Another World

"Xiao Huan, I'm not sure I can handle a long-distance relationship," she said seriously. "Let's break up."

Those words still echoed in Lang Huan's mind. She felt a deep sadness; her girlfriend had suddenly asked to end their relationship. They had been together for three years, and now, just a week before Lang Huan was set to leave T City to study in the US, everything had fallen apart.

"You and I kiss goodbye on empty street abdhabsj#% (Wen bie song by Jacky Cheung)." Lang Huan sang Kiss Goodbye on stage at the party, her voice flowing beautifully. All eyes were on her. Not because her singing was bad—she actually sounded great.

But this was her parents' anniversary party.

So why was she singing a breakup song and making the whole vibe sad? The guests exchanged glances, unsure whether to clap or just pretend they didn't hear it.

"Hey, little bastard, why are you singing that song? Are you trying to bring bad luck to our parents' happy marriage?" Lang Xuan asked while twisting Lang Huan's ear mid-performance.

Lang Huan winced but kept singing, her voice only wobbling slightly as she swatted her eldest sister's hand away.

"Hiss... ohh, it hurts." Lang Huan winced, her face flushing with embarrassment, she realized all the guests were watching her.

Her third sister, Lang Yue, unable to stand it any longer, rushed forward and pulled Lang Huan off the stage.

"Do you want to ruin this party?" Lang Yue scolded, her face a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

Lang Huan pouted, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, but she had no choice but to reluctantly step down, her voice still shaking from the awkward performance.

"Ohh, you know that I just broke up with my girlfriend. I want to go home," she muttered, glancing at Lang Yue. "This party... it just doesn't feel right for me."

"Hey, don't be gloomy! Just let it go. You're still young. Focus on your studies," Lang Xuan said, giving Lang Huan a comforting pat on the shoulder, her voice surprisingly gentle for someone who usually teased.

Lang Yue nodded with a soft smile, "Exactly, Xiao Huan. You've got so much ahead of you. Studying abroad is a huge opportunity—don't let this mess with your head."

Lang Huan felt the warmth of their care and tried to force a smile, though the ache in her chest made it hard to fully believe their words.

Lang Huan felt the warmth of their concern and tried her best to smile. She knew her sisters were doing their best to cheer her up, but the ache in her heart made it hard to accept their words fully.

Mr. and Mrs. Lang entered the party hall, today marking their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. The grand celebration reflected their status. The Lang family was one of the wealthiest in T City, with numerous businesses under their belt.

The couple radiated harmony, their love evident in the way they interacted. Blessed with five daughters, their family seemed almost perfect, a model of success and happiness. The guests couldn't help but admire them as they made their way through the hall, greeting friends and family with warm smiles.

Having spent most of their lives in the US, they moved to T City in China ten years ago. Despite the change in scenery, they had quickly established themselves in the business world, becoming an influential presence in the city's social and economic circles.

Mr. and Mrs. Lang, almost fifty years old, still looked great. Mr. Lang was sharp in his suit, with a bit of gray hair that made him look even cooler. Mrs. Lang was elegant, her beauty still shining through, even with a few years on her.

Their daughters quickly rushed over to them, shouting "Happy Anniversary!" in unison. They hugged and kissed their parents, their faces beaming with love. It was a tradition, a moment that always filled the room with warmth.

Unfortunately, the second and fourth sisters weren't there to join the celebration. They were both studying abroad. The absence of the two sisters created a small gap in the otherwise perfect family moment.

"Lang Huan, why does your face look so ugly?" Cheng Lin asked bluntly. "Oh, and where's your girlfriend?"

"Mom, I just broke up with her," Lang Huan replied with a sigh, her expression showing a mix of annoyance and sadness.

"Relax, Xiao Huan, there are plenty of Dad's friends here with their sons and daughters. Want me to introduce you?" Lang Xiao said, giving Lang Huan a light pat on the back.

Lang Huan shook her head, rolling her eyes. "No, better save that for Lang Xuan and Lang Yue. She smirked, clearly not interested in the matchmaking attempt.

Lang Yue, growing bored with the formalities of the party, let her gaze wander toward a lively group of young girls chatting and laughing nearby. She leaned back lazily in her chair, her expression a mix of boredom and curiosity, as though silently hoping something or someone might catch her attention.

"Hmm, Third Sister, is there anyone here who's caught your eye?" Lang Huan teased, a playful glint in her eyes as she nudged Lang Yue.

Lang Yue turned her head slightly, raising an eyebrow at her youngest sister.

"Yeah, Yue," Lang Xuan jumped in, clearly enjoying the moment. "This is a great occasion—Dad's friends brought their sons and daughters. Surely, someone's gotta catch your interest."

Lang Yue just shrugged with a lazy smile, sipping her wine. "Maybe, maybe not," she replied, her tone light and carefree. "Parties like these are always the same anyway."

But Lang Yue wasn't one to be easily flustered. She let the teasing roll off her, her thoughts drifting somewhere else. There was something about tonight that felt different—maybe it was the party, the people, or maybe it was just her feeling a little restless. Who knew?

The Lang siblings were lucky. Their parents never pushed them into relationships. Unlike many families who saw marriage as some kind of strategic move, Lang Xiao and Cheng Lin always told their daughters one thing: happiness first. As long as their kids were happy and made choices based on what they truly wanted, it didn't matter who they chose to be with.

---

The room was buzzing with laughter, music, and chatter, but Lang Huan couldn't quite get into it. Her heart felt heavy, like a rock just sitting there, refusing to let her breathe. Maybe it was the breakup still lingering in her mind.

She picked up her phone, scrolling through old photos of them together—laughing, holding hands, sharing moments that felt like a lifetime ago.

Lang Huan's ex-girlfriend was twelve years older than her, a successful lawyer. She had the charm of a mature woman and was very sexy. In contrast, Lang Huan, young and full of energy, loved basketball, tall, and was both beautiful and handsome, attracting both guys and girls. This often made her ex-girlfriend feel a bit jealous.

A long-distance relationship had always seemed impossible, especially with her ex-girlfriend being so possessive. Always needing reassurance and attention made it tough to keep things steady, even when they were together.

After the party ended, the Lang family returned to Nuan Yu Villa, their sprawling estate nestled between hills and a tranquil lake, a peaceful contrast to the bustling city life they'd just left behind. Nuan Yu Villa was more than just a home—it was a symbol of the family's legacy, passed down through generations.

As they arrived, Lang Huan felt the familiar calmness of the villa settle over her. The peaceful surroundings, with the soft rustling of trees and the gentle lapping of the lake's waters, brought a sense of tranquility. It was a place filled with countless cherished family memories, where the worries of the world seemed to fade away, replaced by warmth and a quiet sense of belonging.

Despite being well-connected in modern society, the Lang family had deep historical roots, tracing back to the ancient Lang Clan. Their ancestors weren't just nobles—they were legendary warriors who protected the kingdom for centuries. Stories of their past were passed down like precious treasures, just as important as the wealth and power they still held today.

According to one of the most famous story, an ancestor of the Lang Clan had once saved a wounded wolf. This act of compassion led to an unexpected turn of fate—the wolf, through sheer will and cultivation, ascended to become the revered Wolf Deity.

Grateful for the ancestor's kindness, the deity had bestowed a mysterious blessing upon the clan. From that moment onward, the descendants of the Lang Clan were said to possess extraordinary and mysterious powers, gifts that set them apart from ordinary humans.

The younger generation couldn't help but feel the weight of these old family stories. In today's world, where science and technology ruled, such tales felt like nothing more than bedtime stories. Most people didn't believe in the supernatural anymore.

With all the advancements of modern life, legends like these had become irrelevant to most. Still, the stories never completely faded—they were whispered from one generation to the next.

The young generation of the family saw these legends as just a part of their proud history, nothing more. But some couldn't help but wonder—was there even a little bit of truth hidden in the myths? Maybe, somewhere deep in their blood, the Lang Clan's extraordinary powers were still there, waiting to be awakened. 

"Hoamm!" Lang Huan yawned loudly, stretching like a lazy cat. After such a long day, she was completely drained. But more than her body, it was her mind that felt exhausted—like a messy room she didn't have the energy to clean up.

She collapsed onto the bed, closing her eyes for a moment, hoping to shake off the day's tension. But tonight wasn't going to be a peaceful one for her.

As she slept, sweat covered her body while she tossed and turned. In her dream, she was falling into a deep, dark hole, spinning endlessly as everything blurred around her. The feeling was terrifying, like she would never stop falling.

Then, she hit the ground. Darkness surrounded her, and a deep growl echoed in the air. From the darkness, a huge wolf emerged—much bigger than any normal animal. Its glowing blue eyes stared at her, and its pure white fur seemed to shine against the endless dark.

The wolf snarled and took a step closer. Lang Huan's heart pounded as she tried to run, but the ground beneath her kept shifting, making it impossible to escape. Its sharp teeth glinted in the dim light as it chased her deeper into the darkness, its heavy paws thudding closer and closer. She could feel it right behind her, and the dream turned into a nightmare she couldn't wake up from.

Bang! A loud noise shattered the silence, jolting Lang Huan awake. Her heart raced, and she quickly pushed herself out of bed, feeling lost for a moment. The dream still lingered in her mind, but the sudden sound ripped her from it, pulling her into the present.

She ran to the window, her eyes scanning the dark grounds of the villa. There was no sign of movement. The place was eerily quiet. No lights flickered in the windows, no sounds of footsteps. Where were the guards? Why was everything so still? Had she been the only one to hear that sound?

Her eyes flicked toward the dense trees by the lake, noticing them swaying violently as if they were having a dance party without her. Was it a thief? Or a wild animal throwing a tantrum? Her instincts kicked in, and without a second thought, Lang Huan grabbed her backpack, slung it over her shoulder like a superhero, and rushed out of the room.

Lang Huan dashed toward the lake, the chill of the night air biting at her skin. She could hear the sound of her own breathing, steady but quick as she pushed herself forward. Whatever had made that noise, Lang Huan had a feeling it was something she needed to investigate.

Lang Huan approached the lake, her senses on high alert. She reached into her backpack and pulled out her baton, gripping it tightly in her hand. Every muscle in her body was primed for action, her martial arts training making her feel prepared for any unexpected danger.

But when she reached the lake, there was nothing there. The trees that had been violently swaying earlier now stood still, their branches barely moving in the cool night air. The silence felt unnatural, as if the entire world had paused just for her. Lang Huan frowned...

Had she imagined the sound? Could it have been a gust of wind, or perhaps an animal wandering through the woods?

Her heartbeat slowed, but the strange feeling of unease lingered. She stepped closer to the edge of the water, the stillness around her only adding to the tension. Then, suddenly, a cold shiver ran down her spine, like icy fingers brushing against her skin. She froze, her breath catching in her throat.

"Dammit! I've been watching too many horror movies…" she muttered to herself, trying to shake off the growing fear. She glanced around nervously, trying to convince herself that there was nothing to be afraid of. Her grip on the baton tightened, she scanned the trees once more, but still, nothing.

Suddenly, a strong wind blew, making Lang Huan look up in shock. Above the lake, the wind had formed a huge swirling hole.

The spinning vortex grew bigger, twisting the clouds into a strange spiral. The wind howled louder, stirring up waves that crashed wildly in every direction. It felt unreal—like the sky had been torn open, revealing a dark void beyond.

A sudden wave of fear hit Lang Huan, and she turned to run. Her legs moved as fast as they could, her breath coming out in short gasps as she sprinted back toward the villa.

I have to warn them. Something's not right.

But the air around her felt heavy, the wind pushing against her like an invisible force, making it harder to move.

Then, without warning, an invisible force grabbed her and yanked her into the air. Her feet lifted off the ground, and she gasped, clutching the baton as tightly as she could. She was weightless—soaring high above the lake.

She tried to scream, but the roaring wind swallowed her voice. Her body spun uncontrollably, tossed around like a ragdoll caught in a storm. The wind was too strong, making it impossible to fight back. All she could do was squeeze her eyes shut and brace herself for whatever was coming next.

Her stomach flipped, and for a split second, everything was eerily still. Then—just as quickly as she had been pulled up—gravity took hold. She plummeted down at terrifying speed, the wind slashing against her face. Her mind screamed at her to do something, to take control, but it was already too late.

Thud!

Lang Huan crashed onto the ground with a loud thud. Pain shot through her body, knocking the air out of her lungs. For a moment, she just lay there, dazed and gasping. When her vision finally cleared, she realized something was wrong—really wrong.

 She wasn't by the lake anymore. She wasn't even near the villa...

"Ugh…" she groaned, her whole body aching. A wave of nausea hit her hard, and before she could stop herself, she doubled over and threw up. Her head pounded like crazy, making it almost impossible to think straight.

With a wince, she pushed herself up and looked around, her heart pounding. Where am I? What just happened? One second, she was caught in some weird whirlwind, and the next… she was here.

Lang Huan's breath caught in her throat when she stared at the reflection in the river. She reached up, fingers trembling as they touched her face. The skin was smooth, soft, like a child's, her hands were smaller too, delicate and soft, almost as if they belonged to someone much younger than herself.

She looked down at her body again and gasped, "Ahh!" Her Winnie the Pooh pajamas, which used to fit just fine, were now ridiculously oversized. The sleeves swallowed her hands, the pants pooled around her feet. It looked like she was drowning in fabric.

"What the hell…?" she whispered. Then, panic set in. "Wait, wait, wait—why am I so small?"

 "This can't be real," she muttered to herself, shaking her head in disbelief. "It's got to be a nightmare… just a nightmare…"

She frantically pulled at her sleeves, as if that would magically fix whatever just happened. But no matter how much she tugged, pinched her arm, or even slapped her face—she didn't wake up.

This wasn't a dream.

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of it. That whirlwind… I was thrown into the air, and then… She swallowed hard. Was this some kind of magic? Or just a really messed-up accident?

The face staring back at her from the water wasn't the one she was used to—it was her own, but from years ago, when she was just a little kid, maybe eight or nine.

Did I really time-travel? What the hell is going on? I need to figure this out. I need to find someone who can help me…

Shaking off the shock, Lang Huan turned away from the river and walked into the forest. The ground was rough and uneven, and her oversized clothes kept getting in the way, making it hard to move properly.

Suddenly, a desperate scream rang out.

"Help! Someone, please help!"

It was a woman's voice, urgent and panicked. A moment later, the sound of galloping hooves thundered through the trees.

Lang Huan's heart leapt into her throat, and she quickly crouched behind a rock, her tiny hand shaking like a leaf in the wind. What the heck was going on? Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of the madness.

Peeking cautiously around the rock, she spotted a group of people on horseback. Their clothing was unlike anything she'd ever seen—traditional, flowing robes straight out of an ancient era, with intricate, elegant designs. It was like stepping into one of those historical dramas her grandmother used to watch.

Wait… is this some kind of movie set? she wondered. But the terrified screams of a woman nearby quickly shattered that thought.

Her eyes landed on the man leading the group. He gripped a long sword, his face dark and serious—like someone who hadn't had their morning coffee. The cold, dangerous aura around him sent a chill down her spine.

This wasn't a movie set. This was real.

Clenched her baton tightly, her body poised to defend herself if needed. The group rode closer, their horses' hooves kicking up the dirt, and Lang Huan could hear the woman's frantic cries growing louder, her voice trembling with fear. It seemed the woman was being chased. She silently cursed her bad luck. Would she be caught in the middle of this mess?

"You can kill me, but not my son," the woman pleaded, her voice trembling. "He is the son of Duke of Huguo. What do you think would happen if he finds out his child has been killed?"

With a single, merciless swing of his sword, the woman's life was taken, and the child, who had no chance to even cry for help, now lay in the dirt with his mother, both silenced forever.

Lang Huan heard the sickening splatter of blood and felt her stomach twist. Her whole body froze, her mind struggling to process what she had just witnessed. The man who had killed them didn't flinch—he didn't even look like he cared. His cold, unreadable face sent a chill down her spine.

What kind of world is this? Lang Huan's hands clenched into fists, trying to steady herself. This guy wasn't human.

She swallowed hard and slowly began to back away, careful not to make a sound. She was afraid becoming the next target, and the fact that these men were willing to kill without reason made her fear for her life even more.

The group, including the killer, climbed onto their horses and rode off without a second glance at the bodies they had just left behind. Their hooves pounded against the dirt, fading into the distance until all that remained was silence.

Only the rustling trees and the soft murmur of the river beside her reminded Lang Huan that she was still alive.

Her eyes landed on the lifeless bodies of the woman and her son, an overwhelming wave of guilt crashed over her. She wanted to do something—anything—but what could she do? She was just a powerless kid.

She knelt beside the woman and her son, checking for any signs of life. She pressed her fingers gently to their wrists, hoping to feel a pulse, but there was nothing. No warmth. No breath. They had already passed.

Then, her gaze fell on the woman's cloth bag, which had slipped open when she fell. Lang Huan hesitated before kneeling down and rummaging through it. Inside, she found some clothes—one set for a woman and another for a little boy. But what really caught her attention was a letter.

Her fingers brushed against the rough parchment. The paper felt strange, different from anything she'd ever touched before. Taking a deep breath, she carefully unfolded it, squinting at the strange characters.

"What is this?" she muttered, her voice shaky. "Why can't I read any of it?"

Lang Huan stood there, her mind spinning as she tried to make sense of everything. Could it be? Had she traveled through time? Or was she in an entirely different world?

She thought back to what had happened. The freak storm, the force that had dragged her away, the way she woke up in a child's body—it all felt unreal. Even science couldn't explain something like this.

Her mind flashed to the sci-fi novels she used to read, the ones about time travel, wormholes, and alternate dimensions. Could that storm have opened some kind of portal, pulling me into a different era?

This wasn't her world anymore…

But deep inside, one question lingered: How would she ever find her way back to her original world? For now, she had no choice but to move forward, to keep going.

Lang Huan let out a frustrated sigh as she pulled out the contents of her backpack. The round style black glasses were too out of place for this time period and the lighter.

Lang Huan carefully transferred the items from her backpack into the cloth bag of the deceased woman. As her fingers brushed over the boy's clothing, a thought struck her. This kid's size... it looks like it's the same as mine. A thought popped into her head. Her Winnie the Pooh pajamas were not going to do her any favors here.

With a deep breath, Lang Huan undressed quickly and switched into the boy's clothes. The robe was made of simple cloth, but it fit surprisingly well. She tied her hair back with a piece of string from the bag, trying her best to make herself look like she belonged in this strange time and place.

She quickly folded the clothes she had been wearing and packed them into the cloth bag, before making sure to secure the rest of the items—her baton, the glasses, and the lighter.

Lang Huan pulled the bodies of the woman and child into some nearby bushes. She couldn't save them, but at least she could give them some dignity in death. Huft... These two corpses were really heavy for her small body. Every drag felt like an endless struggle, and her arms ached with the strain. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she struggled to move them further away from the open path. After dragging them out of sight, she grabbed some branches and twigs, covering the bodies with them. The rustling of the leaves seemed way too loud in the quiet forest, echoing her exhaustion.

"May you rest in peace, and may your souls reincarnate swiftly," Lang Huan whispered.

Lang Huan decided to set the bodies on fire. She lit her lighter, and soon the dry leaves and twigs were burning. As the flames flickered in the wind, Lang Huan threw her backpack into the fire. At first, the flames were weak, but before long, they spread faster than she could keep up with.

The wind picked up, and the fire grew stronger, crackling and tearing through the dry brush. Thick, black smoke filled the air, making it hard for her to breathe. The heat felt unbearable, and the crackling sound of burning wood only made it worse.

"Cough! Cough!" Lang Huan bent over, gasping for air. Her chest tightened, and panic spread through her as she struggled to catch her breath.

The fire continued to grow, quickly threatening to engulf the surrounding forest. She knew she had to move fast. She grabbed her cloth bag and turned to run. Her small legs carried her as fast as they could, but the smoke and heat made it hard to see where she was going.

The forest seemed endless, and as Lang Huan ran, she realized that the fire was closing in behind her, the heat and smoke making it difficult to breathe. Her heart raced, and fear gripped her chest as she tried to find an escape.

Lang Huan collapsed onto the ground, her hands scraping against the dirt as she tried to push herself up. But her body refused to listen. The heat from the fire pressed down on her, making each breath harder to take. All she could do was crawl, her movements slow and painful, like a tired snail inching across the rough earth.

Her limbs trembled with exhaustion, barely able to keep her upright. With one last desperate gasp, her vision began to fade. The flickering flames of the fire were the last thing she saw before everything went black, her body giving in to the overwhelming mix of pain, fear, and fatigue.