The morning sun bled red through the mist.
Drums echoed across the sect's mountain, heavy and slow—a summons rarely heard. One meant only for those who had crossed a line.
Kael stood at the center of the training grounds, eyes shadowed, scroll tucked away beneath his robe. He didn't need to be told who the summons was for.
This wasn't a trial.It was judgment.
As Kael made his way toward the Elder Hall, disciples parted without a word. Some looked at him with awe. Others with hatred. But most... with fear.
He heard whispers.
"That's the one who crippled Jin Ru.""He trains in secret… like a beast.""They say he talks to spirits."
Kael didn't respond.
His eyes stayed forward, unblinking, walking with the grace of someone who had nothing left to lose.
The Elders Convene
Inside the grand stone hall, eight elders sat in a half-moon, robes trimmed in silver. Above them hung the banners of the sect—justice, harmony, obedience.
At their center was Elder Yanshi, whose eyes could crush stone.
"Kael of the Outer Ring," he said coldly, "you stand accused of reckless brutality, disobedience, and unauthorized training in forbidden areas."
Kael remained silent.
Another elder—soft-spoken but sharp-tongued—leaned forward.
"You've grown stronger, but strength without discipline is a threat."
A third scoffed. "He's been touched by something wild. I say we seal his cultivation and strip him of his robe."
A murmur of agreement spread—until Elder Mira, the only one with eyes that didn't judge, spoke.
"Or perhaps," she said softly, "we've forgotten what it means to fight without fear."
Her voice was ignored.
A Choice of Chains
Elder Yanshi stood.
"We give you two choices, Kael. First, you abandon your path, hand over any forbidden knowledge, and return to the Outer Ring to be... corrected."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "And the second?"
"You face the Fangs Trial. A combat judged by blood and law. If you survive, you may keep your path—but your enemies will have the right to challenge you... one after another."
A trap. A spectacle. A public culling masked as a trial.
Kael clenched his fist.
"I choose the Fangs."
The Sect Stirs
Gasps echoed.
Elder Yanshi narrowed his eyes. "Then so be it. Prepare yourself, Kael. Tomorrow, at dawn, you will face three disciples, handpicked by us. If you fall, your techniques will be burned. If you win... you may walk free."
Kael bowed slightly.
"Then I hope you choose well, Elder. Because I won't hold back."
He turned and walked out, heart steady, breath cold.
Outside, the disciples had already heard. Eyes followed him with growing terror.
No longer a shadow. No longer an outcast.
Kael had become a blade pointed at the sect itself.