In a remote corner of the vast universe, there once existed a continent—once a hub of power, now forgotten and buried under the weight of time, reduced to insignificance like a speck of dust.
But today, within the Long Clan of that very continent, a celebration was underway. The clan leader had just been blessed with a son.
The Long Tribe had once been among the strongest of the continent's guardian clans...
The clan head was overjoyed—but his happiness didn't last long. It was soon shaken by news so grave, it turned the joy of new life into a storm of fear.
---
Inside the clan hall—
"Hurry! The ancestor's life force is weakening!" a voice rang out in panic.
"Physician! Summon the Hall Elders and the Hall Master—quickly!"
"They've already been informed," another voice replied, breathless with anxiety.
Moments later, a group of white-haired elders hurried in, following closely behind a middle-aged man with jet-black hair. Beside him were senior builders—clearly shaken and distressed.
As the man stepped into the inner hall, his eyes fell upon an elderly figure lying on the bed. The old man's white hair glistened like frost, and a deep wound carved into his chest bled relentlessly. His life force—his connection to time itself—was fading, slowly but steadily.
This man… was one of the two revered ancestors of the Long Clan. Their presence was the clan's backbone. If even one of them were to fall… it would mark the beginning of the clan's collapse.
And so, fear gripped everyone in the room.
The physician whispered something to the Hall Master, who then pulled the clan head aside. With a heavy heart, he leaned in and murmured words that darkened the clan leader's face. For a moment, an expression of steel—pain and resolve—flashed across his eyes.
---
Moments later, the clan leader handed his newborn son to Elder Kui.
"Elder... everything now rests in your hands. Protect Little Tian—no matter what. Now go! Activate the portal!"
---
Just then, a furious, heartbroken voice echoed through the hall.
"You all… if anyone dares harm my son—I will kill you!"
A woman rushed forward, eyes ablaze with wrath and fear.
"Elder Rou, stop!" someone shouted from behind. "If you go on like this, you'll only end up hurting Little Tian!"
But she didn't stop.
The portal had already begun to activate. As she arrived, all she could see were fading silhouettes. She ran, trying to reach them—but then, something dreadful happened.
Time… seemed to stop.
Or maybe… it raced a thousandfold.
Then came a chilling sound—
Crack...kkkk
The portal shattered.
Elder Rou stood frozen… and then collapsed, trembling. Her cries filled the silence that followed.
---
Meanwhile, somewhere else in this vast universe—beneath a sky teeming with countless stars—a group of shadowed figures lay in wait, ready to strike.
Their prey… was near.