Fallen Heaven: Rise of Faizi Tian
Episode 46 – The Gate of Ashes
The storm didn't relent as they climbed.
Each step up the jagged path was met with burning rain — droplets of molten fire that hissed when they struck stone. The mountain pass narrowed until they were walking a ledge barely wider than their boots.
Far ahead, the clouds parted just enough to reveal it: a colossal archway carved from black basalt, its surface covered in faintly glowing runes. Flames seeped through the cracks, curling upward like serpents.
Ren slowed, his gaze fixed on the arch. "The Gate of Ashes. Once you cross, there is no turning back."
Faizi's breath was steady. "You mean the last trial?"
"No," Ren said, stepping aside to let Faizi take the lead. "I mean that beyond this point… *everything* changes. Even if you survive, you will not be the same man who entered."
The Seal stirred in Faizi's chest, a low, hungry murmur. *"Beyond lies the heart of my prison… and my freedom."*
Faizi tightened his grip on his sword hilt but didn't reply.
As they approached, the air grew heavy with the scent of charred earth. A stone dais lay before the Gate, and in its center stood a lone figure — cloaked in crimson, hood shadowing its face. In one hand, it held a spear of blackened bone.
Ren's posture shifted instantly, hand brushing the hilt of his own blade. "A Guardian."
The figure's voice was like embers scattered on the wind.
"Only the worthy may enter. The Seal has chosen its bearer… but I will decide if the bearer lives."
Without warning, the Guardian lunged. The spear's tip whistled through the air, forcing Faizi into a desperate parry. Sparks flew where their weapons met, the impact sending tremors up his arms.
Faizi countered with a burst of flame-infused strikes, his Ember Root power flaring — but the Guardian moved like a shadow, each dodge perfectly timed.
*"More!"* the Seal hissed. *"Draw on me. Break him."*
Faizi ignored the temptation, focusing instead on reading the Guardian's rhythm.
Each attack was precise, testing his defenses, looking for a single flaw.
Ren watched from the side, eyes narrowed. He made no move to help — this was Faizi's battle.
A sharp feint from the Guardian forced Faizi onto the back foot. The spear grazed his shoulder, leaving a burning line of pain. But instead of retreating, Faizi stepped *into* the attack, twisting his blade in a tight arc that knocked the weapon aside. With his free hand, he gathered his flame essence, channeling it into a concentrated blast at point-blank range.
The explosion forced the Guardian back a step — just enough for Faizi to plant his sword at the figure's throat.
For a moment, silence.
Then the Guardian… laughed. It was a sound like cracking wood in a fire.
"You resist the Seal's hunger. Good. Few do."
The figure lowered its weapon and stepped aside. "The Gate opens to you."
As the basalt arch's runes flared, the Seal's voice slithered through Faizi's mind again.
*"Step through, and you will see what chains me… and what could set me free."*
Ren's gaze lingered on Faizi, unreadable. "Remember, boy — not all freedom is worth the cost."
The Gate of Ashes yawned wide, a tunnel of flickering firelight leading into darkness.
Faizi took a breath, and stepped through.