Chapter 2: Before the Sun Rises
The air was brisk as I stepped onto the training grounds, long before the rest of the estate stirred. The faint glow of the moon bathed the space in silver light, illuminating the practice dummies and wooden pillars scattered across the field. For years, this had been my sanctuary—a place where I could push my body to its limits and focus on my goals without interference. Today, the quiet held a different weight. I wasn't just training for the imperial tournament anymore; I was preparing for vengeance.
I closed my eyes and steadied my breathing, feeling the flow of qi surging through my body. The Heavenly Ruler's Body thrummed with energy, a stark contrast to the sealed potential of my previous life. With a deep breath, I began cycling through the Thirteen Forms of the Heavenly Dragon, an ancient martial art passed down through the Long Clan.
Each movement felt natural, as though my body had been designed for this. The first form, Dragon Emerges from the Abyss, focused on explosive strikes and speed, and my punches cut through the air with a sharp whistle. By the time I transitioned to the seventh form, Coiling Dragon Ascends, sweat trickled down my brow. I could feel my muscles straining, but the exhilaration of progress pushed me forward.
The breaking dawn found me practicing the final form, Eternal Dragon Soars, a series of powerful strikes that channeled qi outward in devastating waves. With a sharp exhale, I unleashed a burst of energy that shattered a training pillar into splinters. The sound echoed across the grounds, and I froze, hoping no one had heard.
"Still hiding your strength, I see," came a voice behind me.
I turned sharply, finding Alexia leaning against a nearby tree, her arms crossed and an amused smirk on her face. My second sister had always been sharp-eyed and nosy, but she was also one of the few people I trusted in this life.
"Do you always spy on people this early?" I asked, wiping the sweat from my face.
"Only when they're doing something interesting," she said, walking over. Her gaze swept the shattered pillar. "Soul Formation Realm already? That's impressive for someone your age."
I shrugged. "I still have a lot to learn."
Alexia nodded, her expression turning serious. "You've grown stronger, Zeitian, but strength alone won't be enough in this world. You'll need allies."
I hesitated, knowing she was right. "I know. But I can't rely on anyone until I know who I can trust."
Alexia sighed. "Fair enough. Just don't push everyone away." She glanced at the horizon, where the first rays of sunlight were breaking through. "Mother's probably waiting for you. It's your big day, after all."
I nodded, watching her leave before heading back to my room. Today was my birthday, and I had a role to play.
---
The estate was already buzzing with activity by the time I returned. Servants hurried about, preparing for the evening's festivities. My mother, Lady Qin Nu, had always loved grand celebrations, and I knew she'd spared no expense for this one.
After washing up and dressing, I headed to the family archives. If I was going to make the most of this life, I needed to start uncovering the truth about the curse that had ruined me in my previous one. The Long Clan's library was vast, housing knowledge and secrets accumulated over millennia.
I started with the basics, pulling out tomes and scrolls on curses and forbidden magic. Most of what I found was frustratingly vague—curses required immense qi and precision to cast, often leaving subtle traces tied to the caster. But nothing gave me the answers I sought.
Determined, I shifted my search to the Zhou Clan's history. Leyla Zhou wasn't just anyone; she was the eldest daughter of one of the Four Heavenly God Clans, a family with a long and often dark legacy. Whispers of their involvement in curses and forbidden techniques were common, but finding concrete evidence was another matter.
Hours passed as I sifted through the texts, my frustration mounting. Just as I was about to give up, I came across a mention of a Cursed Seal of Talent Suppression, a powerful technique capable of sealing someone's potential and rendering them useless. The description matched my experiences in my previous life almost perfectly.
"Found anything interesting, little brother?"
I jumped, startled, and turned to see Alexia standing in the doorway. She was holding a tray of snacks and tea, her expression unreadable.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, quickly closing the tome.
"You've been in here all morning," she said, setting the tray on the table. "Figured you'd need something to eat." Her eyes drifted to the pile of books. "Curses? Forbidden magic? What's this about?"
"It's nothing," I said too quickly.
Alexia raised an eyebrow. "You're a terrible liar, Zeitian. What are you looking for?"
I hesitated, debating whether to tell her. Alexia had always been sharp, and while I trusted her more than most, I wasn't ready to reveal everything. "I'm just curious," I said finally.
She didn't look convinced. "You're digging into dangerous territory. If you're not careful, someone might think you're up to something."
"I'll be careful," I assured her.
Alexia studied me for a moment before sighing. "Fine. Just… don't do anything stupid."
---
By the time evening fell, I was no closer to finding definitive answers. The party was already underway, and the estate was filled with guests from the other great clans and families. I played my part, smiling and exchanging pleasantries, but my mind was elsewhere.
As I moved through the crowd, I caught sight of Leyla Zhou, her elegant facade masking the cruelty I remembered all too well. She smiled warmly as she greeted my father, but her eyes briefly met mine, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
I will uncover the truth. And when I do, you'll pay for everything you did to me.