.....
The sect gathered at the trial grounds. Rows of black coffins stood like silent guardians, each sealed with talismans.
"This is the coffin trial," the elder announced. "Enter, and face the reflection of your heart. Only those who endure may step out alive."
A hush fell. Even the boldest disciples lowered their heads, fear tightening their faces.
High above them, Sima Jiao lounged on his seat, watching with faint amusement, his presence like a blade hanging over them all.
Disciples Tested
One disciple was pushed into a coffin. At first, silence. Then muffled cries broke out from inside. When the lid opened, he tumbled out drenched in sweat, his body trembling uncontrollably.
Another went in, another came out pale as death. Some fainted, some screamed, some refused to speak at all.
Each failure brought a flicker of entertainment to Sima Jiao's eyes.
Tingyan's Turn
"Liao Tingyan," the elder called.
Her stomach dropped. But with all eyes on her, she could not refuse. She stepped forward, her legs stiff, and climbed into the coffin. The lid slammed shut.
Darkness swallowed her.
At first there was nothing. Then whispers rose—echoes of grief and rage.
Suddenly, visions flared before her eyes.
Flames devoured halls filled with banners. Men and women of the Sima clan fell, their screams drowned in fire. A woman's body lay desecrated after death. A child's eyes blazed with hatred, burning brighter than the flames around him.
Tingyan gasped, clutching her chest. These memories—they're not mine…
Pain seared her mind, forcing her to her knees.
The Demon's Stare
The coffin lid creaked open. Light spilled in.
Tingyan stumbled out, pale, drenched in cold sweat. Her legs shook as she steadied herself.
And there he was. Sima Jiao's eyes locked onto hers, sharp, knowing. He leaned forward slightly, studying her expression as if reading her very soul.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"You saw it, didn't you?"
Her throat went dry. She could only lower her gaze, terrified of what he meant.
But in that moment, under the Demon Lord's stare, she realized—he had marked her. And there was no escaping his grasp.
✨ End of Episode 3 — The Coffin Trial