Luo Feng slowly pushed himself up from the bed, his hand instinctively reaching for his head. His fingers rubbed through his hair as a sharp pain pierced his skull.
"What's going on…? I was at home and then—" His words faltered as the pain intensified. "Man, my head is hurting like hell."
Blinking through the discomfort, he looked around. The room was simple and modest: a wooden chair, a small cooking area, and the bed he had just risen from.
"Where am I?" he muttered again, stretching his body before stepping outside.
The sight that greeted him stole his breath. Towering mountains rose so high they seemed beyond comprehension. A dense forest stretched endlessly, its shadows concealing whatever lay within. The ground was carpeted with lush grass, and the air—so pure, so refreshing—felt unlike anything from his world.
"This place… it's beautiful. The air here is so pure compared to mine," Luo whispered, inhaling deeply.
He frowned. "It's certain now… this isn't my world. But where am I?"
As he began to walk, a soft voice called out behind him.
"Where are you going, brother?"
Turning, Luo saw a girl seated on a wooden chair. Resting on her lap was a small creature, four-legged and dog-like.
"Who are you?" Luo asked, confusion clouding his face.
"Have you lost your mind, brother?" she replied, gently patting the creature.
"...Sis?" Luo scratched his head, bewildered.
"Yes, I am your sister," she said, her tone tinged with annoyance. "Brother, didn't I tell you your selection exam is in a month? Shouldn't you be training?"
"I… forgot. Sorry," Luo admitted, unsure of what else to say.
She sighed. "Forget it. Go to the market and get food—we're running out."
"Okay… but where is the market?" Luo asked, still confused.
"You really have lost your mind, haven't you?" she muttered, exasperated. "Stop joking and just go." Rising from the chair, she disappeared back into the house.
Still puzzled, Luo wandered toward the forest. As he walked through the dense greenery, a scream suddenly tore through the silence. His body reacted before his mind could catch up—he sprinted toward the sound.
There, in a small clearing, he saw a girl no older than fourteen surrounded by seven men.
"Well, well… look how the tables have turned. The princess of the Jade Dynasty herself," one of them sneered.
Luo's eyes narrowed. "No matter the world, people always seem the same," he muttered under his breath. He stepped forward.
"What's going on here? Care to explain?" he asked calmly.
One of the men scoffed. "And who are you, little boy?"
"You don't need to know."
The words had barely left Luo's lips when the man's head fell to the ground in a swift, clean strike.
Luo stood tall, a pure white katana gleaming in his hand. He glanced at the headless body, then turned his cold gaze toward the remaining six.
"Who's next?"
The men froze, terror flashing across their faces. "What the hell—!" one shouted, before all six bolted into the forest.
Luo exhaled slowly, lowering his blade. He turned to the girl. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, extending his hand.
"I'm fine… but who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"My name is Luo Feng. Nice to meet you," he said gently. "And you, lady?"
Using his hand for support, the girl rose to her feet. "My name is Scarlet, princess of the Jade Dynasty," she declared proudly.
"Princess?" Luo repeated, surprised.
"Yup. You were so strong… how old are you?" Scarlet asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"I'm fifteen. Shouldn't you be shocked—or scared—by his death?" Luo asked, confused. In his world, such violence would have terrified anyone.
"This? It's normal here," Scarlet replied, glancing at the corpse without flinching.
"I see…" Luo murmured. He turned to leave. "Well, I should go now."
"Wait! Where are you going?" Scarlet called after him.
"To the market," Luo answered.
"Perfect. Let's go together." Without hesitation, Scarlet grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the Jade Empire.
Hours passed as they journeyed through the forest. Finally, the grand city of the Jade Dynasty came into view—a breathtaking empire of towering walls, bustling streets, and vibrant markets.
At the marketplace, Luo smiled faintly. "It was nice meeting you. I'll see you again if fate allows."
Scarlet nodded. "I'll see you sometime soon. And if you ever need help, come to me. I'll reward you greatly for saving me." With that, she disappeared into the crowd.
Luo wandered from shop to shop, gathering the supplies his sister had requested. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, he began his journey back home—where his sister awaited him.