The rain had long stopped, and the world outside the villa slowly came to life. Birds began chirping, and the sun's golden rays streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the luxurious bedroom.
Lin Feng slowly opened his eyes, greeted by a pounding headache.
He groaned and held his head, the dizziness almost unbearable. Minutes passed before the pain finally subsided, allowing him to sit cross-legged on the bed.
His mind was still a mess. He needed time to consolidate the memories swirling within him.
...
Ten minutes later, Lin Feng opened his eyes again, now calm and composed. A satisfied smile crept across his face.
His body had undergone tremendous changes. He felt stronger than ever, and a strange, potent energy coursed through him.
"This must be what they call a dantian," Lin Feng muttered to himself, his hand brushing against his chest with satisfaction.
The Flowing Qi realm—it was a level of cultivation that even a genius might spend decades striving for. Yet, Lin Feng had reached this stage at only 17 years old.
Despite his progress, he wasn't entirely happy. The memories he now had of this world—and glimpses of the future—were a constant reminder of the challenges ahead.
He knew the protagonists of this world were incredibly powerful, and even more formidable figures would emerge when the world's aura became stronger.
Currently, the aura for cultivation was thin, with the densest pockets found only in remote forests and mountains.
But Lin Feng brushed aside those concerns for now. Stretching his arms, he stood and let out a contented sigh. "Enough of that. Let's start this day on a high note."
After a refreshing shower, he donned his pristine school uniform. As the young master of a prestigious family, he attended one of Shanghai's top high schools.
He grabbed a quick breakfast before heading out. Outside, his sleek black Porsche awaited, the morning sun reflecting off its polished surface.
...
The streets bustled with life as Lin Feng made his way to school. Today marked the start of a new term, and the excitement was palpable.
It was Lin Feng's final year, and after graduating, he'd have to choose an academy for further studies. However, what piqued his interest more was the sight outside the school gates: groups of new students, all in their crisp uniforms, buzzing with excitement.
The scene changed the moment Lin Feng's Porsche pulled up.
As he stepped out, a ripple of admiration spread through the crowd. Heads turned, whispers followed, and the students instinctively made way for him.
Lin Feng was the picture of elegance and confidence, his 95 charm score in full effect. But he remained composed, walking leisurely toward the school building.
This attention was nothing new. Before transmigrating, Lin Feng had been a 30-year-old actor, accustomed to adoration and admiration.
Dying in an accident and waking up in this world as Lin Feng hadn't changed that. In fact, this new life felt even better.
He was quite pleased to see the admiration in everyone's eyes, a level of attention he had grown used to in his previous life. This, he thought, was exactly what a villain deserved.
In contrast, the protagonists baffled him. They always had plain appearances and dressed in shabby clothes, claiming they didn't want to attract attention. Ironically, their very simplicity made them stand out even more.
"What goes on in their heads?" he mused, shaking his head.
His fame and influence extended far beyond the school. His father, Lin Jian, was not only Shanghai's mayor but also the CEO of a major company.
Meanwhile, his mother, Lan Xia, chaired the prestigious Luoshan Group. Together, they formed an unparalleled powerhouse of wealth and influence.
With such a background, Lin Feng commanded respect wherever he went.
Lin Feng already had a plan. The first protagonist to appear was Qin Chen, a typical example of the genre.
Qin Chen was an orphan raised by a hidden master in the mountains. Under his mentor's tutelage, he excelled in martial arts, cultivation, and medicine.
He had talent, skill, and charisma, the hallmarks of a protagonist. But Lin Feng wasn't intimidated.
"I know his story better than himself," he thought with a smirk, making his way up the stairs to the second-floor, where his classroom was located.
...
Meanwhile, inside the classroom, students were settling in for the morning. The hum of chatter filled the air as some flipped through new textbooks while others leaned back lazily, catching up with friends. Sunlight streamed through the windows, highlighting the neat rows of desks and the faint scent of fresh stationery. Amid the lively atmosphere, a commotion was brewing at the back of the room as Xiao Hao and Wang Han noticed someone sitting in the seat everyone knew belonged to Lin Feng.
"Who is that guy? He's sitting in young master Lin's favorite seat," Xiao Hao, a student lounging in the back, asked his friend Wang Han.
"I'm not sure," Wang Han replied, frowning. "But I saw him get out of Ling Xian's car earlier."
"Ling Xian? The school flower? Are you serious?" Xiao Hao raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"There's no mistake. I saw it clearly," Wang Han confirmed.
Xiao Hao sneered. "It doesn't matter who he is. Let's deal with him before young master Lin arrives."
With that, the two stood up and strode toward the boy in Lin Feng's seat.
...
Meanwhile, Qin Chen, seated near the window, was lost in thought.
His master had recently given him a letter addressed to the Ling family. Unknown to Qin Chen, it was a marriage proposal between him and Ling Xian, the granddaughter of the Ling family patriarch.
Though Qin Chen was thrilled by the idea—Ling Xian was the school flower, after all—her reaction was far from enthusiastic. She had already vowed to run away if forced into the marriage.
The reason the Ling family patriarch had agreed to the marriage between him and Ling Xian was likely due to his master's influence. His master had been a powerful figure, renowned for his strength and connections, and had earned great respect across many circles. Additionally, his master had once cured Ling Xian's grandfather, which further solidified the Ling family's respect and gratitude toward him.
Still, Qin Chen wasn't worried. He knew that, given time, he would win Ling Xian's heart. His confidence in his abilities and charm left no doubt in his mind that he would succeed.
For now, his priority was fulfilling his master's wishes and serving as Ling Xian's bodyguard. Thanks to Ling Tao, the Ling family patriarch, Qin Chen had been enrolled as a new student at this prestigious school.
The thought of attending high school filled him with a hint of excitement—it was a far cry from the small village school he was used to, which had only five students.
Just as he was lost in thought, two shadows loomed over him, breaking his reverie. He looked up to see two figures standing in front of him, their expressions less than friendly.