Chapter 27 : His First Resolution
As Shen Yuan emerged from the depths of his memories, a profound sorrow flickered in his eyes. Even after breaking free from the universe's control and revisiting his past, he hadn't grown wiser or more mature. Deep within, he remained that naive child, clinging to a fleeting hope:
that everything he'd endured was merely a temporary deception. A deception that would end, allowing him to return to the Shen Clan, where they would welcome him with open arms and take pride in him as he had always dreamed.
But the truth was far harsher than his dreams. When the memory of that fateful day—the last day he spent with the clan—resurfaced, a sharp pain pierced his heart. On that day, not only was his mother's cultivation crippled, but she was accused of tarnishing the clan's honor. Despite her own suffering, she had held him tenderly and whispered, "It's alright, my son. It's not your fault."
Shen Yuan bit his lip so hard that blood trickled down, fighting back tears. How could he have been so naive? How could he have believed that the clan, which abandoned both him and his mother, ever loved him?
Regret surged through him like wildfire, burning away every innocent thought he'd held about his family. In that moment, he made an irrevocable decision: he would grow stronger and make amends to his mother for all she had endured. He would restore her honor, no matter the cost.
Clenching his fists tightly, his eyes gleamed with newfound determination. "I'll make it up to her," he vowed silently. "No matter how long it takes, I'll become strong enough to protect her and reclaim her dignity."
The Elder's voice echoed in his mind, carrying a playful tone laced with a hint of comfort. "I didn't expect this, Shen Yuan. Your resolve is stronger than mine ever was. Perhaps having a guide like me isn't such a bad idea after all!"
Shen Yuan couldn't help but smile. The Elder was right. If they were truly the same person, sharing a similar past, then the Elder—the most powerful being in existence since the dawn of creation—had done it. So why couldn't he?
This simple, almost naive thought sparked a fire in his heart. "Yes, I have an advantage no one else in this world possesses!" he declared with fervor, a surge of energy coursing through him. "I'll seize it. I won't let despair control me!"
His expression shifted from regret and sorrow to a mask of unyielding resolve. Forgetting his plans for rest and tranquility, he prepared to resume his cultivation immediately. The time had come to take the first step toward his goal.
The Elder chuckled inwardly, aware that Shen Yuan's perspective was still limited, confined to this small world. But he didn't object. Shen Yuan's progress was satisfying—impressive, even. Initially, he had no clear purpose beyond becoming stronger. Why?
He didn't know. He had found himself suddenly confronted with another version of himself from a different timeline—a version so ridiculously powerful. He had to surpass that version, but he lacked a true reason to do so.
Now, everything had changed.
Shen Yuan realized he had been a victim of sinister manipulation, one that had nearly cost him his life countless times.
More importantly, he understood that his mother had suffered because of him. He had to seek justice for himself and for her, to make up for everything she had lost. This was no longer a vague desire for power—it was a clear purpose: to become the strongest in this world, strong enough to forge his own destiny.
Standing tall, Shen Yuan's gaze carried an unshakable promise. "I'll do it," he said to himself with unwavering confidence. "I'll become strong, and I'll change everything."
This was his first resolution, and he was determined to see it through, no matter the cost.
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