Darkness.
It wasn't the kind of darkness that came when night fell. It was heavier, thicker, pressing from all directions. Long Tianyu floated in it, his small body curled, his weak arms and legs twitching against soft walls that kept him confined.
The liquid around him was warm, almost comforting, but it was also suffocating. No air. No space. Only a steady, muffled thump, thump, thump that echoed rhythmically, like a giant drum.
He tried to move again. His arm bent, his tiny fingers curled, but his strength was laughably pitiful. His legs kicked, but the motion only stirred the fluid slightly.
Why is my body so weak? Where am I?
His thoughts spun, but his body gave him no answers.
Then memories crashed into him. A desk stacked with martial arts manuals, worn from constant reading. Piles of manga volumes scattered across the floor. His phone glowing as he scrolled through another light novel late at night.
His father's voice correcting his stance.His mother's warm, scolding tone when she caught him awake past midnight.His sister tugging at his sleeve, asking him to let her watch her shows instead of anime.
Lightning. Pain. His chest seizing up. Darkness.
I… died?
The realization came slow, almost reluctant. His heart throbbed in panic, though his body had no strength to respond.
Then, before fear could consume him, a sound echoed directly in his mind.
[Ding!]Assistant System initializing…
It was cold. Mechanical. No warmth, no emotion, just sterile efficiency.
Light flickered in the darkness. A glowing panel unfolded before him, neat golden letters written across it.
[Assistant System Panel]
Talent: Heavenly Comprehension
Age: 21 Weeks (Fetal State)
A system?
The panel was simple. Bare. There was no martial soul, no power, no status points. Just his talent and his age.
But his eyes locked on one word.
Heavenly Comprehension.
Lines of description unfolded beneath it.
Talent: Heavenly Comprehension
Bestowed by the Mother Goddess of Earth, origin of all life.
Grants limitless perception and insight.
Any concept, technique, or law can be understood, refined, and perfected.
Comprehension speed far exceeds natural limits.
Even weakness may evolve into strength through patience and understanding.
This… this is real? Heavenly Comprehension… it's like something straight out of a novel.
Excitement flickered, but then dimmed.
Wait. If I'm here… then what about them?
Faces returned. His father's firm back. His mother's tired smile. His sister's sulky pout.
I left them behind… I didn't even get to say goodbye.
The silence pressed down heavier. The heartbeat outside reminded him of where he was. A fetus. Trapped in a womb.
After a long while, he steadied himself.
I can't go back. That life is over. But this… this is a second chance. I'll use it.
His mind turned back to his talent. He focused inward. Old breathing methods from manuals, scattered fragments from novels, even exaggerated anime scenes—all wove together. His comprehension stripped away flaws, forming something new.
And then he felt it.
Tiny specks of light drifted in the dark.
Spirit energy…!
He reached out. Failed. Tried again. Failed. On the third attempt, one slipped into him.
Warmth spread through his tiny body.
Again… again…
A rhythm formed.
Inhale. Absorb. Exhale. Flow.
The lights swirled closer, slowly entering his frame. His mind calmed.
[Ding!]Skill Created – Fetal Innate Breathing
I really… made one.
The darkness no longer felt suffocating.
Good. Then I'll keep going.
His awareness grew with each cycle. Curiosity sparked. If I can draw energy in… can I see how it moves inside me?
Light flickered. Thin channels appeared—fragile, but connected.
Meridians… so it's true.
He reached further. Another body glowed before him, strong and radiant. Energy flowed through it steadily, feeding him.
This is… my mother.
Golden hair. Ruby eyes. Her life force flowing into him without hesitation.
She's… beautiful. Thank you, Mother Goddess… for giving me her. I'll protect her. No matter what.
The panel flickered.
[Ding!]Skill Created – Spiritual Scan
Cheat-vision unlocked. Not bad.
He extended it outward. Wooden walls. A straw roof. Clay jars, rough tables, woven mats.
A village house… humble, but warm. So this is where I'll be born.
The thought brought him peace.
Then warmth pressed from outside. A hand on his mother's belly.
"Hmm… you kicked again," she said softly, her voice tender and melodic. "Are you restless in there, little one?"
Her palm lingered. "You've been moving more these past few days. Mother's glad… it means you're healthy. Don't be afraid. Even if the world is harsh, I'll protect you."
Tianyu's chest trembled. I'll protect you too, Mother.
She laughed lightly when he shifted. "Ah, so spirited. Already telling Mother you'll be strong, hm?"
Her smile brightened. The vitality he circulated flowed subtly back into her, easing her fatigue. She touched her cheek and murmured, "Strange… I feel healthier these days. Maybe my little one is giving me his strength."
No, Mother… you're giving me everything. But if this helps you too, then I'll keep at it.
Her whisper followed, gentle as a lullaby. "Rest well, little one. Mother is here."
His thoughts softened. Thank you… Mother.
Darkness embraced him again, not with fear but with warmth. His mind drifted into sleep.
Time flowed. Days became weeks. Weeks became months.
Until the walls closed in. Pressure squeezed him forward. His mother's cries rang faintly, her heartbeat racing.
Light.
Cold air struck him. His lungs convulsed, and a sharp cry burst out.
"Waaaah!"
He was born.
Warm arms lifted him. His mother's golden hair brushed against him, her ruby eyes shimmering with tears. Exhausted, yet smiling, she cradled him close.
"My son…" she whispered, brushing his cheek. "You're finally here."
Her heart ached at the thought of her absent husband, but her gaze softened as she kissed his forehead.
"Your father's surname was Long. And your name will be Tianyu… my blessing from the heavens."
Her voice was gentle, firm with love.
"Long Tianyu."
His tiny fingers curled around hers, and after one last faint cry, he drifted peacefully into sleep in her arms.