A faint golden light filtered through the intricately carved wooden windows of the Spirit Affinity Sect. Renowned as one of the ten great sects of the Central Continent, the sect's structures sprawled across the lush mountainside, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
In a modest yet elegant room within one of the inner disciple quarters, a young woman stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing irises of a black hue that shimmered faintly. She sat up slowly, her long ebony white hair cascading over her shoulders, catching the morning light in waves. The bedding beneath her was embroidered with delicate floral patterns, exuding both beauty and precision.
Her name was Yue Shiyin, and though she appeared to be just another disciple in the Spirit Affinity Sect, she was far from ordinary. Beneath her serene façade lay the truth—she was an otherworldly demon, one who had seamlessly integrated into the mortal cultivation world.
As her awareness sharpened, Yue Shiyin's expression darkened briefly. "Another dream," she murmured to herself, recalling fragments of her past life in a distant, alien world. The memories were faint yet persistent, flickering at the edges of her consciousness like embers refusing to die. They were a constant reminder of the life she had left behind.
Yue Shiyin rose gracefully, her movements fluid and precise. She walked to the small wooden table near the window, where a silver basin filled with crystal-clear water awaited. Gazing into the water's reflection, she took in her own visage—delicate features, pale skin, and an ethereal beauty that seemed almost unearthly. Her lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes remained distant.
She splashed her face with the cool water, a soft knock echoed from the door. Yue Shiyin composed herself, the faint glimmer in her eyes vanishing as she adopted the demeanor of a diligent sect disciple. "Enter," she called, her voice calm yet commanding.
The door creaked open to reveal a young man in the sect's standard blue and white robes. He carried a scroll in his hands and bowed respectfully. "Senior Sister Yue, the Sect Leader has summoned all inner disciples to the main hall. There's an important announcement."
Yue Shiyin nodded, her expression unreadable. "Thank you, Junior Brother. I'll be there shortly."
As the door closed behind him, Yue Shiyin's silver eyes flickered once more. Just as she was ready to leave, a flood of memories that had been locked away surged into her mind. Pain lanced through her skull, and she clutched her head as she collapsed to the ground. The room fell eerily silent, her gasps fading as the pain subsided.
When Yue Shiyin awoke moments later, her expression had transformed. Her eyes glinted with a dark determination, and a faint smirk played on her lips. She rose from the floor, her voice laced with cold resolve as she spoke to herself. "To think I, the Heavenly Demoness of Destruction, have been reincarnated into this lowly place. I am no mere mortal. Hmph. Whoever did this to me will regret it. I will rip them apart and savor their despair."
Her gaze turned toward the horizon as her smirk deepened. "Now that I've regained my true memories, I'll rebuild the Destruction Path I created in my previous life. This world offers elements my previous one did not. The Rule Path and the so-called Human Path—with this, my Destruction Path will finally reach perfection."
"Ah, I remember now I am still not powerful and just a mortal, so I need to behave myself otherwise somebody will notice me," she muttered, her tone calm but calculated. She adjusted her dress, a simple yet elegant robe of flowing lavender with white floral embroidery at the hems, exuding both grace and humility. She smoothed out the fabric, her fingers trailing over the delicate patterns as she calmed herself down. The faint smirk she had worn transformed into a neutral expression, though the trace of malice in her eyes made her smile look almost sinister. Realizing this, she forced her face into a calm, composed look.Yue Shiyin stepped out of her room, her movements deliberate and refined, and headed toward the main pavilion where the Sect Leader had summoned all inner disciples. As she walked through the cobbled paths lined with fragrant plum trees, a voice called out behind her."Senior Sister Yue!" The voice belonged to a young woman slightly taller than her, her confident stance betrayed by the tentative warmth in her voice. Her sect robes flowed elegantly, and her delicate features carried a charm that made her look approachable yet determined.
Yue Shiyin paused and turned, her serene façade firmly in place. "Junior Sister Hua," she greeted with a polite nod, concealing the flicker of calculation in her mind. She recognized the air of competitiveness in Hua's approach, masked under friendliness. Yue Shiyin had encountered such attitudes often in her previous life—those who feigned camaraderie while secretly harboring personal agendas.
"Senior Sister Yue," Hua began, her voice tinged with admiration, "I was hoping to walk with you to the main pavilion. It's always inspiring to be around someone as accomplished as you."
Yue Shiyin's expression remained neutral, her voice measured. "You're too kind, Junior Sister Hua. But we should hurry; the Sect Leader's summons is urgent, and delays would reflect poorly on us."
"Of course," Hua agreed, falling into step beside Yue Shiyin. As they walked together, Hua began chatting about recent sect activities, weaving in subtle compliments about Yue Shiyin's skills and achievements. Yue Shiyin, ever the picture of grace, responded with practiced patience, maintaining the illusion of interest. Internally, she analyzed every word, noting the strategic flattery Hua employed.
Though Yue Shiyin remained cordial, she was acutely aware of the need to uphold her guise. Any deviation from her previous behavior could draw unwanted scrutiny. For now, she played the role of the diligent Senior Sister Yue, ensuring her true nature remained concealed as they approached the main pavilion.