NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Ancestral Stone
The first rays of dawn broke through the horizon, casting a golden hue over the small hut and its surroundings. Lin Dong woke up to the chirping of birds and the fresh scent of morning dew. Stretching his limbs, he stepped outside, taking in the tranquil view of his family's yard.
"Time to train," he muttered, clenching his fists with determination.
Lin Dong began his morning exercises, practicing the movements that had become second nature to him. His punches and kicks were sharp, his movements fluid. Beads of sweat rolled down his face as he pushed himself harder, driven by his resolve to protect his family and grow stronger.
As the sun climbed higher, a thought struck him. "Little Martin," he whispered, his eyes narrowing. Memories of the mysterious creature he had first encountered near the ancestral stone flooded his mind. Without wasting a moment, he grabbed his wooden staff and set off toward the mountains.
The path to the mountains was familiar yet held a sense of nostalgia. The towering trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling like whispers. Lin Dong's steps quickened as he reached the spot where he had first stumbled upon the ancestral stone. The stone stood tall, radiating a faint, otherworldly aura.
"It's just as I remember," Lin Dong said, placing a hand on the stone.
He stood there for a moment, feeling the faint energy the ancestral stone emitted. Lin Dong's mind wandered back to his earlier encounters with it and the power it promised. While Little Martin was still dormant, the stone itself seemed to resonate with Lin Dong's growing determination.
"This stone... It's going to change everything," he muttered.
Returning home, Lin Dong's mood was light. However, as he approached the hut, a familiar scene played out before him. Lin Shan, accompanied by his cronies, was harassing Qing Tan again.
"Hand over that flower, Qing Tan," Lin Shan sneered, reaching out to grab it. "It's wasted in your hands."
Qing Tan clutched the delicate flower close to her chest, her eyes defiant. "No! I picked this myself. You have no right!"
Lin Dong's blood boiled. Without hesitation, he stepped in.
"Lin Shan," Lin Dong's voice was cold, "leave her alone."
Lin Shan turned, his sneer faltering as he met Lin Dong's steely gaze. "What are you going to do about it, Lin Dong?"
Lin Dong didn't reply. Instead, he moved with lightning speed, his fist connecting with Lin Shan's jaw. The bully stumbled back, clutching his face in shock. Lin Shan recovered quickly, his face twisting in rage. He lunged at Lin Dong with a wild punch, but Lin Dong sidestepped with ease, delivering a swift kick to Lin Shan's midsection. The blow sent Lin Shan sprawling to the ground, gasping for air.
"You dare?!" Lin Shan shouted, but his voice wavered.
"If you ever lay a finger on my sister again, you'll regret it," Lin Dong said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Lin Shan's cronies pulled him away, muttering apologies. Qing Tan ran to Lin Dong, her eyes wide with admiration.
"Big Brother, you were amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "I didn't know you could fight like that!"
Lin Dong ruffled her hair, smiling. "No one messes with my little sister."
As they walked home, Lin Dong shared the news about their father's recovery. Qing Tan's face lit up with joy.
"Father is really getting better?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Yes," Lin Dong said. "He's going to be fine now."
Qing Tan hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Thank you, Big Brother. Thank you so much."
Their journey was interrupted by a chance meeting with Lin Xia. The older girl leaned casually against a tree, her arms crossed.
"Well, well, Lin Dong," Lin Xia teased, a playful smirk on her lips. "Since when did you become a hero? Taking down Lin Shan and his goons like that."
"Just protecting my family," Lin Dong replied, scratching his head awkwardly.
Lin Xia chuckled. "Yo, boy, how'd you get so powerful all of a sudden? Got some secret tricks up your sleeve?"
"Hard work," Lin Dong said, smiling. "Nothing special."
"Hard work, huh?" Lin Xia said, narrowing her eyes. "Guess I'll have to keep an eye on you, little hero. Don't let it get to your head."
Lin Dong laughed. "Don't worry, I won't."
Lin Xia gave him a wink before walking away, leaving Lin Dong slightly flustered. Qing Tan giggled, nudging her brother.
"She likes to tease you, huh?" Qing Tan said.
"Let's just get home," Lin Dong replied, shaking his head with a smile.
Back at the hut, Lin Dong sat by the window, gazing at the moonlit sky. Memories of his past life played in his mind, each one sharpening his resolve.
"I won't let history repeat itself," he vowed. "This time, I'll protect everyone I care about."
The system's voice interrupted his thoughts.
[Daily Sign-In Reward Available. Would you like to claim it now?]
Lin Dong smiled. "Claim."
[Congratulations! You have received "Breakthrough Elixir."]
A surge of energy coursed through Lin Dong's body as he consumed the elixir. His cultivation soared, breaking through to the fifth stage of the Tempered Body realm. He clenched his fists, feeling the newfound strength within him.
"This is just the beginning," he said, determination blazing in his eyes.
For the next few days, Lin Dong devoted himself to training. The ancestral stone glowed faintly as he meditated, its energy harmonizing with his own. Each day, he grew stronger, readying himself for the upcoming clan competition.