Night draped over the Azure Sky Sect, quiet and cool.
Inside a tiny room barely big enough to stretch his legs, Lin Chen sat cross-legged on the rough wooden floor.
His hands rested on his knees. His breath slowed.
But inside… his heart churned.
"From ruling the heavens… to starting from dust."
He let out a soft breath, a hint of bitter amusement in his smile.
"Well… I suppose even stars are born from ashes."
---
His body was weak. His meridians clogged. His dantian? Dry and cracked like an old well.
In his past life, his energy had been endless. Galaxies trembled at his command.
Now… even drawing in the thin spiritual energy floating in the air felt like trying to fill an ocean with a cup.
But Lin Chen wasn't the type to wallow for long.
"No shortcuts this time," he murmured. "Step by step… just like back then."
---
He inhaled slowly.
In. Hold. Out.
Again.
Hours passed.
Sweat dripped down his temples. His muscles ached, his bones throbbed.
It was like trying to force open a rusted door inside his body.
But Lin Chen gritted his teeth and pushed on.
"You betrayed me once, body… but now, you'll obey."
---
Then—
Crack.
A faint sound echoed deep within.
Lin Chen's dantian, long stagnant, trembled—
and a tiny spark of energy flickered to life.
His eyes opened. For a breath, golden light flickered in his gaze.
"Qi Condensation… First Layer…"
A thin smile curved his lips.
"One step."
---
A soft knock at his door startled him.
"Senior Brother Lin Chen…? Are you awake…?"
It was Luna Yue.
Her voice, quiet and hesitant, tugged at something in his chest.
Lin Chen stood and opened the door.
---
There she was — her long black hair falling over her shoulders, cheeks faintly pink from the cool night air.
In her hands, a small basket of steamed buns.
"I… I saw you fighting today," she stammered, eyes darting shyly. "You must be hungry, so… I brought these."
Lin Chen blinked.
Then smiled — softer this time, without his usual sharpness.
"Even in this life… there are still people like you, little Yue," he thought.
---
"Thank you," he said simply, reaching out to take the basket.
Without thinking, he ruffled her hair lightly.
Her face turned bright red.
"S-Senior Brother…!"
Lin Chen chuckled under his breath.
"Ah… that innocent look. Dangerous… very dangerous."
---
They sat under the moonlit eaves, sharing the warm buns in silence at first.
Then Luna peeked at him, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Senior Brother… how did you suddenly… become strong today? You were always getting bullied before…"
Lin Chen chewed thoughtfully.
"How do I explain reincarnation, betrayal, and ten thousand years of old grudges?"
So he just smiled faintly.
"Let's just say… I remembered who I used to be."
Luna tilted her head, not quite understanding — but her lips curved into a soft smile.
"I think you're amazing anyway."
That smile made something tight in Lin Chen's chest loosen, just a little.
It had been a long time since someone looked at him like that… not as a sovereign, but as a man.
---
Before long, Luna's head started to droop, her eyelids heavy.
Lin Chen caught her gently before she slumped forward.
"Heh… fell asleep mid-snack. Still the same kind-hearted little fool," he mused.
Carefully, he lifted her up and carried her to her room, laying her down on the simple bed.
Her peaceful face under the soft moonlight made his heart tighten again.
"In my past life… I failed the women who loved me," he thought grimly. "This time… no more broken vows."
---
Back in his room, Lin Chen sat again.
But now, his eyes held a quiet determination.
"I don't need to rush."
"No need to shout or flaunt. Every step I take… I will make it solid. Real."
"For her. For them. For myself."
His fists clenched.
"Qi Condensation… Ninth Layer is next."
"Foundation Establishment after that. And then… higher."
---
Outside, the twin moons shone brighter, as if blessing his vow.
A new star had begun to rise — not with a shout, but with a steady, burning light.
---
Far across the endless void…
In a palace of frozen jade, a silver-haired goddess stirred.
"Chen'er…?" she whispered, her heart pounding in her chest.
[End of Chapter 3]