Chapter 1: Rebirth of the Fallen
The sky above the cultivation realm cracked like shattered glass. A blinding streak of crimson lightning tore through the clouds, striking a lone figure lying motionless on the cold ground.
Shadow gasped for breath.
His eyes snapped open.
He wasn't supposed to be alive.
A moment ago—at least in his memory—he had been fighting against overwhelming enemies, betrayed by those he trusted. His final moments were filled with rage, regret, and the burning desire for another chance.
And now… he was here.
He raised his hands slowly. They were small, thin, and young.
"No way… this is my old body," he whispered.
He touched his face. He felt the familiar features of his 16-year-old self—the age before everything started going downhill in his last life.
The universe had answered him.
Reborn. Back in time. Back before his fall.
A faint warmth stirred inside his chest.
A flame.
Not normal fire. It was dark—shadowy—yet strangely bright at the same time. It wrapped around his heart like a sleeping beast.
"So this power came with me… the Shadow Flame." His eyes glowed for a brief second. "This time, I won't lose everything. I'll rise. No matter what."
Footsteps echoed in the distance.
Shadow turned, noticing two figures approaching. One looked shocked, the other terrified.
"Young master?" the girl cried. "You're awake! After falling from the cliff, we thought—"
Shadow smiled. "Relax. I'm not dying that easily."
But deep inside, he knew the truth.
This life would not be the same.
He would change everything.
He would climb to the peak.
He would burn anyone who dared stand in his way.
And thus began the rise of the Shadow Flame.