow as a prisoner, with no idea what fate awaited him.
“Is this really happening?” Kai whispered under his breath, disbelief swelling inside him.
Kai’s steps felt heavy as he was guided further into the depths of the Main Sect Hall, a place that exuded such wealth and grandeur that it made his head spin. As they passed through the grand entrance, they entered a long, polished corridor. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and inlaid with precious stones that shimmered in the light. Redwood pillars rose high above, their smooth surfaces gleaming as if freshly polished. Golden accents framed every archway and door, adding an air of absolute majesty to the space. Kai couldn’t help but feel a sense of claustrophobia, the opulence surrounding him pressing in from all sides. He had never been this close to such grandeur before, and now, it felt like the walls were closing in on him.
The group continued forward, their footsteps echoing off the polished floors until they arrived at a wide open chamber, even more elaborate than the hallway they had just passed through. The room seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions, filled with a sense of quiet power. The polished red wood that lined the walls continued into the chamber, and the air was thick with the scent of incense. Golden metal doors stood at strategic points around the room, gleaming as if they were artifacts in their own right.
At the far end of the chamber stood a group of men, all wearing the robes of sect elders. Their presence filled the room with a palpable authority. As Kai scanned the room, his gaze fell upon one particular elder, Sect Elder Shen Ju. The man stood with his arms crossed, his fiery eyes locked onto Kai, a look of seething disdain on his face. Kai could feel the weight of the elder’s gaze, as though the older man were already mentally preparing to strike him down right where he stood.
Kai’s heart beat faster, his pulse quickening as he took in the scene. This was far beyond what he had imagined when he first set foot in the inner sect. He could feel the power in the air—the absolute authority that these elders held over the fate of those beneath them. And now, he was at their mercy.
But it wasn’t the elders that held Kai’s attention the most. At the center of the room, on a grand elevated chair, sat the most imposing figure of all. Clad in robes of deep crimson with golden accents, the man seemed to radiate an aura of ancient power. His long white beard cascaded down to his chest, and his hair, also white, was tied up in a tight bun on top of his head. His gaze was sharp, his face lined with literal centuries of experience and wisdom. He had the air of someone who had lived for countless years, someone whose presence commanded the respect of every soul in the room.
This was Long Bo, the leader of the Ember Sword Sect, and the very man Kai had heard so many stories about—both from rumors and the official teachings of the sect. Long Bo was a legend in his own right, a man whose name was spoken with reverence and fear. His very presence seemed to bend the space around him. Kai could feel his heart hammering in his chest as he stood before the leader of the sect.
Long Bo’s eyes fell on him, and in that moment, Kai felt as though the entire room had gone silent. The weight of the leader’s gaze was unbearable, as if the man could see into the very depths of his soul. Kai’s knees felt weak, and for a moment, he was certain that he would collapse under the pressure of the gaze of the great sect leader.
Without warning, one of the disciples that guided Kai here thrust a hand into Kai's back, pushing him down onto his knees with a brutal force. Kai’s knees hit the floor with a jarring thud that sent a shockwave of pain through his legs, but he didn’t dare cry out. He gritted his teeth, bowing his head low, not daring to look up at Long Bo. His body trembled, but he forced himself to remain still, knowing that even the slightest movement could be perceived as defiance.
“So, this is the one. Then the trial shall now begin.” Long Bo stated.
