Outside the city of Chang'an stood a Fire-Worshipper sanctuary.Unlike other religions that called their temples si (寺), the followers of Zoroastrianism—known in China as Xianjiao, the Fire-Worship Sect—called theirs ci (祠), a sacred hall. This sanctuary was vast and imposing. Before it, on a great ceremonial altar, the Sacred Flame burned brightly.
All the sect disciples wore white robes marked with an enormous crimson flame. They revered fire—fire symbolized light, the spreading of light, and thus the purest essence of divinity. Every flame—whether the humble kitchen fire or the solemn altar blaze—was regarded as sacred. They also worshiped the sun, moon, and stars. After the religion entered China from the Western Regions, people called it the Fire-Worship Sect, or Xianjiao.
Night had fallen. Before the Hall of Sacred Flame, under the moonlight and the flickering fireglow, shadows moved and intertwined. Suddenly, all grew still. Each disciple raised both hands before the chest, ten fingers splayed in the shape of leaping fire, and chanted toward the heavens:
"O Sacred Flame, O Lord of Light!Drive out the darkness, lead us to brightness.Do good and shun evil, for the sake of the Light.O undying Flame, have mercy on this world!O undying Flame, have mercy on this world!"
The chants poured forth in unison, echoing throughout the valley. The eternal flame atop the altar roared higher, burning with inexhaustible brilliance.
When the rite ended, Law King Shi Ming suddenly strode up to the steps of the Hall of Sacred Flame and proclaimed in a loud voice:
"Today, our Fire-Worship Sect gathers to discuss a matter of great importance!Our God of Light is now the emperor of Great Yan. As Law King of the sect, I declare that our disciples should support the Great Yan dynasty—not the Tang!Sects Master, what say you?"
From the crowd stepped a venerable elder in his sixties—Sect Master Li Ning. His brows tightened, his face darkened, and he said in a heavy tone:
"Law King Shi Ming, you of all people should know that every disciple of our sect must one day cross the Bridge of Judgment, where their earthly deeds decide whether they ascend to Heaven or fall into Hell.
An Lushan and his son repaid the Tang Emperor's benevolence with treachery. The Tang Emperor treated them as sons, yet they rebelled. Our sect has long stripped him of the title God of Light. Do not speak of it again!"
Indeed, An Lushan had received immense favor from the Tang court, yet led the border armies in rebellion—an act of pure ingratitude and injustice, known to all under Heaven.
Shi Ming burst into wild laughter.
"You, Sect Master, cling to the Tang court like a frightened servant—laughable! If you do not awaken today and support Great Yan, then I shall cleanse the sect myself and restore the honor of the God of Light!'"
At that moment, Law King Zhao Ke leapt before the Sect Master, shielding him.
"Shi Ming! Are you declaring open rebellion and founding your own sect?"
Shi Ming sneered loudly:
"Rebellion? Shouldn't I be the one asking that?You and the Sect Master have long monopolized authority and fattened yourselves on Tang court rewards. Must I expose your dealings before every disciple here?"
His followers suddenly roared:
"Tang court lackeys!""Traitors! Kill them!"
Sect Master Li Ning saw many disciples stirred by Shi Ming's incitement. His face turned iron blue as he thundered:
"Shi Ming! You have long accepted bribes from the Yan regime. You plot sedition and dare collude with outsiders. Did you think I knew nothing?"
Shi Ming laughed triumphantly.
"I, Shi Ming, receive offerings from the God of Light! It is righteous and honorable—what shame is there? But you two—Sect Master and Law King Zhao—have slandered the God of Light and hoarded authority for years. It is your poisonous ambition that brings shame!"
Shi Ming, claiming to uphold the orthodox lineage of the sect, held great sway among disciples loyal to the "God of Light."
At this moment, a young man stepped forth—handsome, refined, elegant.He landed lightly in the center and pointed at Shi Ming:
"Shi Ming! As a Law King, you constantly slander the Sect Master and Zhao Ke. What is your true intention? I, Law King Zhou Yu, and Law King Chu Ping have witnessed your dealings for years.Tell us—how much silver have you taken from the Yan court?"
He continued sharply:
"You receive Yan gold for your faction. If the Sect Master and Zhao Ke receive Tang funding for their work, each pursuing sect affairs—why is that unacceptable?"
A cultured middle-aged man now stepped forward—Law King Chu Ping.
"Shi Ming, the Tang and Yan battle for the realm, with victory still undecided. Yet you openly accuse the Sect Master—who commands you to do this?"
Seeing the other two Law Kings join against him, Shi Ming's expression changed drastically.
"Chu Ping, Zhou Yu—since you've chosen to be Tang hounds, then act like Tang hounds! Today, I will grant you your chance to show your 'loyalty.'
Bai Bing—test Zhou Yu's skill!"
From the crowd a man answered, leaping above the heads of the disciples. His movements were sharp and deadly—this was Bai Bing, Shi Ming's prized subordinate.
Zhou Yu frowned inwardly. Bai Bing is no simple foe—crafty and dangerous.He snorted coldly.
"Bai Bing, you truly mean to fight?"
Bai Bing bared his teeth in a cold grin."Afraid, Lord Zhou? You Tang hounds cannot retreat now!"
Zhou Yu's face reddened with fury, but his heart seethed with disgust. He answered icily:
"I would very much like to see how much weight you truly carry! You dare meddle in a battle between Law Kings?"
Before the last word fell, Zhou Yu lunged—closing the distance in an instant. His hand shot straight toward Bai Bing's chest. Bai Bing suddenly felt a crushing wave of inner strength pressing against him. He steadied his stance, gathered his qi, and countered—right hand striking with point-attacks, left hand deploying grappling techniques, two entirely different methods unleashed with swift, ruthless precision.
And the two men clashed—move against move, counter against counter…