Chapter 1: Embracing Death, No Regrets in Death

"Chen Yang, hand over the Book of Time, and I promise your death won't be painful!"

"Damn bastard, stop resisting. Today, the Alliance of Justice has united to destroy your lair. The trap has been set, and this time, you're doomed to die."

"Chen Yang, you damned beast! For the creation of the Book of Time, you sacrificed the lives of millions. You've committed heinous crimes beyond measure. Your sins are unforgivable, and even if you die ten thousand times, it won't repay for your atrocities."

"Demon, years ago, you defiled me, took away my innocence, and slaughtered everyone in my family. Since then, I've longed to devour your flesh and drink your blood! Today, I'll make you pay with your blood!"

...

Chen Yang, in tattered robes, unkempt and covered in blood.

The cold wind blows, causing Chen Yang's robes to flutter helplessly like the banners of a defeated army.

Crimson blood gushes from hundreds of wounds on his body, forming a pool of blood beneath his feet in just a few breaths.

Surrounded by enemies, there's no way out.

The outcome is inevitable; he will undoubtedly die today.

Chen Yang observes the situation calmly, even in the face of death. His expression remains indifferent.

His deep gaze, like an ancient well in the depths of winter, unfathomable and undisturbed.

The righteous warriors surrounding him, whether venerable elders or renowned young heroes, are tightly encircling Chen Yang. Some roar in anger, some sneer in contempt, some squint with vigilant eyes, and some, with terrified wounds, gaze in panic.

None of them move, fearing Chen Yang's final counterattack before death.

They stand in tense confrontation for three hours, as the sun sets and the evening glow ignites the sky, painting it with dazzling colors like fire.

Chen Yang, who has remained as still as a statue, slowly turns around.

The crowd suddenly stirred, taking a step back together. At this moment, the gray cement under Chen Yang's feet had been dyed a dark red by the blood. His face, pale from blood loss, was illuminated by the evening glow, adding a resolute radiance to it.

Watching the sunset over the western mountains, Chen Yang chuckled softly, "The setting sun, the passing of seasons, truly, 'Morning's green silk, evening's snow, success or failure, all empty words.'"

As he spoke these words, memories from his past life suddenly flashed before his eyes. He was originally a deliveryman in the Blue Star Dragon Kingdom, who, by a twist of fate, ended up in this world. Thirty years of ups and downs, twenty years of traversing the world, more than fifty years of fleeting time, all passed in the blink of an eye. Many buried memories in his heart came alive at this moment, vividly replaying before his eyes.

"In the end, I still failed," Chen Yang sighed inwardly. Though filled with emotion, he had no regrets. The current outcome was foreseen long ago. He had been mentally prepared when he made his initial choice.

The so-called demon, is one who does no good. Killing and arson. When the world is against you, facing enemies everywhere, yet indulging in the pleasures of the world.

"If the newly refined Book of Time had worked, I would have become a demon again in the next life!" With this thought, Chen Yang couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Demon, why are you laughing?"

"Everyone, be careful, the demon is about to make a desperate move!"

"Quick, hand over the Book of Time!!"

The heroes pressed closer, and in an instant, with a loud bang, Chen Yang leaped off the building, detonating himself.

The gentle spring rain quietly nourished the Chiyang Village. The night was deep, the cold rain beating haphazardly on the thatched roofs. Yet, inside the Chiyang Village, it was not dark. The faint light, like the stars in the sky, adorned the entire mountainous area.

These light sources do not come from every household in the village, but the village still boasts a scale of several thousand households. The quaint wooden houses, nestled amidst the verdant mountains, add a touch of earthly warmth.

At the heart of Chiyang Village stands a magnificent church built of stacked stones. Illuminated brightly due to the ongoing ceremony, it radiates splendor.

"May our ancestors bless us, may this ceremony bring forth many outstanding talents, adding new blood and hope to our clan!" The middle-aged Chiyang Village Chief, with a few gray hairs at his temples, dressed in solemn white ceremonial attire, adorned with a white tall hat, kneels on the solid wooden floor. With hands crossed and eyes closed, he prays devoutly.

Facing the statue on the gray throne, flanked by two towering stone guards wielding sickles, the flickering candlelight casts alternating shadows upon the throne.

Behind him, a dozen or so people also kneel. Similarly attired in white ceremonial robes, they are elders with authority in their families, wielding power in various aspects.

After a while of prayer, the Chiyang Village Chief bends forward, palms flat, facing upward, and repeatedly taps his forehead heavily against the floor, producing a resounding sound.

The elders behind him maintain solemn expressions, quietly emulating his actions.

The church is filled with the sound of foreheads touching the floor.

After the ceremony, people slowly rise from the floor of the solemn shrine and quietly exit.

In the corridor, the elders collectively sigh with relief, and the atmosphere relaxes.

Conversations gradually start.

"Time really flies. Blink, and a year has passed."

"The last ceremony feels like it happened just yesterday, still vivid in my memory."

"Next year will be the annual ceremony again. I wonder what kind of young talents will emerge this year?"

"Sigh, I hope there will be exceptional young talents. It's been three years since our village has seen such a prodigy."

"Indeed, in recent years, talents have emerged from villages like Shuimiao and Musen. Especially Ice Soul Han from the Bing family, his talent is truly terrifying."

Someone mentioned the name Ice Soul Han, and a layer of worry appeared on the faces of the elders. This young man possessed extraordinary talent. In just two years, he had already matched the strength of a village elder. Among the younger generation, he was unparalleled. Even the elder generation felt pressure from this rising star.

Given time, he would undoubtedly become the pillar of Shuimiao Village. At the very least, he would be a formidable opponent, capable of facing hundreds. No one doubted this.

"But among the youths participating in this year's ceremony, there is still hope."

"Yes, within the Chen family of Chiyang, there is a talented young man. At the age of three, he could speak; at four, he could walk. By three years old, he was proficient in poetry, astrology, and mathematics. At five, he excelled in martial arts, exceptionally intelligent and talented. Unfortunately, his parents passed away early, and he is now raised by his uncle and aunt."

"Yes, he is an early genius, with great wisdom and perseverance. Over the years, he has diligently trained his body, reaching the physical fitness of a militia at a young age. He is also skilled in geomancy, often venturing into the mountains alone. Truly, he is a natural talent."

As the last one to leave the church, the Chiyang Village Chief slowly closed the door, hearing the discussions of the elders in the street. He realized they were talking about a young man named Chen Yang.

As the village chief, he naturally paid attention to outstanding young talents. Chen Yang had always been the most prominent among the younger generation. Based on past experiences, those with exceptional memories or extraordinary strength often possessed excellent innate talents.

"If Chen Yang exhibits exceptional talent, he must be nurtured well. He might even rival Ice Soul Han. Even if he shows outstanding talent, he will undoubtedly become a banner of Chiyang Village. But with his early wisdom, the possibility of exceptional talent is slim; it's more likely to be extraordinary." With this thought, a smile appeared at the corner of the Chiyang Village Chief's mouth.

With a slight cough, he said to the elders, "Gentlemen, it's getting late. For tomorrow's ceremony, rest well and take care of yourselves."

Upon hearing the village chief's words, the elders were slightly taken aback. In their gazes towards each other, a hint of wariness was concealed.

The village chief's words were subtle, but everyone understood their deeper meaning. Every year, in the competition for these talented youths, the elders would fiercely compete, sometimes resulting in heated arguments and even physical altercations. It was important to conserve energy and prepare for the competition tomorrow morning.

Especially in the case of Chen Yang, the possibility of exceptional talent was very high. Moreover, as both of his parents had passed away, he was one of the few orphans left in the Chen family. If he could be brought into their fold and nurtured properly, it could ensure prosperity for their family for decades to come.

"However, let me make this clear. We must compete fair and square, without resorting to deceit or scheming, which could harm the unity of our village. Please keep this in mind, elders!" the village chief said sternly.

"Yes, of course."

"We will remember."

"We'll head back now, Chief. There's no need for you to see us off."

With their minds full of thoughts, the elders left one by one.

Soon, the long street became deserted. The spring rain gently blew through the windows, and the village chief paced lightly in front of the window.

The air was filled with the refreshing scent, permeating the village chief's lungs. This was the window on the third floor of his house, from where he could see almost half of Chiyang Village.

At this late hour, most households in the village still had lights on, unlike usual. Tomorrow was the ceremony to invite the gods, which concerned everyone's interests directly. An atmosphere of excitement and nervousness enveloped the hearts of the villagers, causing many to stay awake all night.

"These are the hopes for the future of the village," the village chief sighed as he looked at the flickering lights reflected in his eyes.

At the same time, there were also bright eyes silently watching the flickering lights in the dark night, filled with complex emotions.

"Chiyang Village, is this fifty years ago?! The Book of Time really worked..." Chen Yang's eyes were deep as he stood by the window, letting the wind and rain batter against him.

The Book of Time borrowed the power of the Time God to rewrite the past. It was no wonder it ranked eighth among the Ten Miracles. But even such magical powers as those of the Time God couldn't resist the erosion of time, could they?

In summary, Chen Yang has been reborn.

"Through the power of the Book of Time, borrowed from the Time God, I've been reborn fifty years into the past!" Chen Yang extended his hand, his gaze fixed firmly on his young and tender palm. Slowly, he clenched his fist tightly, feeling the reality seep in.

The faint sound of the wind and rain tapping against the window echoed in his ears. He closed his eyes slowly, only to open them again after a while, feeling lost. "Fifty years of experience, it feels like a dream!"

But he was keenly aware that this was no dream.