Within the Independent Realm of the Luo Clan.
It was a domain of boundless majesty, where celestial manors and palaces floated amidst a sea of countless stars and planets.
At the very center of this realm stood the Primordial Ancestor Palace, the sanctum of the twelve founding entities of the Luo Clan.
The interior of the palace was divided into thirteen chambers—one positioned at each of the twelve cardinal points, and a single, sovereign chamber at the center.
This central chamber housed the Birth Crystal, which pulsed with a radiant, domineering aura that felt truly limitless.
At this moment, the Twelve Primordial Ancestors stood in a circle around the Birth Crystal.
"Did you summon us here because of this Birth Crystal you have guarded for so long, Old First?" the Tenth Primordial Ancestor asked, her voice carrying limitless might and power.
"Yes. Today is the day we shall witness it all," the First Primordial Ancestor replied, his tone calm and radiating a superior aura.
The Twelfth Primordial Ancestor gazed intently at the figure sealed within the crystal.
"So, are we going to let him choose his own name?" the Twelfth Primordial Ancestor asked.
"Absolutely," the First Primordial Ancestor affirmed.
Viewed up close, the Birth Crystal revealed the form of a young boy—a toddler who appeared as fresh and pure as a newborn babe.
"He is certainly more handsome than I..." the First Primordial Ancestor mused.
"Of course he is. Is he not your great, great, great... hmm, let us simply call him a descendant?" the Fourth Primordial Ancestor teased in response.
"Insolence." The First Primordial Ancestor glared at the Fourth with eyes that could crush her out of existence in a second.
This caused the Fourth Primordial to take a slight step back; although they were of the same era, the First Primordial was the strongest among them by a vast margin.
None of the Primordial Ancestors had seen the First this angry in eons, and the sight caused their hearts to beat faster in shock.
"You all may not know, but this Birth Crystal is the creation of Master," the First Primordial stated, regaining his calm.
The Primordial Ancestors turned to the First in shock, their composure shattering instantly as disbelief washed over them.
"What do you mean, Old First?" the Second Primordial Ancestor asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"Yes, what do you mean the Birth Crystal is a product of Master?" the Third and Fourth Primordial Ancestors demanded in unison.
The First Primordial Ancestor looked at them solemnly. "Back when Master created the twelve of us with his own blood, he forged us to be invincible supreme existences, beneath only him."
"But that was merely part of his grand plan. He sacrificed his form to become the core of reality, blending into the air we breathe and the very fabric of existence, leaving us to rule in his stead. We founded the Luo Clan under my command to conquer the myriad realms and hold absolute dominion over all creation," the First Primordial recounted.
"Why do you bring that up now?" the Second Primordial Ancestor asked, looking at the First with hesitation.
"In truth, Master is not dead... He knew that by using all his power to create a truly limitless existence, he would fall into a deep slumber from which he could not wake. That is why he left this Birth Crystal to me," the First Primordial Ancestor revealed.
The Primordial Ancestors were thunderstruck. 'Master is not dead?'
Silence descended upon the room, then the First Primordial continued, "This Birth Crystal is Master's new true body. He instructed me to tell you only when he awakened, for he knew you would try every possible method to bring him back prematurely, perhaps even in foolish ways."
At that very moment, the Birth Crystal began to fracture, and the body sealed within began to stir.
Instantly, the very existence of every Primordial Ancestor trembled, resonating with the rebirth of their Master.
All doubt vanished from the Primordial Ancestors' minds; they could feel that the being inside the crystal was, without question, their Master.
As the crystal shattered completely, the toddler's form began to mature at a visible rate, transforming into the appearance of a seven-year-old; his hair was as deep and dark as the void, his skin like creamy white jade shining with inner light, and his black eyes seemed capable of devouring all things, resembling true nothingness.
He was Luo Fan, the Master of the Twelve Primordial Ancestors.
"Hmm... it has been a long time," Luo Fan murmured.
The Twelve Primordial Ancestors knelt instantly, moving faster than the speed of light, their foreheads pressing heavily against the ground in absolute submission.
"Greetings, Master Luo, the Supreme of All," the Twelve Primordial Ancestors chanted in unison.
"How have you all been? I hope I did not make you wait too long?" Luo Fan asked, gazing down at them.
"Of course, Master. Every second spent apart from you felt like an eternity, yet we would never cease our wait," the First Primordial Ancestor replied, his voice overflowing with joy.
Luo Fan glanced around, and in that instant, all information regarding the Luo Clan and the events that transpired during his absence flooded into his mind.
"You were certainly clever with the concept of the Luo Clan; controlling the apex of the pyramid and spreading influence below, maintaining not just absolute control, but an absolute power that chooses when to intervene," Luo Fan praised them.
The Twelve Primordial Ancestors felt as if they had ascended to a higher plane; they actually blushed at the praise, reacting like bashful children.
"Master, shall I announce your return to the entire Luo Clan?" the First Primordial Ancestor asked Luo Fan.
Luo Fan pondered for a moment, then smiled. "Crown me with the status of the Young Lord of the Luo Clan."
The Twelve Primordial Ancestors were slightly confused by Luo Fan's intention, yet they were never in a position to doubt; to listen and obey was all they should do, and all they would ever do.
"Of course, Master, if that is your desire," the First Primordial Ancestor responded.
"Also... I am proud of you all," Luo Fan added softly.
The Twelve Primordial Ancestors looked up at Luo Fan; a flutter of profound emotion stirred within them, their hearts felt fuller than ever before, and their minds experienced the absolute pinnacle of happiness.
Luo Fan glanced at his naked form, then snapped his fingers; instantly, priceless attire materialized upon him—simple white and black robes, yet the fabric seemed not artificial, but woven from nature itself.
"You shall never address me as 'Supreme of All' or 'Master' unless we are alone, understood? You may watch over me from the shadows, but ensure no one discovers my true identity. Is that clear?" Luo Fan commanded, his eyes locking onto them with a warning glint.
The Twelve Primordial Ancestors nodded fervently; the thing they desired least was to upset Luo Fan.
Luo Fan touched his chin in thought. 'If counting by existence, I am ancient, but in terms of lived years, I am still young. When I was born, I was born all-powerful, invincible, all-knowing, and unrivaled—truly the pinnacle of everything. In just a few years, I created the Twelve Primordial Ancestors, and then... if we count, it has only been about what? Thirteen years?'
'I suppose I need to act more like a thirteen-year-old,' Luo Fan thought playfully.