Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 50: Rising Storm

The silence that followed Zhan Chen's defeat was thick with tension, the air heavy with the weight of Li Tian's undeniable victory. The onlookers—members of the Li Family and the servants who had dared to peek from the edges of the room—were frozen, unsure of how to process what they had just witnessed.

Li Feng, his father, had a mix of emotions on his face. Pride was there, no doubt, but also a deep, contemplative look that suggested he was seeing his son in a new light. For so long, Li Tian had been an afterthought, a shadow among his more favored siblings. Now, he stood at the center of attention, radiating power.

"I did not expect such a display," Li Feng finally spoke, his voice measured but carrying a certain gravity. "You've truly surpassed my expectations, Li Tian."

Li Tian offered a small nod in acknowledgment. There was no need for grandstanding. He had proven his strength, and that was enough—for now.

[New Quest Unlocked: Establish Dominance. Objective: Make a name for yourself within the capital. Reward: New Martial Technique.]

The system's message lingered in his mind, and he understood what it meant. Defeating Zhan Chen was just a small piece of the puzzle. His real journey was just beginning. The capital was filled with powerful factions, individuals, and families—each with their own interests, ambitions, and secrets. He would need to navigate this complex web if he was to rise to the top.

Turning his back to the crowd, Li Tian left the grand hall without another word. He could feel the eyes of his family and the servants on him, their perceptions of him shifting. The one who had been disregarded, hated, and ignored was now at the forefront of their thoughts. But this newfound recognition came with its own set of challenges.

Later that night, Li Tian found himself walking through the tranquil garden behind the estate. The cool night air brushed against his skin, and the faint scent of jasmine hung in the air. It was peaceful, but his mind was anything but calm. He was already thinking about his next steps, about the capital, about the quest the system had just given him.

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps approaching. He turned, and there she was—Liu Mei, standing under the moonlight like a vision from the past. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes held the same mischievous glint he remembered from their previous encounters.

"Li Tian," she called softly, her voice carrying a note of familiarity, like she had never truly left his side.

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Li Tian raised an eyebrow, amused at her sudden appearance. "Liu Mei. It's been a while."

She walked closer, her steps light, almost playful. "I heard you've been busy. Rumors about you are spreading through the city like wildfire. Defeating Zhan Chen? Impressive."

"Rumors always tend to exaggerate," Li Tian replied with a small smile.

Liu Mei stopped in front of him, her eyes searching his face. "But not this time, right? The Li Tian I remember was always destined for something greater. It was just a matter of time before you showed everyone."

Li Tian's gaze softened slightly as he studied her. Liu Mei had always had a way of cutting through the layers and seeing the truth of things. Their history was complicated, but there was a familiarity between them that felt oddly comforting in the midst of all the chaos.

"What brings you back?" he asked, his voice calm but curious.

Liu Mei's smile widened, but there was a hint of something else—something deeper, beneath the surface. "I've been... dealing with my own challenges. But when I heard about your rise, I couldn't resist coming to see for myself."

Li Tian chuckled. "And now that you've seen it?"

Her eyes gleamed with playful intent. "Now, I'm curious if the rumors about your... other conquests are true."

He smirked, catching on to her teasing tone. "Other conquests?"

"You know exactly what I mean," she said, stepping closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Have you already found yourself surrounded by women who can't resist you?"

Li Tian didn't bother to hide his amusement. "Perhaps."

Liu Mei let out a soft, melodious laugh, though her eyes flickered with a brief hint of sadness that she quickly masked. "Always the heartbreaker."

Li Tian's expression grew more serious as he closed the distance between them. "I didn't come here to break hearts, Liu Mei. You know that."

There was a pause, a moment of stillness as the two of them stood face-to-face, the weight of their past and the uncertainties of the present hanging between them.

"Then what did you come for?" she asked, her voice soft but steady, a challenge in her eyes.

Li Tian met her gaze, unwavering. "I came for many things. Strength, power... but I also came to make things right. And you, Liu Mei... I want you by my side."

Liu Mei's breath hitched, her eyes widening slightly at his bold declaration. There was a flicker of something—hope, perhaps, or maybe disbelief. But before she could respond, Li Tian gently reached out, taking her hand in his.

"I know you've been through your own struggles, and I know things haven't always been easy between us," he said, his voice low and sincere. "But I want you to know that I mean what I say. Be my woman, and I'll make sure you're never alone again. I'll keep you happy."

Liu Mei's eyes glistened as she stared up at him, her heart racing. She had always known there was something different about Li Tian, something that drew her to him despite everything. And now, here he was, offering her a place beside him—not just as an ally or friend, but as someone who mattered.

For a moment, she hesitated, her mind racing with the implications. But then, slowly, she nodded, her hand tightening around his.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Li Tian smiled, his eyes warm as he pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace. Liu Mei melted into him, her head resting against his chest as the tension between them dissolved into something softer, more intimate.

Their lips met, a slow, tender kiss that carried the weight of all the unspoken feelings between them. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that moment, wrapped in each other's warmth.

As the kiss deepened, their breaths mingling, Li Tian's hands moved gently across her back, pulling her even closer. Liu Mei responded in kind, her fingers threading through his hair as their bodies pressed together. The night air seemed to grow warmer, the connection between them intensifying.

The kiss turned into something more, something deeper, as they lost themselves in the moment. And before long, they disappeared into the shadows, their intimacy continuing until the early hours of the morning.