Shen Xiang slowly opened his eyes, feeling an unusual warmth on his face. As his vision began to focus, he was surprised to find himself lying on something incredibly soft. When he tried to move his head, a sweet fragrance wafted into his nose, bringing a sense of peace and comfort.
He stared straight ahead and froze. Before his eyes was a pair of beautiful breasts so captivating that he almost forgot to breathe. He quickly realized that his head was resting on a woman's lap.
"This… A lap pillow?!" Shen Xiang thought, a mix of shock and delight washing over him. "And these breasts… they're too perfect!"
After all the hardships and rigorous training he had endured in two lifetimes, he felt he had finally earned a moment of comfort. He decided not to get up too quickly. "After so long, I deserve a little peace," he thought, a small smile forming on his lips.
But his happiness was short-lived.
"You brat! How long are you planning to pretend to be asleep?!" A woman's voice suddenly echoed, sharp yet alluring, making Shen Xiang's heart race faster.
Startled, Shen Xiang immediately sat up straight, nearly bumping his head against the woman's chin. He quickly jumped back, maintaining a safe distance. With a flushed face, he looked at the woman in front of him, who now regarded him with a displeased expression.
The woman… Shen Xiang had never seen beauty like this before. Her long black hair shimmered like silk under the sunlight, her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky, and her lips were naturally pink. Her flawless, porcelain-like skin emitted a soft glow.
However, what stunned Shen Xiang the most wasn't her beauty but the intimidating aura she exuded. The woman stood with the poise of a goddess, as if she looked down upon the world from great heights, transcending mortal bounds.
"Who… are you?" Shen Xiang asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Bang!
"Ouch!" Shen Xiang yelped in pain as a fist landed squarely on his head. Holding his head, he glared at the woman with an annoyed expression.
"Why did you hit me?! I didn't even do anything!"
"Hmph, if I hadn't hit you, you'd still be daydreaming like an idiot," the woman replied coldly. Her pout, however, made her appear more human, though her elegance remained indescribable.
Shen Xiang didn't know how to respond. He wanted to retort, but remembering the force of her punch, he decided to divert his attention by observing his surroundings.
That was when he realized that this place was unlike any world he had ever seen.
The scenery around him was so breathtaking it felt unreal. Towering mountains loomed in the distance, covered in lush green forests. Clear rivers flowed gently, creating a soothing sound. On top of each mountain peak stood grand buildings emanating a mystical aura.
He also noticed that various elements seemed to dominate specific areas. There were zones engulfed in blazing fire, roaring water, soft swirling wind, and solid earth. Some areas radiated bright light akin to the sun, while others were shrouded in impenetrable darkness.
"This place… Is this heaven?" Shen Xiang muttered to himself.
"Are you done admiring the view?" The woman's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
Shen Xiang quickly turned to her and nodded awkwardly. "Sorry, I got carried away. But… could you tell me where I am?"
The woman smiled faintly, though her smile wasn't entirely friendly. "Before I explain anything, I have some questions for you."
"Questions?" Shen Xiang frowned.
The woman crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze growing sharper. "Yes. Questions you must answer truthfully."
Shen Xiang felt the weight of her stare, as though she could see straight into his soul. He swallowed hard, trying to steel himself.
"First, do you have a purpose since being reincarnated into this world?"
The question struck him like a hammer, causing his face to pale slightly. But the woman wasn't done yet.
"Second, what kind of life do you wish to live after being reborn in this world? Do you only seek a normal life, or is there something greater you want to achieve?"
Shen Xiang's tongue felt heavy, but the final question pressed on him even harder.
"Third, are you satisfied with the life you've lived so far?"
The question pierced deep into his heart. Shen Xiang's face turned blank as memories from his two lifetimes flooded his mind. All the suffering, struggles, and fleeting moments of happiness he had experienced spiraled through his thoughts.
The woman said nothing more. She stood silently, patiently waiting.
In the stillness, Shen Xiang began to reflect. What is my purpose? What do I truly want to achieve?
After what felt like an eternity, Shen Xiang lifted his head. His eyes now burned with unwavering determination. "I… I will answer your questions. But first, I want to know who you are."
The woman smiled. This time, her smile felt warmer. "My name is not important right now. However, if you answer my questions honestly, I will tell you everything."
And with that, Shen Xiang knew this encounter was no coincidence. It was the beginning of a new journey that would forever alter his destiny.