Morning sunlight slowly spread across the Xiao Clan courtyard.
Young disciples gathered around the large stone platform where cultivation tests were usually conducted.
Fists struck wooden dummies.
Dou Qi flickered faintly around several youths.
But no one noticed the young man standing silently near the edge of the courtyard.
Xiao Tian.
His calm gaze observed everything.
The noise.
The laughter.
The arrogant geniuses.
All of it felt incredibly distant.
Because Xiao Tian's mind was still replaying the events that had happened only moments earlier.
His rebirth.
The awakening of the Demonic Lotus memories.
And most importantly…
The flame inside his body.
The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
One of the most terrifying Heavenly Flames in existence.
Even in his previous life as the Heavenly Flame Emperor, Xiao Tian had never obtained this flame.
Yet now…
It resided within his soul.
Hidden.
Dormant.
Waiting to awaken.
Xiao Tian slowly clenched his fist.
A faint crimson light flickered between his fingers before disappearing instantly.
Even that tiny spark made the surrounding air distort.
If anyone saw it…
The entire Xiao Clan would panic.
He quickly suppressed the flame.
"Too dangerous…"
His current cultivation was still too weak.
If the flame fully awakened now, his body might be burned to ashes.
But despite that danger…
A small smile appeared on Xiao Tian's face.
Because he now possessed something that could shake the entire continent.
A power that once belonged to the legendary Demonic Lotus Saint.
Just as Xiao Tian was lost in thought—
A gentle voice suddenly called out.
"Brother Xiao Tian."
His body froze slightly.
That voice.
He would recognize it even after a thousand lifetimes.
Slowly turning around, he saw a young girl walking toward him.
Elegant.
Graceful.
Her long black hair flowed like silk behind her.
Her beauty instantly attracted the attention of the surrounding disciples.
It was Gu Xuner.
The girl Xiao Tian once loved more than anything.
But now…
When he looked at her, his heart remained completely calm.
Xuner smiled gently.
Her expression was warm
Almost affectionate.
"Brother Xiao Tian, you didn't come train with me today."
In the past, Xiao Tian would have immediately rushed to her side.
But today he simply stared at her quietly.
Xuner suddenly felt something strange.
His eyes.
They were different.
Before, whenever Xiao Tian looked at her, his eyes were full of admiration.
Now…
They were cold.
Calm.
Almost indifferent.
"I'm busy," Xiao Tian replied simply.
Then he turned around.
And started walking away.
Just like that.
Without another word.
Shock
Gu Xuner stood there in stunned silence.
Her mind blank for a moment.
Did…
Did Xiao Tian just ignore her?
This had never happened before.
Ever since she arrived in the Xiao Clan, Xiao Tian had always followed her like a loyal protector.
Helping her train.
Helping her gather resources.
Even defending her during conflicts.
But today…
He didn't even spare her a second glance.
A strange feeling appeared in her heart.
Not sadness.
Not anger.
But confusion.
"Brother Xiao Tian…"
She called again.
But Xiao Tian didn't stop.
His figure soon disappeared beyond the courtyard.
Leaving Xuner standing there.
For the first time since meeting him…
She felt something slipping out of her control.
Another Observer
Leaning lazily against a stone pillar nearby was a young man wearing black clothes.
He had watched the entire scene unfold.
His name was Xiao Yan.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Strange…"
Everyone in the clan knew Xiao Tian liked Xuner.
Actually, it was more like obsession.
Yet today he treated her like a stranger.
Xiao Yan shrugged.
"People change."
Then he returned to his training.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tian had already left the courtyard.
He walked toward the mountains behind the Xiao Clan.
The forest there was quiet.
Perfect for cultivation.
After reaching a secluded cliff, Xiao Tian finally stopped.
The valley below stretched endlessly.
Wind blew through his hair.
He slowly sat down cross-legged.
Closing his eyes.
"Let's see…"
"How much power I still have."
He began circulating Dou Qi inside his body.
Energy from the surrounding environment rushed toward him.
Faster.
Faster.
Much faster than normal cultivators.
Because Xiao Tian still possessed the cultivation experience of his previous life.
Within minutes—
A faint aura erupted from his body.
BOOM
Dust rose around him.
His cultivation instantly advanced.
Three-Star Dou Zhi Qi.
Xiao Tian opened his eyes.
A faint smile appeared.
"In my previous life…"
"It took three years to reach this stage."
"But now…"
"Only a few minutes."
However…
The true power still remained hidden.
Deep inside his soul.
The Demonic Lotus Flame.
Xiao Tian slowly raised his hand.
For a moment, he hesitated.
Then—
A tiny spark appeared on his fingertip.
A crimson flame shaped like a lotus petal.
The temperature around him instantly skyrocketed.
Even the rocks beneath his feet began melting.
Xiao Tian's pupils contracted.
"Just a fragment…"
"And it's already this terrifying."
If the full flame awakened…
Entire cities would turn to ash.
But instead of fear—
Excitement filled Xiao Tian's heart.
Because with this power…
His revenge would become possible.
His eyes slowly turned cold.
"Gu Xuner…"
"You used me for your goals."
"You betrayed me for Xiao Yan."
"Destroyed my life."
He slowly closed his hand.
The flame vanished instantly.
"But this time…"
"I will not be your pawn."
Then his gaze turned toward the distant western horizon.
Beyond countless mountains lay a scorching desert.
The Tagore Desert.
The territory of the Snake People.
The place where a proud queen ruled.
The woman who cried for him in his previous life.
Medusa.
For the first time since rebirth…
A gentle expression appeared on Xiao Tian's face.
"This time…"
"I won't ignore you."
"Just wait for me."
Above him, the wind roared across the sky.
And deep inside his soul—
The Demonic Lotus Flame slowly flickered.
As if responding to its master's rebirth.
A terrifying legend was about to begin.