The world slowly calmed.
The heavens had finally quieted.
The once-majestic and terrifying phenomenon faded, and the world returned to its usual rhythm. The sky, now blue and cloudless once more, shone as it did before—yet the people remained frozen, hearts still captive to what they had just witnessed.
One by one, they stirred. Some wept, overwhelmed with emotion. Others wandered in confusion, scratching their heads as if waking from a strange dream. A few wore deep, thoughtful expressions, as though the heavens had whispered secrets into their ears.
One thing, however, was certain—
This event would not be forgotten.
It would be passed down, generation to generation—etched into memory, carved into legend.
---
Somewhere within the boundless green plains, hidden atop a towering peak shrouded in clouds and mist, stood an ethereal and ancient structure. Mysterious energies flocked to this place, constantly rejuvenated by the presence of the disciples who resided within.
It was daytime—yet the disciples weren't training, as one would expect.
They sat instead in a great lotus formation, eyes closed, breathing deep, their minds immersed in a state of revelation. The toll of the heavenly bell had given them insight—glimpses of truth and power beyond their years.
Even the elders and instructors, battle-worn and wise, sat in stillness. They too were not exempt from the revelations.
Deep within the heart of this sacred place, in a secluded chamber, sat an old man. His face bore the markings of time—deep wrinkles and an ancient gaze that seemed to have seen the rise and fall of empires. No one knew how long he had lived—only that he had long since passed the point of mortality.
Around him, the ground was scribbled with strange lines and chaotic patterns—mysterious sigils that looked random at first glance, yet radiated a strange order. He sat at the center of it all, cross-legged, unmoving.
Then—his eyes opened.
The moment they did, a vibration rippled through the air, strong enough to shake the world. But the room—protected by unknown forces—contained it. The old man took a deep, measured breath.
"The prophecy has come true," he said softly, yet his voice carried weight—like an ancient bell tolling in a forgotten temple.
He rose to his feet with grace unbefitting his age. Lifting his arms slowly, he closed his hand in the air as if squeezing something invisible.
Suddenly, the world around him began to **crack**—like shattered glass. The air fractured, revealing a terrifying, spiraling black hole in the very fabric of reality. It sucked everything near it: light, energy, even sound. Yet the man remained still.
Without fear, he stepped forward and entered the void.
Before disappearing, he muttered one last thing:
"Then I guess... it's time to do my job.
---
Similar scenes unfolded across the world. The event was not merely auspicious—it had **opened something**. Something deep and ancient.
The fire of change had been lit.
---
Back at the Chen Manor, the patriarch stood in silence. He stared down at the tiny bundle in his arms—the child responsible for the divine event.
The man, once feared across nations for his unshakable will, felt that strength dissolve. His stern demeanor melted as he cradled his newborn son.
He was no longer the mighty patriarch—he was simply a father.
Gently holding the baby, his voice trembled.
"Lin Chen... Lin Chen... Oh, Heaven... I am finally grateful. After all these years… you not only gave me a son—you blessed him too…"
"I… I…" he choked on his words. Tears spilled freely down his cheeks.
"H-Honey… look… I finally have a son…" he whispered, his voice cracking.
The midwife, watching silently, smiled through her exhaustion. Without saying a word, she stepped out, leaving the family alone.
"I know…" the mother whispered, her voice hoarse, her body weak. Sweat still clung to her brow.
"I know…"
She wept too, tears flowing without restraint.
All the years of pain, the silent nights, the failed hopes… had led to this moment.
They didn't care about the outside world.
For this brief slice of time, they were not patriarch and matriarch—just a mother and father, frozen in a moment they never wanted to end.
But then—
**Knock. Knock.**
A sound came from the door.