The sect master was still holding the newborn in his arms, gazing down at him like he was the greatest treasure in the world. Just moments ago, he'd laughed heartily and declared the boy's name to the heavens.
"Chen Chao," he said proudly, violet eyes gleaming.
But barely a few minutes later…
Boom.
The doors to the room slid open without a knock, and a terrifying pressure swept in like a storm. Even the mighty sect master instinctively stood a little straighter.
A tall woman walked in, her white hair shimmering like starlight and her sharp violet eyes practically glowing. She looked like she could slice through a mountain with a glance—and honestly, she probably could.
This was none other than the previous matriarch of the Chen Clan. The sect master's mother.
Chen Chao's grandmother.
Without saying a word, she walked straight past her son and reached for the baby.
The sect master, wise man that he was, handed him over immediately.
Her expression softened the moment the baby was in her arms. "My little lion…" she murmured, planting a kiss on both of his cheeks as her cold, regal aura melted into pure grandma energy. "So cute… Look at you…"
Then she turned her head slowly, very slowly—toward her son.
The pressure returned in full.
"I told you… I was going to name him," she said, voice sharp enough to pierce armor. "And what do I hear? You naming him behind my back?"
The sect master cleared his throat and gave a nervous smile. "I, uh—got caught up in the moment. It just… slipped out."
She narrowed her eyes, clearly not buying it.
"Hmph."
She promptly ignored him, turned away, and walked over to the sect mistress, who was resting on a jade-cushioned bed with gentle spiritual light surrounding her. She sat down beside her daughter-in-law, still holding the baby, and took her hand.
"You did well, sweetheart," she said gently. "How are you feeling?"
The sect mistress smiled weakly. "Tired… but happy."
The sect master, standing nearby, let out a sigh and rubbed the back of his neck. Dao Being or not, whenever his mother showed up, he always felt like he was fifteen again and about to get scolded for sneaking spirit wine.
Nine Years Later
The courtyard library was peaceful in the late afternoon, filled with soft sunlight and the rustling of spirit leaves in the breeze.
In the far corner of the library, a little boy sat in a chair way too tall for him. His white hair and violet eyes gave him an otherworldly look, and the calm way he flipped through pages only added to the impression.
Chen Chao.
Even though he had no memories of his past life, something inside him never stopped pushing. While other kids spent their free time running around, throwing rocks, or trying to impress the elders, Chen Chao was always here, nose deep in a book, absorbing knowledge like a sponge.
Right now, his small feet dangled from the chair as he read through a thick jade-bound manual on the structure of meridian paths.
Across the table sat another boy around his age. He looked… mildly tortured.
He'd been scowling for a while now, eyes flicking from his own book to the other kids playing outside.
Finally, he couldn't take it anymore.
"Chao… I don't wanna read anymore," he grumbled, slumping forward. "Let's go outside. Everyone's sparring today. I wanna show off my new move!"
Chen Chao didn't even look up. "Finish the book."
The boy groaned. "Ugh, we've been in here all day. I swear my brain is melting."
Still calm, Chen Chao flipped another page. "Finish that book, and I'll take you to Grandma's spiritual beast garden later."
"…What?"
"We'll catch one of her peacocks."
The other boy sat up straight. "Wait. The peacocks?"
"Yeah. The ones with rainbow feathers."
His best friend's eyes lit up like twin suns.
"Grandma only lets you eat them, right? Not even your dad can touch them!"
"Exactly," Chen Chao said casually. "Finish the book. We'll roast one together."
Suddenly, the boy was reading with the focus of a seasoned elder. Chen Chao looked at him, shook his head wryly, and returned to his own book.
This boy was Feng Yumo, illegitimate son of the Feng Clan patriarch. While most kids were scared of Chen Chao—mainly because he'd beaten them up once or twice—Yumo never seemed to mind. The two had been close since they were three, and for some reason, Chen Chao never lost his temper around him.
Outside the library, the Ethereal Dao Sect bustled with activity. It was one of the strongest sects in the entire Yiluan Greater World, ruled by three ancient clans.
The Chen Clan stood at the top, with the current sect master also serving as the Chen patriarch.
The Feng Clan was another, their bloodline known for fierce elemental techniques and sharp political maneuvering.
The third ruling clan? The Yun Clan—guardians of secrets and ancient formations. Quiet, strange, and reclusive, but terrifying when provoked.
These three clans formed the backbone of the Ethereal Dao Sect.
And within the Chen Clan's bloodline…
One little lion was starting to wake up.