The battle was over.
The Chen Family had been eradicated, their forces crushed, and their influence erased from Huaxia's underworld. Su Chen stood victorious, but he felt no joy—only the weight of what lay ahead.
For years, he had fought, conquered, and destroyed those who stood in his way. Now, for the first time, he had nothing left to fight.
At least, for a little while.
---
A Family United
Inside the grand Tianlong estate, a peaceful atmosphere filled the air.
The once-bustling war room, where Su Chen and his allies had planned countless battles, was now silent. The air smelled of freshly brewed tea, the sound of laughter echoing through the halls.
For the first time in years, there was peace.
Ye Meng sat beside Su Chen, a soft smile on her face as she leaned against his shoulder. "It feels strange, doesn't it?"
Su Chen chuckled, his fingers tracing gentle circles on her hand. "What does?"
"Not having an enemy to kill."
He smirked. "Give it time."
She sighed, shaking her head. "Just… enjoy the moment, Su Chen. You deserve it."
Across from them, their son, Su Tian, played on the soft carpet, a carefree smile on his face. He was a bright boy, full of energy and curiosity—yet beneath his innocence, there was a sharpness in his gaze that reminded Su Chen of himself.
"Father!" Su Tian suddenly called out. "Catch me!"
Before Su Chen could react, the boy launched himself forward, jumping straight onto him.
His small head crashed into Su Chen's stomach with surprising force.
BAM!
Su Chen gasped. "You little—!"
But then—
Everything went black.
---
The Awakening
Su Chen's eyes snapped open.
He was lying on the floor, staring up at a cracked ceiling. The air smelled musty, the faint scent of mold in the corners of the small, dimly lit room.
His head throbbed. His body felt… weak.
He sat up, his gaze darting around.
Where was he?
This wasn't the Tianlong estate. There were no luxurious furnishings, no soft bed, no warmth. Instead, he found himself in a cramped, old apartment.
It felt… familiar.
His breath caught in his throat.
This was his old home.
Before the system.
Before the power.
Before everything.
Slowly, he turned his head to the small, dusty window. Outside, he saw the gray sky of an ordinary morning in Huaxia.
His mind reeled.
"What the hell is going on?"
He staggered to his feet, nearly tripping over a pile of old clothes. His hands trembled as he reached for the small mirror on the wall.
His reflection stared back at him.
No overwhelming aura. No divine presence. No power.
Just… himself.
His heart pounded.
"This isn't possible…"
Then, his gaze shifted to the calendar on the wall.
March 19, 2025.
And just below the date—
One minute before the old landlady would kick him out.