When Lin Chen regained consciousness, he found himself in a room that felt both familiar and alien. He abruptly opened his eyes, filled with shock and disbelief.
"This is... my room from when I was young? Wasn't I already..." Unable to believe his eyes, Lin Chen pinched himself hard; the sharp pain told him this was no dream.
"I've actually been reborn!" An indescribable wave of joy and excitement surged in Lin Chen's heart. He couldn't help clenching his fists and punching the air, unable to suppress his euphoria.
After calming down, Lin Chen began to carefully recall his current situation. He had returned to his sixteenth year. His parents were still alive, his younger sister was innocent and adorable, and although the family was not well off, they lived in peace and harmony.
Dawn was just breaking when Lin Chen walked out of his room on tiptoe. He saw his father in the courtyard tidying up farm tools in preparation for work in the fields, while his mother was inside tidying up and getting breakfast ready for the family. His sister was still fast asleep, a sweet smile hanging on the corners of her mouth. This warm scene brought tears to Lin Chen's eyes. Everything he had lost in his past life was now restored before him, and he swore to himself that he would protect this happiness at all costs.
Thinking of the tragic experiences of his previous life, Lin Chen knew that time was of the essence and he had to improve his strength as quickly as possible. Although his martial path talent had not yet fully manifested, relying on the memories and experiences of his past life, he was confident he could rise rapidly.
Lin Chen decided to start his cultivation with basic body-refining exercises. Every morning, while others were still fast asleep, he would go to the woods behind the house to practice horse stances and punches. Every movement was standard and powerful, and though sweat fell like rain, he felt not the slightest fatigue.
In addition to practicing diligently, Lin Chen also relied on his memories from his past life to search for various resources that could enhance his strength. He remembered that in a remote valley outside the town grew a precious herb called Spirit Heart Grass, which was of immense help to martial artists in the initial stages of cultivation.
To obtain the Spirit Heart Grass, Lin Chen embarked on a perilous journey without hesitation. Along the way, he crossed mountains and ridges, and pushed through thorn-choked paths. The valley was shrouded in mist, gloomy and terrifying, with the roars of fierce beasts echoing through the air from time to time.
Lin Chen proceeded with extreme caution, remaining constantly on guard. Suddenly, a sleek black panther sprang from the woods and lunged straight at him. Lin Chen quickly sidestepped to dodge, while the short sword in his hand flashed with a cold light as he stabbed at the panther.
The panther nimbly avoided the attack and lunged again. Lin Chen engaged in a fierce battle with the beast. Making full use of his combat skills from his past life, he observed the panther's movements and searched for its openings.
After a thrilling bout, Lin Chen finally seized an opportunity, thrusting his sword into the panther's throat to end the fight.
Venturing deeper into the valley, Lin Chen finally discovered the Spirit Heart Grass near the edge of a cliff. However, just as he reached out to pluck it, a giant python darted out from a nearby stone cave, opening its blood-red maw with a menacing aura.
Lin Chen was startled, but he quickly calmed down. With a resolute gaze, he squared off against the python. The python launched the attack first; Lin Chen nimbly dodged and maneuvered, waiting for an opportunity to strike with his short sword.
The python's body was thick and powerful, every whip of its tail carrying the sound of rushing wind. Yet, relying on his rich combat experience and agile footwork, Lin Chen gradually gained the upper hand.
Finally, Lin Chen found the python's vital spot beneath its neck and thrust his sword forward with all his might. The python writhed in agony before finally crashing heavily to the ground.
Having successfully harvested the Spirit Heart Grass, Lin Chen set off on his return journey with a heart full of joy.
Upon returning home, Lin Chen immediately set about refining pills. After several days of careful preparation and refinement, he finally succeeded in producing pills capable of boosting his cultivation.
After swallowing the pill, Lin Chen felt a powerful surge of energy coursing through his body. Striking while the iron was hot, he continued his cultivation, and his strength soared step by step.
As time passed, Lin Chen gradually began to make a name for himself in the small town. During a minor sparring match on the martial path, he easily defeated numerous opponents, displaying extraordinary strength that caught the attention of some local factions.
However, Lin Chen knew deeply that this was merely the beginning. He had to keep growing stronger until he possessed sufficient strength to face his enemy from the past life, Wang Hao, and wash away his humiliation.