Lin Tianwu's quiet concentration was broken by the sound of a soft knock on the door. His focus shattered, and the faint trace of energy he had been clinging to dissipated into the still air. He let out a slow breath, suppressing the irritation bubbling up within him. There was no time to dwell on it now.
"Tianwu," a warm, feminine voice called from the other side of the door. "Breakfast is ready. Don't keep us waiting too long, okay?"
Lin Tianwu opened his eyes and glanced toward the door. He recognized the voice as the one belonging to the woman in this body's memories—the host's mother. The memories were clear: her name was Zhao Mei, a kind and patient woman who worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She had a quiet strength about her, an unwavering dedication to her son despite the challenges of their modest life.
The emotions tied to those memories washed over him like waves against a rock, but Lin Tianwu remained unaffected. He was not the original host, and the bonds this body once held were not his own. Still, he understood the importance of maintaining appearances, especially in this strange new world where he was an outsider.
"I'll be there shortly," he replied, his voice calm and steady.
"Alright," Zhao Mei said, her tone light and affectionate. "Don't forget to wash up."
Her footsteps faded down the hall, leaving Lin Tianwu alone once more. He sat silently for a moment, his mind turning over the fragments of this body's life. Zhao Mei, the mother of the original host, was a figure of warmth and stability. She worked long hours at a nearby office and took pride in caring for her small family. Despite their modest circumstances, she had always ensured her son was well-fed, well-dressed, and loved.
The memories painted a clear picture of a woman who had endured much but carried herself with grace. Lin Tianwu could feel the echo of the host's affection for her, but it remained just that—an echo. He had no intention of being swayed by these remnants of another's emotions. His focus was singular: rebuilding his strength and finding a way to adapt to this strange world.
He rose from the bed, taking a moment to adjust to the unfamiliar sensation of this weaker body. The physical frailty was a constant reminder of how far he had fallen, but he would not allow himself to dwell on it. This was a temporary state, and he would rise again.
Lin Tianwu moved to a small adjoining washroom, where he splashed cold water onto his face. The reflection staring back at him in the mirror was both familiar and alien. The original host had been young, perhaps no more than seventeen, with sharp features and eyes that carried an air of quiet determination. Lin Tianwu studied the face carefully, committing its every detail to memory. This was his face now, his identity in this world, and he would use it as he saw fit.
After drying his face, he stepped out of the room and made his way toward the kitchen. The faint aroma of cooked food wafted through the air, and he could hear the faint clatter of dishes being set on the table.
Zhao Mei was standing by the stove when he entered, her back turned to him as she finished plating breakfast. She wore a simple apron over her clothes, her hair tied back in a loose bun. The scene was so mundane, so far removed from the grand halls and towering sects of his past life, that it almost felt surreal.
"Good morning, Tianwu," Zhao Mei said, glancing over her shoulder with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well?"
"Well enough," he replied, his tone measured.
"Good," she said, setting a plate of steamed buns and eggs on the table. "You've been looking a little pale lately. You need to eat more."
Lin Tianwu sat down, his movements deliberate as he observed her. She moved with practiced efficiency, her every action carrying a sense of care and purpose. It was clear that Zhao Mei's life revolved around providing for her family, and while Lin Tianwu felt no personal attachment, he could respect her dedication.
As she sat across from him, Zhao Mei smiled softly. "Eat up, before it gets cold. You've got school today, remember?"
School. The word triggered another flood of memories, and Lin Tianwu sifted through them quickly. The original host had been a student, attending a local high school. The memories painted a picture of mundane routines: classes, homework, exams. It was a far cry from the rigorous training and life-or-death battles Lin Tianwu had faced in his previous life.
"Yes," he said simply, picking up a steamed bun. He took a small bite, noting the simple yet pleasant flavor. It was nothing compared to the lavish feasts he had once enjoyed, but it was sustenance, and for now, that was enough.
As Zhao Mei chatted about her plans for the day, Lin Tianwu listened with detached interest. Her words were inconsequential, but he understood the importance of maintaining the illusion of normalcy. For now, he would play the part of the dutiful son, blending into this world until he could fully grasp its secrets.
Deep within, his resolve remained unshaken. The faint trace of energy he had sensed earlier was a sign—a glimmer of possibility in an otherwise barren world. And Lin Tianwu would stop at nothing to cultivate that potential, no matter the cost.
As Lin Tianwu stood from the table, his thoughts still revolving around the faint trace of energy he had sensed earlier, Zhang Mei's voice once again broke through the haze of his contemplation.
"Your school uniform is washed and hanging in your closet," she said with a gentle smile. "Don't forget to get dressed before you head out. I've already laid out your clothes."
Lin Tianwu blinked, momentarily pausing. The word "school" seemed foreign to him, and for a moment, his mind struggled to comprehend what she was talking about. School? In his previous life, his existence had revolved around cultivation, and then the bitter failure of his ascension. The thought of something as mundane as school seemed out of place, an unnecessary distraction. But the memories of the body he now inhabited quickly flooded his consciousness, reminding him of the life he was supposed to live here.
This body, Tianwu, had been a teenager—one with typical responsibilities and routines. This was a world of technology and science, where no one cared for cultivation, and everyone attended school. It made sense, in an odd way, that this young man had gone to school like everyone else.
He didn't have time to dwell on it, though. He needed to focus on his goal—his cultivation. The rest was just a trivial part of the act. For now, he had to play along. He had to be Tianwu.
"Okay," Lin Tianwu said, his voice neutral as he nodded, pushing away the confusion in his mind. He didn't want to draw attention to his moment of hesitation. It would be better to simply comply and move on with his day.
Turning toward the staircase, Lin Tianwu walked back to his room, his thoughts swirling. School. A strange place to be, especially when his entire mind was consumed with thoughts of cultivation, of finding a way to harness the faint trace of energy he had discovered. The rest of the world and its distractions seemed so trivial in comparison, but he had to play the role.
As he entered his room, the door creaking slightly under his hand, Lin Tianwu paused before the closet. His eyes scanned the neatly arranged clothes hanging inside. There, amidst the ordinary garments, hung the school uniform his mother had spoken of. A white shirt, a blue blazer, a pair of slacks. It was exactly what the memories of the host told him to expect. Another daily routine for this world's inhabitants, another expectation to fulfill.
Lin Tianwu could feel the impatience stirring within him. It was hard to care about something so mundane when his entire being screamed for power, for cultivation, for mastery of the world around him. But he couldn't afford to be careless. There were eyes watching him, and the role he had to play required him to act the part—an ordinary teenager living in an ordinary world.
Sighing, he moved towards the closet and picked up the uniform. As he held it in his hands, the fabric felt unfamiliar, yet somehow... normal. The absence of spiritual energy in it made the act of dressing feel even more tedious. In his past life, every movement, every gesture was imbued with a sense of purpose, but now, even something as simple as getting dressed felt like an obstacle.
With a shake of his head, Lin Tianwu quickly changed into the school uniform. The dullness of the fabric did nothing to stir his excitement. If anything, it only served to deepen his frustration with this world. But he would not let it show. He had a goal, and no matter how strange this world was, no matter how foreign it felt, he would find a way to adapt.
With the uniform on, he took a moment to look at himself in the mirror. The boy staring back at him was unfamiliar. His hair was messy, as if he hadn't bothered to comb it, his eyes tired and distant. A teenager caught in the mundane flow of life, unaware of the untapped potential in his veins.
But Lin Tianwu knew better. Beneath the surface, this body held the key to his next step. He would make the most of it. The world would bend to his will, just as it had before.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Tianwu turned away from the mirror and walked out of his room, moving toward the front door. The world outside might have seemed like a distraction, but it was necessary. He needed to observe. He needed to learn what this world had to offer.
But more than that, he needed to find a way to cultivate.
As he approached the door, Zhang Mei called out to him one more time.
"Remember to be careful on your way to school, Tianwu. And don't stay out too late. Your father will be home soon, and he's expecting us to have dinner together."
Lin Tianwu turned toward her, his gaze steady. "I'll be fine, Mother," he replied, giving her a small, reassuring smile. "I'll see you later."
With that, he stepped outside, the cool air of the morning rushing to meet him. It felt fresh and crisp against his skin, but Lin Tianwu barely noticed. His mind was already racing, calculating the best way to use this world's resources.
He had a long way to go, but with that faint trace of energy still lingering in his senses, he knew he had a foothold. Now, he just needed to find out more about this strange world. And whatever method he could find to accelerate his cultivation, he would use it.
If there was one thing Lin Tianwu knew for sure, he would never allow himself to remain weak. He would rise again. And this time, nothing would stop him.
As he walked toward the street, a voice broke through his thoughts.
"Hey, Tianwu! Wait up!"
Lin Tianwu paused, turning to see a boy jogging toward him. The memories of the body filled the gaps instantly—this was Zhou Kai, his neighbor and classmate. Zhou Kai was a cheerful, somewhat nosy boy with an easy smile and a habit of sticking his nose into other people's business. The old Tianwu had found him tolerable, though slightly annoying.
Lin Tianwu suppressed a sigh and forced a smile onto his face, mirroring the expression the original Tianwu would have given. "Morning, Zhou Kai."
"Morning! You're actually on time today?" Zhou Kai teased, grinning as he adjusted the strap of his backpack. "What's the occasion? Did your mom threaten to throw water on you again?"
Lin Tianwu's smile tightened, though he managed to keep his irritation hidden. The memories of the previous host confirmed that this was a typical exchange between the two. "Something like that," he replied smoothly. "I didn't feel like dealing with her wrath this morning."
Zhou Kai laughed, clearly amused. "Smart move. She's got a reputation, you know. You better watch yourself, or she'll come at you with a broom next time."
Lin Tianwu nodded absently, his thoughts elsewhere. While Zhou Kai prattled on about their homeroom teacher's upcoming tests and the latest rumors circulating around school, Lin Tianwu found himself analyzing the boy. Zhou Kai's carefree attitude, his loud and open demeanor—they were useful traits. Someone like him would make an excellent cover, a shield of normalcy for Lin Tianwu's true intentions. He would keep Zhou Kai close, at least for now.
As they walked side by side, Zhou Kai glanced at Lin Tianwu and frowned slightly. "You seem... different today."
Lin Tianwu's heart skipped a beat, though his expression remained calm. "Different? What do you mean?"
"I don't know." Zhou Kai scratched the back of his head. "You're quieter than usual. Normally, you'd be complaining about school or the cafeteria food or something."
Lin Tianwu forced a chuckle, remembering the original host's habits. "Guess I'm still waking up. Don't worry, I'll start complaining once I get there."
Zhou Kai grinned, apparently satisfied with the explanation. "Good. It'd be weird if you suddenly became all serious and focused. You're not that guy."
Lin Tianwu nodded, though his mind raced. He would need to be more careful. The last thing he needed was for people to notice the differences in his behavior. For now, he would play the part, blending in until he found the resources and opportunities he needed.
As they approached the main street leading to the school, Lin Tianwu's thoughts turned back to his primary goal. The faint trace of qi he had sensed earlier still lingered in his mind, tantalizing and elusive. He needed to find a way to harness it, to cultivate again. If this world lacked the treasures and resources he was used to, then he would have to adapt. There had to be something here, something he could use to regain his power.
The sound of Zhou Kai's voice brought him back to the present. "Hey, you're really zoning out today. Everything okay?"
Lin Tianwu nodded, his expression carefully neutral. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about... stuff."
Zhou Kai gave him a curious look but didn't press further. "Well, don't think too hard. You might hurt yourself."
Lin Tianwu smirked faintly, though his mind was far from amused.
As Lin Tianwu and Zhou Kai approached the school gates, a sleek black luxury car rolled to a smooth stop nearby. The engine purred softly before falling silent, its polished exterior gleaming in the morning sun. The vehicle drew immediate attention from the other students milling about, their chatter dying down as they turned to watch.
The driver, dressed in a professional suit, stepped out and hurried to open the back door. A young man emerged, dressed sharply in the same school uniform as Lin Tianwu and Zhou Kai, though his was tailored to perfection, a subtle emblem on the blazer suggesting wealth and status.
Lin Tianwu's eyes narrowed as he studied the boy. His memories provided the name almost immediately—Li Yifeng, the son of a powerful business tycoon and one of the most influential students at the school. Li Yifeng was known for his charm, good looks, and a confidence that bordered on arrogance.
The air around him seemed to hum with authority as he adjusted his tie and slung his bag over his shoulder. His gaze swept over the crowd with a casual indifference, as though the gawking students were little more than scenery.
"Look at that," Zhou Kai muttered, elbowing Lin Tianwu lightly. "Li Yifeng's making his grand entrance again. Bet he had his driver take the long way just to show off."
Lin Tianwu didn't respond immediately. Instead, he observed Li Yifeng's every move, his mind churning. In his past life, people like Li Yifeng had been commonplace—young masters of powerful clans, heirs to vast fortunes, basking in their privilege and influence. While they might not have cultivated spiritual power, their authority was undeniable in other ways.
"I wonder how someone like him survives in this world," Lin Tianwu said finally, his tone neutral.
Zhou Kai laughed. "Survives? He thrives, man. His dad basically owns half the city, and everyone at school either wants to be him or be near him. He's got everything handed to him."
"Must be nice," Lin Tianwu said absentmindedly, though his tone lacked envy. Instead, it carried a hint of calculation. A person like Li Yifeng could be an asset—or an obstacle.
As Li Yifeng strode toward the gates, a group of students hurried to greet him, offering warm smiles and eager hellos. He acknowledged them with a nod, his charisma seemingly effortless. Zhou Kai rolled his eyes.
"Unbelievable," Zhou Kai muttered. "The guy's a walking cliché. Rich, popular, and probably has a team of people doing his homework."
Lin Tianwu smirked faintly but said nothing. Zhou Kai's disdain for Li Yifeng was clear, but Lin Tianwu saw potential. Someone with that kind of influence would either be a valuable ally or a dangerous enemy. He would need to tread carefully, watching and waiting for the right moment to make his move.
As the group neared the gates, Li Yifeng's gaze briefly flickered in their direction. For a moment, his eyes met Lin Tianwu's. The exchange was fleeting, but it carried an unspoken weight, as though each was silently sizing the other up.
Li Yifeng turned away, his attention shifting back to the crowd of admirers, but Lin Tianwu's focus remained on him. In this world of mundane power, there are still hierarchies, even without cultivation, Lin Tianwu thought. And I will climb them, no matter who stands in my way.
"Tianwu, you good?" Zhou Kai asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Yeah," Lin Tianwu replied smoothly, stepping through the gates. "Just thinking."
"Well, don't think too hard," Zhou Kai joked, grinning as they made their way toward the main building.