Deep within the annals of ancient lore, whispers of a mystical artifact resonate through the ages—the Scales of Time. Legends tell of a river of time that flows through the world, guiding its inexorable march forward. And within the heart of this river, the Scales of Time are said to hold the power to manipulate the very fabric of existence.

Yet, skepticism shrouds the tales surrounding this enigmatic artifact. Many dismiss it as mere fiction, a product of imaginative minds. The risks associated with wielding the Scales of Time only fuel doubt and uncertainty among those who dare to believe.

It is said that to unlock the potential of the Scales of Time, one must pay the ultimate price—the sacrifice of their own life force. Life and cultivation become the fuel that powers this ancient relic, demanding a toll that most are unwilling to pay. The very essence of one's being is consumed, leaving only the uncertainty of what lies beyond.

The weight of such a cost makes many wary. Skepticism lingers in the minds of those who possess the Scales of Time, hesitating to unleash its power upon the world. What if the legends are nothing more than an elaborate ruse? What if the risk outweighs the reward?

The Scales of Time, cloaked in mystery and uncertainty, hold the potential to unravel the threads of existence. It stands as a testament to the inherent curiosity and longing for control that reside within the hearts of mortals. Yet, the true nature of this artifact remains shrouded in the veils of the unknown, waiting for a soul bold enough to unlock its secrets and face the consequences it may bring.

The depths of Li Wei's conviction are unshakable, for he finds himself in a state of dire circumstances that leave him with no alternative. The urgency of his situation propels him forward, pushing him to wield the power of the Scales of Time without hesitation. No longer can he deny the stark reality that stands before him. The truth has been unveiled, and it is undeniable—he has truly been reborn.

If the circumstances had been different, if Li Wei had not been cornered into such a desperate state, he may have approached the use of this extraordinary artifact with caution and deliberation. But the harshness of his reality has stripped away any hesitations, leaving him resolute in his decision.

The undeniable truth, laid bare before his eyes, has left an indelible mark upon his consciousness. Li Wei has been given a chance to rewrite his destiny, to traverse the river of time and emerge anew. With this newfound clarity, he embraces the profound significance of his rebirth, embracing the immense power that resides within him.

"I can't help but feel a deep sense of regret," Li Wei mused with a heavy sigh. "From the very beginning, I poured an absurd amount of effort into this journey, sacrificing countless lives and stirring the heavens to anger. I endured immense suffering and faced countless hardships to obtain and refine this artifact."

His thoughts echoed with a touch of melancholy as he contemplated the magnitude of his past actions. The weight of his past deeds bore down upon him, as he couldn't help but reflect on the immense toll he had paid to secure the Scales of Time.

"Now, here I stand, reborn into a new existence," Li Wei continued, a tinge of disappointment seeping into his voice. "But the Scales of Time, the very symbol of my arduous pursuit, did not accompany me on this journey. It remains behind, forever out of reach."

As he grappled with the absence of the artifact, Li Wei felt a mixture of longing and resignation. He had envisioned a grand transformation, wielding the power of the Scales of Time to reshape his destiny and right the wrongs of the past. Yet, fate had chosen to deny him this opportunity, leaving him to navigate the path ahead without its empowering presence.

"But perhaps," Li Wei contemplated, a glimmer of determination shining through his thoughts, "this is a chance to prove that I am more than the artifacts I possess. Despite the absence of the Scales of Time, I carry within me the wisdom and experiences of my past life. It is up to me to forge a new path, to wield the power within myself and shape my own destiny."

"I may have lost the Scales of Time, but I still possess something precious," Li Wei reminded himself. His 660 years of memories and experiences were an invaluable treasure, guiding him forward with wisdom and strength.

Within the vast expanse of Li Wei's memories lay an untapped trove of treasures and precious items, waiting to be discovered in this time. History's significant events and incidents were but veins of knowledge he could easily grasp. Countless figures, from hidden level predecessors to yet-to-be-born geniuses, populated his recollections.

In these 660 years of life, memories of arduous cultivation and rich combat experience intertwined, shaping Li Wei's understanding of the world. Through this wealth of experiences, he had gained an undeniable grasp of the overall situation and the forthcoming opportunities that lay ahead.

With meticulous planning and flawless execution, Li Wei knew he possessed the power to seize the moment with formidable finesse. Empowered by his memories and experiences, he could stride ahead of others, breaking through the barriers that restricted them.

No longer hindered by limitations, Li Wei embraced the possibilities that awaited him. With each step, he would unleash his ferocity and elegance, propelling himself beyond the boundaries of others and cementing his place as a force to be reckoned with.

"So, how do I proceed?" Li Wei contemplated, his sensibility guiding his thoughts. He composed himself, gazing out into the night rain that streaked against the windowpane. With each passing moment, the task at hand seemed increasingly intricate, evoking a furrow in his brow.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

660 years encompassed an extensive expanse of time. Within this span, memories intertwined, mingling with elusive recollections that eluded his grasp. The challenge extended beyond merely recalling those blurred fragments. It extended to the scattered locations of hidden treasures and encounters with extraordinary individuals. These significant locations were spread across vast distances, each demanding a specific timeframe for access or visitation.

Li Wei's mind churned with the complexity of the situation. The weight of responsibility settled upon him, forcing him to confront the intricate puzzle before him. How could he navigate the temporal and spatial obstacles that lay between him and the treasures he sought?

With determination etched upon his face, Li Wei embarked on a quest of planning and preparation. He knew that success required careful coordination, synchronizing his movements with the precise periods and locations dictated by his memories. The road ahead would be arduous, but with each challenge surmounted, he would inch closer to uncovering the truth that awaited him.

"The most crucial matter at hand is cultivation," Li Wei acknowledged inwardly, a surge of realization coursing through his thoughts. The present version of himself had yet to unlock his Cultivation Base, remaining confined to the realm of mortals. Time pressed upon him, urging him to hasten his cultivation and bridge the gap with the timeline of history, ensuring he could seize forthcoming opportunities with unparalleled advantage.

He couldn't overlook the fact that many of the hidden treasure locations held little value without a solid foundation. Venturing into those realms without adequate cultivation would only invite peril and inevitable demise.

The problem that loomed before Li Wei now, overshadowing all else, was the pressing need for cultivation. It demanded his full attention and unwavering dedication. Only by diligently treading the path of cultivation could he hope to overcome this obstacle and unlock his true potential

"In order to expedite my cultivation, I must rely on the resources provided by the tribe," Li Wei contemplated, recognizing the need for external support.

Given his current state, devoid of power or the ability to navigate the treacherous mountains within the Shadowlands, even the most common mountain lion posed a grave threat to his life.

To ensure his safety and progress, he realized that attaining the level of Core Formation cultivation would grant him the means to protect himself and venture beyond the confines of the mountain.

Through his eyes, the vastness of the Shadowlands seemed insignificant. The Shadow Fang Tribe, to which he belonged, felt like nothing more than a confining cage, constraining his ambitions and potential.

Having experienced the depths of cultivation and traversed realms far beyond the mortal realm, the limitations imposed by the Shadowlands felt suffocating. The desire to break free from the confines of his current existence burned within him, urging him to seek greater heights and explore realms beyond the narrow scope of his tribe.

"Hmm, for now, I shall remain within this cage," Li Wei contemplated, acknowledging the temporary shelter it provided. With a clear goal in mind, he aimed to reach the Core Formation Realm, which would grant him the ability to leave the confines of the humble mountain he currently called home.

Tomorrow's Ceremony held promise, marking the beginning of his journey towards becoming a Cultivation Master.

Thoughts of the upcoming ceremony rekindled old memories that had long been buried within his heart. A bitter smirk played across his lips as he contemplated the concept of talent, his gaze focused intently on the world beyond the window.

Just then, the door to his room creaked open, revealing the presence of a young girl who stepped inside, breaking the solitude of his thoughts.

"Why are you standing in the rain by the window, big brother?" The girl's voice broke the silence, her words carrying a gentle concern. She appeared fragile, her figure slight and smaller than Li Wei's. Her facial features bore a striking resemblance to his own.

As Li Wei turned his gaze towards her, a mix of emotions flickered across his face, creating a complex expression. "It's you" he remarked, raising an eyebrow, his countenance reverting to indifference.

Li Yiling, in response, averted her gaze, lowering her head, directing her focus towards the floor.

Li Wei and Li Yiling, siblings born into the same tribe, faced the harsh reality of becoming orphans due to the devastating wars waged by neighboring tribes. The loss of their parents left them with a void that could never be filled. In this tribal system, where weakness was shunned, Li Wei found himself shouldering a multitude of responsibilities as they grew up together.

From a young age, Li Wei understood that the unforgiving nature of the tribe demanded strength and resilience. He became the pillar of support for his little sister, Li Yiling, taking on the role of protector and provider. The burden of their parents' absence weighed heavily on his “then” shoulders , fueling his determination to ensure their survival in a world that allowed no room for weakness.

While Li Wei grappled with the challenges of their harsh environment, he observed that Li Yiling seemed to harbor resentment and jealousy towards him. Influenced by the tribal dynamics, Li Yiling became unwittingly manipulated, directing her buried resentments towards her older brother and making his life difficult.

With the passage of time, Li Wei's cold and indifferent demeanor became his shield against the tribe's expectations. It allowed him to protect himself and navigate the treacherous paths of their tribal system, minimizing the risk of exposing their vulnerabilities. This facade became a habit, shielding him from the harshness of their surroundings and ensuring a semblance of stability for his little sister.

However, Li Wei couldn't help but find it ironic that Li Yiling, despite her innocent facade, unknowingly perpetuated the mistreatment that originated from their tribal dynamics. Buried resentments and jealousy festered within her, resulting in targeted suppression and making life difficult for her own older brother.

In this treacherous tribal system, Li Wei struggled to balance the responsibilities of protecting and guiding his little sister while navigating the deceitful web woven by their fellow tribespeople. Yet, back then he remained steadfast in his commitment to shield her from the harshness of their world and silently hoped for a day when the truth would be revealed, and they could break free from the confines of their circumstances.

Li Wei's talent was barely C-grade, overshadowed by his younger sister's remarkable A-grade potential.

Fate played its tricks.

The Ceremony turned their lives upside down. Li Yiling soared to great heights while Li Wei plummeted from grace. He faced trials from his sister and the cold gazes of their tribe, surrounded by contempt.

But Li Wei knew better. After 660 years of life experience, he had gained a deep understanding. The world operated on machinations and he would stand.

With aspirations for the future, he would eliminate anyone in his way. Revenge was his aim, and compromise had no place on his demonic path.

"Go," he told his sister, her departure leaving him to contemplate alone.

“This vile tribe will taste my reckoning.” Spoke under his breath his gaze becoming cold and extreme