This new realm was so impoverished and fragile that its ruler had even resorted to gathering every last immortal treasure just to feed his endless war.
Mountains had been stripped bare, sacred springs drained, and ancient sects uprooted—all so the war machine could continue devouring everything in its path.
Because of that devastation, Riley had no choice but to begin from the very bottom—reborn as a helpless infant.
Still, he made preparations, weaving a small thread of fate to ensure someone would find him.
"Uwahhhhhhh!"
His newborn cry tore through the suffocating silence of the ruined house, echoing off charred beams and shattered clay walls.
Dust drifted from above with every wail, disturbed by the tiny life hidden beneath the floorboards.
At last, after what felt like an eternity, light spilled into the cramped darkness.
A pair of rough hands pushed aside the wooden cover of the hidden compartment.
