The battlefield was drowning in blood and shattered earth.
Lin Chen stood at the forefront, his body covered in wounds, breathing raggedly as mana and qi raged around him. Beside him were his comrades—friends who had fought with him through countless life-and-death struggles.
Before them stood the Heavenly Demon Lord, Li Kai.
His black armor was cracked, demonic qi leaking uncontrollably as he staggered backward. The once-invincible existence was finally pushed to the brink.
"Now!" someone shouted.
Lin Chen clenched his teeth and charged forward, his remaining strength exploding in a single strike. The attack pierced through Li Kai's defenses, forcing the Demon Lord to his knees.
He was heavily injured.
Victory was within reach.
Lin Chen stepped closer, his hand trembling as he reached toward the mask covering Li Kai's face. That mask had haunted countless eras—no one had ever seen what lay beneath it.
Just as his fingers were about to touch it—
Crash!
A sudden torrent of icy water poured over him.
"Lin Chen! Wake up!"
Lin Chen gasped sharply and shot upright in bed.
His heart pounded violently as reality crashed down around him. Morning sunlight filtered through the window. His mother stood beside the bed, arms crossed, her voice sharp.
"How long are you planning to sleep? You'll be late for school again!"
"…A dream?" Lin Chen murmured softly.
He wiped his face and exhaled, the lingering image of the Heavenly Demon Lord refusing to fade.
Dragging himself out of bed, Lin Chen lazily shuffled into the bathroom. Cold water splashed against his face, but it failed to wash away the strange heaviness in his chest.
Downstairs, breakfast was already on the table.
His father sat nearby, reading the morning newspaper. The headline was bold and eye-catching:
"Tiger Sect Successfully Emerges from Ancient Ruins."
Lin Chen paused for a moment, then sat down.
His father lowered the newspaper and looked at him with a serious expression.
"Lin Chen," he said firmly, "focus on cultivation. Stop wasting time with your friends at internet cafés."
Lin Chen stiffened.
"You're the younger brother of the Tai Mu Sect Leader. Act like it. Understand?"
"…Yes, Dad."
After finishing breakfast, Lin Chen grabbed his bag and rushed out of the house. He was already running late.
The morning streets were crowded with people. Lost in thought, Lin Chen sprinted forward without paying attention.
Thud!
He crashed into someone.
"Ah—! I'm sorry!" Lin Chen apologized instantly, his words tumbling out as he bowed his head.
Before the other person could even reply, he dashed past her and continued running toward the school gate.
The girl remained where she stood, momentarily stunned. She brushed her hair aside and turned, watching Lin Chen's figure disappear into the crowd, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Lin Chen ran until his lungs burned. At last, the school building came into view.
Panting heavily, he rushed up the stairs and reached his classroom.
Bang!
The door flew open.
Silence.
Dozens of eyes turned toward him.
The teacher stopped mid-sentence and slowly looked in Lin Chen's direction, his gaze cold.
"Lin Chen," the teacher said, voice sharp, "do you know what time it is?"
Lin Chen lowered his head. "Sorry, Teacher. I'm late."
Without hesitation, the teacher pointed toward the hallway.
"Since you like running so much, you can stand outside for the entire period."
Quiet murmurs spread through the classroom. Some students laughed under their breath, others looked on with sympathy.
Lin Chen clenched his fists—but said nothing.
He turned and stepped outside, the classroom door closing behind him with a dull click.
Standing alone in the corridor, sunlight washing over his face, Lin Chen slowly exhaled.
His thoughts drifted back to the dream.
To the Heavenly Demon Lord.
To the mask he never managed to remove.