《An Immortal’s Struggle for Peace》 Prologue: A world Without Peace The hum of fluorescent lights filled the air on the 13th floor of Shen Cosmetics. Within a sleek, modern office lined with glass walls,Zhou Yang stood before a desk. His tailored suit fit perfectly, his posture upright, but his eyes seemed distant. Across from him,Shen Jia, the second daughter of the Shen family, sat with a dissatisfied expression. Her beauty was the kind that turned heads¡ªa delicate face framed by silky black hair and sharp, intelligent eyes¡ªbut right now, those eyes bore into Zhou Yang with a mix of concern and mild frustration. "Mr. Yang, this report..." she began, holding up the neatly bound document. Her tone wasn¡¯t harsh, but it carried authority."It''s incomplete. Several key details are missing. This isn''t like you." Zhou Yang blinked, pulling his mind from a fog. "I... I¡¯m sorry, Miss Shen," he said, bowing slightly."I finished it in a hurry. It won¡¯t happen again." His voice was steady, but his words felt hollow as if spoken by someone far away. Shen Jia frowned slightly, her irritation giving way to worry. She tapped her manicured fingers on the desk. "I understand that you¡¯ve been under a lot of pressure lately. Everyone in the company admires how you¡¯ve managed to stay focused despite... everything." Her voice softened."But this report is important. It covers the details of our agreement with the Wang family. Any mistake could jeopardize months of work." Zhou Yang nodded mechanically."I understand. I¡¯ll be more careful next time." Something about his tone unsettled Shen Jia. She tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Mr. Yang... Did something happen?" For a moment, Zhou Yang froze. His lips parted as if to speak, but he hesitated. Finally, he offered a strained smile and shook his head."Nothing. Really, it¡¯s nothing. I just¡ª" "Don¡¯t dodge the question." Her voice gained an edge, not angry but firm."If something¡¯s wrong, tell me. You¡¯ve never made a mistake like this before, even with everything you¡¯ve been dealing with." His smile faltered. For a moment, he stood there silently, his hands clenched at his sides. Then, he exhaled and looked away, his voice barely above a whisper."The hospital called this morning... My wife... Ying..." His lips trembled into a small, foolish smile."Her condition¡¯s critical." Shen Jia¡¯s breath hitched, and her eyes widened."Critical?" She leaned forward, her tone urgent."Then why are you still here? Why didn¡¯t you go to the hospital immediately?" "I wanted to finish the report first," Zhou Yang said, almost as if scolding himself."It was my responsibility. I thought... I thought if I finished quickly, I could still make it in time." Realization dawned on her face. Shen Jia¡¯s expression softened, her earlier dissatisfaction replaced by guilt."I see... You rushed this so you could leave earlier."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. He nodded faintly, not meeting her gaze. Shen Jia stood abruptly, shaking her head. "I shouldn¡¯t have kept you here. I¡¯m so sorry, Mr. Yang. You should go. Right now." "It¡¯s not your fault, Miss Shen," Zhou Yang said, offering a weak smile."You were just doing your job. And you were right to point out my mistake." "That doesn¡¯t matter right now," she said firmly."Wait here. I¡¯ll call my driver to take you to the hospital. I don¡¯t trust you to drive in this state." "There¡¯s no need for that¡ª" "There is," Shen Jia interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. She picked up her phone and dialed."Mr. Yang is coming down. Take him to the hospital where his wife is admitted." After a curt acknowledgment from the other end, she hung up and turned back to Zhou Yang."Go. Now. And don¡¯t worry about anything else. Just be with her." Zhou Yang hesitated, but her insistence left no room for refusal. He bowed slightly."Thank you, Miss Shen." As he left, Shen Jia walked to the window, staring out at the bustling city below. She whispered,"I hope she¡¯s safe." Zhou Yang exited the building, where a sleek black car waited by the curb. The driver, a young man in a crisp uniform, opened the door and greeted him politely. "Mr. Yang, please get in." Zhou Yang muttered a quiet thanks and slid into the back seat. As the car pulled away, his mind drifted to the call from the hospital that morning. "Mr. Zhou," the doctor¡¯s voice had said, heavy with regret,"Your wife¡¯s condition has deteriorated. She¡¯s critical. I¡¯m sorry, but... please come quickly." He clenched his fists at the memory. He should have gone immediately. Yet here he was, on his way only now, burdened by the bitter taste of regret. Outside the window, the city bustled with life, indifferent to his pain. People walked, laughed, and lived their lives, blissfully unaware of the turmoil in his heart. He smiled faintly, his thoughts turning to Ying. When the car reached the hospital, Zhou Yang stepped out without waiting for the driver and rushed inside. Nurses greeted him as he passed, but he didn¡¯t stop. He knew where to go. Room 504. He opened the door and stepped inside. There she was, the most beautiful woman he had ever known. Ying lay on the bed, her pale face illuminated by the faint light from the window. Her eyes opened at the sound, and she smiled¡ªa soft, radiant smile. "Dear," she said, her voice weak but filled with warmth."You¡¯re here." Zhou Yang moved to her side, kneeling by the bed. He grasped her hand gently, as if afraid she might break."I¡¯m sorry,"he whispered, his voice trembling."I should¡¯ve come sooner." "It¡¯s okay," Ying replied, her voice soothing."You¡¯re here now. That¡¯s what matters." Tears welled in his eyes as he looked at her. She smiled again, gesturing for him to listen closely. "Eat properly when I¡¯m gone," she said softly."Don¡¯t become clumsy without me. And most importantly, live happily. Promise me, Zhou Yang." Her voice grew fainter with each word, and finally, her eyes closed, her lips still curled in a gentle smile. "Ying?" Zhou Yang¡¯s voice cracked. He shook her hand gently."Ying... Ying, wake up." Her stillness was an answer he refused to accept. "YING!" he screamed, his voice echoing in the quiet room. Again and again, he called her name, tears streaming down his face. The doctor stepped inside silently, his expression somber."Mr. Zhou... We did everything we could." Zhou Yang barely heard him. He sat there for what felt like an eternity before finally rising and leaving the room. On the hospital terrace, Zhou Yang stood alone, gazing out over the city. His heart felt hollow, his mind adrift. He looked up at the sky and smiled faintly. "Ying, I¡¯m coming to you." With that, he stepped forward, letting gravity take him. Chapter 1: Awakening in Darkness "Lost soul, thou dost not belong here yet." The words were garbled, almost incomprehensible, as though spoken in an ancient tongue that his mind struggled to grasp. They echoed all around him, their tone commanding, authoritative, and overwhelming. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Chapter 2: Memories of Another Life Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Chapter 3: A Dilemma of the Soul A week had passed since Zhou Yang awoke in this unfamiliar yet strangely familiar world. During that time, his mother, Zhou Mei, never left his side. She cared for him with a dedication so unwavering that Zhou Yang often felt embarrassed. Every morning, Zhou Mei would arrive in his room with a bowl of soup or porridge, insisting on feeding him with her own hands. Zhou Yang, a grown man in his forties at heart, had tried to protest once, saying he could eat on his own. But the moment he saw tears welling in her eyes, he immediately regretted it and relented. "Why does it feel so real?" he wondered, the tug of guilt and warmth in his chest confusing him further. Meng Yao, his personal maid, was also a constant presence. She was gentle but efficient, always anticipating his needs before he voiced them. Her younger brother, Meng Yan, was equally diligent, acting as his personal escort. Despite his youthful appearance, Meng Yan was a martial artist at the late stage of the Golden Core realm, a fact that Zhou Yang found impressive. The young man carried himself with the discipline of a soldier and looked at Zhou Yang with admiration and respect. Zhou Wen, his father, had visited him once during the week. True to his nature, the man didn¡¯t linger, simply ensuring his son¡¯s well-being before leaving. Zhou Yang had also met Zhou XinXin, his younger sister, a cheerful and lively girl two years his junior. She had a contagious energy, one that filled the room with life. And yet, even surrounded by care and concern, Zhou Yang couldn¡¯t escape the weight of his thoughts. --- Now fully recovered, Zhou Yang stood alone in his room, facing a full-length mirror. The young man staring back at him was both familiar and foreign. He had sharp features, dark eyes with a faint golden hue, and a lean frame that suggested great potential, though he appeared slightly thinner than average¡ªlikely due to two years of being bedridden. He ran his fingers along his face, tracing its contours. "So this is me now... Zhou Yang of the Zhou family," he murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief. Turning away from the mirror, his gaze swept across the room. The sheer size of it was overwhelming¡ªfar too large for just one person. Everything spoke of prestige: the intricately carved furniture, the tapestries embroidered with gold thread, and the sparkling ornaments adorning the shelves. Each artifact radiated value, and Zhou Yang marveled at the thought. Any one of these could make me rich overnight back on Earth. These are just decorations here, but on Earth, they¡¯d be considered family heirlooms. He sighed and moved to the window, his thoughts drifting as he stared at the sprawling estate outside. --- Zhou Yang¡¯s mind turned to the memories he had witnessed over the past week. This world, with its martial arts and cultivation, was a stark contrast to the world he once knew. A world of martial arts and cultivation... he thought, recalling the snippets of information he had absorbed. I¡¯ve overheard kids talking about these types of worlds before, where people train to become immortals by surpassing human limits. But this... This is real.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The memories provided a clear outline of the cultivation system: Each realm was divided into early, middle, and peak stages, and the progressions felt both awe-inspiring and intimidating to Zhou Yang. "How did I end up here?" he wondered, his chest tightening as his thoughts turned inward. --- The memories of this world collided with those of Earth, pulling him into a spiral of doubt. He remembered Ying¡ªhis beloved wife¡ªand the promise he had made to her. "Ying... I told you I¡¯d come to you. I said I¡¯d follow you." The thought brought a pang of guilt that made his breath hitch. He clenched his fists, his reflection in the window blurring as tears threatened to surface. "Why am I still here? Why am I alive? If this body¡¯s original owner is gone, doesn¡¯t that make me a thief? I¡¯ve stolen his life, his family, his future." Yet, even as these thoughts consumed him, Zhou Yang felt something else¡ªa warmth that wasn¡¯t his own. The love of this boy¡¯s family, their concern and care, tugged at his heart. The memories of Zhou Yang¡¯s interactions with his parents, particularly his mother, lingered in his mind. "Are these my feelings... or his? I can¡¯t tell anymore," he thought, frustration mounting. "If they¡¯re not mine, why do they feel so real?" His mind flashed to Zhou Mei¡¯s tearful smile as she fed him, to Zhou XinXin¡¯s laughter, and to the admiration in Meng Yan¡¯s eyes. "If I end my life now, what will happen to them? Am I really so selfish that I¡¯d take away their happiness just because I can¡¯t handle mine?" The thought brought an ache to his chest¡ªnot physical, but emotional. He closed his eyes, willing the turmoil to subside. --- A memory surfaced, one from the void he had drifted in before waking in this world. "Find what thou yearn¡¯st for most and then return." The words echoed in his mind, adding to his confusion. What I yearn for most? he thought bitterly. What I yearned for most is gone. Ying is gone. What could I possibly want now? The words nagged at him, their meaning elusive. Did they mean he should search for peace? A reason to keep living? And where was he supposed to return to? The empty void? He exhaled shakily and ran a hand through his hair. The questions swirled without answers, but one thought began to crystallize: "If I want peace... I need to stay alive. Dying again won¡¯t bring me closer to Ying, not if this world¡¯s laws are anything like Earth¡¯s. But what if... What if this cultivation world gives me the chance to truly find her again? Isn¡¯t that what I want most?" His resolve began to solidify. --- Zhou Yang stood still, staring out the window for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he let out a slow, steady breath and spoke softly to the air: "Ying... I¡¯m sorry. I guess you¡¯ll need to wait a bit longer for me to come to you." A faint smile tugged at his lips, tinged with guilt. "Some unknown void wants me to find something and return to them. Can you believe that? Telling me to go back to a place with nothing in it¡ªhow stupid is that?" He chuckled quietly, though his voice carried a hint of sadness. "But maybe... Maybe in this world, we can meet again. Like those cultivation stories I overheard, where even the impossible becomes real. Maybe that¡¯s what I yearn for most, after all. Because you are my peace." As the faint light of dawn crept into the room, Zhou Yang¡¯s dark eyes glimmered with a flicker of hope. Chapter 4: A Step Forward Zhou Yang stood by the window of his room, gazing out at the soft, golden rays of the morning sun. His dark eyes, now faintly glimmering with a golden hue, caught the light as he looked toward the horizon. A small smile crept onto his lips¡ªa strange, inexplicable smile. His long, untied hair flowed freely in the gentle breeze, adding to the surreal serenity of the moment. It was as though the scene before him had been plucked from a master artist¡¯s brushstroke¡ªa painting of fleeting beauty, calm yet filled with untold stories. He closed his eyes and whispered, not to himself but to the emptiness before him, almost as if he were speaking to her. ¡°Can I now... let go of those emotions?¡± The wind seemed to answer him, picking up slightly, brushing past his face, and carrying his untied hair back as if in agreement. Zhou Yang chuckled softly. If someone saw me now, they¡¯d think I was mad, he thought. Yet, there was a weight to that wind, as though it had acknowledged his question. He stood there a few moments longer, letting the sun warm his face, then turned back toward his room. As he stepped inside, he muttered with a faint smirk, ¡°Better make this life worthwhile. If nothing else, it¡¯s more interesting than that darkness.¡± His tone was casual, even mocking, but the meaning behind his words hung heavy. That darkness he referred to¡ªit lingered in his mind, though he chose not to dwell on it. --- Zhou Yang sank onto his bed, staring at the intricately carved ceiling above. His thoughts drifted aimlessly, filled with questions about the life he now found himself living. A knock at the door pulled him from his musings. A familiar voice followed. ¡°Young Master, may I come in?¡± ¡°Come in,¡± Zhou Yang said, his voice steady but welcoming. Meng Yao entered with her usual grace, carrying a tray of medicine. She bowed slightly and greeted him with a warm smile. ¡°Good morning, Young Master.¡± Zhou Yang nodded, already accustomed to her morning visits. Ever since his recovery, Meng Yao has been diligent in attending to his every need, especially administering the medicine prescribed by Physician Du. Setting the tray down, she handed him the cup of medicine. Zhou Yang took it without protest and drank it in one go, wincing slightly at the bitter taste. ¡°You could at least add some honey to this,¡± he said with a playful smirk, handing the cup back. Meng Yao giggled softly, though she quickly composed herself. ¡°Physician Du says the bitterness is part of the healing process, Young Master. It¡¯s meant to cleanse your body of impurities.¡± Zhou Yang sighed theatrically, setting the empty cup back on the tray. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine now, aren¡¯t I? Yet you all insist on treating me like a fragile vase.¡± ¡°Physician Du instructed caution,¡± Meng Yao replied gently as she moved to help him change. Zhou Yang opened his mouth to object but stopped short, knowing where it would lead. He¡¯d learned that Meng Yao¡¯s tears were far more difficult to deal with than her insistence. As she dressed him in a black inner garment layered with a flowing robe, Zhou Yang noticed how the outfit complimented his long black hair and golden-hued eyes. Once Meng Yao finished tying his hair in a practical yet elegant style befitting a young master, she stepped back to inspect her work.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°You look perfect, Young Master,¡± she said with a satisfied smile. ¡°Perfect?¡± Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow and chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t raise your standards too high.¡± Meng Yao smiled but seemed to remember something suddenly. Her expression shifted as she spoke. ¡°Young Master, I nearly forgot. The Patriarch has organized a banquet to celebrate your recovery.¡± Zhou Yang blinked, caught off guard. ¡°A banquet?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Meng Yao continued. ¡°The Patriarch announced your recovery a few days ago, and the banquet will be held tomorrow.¡± Zhou Yang leaned back slightly, his mind turning. He wasn¡¯t entirely surprised¡ªcelebrations for recovery weren¡¯t uncommon even on Earth. But the sheer weight of a Zhou family banquet likely meant something more. --- Zhou Yang¡¯s memories filled in the blanks. The Zhou family was an ancient and powerful clan in the Baihu Domain, located in the northern part of the domain. Despite the region being ruled by an emperor, even the sovereign trod carefully around the Zhou family due to their millennia-long history and immense strength. And that¡¯s just the surface, Zhou Yang thought, recalling how even his inherited memories lacked the full scope of the Zhou family¡¯s influence. There¡¯s something more, something that even the original Zhou Yang didn¡¯t know. Their seat of power was in White Fang City¡ªa sprawling metropolis in the White Cloud Empire, steeped in tradition and martial dominance. The city was home not just to the Zhou family but also to prominent sects and influential merchant groups, all of whom paid their respects to the Zhou¡¯s authority. Zhou Yang sighed softly. And now I¡¯m supposed to be the heir to this? No pressure at all. Meng Yao¡¯s voice brought him back to the present. ¡°Many notable families and sects have been invited, Young Master. Among them, the Gu family, your mother¡¯s side, will attend. Representatives from the Wang family are also expected, as well as members of the Azure Sword Sect and the Radiant Spear Sect.¡± Zhou Yang nodded as she listed the names. He noted each one carefully until Meng Yao mentioned the last. ¡°And the Su family will be attending as well.¡± At this, Zhou Yang paused, though he quickly composed himself. From the memories, he knew about the Su family and his fianc¨¦e, Su Yun. Their engagement had been a matter of convenience, arranged by their families after a chance meeting between the two. He let out a soft sigh and shook his head. This banquet is going to be exhausting. I¡¯m sure not everyone attending is genuinely happy about my recovery. --- After a moment, Zhou Yang turned to Meng Yao. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Let¡¯s go get some breakfast.¡± Meng Yao nodded eagerly, leading the way as Zhou Yang followed. As he walked through the halls of the Zhou family estate, Zhou Yang couldn¡¯t help but think about the banquet ahead and the expectations, and relationships he would soon face. For now, he could only hope that tomorrow would pass without any unexpected hitches. Chapter 5: Building the Foundation After finishing breakfast, Zhou Yang returned to his room, the morning sunlight still faintly warming the air outside. His mind, however, was already set. Tomorrow¡¯s banquet¡­ he thought briefly. If nothing else, I need to appear stronger than I seem now. With a faint sigh, he called Meng Yao to his side. ¡°I¡¯ll be cultivating for a while. Make sure no one disturbs me.¡± Meng Yao nodded, bowing slightly. ¡°Understood, Young Master.¡± She left the room quietly, but as she walked away, she stopped to instruct her brother. ¡°Meng Yan, the young master is cultivating. Stand guard here. If anything happens, make sure to go in immediately.¡± Meng Yan straightened his posture, nodding firmly. ¡°Leave it to me.¡± Inside the room, Zhou Yang sat cross-legged in the center, his posture relaxed yet focused. Closing his eyes, he felt a flood of knowledge rise within him¡ªmemories of cultivation techniques, methods, and experiences, all vivid as though they were his own. Strange, he thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Not long ago, I didn¡¯t know the difference between a dantian and a meridian. And now? I feel like I¡¯ve lived this my whole life. He let the thought pass and centered himself, preparing for cultivation. The Qi Refining stage, as the memories described, involved gathering Qi from the surrounding world and drawing it into the body. The Qi would flow through the opened meridians before settling in the dantian, located just below the navel. With repeated cycles of absorption, the dantian would gradually fill until reaching its limit, signaling the transition to the next stage¡ªFoundation Building. Zhou Yang was fortunate. His body, previously at the peak of Foundation Building, had regressed due to the damage from Ye Tian¡¯s forbidden technique. However, the numerous medicinal pills and care he had received ensured there was no permanent harm. To advance, Zhou Yang needed to condense the Qi in his dantian, transforming it into liquid form¡ªan arduous process requiring immense focus and control. He reached into his storage pouch and retrieved a small pill glowing faintly with a golden sheen. It was the Foundation Building Pill, a top-tier elixir that eased the process significantly. Popping the pill into his mouth, Zhou Yang felt a warm surge spread through his body. He began circulating his cultivation technique, the Celestial Void Breathing Technique, an Immortal-Rank method passed down within the Zhou family. --- The flow of Qi in his body surged as he guided it through his meridians toward his dantian. Slowly, he attempted to condense a strand of Qi into a liquid droplet. It wasn¡¯t easy. The first few attempts failed, the Qi scattering uncontrollably. Though the memories gave him the technique, his body and mind were still unpracticed in execution. This is harder than I thought, he admitted to himself. But Zhou Yang¡¯s calm focus never wavered. On his fourth attempt, he succeeded, forming a single droplet of liquid Qi. A faint sense of exhilaration swept over him, though he quickly suppressed it. One down. Let¡¯s keep going.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. With each successive attempt, the process became smoother. The pill¡¯s effects, combined with his family¡¯s unparalleled technique, significantly reduced the effort required. By evening, Zhou Yang had completed the transformation of his dantian. The once-cloudy reserve of Qi now resembled a calm, clear sea, dotted with liquid droplets¡ªa sign of his successful breakthrough to the early stage of Foundation Building. Exhaling deeply, Zhou Yang opened his eyes. ¡°Well, that wasn¡¯t too bad,¡± he said softly, stretching his neck. Still seated, he closed his eyes again to stabilize his cultivation. This involved circulating his Qi evenly throughout his body, ensuring it adapted to the new state. After some time, he opened his eyes, feeling a sense of clarity and tranquility within. This would have taken months¡ªmaybe longer¡ªwithout the knowledge I¡¯ve inherited, he thought, a flicker of gratitude passing through him. Not to mention the quality of this cultivation technique and that pill. Being a young master of the Zhou family does have its perks. --- As he stood, a faint presence caught his attention. It wasn¡¯t Meng Yao or Meng Yan, nor anyone from his immediate family. Frowning slightly, he walked to the door and opened it. Standing outside was a middle-aged man chatting with Meng Yao. The man turned upon noticing Zhou Yang, his expression shifting to one of surprise. He quickly bowed. ¡°Congratulations, Young Master.¡± Meng Yao, noticing Zhou Yang as well, hurriedly added, ¡°Congratulations, Young Master!¡± Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow, realizing they were referring to his advancement. Their surprise wasn¡¯t unwarranted¡ªreaching Foundation Building in a single day was no small feat. However, they didn¡¯t seem overly shocked. Meng Yao, after all, had witnessed his rapid progress before. ¡°Well done, Young Master,¡± the man said, his tone sincere yet measured. This was Meng Dan, the Zhou family¡¯s butler and the father of the Meng siblings. Zhou Yang studied him briefly. To any ordinary observer, Meng Dan appeared to be an unassuming middle-aged man. But Zhou Yang¡¯s memories painted a different picture¡ªMeng Dan was a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, a hidden powerhouse. After congratulating him, Meng Dan said, ¡°The Patriarch has requested your presence in his study.¡± Zhou Yang gave him a curious look. For the butler himself to deliver this message... Before he could voice his question, Meng Dan let out a small chuckle. ¡°I was also curious about your health, Young Master. Now that I¡¯ve seen it for myself, I can report to the Patriarch without worry.¡± With that, he gestured for Zhou Yang to follow. --- As they walked through the vast halls of the Zhou estate, Zhou Yang noted the bustle of servants cleaning and decorating. The preparations were meticulous¡ªexpected, given tomorrow¡¯s banquet. The Zhou family doesn¡¯t miss a chance to remind others of their prestige. The estate itself was immense, more of a castle than a manor. Every corner spoke of wealth and authority, from the grand tapestries lining the walls to the finely polished floors. Zhou Yang couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sheer scale of it all. Soon, they arrived at the study. Meng Dan stepped to the side, gesturing for Zhou Yang to enter. --- Zhou Yang pushed the door open and stepped into the room. His father, Zhou Wen, sat behind an ornate desk, reviewing documents with a focused expression. Without looking up, Zhou Wen said, ¡°Congratulations on your breakthrough.¡± ¡°Thank you, Father,¡± Zhou Yang replied, his tone neutral. Zhou Wen finally raised his eyes and gave a small nod of approval before returning to his papers. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s banquet will have many distinguished guests, including the crown prince, Bai Jun.¡± Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow. The crown prince? Zhou Wen continued as if it were a minor detail. ¡°The Emperor has been pressing the matter of a marriage between Bai Jun and Xin¡¯er. He seems to have taken a liking to her.¡± The casual mention made Zhou Yang pause briefly, though his expression didn¡¯t falter. ¡°I see,¡± he said simply. Zhou Wen offered no further explanation, returning his attention to the document before him. Zhou Yang took this as his cue to leave. As he walked out, a faint, inexplicable smile lingered on his face¡ªa smile that seemed to veil emotions even he couldn¡¯t fully grasp. Chapter-6 The Banquet-Prelude Zhou Yang strolled through the manor, his hands clasped behind his back, lost in thought. After leaving his father¡¯s study, he¡¯d dismissed Meng Yao and Meng Dan, preferring to be alone for a while. His mind lingered on his brief conversation with Zhou Wen. Father would never let Xin¡¯er marry someone she didn¡¯t want to marry, Zhou Yang mused, glancing briefly at the sky. The sun had set, casting an orange hue over the estate. Not even the Emperor could force that. The manor looked especially beautiful tonight, its corridors and halls adorned with elaborate decorations. Lanterns of gold and white hung along the walls, their soft light dancing across the polished floors. The servants, busy with final preparations for the banquet, greeted him respectfully as they hurried past. Zhou Yang nodded in acknowledgment but continued walking, letting his thoughts drift. Before long, his feet brought him to the training grounds. Weapons of all kinds¡ªswords, spears, staffs¡ªstood proudly on their racks. The place was quiet, likely because most of the disciples had been given leave to prepare for the banquet. Zhou Yang was about to leave when he caught sight of a familiar silhouette. His lips curved into a smile, one he didn¡¯t even realize was there. ¡°Training at this hour, Xin¡¯er?¡± he called out, his voice carrying softly across the empty grounds. Zhou XinXin didn¡¯t seem to hear him, her focus entirely on her sword. Zhou Yang stepped closer, careful not to disturb her. Her movements were mesmerizing. She glided across the training ground like water flowing over rocks¡ªsmooth, deliberate, and precise. Each strike of her sword carried both elegance and lethality, her posture unyielding yet graceful. Zhou Yang recognized the Azure Flow Sword Art, a technique renowned for its fluidity and precision. Her footwork, guided by the Water Striding Steps, made her movements appear deceptively slow. In reality, her speed was impressive, each strike seamlessly transitioning into the next. Every thrust and slice of her blade seemed like a deadly dance, one that could easily become an enemy¡¯s last. Zhou Yang stood there, watching silently, admiration flickering in his eyes. She¡¯s grown strong, he thought. And her movements... they¡¯re almost too precise for someone her age. After half an hour, Zhou XinXin finally stopped, her breathing steady despite her exertion. When she noticed Zhou Yang standing nearby, she blinked in surprise, then smiled brightly. ¡°Big brother! How long have you been standing there?¡± ¡°Long enough,¡± Zhou Yang replied, a faint teasing smile on his lips. ¡°You¡¯ve become quite skilled with the Azure Flow Sword Art, but...¡± He raised an eyebrow. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you also keep an eye on your surroundings? Someone could sneak up on you.¡± XinXin pouted, putting her hands on her hips. ¡°Sure, sure. I¡¯ll work on that.¡± She quickly changed the subject. ¡°What are you doing here, anyway?¡± Zhou Yang chuckled at her obvious deflection but didn¡¯t press further. ¡°Father called me earlier. I was just wandering through the manor afterward and saw you practicing.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± XinXin said, nodding as she placed her sword back on the stand. ¡°Why did Father call you so late?¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t anything important,¡± Zhou Yang replied casually, avoiding any mention of the marriage talk. ¡°He just wanted to discuss the banquet tomorrow.¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. XinXin raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t question him further. Instead, she stretched her arms lazily and said, ¡°I¡¯m tired. Let¡¯s go.¡± Zhou Yang shook his head, smiling at her abrupt change in attention. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go,¡± he said, falling into step beside her. The two strolled through the manor, their conversation light and teasing. Zhou Yang found himself smiling more often than he realized, XinXin¡¯s cheerful energy reminding him of how carefree things could feel¡ªat least for a little while. When they reached XinXin¡¯s room, she waved him off with a grin. Zhou Yang bade her farewell and made his way back to his own room. --- When Zhou Yang arrived, Meng Yan was standing outside on guard. ¡°You can rest now,¡± Zhou Yang said, his tone firm but kind. Meng Yan¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Young Master, I¡ª¡± Zhou Yang raised a hand to stop him. ¡°Meng Yan, tomorrow will be busy for everyone. Rest while you can.¡± It took some persuasion, but eventually, Meng Yan nodded reluctantly and left. Zhou Yang entered the room to find Meng Yao waiting inside with his evening medicine. She greeted him, handed him the medicine, and watched as he drank it without complaint. ¡°You should rest as well,¡± Zhou Yang said as he placed the empty cup back on the table. ¡°Tomorrow is going to be a long day.¡± Meng Yao hesitated for a moment, then bowed deeply before leaving the room. Now alone, Zhou Yang exhaled softly. He crossed the room, sat down in a lotus position, and closed his eyes. Might as well stabilize my foundation while I have the time. --- The hours passed in serene silence. Zhou Yang focused on circulating his Qi, solidifying the stability of his newly built foundation. The process was steady, each breath drawing in energy from the air around him. When he opened his eyes again, the faint glow of dawn filtered through the curtains. All night, Zhou Yang thought, running a hand through his hair. I didn¡¯t even notice... I should probably avoid doing that. Sleep is important, even in this world. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. ¡°Young Master, it¡¯s morning,¡± Meng Yao¡¯s familiar voice called out. ¡°Come in,¡± Zhou Yang said. Meng Yao entered, carrying his robes for the day. With her help, Zhou Yang dressed in a black outfit layered with a long robe. His hair, neatly tied, framed his sharp features, and when he looked at himself in the mirror, he noted how the attire suited him. ¡°You look very handsome, Young Master,¡± Meng Yao said, smiling warmly. Zhou Yang chuckled softly. ¡°I know. Let''s go.¡± --- Soon, Zhou Yang left his room with Meng Yao and Meng Yan accompanying him. They made their way to the main hall, which had been transformed into a spectacle of grandeur. Golden drapes, vibrant flowers, and elegant table settings filled the space. At the far end, two seats for the Patriarch and Mistress of the Zhou family sat elevated, overlooking the hall like thrones. Zhou Yang was admiring the sight when a cheerful voice called out, ¡°Big Brother Yang!¡± He turned just in time to see a small girl, no older than ten, rushing toward him. She jumped into his arms without hesitation, and he caught her easily. From the memories, Zhou Yang recognized her as Zhou Xuan, the daughter of Zhou Wei, his father¡¯s younger brother. ¡°Why is little Miss Xuan running around?¡± Zhou Yang asked, pinching her cheeks lightly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid you¡¯ll fall?¡± Zhou Xuan giggled confidently. ¡°Hehe, I know Brother will catch me!¡± Her laughter was infectious, and Zhou Yang found himself chuckling. Moments later, Zhou XinXin approached with another figure¡ªZhou Dan, Zhou Xuan¡¯s elder brother. Zhou Dan gave Zhou Yang a long, appraising look before saying dryly, ¡°So, you survived, huh.¡± Zhou Yang blinked, then laughed. ¡°Yep, I survived. How have you been, Brother?¡± To an outsider, Zhou Dan¡¯s tone might have sounded rude, but Zhou Yang¡¯s memories reassured him that this was just Dan¡¯s way. XinXin and Xuan both scolded Zhou Dan for his words, but he ignored them with a faint grumble. ¡°Annoying event,¡± he muttered under his breath, glancing toward the arriving guests. Zhou Yang chuckled again. ¡°Let¡¯s go take our seats,¡± he said, shifting Xuan in his arms. XinXin nodded enthusiastically, while Zhou Dan followed reluctantly. As they approached the seating area, Zhou Yang greeted the guests who had already arrived, exchanging pleasantries and thanks. So, it¡¯s finally beginning, he thought, glancing at the growing crowd. Chapter-7 The Banquet Begins Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Chapter-8 An Unexpected Turn This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Chapter 9: The Banquet Concludes You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Chapter 10: Reflections and Decisions ¡°Congratulations on your recovery, Yang¡¯er¡±, Gu Ling smiled at Zhou Yang, his approachable and cheerful demeanor still firmly in place. Beside Zhou Yang, Su Yun greeted Gu Ling with a respectful bow. ¡°Uncle Gu, it¡¯s been a while. I hope you¡¯re well.¡± Gu Ling chuckled lightly. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve been fine. But it seems you two were having a nice walk. Did I interrupt anything important?¡± Zhou Yang shook his head with a small smile. ¡°Not at all, Uncle. I was actually wondering why you didn¡¯t attend the banquet. I didn¡¯t see you there.¡± Gu Ling shrugged dramatically. ¡°Crowds aren¡¯t really my thing, Yang¡¯er. They¡¯re loud, chaotic... and, well,¡± he hesitated for a moment, grinning, ¡°I may have overslept.¡± Zhou Yang blinked in disbelief. ¡°You overslept? Seriously?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but think how much Gu Ling reminded him of Zhou Dan. Changing the topic, Gu Ling smiled and said, ¡°Still, your progress is impressive. Building your foundation again so quickly is no small feat.¡± Zhou Yang waved his hand modestly. ¡°I was already at this realm before. It wasn¡¯t as hard as starting from scratch.¡± Gu Ling nodded but added with a thoughtful tone, ¡°Perhaps, but not everyone can recover after having their dantian pushed so close to collapse. You¡¯ve done well.¡± After a brief pause, Gu Ling clapped his hands lightly. ¡°Oh, and I almost forgot. I¡¯ve prepared a gift for you, Yang¡¯er. You¡¯ll see it tomorrow.¡± ¡°A gift, Uncle? You know, I¡¯ve been getting quite valuable gifts lately, so my expectations are rather high,¡± Zhou Yang joked, flashing a grin. Gu Ling laughed. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry¡ªyou¡¯ll love it. I¡¯ll make sure of that.¡± Then his expression shifted slightly as he glanced upward, his eyes focusing on a spot to their left as though sensing something unseen. ¡°It¡¯s getting late,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°I won¡¯t take more of your time. Rest well.¡± Zhou Yang and Su Yun bowed politely. ¡°Goodnight, Uncle,¡± they said in unison before continuing their walk. --- Once they were out of sight, Gu Ling¡¯s demeanor shifted entirely. The cheerfulness faded, replaced by a calm but chilling air of authority. His eyes, now cold and calculating, remained fixed on the roof. ¡°Today is a day for celebration,¡± he said softly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of menace. ¡°I¡¯m in a good mood, so get lost before I kill you all.¡± --- A Few Minutes Earlier ¡°W-What¡¯s he doing here?¡± a trembling voice whispered, the speaker hidden among the shadows of the Zhou manor¡¯s outer grounds. ¡°The informant said Zhou Yang and Su Yun would be alone.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Another voice, calmer but still uneasy, replied, ¡°Even the informant couldn¡¯t have predicted this. The Soundless Demon is appearing here...¡± ¡°Calm down,¡± a third voice commanded, though his tone carried its own edge of alarm. ¡°We¡¯ll retreat. There¡¯s no way we can face him.¡± ¡°How?¡± the first voice shot back. ¡°Do you think we can outrun that demon?¡± Silence hung between them for a moment before the third voice spoke again. ¡°We¡¯ll split up. When I give the signal, run. Don¡¯t look back¡ªjust run.¡± They watched Zhou Yang and Su Yun leave the area, waiting for the moment to make their move. Just as the leader was about to issue the signal, a calm, quiet voice echoed from the ground below. ¡°Today is a day for celebration, and I¡¯m in a good mood. So get lost before I kill you all.¡± The group froze in terror, then scattered into the night, their panic leaving no room for hesitation. --- Gu Ling walked a short distance from where he had stood, then stopped, his calm demeanor returning. He thought for a moment, then sighed. ¡°Yep, this won¡¯t do.¡± With that, he disappeared into the shadows. --- Unaware of the danger they had narrowly avoided, Zhou Yang and Su Yun continued their walk through the manor, eventually arriving at a serene pond. The evening air was cool, and the moon¡¯s reflection shimmered on the water¡¯s surface. Small fish darted beneath the surface, occasionally leaping into the air before vanishing again. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± Su Yun said, her voice soft. Zhou Yang nodded, gazing at the tranquil scene. After a moment, Su Yun turned to him. ¡°Brother Yang, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to tell you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be entering my family¡¯s ancestral grounds for a trial once I reach the Nascent Soul realm,¡± Su Yun said calmly. Zhou Yang nodded in understanding. He knew from his memories that such ancestral trials were significant events for the families or the sects. Even his own family had one, and he would likely face it in the future. ¡°Then you still have some time before the trial, right?¡± he asked. Su Yun shook her head slightly. ¡°Not much. I¡¯m already at the peak of the Golden Core realm¡ªjust one step away. I¡¯ll enter seclusion soon to make my breakthrough.¡± Zhou Yang looked back at the pond, his expression contemplative. ¡°I have something to discuss with you as well,¡± he said after a moment. Su Yun tilted her head slightly. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I want to annul our engagement,¡± Zhou Yang said, his voice steady. Su Yun¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much, but her gaze turned toward the pond. ¡°Is this because of Ye Tian?¡± she asked calmly. Zhou Yang shook his head. ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t make such a decision over something so trivial.¡± He continued, ¡°I don¡¯t see you as a romantic partner, Sister Yun, but as a good friend. And I think it¡¯s better if we¡¯re honest about that.¡± Zhou Yang stood, giving her space to process his words. Su Yun remained quiet for a moment before nodding. ¡°I understand. I feel the same way. You¡¯ve always been more of a close friend to me than anything else.¡± Su Yun looked up at the moon, her voice contemplative. ¡°I also wish to see the end of this cultivation path, to know what lies beyond. Perhaps marriage is something neither of us is ready for.¡± She turned back to Zhou Yang, smiling faintly. ¡°We¡¯ll need to talk to our parents about this. Let¡¯s discuss it with them tomorrow.¡± Zhou Yang nodded and said, "You should head back now¡ªit¡¯s getting late.¡± After bidding him goodnight, Su Yun left, leaving Zhou Yang alone by the pond. --- Standing alone by the pond, Zhou Yang stared at the moon¡¯s reflection on the water lost in his thoughts. After a while, he turned and made his way back to his room. Meng Yan stood outside, bowing as he approached. ¡°You really don¡¯t need to do that every time,¡± Zhou Yang said with a small sigh. As he entered the room, he asked, ¡°Where were you? I didn¡¯t see you after the hall.¡± ¡°Mistress called me for some work,¡± Meng Yan replied. Zhou Yang nodded. ¡°I see. Well, you should go rest now, and tell Meng Yao to do the same. You¡¯ve both worked hard today.¡± Meng Yan acknowledged the order and left. Alone in his room, Zhou Yang sat on his bed, his gaze falling on the storage pouch. ¡°Shall we take a proper look at the gifts now?¡± Chapter 11: The Sword Spirit Zhou Yang sat on his bed, holding the sword carefully in his hands. ¡°The sword itself doesn¡¯t look much different from any other I¡¯ve seen,¡± he muttered, running his fingers lightly along its blade. ¡°But there¡¯s something about it... a kind of presence that makes it stand out.¡± The sword, just over a meter and a half from hilt to tip, gleamed faintly under the room¡¯s light. Its craftsmanship was flawless, every detail perfectly balanced. Zhou Yang turned it slowly, examining the blade closely. What drew his attention most wasn¡¯t its appearance, but the name etched into its surface¡ªSilent Reaper. The name was written in English. Zhou Yang frowned, his grip on the sword tightening slightly. The memory of his arrival in this world was still fresh in his mind, and the sword only added to his growing list of questions. Just what is going on here? he thought, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Setting the sword aside for a moment, Zhou Yang sighed. ¡°It¡¯s a priceless treasure that could greatly help me. I should be glad, but it also raises more questions I can¡¯t answer.¡± He stood from the bed, placing the sword on the table. From his memories, he knew the process to bind a weapon like this¡ªit required a blood contract. Taking a dagger from his storage pouch, he made a small cut on his thumb, allowing a few drops of blood to fall onto the blade. The moment the blood touched the sword, it spread across the blade¡¯s surface in strange, symmetrical patterns, as if alive. Zhou Yang watched in awe as the patterns glowed faintly before fading as the blood was absorbed into the sword. He waited, expecting something to happen... But nothing did. The room was silent, and the sword remained as it was. Zhou Yang frowned, his earlier amazement giving way to confusion. Extending his hand, he picked up the sword again. Still, there was no reaction. ¡°Why isn¡¯t it responding?¡± he murmured, his brow furrowing. As if answering his question, the sword suddenly began to absorb his qi, greedily pulling it from his body. Startled, Zhou Yang quickly let go of the blade, stumbling back. Almost half of his qi was drained in mere moments, leaving him weak and gasping for breath. ¡°What... what was that?¡± Zhou Yang said aloud, his voice strained. Sitting on the ground beside the table, he closed his eyes and began cultivating to replenish his qi. As Zhou Yang meditated, the sword on the table began to glow faintly. Unseen by him, it silently absorbed more of his qi, feeding on the energy. --- After some time, Zhou Yang opened his eyes and stood, feeling his strength return. Looking at the sword, he tilted his head. ¡°Something feels different,¡± he muttered.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Cautiously, he picked up the sword again. This time, it remained still, the earlier qi drain no longer happening. Zhou Yang let out a sigh of relief, but before he could relax, a voice sounded behind him. ¡°No need to worry about that now,¡± the voice said, light but firm. Zhou Yang froze. He hadn¡¯t sensed anyone entering the room. What is it with people appearing behind me without a sound? he thought irritably. Turning around, Zhou Yang was surprised to see a young boy who appeared no older than eleven or twelve. The boy¡¯s arms were crossed, his expression smug. ¡°A... kid?¡± Zhou Yang said, confused. The boy¡¯s face darkened as if insulted. ¡°Who are you calling a kid? Huh? I¡¯m the spirit of the greatest sword to ever exist!¡± he declared proudly. Zhou Yang stared at him, skeptical. ¡°You¡¯re... the spirit of this sword?¡± Before Zhou Yang could finish his question, the boy vanished, reappearing inside the sword momentarily before emerging again, now levitating in front of him. ¡°Now do you believe me?¡± Zhou Yang nodded slowly but couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Then why do you look like that?¡± The boy huffed, crossing his arms again. ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re too weak to handle my full strength. This form is all your pathetic cultivation can support.¡± ¡°I see...¡± Zhou Yang said, examining the sword in his hand. Swinging it lightly, he noticed something strange. The slash made no sound, not even the faint whisper of air being cut. ¡°Amazing,¡± Zhou Yang said softly, his admiration evident. ¡°Of course it¡¯s amazing!¡± the spirit said, puffing out his chest. ¡°I¡¯m one of the strongest weapons ever created. Who do you think I am?¡± Zhou Yang chuckled at the boy¡¯s arrogance. ¡°You¡¯re right about that,¡± he said, nodding. The spirit floated closer, his gaze scrutinizing Zhou Yang. After a moment, he pointed at him. ¡°You¡¯re strange.¡± Zhou Yang placed the sword back on the table and turned to the boy, tilting his head. ¡°Strange? How so?¡± Internally, Zhou Yang¡¯s mind raced. Does he mean he knows I¡¯m not from this world? But Huo Tian wasn¡¯t from here either... could it be that? The boy, seemingly unaware of Zhou Yang¡¯s inner turmoil, continued. ¡°There¡¯s a restriction on your soul. Or maybe a seal¡ªit¡¯s hard to say.¡± Zhou Yang¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°A seal? What does that mean?¡± The spirit shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly. All I can tell you is that something is restricting your soul. What it does or who placed it, I can¡¯t say.¡± Disappointed by the lack of answers, Zhou Yang frowned. A restriction on my soul... who could have done that? And why? Shaking his head, Zhou Yang pushed the thoughts aside. No use thinking about it now. More questions, and still no answers. Meanwhile, the boy began floating around the room, curiously examining his surroundings. Zhou Yang watched him with an exasperated look. And he says he¡¯s not a kid, he thought. Looking back at the boy, Zhou Yang asked, ¡°What should I call you?¡± The boy paused mid-air, striking a thinking pose. ¡°Hmm... let me think...¡± After a few seconds, he grinned. ¡°Mo Ying. That¡¯s the name he gave me.¡± Zhou Yang nodded subtly, understanding who the boy was referring to. Mo Ying floated a little higher, his tone suddenly firm and commanding. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve formed a contract with me, let me make a few things clear. Only you can see me. We can speak directly through our minds, so don¡¯t embarrass me by talking out loud like some of my previous wielders did.¡± Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow at the sudden shift in tone but nodded in agreement. ¡°Understood.¡± As his gaze drifted to the window, he realized the sky was growing lighter. Dawn was breaking. ¡°It¡¯s already morning,¡± Zhou Yang muttered. Sending Mo Ying back into the sword, Zhou Yang set it aside and lay down on his bed. ¡°I should at least get some sleep,¡± he murmured to himself. Chapter 12: Dream I Zhou Yang stood motionless, his breath hitching as he took in his surroundings. It was familiar¡ªtoo familiar. The bustling street, the honking of cars, the neon-lit signboards hanging from buildings. He was standing at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to turn green. This¡­ this is Earth, he thought in shock. For a long moment, he stood frozen as people brushed past him, completely oblivious to his presence. He clenched his fists. Didn¡¯t I go to sleep after forming the contract with Silent Reaper? Then why am I here? He looked down at his hands. They were younger, familiar yet foreign at the same time. Everything about this place felt real¡ªso real that the memories of the cultivation world he had spent days in started to blur at the edges. Was that all just a dream? A single thought suddenly took over his mind. If this is real¡­ then maybe she¡¯s still here. His breath caught in his throat, and his feet moved on their own. He ran, sprinting past strangers, tracing the roads that were etched into his memory. The city blurred around him, the noise of cars and pedestrians fading into nothing. There was only one destination in his mind. After what felt like an eternity, he reached a modest home¡ªnot too big, not too small, just perfect for a small family. His breathing was ragged as he stood before the door, his hand trembling as he reached for the handle. He pushed it open. The scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air. His legs carried him forward on their own, down the hallway, past the living room, until finally¡ª The kitchen. There, standing with her back turned to him, was a woman¡ªdelicate, graceful, and achingly familiar. His breath caught in his throat. Ying. Zhou Yang stepped forward, his hands reaching out, yearning to touch, to confirm, to hold onto this fragile moment. Just as his fingertips brushed against her shoulder¡ª Crack. The world shattered.
The scenery shifted violently, like shards of broken glass reforming into something else. Zhou Yang found himself hovering above an enormous statue¡ªone of a warrior standing tall with a sword pierced into the ground. The sky was gray, the winds howling with an eerie solemnity. Standing atop the statue¡¯s outstretched hand was a figure dressed in white robes. Their back was turned, but Zhou Yang recognized that silhouette instantly. His lips parted, and a name left his mouth, barely a whisper. "Ying?"Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The figure remained still, gazing at the distance with a concerned and lonely expression. Zhou Yang surged forward, trying to fly closer¡ª Crack The world shattered once more.
He shot up from his bed, gasping for breath. Sweat clung to his forehead, his pulse erratic. He instinctively reached for his chest, trying to steady his racing heart. ¡°That... was a dream?¡± His surroundings were the same as before, the dim light of dawn creeping in through the windows. It hadn¡¯t been long since he had gone to sleep, yet the dream felt like it had lasted for hours. A voice snapped him out of his daze. "You really are strange," Mo Ying commented, floating beside him with a curious expression. Zhou Yang turned to him, his mind still dazed. "...What do you mean?" Mo Ying crossed his arms, scrutinizing him. "A few minutes after you fell asleep, your presence completely vanished. I couldn¡¯t sense your soul at all until you woke up just now.¡± Zhou Yang¡¯s blood ran cold. "You couldn¡¯t sense my soul?" "That''s right. It was as if, for that brief period, you didn¡¯t exist," Mo Ying said, watching him with growing intrigue. Zhou Yang clenched his fist. If there¡¯s no soul within a body, then that body isn¡¯t alive. What did this mean? His head pounded. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration creeping into his voice. "Just what is happening to me...?" Mo Ying hovered lazily, unimpressed by his troubles. "Well, you''re definitely not boring." Zhou Yang shot him a glare. "That''s not helpful." The sword spirit smirked. "Fine, fine. If you want my opinion... Maybe someone isolated your soul to make you experience that dream. That¡¯s just a guess, though.¡± Zhou Yang exhaled sharply. More questions. No answers. Again.
After sitting in silence for a while, Zhou Yang sighed and stood up. He changed into a fresh robe, picked up Silent Reaper, and walked toward the courtyard. The crisp morning air greeted him as he stepped onto the training grounds. He took a deep breath and unsheathed his sword. The moment he did, his body moved instinctively, muscle memory guiding him as he executed a series of practiced strikes. His swordplay was neither elegant nor refined¡ªit was wild, chaotic, like a storm-given form. Each swing carried the weight of his frustration, his confusion, his buried grief. The air around him rippled as the blade sliced through it, raw emotion pouring out of every movement. But as time passed, something shifted. The chaos began to settle. His breathing steadied, his movements grew sharper, more deliberate. The storm within him calmed, leaving behind clarity¡ªa quiet resolve that resonated with each strike. Finally, with one last forward thrust, he finished the routine. Zhou Yang sheathed his sword, his chest rising and falling steadily. For a moment, he simply stood there, eyes closed, letting the stillness wash over him. Then, exhaling softly, he murmured, "I feel... lighter." It wasn¡¯t an exclamation or a declaration¡ªjust a quiet acknowledgment, spoken almost to himself. Yet it carried a sense of finality, as though the act of wielding the sword had cleansed him of everything weighing on his mind. A slow clap echoed from behind him. "Amazing, Yang. You''ve reached the master level of Phantom Void Sword Art already," Gu Ling said, walking into the courtyard with a grin. Zhou Yang turned and found Meng Yao standing at the side as well, watching with quiet admiration. He grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from his face before greeting his uncle. Gu Ling casually picked up Silent Reaper, inspecting it for a moment before nodding. ¡°Excellent sword.¡± From beside Zhou Yang, Mo Ying¡¯s voice rang out, audible only to him. ¡°Of course it is.¡± Gu Ling raised an eyebrow at the sword but didn¡¯t comment further. He wasn¡¯t a swordsman himself, nor did he care much for the level of weapons. At his realm, the difference in weapon quality mattered little. Zhou Yang eyed him. ¡°What brings you here this early?¡± Gu Ling smirked. ¡°Did you forget? I told you I had a gift prepared for you.¡± With a flick of his hand, he retrieved a book from his storage ring and tossed it to Zhou Yang. Zhou Yang caught it and looked at the cover. Soundless Death Stride. "It¡¯s a movement technique," Gu Ling explained. "It has three levels¡ªStorm, Shadow, and Death." Zhou Yang''s brows lifted in surprise. He had been expecting something valuable, but this... Even without reading it, he could tell¡ªthis was no ordinary movement technique. Gu Ling grinned at his nephew''s expression. "You like it, huh?" Zhou Yang nodded, his voice steady but tinged with awe. ¡°It¡¯s wonderful.¡± Gu Ling chuckled, clearly enjoying the reaction. "Then let me demonstrate you how it''s done." With that, he stepped forward, making his way to the center of the courtyard. Zhou Yang¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation.