Wutan City, Xiao Family.
The sky had just begun to lighten when a small, thin figure awoke. He climbed to the mountain's peak, sat cross-legged, and gazed at the distant scenery. A rare trace of confusion surfaced in his otherwise calm eyes.
"Four years already…"
It had been four years since he passed through the spatial gate. At first, he believed he had been reincarnated. But he quickly realized that while this was still the Dou Qi Continent, the people and their personalities were very different from what he remembered.
In his previous life, his father had treated him as nothing more than a tool—attempting to sacrifice the entire clan just to prolong his own life. His two older brothers, out of jealousy toward his talent, had schemed to kill him time and again. Even the childhood sweetheart who had once shared mutual feelings with him had ultimately chosen to betray him for the sake of personal gain.
That life had been a daily struggle—manipulations, traps, betrayal. No trustworthy family, no confidants. It was no wonder he had become so cold and withdrawn.
But this life was different.
Though only four years had passed, Xiao Yan had already felt a warmth he never knew in his previous existence. Whether it was his father or his two elder brothers, their sincere care and affection were clear in both word and action.
Xiao Yan had come to cherish this atmosphere. Unfortunately, his mother had died shortly after giving birth to him. In his past life, there had been countless ways he could have saved her. But in this life, he was just a child—utterly powerless to change anything.
'In the end, I'm still not strong enough… I need more power—enough to change fate, to control everything.' Xiao Yan gently touched the black ring his mother had left him and whispered inwardly. 'If I were still the Wrathful Saint from before, I wouldn't have stood by helplessly while she passed away.'
In his previous life, he began cultivating Dou Qi at the age of four. He became a Dou Zhe by eleven, a Dou Shi by fourteen, and broke through to Da Dou Shi before he was seventeen—earning the title of the most talented youth in the Jia Ma Empire. And that was all while training with only a Yellow-rank cultivation method. Once he switched to a Profound-rank technique, his progress skyrocketed. By the age of twenty, he had reached the Dou Wang realm.
Such speed would have made him a genius even by Central Plains standards. After acquiring a stroke of luck and entering the Central Plains, he had risen step by step until he became the feared and revered Wrathful Saint.
Now, in this new life, Xiao Yan had started cultivating Dou Qi at the age of three. If it weren't for his meridians being too fragile at birth, he might have started right after coming into the world.
After a year of hard training, he had already reached the third stage of Dou Qi. At this rate, he could become a true Dou Zhe before the age of ten. Of course, he knew the dangers of standing out too much, so publicly he claimed he had only recently begun cultivating, keeping his talent hidden.
Beyond Dou Qi cultivation, Xiao Yan hadn't neglected his soul training. Although the Emperor-tier soul power from his past life had vanished after crossing the dimensional gate, his soul strength remained far above the average person's. During the three years when his body couldn't support Dou Qi cultivation, he had focused solely on his soul.
In fact, Xiao Yan did possess a proper soul cultivation method. However, it required one to be at least a seventh-grade alchemist to practice it safely. Forcing it too early could lead to disastrous consequences. So, he racked his brains and eventually recalled a fragmented, nameless chant from his past life.
"'Soul to its peak… seal the heavenly gate… draw spirit, temper soul…'"
He had stumbled upon this incantation by chance. Though incomplete, it could still draw in spiritual energy. Its efficiency was far inferior to a complete method, but it was just right for his current weak body.
Still, for some reason, he felt that the energy he could absorb was far less than what he had drawn in during his past life. Unable to find a solution, he could only chalk it up to a difference in cultivation level.
'Strange… why is the Xiao Family so lively today?' After finishing his routine soul cultivation, Xiao Yan sensed an unusual commotion within the clan. He vaguely remembered a similar event happening when he was four years old in his past life. 'Could it be… she's here in this life too?'
Thinking of that person who had entangled with him for half his previous life, Xiao Yan felt an odd mix of emotions. After some hesitation, he finally stood up and returned to the Xiao Family.
Not long after, he learned the reason for the day's excitement—a distinguished guest had arrived.
"A distinguished guest… it must be her." Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment longer, then headed toward the clan hall. If it truly was her, then perhaps he should strike first—eliminate her before she had the chance to grow.
The Xiao Family's main hall was usually quite spacious, but today it was packed. It seemed word of the visitor had spread, drawing in crowds eager to watch the spectacle. Luckily, Xiao Yan was small enough to squeeze his way in with ease.
At the highest seat of the hall sat his father, Xiao Zhan, along with several clan elders. What surprised Xiao Yan was that those elders—usually serious and stern—were now all smiles.
The reason for their change in demeanor was evident: the guests seated nearby. At the center of attention was a young girl, no older than Xiao Yan himself, with delicate and refined features. Her expression, however, was icy cold, forming a stark contrast to the kind-faced old man sitting beside her.
Xiao Yan's gaze lingered briefly on her porcelain-like face before shifting away. He could tell she came from a powerful background, but she wasn't the one he had been expecting. In that case, there was no need to stick around.
Just as he turned to leave, his father called out, "Yan'er, come here."
Left with no choice, Xiao Yan returned. "Father, what is it?"
"Yan'er, this is Xun'er. She'll be staying with our clan for a while. You're about the same age—make sure to take care of her, alright?" Xiao Zhan smiled as he patted his youngest son's head. He was well aware of Xun'er's terrifying background and couldn't help but harbor selfish thoughts. If she ever remembered this kindness in the future, Xiao Yan's path might be smoother.
"Okay," Xiao Yan replied half-heartedly. 'Xun'er, huh… sounds a lot like that wicked woman's name. As for looking after her? No thanks. Once is enough for that kind of thing.'
Unlike Xiao Yan's indifferent attitude, the previously cold Xun'er seemed intrigued. Though still a child, she was unusually perceptive. From birth, everyone she encountered—besides her father—had approached her with motives. Either they sought her favor or wished to gain something from her.
Only this Xiao Yan had looked at her with nothing but apathy—as if she were no different from anyone else. He didn't flatter her, didn't show fear or awe, and treated her like… just another child.
That alone made the young heiress of the Gu Clan feel a flicker of curiosity toward the boy who was slightly older than her.
Of course, for now, it was merely curiosity.
(End of Chapter)
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