Chapter 4: Whispers of the Past, Echoes of Power
Evening settled over Qinghe like a silk curtain—soft, quiet, and golden. Smoke drifted from hearths, lanterns flickered to life, and cicadas sang in the distance. But within a secluded part of the village courtyard, Chen Yu sat cross-legged, completely still.
The training yard was empty now. Instructor Wei had dismissed the others, but allowed Chen Yu to remain.
> [Initiating Technique: Body Tempering - Beginner]
Progress: 2%... 4%... 7%...
A warm surge passed through his body with each controlled breath. Muscles trembled, bones cracked faintly, but none of it pained him—it was growth. Slow, painful rebirth.
But it wasn't just the physical changes that stirred him.
> Legacy Integration: 14%... 15%
Memory Fragment Unlocked: "Field of Blades"
Suddenly, his breath caught. A flash—clearer than any dream—burned across his vision. He stood in a vast battlefield of ash and broken steel. Armies clashed like thunder on all sides. His younger self led the charge, robes bloodstained, a silver spear in hand. Commands flew from his mouth like scripture. Ten thousand obeyed without hesitation.
Then, the vision shattered.
Back in the present, Chen Yu gasped. He clutched his chest as if to steady the beat of a heart that no longer belonged solely to him.
> You have regained a fragment of your former self.
Martial Technique: "Heavenfall Lunge" Unlocked
Proficiency: Locked until 25% Legacy Integration
"Damn," he whispered, voice raspy. "Even a glimpse of my past drains this body."
The Heaven's Chronicle System wasn't just showing him paths—it was rebuilding him from within.
Just as he was catching his breath, a voice called out.
"You're not from around here, are you?"
Chen Yu turned. Leaning against a fence was a girl around his age—long black hair tied in a practical ponytail, twin sabers strapped to her waist. She wore training gear like the others, but there was something sharper in her gaze, more refined. Like she'd tasted danger before.
"I saw you earlier," she said, stepping closer. "You pushed through Instructor Wei's test like it was a formality. And then you stayed behind to train alone. Most villagers don't do that."
Chen Yu studied her calmly. "And you are?"
"Lin Yue," she said, smiling faintly. "Second best in the village. And that's only because Wei won't admit his son is better than me."
He gave a quiet nod. "Chen Yu."
"Well, Chen Yu," Lin Yue said, sitting on a nearby rock, "you train like someone who's running from ghosts. Or chasing one."
"…Maybe both," he murmured.
She tilted her head. "You don't talk like a villager either."
"I'm not."
They fell into silence, the kind that wasn't uncomfortable. She didn't press. He didn't explain. But in her gaze, he saw something familiar—someone else who knew that strength didn't come easy.
"Tomorrow, we're going up the ridge," she finally said. "A hunting mission. Just wild beasts, but it'll be good training. You should come."
Chen Yu looked to the horizon. In the fading light, the mountains loomed like silent giants. He knew danger lurked beyond them—and so did answers.
"I will," he said.
Because power doesn't wait for anyone. And I've already been left behind once.