Title: Fallen Heaven: Rise of Faizi Tian
Previous Episode Recap: In Episode 21, the Demon Seal beneath Faizi Tian's sect began to awaken, releasing a projection of a black-armored memory-lord from the Abyss. This echo of the past warned of the seal's breaking and the coming extinction. Faizi Tian, realizing the severity of the threat, vowed to unlock the full potential of the Fallen Heaven Flame by venturing into the dangerous and forbidden Flame Inheritance Grounds.
Fallen Heaven: Rise of Faizi Tian
Episode 22: Flames of the Forbidden Path
The night wind whispered across the mountains, carrying with it the faint rumble of the restless Demon Seal.
Faizi Tian's gaze did not waver from the horizon. Every beat of the seal beneath him felt like a ticking clock — counting down to catastrophe.
By dawn, he had made his decision.
The sect gathered at the main hall as Faizi Tian stood before them, his golden flame flickering faintly across his shoulders.
"I will be leaving for the Flame Inheritance Grounds," he declared, his voice carrying to the farthest disciple. "Until my return, Elder Yao will act as Sect Guardian. None of you are to approach the seal's chamber without my command."
The younger disciples exchanged nervous glances, while the elders bowed solemnly. They all understood the danger — but none truly grasped the weight that now rested on Faizi Tian's shoulders.
Elder Yao stepped forward. "Faizi Tian… the Flame Inheritance Grounds are beyond peril. Even the strongest cultivators have vanished within. Its flames do not just burn the body — they test the soul."
Faizi's eyes hardened. "Then let it test me."
Without further delay, he departed.
---
The journey to the Grounds was long and treacherous. The path wound through jagged cliffs and barren valleys, each step echoing with the ghostly remnants of battles long past. As he traveled deeper, the air grew heavier, the sky dimmer, until the sun itself seemed reluctant to shine on this forsaken land.
Finally, he stood before the entrance.
A massive arch of blackened stone marked the gateway, etched with ancient runes that pulsed faintly like the heartbeat of a sleeping beast. Beyond it lay an endless sea of fire — not ordinary flame, but a living blaze, shifting colors from gold to white to an ominous violet.
From within, a voice called out.
"Bearer of the Fallen Heaven Flame… step forward."
Faizi crossed the threshold. Instantly, the flames rose high around him, forming walls of fire that cut off any path of retreat. The heat seared his skin, yet deep within, his own flame resonated in response — as though recognizing a long-lost home.
A figure emerged from the fire. Tall, cloaked in robes woven from pure flame, its face hidden beneath a mask of molten gold.
"I am the Keeper of the Inheritance," the figure spoke. "If you wish to claim the full power of the Fallen Heaven Flame, you must pass the Three Trials — of Body, of Mind, and of Soul."
Faizi's fists tightened. "Name them, and I will conquer them."
The Keeper's masked gaze burned brighter. "Be warned — failure means not death… but eternal imprisonment within the flames."
Without further words, the ground split beneath Faizi Tian, and he was hurled into the First Trial.
---
He landed in a vast arena surrounded by molten rivers. Above him, chains of fire stretched into the void, holding back monstrous shapes that writhed in fury.
From the shadows stepped his opponent — a colossal flame beast, its body shaped like a lion yet its mane a storm of blue fire.
The Keeper's voice echoed:
**"Trial of Body — endure the flame, and crush the beast."**
The lion roared, and the very air ignited. Faizi's golden flame flared in defiance.
"This is only the beginning," he murmured, leaping forward.
The clash shook the arena, fire against fire, will against will.
And as the first sparks of battle lit the dark void, the Demon Seal far away pulsed again — faster, hungrier — as if it knew its greatest enemy was awakening.
With the flames of destiny rising around him, Episode 22 comes to a blazing close.