Liao Tingyan was once a modern-day office worker with no grand ambitions—her life revolved around the everyday grind, small comforts, and avoiding trouble. After a sudden accident, she awakens in an immortal world as a disciple of the Qinggutian Sect, her fate bound to forces far beyond her control.

Sima Jiao, on the other hand, is a cultivator of terrifying power. Sealed away for 500 years, burdened with a spirit fire that corrodes him from within, he has grown cold, bitter, and merciless. Betrayal and isolation have long hardened his heart, leaving him with nothing but rage.

When Tingyan becomes his disciple, their connection begins out of necessity. Unbeknownst to her, she was chosen by the demon realm to get close to Sima Jiao. Yet instead of betrayal, she brings into his life something he thought he had lost forever—gentleness, warmth, and an unexpected calm.

Through political intrigue, betrayal, and battles across the realms of Immortals, Demons, and Humans, the bond between them deepens. Tingyan’s quiet strength slowly melts Sima Jiao’s defenses, while he becomes both her protector and her greatest test.

Their story spans lifetimes and realms, where love must defy fate, sacrifice weighs heavier than destiny, and redemption may be the only path to survival. Together, Sima Jiao and Liao Tingyan must decide—will they fight against the heavens, or surrender to the destiny that binds them?

The shadow of fear still hung over the sect after Sima Jiao's ruthless display. Whispers filled the air—disciples wondered how long they could survive under his reign, yet none dared resist.


Liao Tingyan was once again drawn into the Demon Lord's schemes. For the disciples, the coffin trial had become a dreaded test—locked inside, one was forced to confront the truth of their heart. Many begged to be spared, but Sima Jiao insisted.


One by one, they entered. Some emerged shaken, others broken. A few never came out at all.


Tingyan's turn came again. Inside the suffocating darkness, fragments of visions returned to her—the weeping of spirits, the burning of the Sima clan, the humiliation and despair that had birthed Sima Jiao's hatred.


Her heart thudded wildly. Why am I seeing his past? Why is his fire tied to such pain?


When she stumbled out, pale and trembling, she found him waiting. His gaze locked onto hers, sharp as a blade.


Tingyan's lips parted, but no words came.


"Then you should know why I burn the way I do. Why mercy has no place here." His tone was quiet, yet it pressed on her chest heavier than the coffin lid itself.


Later that night, Tingyan followed him in secret, curiosity gnawing at her despite her fear. She found him alone, sitting cross-legged, his body surrounded by chains of fire.


Each link glowed crimson, searing into his skin, biting into his flesh with every breath. She realized with shock that these weren't ordinary chains—they were forged of his own spirit fire, binding his life to an endless cycle of pain.


Sima Jiao lifted his head slightly, and though his expression was calm, his voice was hoarse.


Hidden in the shadows, Tingyan's fists clenched. He was a monster, yes—but also a man shackled by flames no one else could endure.


For the first time, she wondered if there was more to him than cruelty.


Yet as she turned to leave, his cold voice drifted through the night air:


"Stay hidden all you like. But remember—whether you pity me or fear me, you'll never escape me."


Her heart jolted. Even unseen, he had known she was there.


✨ End of Episode 8 — Shackles of the Demon Lord


Chapter 8 - Episode 8— Shackles Of the Demon Lord