The sun had climbed higher above the Tianxia Academy, painting the sky a warm gold. After finishing his daily system tasks, Li Wei washed up, changed into his uniform robes, and headed toward his class in the outer court hall.
His body felt lighter than before, steps more fluid, and his perception sharper.
The system was real.
His rebirth was real.
And he had no intention of wasting this second life.
🏫 [Scene: Outer Court Lecture Hall]
Inside the class, students chattered among themselves while waiting for the instructor. Some practiced their breathing techniques, while others scribbled notes on cultivation theory.
Li Wei entered quietly and took his usual seat in the corner.
Moments later, a familiar voice called to him.
"Li Wei!"
He turned.
There she was — Mu Yuelan.
Her eyes sparkled with affection, her expression soft, her voice gentle.
"I was looking for you. You didn't come to breakfast…"
"Are you feeling okay?"
Li Wei's gaze didn't flinch, even as memories of her betrayal flashed in his mind.
"I'm fine. Just… adjusting."
He forced a faint smile.
She smiled back and sat beside him. "Good… I was worried."
Worried?
In his past life, this same woman had pierced his heart without hesitation.
Before he could speak again—
[DING!]
🌀 [SYSTEM ALERT – SPECIAL QUEST UNLOCKED]
📜 Mission: Find the True Culprits
Not all enemies are known.
You were betrayed by five, but only one revealed herself.
🔍 Task:
– Use observation, interaction, and spirit sense to uncover the other four traitors.
– Time Limit: None
– Reward: +100 Duty Points
– Bonus Reward: Hidden Item (if completed without exposing yourself)
Li Wei's eyes narrowed.
"So she wasn't the only one…"
"Good. Then let the game begin."
⏳ [Later – After class]
As the lecture ended, Li Wei stepped out into the academy pathway, walking calmly toward the exit gate.
But halfway through the stone corridor, he heard raised voices from around the corner.
"Hey, come on… just talk to us for a bit."
"Yeah, don't act so pure. We're just being friendly."
Li Wei peeked around and saw three senior students cornering a young girl from the alchemy department. She clutched her bag tightly, clearly uncomfortable.
Li Wei's brows furrowed.
He wasn't a hero. But he knew what it felt like to be powerless.
"Three against one. How brave."
His voice echoed coldly as he stepped forward.
The boys turned. "Huh? What's your problem?"
Li Wei didn't answer.
He simply raised his right foot—and slammed it into the chest of the closest one.
[SFX: THUD!]
The student crashed against the wall, coughing blood.
The others froze.
Li Wei stepped forward calmly.
"Leave. Now."
Within seconds, the three disappeared down the path without another word.
The girl looked up, wide-eyed.
"Th-thank you…"
Li Wei didn't smile.
"This path isn't safe. Let me walk you home."
She hesitated… then slowly nodded. "Alright…"
🏠 [Scene: On the way to her home]
They walked in silence for most of the journey. The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the path.
"By the way…" the girl finally spoke, "My name is Lan Xue."
"Li Wei," he replied.
She smiled slightly. "I've heard your name before. You're the quiet one in Class 7."
He didn't respond. His eyes were scanning the surroundings, sharp and alert.
And then—
As they turned the corner into her housing block—
Li Wei froze.
His heart stopped for a second.
"No way…"
His eyes narrowed at the ancient symbol carved on the stone near her gate.
He recognized it.
It was the same symbol worn by one of the cultivators who murdered him in his past life.
[Inner monologue:]
"That crest… what's it doing here?"
Lan Xue noticed his expression. "Something wrong?"
Li Wei looked at her again—really looked.
Her eyes… her aura… she wasn't ordinary.
"No," he said softly.
"But I'll definitely be seeing you again, Lan Xue…"
📘 [To be continued…]