Teacher by day, Farmer by passion

Slowly, the memories of the body began to seep into his mind. It was a careful, deliberate process, as though afraid that overwhelming him all at once might shatter him.

One by one, fragments of a life he hadn't lived slipped into place.

Xie Ning'er. That was the name of the woman who had just walked out.

Ace let out a small, bitter laugh. In a strange way, he and Xiao Zhi—the original owner of this body—shared an uncanny sense of camaraderie. Both had bared their hearts to their childhood sweethearts.

Both had hoped for something more. And both had been rejected.

The words lingered in his mind, an echo refusing to fade: You're a good guy, but I can't be with you.

Ace chuckled again, his voice quiet, almost hollow. "They even used the same words," he muttered.

But as the laughter faded, tears spilled down his cheeks, unbidden. He wiped at them with trembling hands, unsure if they were his own or if Xiao Zhi—this body—still clung to the heartbreak.

The thought hit him like a weight:

Was this Xiao Zhi's final surrender? Was this rejection the breaking point that made him give up and brought Ace here?

Ace exhaled slowly, the burden settling over him. When Xiao Zhi saw Xie Ning'er with her lover, Shen Fei, holding hands and laughing together, he hadn't just watched from the shadows. He had confronted them.

The memories grew sharper, clearer. Xiao Zhi, desperate to reclaim his dignity—or perhaps to prove his worth—had stood before Shen Fei, a man of power, wealth, and influence.

He had challenged him.

It hadn't ended well. Shen Fei had beaten him down mercilessly, leaving him bruised, broken, and utterly humiliated.

And now Ace was here, inhabiting this battered body, inheriting a life of pain and unfulfilled longing.

He leaned back against the unfamiliar bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Am I really here just to take the pain?" he whispered, a wry smile curling his lips. "Oh well, I can do this much for you. I can't fight, but... never mind."

This world wasn't like the one he had left behind. Here, people didn't talk politics or mundane trivialities.

In this place, people cultivated power, striving to ascend ranks and reach heights beyond mortal imagination. Strength wasn't just admired—it was everything. Without it, you were nothing more than a stepping stone for those above you.

Ace closed his eyes, Xiao Zhi's memories blending with his own. The absurdity of his situation struck him, and he let out a soft laugh.

"If this is a transmigration, you could've at least given me a system or something," he muttered to the silence.

The room offered no reply, the faint floral scent in the air the only response.

Here, survival meant power, and power meant respect. Without it, even a child could trample on your pride, destroy your life, and escape unscathed.

As sunlight faded into the background, Ace's lips curled into a determined smile. "If this is my second chance," he murmured, "then I won't waste it."

A sharp, feline voice pierced the quiet. "Xiao Zhi, why did you pick a fight with Shen Fei? Are you stupid?"

Ace blinked, startled, turning toward the source.

A woman stood in the doorway, panting as though she had rushed over. Her expression was equal parts exasperation and concern.

She was beautiful, with sharp, elegant features that bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Zhi's—high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes. His memories stirred faintly, whispering a single word: Mother.

"Darling," she said, her voice softening as she approached the bed, "you're only a Warrior rank, grade three. Shen Fei is already Silver rank, grade two. What you did was dangerous—reckless, even!"

Her words carried a mixture of worry and reprimand, but her eyes betrayed only gentleness.

Ace—now Xiao Zhi—felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through him. It was a mother's love, pure and unconditional, reaching deeper than he expected.

For a moment, he hesitated, unsure how to respond. Then he gave her a small smile, his voice soft.

"It's okay now, Mom. Xiao Zhi—I—won't do anything dangerous again."

Her expression relaxed, relief washing over her features. "That's good. For now," she said with a sigh, offering a beautiful smile.

She leaned down, gently tucking the blankets around him like he was a child again.

"Rest well," she said as she turned to leave. At the door, she glanced back one last time, her eyes lingering as if to ensure he was truly safe. Then, with a quiet click, the door shut behind her.

The room fell silent once more, leaving Ace—no, Xiao Zhi—alone with his thoughts.

He let out a slow breath, sifting through the fragmented memories in his mind.

The structure of the world's cultivation came into focus, simple yet effective:

Warrior

Silver

Gold

Dark-Gold

Diamond

Each rank was divided into three grades: minor (1), major (2), and peak (3).

The difference between ranks and grades was immense. A peak Warrior could barely scratch a minor Silver, let alone someone like Shen Fei, a major Silver. The gap in power, skill, and strength was a chasm Xiao Zhi had foolishly tried to bridge with desperation alone.

Ace smirked, shaking his head. "Crude, but admirable."

His expression grew serious. If he wanted to survive in this world, he needed strength. He needed to climb these ranks—not just to avoid humiliation, but to ensure he was never left powerless again.

And to find a purpose that brings me joy, he added quietly in his mind.

For the next three days, Ace's mother, Xiao Ziyun, ensured he received the best healing treatments available. Physicians, elixirs, energy restoratives—nothing was spared. She hovered over him like a guardian spirit, her presence a constant reassurance.

When he finally stood on his feet, her face lit up with joy—not for Ace, but for Xiao Zhi, her son.

It was funny, in a way.

That unfiltered joy wasn't for him. Yet it warmed something deep inside.

"Look at you, standing already," she said, her eyes glistening with pride. "My strong boy."

Ace gave her a small smile. "I'm fine now, Mother."

She fussed over him anyway, adjusting his robe like he might fall apart.

Funny, indeed.

But maybe… maybe it wasn't so bad.