"Young Master, are you awake?" The soft, almost timid voice came from the doorway, a figure standing in the frame. The servant girl, her head lowered in deference, eyes wide and filled with fear. "It's time for your morning lessons," she added hesitantly.
Xiao Tian blinked, trying to process the words. He had been called "young master." His first instinct was to reject it, but then something in the back of his mind clicked. This body… this Xiao Jin. Now, he was a mere "young master" in a world that seemed to be far beneath him.
He scanned the servant girl with a cold, disinterested gaze. Her long black hair was neatly tied back, her dress plain but well-kept, and she held a small tray with tea in her hands, seemingly trembling under his gaze.
"Morning lessons?" he repeated, his voice low, almost growling.
The servant nodded quickly. "Yes, Young Master. Your father will be waiting for you in the courtyard. He has instructed you to attend your training session today."
Training. Xiao Tian scoffed internally. This world…. this new life…. had reduced him to training? For what? Strength? Power? How could such insignificant things compare to the vast, unchallenged strength of the gods he once embodied?
He swung his legs off the bed, his feet brushing the cool stone floor. Standing even felt difficult, his back was stiff, his muscles sore.
Perks of having a mortal's body, he thought bitterly, so weak.
"Are you unwell, Young Master?" The servant asked cautiously.
Xiao Tian turned his head sharply to look at her, "No," he replied curtly. "Leave me."
The servant bowed and, without another word, exited the room. Xiao Tian stood there, alone, his gaze falling upon the window.
The light outside was dim, the pale golden hue of dawn filtering through the trees. It was a momentary distraction from the overwhelming frustration building in his chest.
His divine abilities were gone, but… perhaps not entirely. Perhaps there was still something within him. He had to be able to do something. Surely, there must still be something left in him, something to prove that he was still the mighty Xiao Tian, that he was not bound by the limitations of mere mortals.
With that thought, a flicker of defiance sparked in his chest.
I will regain my power.
He strode toward the window, stepping onto the sill. He had once stood at the highest peaks of the immortal realms, flying effortlessly from place to place, untouchable and invincible.
He drew a deep breath, gathering all his remaining focus and energy. He raised his arms, hands extending outward, calling to the winds themselves. His mind worked swiftly, summoning the power of the skies. His thoughts surged toward the heavens and he whispered….
"Up."
Nothing.
His eyes snapped open, confusion overtaking him. His arms trembled slightly, and he looked down at them as if they were foreign objects.
This can't be happening.
He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. He had always been able to fly. How could this body…. this mortal shell, hold him back? Desperation clouded his thoughts, but he pushed through it, drawing on every ounce of his former self, every memory of the divine power that had once been his.
He tried again, this time with more force, extending his will outwards, imagining himself soaring into the skies, feeling the air beneath him.
"Up."
Again, nothing.
The world around him stayed still, solid, unyielding. No wind rose beneath his feet, no sensation of flight. Only the weight of his own body pressing him down, grounding him in reality.
His heart raced, a cold sweat breaking out on his brow. He tried again, this time with all his focus, all his rage, willing his body to lift.
But still, there was no response.
No…
He stepped back from the window ledge, staggering slightly, his hands bracing against the wall.
It wasn't just that he had failed to fly. It was that he couldn't even feel the power of his divine energy anymore. There was nothing. No pulse of energy thrumming beneath his skin. No surge of strength filling his limbs. No divine connection to the heavens.
His breaths came quicker now, the reality settling in. He was stuck in this fragile, mortal shell. Without his powers.
The thought hit him like a hammer. For the first time since awakening in this foreign body, he completely lost hope.
He let out a harsh, bitter laugh. I'm trapped.
This cannot be real.
He sank onto the edge of the bed, his mind swirling with frustration and disbelief.
The sound of footsteps echoed outside his door, and he immediately straightened. He was supposed to attend his first lesson.
And then he made up his mind, I will regain my power. I will not remain this weak mortal. But how?
He stepped forward, his mind still buzzing with questions. There was no answer now, but perhaps the training would give him some direction.
He exited the room, heading down the narrow hallway toward the courtyard.
As he approached the courtyard, he was greeted by the sight of his father, Xiao Yuan, standing rigidly by the training grounds. His father's face was stern, his eyes cold and scrutinizing Xiao Tian's every move.
"You've finally arrived," Xiao Yuan said flatly, "Training begins now. You will learn discipline and strength, or you will fail. You know the consequences."
Xiao Tian narrowed his eyes. I will learn what you know. But not because you say so.