The Lin Clan was one of the most influential families in the martial world. Behind the high walls of their residence lay a power that made many sects and other clans bow their heads. They were not only known for their vast wealth and territory but also for their inheritance of martial arts: the Lightning Sword Technique.
This sword art was legendary for its speed, surpassing the eye's ability to follow, and its attacks that seemed to split the air like a lightning strike. Every swing of the sword carried the vibration of thunder, creating a rumble that terrified opponents and had been the pride of the Lin Clan for hundreds of years.
At the peak of this clan's power stood Lin Zhanlong, the leader of the Lin Clan, an undefeated sacred swordsman in the dueling arena. Under his rule, the people of their territory lived in prosperity, and no one dared to act recklessly.
Today was the first day Lin Tian was leaving the main residence to walk around the city. They used the family's horse carriage, adorned with the lightning dragon emblem fluttering on a small flag at the front. Two mounted guards escorted them, riding calmly yet alert, following closely behind.
All of this was at the request of Lin Tian's mother, who was worried about the safety of her youngest son.
Inside the carriage, Lin Tian lay on a cushioned seat covered in deep blue fabric. His small hands rested on his stomach as his eyes gazed at the carriage ceiling, which was adorned with carvings of lightning dragons, the symbol of the Lin Clan's greatness.
Lin Yu, sitting beside him, looked at his younger brother with curiosity.
"Tian'er, why are you so quiet? What are you thinking about?" Lin Yu asked softly.
Lin Tian let out a small sigh. "It's my first time leaving the residence, so… Tian'er's heart is beating fast," he replied in a childlike voice that tried to sound honest, though in truth, his thoughts ran much deeper than that.
For Lin Tian, whose soul was Sun Chen from his previous life, the outside world had always been a foreign place. In his past life, he only stayed at the flower mountain sect, guarding the quiet library, avoiding conflicts due to his fear of battles. He had never walked through a market, never tasted street food, and never experienced the warmth of a simple life like this.
Now, with his new body as Lin Tian, he wanted to experience it all, little by little.
Lin Yu smiled, gripping Lin Tian's hand firmly. "Are you scared? Don't worry, your brother is here. Anyone who tries to hurt you will have to deal with me."
Lin Tian turned to look at his brother's confident, radiant face, and a small smile appeared on Lin Tian's lips. In his heart, he murmured,
Brother, one day, I will be the one protecting you. But for now, let me live as your little brother.
Lin Tian remembered that in a year, the Dragon and Phoenix Tournament would take place, and he knew Xue Ying would appear there. In his previous life, Lin Tian had heard Xue Ying mention once that she had encountered a girl from the Lin Clan, Lin Yu. Lin Tian wondered if his presence in this life would change the fate he had heard about before.
But one thing was certain, if something strange happened, Lin Tian would not stand by idly.
When the carriage stopped in the city center within the Lin Clan's territory, Lin Tian stepped down with Lin Yu. They walked along the cobblestone streets, passing shops and street vendors selling various goods. The aroma of baked bread and meat soup filled the air, mingling with the sounds of bargaining and children's laughter as they ran through the crowds.
Lin Tian's eyes widened, reflecting the colorful life of the city. Everything felt so new to him.
Lin Yu held his younger brother's hand with a smile. "Do you like this place, Tian'er?"
Lin Tian nodded, his eyes still scanning around, taking in every corner of the bustling city with amazement.
"Do you want to eat something? Look, that's brother's favorite roasted chicken," Lin Yu said, pointing to an old vendor roasting chicken over charcoal.
They bought two skewers of roasted chicken and ate as they walked. The savory, spiced chicken filled Lin Tian's mouth, making his eyes light up while his chubby cheeks puffed out cutely as he chewed.
Seeing this, Lin Yu chuckled softly, patting his brother's head. "Eat slowly, Tian'er."
Lin Tian nodded with his mouth full, his round eyes looking adorable.
People passing by would pause briefly, glancing at the two children with respect. They recognized the lightning dragon emblem on Lin Yu and Lin Tian's clothing, a sign that they were the son and daughter of the revered Lin Clan leader.
After finishing their meal, they walked past clothing shops, jewelry stores, and toy shops. Lin Yu bought a flower-shaped hairpin for herself, placing it in her hair while smiling at Lin Tian.
However, in the middle of their stroll, Lin Tian suddenly stopped.
Among the large, bustling shops, there was a small, newly opened store. The building was simple, with a white wooden sign above the door that read: "Jasmine Flower Pavilion."
No one was visiting the store, and there was no sound from inside. The wooden door was tightly shut, and a wind chime hung above it, swaying gently in the breeze, producing a soft sound.
Lin Tian stared at the store with a blank expression. Something felt heavy in his chest as he read the name.
Jasmine Flower Pavilion.
That name… felt familiar.
His eyes gradually widened, as if flashes of shadows appeared in his mind. The faint scent of jasmine, the sound of rain, and the blurry smile of a woman… all felt like fragments of memories surfacing and fading quickly.
Lin Yu noticed her brother had stopped. "Tian'er? Why did you stop?"
Lin Tian didn't answer, his gaze still fixed on the Jasmine Flower Pavilion. His hand clenched, and his breathing quickened.
In his heart, Lin Tian whispered,
This place… why does it feel like… I've heard this name before…
The evening breeze blew, carrying the gentle yet sharp scent of jasmine to Lin Tian's nose. The wind chime above the shop door swayed faster, its sound ringing clearly in Lin Tian's ears, making his heart beat even faster.
His foot took one step closer to the shop door, but then he stopped. His hand reached out, almost touching the wooden door handle.
Lin Tian's eyes trembled, his breath held, and his chest tightened.
This place… who is waiting inside?
Lin Tian stood there, frozen, his eyes unblinking, as a voice echoed deep within him,
"Jasmine Flower Pavilion… this is where everything will begin…"
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