ShiAn_2000

Betrayed by her fiancé and best friend, Feng Ruoyan, a prodigy with a single fire spiritual root, dies tragically in a conspiracy. However, fate gives her a second chance—she is reborn three years before her downfall! With her memories intact, she vows to change her destiny, uncover hidden secrets, and take revenge on those who wronged her.                                                                    But the road to power isn't easy. To survive, she takes on thrilling adventures, seeking a lost Magical Space rumored to house heaven-defying treasures. Along the way, she forms an unexpected bond with a mischievous Fire Dragon cub, who becomes both her companion and a source of endless trouble.                  Her journey entangles her with powerful men—

The Mysterious Headmaster, who sees through her secrets.
The Peerless Senior Brother, a noble genius who has always protected her.
The Ruthless Demon Lord, who finds her interesting despite himself.
The Enigmatic Buddha Star Lord, whose wisdom tests her resolve.
And many more!    will Ruoyan rise like a phoenix, or will fate repeat itself?

The  Flame Empress path of Cultivation

**Chapter 14: Shadows of the Past**

Feng Ruoyan's steps slowed as she continued toward the arena, the encounter with Yue Ling and Li Xuan still fresh in her mind. As much as she tried to push them away, the memories clawed their way back, unraveling the fragile illusion of trust she had once cherished.

Years ago, when Ruoyan was merely a young girl brimming with dreams, Yue Ling and Li Xuan had been her closest companions. Their laughter had once echoed through the courtyards of the Feng Manor, their hands clasped in unshakable unity as they made childhood vows beneath the ancient Wisteria tree.

**"No matter what happens, we'll always stand together."** Yue Ling's voice had been full of conviction, her small hand tightening around Ruoyan's.

Li Xuan had grinned, his eyes bright with youthful arrogance. **"One day, we'll be the strongest cultivators. No one will dare challenge us."**

They had been inseparable, an unbreakable trio—or so Ruoyan had believed.

As they grew older, subtle changes crept into their interactions. Yue Ling became more secretive, often whispering with Li Xuan in hushed tones when they thought Ruoyan wasn't looking. The warmth in Li Xuan's gaze gradually cooled, replaced by something unreadable—calculating.

Then came the moments of dismissal.

**"Ruoyan, you should focus on refining your flames rather than trying to match up with us,"** Li Xuan had said once, his tone light but laced with condescension.

**"You can always count on us to protect you,"** Yue Ling had added, smiling sweetly, but her eyes carried an odd flicker of amusement.

Ruoyan, naïve in her trust, had waved away her doubts. They were her closest friends—how could she ever suspect them of ill intent?

The truth crashed upon her like a tidal wave during her advancement trial. It was supposed to be a simple test—a display of their combined strength before the elders. But when the time came for them to stand together, Yue Ling and Li Xuan hesitated.

Then, with chilling precision, they struck.

Li Xuan's blade had found its way to her back, piercing through the very trust she had bestowed upon him. Yue Ling stood by his side, eyes filled with cruel satisfaction rather than regret.

**"You were never meant to stand at the peak, Ruoyan."** Li Xuan's voice had been devoid of warmth. **"Your existence was merely a stepping stone."**

The agony of betrayal had burned deeper than any wound.

As Ruoyan's memories faded, she clenched her fists, her flames surging in response to her turmoil. She had once been blind, but no longer. Her return to this world was not only a second chance at life but an opportunity to rewrite her fate.

The echoes of their past betrayal would not shackle her future.

Lifting her head high, she took a steadying breath and continued toward the arena.

This time, she would be the one to decide how the story ended.

Chapter 14 Childhood memories