Chapter 7 – The Trial of Stone
The morning sun bathed the sect in golden light. Disciples gathered at the training grounds, waiting for the monthly assessment—a chance to prove themselves, or to be humiliated before everyone.
Chen Liang stood at the edge, silent. The whispers around him were sharp as blades.
"Why is he even here? Trash like him should just quit."
"Hah, this time he'll embarrass himself again."
He ignored them. His hand touched the jade pendant hidden beneath his robes, and he felt the faint warmth of the Primordial Flame Codex. For the first time, he wasn't trembling with fear—he was calm.
The elder supervising the assessment appeared, his long white beard flowing in the wind. With a stern voice, he announced:
"Step forward. Face the Trial of Stone. Only those who can awaken their strength may advance."
At the center of the grounds, a towering slab of black stone stood, engraved with glowing runes. Each disciple had to strike it, and the stone would measure their strength.
One by one, disciples approached. Blazing fists, sharp swords, and powerful strikes echoed against the stone, lighting up its runes. The crowd cheered for the strong and mocked the weak.
Finally, Chen Liang's name was called.
The whispers grew louder:
"He'll probably crack his bones before cracking the stone."
"Trash will always be trash."
Chen Liang stepped forward. His heart pounded, but within his chest, the Codex stirred. His veins burned with the flame-like energy coursing through him.
He clenched his fist, feeling heat gather at his knuckles. "This time… I'll show them."
He struck.
BOOM!
The ground trembled. A wave of scorching air burst outward, silencing the crowd. The black stone shone brilliantly, brighter than it had for most disciples before him.
Gasps filled the arena.
"What?! How is that possible?!"
"He was supposed to be weak!"
Chen Liang lowered his fist, his breathing heavy, but his eyes sharper than ever. For the first time, he felt the eyes of the sect not in pity or scorn, but in shock.
High above, the elder's gaze lingered on him. "That boy… he carries something unusual. I must keep an eye on him."
Unaware of the storm he had just stirred, Chen Liang walked back slowly. The path of a once-forgotten boy was beginning to blaze with fire.