Chapter 1 – The Child of Heaven

Darkness.

The last thing he remembered was the pale light of his bedroom, the familiar glow of his phone illuminating the ceiling as rain tapped softly against the window.

He had laughed at yet another fantasy novel.

"If I were ever reborn, at least give me a system."

Sleep had claimed him moments later.

Then...

Nothing.

No dreams.

No sound.

No sensation.

Until warmth embraced him.

It was not the warmth of sunlight.

Nor that of a blanket.

It was gentle... profound... ancient.

As though the universe itself were cradling him.

A faint fragrance of lotus blossoms drifted through the air.

He slowly opened his eyes.

Golden light greeted him.

Above him stretched a ceiling carved from translucent jade, upon which stars flowed like living rivers. Countless divine runes shimmered across its surface, illuminating the palace with a soft celestial radiance.

His vision remained blurry.

Shapes slowly came into focus.

A woman.

Her silver-white hair cascaded like moonlight to her waist. Her beauty surpassed anything human words could describe. Her eyes, bright as twin moons, carried immeasurable gentleness.

Tears rested within them.

"My child..."

Her voice was quiet.

Elegant.

Every syllable carried the calm dignity of one who had ruled countless ages.

"You have awakened."

The infant blinked.

...Infant?

He attempted to move.

Tiny fingers curled before his eyes.

Tiny feet kicked helplessly beneath embroidered blankets woven from clouds.

His thoughts froze.

...No.

No way.

I'm... a baby?

Before panic could settle in, another presence approached.

The air itself seemed to bow.

Every servant inside the palace lowered their heads simultaneously.

No command had been spoken.

None was needed.

A tall figure stood beside the bed.

His white robes shimmered with threads resembling flowing galaxies. A golden crown rested upon his head, yet it failed to draw attention away from his eyes.

They were calm.

Deep.

As though countless heavens existed within them.

The man looked down upon the child.

His expression remained composed.

Only the slight trembling of his hand betrayed his emotions.

"Our son."

His voice echoed softly throughout the chamber.

"The destiny of Heaven has taken form."

The woman smiled gently.

"He is beautiful."

"He resembles you."

The man slowly shook his head.

"No."

"He possesses your eyes."

For a brief moment...

The rulers of the Heavenly Realm simply gazed upon their child.

No throne.

No court.

No wars.

Only parents meeting their son.

---

The infant stared between them.

They're... gods.

Not actors.

Not cultivators pretending to be immortals.

True divine beings.

Even without understanding who they were, every instinct within him whispered the same truth.

These two stood at the pinnacle of existence.

Then...

A voice echoed inside his mind.

【The Ruler System has detected a suitable host.】

His tiny eyes widened.

【Binding...】

【10%...】

【42%...】

【78%...】

【Binding complete.】

Host Confirmed.

Name: Pending.

Race: Primordial Heavenly Immortal.

Identity: Sole Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm.

Primary Objective:

Ascend beyond Heaven itself.

Become the Supreme God.

For a long moment...

His mind became completely blank.

A system...

It actually exists...

If only he could laugh.

Instead...

A tiny hiccup escaped his lips.

The Moon Empress smiled.

"He has heard our voices."

The Heavenly Emperor carefully extended a single finger.

The baby instinctively reached toward it.

His tiny hand wrapped around the Emperor's finger.

Time itself seemed to pause.

Outside the palace...

Billions of heavenly soldiers stood guard.

Ancient dragons slept beneath floating mountains.

Phoenixes soared across seas of clouds.

Within the palace...

The Emperor of Heaven remained perfectly still.

He looked at the hand no larger than a peach blossom holding his finger with surprising determination.

A faint smile appeared.

It was small.

Almost imperceptible.

Yet every servant witnessing it lowered their heads even further.

For throughout endless ages...

Their Emperor had smiled only a handful of times.

The Moon Empress quietly laughed.

"It would appear..."

"Our son has accepted you."

The Emperor answered after a thoughtful silence.

"It is I who has received the greater honor."

The child blinked.

...Did the strongest being in existence just say that?

Before he could think further...

A powerful yet gentle aura enveloped him.

The Emperor carefully lifted him into his arms.

Despite possessing strength capable of shattering stars...

His movements were extraordinarily delicate.

As though holding the most precious treasure in all creation.

"My son."

The Emperor's deep voice resonated softly.

"You need not fear this world."

"As long as your father stands..."

"No force beneath Heaven shall bring harm upon you."

The Moon Empress rested her hand upon the child's forehead.

A soothing warmth flowed through his tiny body.

"And should sorrow ever find your heart..."

"You need only return home."

Her smile was as gentle as moonlight upon still water.

"For this palace shall forever remain your sanctuary."

Nestled safely between them, the infant slowly closed his eyes.

For the first time since awakening...

He felt completely at peace.

Outside, heavenly bells rang across the immortal realm.

The birth of the Crown Prince had been announced.

The heavens rejoiced.

And unseen by every god present...

The faint blue screen of the Ruler System shimmered once more

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