The Emperor Gate collapsed, its embers drifting across the Northern Desert like stars.
That slash had cut down more than the imperial throne of ages. It had severed the "Heaven-ordained legitimacy" on which the Nine Clans' rule depended. The foundations of order on the Dou Qi Continent shattered beneath the crimson-gold blade light.
As the news spread, the Nine Provinces trembled.
"Lin Yan—for the crime of defying Heaven, death!"
"The Mortal Flame Gate is a wicked, heretical path. Eradicate it at once!"
"The Ancient Emperor's remnant soul has awakened, and Heaven's mandate flame burns anew. The allied forces of the Nine Clans march today!"
Wanted decrees issued from the ancient halls of the Central Plains, branded onto jade slips throughout the Nine Provinces, and spread to every city and every wilderness. Lin Yan was branded the "Order-Burning Demon." Anyone who aided him shared his crime; anyone who sheltered him would have their entire clan exterminated.
The world sought to purge a man who had "destroyed order."
Yet amid this murderous chill, the Mortal Flame Gate still stood outside Ash Kiln Village.
Though its crimson-gold pillar of light had weakened, it had not gone out. Before the Trial Stele, youths still knelt with flames burning in their palms. Even knowing the Nine Clans might hunt them down the next moment, they insisted on ascending the Flame Steps.
"I... want to try," a boy murmured. "Even if I only live one day, I want to die on my feet as a flame wielder."
Just then—
Boom!
The sky split open. A golden flame fell from the highest heavens and became a towering phantom clad in imperial robes, his eyes filled with Heaven's might. It was none other than the Ancient Emperor's remnant soul, which had slumbered for ten thousand years.
"Lin Yan