Heaven's Redemption: The Story of Manish Xui Yan
Episode 5: Flames of the First Trial
Deep within the Purelight Sacred Sect's underground trial chamber – torches flicker on ancient stone walls, illuminating runes pulsing with golden light.]
Narration:
The Riches Path has awakened, and with it, the First Heaven's Trial awaits.
A test not just of strength… but of will, soul, and fate.
Only those willing to lose everything… can gain what heaven once denied.
[Li Wei, calm yet determined, walks into the chamber. The stone doors close behind him.]
Li Wei (whispering):
"So this is the beginning... The first step towards what I lost... what I must become."
[Suddenly, the chamber rumbles. A circular arena rises from the ground. In the center floats a flame — pure gold, dancing without smoke.]
[Voice echoes – same ancient celestial tone.]
Ancient Voice:
"First Trial: The Greed of Gold.
To walk the Riches Path… cast away earthly desire.
Burn the treasure within… or lose yourself forever."
Li Wei (frowning):
"Burn treasure…? What does that mean?"
[Suddenly, three golden orbs float before him. Each one shows a vision.]
– First Orb: A throne made of coins and jade, with countless people bowing.
– Second Orb: A palace in the clouds, Afiya Xue standing at the edge, reaching out.
– Third Orb: A sword of divine fire… with the power to kill gods.
Li Wei (staring):
"These are… my desires."
Ancient Voice:
"Choose one… and destroy it.
Only then will the Riches Path accept you."
[Li Wei's hand trembles. His eyes flicker with sorrow as he looks at Afiya's vision.]
Li Wei (gritting his teeth):
"If I destroy this… will I forget her? Will I lose her again?"
Ancient Voice:
"You will lose only what you cling to.
The flame chooses sacrifice, not cowardice."
[Li Wei closes his eyes. A tear falls.]
Li Wei (softly):
"Afiya… forgive me."
[He raises his palm and blasts the second orb with golden fire. It explodes in silence. The chamber goes still.]
[Suddenly — the golden flame in the center surges and surrounds Li Wei. His body lifts, runes swirling around him.]
Li Wei (screaming):
"AGHHHHHH!"
[His body burns with light. Then silence.]
[Moments later, he falls to the ground, panting. A new mark glows on his chest — a flame-shaped rune.]
[Scene shift – Elder Xuan in the sect hall, eyes wide.]
Elder Xuan:
"Impossible… he rejected love… and passed the first trial.
Even the ancestors failed here.
What kind of soul does this boy carry?"
[Scene returns – Li Wei rises slowly, eyes glowing gold.]
Li Wei (low voice):
"I cast aside desire… but I will find her again.
Not through greed… but through fate."
Narration:
Thus began the true awakening of the Heaven's Seed.
Not through selfishness…
But through sacrifice.
Manish Xui Yan — now Li Wei — has passed the first trial.
But the Riches Path has only just begun.
And heaven… is watching.
TO BE CONTINUED...