"Where… am I?"
In the sea of chaos that was his mind, Gu Xuan's consciousness finally began to stir.
"Right—my name is Gu Xuan. I'm a citizen of Blue Star… no—"He paused as memories collided and tangled in his head. "I'm Gu Xuan, grandson of Bone Douluo, elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Two streams of memory—one from a modern world, one from this mysterious land—merged within him. But this time, the collision brought no agony.Instead, they fused smoothly, like water blending into milk, until Gu Xuan felt an odd sense of calm wash over him. He even allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
"I remember now."
He didn't know how long he had been lost in darkness, but when he opened his eyes again, everything was clear.He was Gu Xuan—both the one from Blue Star and the one from this world.
He had died on Blue Star and awakened here, in the Douluo Continent, within the halls of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.But the body he'd entered had been too weak to contain his full soul. His consciousness had splintered—only a fragment of awareness had been active, guiding the boy's life until now.
That fragment had shaped him: disciplined, obsessive, driven to study and train, and easily irritated by distraction.That was why others saw him as cold. Why Ning Rongrong saw him as a boring, joyless "monster of diligence."
Now, though, after the near-death fall, his true consciousness had been fully awakened—fused at last with the boy's memories. The pain had been excruciating, but it had also sparked something deep within him, forcing his body to awaken its hidden potential.
It was that sheer stubborn will that kept him alive until the rescuers came.
"Douluo Continent, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect… heh, this is going to be interesting."
A grin crept across his face.For someone who had lived his entire previous life in a mundane world, the chance to wield real power—spirit rings, spirit bones, and all—was a temptation no mortal could resist.
Gu Rong's grandson. Same age as Ning Rongrong.Yes—this was a golden age to be reborn.
But…
Even though he was grateful to Ning Rongrong for accidentally triggering his awakening, that didn't mean he forgave her.Hurting herself was one thing. Hurting him? That wasn't acceptable.
And if his grandfather dared to side with that spoiled girl again, then perhaps he didn't need a grandfather at all.
From his past memories, Gu Rong had always indulged Ning Rongrong, even urging Gu Xuan to spend more time with her despite her constant interruptions.If after all this—after nearly dying—Gu Rong still asked him to "forgive her," or worse, to apologize… then Gu Xuan would be done.
He opened his eyes.
The chaos receded. Above him stretched the familiar wooden ceiling of his room.
"Child, how are you feeling?"
A gentle voice spoke. Gu Xuan turned his head and found himself face to face with a graceful woman holding a small branch of blooming sea-tang flowers. Behind her, seven radiant spirit rings shimmered in perfect harmony.
Instantly, the knowledge buried in his mind pieced itself together. He knew who she was.
"I feel… fine," he said, frowning as he tried to move. "Just a little weak."
"You'll recover," the woman said kindly. "Some of your body's tissues have regrown—your strength just needs time to adjust."
Her tone was gentle, though a flicker of pity crossed her eyes.To suffer such an ordeal at his age—it was enough to make even a seasoned healer's heart ache.
A sudden gust of wind pushed the door open.
"Xuan'er! You're awake!"
A tall, broad man—nearly two and a half meters, though his thinning hair betrayed his years—appeared in the doorway. His aura filled the room, yet the expression on his face wasn't the calm power of a Titled Douluo. It was the anxious gaze of a terrified grandfather.
"Grand… grandfather. I'm fine."Gu Xuan's voice was calm, but his eyes dimmed a little when he met Gu Rong's worried face.
"Is he truly all right?" Gu Rong asked, turning to the healer.
"Please rest easy, Senior Gu," said the woman—Ye Xinlan, the Spirit Sage of the Nine-Star Begonia Clan. "Even if you don't trust me, you can trust my martial spirit. As long as a person's soul remains intact, the Nine-Star Begonia can heal any wound. The boy's injuries are completely mended. He only needs rest to adapt to his body again."
Her smile was warm, refined, confident—unfazed even before a Titled Douluo.
"Then I owe you a great debt," Gu Rong said solemnly.
"There's no need for thanks. Just don't let him tire himself," she replied, bowing lightly before taking her leave.
When the door closed, the room grew quiet again.
Gu Xuan shifted slightly, his limbs still heavy. "Seems like I really was hurt badly."
He tried to sit up, but his arms faltered. Gu Rong immediately reached out, gently helping him upright.
No kidding, Gu Xuan thought. The sect's best healers couldn't save me—they had to call the Nine-Star Begonia clan.
He'd been unconscious for three full days.That wasn't a light injury by any measure.
Gu Rong sat at the bedside, head bowed, silent.His whole demeanor radiated guilt and hesitation.
Gu Xuan nearly laughed. Really, old man? That face?
He waited. Nothing. Gu Rong finally looked up, meeting his grandson's steady eyes.
"Uh… Xuan'er," the old man began awkwardly, "I've already spoken to Fengzhi. From now on, Rongrong won't be allowed to disturb your training. And I won't pressure you about anything anymore. You can live how you like, speak to whoever you want. Is that… acceptable?"
"That's it?" Gu Xuan said flatly.
He almost died. And that was it?
If Ning Rongrong got away with nothing more than a scolding, then perhaps this sect wasn't worth staying in either.
Gu Rong hurriedly continued, "Fengzhi has already confined her. Three days so far. He said she won't be released until you're fully recovered. I—I didn't plead for her this time!"
Still no change in Gu Xuan's expression.
"And Fengzhi also promised to prepare a fifty-thousand-year spirit bone for you, as compensation," Gu Rong added quickly. "I agreed. Is that… enough?"
Gu Xuan's face remained cold for a moment longer, but then, slowly, his expression softened.
At least this time, his grandfather hadn't defended Ning Rongrong.That alone was progress.
In the past, if Fengzhi had even hinted at punishing her, Gu Rong would've jumped up and argued on her behalf.
But now, things were different.
As for the spirit bone… Gu Xuan almost scoffed aloud. Fifty-thousand years? A decent gesture, but hardly impressive.If Gu Rong really wanted to, a ninety-fifth-level Titled Douluo with spatial abilities could hunt one down himself.
And confinement? For Ning Rongrong? Her "room" was bigger than most villas—calling it a punishment was laughable.
Still, he could see it now: the old man had chosen his side when it mattered.That was enough—for now.
He gave a small nod. "Mm. Grandpa, I'm hungry."
For a heartbeat, Gu Rong just stared at him—then his face lit up with relief.
If the boy was asking for food, then perhaps things weren't broken between them after all.
"Wait here! I'll have something prepared immediately!"
He vanished in an instant, his figure dissolving into the air with a flash of spatial energy.
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