The Path of Vengeance Begins

Dawn had cast its golden hues over the horizon, and the cold wind swept across the northern mountain like faint whispers telling stories of a forgotten past.

Lin Tian stood at the edge of a rocky cliff, his eyes fixed on the winding path leading downwards, his mind swimming in a complex mix of thoughts and memories.

He had spent the entire night pondering the mysterious man he met, the one who claimed to know everything about him, including his past life.

"How did he know all this?" Lin Tian thought repeatedly. The man wasn't just a random passerby; he had a clear purpose, offering information that seemed like a sharp weapon in his hands.

He knew everything about Lin Tian's betrayal by his friends in his past life and even about his current weakness.

But why? What was this person after? These questions had lingered in Lin Tian's mind throughout the night.

He exhaled slowly, his gaze lifting to the clouds that were gradually parting.

There was no more time to waste on idle questions.

He had to move forward with his plan, and the first step was regaining his strength and finding a way to exact revenge on those who brought him down.

Lin Tian began walking down the twisted path leading to the base of the mountain.

He knew that this northern mountain was unlike any other; it was an ancient stronghold of spiritual beasts that roamed its shadows.

These creatures were known for their ferocity, and even the strongest cultivators found it difficult to face them.

But for Lin Tian, this was precisely what he needed. He sought challenges to reclaim some of his lost power.

As he walked between dense trees and jagged rocks, his memory drifted back to his past, to those days when he was the Immortal Emperor.

Back then, anyone who stood before him would retreat in fear, and his enemies trembled at the mere mention of his name.

He ruled the realms with an iron fist, and nothing could stand in his way.

He recalled a particular battle, one that marked the beginning of his downfall.

It occurred in one of the lower realms when one of his closest friends attempted to betray him.

At first, he couldn't believe that someone he considered a brother would turn on him.

But when the attack came from behind, that was the moment he realized the truth.

A poisoned dagger struck him in the back, and from there, everything began to unravel. But that memory wasn't filled with sorrow; it was filled with rage.

A burning fury that still simmered within his soul.

As these moments flashed through his mind, Lin Tian's feet carried him steadily forward.

He had reached a narrow valley where the wind howled more fiercely.

In this place, trees were sparse, but enormous rocks littered the landscape.

This was the lair of the spiritual beasts he sought.

He paused for a moment, closing his eyes, sensing the spiritual energy that surrounded the area.

He knew the creatures that lived here were no easy foes, but they were his opportunity to reclaim part of his strength.

He concentrated, feeling the faint movements around him. It didn't take long before the first signs of danger appeared.

From behind a large boulder emerged a massive beast, its sharp fangs glinting, and its red eyes glowing with menace.

Its terrifying form was covered in thick black fur, and deformed wings jutted out from its back.

This creature was one of the most ferocious spiritual beasts in the area.

Lin Tian smirked coldly, realizing this confrontation would be a true test of his ability.

The beast charged at him with frightening speed, but Lin Tian did not back down.

Instead, he focused the small amount of spiritual energy he had gathered since arriving in this body, ready for the clash.

The beast lunged, jaws wide open, aiming to end him in one swift blow. But Lin Tian leaped to the side, evading the attack with ease.

His movements were quicker than even he had expected.

With each step, he felt the flow of spiritual energy within his body.

Though still weak, it was beginning to return, slowly but surely.

In a swift and calculated strike, Lin Tian took advantage of the beast's momentary vulnerability, striking its neck with one of the basic techniques he had learned in his youth.

Although the technique was simple, its flawless execution made it powerful enough to have an impact.

The beast let out a deafening roar before collapsing to the ground, dead.

Lin Tian stood over the beast's lifeless body, panting slightly.

He knew this creature was only the beginning, but this simple encounter was enough to prove that he still had the skill and strength to press on.

As he stood there, gazing at the mountain ahead, memories of his past life as the Immortal Emperor resurfaced once more. Back then, he wasn't alone; he had an army of loyal followers.

But betrayal had come from the closest of companions.

Now, in this weak body, he knew he had to start over, and this time, he would be far more careful in choosing those who stood by his side.

He smiled bitterly as he looked up at the sky once again.

"I will return..." he whispered, his voice low but filled with unshakable resolve.

After a few moments, Lin Tian continued his journey toward the more treacherous part of the mountain.

He knew that this mountain held far more secrets than just spiritual beasts.

There were rumors of an ancient cultivator who had lived here thousands of years ago, leaving behind mystical relics that could be the key to restoring his former power.

As he pressed on, nearing his destination, Lin Tian sensed something unusual.

There was an unfamiliar energy surrounding the place.

It wasn't the energy of the spiritual beasts; it was purer, as if coming from a being of immense power.

This could only mean that the person the mysterious visitor had spoken of was closer than Lin Tian had anticipated.

With each step, his body felt heavier, but his mind was clear.

He was ready for whatever was to come.

He knew the time had come to face the truth and deal with this new world, its rules, and its challenges.

And now, as he approached the end of this journey, only one thought dominated his mind: vengeance.

Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, Lin Tian stood, gazing down at the distant valley below.

This mountain symbolized both a beginning and an end.

…