1. Prologue

I was once a being that was revered as the god of all Martial Artists. The supreme ruler, and founder of the Jianghu Continent. I held the highest prestige and authority that others could only dream of. For over a millennium, I ruled my domain with an iron fist. I thought that it would always remain that way.

However, the peaceful days came to an end when three powerful, and peerless Heavenly Demon Gods invaded my land. In my rage, I immediately confronted them without a plan.

After a terrifying battle that lasted for almost a week, it finally came to an end when I beheaded the third Demon God. Crushed the still-beating heart of the second Demon God with my own hands, and burned the first Demon God into ashes.

After regaining my wits, my heart sank when I saw my beloved continent in total destruction. The glorious mountains that once soared up above the clouds, crumbled to nothingness. The great ocean was torn asunder, never to reunite again. The heavens was painted in crimson with all the blood of the victims. The continent itself, trembled upon the heaven-defying magnitude of the battle.

That was when I realized something. I may have won the battle, but with the cost of everything that I worked hard for. I knew that it was too late for regrets. Tears fell down my eyes, as I watched my continent sank to the bottomless abyss, never to be seen again.

...****************...

“Huh!” My eyes snapped open as soon as the first ray of light touched my face. Though my vision was blurry due to the blinding light, I saw a familiar figure standing in front of the window.

“Time to wake up, sleepyhead.”

A smile suddenly etched on my face when I heard the melodious voice of a young woman. I unknowingly stared at her attentively. I must admit. I was alive for over a millenium, but I had never seen someone as beautiful as her. Enough to make flowers shy away in shame. Her long, silky, golden hair would sometimes play with the cool breeze. Her eyes reminded me of the emerald forest where I used to hunt during my youth. Anyone would be captivated with only a glance. Pinkish lips, and well buttoned nose. A face and body that could cause a nation’s uproar. More importantly, such a woman was staring at me with gentle, and loving eyes.

“Good morning, mommy!”

That’s right. This woman was none other than my mother. It had been five years when I first opened my eyes in this world. At first, I was confused as to why I was reborn. Angry even. What good qualities do I have to be given the rights for a second chance? The burden that I carried from my previous life was so great, I felt like even death was not enough to pay for my sins. I had no will to live. I lost my purpose. Thus, I refused to eat, or even cry. For the first three years since I was reborn, I lived like a corpse. Overtime, my body became frail. It even came to a point where my heart stopped beating. I was happy, though. I thought that I could finally rest in peace.

However, my new parents did not gave up on me. In desperation, they gave up everything. Our wealth, their status, everything, in exchange for my life. That was when I realized something.

“Ah! For them to do that, they must really loved me.”

For the first time in my previous and present life, I was deeply moved. From then on, I slowly helped myself, and fought for my survival. Not only for myself, but for my new parents who loved me so much. Although my health detoriated to the bottom, whenever I saw them staring at me lovingly, I always said to myself. “This new life, was not bad at all.”

I knew that the heavy burden in my heart would never be lost for as long as I still had a breath in me, however, it does not mean that I would put myself in a cage just because of it. All I could do was to embrace, and accept it as part of my life. Maybe one day, it might even become my weapon in order for me to become stronger.

I sighed.

Everything went smoothly from then on. There was only one thing that I would probably not get used to.

“Come on, Elise, we can’t have the birthday celebrant late on her own celebration, can’t we?”

My face sank when I heard my name. Elise. I, the founder, and patriarch of Murim. The destroyer of the three Heavenly Demon Gods, was reborn as a girl.

‘Of all things! Why was I reborn as a girl? A dragon would be so cool. Even an eagle, or maybe a dog? Anything would be fine, but not a girl.’

“Elise, honey? What’s wrong?”

The worried look on her face made me sigh inwardly. I forced a smile before getting out from the comfort of my bed. “It’s nothing, mommy. Let’s…”

I did not finished my sentence when I was pulled into a tight hug. The sweet scent of her perfume immediately bombarded my nose. I froze. Her soft body was against me! I felt my face turn hotter. Her sudden action almost made my nose bleed. One thing was for sure. Even though I am now a girl, I would always remain as a man, right down to the core!

I was snapped out of my trans when I felt the warmth of her hand gently carressing my face.

“My daughter, don’t be afraid to tell mommy when something bothered you, okay?”

I was stunned for a moment. She was now an arm’s length away from me. I scanned her face. Aside from the small tear spot right under her eyes, I could not detect any flows on her at all. Not even a little. She permeated a motherly love that made me clung to her even more.

“Elise?”

That’s right. I had a family now. I am not alone anymore.

A genuine smile finally appeared on my face.

“Yes, mom!”

As we walked towards the door, I thought to myself. ‘I would never let anything destroy this family. I swear on my name, Jin Jianghu!’

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