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The Demon Lord's Command
The episode begins with Sima Jiao summoning all disciples to the great hall. His gaze sweeps over them, cold and unreadable.
"Loyalty is tested in suffering," he declares. "Those who falter will not remain in this palace."
A shiver runs through the gathered disciples. No one dares to raise their head.
Tingyan's Unease
Among them, Liao Tingyan stands quietly, trying not to attract attention. But the Demon Lord's eyes find her immediately.
"You," he says, pointing a finger at her. "Step forward."
Her legs feel heavy as stone, but she obeys.
Bound by Chains
With a flick of his hand, black iron chains materialize, wrapping tightly around her wrists and ankles. The disciples gasp in fear.
Sima Jiao rises from his throne, descending the steps slowly, every movement deliberate.
"Do you know why I keep you by my side?" he asks.
Tingyan trembles, unable to answer.
"Because you amuse me." His lips curl in a faint, chilling smile. "But amusement has limits."
A Cruel Demonstration
Before the watching disciples, he tightens the chains. Tingyan falls to her knees, the sound of metal biting into her skin echoing in the hall.
Some disciples avert their eyes. Others watch with hidden envy, relieved it is not them.
"Remember," Sima Jiao says, voice low and sharp, "your life is mine to grant or to take."
With a flick of his sleeve, the chains dissolve, vanishing into smoke.
Aftermath in Silence
Tingyan collapses to the floor, breathing heavily. Sima Jiao returns to his throne, indifferent, as if nothing had happened.
No one dares to speak.
The hall remains silent, the weight of fear lingering long after the chains are gone.
✨ End of Episode 12 — Shackled by the Demon