Pain.
A sharp, burning pain spread through Li Xueyan's body. Her chest felt tight, and her throat was dry, like she had swallowed dust. She tried to open her eyes, but her head hurt badly, like someone had hit it with a rock.
Where am I?
Memories flooded into her mind, but they weren't hers.
She had been Liu Yiyi, a martial artist from the modern world. She had died during a tournament accident. But now, she was here, in someone else's body.
The room was dim, lit only by a flickering candle in the corner. The air smelled of herbs, and the wooden walls were cracked. Everything felt old and worn down. She tried to focus, but her head hurt too much.
Another sharp pain hit her head, bringing new memories with it.
This body belonged to Li Xueyan, the daughter of the powerful Li Clan. Her family had been killed by the Prime Minister, Wei Zhong, who accused them of treason. Soldiers attacked their home, killing her parents and many clan members. Only she and her brother, Li Tian, had escaped. She had been caught, poisoned, and left to die in a broken-down inn.
Anger boiled inside her. Her family had been loyal and strong, but they had been killed without reason. And now, her spirit had taken over Li Xueyan's body.
No. I am Li Xueyan now.
She clenched her fists. This new body felt weak, but she wouldn't stay weak.
A small cough broke the silence.
Xueyan turned her head and saw an old woman sitting beside her. The woman's eyes were kind, but worried.
"You're awake," the woman said softly.
Xueyan tried to speak, but her throat was too dry. The woman quickly gave her a bowl of warm water. Xueyan drank slowly, feeling strength return with every sip.
"Who are you?" Xueyan asked, her voice hoarse.
"I am Granny Su," the woman replied. "I found you outside, barely alive. You had poison in you, but I managed to get most of it out. You're still weak, though."
Xueyan closed her eyes, trying to think clearly. She was alive because of Granny Su. If not for her, she would have died in that inn.
She touched her wrist and felt a faint pulse. Her martial arts skills were almost gone, the poison having hurt her body. But she couldn't think about that now.
She needed to get stronger.
"Granny Su," Xueyan said, pushing herself to sit up. "How long have I been unconscious?"
"Three days," Granny Su answered. "The soldiers left yesterday. You're safe for now."
Safe. Xueyan frowned. No place was truly safe for her. The Prime Minister would not stop until she was dead. He would send his men after her when they found out she survived.
Xueyan slowly swung her legs over the bed. Her body shook, but she forced herself to stand.
"You shouldn't move too much," Granny Su warned.
"I have to leave," Xueyan said. "I can't stay here."
Granny Su sighed, like she had expected this. She reached under the table and pulled out a small bundle, handing it to Xueyan.
"Here. Some food and coins. It's not much, but it should help."
Xueyan felt grateful for the kindness. "Thank you, Granny Su."
The old woman smiled gently. "Go, but be careful. The world is dangerous, especially for a girl alone."
Xueyan nodded and stepped out into the night.
The streets were quiet. The town was small, a place where travelers passed through on their way to the capital. Xueyan pulled her hood over her head and walked quickly.
Where should I go now?
She had no family left, no allies. The Prime Minister's men would be watching the roads. She needed to find somewhere to hide, somewhere to train and get stronger.
Then, she remembered something from her new memories.
There was an abandoned mountain temple deep in the forest. It had once been home to a martial arts sect, but now it was empty. If she could get there, she could train in secret.
She walked faster, determined. She would survive. She would grow stronger. And one day, she would make them pay.
---
The moon shone brightly over the forest as Xueyan climbed the steep path toward the temple. The cold air bit at her skin, but she didn't stop. Every step was hard, but she kept going.
Her body was weak, her breath shallow, but she wouldn't give up. She had come this far. She couldn't turn back now.
After hours of walking, she reached the temple gates. The temple was old, covered in vines, but it still stood.
She pushed open the doors and stepped inside. The temple was empty. Quiet. Perfect.
Xueyan collapsed on the floor, her heart racing. This would be her new home. Here, she would train and grow stronger.
And one day, she would make the people who destroyed her family pay.