The Beginning of Everything

Douluo Continent, northern Star Luo Empire, Silver River City

Silver River City was a major city in the northern Star Luo Empire. Thanks to its flat terrain, mild climate, and abundant rainfall, it possessed unique advantages for growing medicinal herbs and served as a vital medicinal supply hub in northern Star Luo.

On Douluo Continent, there were two great empires, or perhaps they could be called two alliances. This was because large portions of the two empires' territories had been granted to feudal lords, and nobles with armed forces were countless.

One of these empires was the Star Luo Empire, where Silver River City was located. The other was the Heaven Dou Empire north of Star Luo.

Silver River City was less than eight hundred li from the Heaven Dou Empire, making it the Star Luo Empire's closest city to Heaven Dou.

The sky had only just begun to brighten, and a faint fish-belly white glow rose in the distant east.

Within the Breaking Clan residence east of Silver River City stood a secluded courtyard. Upon entering, one would find that it was not particularly luxurious. On the contrary, it was quiet and simple. Bluestone paved the area around the courtyard, while flower beds, lawns, and herb gardens were arranged in an elegant, natural pattern, creating a harmonious and comfortable atmosphere. The buildings followed a simple, natural style, mostly made from raw wood and stone, giving them an ancient and tranquil air.

In the courtyard, a small figure was practicing spear techniques with a miniature spear. He looked five or six years old, with bright, lively eyes, heroic brows, and a high nose bridge—features that made him unforgettable at first glance.

"Whoosh~"

"Swish~"

"Wooo~"

The long spear danced, its tip like a dragon. Each movement drew arcs of light, like a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss, fierce and imposing. The fluttering spear shadows were as poetic as a painting, agile yet steady, radiating an unparalleled charm. If one had not seen it personally, it would have been hard to imagine such masterful spearwork coming from the hands of a child.

"Phew~~~"

After finishing the spear routine, the boy let out a long breath. A stream of white air shot from his mouth like a silk ribbon. He set down the spear, picked up the towel beside him, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and looked toward the still-dim sky. Today, he had something to do—not only because it was necessary, but also because he wanted to uncover the truth of what had happened back then.

The boy was Yang Ming, the grandson of Yang Wudi, Clan Leader of the Breaking Clan. He was also Yang Ming, the Sea God Pavilion Master of Shrek Academy twenty thousand years later.

However, although Yang Ming had returned twenty thousand years into the past and been reborn, there was something wrong with his memories. He still retained the habits, personality, and bodily instincts of his previous life, but his memories of that life had yet to return. Of course, they had merely not returned yet!

The memories remaining in his mind now all belonged to this life.

Today was special. It was Yang Ming's sixth birthday, and also... the clan's Memorial Day!

It was a day to mourn the clan members who had died at Spirit Hall's hands because of the Clear Sky Sect, and to mourn Yang Ming's departed parents and uncle. Because of the significance of this date, Yang Ming had never celebrated his birthday.

After taking in the sky and sorting through his thoughts, Yang Ming returned to his room to wash and prepare for the upcoming memorial ceremony.

Perhaps even the weather sensed the sorrowful atmosphere surrounding the Yang Family. It was not good today. Thick, dark clouds filled the sky, casting gloom over the entire world.

Yang Ming had just finished washing. Dressed in white mourning clothes, he stepped out of his room and saw an old man waiting in the courtyard.

The old man was lean and tall, with a well-proportioned build, black hair, and a ruddy complexion. Yet his expression was somewhat gloomy, and his sinister eyes gave off an icy, chilling feeling. This man was the current Clan Leader of the Breaking Clan, Yang Ming's grandfather, Yang Wudi.

Seeing that his grandson was ready, Yang Wudi's expression did not change. He remained cold as he called to Yang Ming.

"Let's go. It's about to begin!"

Yang Ming said nothing. He merely stepped forward and took Yang Wudi's hand. Yang Wudi was always in a particularly bad mood around this time every year. Yang Ming knew why and had grown used to it. All he could do was let his grandfather feel his presence, so that he would not be quite so sad.

When Yang Wudi saw his grandson take the initiative to hold his hand, his expression remained unchanged, but the coldness in his eyes quietly faded somewhat. He tightened his grip on Yang Ming's hand and headed with him toward the clan's Ancestral Hall.

By the time the grandfather and grandson arrived at the Ancestral Hall, the other clan members had mostly gathered. There were not many of them, only around four hundred. Seeing the two arrive, they stepped forward to greet them.

"Clan Leader!"

"Clan Leader!"

"Clan Leader!"

Yang Wudi nodded in response, then led Yang Ming through the crowd to the front of the Ancestral Hall, where the offering table laden with sacrificial items stood.

Yang Ming looked at the memorial tablets behind the offering table, bearing his parents' names. Though his little face tried hard to remain calm, his eyes held a silent sorrow, tranquil and heartbreaking.

Seeing the grief on Yang Ming's face—the child who had been intelligent, sensible, and strong since childhood—Yang Wudi felt as though his heart were being cut by knives. But after the pain came a bone-deep hatred, as if endless flames were burning within his chest. He could no longer suppress his killing intent.

Sensing the violent killing intent radiating from Yang Wudi, everyone felt as though they had fallen into an ice cellar and stood trembling in fear. Yang Ming was also affected by the killing intent, but he temporarily broke free of his sorrow and reminded Yang Wudi.

"Grandfather, it's time to begin the ceremony!"

Hearing Yang Ming's reminder, Yang Wudi came back to his senses. Looking at the frightened and uneasy clan members around him, he withdrew his killing intent and spoke to the clan member responsible for conducting the ceremony.

"Begin!"

Seeing that the Clan Leader had withdrawn his killing intent, the people in the Ancestral Hall relaxed and could not help marveling at his strength.

Upon hearing the Clan Leader's order, the clan member conducting the ceremony quickly stepped forward and began the ritual.

"The memorial ceremony begins!"

"Play the music!"

As music played, firecrackers sounded, drums were beaten, bells rang, and the various rites, including the sweeping of the dust whisk, were completed one after another. The ceremony soon reached the incense offering.

After Yang Wudi finished offering incense, Yang Ming stepped forward and accepted the incense Yang Wudi handed him. Looking at the memorial tablets of his parents and clansmen, he made a firm promise in his childish voice.

"Father, Mother, Uncle, and all my clansmen!"

"Yang Ming swears here!"

"I will make the Clear Sky Sect pay for its betrayal back then."

"I will also settle the feud between the Breaking Clan and Spirit Hall."

"I will give the clan an answer!"

"Above the blue heavens, below the Yellow Springs!"

"This oath!"

"Until death! Without end!!!"

Yang Ming's attitude toward Spirit Hall was somewhat unclear. He was a little confused, because he knew too little about what had happened back then. Based on what Yang Ming currently understood, it was not enough for him to make a final decision.

Objectively speaking, Spirit Hall had indeed killed many members of the Breaking Clan back then, but the Breaking Clan had also killed plenty of Spirit Hall's people! Their conflicts at the time had largely been a matter of differing positions. Since news of the Breaking Clan's withdrawal from the Clear Sky Sect had spread across the continent, Spirit Hall had not caused trouble for the Breaking Clan in recent years. It was a muddled account, and given the Breaking Clan's current situation, they could not afford to be dragged into it again.

From the perspective of righteousness and justice, although Yang Ming did not like Spirit Hall, he still acknowledged its contributions and importance to the Soul Master World over the years. He could not destroy all of Spirit Hall simply for the sake of revenge.

As for personal vengeance, Yang Ming only knew that his parents had died because of that incident. Yet even if he wanted revenge, he did not know who his target was. Was it Bibi Dong, or someone else specifically? Was that person dead or alive? Yang Ming did not know.

Yang Wudi and the other Breaking Clan members in the Ancestral Hall were stunned by Yang Ming's words and bearing. They felt an aura erupt from him, one that could shake the world and proclaimed his invincibility. It made everyone tremble from the depths of their souls. The feeling was even more unforgettable than when Yang Wudi's killing intent had leaked out earlier.

Yang Wudi and several surviving elders of the clan could not help growing dazed. This was the second time! The second time they had seen someone possess such an absolutely invincible aura. The last time had been Old Sect Master Tang Chen of the Clear Sky Sect.

For a moment, those elders' eyes brimmed with tears, and their bodies trembled faintly. If the occasion had not been inappropriate, they would have fallen to their knees and cried out in joy. The gods had favored them! They had sent the Breaking Clan a child of hope!

Yang Ming's resolute tone, unwavering will, and majestic bearing made everyone instinctively trust him. They believed that this child would certainly fulfill his oath in the future.

At this moment, Yang Wudi looked at Yang Ming's face, which strongly resembled his daughter's. Tears filled his eyes, and joy rose in his heart. He rejoiced in the natural bearing of a powerhouse Yang Ming possessed; he rejoiced that his daughter and son-in-law had a good son, that he himself had a good grandson, and that he had not failed his daughter's dying wish to raise her son into a real man. But after the joy came understanding of Yang Ming's intentions. His joy faded, replaced by a surge of worry.

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