Douluo Continent, Star Luo Empire, Haiyuan City.
Gentle sunlight spilled onto the lawn of the City Lord's Mansion, draping the lush grass in a thin golden veil.
A young girl, looking around fourteen or fifteen, knelt gracefully on the lawn.
Her long, jet-black hair cascaded smoothly over her shoulders like a waterfall, shimmering with a captivating luster in the sunlight.
She wore a simple yet exquisite light purple dress that perfectly outlined her elegant figure.
At this moment, her slender, beautiful legs were wrapped in sheer black stockings, exuding an indescribable allure.
Resting atop those eye-catching legs was a six-year-old boy with white hair and red eyes—Lu Jingming.
He was thoroughly enjoying the exclusive comfort of using her as a lap pillow, his face full of contentment and satisfaction.
The black-haired girl's slender, jade-like fingers were gently and rhythmically massaging Lu Jingming's forehead and temples, her technique skillful and natural.
From her smooth, flowing movements, it was obvious that she had spent considerable time and effort diligently practicing this massage skill, all for the sake of serving the person before her.
Lu Jingming rolled over contentedly, his nose catching a pleasant, fresh scent. He knew the girl didn't use perfume—this was her natural fragrance, addictively soothing.
Resting his head on her soft thighs, Lu Jingming couldn't help but marvel at how quickly girls grew up.
He remembered the first time he met her, she was a little girl who had just lost her family, frightened and crying her eyes out. In the blink of an eye, six years had passed, and she had completely transformed, both in appearance and personality.
Sensing the boy's intimate movement, the girl's cheeks instantly flushed a delicate pink, like peach blossoms in spring.
She subconsciously pressed her legs together, but her eyes showed no rejection. Instead, her gaze toward Lu Jingming was full of doting affection, as if he were the most precious treasure in the world.
"Xiao Ming, today is the day you awaken your Martial Soul. If you're late again, Teacher Jingliu will punish you," the black-haired girl gently combed Lu Jingming's snowy white hair, as if suddenly remembering something important, and hurriedly reminded him in a soft voice.
Her voice was gentle and melodious, like an oriole singing in the forest, full of care.
Hearing this, Lu Jingming froze as if he'd been petrified by Medusa's magic eyes.
Scenes of previous punishments by Jingliu flashed through his mind, making him shiver subconsciously.
Jingliu was indeed a rare and excellent teacher, strict and serious in her teaching, sparing no effort with her student.
But sometimes, she could be almost harsh, especially with Lu Jingming. Since he was three, Jingliu had made him start practicing swordsmanship.
Back then, the young Lu Jingming had struggled through tedious and grueling training, often complaining, even resorting to tantrums in an attempt to sway the cold, stoic swordswoman—but Jingliu remained unmoved.
Even the girl, Jingliu's proud disciple, didn't dare beg for mercy on his behalf under her strictness.
All she could do was help soothe his fatigue after training, using massage skills she had painstakingly learned—this was exactly why she worked so hard at it.
"Sister Lexuan, why didn't you tell me earlier! Oh no, if I stand up Teacher Jingliu, I'll be miserable for a whole month!"
Lu Jingming shouted as he hurriedly scrambled off Zhang Lexuan's lap. Before he finished speaking, he shot off like a gust of wind, racing toward the Awakening Hall of the City Lord's Mansion.
Today was an extraordinary day for Lu Jingming—having just turned six, he was about to experience the pivotal moment of his Martial Soul Awakening.
Jingliu had already prepared the highest standard awakening ceremony for him, but he had been so captivated by Zhang Lexuan's massage that he'd completely forgotten about it.
If not for her timely reminder, he really might have accidentally stood Jingliu up.
Watching Lu Jingming's hurried figure disappear, Zhang Lexuan couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.
Then, as if something occurred to her, her expression darkened slightly, and she murmured softly, "It's already been six years…"
Remembering what happened six years ago, a hint of sorrow flashed in Zhang Lexuan's eyes. She once had a happy family, but a sea soul beast invasion led to her father, the pillar of the family, dying in battle.
With the death of their only Soul Sage, her family's enemies took advantage, slaughtering the entire Zhang family. She survived only because she was hiding while playing hide-and-seek with her mother.
She had originally planned to escape secretly, get stronger, and return for revenge, but unexpectedly, the very people who had exterminated her family were slain one by one by a beautiful sword immortal wielding an ice sword.
At that time, the sword immortal held a newborn baby in her arms. Thinking of that baby, Zhang Lexuan smiled gently.
That baby was none other than the boy just now, Lu Jingming—her father's sworn brother's son, and her fiancé.
So, she had only pretended to scare Lu Jingming just now; after all, how could she let him be punished for being late?
In her heart, Lu Jingming was irreplaceable—how could she bear to let him suffer?
Lu Jingming dashed off in a panic, the wind whistling in his ears.
Along the way, the mansion's guards and maids bowed respectfully, addressing him as "City Lord."
Why would a six-year-old boy be the city lord? It was all due to events six years ago.
Six years ago, Lu Jingming had just transmigrated to this world. His father died fighting off the sea soul beasts, and his mother, before she could enjoy motherhood, received the news of her husband's death.
The tremendous blow was too much for her already frail body and spirit to bear.
In her grief, she barely managed to glimpse her newborn son before dying with deep regret.
All this left the newly-reborn Lu Jingming completely stunned.
He'd just arrived in this world and, before he could even get his bearings, lost both parents. He couldn't help suspecting he was cursed to a lonely fate.