The stone door slid shut behind Elder Kaiyuan with a hiss of expelled spirit energy. Dust swirled, disturbed for the first time in years, but the warded room was untouched by decay. A preserved sanctum, far from curious eyes.
Three figures waited inside.
Their robes were unmarked. Their faces hidden behind masks shaped like the three phases of flame—Kindle, Blaze, and Ash.
Kaiyuan stepped into the circle without hesitation.
"Report," he said.
The figure in the Kindle mask spoke first, voice soft, feminine. "The heir survived the trial. Wuren's presence disrupted the narrative, but Yun's betrayal hurt more."
Kaiyuan's jaw flexed. "I expected Yun to falter. What of the witnesses?"
The figure in the Ash mask, oldest of the three, replied. "The Flame Mirror did not reject Shen Li. Its acceptance was…absolute."
Kaiyuan turned to the shrine in the chamber's center. A brazier stood cold, etched with forbidden runes that twisted slightly when not looked at directly.
"There was always a chance," Kaiyuan murmured. "The Mirror sees bloodlines, not righteousness. But we are not bound by ancient glass."
The Blaze mask stepped forward, his voice deep and precise. "Do we proceed with the Second Path?"
"Yes," Kaiyuan said. "Begin awakening the Bound Ember."
The masked figures were silent for a breath.
"That seal was never meant to be broken," said Ash.
Kaiyuan's smile was thin.
"Neither was Wuren's. But it seems the boy has forced our hand. If he wants to play with ancient fire, let us see how long he lasts before it devours him."
He turned, robes trailing like smoke behind him.
"And prepare the girl. Lan Xueyi is growing curious."
Kindle nodded. "She's already begun probing the archives."
"Then show her something… compelling."
Elsewhere, beneath the flame-flickering roots of Emberheart, a pulse echoed through the sealed crypt. Something vast and half-asleep stirred beneath stone and time.
It was hungry.