Chapter 3 – The Path Begins Again
The morning sun rose over the Misty Ridge Mountains. Fog rolled over the trees, covering the world in silence.
Li Zhen sat cross-legged on a flat rock, eyes closed, breathing slowly. The wind carried the scent of damp soil and wild herbs. But inside his heart, it wasn't peace—it was calculation.
He had confirmed it now. This was his younger self—sixteen years old. The very beginning of his cultivation path.
He touched his chest. His dantian was still weak, his qi flow barely formed. A mere beginner. In this world, someone like him was no different from an ant.
But the book in his consciousness changed everything.
Pages floated in his mind, full of ancient words, strange diagrams, and forgotten techniques. Some were too advanced for his current body. But others… could be used right now.
> "Begin with foundation. Strengthen the root before reaching the sky."
He opened his eyes.
"No one else has this," he said coldly. "I know what's coming… I know every mistake I made."
In his last life, he had followed the basic path. Trained like everyone else. Obeyed elders. Trusted others.
And they used him. Betrayed him. Killed him.
Not this time.
He opened the book's first page.
> Low-grade Root Forging Method — transforms weak meridians into strong ones through continuous pain and refinement.
It was a cruel method. One that most would never dare to use. The pain it caused was enough to break minds.
Li Zhen smiled.
"Perfect."
He began right away, drawing his qi from the surrounding world, forcing it through his bones and veins. His body trembled. Sharp pain spread through him like fire.
Minutes passed. Then hours.
His skin turned pale, his muscles twitched, his breath was ragged.
But he never stopped.
In his mind, a clear voice echoed:
> "Pain is weakness leaving the soul."
Night fell.
By the time the moon rose, Li Zhen opened his eyes again. Blood leaked from his nose and lips. But his presence… had changed.
His body was still weak—but his foundation was now stronger than any normal cultivator at his stage.
He stood up.
His eyes were like cold iron.
"There's a village nearby," he muttered. "If I remember right… the Spirit Testing Ceremony will happen in three days."
It was the place where, in his past life, his talent was judged as average. He was laughed at, ignored by the sects, and forced to work hard just to survive.
This time, he would return. But he wouldn't be the same.
He wasn't seeking praise.
He wanted power.
He wanted revenge.
He wanted to see the look in their eyes… when they realized they had thrown away a dragon.
With slow steps, Li Zhen walked toward the village.
His new journey had just begun.