Lin Xian stood quietly, his gaze fixed on the silver-haired beauty in front of him. The space around them was silent, like a dream. The stars floated in the sky above, and soft glowing mist moved like waves at their feet.
But despite the calm, Lin Xian's mind was sharp. He had seen many strange things, but this woman—she was on another level. Her very presence made the air feel heavier, her voice seemed to echo not just in his ears… but in his soul.
He stepped back slightly. "You still haven't answered. Who are you?"
The woman tilted her head and gave a small smile. "My name is Yue Wushuang."
Lin Xian narrowed his eyes. That name… it felt familiar. Like a whisper in the back of his mind.
"I've heard of you," he said slowly. "A villainess from ancient times. One who stood against the Heavenly Dao."
Yue Wushuang's smile deepened. "Villainess… hero… these are names created by winners. In my time, I was simply someone who refused to kneel."
She turned her gaze toward him, red eyes glowing faintly. "And now, you are the same."
Lin Xian stayed silent. He didn't deny it.
She began to walk slowly around him, studying him as if he were a rare beast.
"You killed a Son of Destiny," she said. "Devoured his bloodline. Broke through fate's control. That's not something even ancient monsters dared to do."
"I didn't do it to be bold," Lin Xian said coldly. "I did it to survive."
"Exactly," she whispered, stopping in front of him again. "That's why I'm here."
She raised her hand, and a flame appeared on her palm. It was silver-white, burning without heat, yet holding a terrifying power.
"This is the Heavenly Flame of Reversal. A gift only those who defy fate can touch."
She looked at him seriously. "But before I give it to you, I want to know something."
"…What?" Lin Xian asked cautiously.
Her red eyes seemed to glow brighter. "Do you want to truly stand above all?"
Lin Xian didn't answer right away.
He thought of the sect that tried to kill him. The Son of Destiny who nearly destroyed him. The fate that wanted him dead before he even had a chance to grow.
He thought of Shen Yue and Lin Yuer. Of their loyalty. Of how he had to manipulate and plan, always walking on the edge of a blade.
"…Yes," he said finally, voice calm. "I want to break the chains of fate. I want to tear down the heavens if they stand in my way."
Yue Wushuang laughed softly. It was a beautiful, chilling sound.
"Good," she said. "Then take this."
She extended her hand, and the silver flame flew into Lin Xian's chest. It didn't burn him. Instead, it melted into his soul, filling him with strange warmth and icy cold at the same time.
[You have obtained the Incomplete Heavenly Flame of Reversal (Level 1)]
[This flame grows with the user. It resists destiny-based attacks and increases power against Heaven-blessed enemies.]
Lin Xian's body shook, and he gasped for breath.
The power was real.
"Why help me?" he asked, his voice steady again. "What do you gain?"
Yue Wushuang turned away and looked into the starry distance.
"I was betrayed by those I trusted," she said softly. "Sealed by the very people I once fought beside. Sons of Destiny destroyed me once… but I'm not done."
She looked back at him. "You remind me of what I once was. And maybe… you can finish what I started."
Before Lin Xian could respond, the stars above began to flicker. A soft pull dragged at his body.
"Our time is over," Yue Wushuang said calmly. "The Shen Family will arrive soon."
She gave him one last look.
"I'll be watching."
With that, Lin Xian felt his body being pulled upward—and then everything turned black.
---
Back in the Real World
Lin Xian opened his eyes, lying in the courtyard where he had been earlier. The sun had just begun to rise.
Both Shen Yue and Lin Yuer rushed out from the room.
"Where did you go?" Lin Yuer asked, worried.
"You vanished!" Shen Yue added, holding his sleeve tightly.
Lin Xian smiled faintly. "Just a small dream… with big meaning."
He stood up, looking at the sky.
Today, the Shen Family would arrive.
And a new chapter of his journey… was about to begin.