Years flowed by swiftly, transforming Lin Feng from a mysterious infant into an extraordinary young boy. By the tender age of five, his intellect far surpassed that of his peers. He could effortlessly read thick books with astonishing comprehension, posed philosophical questions that left adults dumbfounded, and possessed a nearly perfect memory. School, for him, quickly became a tedious affair, as he effortlessly grasped concepts even before his teachers finished explaining them.
Yet, Lin Feng's exceptionalism wasn't confined solely to academics. He displayed an innate talent for physical activities, even without formal training. His movements were nimble and remarkably coordinated, as if his body recalled long-forgotten motions. He would often, without conscious thought, instinctively evade danger or perform impossible reflexes for a child his age. On one occasion, while playing in the park, he effortlessly caught a ball hurtling towards his head with a swift, precise hand movement, leaving the other children gaping in astonishment.
His fascination with ancient martial arts and heroic tales deepened with each passing day. He would spend hours in the library, poring over books detailing various martial lineages and legends of mighty warriors. Something within those stories resonated deeply with his soul, a faint yet powerful sense of familiarity. He began to instinctively mimic the movements he read about, executing them with uncanny intuition, as if his body held dormant muscle memory.
One afternoon, as he practiced simple stances in his backyard, he inadvertently released a subtle surge of spiritual energy from his body. The surrounding leaves gently rustled, and a faint breeze stirred without any discernible cause. Although he was unaware of the phenomenon, the sensation of energy flowing through his body felt comforting and natural, like a familiar warmth.
However, Lin Feng's gifts also made him feel somewhat isolated from his peers. They couldn't comprehend his deep interest in subjects they considered boring, and they couldn't keep pace with his incredibly rapid learning. Lin Feng often found himself alone in his own world, lost in thoughts that far surpassed his age.
The dreams of his past continued, growing more intense and vivid as he matured. He saw more of the cosmic battles in the sky, felt the anger and sorrow of the golden deity, and occasionally heard whispers of unfamiliar yet seemingly important names. These dreams left strong emotional imprints, instilling in him a profound sense of responsibility, though he had no idea what that responsibility entailed.
One fateful day, while engrossed in an ancient book on breathing techniques for meditation, something remarkable occurred. As he followed the instructions within the text, he felt the surrounding energy begin to gather within his body. The sensation was familiar, akin to what he felt when practicing martial arts movements. He persevered, and slowly but surely, he began to perceive a clearer flow of energy, a warm river coursing within him. Unbeknownst to him, he had taken the very first step on the path of cultivation—a path that would reawaken the dormant divine power within him.
Yet, this awakening power also began to draw attention. In the hidden corners of the world, there were individuals who could sense the extraordinary spiritual energy emanating from Lin Feng, even though it was still incredibly faint. They were older, more experienced cultivators, who recognized the immense potential hidden within the boy. Some felt drawn to him, eager to guide him, while others might have seen him as a potential threat in the future. Lin Feng's destiny, the destiny of the returned legend, had begun to unfold in unexpected ways.