Lin Tian's knees cracked against the marble floor, his head bowed as mockery filled the grand hall of the Zhao family. The scornful laughter of his father-in-law echoed in his ears.
"Lin Tian, you're nothing but a useless freeloader! Three years in this family, and what have you accomplished? Nothing! You can't even protect my daughter, let alone contribute to the Zhao legacy," Old Master Zhao sneered, his face twisted with disdain.
Zhao Yue, Lin Tian's wife, stood silent at the side, her once warm eyes now cold and distant. She hadn't spoken a word in his defense, not after the recent humiliation he had brought upon her.
Today marked the third anniversary of their marriage—a union she had been forced into, thanks to her grandfather's dying wish. To her, Lin Tian was a shameful blemish on her otherwise perfect life.
"You're nothing but a dog in this family, Lin Tian," Zhao Cheng, her younger brother, spat. "Get out while we still have a shred of pity left for you!"
Lin Tian's fists clenched. Anger burned in his chest, but he remained silent. What could he say? They were right. He had endured years of humiliation, sacrificing his dignity to protect Zhao Yue from the shadows, though she never knew.
But no more.
As the Zhao family laughed and jeered, a searing pain ignited in Lin Tian's chest. He clutched his heart, his vision blurring as memories from a past life flooded his mind.
Lin Tian gasped, collapsing to the floor. A voice—a deep, ancient voice—echoed in his mind.
"You are the last descendant of the Heavenly Dragon Clan. Awaken, and reclaim your destiny."
The room dimmed. Time seemed to slow as a wave of golden energy surged through Lin Tian's body. A faint dragon's roar resonated, silencing the mocking voices around him.
"What's happening?" Zhao Cheng's voice trembled, his arrogance replaced with fear.
Lin Tian stood, his once frail figure now radiating an aura of unshakable power. His dark eyes burned with a golden hue, and an invisible pressure filled the hall, forcing everyone to their knees.
"Lin Tian…" Zhao Yue whispered, her face pale. She had never seen him like this.
Lin Tian's lips curled into a cold smile. The memories of his past life solidified in his mind—he had been the Dragon Emperor, a peerless cultivator feared across realms. But betrayal had cast him into this mortal life.
Now, with his powers returning, he vowed to reclaim everything he had lost.
He turned to Old Master Zhao, his voice calm but laced with authority. "Three years, I endured your insults. Not because I was weak, but because I chose to protect this family for Yue's sake. But from now on, things will be different."
"Lin Tian…" Old Master Zhao stammered, sweat dripping from his brow.
Lin Tian walked toward the door, pausing only to glance back at Zhao Yue. "You never believed in me, Yue. But soon, the world will know who Lin Tian truly is."
With that, he stepped into the night, the faint glow of a golden dragon coiling around him.