Past

With the first light of dawn filtering through the window, Ling Tian concluded his night of intense cultivation.

Rising from his meditative posture, he stretched his limbs, feeling a sense of satisfaction in his progress.

As he prepared to face the new day, Ling Tian reflected on the importance of patience and diligence in cultivation. 

"Solid foundations are key," 

He murmured to himself, reaffirming his commitment to steady progress. Just then, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and his father's voice called out from the other side.

"Tian'er, have you woken up yet?"

Ling Tian felt a surge of uncertainty as he grappled with the decision to reveal the truth about his past life.

Without hesitating, he took a deep breath, knowing in his heart that it was time to share his secret with his parents.

With determined steps, he approached the door and swung it open.

To his surprise, both his mother and father stood before him, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. 

Ling Tian's heart raced as he prepared to disclose the truth about his extraordinary journey.

Before Yuan Wei and Yuan Mei had time to speak Ling Tian spoke to them.

"Mother, Father," he began, looking into their eyes with a mix of apprehension and resolve, "there's something very important I need to tell you."

His parents exchanged a quick glance, their concern deepening.

His father stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 

"What is it, Tian'er? You can tell us anything."

Ling Tian took a deep breath, steadying himself. 

"I... I remember my past life. I have memories of being someone else, living in another time and place."

His mother gasped softly, her hand covering her mouth in shock.

His father's eyes widened, but he maintained his composure, urging Ling Tian to continue.

"In my past life, I was a powerful cultivator in the Divine Radiance Realm," 

Ling Tian explained. 

"I was betrayed by those I trusted most and died because of it. When I reincarnated into this life, those memories began to resurface."

Silence filled the room as his parents absorbed his words. Ling Tian watched their faces, searching for signs of disbelief or rejection, but instead, he saw only concern and love.

His mother was the first to speak. 

"Tian'er, this is... incredible. I don't fully understand it, but we believe you."

His father nodded, his grip on Ling Tian's shoulder tightening slightly in a gesture of support. 

"We will stand by you, no matter what. This changes nothing about how much we love you."

Emotions swelled in Ling Tian's heart as he felt the weight of his secret lift. He embraced his parents, feeling a deep sense of relief and connection.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for believing in me."

After everyone calmed down, they sat around the table in Ling Tian's room. Ling Tian was the first one to speak.

"Mother, how is Xin'er right now? Is she alright?"

His mother, Yuan Mei, nodded with a gentle smile.

"Yes, she's resting. She was exhausted from everything that happened, but she will be fine after some rest. Your father and I made sure she was well taken care of."

Ling Tian let out a sigh of relief. 

"I'm glad. I was so worried about her. If anything had happened…"

His father, Yuan Wei, placed a reassuring hand on his arm. 

"You did everything you could, Tian'er. You saved her, and now we know how strong you are. We'll make sure both of you are prepared for any future trouble and you can cultivate in peace, if nothing else I can at least make pills for you."

Ling Tian nodded, feeling a renewed sense of responsibility and determination. 

'I need to get stronger, faster. With the memories of my past life and the power of the Eternal Transcendent Scripture, I can protect our family and achieve my goals.'

After looking at his determined face his parents exchanged a look, then his father spoke. 

"We'll support you in any way we can. But remember, true strength comes not just from power, but from wisdom and the bonds we share with those we love. Don't rush and risk your safety. Don't treat everyone you see as a burden and end up alone when you need someone else."

Ling Tian absorbed his father's words, feeling a deeper understanding settle within him. He then thought of his past life where he was immersed in his cultivation most of the time.

'I was such a bad judge of character that even my sworn brother betrayed me. And due to my cultivation, I never made many friends. The only few I had were- sigh.'

"You're right, Father. I've learned from my past lives that pushing everyone away only leads to loneliness and regret. This time, I'll cherish the people around me and grow stronger with them."

Yuan Wei nodded approvingly. 

"Good. We're proud of you, Tian'er. You've faced more than most ever will, and you're still standing. That resilience will carry you far."

Ling Tian's mother, Yuan Xinyi, smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth. 

"Remember, you're not alone. We're with you every step of the way. And don't forget, you have a little sister who looks up to you. Be the best big brother you can be for her."

Ling Tian's heart swelled with love and gratitude. 

"I promise, I'll protect Xin'er and all of you. I'll become someone you can be proud of, someone worthy of the love and trust you've given me."

His mother hugged him tightly. 

"We're already proud of you, Tian'er. Just stay true to yourself and your path."

As they sat together, Ling Tian felt a sense of peace and determination. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with his family's support and his own unwavering resolve, he was ready to face whatever came his way.

His father then curiously spoke when everything calmed down again. 

"Why don't you tell us about your past, Tian'er."

Ling Tian took a moment to gather his thoughts, feeling grateful for his father's curiosity and openness.

With a deep breath, he began to recount the memories that had resurfaced within him, sharing the story of his past life as a powerful cultivator in the Divine Radiance Realm.

He started, "In my past life, I was a cultivator in the Divine Radiance Realm. I was the heir to the great Yuan clan in my past life, with immeasurable influence on the Divine Radiance Realm and a profound cultivation base. But with that power came enemies. Among them, the most treacherous was someone I once called a brother."

As he spoke, vivid images of his previous life flashed through his mind: the grueling training sessions, the fierce battles, and the bitter betrayals.

He recounted his rise to power, detailing the numerous challenges he overcame and the countless adversaries he defeated.

His parents listened intently, their expressions shifting from surprise to awe as they learned about the hardships and triumphs he had faced.

"I trusted him," Ling Tian continued, his voice tinged with bitterness as he spoke of his betrayer. "He was like family to me. But in the end, he betrayed me for a treasure that neither of us fully understood. It was a powerful artifact, one that I now believe to be the cause of my reincarnation."

His father, Yuan Wei, leaned forward, his brows furrowed in thought. "This treasure, do you still possess it?"

Ling Tian nodded slowly. "I do, Father. It resides within my sea of consciousness. I suspect it is the reason I have been reincarnated."

His mother, Yuan Mei, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It must have been incredibly difficult, enduring such betrayals and hardships. Yet here you are, with us. We are blessed to have you, Tian'er."

There was a quiet reverence in the room as he finished speaking, as though they had glimpsed a world beyond their own.

Yuan Wei and Yuan Mei looked at their son with a newfound respect and understanding.

His father placed a hand on his shoulder, his eyes filled with pride. 

"Thank you for sharing your story with us, Tian'er. You've faced more than most ever will, and you've emerged stronger because of it. We're honored to have you as our son."

Ling Tian smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and connection.

With his family's love and support, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead, forging his own path in this life and beyond.