Chapter 93 – The Buried Flame

The roots pulsed with ancient rhythm as they descended the staircase.

Each step felt heavier, like the memories themselves pressed down on their shoulders. Torches lit without flame, glowing with Rootfire essence. The walls breathed.

Kai whispered, "This place isn't just old… it's alive."

At the base of the stairway, a massive stone gate stood — carved with the image of a figure cloaked in vines and fire, holding a broken crown.

> "The First One," Ayaka breathed.

Kai reached for the seal, but it crumbled at his touch.

The gate opened.

---

Inside was a circular chamber.

At the center, floating in a pool of still air, was a flame — dark red and whispering with soft echoes.

Not hot. Not wild.

Pure.

Ren stepped forward but froze. "It's… speaking."

The flame pulsed.

> "You are late, Kai Ashiren."

---

Kai blinked. "You know my name?"

> "I knew you before you were born. The Root chose you the moment the First One fell. His failure became your beginning."

The air thickened.

Visions danced around them — cities burning, skies cracking, cultivators kneeling in grief and rage.

Then a face.

> A young man…

Proud. Fierce. Afraid.

> "That's him," Kai whispered. "The First One…"

The flame spoke again.

> "He sealed me away after breaking the balance. But his regrets… are yours to carry now."

---

Ayaka stepped beside him. "Are you saying Kai has to finish what he started?"

> "No."

> "Kai must do what he never could — choose between destruction and rebirth."

And with that, the flame sank into Kai's chest — merging with the Rootfire.

---

Kai staggered.

Power surged. Visions flooded. He saw the future — a choice he'd have to make.

And a dark presence watching him from beyond the stars.