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The Rusty Crown
The Rusty Crown 34 - "3 Lives"

The Rusty Crown 34 - "3 Lives"

Every day, without fail, Lin Longwei was a familiar figure to the guards monitoring his morning journey towards the training grounds. Under the imposing shade of a majestic tree, he delved into his daily training, a spectacle that divided opinions among onlookers. Some judged the rigor with which he dedicated himself as excessive, while others saw in that routine the true essence of a warrior.

Lin's morning ritual was meticulously crafted. It began with a run around the entire Lin mansion, a course that challenged not only his physical endurance but also the endurance of those who doubted his abilities. He then engaged in rigorous sword training, a curious choice for someone whose preferred weapon wasn't that. For Lin, mastery in all forms of combat was a non-negotiable philosophy. The sword, despite not being his preference, represented the starting point, chosen for the ease and practicality it offered in his initial exercises.

At that specific moment, Longwei rested with closed eyes under the shade of the venerable tree. His mind, a whirlwind of strategic thoughts, sought to further refine his training. "The next phase is precision. The bow will be my primary choice for this," he pondered internally, his expression reflecting the seriousness of his determination. However, the serenity was momentarily interrupted when his eyes opened, capturing the presence of a girl of extraordinary beauty discreetly observing him.

"Hui Min is here again," Lin murmured to himself, clicking his tongue in mild disapproval. He chose to ignore her presence, closing his eyes once more, focusing on his own world of concentration. The temptation to be swayed by distractions was a luxury he couldn't afford at that crucial moment of self-improvement.

Lin rose from the rough ground, the cold contact of the soil still echoing on his back. With determined steps, he headed to the nearby water source. The soft murmur of the stream was a constant backdrop in the training area. He dipped his hand into the crystal-clear water, bringing it to his face in a gesture indicating a long-established routine. Droplets trickled down his skin, refreshing and revitalizing. Even at a tender age, Lin was already aware of the effects of intense training on his body, a fusion of challenge and exhaustion intertwined with the pain he understood as the very essence of evolution.

"Constant fatigue, persistent hunger. I can push my body to the limit, but it won't generate more energy beyond that," Lin reflected as the cold water flowed through his fingers. Contemplation on the implications of lack of energy persisted in his mind, but he didn't allow it to consume his thoughts for long. With a determined sigh, he adjusted his clothes, wet his hair and face, preparing for the upcoming challenge.

The soldiers' training core lay ahead, a pulsating area of activity. Lin placed his belongings in a corner, each movement evidencing calculated efficiency. His eyes, sharp as blades, scanned the training ground, absorbing every detail of the soldiers' exercises. A profound silence enveloped the environment as he observed, but internally, a symphony of strategic thoughts unfolded.

The soldiers, disciplined and focused, executed movements that Lin absorbed with the intensity of a dedicated student. He mentally replicated each motion, seeking to internalize the nuances of the technique, the cadence of the strikes, the precise posture. It was a silent martial dance, where the language was expressed through moving bodies.

In Lin's keen eyes, every detail had a purpose. He observed the coordination between limbs, subtle adjustments in foot positioning, the synchrony of attacks and defenses. He didn't content himself with mechanical copying; he sought to understand the logic behind each movement, the tactical strategies that underpinned those actions.

A sergeant, imposing and experienced, led the training session. Lin focused his senses on the authoritative voice, absorbing not only the words but the essence of the instructions. He captured the nuances of combat strategies, the subtle interplay between attack and defense, anticipating each move as if he were inside the instructor's mind.

In one of the exercises, the soldiers practiced tactical formations. Lin, observing attentively, discerned the complexities of military organization. Moving as a cohesive unit, the soldiers created an impressive synergy. Lin's mind worked in harmony with his eyes, dissecting each formation into strategic elements. He envisioned different battle scenarios, mentally adapting each strategy for a variety of circumstances.

Lin's sword, an extension of his will, remained within reach, but for now, he chose to absorb practical knowledge before putting it into action. The prevailing silence in the training area was only broken by the metallic sound of equipment and the synchronized breathing of the soldiers.

In his contemplative silence, Lin delved deeper into the intricate martial arts. He internalized not only the physical movements but also the underlying philosophy. Each pivot, each block, each strategic advance was a piece in the complex puzzle of war.

The training progressed, and Lin continued his silent assimilation. At a certain point, the soldiers practiced close-quarters combat techniques. Lin followed every grab, every evasion, studying pressure points and the immediate response of bodies in contact. Each movement was a lesson, a physical expression of years of experience condensed into seconds.

The day unfolded slowly, but for Lin, every moment was a learning opportunity. He became a meticulous observer, absorbing the teachings of the training ground like a thirsty sponge. Shadows grew as the sun moved across the sky, but Lin remained steadfast in his purpose.

As night fell, the training came to an end. The soldiers dispersed, leaving Lin alone in the training ground. He stayed there, immersed in his thoughts, the images of the training etched in his mind like a vivid painting.

With one last glance around, Lin gathered his belongings and withdrew, leaving behind the silent battlefield. Every movement, every absorbed lesson, brought a step forward in Lin's journey toward mastery. The training was not just physical; it was a deep exploration of the mind and body, an unrelenting quest for perfection that propelled Lin beyond familiar limits.

And so, shrouded in the darkness of the night, Lin Longwei carried with him not only physical fatigue but also the wealth of knowledge he had gained in that day of intense training. The path to becoming a true warrior stretched before him, and Lin advanced with determination, each step shaping him for the challenge that awaited him in the uncertain tomorrow.

Lin returned to his home, a refuge after the intense hours of training that had challenged his body and mind. Fatigue was palpable, a presence that manifested with every step he took. However, he didn't allow physical pain to obscure his resilient spirit. A sigh escaped his lips as he entered.

Upon entering the kitchen, a comforting aroma of oriental spices greeted Lin. His eyes, still filled with determination, met his mother, Lin Jia, who waited patiently, a sweet smile adorning her face. The table was meticulously set with a variety of dishes, a true symphony of colors and aromas typical of the rich ancient Chinese cuisine.

Exuberant dishes occupied the table, forming a gastronomic tapestry reflecting not only maternal care but also culinary tradition spanning generations. An aromatic stew of meat and vegetables, with its richness of flavors wafting through the air, occupied the center. Accompanying it were steaming bowls of fragrant rice, each grain cooked to perfection. Plates with fresh seafood, such as succulent shrimp and spice-filled stuffed crabs, added a special dimension to the meal.

The table was adorned with small side dishes, filled with delicacies like stuffed dumplings, delicately prepared dim sum, and intricately rolled spring rolls. Fresh vegetables, carefully cut and arranged in colorful dishes, contrasted with the heartier dishes, adding a visual harmony to the culinary experience.

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Lin, despite physical fatigue, couldn't help but appreciate his mother's generosity. He thanked her with a smile, an expression that, at his tender age, reflected a maturity beyond his years.

"Thank you, my mother. I apologize for returning so late," expressed Lin with gratitude, as his eyes sparkled before the table filled with culinary treasures.

The mother, Lin Jia, returned the smile with a look of maternal pride, her sweet smile remaining unchanged. She settled at the table next to Lin Longwei, radiating warmth and affection as she watched her son begin to savor the delights before him.

"My sweet son, you strive so hard. It fills your father and me with pride," expressed Lin Jia, her words laden with affection and appreciation. "But you must enjoy your childhood, something that won't return."

Lin, as he began to savor the food prepared with so much love, internally nodded, absorbing not only the flavors dancing on his tongue but also the wise words of his mother. As he chewed, the duality of his existence—between rigorous training and fleeting moments of maternal care—echoed in his mind.

"I know, mother. I know," murmured Lin internally, his expression reflecting a profound understanding. While the food nourished his body, his mother's words nourished his soul, reminding him of the importance of balancing the pursuit of excellence with the appreciation of life's simple and precious moments.

Lin lay on his bed, an expression of discomfort evident on his face. His eyes, tightly closed, did not indicate tranquility but rather an inner battle unfolding as he tossed incessantly in bed. Sleep, though a physical necessity, was a hangover of memories that Lin would prefer to avoid. Every time his eyelids closed, he became an involuntary spectator of painful events from his past life.

The images unfolded like scenes from a dark film. Lin revisited the moments that led to his downfall in New Eden, a journey that plunged him into an abyss of betrayal and loss. Once again, he witnessed his existence being manipulated by sinister figures like Mei Feng, a puppeteer of dark destinies. The painful memory of his own death at the hands of Evelyn Blackwell echoed in his mind, a wound that stubbornly refused to heal.

The tragedy deepened as Lin revisited the moment his former mother, Nashandra Winters, was brutally taken from him by Lila Hawthorne. Each face, each scene, was like a fresh wound, a pain that resonated in his being. All these memories, now intertwined with his current existence as Lin Longwei, propelled him toward a clear purpose: revenge.

The desire for revenge pulsed in his chest like a resonating drum. He wasn't just seeking retribution for his own death but also for those whose lives were unfairly taken: Aidan Winters, Hei Feng, and, above all, Lin Longwei. Three lives lost due to the influence of malevolent individuals, and Lin was determined not to allow the same tragedy to repeat on the fateful date, his 16th birthday.

The restlessness in his bed finally reached a breaking point. Lin, with determination driving each movement, rolled out of bed. His eyes, now open and reflecting intense resolution, sought the night sky beyond the window. A deep darkness stretched before him, a symbolic reflection of the shadows enveloping him.

Despite having slept only two hours, Lin couldn't afford to succumb to exhaustion. The responsibility of his revenge mission compelled him to overcome the limitations of sleep. With an agile leap, he crossed his window, landing silently on the ground. The night air enveloped him like a cloak as he headed, once again, to the training area.

The training field, now bathed in the moon's silvery light, awaited like a sanctuary of self-discipline. Lin Longwei was determined to shape his body and spirit into an unbreakable force. Every drop of sweat shed, every calculated movement, was a tribute to the lives lost and a promise of justice.

Lin Longwei, with sweat trickling down his forehead and tense muscles, finished his last push-up when the presence of his father, Lin Chen, dominated him. A sense of apprehension ran down his spine as he faced him. Lin Chen's gaze was penetrating, as if scouring his soul.

"What motivates you to sacrifice all these years, Longwei?" Lin Chen inquired with a deep voice, making it clear that he would not tolerate lies.

"Pride of the Lin family," replied Longwei firmly, although that wasn't the absolute truth.

"Son, I know something else drives you," said Lin Chen, "but as a father, I won't question your intentions. If you insist on training at this hour, I'll do the same. One Lin never abandons another in such moments."

Fetching his sword, Lin Chen offered it to Longwei. The son's sword was a rustic wooden one, contrasting with the father's impeccable steel blade. Despite the disparity, Longwei wielded it with determination, his eyes burning with the flame of battle.

"Let's see what you've learned on your own," said Lin Chen, advancing with fierce determination.

The steel blade cut through the air like lightning, meeting Longwei's hesitant defense. The wood of the sword creaked under the pressure, but he resisted, blocking each blow with tenacity.

The pace of the battle intensified, a deadly dance of blades echoing through the courtyard. Lin Chen, experienced and relentless, pressed his son, testing his limits. Longwei, driven by an inner strength, defended bravely, learning from every blow received.

After a relentless sequence of attacks, Longwei's wooden sword finally gave way, breaking in two. Desperation consumed him for a moment but soon dissipated, giving way to a primal fury.

Disarmed but not defeated, Longwei lunged at his father with animalistic ferocity. His clenched fists struck his father's body like sledgehammers, his agile feet delivering precise kicks. Lin Chen, surprised by his son's fierceness, found himself on the defensive, struggling to block the blows.

The battle turned into a whirlwind of flesh and sweat, father and son entwined in a visceral struggle. The sound of bones colliding and muscles contracting mixed with grunts and roars of fury.

As the minutes passed, Longwei's strength began to wane. Exhaustion overcame him, but he refused to give up. Pride, honor, and love for the family drove him to persist.

Lin Chen, recognizing his son's bravery and potential, took a step back. The battle had ended, not with a winner or a loser, but with a father and a son who understood each other on a deeper level.

With a proud smile, Lin Chen placed his hand on Longwei's shoulder. "You've impressed me, son," he said. "You have the heart of a true Lin warrior."

The night enveloped the landscape, painting the sky with shades of dark blue and purple. Lin Chen, standing, watched his son, Lin Longwei, who rested under the canopy of an ancient tree, still immersed in meditation after an intense combat. The silence of the night was interrupted only by the gentle whisper of leaves and the distant crackling of a fire.

"My son," Lin Chen began, his voice carrying solemn seriousness, "I have spoken with your mother, and we have decided to conduct the Primordial Embrace on you to awaken your abilities. However, this will be extremely costly for us."

Lin Longwei lifted his eyes to meet his father's gaze. In his demeanor, determination and apprehension mingled. "Father, you don't need to worry about that. With or without the Primordial abilities, I intend to evolve through my own merit."

Lin Longwei's posture was firm, a manifestation of his determination to carve his own path. He didn't want to depend on a system that ironically helped create in his past life.

"I admire your will, my son. However, understand that only through the Primordial Embrace can you reach the Ranks and unlock your true potential. After your training and upon reaching the minimum age, you will be sent to the main sect," explained Lin Chen, his gaze conveying a mix of concern and paternal pride.

While Lin Longwei processed his father's words, Lin Chen reached for something among his belongings. Carefully, he pulled out a newly forged sword and held it with reverence.

"As you've shown exceptional dedication in your training, I've decided to present you with this." Lin Chen handed the sword to Lin Longwei, whose eyes reflected a mix of surprise and gratitude.

"Father..." Emotions surfaced in Lin Longwei's voice. Despite not considering Lin Chen and Lin Jia as his true parents, he couldn't deny the depth of his feelings.

"It's the first time I've seen that expression on your face," observed Lin Chen, a gentle smile lighting up his features. He enveloped his son in a hug, sharing a moment of connection that transcended words. Silent tears escaped Lin Longwei's eyes, blending with the emotions contained in that serene night.

The dawn tinted the horizon with soft hues of orange and pink, signaling the beginning of another day in Lin Longwei's life. He was immersed in his morning routine, repeating the daily forms that shaped him as a dedicated disciple. The sun began to rise, spreading warmth over the tranquil landscape.

However, even surrounded by the serenity of the morning, Lin Longwei couldn't ignore the persistent presence of Hui Min. A shadow that followed him like a persistent echo. He sighed, continuing his morning run, but it didn't take long for him to notice that Hui Min was also moving in sync with his steps, staying in the wake of his journey.

With a click of his tongue, Lin Longwei decided to interrupt his run, watching Hui Min approach, visibly tired. Their gazes met, and Lin, with a smile on his face, addressed her.

"Miss Hui, I believe you should be at your home by now," he expressed, maintaining courtesy despite the strangeness of the situation.

Hui Min, panting, paused to catch her breath before responding. "Ah... uff... Mr. Lin, I would like to train with you. I wanted to keep you company... I think your training would be more... more productive with someone else..."

Hui Min's words were hesitant and shy, revealing her underlying anxiety. Lin Longwei, aware of her presence for months, had always preferred to ignore, focusing on his own journey without allowing distractions.

"Miss Hui, I don't believe you would be able to keep up with me in training," Lin retorted, keeping his response simple and direct.

Determination shone in Hui Min's eyes, and she responded, now more recovered. "But I'm sure I can, please, Mr. Lin."

Faced with her persistence, Lin Longwei pondered for a moment. There was something in Hui Min's determination that intrigued him, something that compelled him to consider the possibility of company in his daily workouts. He assessed the young woman, observing her posture and resolute expression.

Finally, he nodded, agreeing with one condition. "Very well, Miss Hui. If you wish to train with me, you'll have to keep up with my pace without hesitation. The training is intense, and I won't tolerate distractions."