The Day Before Long Zeitian's 5th Birthday
Excitement coursed through me as I woke up. My father was finally coming home after years away, and my birthday was tomorrow. He hadn't returned since the interracial war began, but his absence had been a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to grow stronger without anyone noticing. Now, at the Soul Formation Realm, I was ready to make my mark. The imperial tournament was only a month away, and unless a prodigy from another empire appeared, victory was mine.
After breakfast, I decided it was time for my daily training with Alexia, my second sister. I went looking for her and found her in the garden, speaking to someone unfamiliar. Curious, I approached them.
"Hey, Alexia, who's this?" I asked casually.
Alexia turned to me with a sly grin. "Oh, Zeitian, you haven't met her yet. This is Leyla Zhou, the eldest daughter of the Heavenly God Zhou Clan and your future wife."
The moment her name registered, I froze. Leyla Zhou. My heart sank, and a storm of fury erupted within me. In my past life, this woman had been the epitome of cruelty. Beneath her angelic appearance lay a heart as cold and ruthless as the abyss. She took pleasure in tormenting her servants and everyone beneath her station. When I confronted her once, she laughed and called me a "cripple," using my sealed talents as an excuse to subject me to years of physical and mental torture.
But this time, I refused to be her victim. Masking my emotions, I forced a polite smile. "Oh? It's an honor to meet you, Miss Zhou," I said, my voice steady.
Leyla returned the courtesy, her soft tone laced with hidden malice. "The honor is mine, Young Master Long."
Her facade hadn't changed, but neither had my resolve. Suppressing the urge to lash out, I made an excuse to leave. "I'm not feeling well, Alexia. I'll see you later." Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away. Back in my room, I paced furiously, every memory of Leyla's past atrocities fueling my determination. This life will be different. I will crush her and everyone who dares to look down on me.
---
The Morning of the Birthday
The next day, I woke up with renewed resolve. The servants had found me asleep at my desk and tucked me into bed. Shaking off my exhaustion, I called for them to help me prepare. Today was my birthday, and my father, the legendary God of the Battlefield, was finally home.
As I was getting ready, my mother, Ashley, entered my room with a warm smile.
"Happy birthday, my dear Zeitian," she said, her voice full of love.
"Thank you, Mother," I replied, bowing slightly in respect.
She took my hand, and together we headed to the secondary dining room, where my siblings had already gathered. At the head of the table sat my father, Patriarch Kay Long, his presence as commanding as ever.
I greeted him respectfully, and he looked at me with piercing eyes. "Zeitian, how strong have you become?"
"Father, I've reached the Soul Formation Realm," I said confidently.
A rare smile graced his face. "Good. Very good. You've made me proud."
---
The Party
The evening celebration began with a grand speech from my father about unity and the strength of the Long Clan. I sat through it patiently, though my mind was elsewhere. As the guests began mingling, many approached me with gifts and words of praise. Among them was Leyla Zhou, her every step radiating arrogance as she approached me.
"Happy birthday, Young Master Long," she said with a practiced smile.
"Thank you, Miss Zhou," I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
Her gaze lingered on me, assessing me. "I've heard much about you. I look forward to seeing if the rumors of your talent are true."
I returned her gaze evenly. "And I look forward to surpassing expectations."
Before the tension could rise further, a loud voice broke through the crowd. It was Qi Payne, the smug young master of the Qi family.
"Long Zeitian, I challenge you to a duel!" he declared, his tone dripping with arrogance.
I smirked. "I accept."
Before we could begin, the celebration was interrupted. A group of mysterious invaders stormed the venue, their aura suffocating. My mother grabbed me, her voice urgent. "Zeitian, hide. Now."
Reluctantly, I obeyed, retreating to a hidden chamber as chaos erupted around me. From my hiding spot, I could hear the clash of battleâthe roars of my father and the elders as they fought the intruders. My heart pounded with frustration. So much power, yet I was still too weak to stand beside them.
Hours later, my mother returned, her face pale but her voice steady. "It's over. Your father and the elders defeated them."
As she led me back out, shame and anger coursed through me. I thought I was strong, but in the face of true power, I had been helpless. That night, as my mother tucked me into bed, I made a silent vow.
I will surpass everyoneâLeyla Zhou, Qi Payne, and even the invaders who dared to challenge my family. No one will ever make me feel powerless again.