The night in Wan Qi's world felt lonely and cold. The sky was decorated by a dimly shining full moon, as if watching the journey of a young man walking slowly on a rocky road. The wind whispered softly, bringing memories that he had wanted to forget.
Lai Qie sat under an old tree on the side of a small hill. From here, he could see a wide view of the small city where he once lived. The light from the houses of the residents illuminated the darkness, but for Lai Qie, the light did not provide the warmth it used to.
He looked up at the sky, his eyes empty. It has been six years since his life changed completely. From a genius who was adored to a person who was despised and discarded by the people who once admired him.
Old memories began to fill his mind...
Destroyed Sweet Memories
Six years ago...
"Lai Qie! You really are a genius!"
"Haha! The Lai Family is really lucky to have you!"
"At the age of eleven, you have almost reached the level of Qi Novice! That's amazing!"
Inside the main courtyard of the Lai family residence, a large crowd gathered. They all praised a young boy standing in the middle, smiling proudly. The boy was Lai Qie.
It was a strength testing day for the young men of the Lai family. Every year, those aged ten to twelve would be tested to see their potential in the martial arts of Wan Qi.
Lai Qie stepped forward. Everyone's gaze was fixed on him. A family elder carried a strength testing device, a crystal stone that would change color according to the level of energy a person possessed.
When Lai Qie placed his hand on the crystal stone, a bright light immediately emitted. The purplish blue color flashed brightly, causing everyone to be stunned.
"This… This is a level that is close to reaching Qi Novice!" exclaimed one of the family elders.
The atmosphere became noisy. The other children his age were only at the early Qi Apprentice stage, but Lai Qie had almost reached Qi Novice!
The head of the Lai family, who was also his father, smiled proudly. "My son is truly a genius! Our family's future will shine brightly!"
People crowded around Lai Qie, congratulating him, praising him, and some even wanted to be friends with him. At the age of eleven, he had become the pride of the family and a shining star.
However, who would have thought that happiness would be temporary...?
The Fall of a Genius
A year later...
Lai Qie worked hard in his training. He wanted to reach the Qi Novice level as soon as possible. However, something strange happened. Even though he trained harder than before, his strength did not increase.
At first, he thought it was just a temporary setback. But month after month passed, and his strength remained unchanged. In fact, his body became weaker and weaker.
On the day of the next year's test, the crystal stone that had once shone brightly now only gave off a faint light.
"Lai Qie... Are you still at the same level?" one of the elders' voices sounded hesitant.
Everyone began to whisper. "How is it possible? Last year he almost reached Qi Novice, but now he has not improved at all?"
"Could it be… he lost his talent?"
Lai Qie bit her lip. He didn't want to believe it. He is a genius! There was no way he could lose his strength just like that!
However, reality was never on his side. Year after year passed, but his strength remained unchanged.
The situation is getting worse. The people who used to praise him, now started to stay away. His friends who used to spend time with him, left him one by one.
And finally, his own family began to doubt him.
"Lai Qie, what happened to you?" His father looked at him with a disappointed expression.
"Dad, I... I don't know," Lai Qie replied, her voice trembling.
"You used to be the pride of this family, but now... you're just a burden."
Load.
That word pierced his heart like a sword blade.
And that's when he realized—he had lost everything.
Back to the Present
Lai Qie snapped out of her reverie. He looked back at the small town below the hill. There were many memories he wanted to forget, but they all kept haunting him.
He clenched his fists. Revenge? No. He held no grudge against them.
However, he would not allow himself to be humiliated any longer.
"I will return... and I will be stronger than anyone."
His eyes, which had been filled with sadness, now became sharp. He had made a decision.
His past would no longer bind him. His journey had just begun.
Unanswered Questions...
But there was one thing that still remained a mystery to Lai Qie.
"Why did I lose my strength?"
Was it because of a mistake in his training? Or... was there something bigger