Kong Youde closed his eyes, as though recalling those dark days.
His heart was filled with anger and pain, but he also understood that he could not change what had happened.
He paused, then continued, "Losing my mother felt like losing the entire world. I grew quiet and withdrawn, unable to take an interest in anything. And within the Crimson Church, the limitations of my Martial Soul and Soul Power made me a target of ridicule and rejection among many talented people my age."
"Just as I sank into despair, someone appeared. He was an elder of the Crimson Church who saw something in my character and resolve. He said I reminded him of himself as a child, so he decided to take me as his disciple. He told me that as long as I was willing to work hard, one day I could surpass myself, surpass him, and become one of the Crimson Church's strongest experts."
"His words moved me, and I began training diligently. My master gave me plenty of resources, while I kept challenging myself and pushing past my limits. Finally, at sixteen, I successfully broke through to the Soul Elder realm and gradually caught up with my peers."
"But just when I thought I had finally found hope, fate dealt me another crushing blow. My master, the elder who had once given me hope, died while carrying out a mission. Yet an old friend of his told me he had been assassinated as part of a conspiracy."
"At that moment, I felt the whole world collapse. I wondered whether I was a star of calamity-everyone who cared about me had died. I began questioning my existence, questioning my worth. After a period of despair, I found what gave my existence meaning-revenge!"
"I wanted revenge, but I