Lin Xiao stepped into the vast courtyard, his eyes wide in surprise. In front of him, stood a person who looked exactly like him, but this time he wasn't just a shadow. This person was looking at him with the same confidence he used to have, but in his eyes was a different gleam… the gleam of complete realization.
"Finally, you've arrived."
The voice echoed in the place, as if it was emanating from the depths of his soul. Lin Xiao felt a shiver run through his body, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Who are you?" he asked as he cautiously advanced.
The other person smiled. "I am you… or rather, I am who you will be."
Lin Xiao's heart trembled. Was this the final test? He knew that all the previous obstacles were a prelude to this moment, but he never expected to face himself in this way.
"If it's me, why are we standing on opposite sides?"
The other calmly replied: "Because you're still hesitating, you still have doubts in your heart. Your strength isn't just in your body or your skills, but in your belief in yourself. Up until now, you've been trying to prove yourself to the world, but the real question is… do you believe in yourself?"
Lin Xiao hesitated for a moment. Throughout his journey, he had been fighting, struggling, and trying to prove his strength, but he had never asked himself that question.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He recalled all the moments when he doubted himself, every time he thought he wasn't enough. Then, he remembered his victories, the people who trusted him, and the times when he rose up despite everything.
When he opened his eyes, his gaze was clearer than ever.
"I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I've always been strong… and now, I realize it."
The other smiled, and then his body slowly began to fade away. "You're ready."
At that moment, Lin Xiao felt a burst of energy surge through his veins, as if the barriers of strength that had been restricting him had finally shattered.
The square shone with golden light, and the gate behind him turned to ashes, leaving an open passageway into the unknown.
He looked ahead, feeling his spirit stronger than ever.
This was... his rebirth.