The early morning silence still enveloped the student's room. Tianran woke up with a trembling body—not just because of his spiritual dream, but because something within him had truly changed. He sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his own hands. "What's happening to me?" he asked, feeling the pulse of Qi now mixed with a strange vibration: emotions, wounds, even a love that didn't feel entirely his own.
A system panel appeared slowly, its glow soft yet clear:
─────[POST-INHERITANCE STATUS]─────
New Skill: Echo of the Void (Lv.1)
Qi: 13% (increased)
Opened Meridians: 1/12
Soul Resonance: 88%
Void Affinity: 35%
Emotional Memory: UNSTABLE
Side Effects: High emotional fluctuation, past life flashbacks, faint dual identity
Note: Emotional Connection with Rinoa — faintly active
─────▲─────
Tianran clenched his arm, trying to stabilize his breath. "What is this? Why does everything feel so foreign?" He could hear faint whispers—doubt, loss, anger, and a warm love that pierced through, all blending together unexpectedly.
The system's voice resonated in his mind, this time sounding much more human: "Host is experiencing soul instability due to inheritance resonance. It is recommended to identify emotions before training or fighting."
"Identify my emotions?" Tianran furrowed his brow, "How am I supposed to do that? My heart feels like it's cracked. This love, this sorrow, none of it... it doesn't belong to me." He took a deep breath. "Who has loved so crazily...?"
With a hoarse voice, Tianran continued, "Rinoa, are you still with me here?" Inside him, a yearning flared, as if desperately wanting an answer.
Silence fell once more, yet Tianran kept waiting, hoping for a voice to respond, or at the very least, an explanation. "Why do I feel as though something is pressing inside me?"
He closed his eyes, holding back tears. "Who… who am I now?"
Fleeting memories surged forth: Rinoa's embrace beneath the flowering tree, Fitran Fate's desperate gaze, war, betrayal, nights without light. All presented in flashes—mingled with shame, longing, and loss—indistinguishable now.
He closed his eyes again, fighting back tears. "Who… who am I now? Still Yu Tianran, or merely the failed shadow of Fitran Fate?"
The system panel flickered to life, displaying a warning:
─────[WARNING: IDENTITY CRISIS]─────
Memory resonance too high
Effects: Risk of emotional loss of control, impulsive actions, panic attacks
Solution: Requires external support/friends, perform emotional grounding
─────▲─────
Soft footsteps echoed. Yueqing entered carrying an oil lamp and a bowl of porridge. She sat down beside Tianran, placing the bowl on the table and said, "I brought something for you. Eat, it might help."
"Haven't you slept again?" she asked quietly, her eyes filled with concern. "Your face… it looks like you've just been crying."
Tianran hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded. "I… had a strange dream. It felt like I was living two lives at once. It's heavy, and I don't know what to do."
Yueqing frowned, her hand reaching out to grasp Tianran's. "Two lives? That sounds incredible and terrifying at the same time. Tell me about it; maybe I can help you face it all."
Tianran took a deep breath, feeling Yueqing's warmth calming the storm in her chest. "I met… someone from the past. I know those memories aren't mine, but I can feel their love, their pain. And now, I fear losing myself."
"There's nothing wrong with feeling that way," Yueqing replied softly, holding Tianran's hand tightly. "You're not alone. I'm here to listen, no matter what. Fear and worry are part of us."
"But I'm afraid of disappointing the hopes of someone who is already dead," Tianran continued, her voice trembling, "It's like I'm carrying a burden I can't bear."
Yueqing leaned forward, gazing intently. "If all this burden becomes too heavy, whether it's anger, tears, or even hatred—I'll still be here. We'll face it together."
Tianran absorbed Yueqing's words, feeling a sense of calm begin to flow within him. "If I change, promise me this: pull me back, no matter what happens."
Yueqing gently rubbed the back of Tianran's hand. "You don't have to bear all of this alone. If it feels too overwhelming, whether it's anger, crying, or even resenting it—I'll still be here for you."
Tianran turned, a faint smile gracing his face. Tears flowed silently, and he whispered, "If I change, please promise me: bring me back, no matter what happens between us."
Yueqing smiled confidently, patting his chest. "Listen, I may not be the strongest student here, but when it comes to friendship, I won't back down. Even if you turn into a monster, I'll be the first to knock some sense into you until you return to who you truly are."
Tianran laughed—a quiet laugh, yet filled with a profound sense of relief. The emptiness that had shrouded his heart began to fade, replaced by the warmth of genuine friendship. Outside the window, the morning breeze blew softly, carrying the scent of wet earth, creating a refreshing atmosphere that soothed the soul.
The system panel lit up again, chiming softly in the silence. "Host—external resonance stabilizes identity. 'Inner Resolve' effect enhanced."
"Wow, it seems I'm not alone in facing all of this," Tianran said, feeling his spirit lift.
The status panel adjusted once more, displaying numbers that sparked new hope:
─────[EMOTIONAL STATUS]─────
Identity: Temporary Stabilization
Void Affinity: 40%
Soul Resonance: 90%
Skill Echo of the Void: Effect increased (soul & emotion connected)
Passive Skill: Inner Resolve — Mental/physical resilience increases by 20% when supported
Effect: Risk of identity loss decreases drastically
─────▲─────
After breakfast, Tianran walked slowly toward the training courtyard. His body felt more sensitive now. "I can sense the presence of other disciples around me," he said, moving his head as if trying to catch every emotion swirling in the air. "Anxiety, jealousy, compassion… even hostility. My heart resonates, sometimes colliding with Fitran Fate's whispers. It feels disruptive, yet it also gives me strength."
In the center of the courtyard, Elder Bai Shengyao stared at Tianran longer than usual. "Yu Tianran," he said in a heavy voice, "something has changed in your aura. It's as if you… carry two souls."
Tianran bowed his head, a weight settling heavily in his chest. "I am learning to accept an ancient legacy, Elder," he replied softly, trying to maintain a steady tone. "But… it doesn't feel easy."
Elder Bai nodded, his gaze sharp and attentive. "Many talented disciples drown under the weight of their souls," he warned firmly. "Be careful, do not get trapped by the shadows of your past." He looked at Tianran as if to emphasize every word he uttered.
The system panel displayed the latest legacy effect:
─────[SPIRAL & VOID LEGACY EFFECT]─────
Active Skill: Echo of the Void (Lv.1) — absorption of Qi increases, emotional outbursts are vulnerable
Passive Skill: Inner Resolve — withstand mental attacks, especially illusions/dreams
Side Effect: Occasionally experience flashbacks of Fitran Fate & Rinoa (positive/negative)
Note: Every emotional relationship development (Yueqing, friends, rivals) will strengthen/stabilize Tianran's identity
─────▲─────
Night fell. Tianran meditated alone in his room, allowing all emotions to come—longing, anger, fear, even love that wasn't his. "I must accept all of this," he murmured to himself. "This is a part of who I am now."
Within, he saw the silhouette of Fitran Fate standing with wounded eyes. "Tianran..." Fitran's voice trembled, full of memories. "Do you feel trapped? This is a heavy burden, isn't it?"
Tianran nodded slowly, "Yes, Fitran. Sometimes I feel like I have lost my own path."
"That's something I once forgot," Fitran whispered, gently and understandingly. "You've managed to accept, Tianran. But don't forget, your life is your own. Don't let my shadow hinder you."
Rinoa added, "You will have your own love, wounds, and hopes. I am just a memory—a light along the way, not a burden." Her voice was soft but firm, as if she wanted to emphasize the importance of her own journey.
Tianran opened her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I will fight for myself," she said, her determination growing. "No more shadows to hold me back."
"That's something I used to forget," Fitran whispered, his voice gentle like morning dew. "You've managed to accept it, Tianran. That is a significant step. But remember, your life belongs to you alone; never give up on it for someone else."
Rinoa added, with a warm smile, "You will have your own love, wounds, and hopes. Remember, I am just a memory, a light along the path. I am not a burden you need to carry."
Tianran wiped away the tears that fell, feeling a heavy weight lift from her heart. "Rinoa, I will always cherish our memories," she said softly, "but now, I must move forward. For the first time, I feel like I can."
The system panel displayed a soul-stirring end-of-day message:
─────[STATUS CLOSE]─────
Identity: Stable
Qi: 15% (absorption increasing)
Void Affinity: 43%
Skill Echo of the Void (Lv.1) — stable
Note: Every act of courage in accepting past wounds/love strengthens the foundation of the soul
Bonus: If stable, new skills may be triggered during the next crisis
─────▲─────
Gazing at the shining moon outside the window, Tianran spoke firmly, "Starting tomorrow, I will be the new Yu Tianran, with a past, hopes, and a path that I carve for myself."
The night breeze blew gently, creating a brand new atmosphere of peace. "This is my own peace," he thought to himself, feeling a tranquility he had never experienced before. "I am ready for the future."