The Offer from the Dead

The aftermath of the assassination attempt sent shockwaves through the Conclave.

Three sects withdrew from the summit the next day.

The others held emergency meetings, cloaked in secrecy.

But Kai?

He trained—harder than ever.

Each sunrise found him forging new control over the Ash Core Flame, testing its limits, refining his strikes until flame moved with his breath.

Linya watched him with both admiration and worry.

"You haven't slept in two days," she said, tossing him a spirit vial.

Kai caught it without looking. "Neither have our enemies."

On the third night after the attack, a shadow slipped into camp.

It passed through barrier wards as if they weren't there. Even the flame wards didn't respond.

But Kai was waiting.

"You're late," he said, stepping from behind a tree.

The shadow stopped.

A tall figure in a cracked gray cloak stepped forward, revealing a gaunt, pale face—half-burned, half-covered in old spirit-sealing tattoos.

Kai's breath caught.

"Master… Shen?"

The man who'd vanished five years ago. Believed dead in the Silent Rebellion. A former flame general of Emberheart—and Kai's first mentor.

"You're stronger now," Shen rasped. "But strength isn't enough."

Kai's hand hovered near his blade. "If you're here to help, speak plainly. If not…"

"Then strike," Shen interrupted. "But know this: I bring a warning. And an offer."

They sat beneath the brazier.

Shen placed a sealed scroll on the ground.

"The sects are forming a secret accord. Bone Scripture, Frostshade, Iron Echo, and even fragments of Night Veil. They want you removed before the third trial."

"Why now?" Kai asked. "They've hated each other for decades."

"Because they fear you more than they hate one another."

Kai said nothing.

"But I didn't come to deliver only fear," Shen added. "I came to offer power. The remnants of the Phoenix Doctrine—our secret fire techniques. Ones even Emberheart abandoned."

"Why me?" Kai asked. "Why not lead it yourself?"

Shen looked away. "Because I burned too many bridges. And you're the only one left who hasn't lost everything to vengeance."

"Not yet," Kai said.

The scroll pulsed with ancient fire sigils.

Kai reached toward it—but stopped.

"If I open this," he said, "I can't go back. I can't claim ignorance."

Shen nodded. "That's why I chose now."

"Before the final trial. Before you become something none of them can touch."

Kai took the scroll.

As his fingers brushed the seal, the air shimmered, and a spark leapt to his chest. The Ash Core Flame trembled—recognizing old blood.

He looked up at Shen.

"Tell the shadows to keep watching."

"When the final trial comes… I'll be ready."