A Tree on the Hill

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Above the planet Douluo—far higher than anyone could imagine—lay a realm not of space, but of a separate dimension.

It was a place seemingly without end, bound by standards far beyond the understanding of ordinary people.

The Divine Realm.

Thick clouds of energy blanketed the skies, shimmering with nine radiant, pulsating colors that constantly mixed and then separated again.

In one part of this realm, as if floating in a mass of water, stood a palace.

It was sea-blue, rising from the waves. At times, the water struck the outer platforms, and at others, it gently flowed across the paths leading to the palace like a calm current.

Yet no harm ever befell the palace or its inhabitants.

The palace was tall—soaring past the clouds and beyond.

At its pinnacle stood a stone trident. Colored clouds like ribbons of mist passed between its prongs.

Near the top layers of the structure, closer to its center, there was a platform that looked like it was made of water—unstable at a glance, but steady beneath the feet of the tall man standing upon it.

His long blue hair reached his waist, and his sea-green eyes held a calm, determined light. His figure was lean.

He wore a flowing robe that embodied the essence of the sea. A mortal who stared at it too long might feel themselves melt into it, consumed by the sheer presence.

How could a mortal ever hope to stand before a god and meet his gaze?

They could not comprehend the wrath, serenity, grace, or terror of the sea.

The man stepped toward a throne carved with dragons and sat with dignified composure.

Beside the throne, set into the platform, was a basin that seemed to draw in water.

He raised his right hand, and in a single moment, water rose and gathered in his palm. A moment later, it formed into a glowing, throbbing trident.

He brought it down hard and plunged it into the basin.

The Sea God, Tang San, furrowed his brows. "What was the source of that sensation?"

The trident shone with a powerful glow. Tang San's eyes turned violet as divine consciousness poured into the weapon. He closed his eyes.

Outside the palace, the waves froze momentarily before spiraling around the structure.

A few seconds passed before he opened his eyes again, now fading back to their natural color.

Tang San thought, "Nothing unusual… but during the Council meeting, I was sure something strange happened…"

He sat quietly for a moment, deep in thought, then suddenly began to tremble. His previously calm expression twisted, and his eyes turned blood-red. His long hair floated with rising power and began to turn white at the roots.

Even his blue robe began to turn red.

One might once have seen the Sea God as calm and benevolent—but now, only cruelty and absolute judgment emanated from him.

He quickly activated the Mysterious Heaven Skill and, for a moment, regained control.

But he was shifting involuntarily between his two forms. With each passing moment, he lingered longer in the Asura God's form.

Outside, the clouds around the palace twisted and compressed with such force that one couldn't tell whether the roar came from the waves or the heavens.

Then came a cry of pain louder than all of it: "Xiao Wu!"

Seconds later, a streak of light moved through the air and landed beside him.

The light became a woman, and when the Sea God stood at his full height, she barely reached his shoulder.

A slender woman with a ponytail that ended like a scorpion's tail and large pink eyes filled with worry.

"Brother San."

Tang San steadied himself and opened his arms. Xiao Wu stepped into his embrace and held him tightly.

Her eyes brimmed with concern. But she knew what to expect—and had already accepted it.

She closed her eyes.

The red aura on Tang San's body surged toward her like a wild beast. But the Asura God focused his will and slowed the flow so Xiao Wu could absorb it safely.

Their faces were tense, and the process continued for several minutes.

Eventually, Tang San returned to his usual form and collapsed weakly into his throne.

Xiao Wu sat on the watery platform, pain etched across her face as she absorbed the surrounding red mist.

The Sea God watched with weary eyes.

The Poseidon rank isn't strong enough. I have to elevate the Sea God's divine tier. A Rank One God's law cannot coexist with that of a Godking.

He continued observing Xiao Wu and murmured, "Something's approaching. An opportunity."

He recalled the strange feeling from the Council meeting and frowned.

The nature of Asura's cruelty is disturbing my focus. I've been making too many mistakes lately—and that's dangerous.

In the Divine Realm, in the palace of the Sea God, seated upon Poseidon's throne, Tang San closed his eyes and reviewed his plans with renewed determination.

***

Year 4106

***

Behind the Lin estate, a grey mountain stretched skyward. It once held iron ore, but those resources were nearly exhausted. Even if something remained, the Lin Clan no longer cared.

This place was no longer worth exploiting.

Though the rear face of the mountain was cut straight and steep, if one exited from behind the Lin estate and turned right, several uphill paths could be found.

These paths—dirt and stone the color of the mountain—lightened in shade the higher they went.

The air became fresher at these elevations, and the wind stronger.

If one listened closely, the sound of water could be heard.

The higher you climbed, the more greenery appeared—grasses, shrubs, even trees.

Natural underground streams flowed beneath the earth. Occasionally, the water surfaced, forming shallow pools under the shade of trees.

In one such quiet meadow with tall grass swaying in the breeze, a small, fluffy white creature with long ears was eating peacefully.

The rabbit twitched its whiskers, alert as it chewed.

A lazy insect buzzed nearby. Sensing the rabbit's warmth, it hovered, circled, and landed on its ear.

The rabbit scratched at the insect instinctively, its claws drawing in.

Annoyed, it hopped forward and lunged at the bug.

That reaction may have saved its life—because a shadow passed over the spot it had just vacated.

A snake had been lying in wait.

The furry creature spun and bolted uphill like lightning.

The snake didn't even give chase—it had no chance of matching that speed.

Still, the rabbit's legs moved instinctively, propelling it toward the sound of flowing water.

It saw the stream ahead and accelerated.

Upon reaching the damp ground, it leapt and landed in a small pool, sending droplets flying.

"Ugh! I'm soaked!"

A woman shrieked. One of the girls picked up a stone and threw it toward the rabbit—but it was already gone.

A tall woman stood nearby, having summoned her Martial Soul, the Stone of Purity, and leaned it against the streambank. She turned to her two companions, who were still fussing.

"We don't have all day. Help me. These clothes won't wash themselves."

The two sisters, Meimei and Nini, wiped water from their faces with their sleeves.

Nini bit her lower lip and sat beside the tall woman.

"Sister Lin, why are you washing everyone else's clothes? Let them do it."

The tall woman frowned. "Don't call me that, Nini. I don't deserve the clan name. Not everyone is worthy of it."

She looked toward Meimei. "Bring the rest of the laundry."

"Coming, Sister Xue."

As Meimei walked off, Xue continued, "Fate decides everyone's place. I awakened my mother's Martial Soul—but had no Soul Power."

Nini scowled. "Still unfair. You're better than us. You shouldn't be stuck as a servant."

Meimei returned and laid the laundry beside her. "That's right. Sister Xue deserves more."

For a moment, Xue's eyes dimmed before she returned to her task. "It's fine. There are worse things than washing clothes. Trust me."

She adjusted her Stone of Purity and resumed scrubbing.

Just then, the sound of footsteps and heavy breathing reached them.

The three women stopped and looked up.

About ten steps away, a small, skinny boy was walking past.

His messy dark blue hair was soaked with sweat, and his pale face made him look like he hadn't eaten properly in months.

He lacked balance, as if he might collapse at any moment.

His clothes were of fine quality, but they hung loose on his body.

Meimei squinted and gasped. "Young lord! What are you doing here?"

Lin Xue gently placed her hand on Meimei's neck and lowered her head into a bow. She and Nini bowed as well. "Young lord, we hope you're well."

"Rise. That's not necessary."

The boy's voice, though tired, was warm. He didn't stop to speak and continued on his way.

The women watched Lin Zhechen walk away. When they thought he was out of earshot, Nini whispered, "He's heading to the hill again."

Lin Xue murmured, "That place is special to him."

Meimei joined in, worried. "Poor young master. His mother died at birth, and his father…"

"Quiet. That's not something we're allowed to speak of."

Lin Xue lowered her voice. "Do you want to lose your head? Get back to work."

The sisters shivered and returned to washing.

A little further away, at the base of another steep incline, Lin Zhechen leaned against a tree, panting. His throat was dry.

He thought wearily, Mother… huh…

His eyes were closed, breathing slowly through his nose. From the moment he gained self-awareness and entered this world, weakness had been a constant companion.

One could imagine his shock when he realized he'd been reincarnated—into a world not simple by any means, but one where supernatural power existed.

Soul power... Everything depends on tomorrow. The day of Martial Soul awakening.

He would turn six tomorrow. That was the age when one's Martial Soul was awakened.

No matter how hard I try, I can't access my vital or spiritual energy, he thought bitterly. I don't even dare to put myself in real danger. I'm already halfway in the grave as it is.

Then, a sly smile crept across his lips.

Corin… you must've thought you erased me from existence. I hope we meet again someday, my friend.

He pulled his hand off the tree and looked up the slope.

Better hurry before my maid comes looking.

He took a deep breath, pulled his hand from the small tree, and continued his climb.

***

At the top of a green hill, part of the mountain range and overlooking a deep valley, stood a massive tree.

Its branches were broad and thick—so large that even from the bottom of the valley, the tree was clearly visible.

It cast a wide shadow over the hill, where a gentle breeze blew beneath its canopy.

Many flowers had bloomed around its roots, and the fragrance in the air gave off a deep sense of peace.

The same sense that Lin Zhechen now felt as he leaned against the trunk of the tree, hugging his knees and staring into the deep valley.

He rested his chin atop his knees and closed his eyes. His messy hair swayed gently, as if a hand were brushing it away from his forehead… and gently caressing his head.

Why…

The little boy opened his eyes and stared into nothing.

He whispered, "You sacrificed yourself for me."

Another death. Just like the Master.

"Because of me."

Someone else had been hurt again. And the blame…

With everything he had endured, one might have expected Kyle to grow numb to the blood on his hands. But he hadn't. He remembered every face. Each scar etched into his soul. He carried them always. At least in this life, that seemed to be the case.

Maybe my death wasn't so bad after all, he thought. Maybe… it gave something back.

Bitterness, mixed with a little hope, flickered in his thoughts.

Eternity… maybe it's possible in this life.

"I've wondered for so long… would you have made the same choice if you knew…"

…that I wasn't your real son?

Lin Zhechen leaned back, placing his hands behind him, and looked up. His eyes wandered aimlessly through the leaves.

Those warm eyes.

A crooked smile touched his lips. He sighed and stood with effort.

He dusted himself off.

Glanced once more at the tree from the corner of his eye.

Then murmured, "Tomorrow's my Martial Soul awakening."

A pause.

"Wish me luck…"

…Mother.

He gently touched the trunk once, then walked away without looking back.

A smile returned to his lips.

At least going downhill is easier.

The hill soon fell silent again. Only the occasional chirp of birds broke the stillness.

From the other side of the tree, a small bird flew down from a branch and landed softly on the grass.

It hopped several times toward a wooden plaque.

It pecked at it playfully a few times. When it failed to move, it lost interest and flew back up into the branches.

But the faint marks from its beak remained, added now to the already-visible writing:

Here rests Feng Liru.

A gentle woman, and a devoted mother.