Three years had passed since Huang Wei's rebirth. Tomorrow, he would celebrate his third birthday.
Weeks of observation, hearing tales of mystical energies, and witnessing superhuman feats had led Huang Wei to a profound realization:
(In his mind) I died, and I was reborn in a world of cultivation.
The memories of his past life, once jumbled and unclear due to the trauma of his death and rebirth, had begun to settle and clarify. He recalled the car accident, the pain, and the final moments of his previous life.
But this new life was different. His three-year-old body possessed the same strength and physical capabilities as his adult self. And there was the warm, golden energy flowing through his veins, a constant reminder of his new reality.
Huang Wei had been reborn into the esteemed Li clan, residents of the border town of Jingyang, in the Kingdom of Qinglong. Here, he was known as Li Wei, a name chosen by his grandfather, Li Zheng, a revered elder of the Li clan.
Li Zheng, along with Li Wei's parents, Li Qiang, the respected Technique Hall Master, and Lin Mei, a skilled healer and cultivator, had welcomed him into their family.
(In his mind) Tomorrow, I turn three. According to Grandfather, that's when my cultivation journey begins.
Li Wei stood before the mirror, admiring his reflection. His three-year-old body had undergone remarkable changes due to the constant conditioning by the warm, golden energy—known as "Zhēn Qì" (True Energy)—and the various medicinal baths prepared by his mother, Lin Mei.
Li Wei's physical appearance belied his age. He stood at an impressive 130 cm (4'3") tall and weighed 30 kg (66 lbs), rivaling an eight-year-old's stature. His strength, too, had surpassed his adult self from his previous life.
"Li Wei, come down here!" his mother called out from the kitchen. "Grandfather has prepared a special breakfast for your birthday eve."
Li Wei descended the stairs, his movements fluid and agile. His family gathered around the table, filled with an assortment of dishes.
"Today's the day, Li Wei," Li Zheng announced, a warm smile on his face. "Tonight, under the auspices of the full moon, we'll administer the Dragon's Elixir. This will awaken your True Energy and initiate your cultivation journey."
Li Wei's eyes widened slightly. "The Dragon's Elixir? I've heard stories about its potency."
"Indeed," Li Qiang said. "With the elixir and Grandfather's guidance, you'll reach the first level of the Transcendent Mortal Realm—Essence Flow."
That night, under the radiant full moon, Li Wei drank the Dragon's Elixir. Li Zheng guided him through a series of intricate hand seals and meditation techniques.
As the energy coursed through his body, Li Wei felt an explosive surge in his capabilities:
Punch force: 5,000 newtons
Movement speed: 10 meters per second
Reaction time: 100 milliseconds
Skin toughness and resilience: twice that of a normal adult
Li Wei's eyes closed, focusing on the newfound energy. He sensed his cultivation breaking through to the Essence Flow realm.
With his newfound understanding, Li Wei reflected on his talent. As the son of Li Qiang, Technique Hall Master, he had access to the outer library. Pouring over ancient tomes, he gathered valuable insights.
His talent, though remarkable within the Li clan, was merely above average in the Kingdom of Qinglong. There were five family members with equal or greater potential, and countless others beyond their borders.
In the grand tapestry of the cultivation world, Li Wei's talent was a mere speck of dust. Humility washed over him, fueling his determination.
"I've grasped the fundamentals, Grandfather," Li Wei said, his voice measured. "Now, I'll dedicate myself to mastering the Essence Flow realm. The cultivation world is vast and complex; I must temper my ambition with patience and wisdom."
Li Zheng nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Your perspective is refreshing, Li Wei. May your journey be guided by clarity and purpose."