The excruciating pain eroded Chen Xiao's body, every muscle, every nerve, as rivers flowed into the sea, merged into something utterly terrible in his mind. The decaying wreckage was gradually being mended, withered branches and leaves budding anew, and those memories, alive in their own right... returned to their rightful places.
Chen Xiao opened his eyes.
Then he smiled. His lips slightly pursed, not too ostentatiously, even seemingly courteous and elegant. But it strangely sent a shiver down one's spine.
"Thank you all..." he said faintly, though his tone lacked any semblance of gratitude, just a bland, matter-of-fact confidence, or rather, arrogance—it was as if everything should be this way. Years ago, I pointed out a path; no matter how things evolve or hearts change, even if I become an idiot, a madman, even if I die, it's all part of the plan I designed... At this time, at this place, events will still move forward as I envision, and welcome my return.
