The moonlit estate was silent, bathed in a serene glow. The festivities of my birthday had ended hours ago, leaving behind faint echoes of laughter and music. But for me, there was no peace. The past had come knocking, unearthing old wounds and unresolved anger. Leyla Zhou's appearance was a cruel reminder of the torment I had endured in my previous life.
Standing on the balcony of my room, I leaned against the cold stone railing, staring at the vast, starry sky. My thoughts swirled like a storm. Leyla was from the Zhou Clan, one of the Heavenly God Clans. To the world, she was a paragon of grace and beauty. But I knew better. Behind that perfect façade lurked a vicious, manipulative monster. In my past life, she had taken joy in breaking me, both mentally and physically.
But this life was different. I was different.
I clenched my fists, feeling the power coursing through my veins. My Heavenly Ruler's Body and Immortal Eyes were fully awakened. I was no longer the crippled boy she had tormented. I vowed to uncover the truth behind my curse, and Leyla was my first lead. However, vengeance alone wouldn't be enough—I needed strength, information, and allies.
---
I awoke well before dawn, the estate still shrouded in darkness. These predawn hours had become my sacred time, a period where I could train without interruption. After dressing in simple training robes, I slipped out of my room and into the crisp night air.
The secluded forest behind the estate stretched endlessly, its ancient trees towering like silent guardians. It was here, amidst the whisper of leaves and the soft hum of nature, that I found peace. The energy of the forest was abundant, saturating the air with qi.
I activated my Immortal Eyes, and the world transformed. Everything shimmered with ethereal colors, the flow of qi visible in intricate patterns. Taking a deep breath, I began my cultivation. I drew in the surrounding qi, circulating it through my meridians in precise pathways. The process was both invigorating and painful, as my Heavenly Ruler's Body absorbed and refined the energy at an astonishing rate.
As the qi settled, I moved on to combat practice. The Celestial Dragon Fist was my focus today—a technique that combined brute strength with refined qi manipulation. My punches were sharp and fluid, each strike creating shockwaves that rustled the leaves around me.
Hours passed as I honed my techniques. By the time the first rays of sunlight broke through the horizon, I was drenched in sweat, but my resolve was unshaken.
---
Returning to the estate, I decided it was time to act on my suspicions. In my previous life, my curse had been a carefully orchestrated attack, not a random accident. The Zhou Clan's involvement was all but confirmed, but I needed proof. And to find that proof, I needed access to the Hidden Archives.
The Hidden Archives were located beneath the central hall of the estate, guarded by powerful wards and accessible only to the Patriarch and a few select elders. However, I obtained my father's Heavenly Seal during the birthday celebration. It was my key to unlocking the archives.
I waited until midmorning when most of the household was preoccupied with their routines. Slipping through the estate's halls, I reached the central chamber. The entrance to the archives was concealed beneath a heavy marble slab, its surface etched with glowing runes.
Pressing the Heavenly Seal against the runes, I watched as the marble slab shifted, revealing a spiral staircase descending into darkness. I stepped inside, the air growing colder with each step. The faint glow of enchanted torches illuminated the narrow passage, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
At the bottom, I found myself in a vast chamber lined with shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls. The Hidden Archives were a treasure trove of knowledge, containing secrets that spanned millennia.
---
I began my search, focusing on anything related to curses, forbidden magic, or the Zhou Clan. The hours dragged on as I sifted through dusty scrolls and cryptic texts. My patience was wearing thin when I stumbled upon a scroll titled "The Art of Talent Suppression: Forbidden Techniques of the Ancients."
Unrolling the scroll, I scanned its contents with growing unease. The ritual it described was disturbingly familiar. It was a technique designed to seal a person's talent, physique, and potential. The process required rare materials, precise celestial alignments, and an immense amount of qi. Most importantly, the technique left behind a faint trace of the caster's qi signature buried deep within the victim's soul.
At the bottom of the scroll, a note caught my eye: "Known practitioners of this technique include members of the Zhou and Qi Clans."
My heart raced. The Zhou Clan's involvement was undeniable, but the mention of the Qi Clan introduced a new layer of complexity. Could both clans have conspired against me? And if so, why?
---
I carefully rolled up the scroll and returned it to its place. I couldn't risk leaving any evidence of my presence in the archives. As I made my way back up the staircase, I heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching. My heart skipped a beat.
Quickly extinguishing my lantern, I pressed myself against the wall, blending into the shadows. The footsteps grew louder, accompanied by a familiar voice.
"Zeitian?" Alexia's voice called out softly.
I held my breath, my pulse pounding in my ears. She lingered for a moment, her steps hesitant, before sighing and walking away. Only when the sound of her footsteps faded completely did I dare to move.
---
Back in my room, I sat at my desk, the events of the day replaying in my mind. The evidence I had found pointed to a conspiracy that ran deeper than I had imagined. The Zhou and Qi Clans were both powerful, their influence rivaling even my own family's. Confronting them directly was impossible at my current strength.
For now, I would focus on preparing for the imperial tournament. It would be my first public display of strength, a chance to prove myself and draw attention away from my true plans. I would also keep a close eye on Leyla, watching for any signs of her schemes.
The path ahead was treacherous, but I had no choice but to walk it. My curse, my enemies, and my past life's tragedies all demanded justice. This time, I would not falter.
As the moon rose high in the sky, I drifted off to sleep, my mind filled with strategies and unanswered questions. The shadows of the past loomed large, but I was determined to shape my future with my own hands.