Chapter 1: Shadows of the Past

**The sun rose gently over the horizon, casting a warm golden light across the village of Xiao. It was a peaceful morning, the kind that promised a quiet day of work and companionship among the villagers. Li Wei, an 18-year-old young man with a muscular build and a height of 190 cm, was already up, ready to face the day's tasks.**

He stood in front of his small house, inhaling the fresh morning air. The village was beginning to stir, and the familiar sounds of daily life started to fill the air. Birds chirped from the trees, and the distant sound of flowing water from the stream behind the house provided a soothing backdrop to the morning bustle.

Li Wei's home was simple but comfortable, a testament to the love and care of his aunt, Cai Lin. She had taken him in after his parents died when he was just a child, and she had raised him as her own. Cai Lin was a wise and gentle woman, known throughout the village for her healing skills and kindness.

As Li Wei stretched and prepared for the day, Cai Lin appeared at the doorway, her face warm and welcoming. 

"Good morning, Li Wei," she greeted him with a soft smile, holding a small basket filled with herbs.

"Good morning, Aunt Cai," he replied, smiling back. "What can I help with today?"

"We need to harvest the herbs and prepare them for the market," she said. "It's going to be a busy day, but with your help, we'll manage just fine."

Li Wei and Cai Lin worked side by side in the garden, where a variety of herbs grew in neat rows. Cai Lin had taught Li Wei everything she knew about the plants and their healing properties, and he admired her knowledge and dedication.

As they worked, Cai Lin spoke of the village and its people, sharing stories and wisdom that Li Wei cherished. The villagers often came to her for remedies and advice, and Li Wei had seen firsthand how much she was respected and loved.

While they worked, Li Wei couldn't help but notice the tranquility of the village. Xiao was a small and close-knit community, where everyone knew each other and supported one another. Despite its modest size, the village was vibrant with life and culture, with cobblestone streets and houses that stood close together, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Li Wei enjoyed helping his fellow villagers, especially the elderly, who often needed assistance with daily chores. His reputation for kindness and strength had earned him the admiration of many, though not everyone was so welc

After finishing the morning's work, Li Wei decided to head to the village square to buy some groceries. The square was the heart of the village, bustling with activity as merchants set up their stalls and villagers gathered to trade goods and share news.

As Li Wei approached the square, he noticed a group of young men gathered under a tree. It was Cheng Fan and his friends, Bai Long and Sun Min, known troublemakers who often caused problems for the villagers.

"Hey, Li Wei!" Cheng Fan shouted, his voice loud and mocking. "What brings you to the square today?"

Li Wei stopped, recognizing the familiar challenge in Cheng Fan's tone. He had dealt with them before and knew they sought trouble.

"I'm here to get supplies for my aunt," Li Wei replied calmly, trying to avoid conflict.

Cheng Fan stepped forward, his expression a mix of amusement and disdain. "You always act like you're better than us. Just because you help a few old folks doesn't make you special."

Bai Long and Sun Min chuckled, echoing Cheng Fan's words with jeers of their own. Li Wei stood his ground, refusing to be provoked.

"I'm not trying to be special," Li Wei said evenly. "I just want to live in peace and help where I can. If you have a problem with that, maybe you should look at your own actions."

The square grew quiet as onlookers watched the exchange. Cheng Fan's face darkened with anger, but before he could respond, Sun Min tugged on his sleeve.

"Come on, Cheng," Sun Min whispered nervously. "We don't need this kind of attention right now."

With a frustrated huff, Cheng Fan backed down, though not without a final glare at Li Wei. "This isn't over, Li Wei," he warned before turning away.

Li Wei exhaled slowly, relieved that the situation hadn't escalated. He continued on his way, purchasing the necessary supplies and returning home to help Cai Lin with lunch preparations.

As the day drew to a close, Li Wei and Cai Lin sat together for dinner, the comforting aroma of Cai Lin's herbal stew filling the room. The evening was a time for rest and reflection, a cherished ritual for both of them.

"You handled yourself well today," Cai Lin said, her eyes filled with pride as she sipped her tea. "Cheng Fan and his friends can be difficult, but you showed great restraint."

"I've learned from the best," Li Wei replied with a grin, grateful for her guidance. "It's not easy to walk away, but I know fighting wouldn't solve anything."

Cai Lin nodded, setting her cup down gently. "True strength isn't just physical, Li Wei. It's about knowing when to stand firm and when to step back. You have a good heart, and I'm proud of the man you're becoming."

Li Wei absorbed her words, feeling the warmth of her approval. Yet, beneath the surface, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't yet comprehend.

That night, as Li Wei lay in bed, he found himself gazing at the ceiling, his mind drifting back to the starry skies he loved so much. The village of Xiao was a haven, but he felt a pull toward something greater, a destiny he couldn't quite grasp.

As sleep began to claim him, Li Wei was startled by a sudden, blinding light outside his window. He leapt out of bed and rushed to the door, stepping out into the night.

Above him, the sky was ablaze with a brilliant meteor streaking across the heavens, its tail illuminating the world below. The air buzzed with energy, and Li Wei felt an inexplicable connection to the celestial event unfolding before his eyes.

The meteor continued its descent, heading toward the mountains beyond the village. It seemed to call out to him, drawing him toward its destination.

Without a second thought, Li Wei grabbed his cloak and set out into the night, his heart pounding with anticipation and a sense of purpose he couldn't explain.

As he climbed the familiar mountain path, the meteor's glow guided his way, casting long shadows across the landscape. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine, a reminder of the many nights he had spent exploring these hills.

At last, he reached the summit, where the meteor had landed in a fiery crater. The ground was scorched and smoking, but at the center lay a glowing sphere pulsing with a radiant light.

Li Wei approached cautiously, drawn to the object with an intensity he couldn't resist. The sphere shimmered with an ethereal beauty, its surface swirling with star-like patterns.

He reached out to touch it, and as his fingers made contact, a surge of energy coursed through his body, filling him with warmth and power. The sphere seemed to dissolve into light, merging with him in a cascade of shimmering sparks.

Li Wei gasped, staggering back as the world around him shifted. He felt the Star Heart become a part of him, awakening abilities and senses he had never known.

In that moment, Li Wei understood that his life had been irrevocably changed. The Star Heart had chosen him, and with it came a destiny he was only beginning to comprehend.

Realizing the significance of what had happened, Li Wei turned to leave, eager to return to the village and share his experience with Cai Lin. But as he descended the mountain, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

The night was still and silent, yet Li Wei sensed a presence lurking in the shadows, observing him with intent. He quickened his pace, determined to reach the safety of home.

As he neared the edge of the village, a figure emerged from the darkness. It was a cloaked stranger, their features hidden beneath a hood. They stood motionless, blocking Li Wei's path with an air of menace.

"Who are you?" Li Wei demanded, his voice steady despite the fear creeping into his heart.

The stranger remained silent, their gaze fixed on him with unnerving intensity. Li Wei felt the Star Heart respond, its power surging within him as if recognizing a threat.

With a sudden burst of speed, the stranger lunged forward, their movements swift and precise. Li Wei reacted instinctively, channeling the energy of the Star Heart to deflect the attack and send the assailant sprawling.

The stranger rose quickly, but instead of continuing the assault, they retreated into the shadows, disappearing as swiftly as they had appeared.

Li Wei stood breathless, the adrenaline coursing through him as he processed what had just happened. He realized that the Star Heart had not only given him strength but also made him a target for those who sought its power.

As he continued toward the village, Li Wei understood that his journey was only beginning. The Star Heart had set him on a path of adventure and danger, and he would need to embrace the challenges