Lang Yuyan

As they stepped inside, their eyes were immediately drawn to by the grandeur of Ling Xiao Palace. Though not as luxurious as the Imperial Palace, it possessed a unique charm of its own. Towering pillars adorned with detailed carvings lined the hall, though the layer of dust covering them hinted that the palace had long been abandoned.

Silence filled the air as they walked toward the main hall. The corridors stretched endlessly, their footsteps the only sound echoing through the empty space.

They finally reached the main hall. At the far end of the room stood a grand chair, almost like a throne, with a wolf's head carved into its backrest, exuding an imposing presence.

Suddenly, the air around them shifted. A strange fragrance drifted through the room, faint yet potent enough to make their heads feel light. Lang Huan exchanged a glance with Lin Ruochen, but before either of them could say a word, a heavy drowsiness took over.

"Something feels… off," Lang Huan whispered, her voice barely audible.

She tried to fight it, but her body grew weaker. Her knees buckled, and her vision blurred. In mere moments, both she and Lin Ruochen collapsed onto the cold stone floor.

---

When Lang Huan slowly opened her eyes, it felt as if she had just awakened from a deep slumber. The once dark and dusty main hall was now bright.

When Lang Huan slowly opened her eyes, it felt as if she had just awakened from a deep slumber. The once dark and dusty main hall was now bright.

What shocked her even more was the sudden appearance of a woman seated on the throne, radiating an aura of nobility and command.

Lang Huan rubbed her eyes, unsure if she was dreaming or awake.

Her thoughts flew to Lin Ruochen, but she was nowhere to be seen. Her heart pounded faster.

Amidst her growing unease, the woman on the throne smiled and called her name.

"Lang Huan."

Taking a cautious step forward, her heart pounded. "Who… are you?"

The woman's eyes met Lang Huan's, and a soft smile appeared on her lips. "Lang Huan, I've waited for you for centuries. Finally, you're here," she said, her voice echoing gently through the hall.

The woman looked at her calmly. "I am Lang Yuyan, your ancestor and the founder of Ling Xiao Palace. This palace once belonged to the Lang Clan, and you are my descendant."

"Lang Clan…?" Lang Huan whispered.

"Yeah…our Lang Clan was famous hundreds of years ago," Lang Yuyan continued. "But after the Great Qi Dynasty stabilized, the emperor saw us as a threat and destroyed our entire clan. That's why the palace was abandoned. It's your duty now to restore our clan's legacy in this dynasty."

Lang Huan blinked in shock.

"What exactly do you want from me? Revenge for our clan?"

"You want me to kill people... I can't do that." Lang Huan felt like her brain was about to explode. What did she mean by restoring the clan? Did I have to announce to the world that the Lang bloodline still existed? Or did I need to achieve something great in this dynasty to bring honor back to the clan?

Lang Huan took a step back, eyeing the woman cautiously. "Lang Yuyan, are you a ghost or a human?"

Lang Huan kept chattering, her thoughts spilling out one after another, while Lang Yuyan remained silent for a long time.

Finally, Lang Yuyan chuckled, her elegant laughter carrying a hint of helplessness. "You… which question should I answer first?" She shook her head with amusement. "No matter what, everything in this world follows its destiny. Do you believe it?

Lang Huan couldn't sort out the mess in her heart and asked again, "The Duke's son has the same face as me. Is it just a coincidence or…?"

She hesitated before adding another question, her voice filled with hope. "And… can I return to my world?"

Lang Yuyan looked at her and said, "It was fate that brought you here… and whether you return to your world or not also depends on fate. You can't escape it. Instead of overthinking, why not work hard and fulfill your destiny?"

She sighed. "The emperor sitting on the throne now is not a wise ruler. He doesn't deserve to be Emperor. Sooner or later, this dynasty will fall, and the people will suffer. For generations, our Lang Clan has carried the duty of protecting the people."

Lang Huan was stunned when she heard that. She never expected Lang Yuyan to be so updated on the current situation.

Oh God, is this woman a witch or a wandering spirit? How does she know everything?

"You're really choosing me?" Lang Huan asked, feeling doubtful. "But what can I even do? I'm useless and powerless."

Lang Yuyan fixed her gaze on Lang Huan, her voice firm and unwavering. "Who said you are powerless? Didn't you awaken your powers when you were in danger? From now on, you must learn to control your power. If you don't, It might become a threat to you."

Lang Huan froze. Her face turned pale as she processed Lang Yuyan's words. Awakened powers? "I… I don't even remember it," she murmured, her voice unsteady.

Lang Yuyan's gaze softened as she extended her hand. Resting in her palm was a glowing pill, radiating a gentle energy. "Don't worry, child. I will guide you. Take this spiritual pill—it will help you control your power. You need to cultivate your internal force. When your power awakens, don't ignore it. Remember, your body belongs to you."

Lang Huan stared at the pill, recognizing it from the murals she had read about. She sucked in a breath. What if it was poison? But she had no other choice. She didn't want to become the cold-blooded killer.

Taking a deep breath, Lang Huan grabbed the pill from her ancestor's hand. Here goes nothing. She swallowed it, and almost immediately, warmth spread through her body, filling her veins with energy.

But then, a sharp, searing pain shot through her lower abdomen, as if molten fire was coursing through her veins. She collapsed to the ground, clutching her stomach, rolling in agony as tears welled up in her eyes.