On the computer's search page:
The first result is the Baidu Encyclopedia entry for 'demons and monsters.'
The second result is Baidu Images for 'demons and monsters,' followed by some mythological explanations and word meanings—nothing remotely connected to reality.
"Heh."
Andrew Han's eyes were filled with terror, but resolute and unyielding, he shattered his fear: "Six months from now, a shadowy figure will sneak into our home and leave a dark, bluish mark on my little sister. Even with ultra-high-definition surveillance cameras installed, we could only barely make out its shape."
Andrew Han closed his eyes.
Back then, they thought it was a thief, a home invader, or a deranged lunatic. But on that night, four and a half years later... blood-soaked monsters burst into their home, savage and bizarre demons broke in, fighting for his sister Lucy!
In the end.
A shadow with crimson eyes, like a vengeful spirit from myth, devoured all the demons and monsters present—and swallowed Lucy Han as well.
Only then did Andrew Han truly see the world's darkness and terror.
Though he summoned his courage and stood before Lucy, that crimson-eyed shadow merely sneered, knocking him unconscious instantly. He lost all awareness, and with his parents out dining, the ruined, silent room was left with only the unconscious Andrew Han.
When he awoke, it was already too late.
......
"Brother!"
"Brother, I'm scared! Lucy is scared! Brother, save me! Brother, save Lucy!"
Those twisted childish cries still linger deep in his memory, buried within his soul.
He wasn't a ruthless warrior, nor a calm genius. He felt fear, he wanted to shrink away.
But he was Lucy's only brother, and he had once sworn an oath engraved in his heart... If time could turn back, even if it meant death, he would never stand by and watch disaster unfold. Family reunion meant more than anything.
......
At this moment.
Andrew Han gripped the mouse tightly, forgetting all about the upcoming college entrance exam.
No matter how terrifying things get, nothing is worth fearing when it comes to keeping the family together.
"Lucy, my little sister. No matter what makes you special, you're my only sister." Andrew's right hand clenched the mouse, trembling slightly, causing a faint clicking sound.
I swear.
In this life, I will exhaust my strength and risk everything, just to protect Lucy and our family.
Huff.
Huff, huff.
Andrew's eyes reddened, his heart surging with emotion.
"Shut down."
Andrew Han clenched his jaw and turned off the computer.
Sleep, recharge, and get ready for tomorrow's martial arts student exam.
He didn't bother tidying his desk, heading straight to the door, switching off the bedroom light, and diving into the familiar yet strangely distant bed to sleep.
......
The next day, Friday.
Andrew Han arrived early, backpack slung over his shoulder, at the classroom of Senior Year Class Seven. He scanned the room and paused in surprise.
Four or five classmates were already there, quietly reading notes and textbooks. In the last row by the window sat a tall, well-built boy with wine-red dyed hair, his head bent over his phone.
A martial arts student—Sun Hui!
Andrew's heart stirred as he instantly recalled Sun Hui's name.
Back in senior year, martial arts students were always in the spotlight. They didn't need to attend class on time or finish homework every day, earning the envy of regular students. Plus, their strong physiques and martial arts training gave them a distinct aura, setting them apart from the rest.
It’s no exaggeration to say that many girls were eager to befriend martial arts students.
Including romantic relationships.
But for most students... envy aside, they still looked down on the shortcut of becoming a martial arts student. After all, in high school, grades mattered most—no matter how skilled you became at martial arts, what good would it do in the future?
The classroom was quiet.
Click.
Andrew Han, backpack still on, didn't put it down at his seat. Instead, he walked through the rows of desks to the last row, looked at Sun Hui, who was playing on his phone, and said softly, "Hello, Sun Hui. I'm Andrew Han."
"Hm?"
Sun Hui, who had been focused on his phone, looked up in surprise.
He was clearly taken aback.
There really was a clear divide between martial arts students and regular students—a split in the road of life. Even those few who tried to befriend martial arts students were a bit nervous around their strong physiques.
"Hello."
Sun Hui put his phone down on the desk, looking a bit curious.
Andrew Han's eyes were clear and sincere as he spoke softly, "Sorry to bother you, but I was hoping you could help me out—it's about the martial arts test."
He explained in a low voice.
He spoke earnestly and at length.
Andrew expressed all his hopes, determination, and sincere request through his words, leaving Sun Hui a bit surprised.
Sun Hui had never met such a calm and genuine guy before. Andrew clearly treated him as a normal classmate—no nervousness, no prejudice, just genuine communication.
Suddenly,
A strange feeling welled up inside Sun Hui.
Although he was a martial arts student and got along well with many girls, he still wished for a true friend.
"The martial arts test?"
He let out a breath, patted Andrew on the shoulder, and whispered, "Andrew, I'll help you out. Let's step outside, and I'll walk you through the test process."
Andrew couldn't believe it had been so easy. "Really?"
Sun Hui chuckled, scratching his wine-red hair, "It's just a martial arts test. Old Ning has a bit of a temper, but it's fine to give it a try."
"Mm."
Andrew nodded heavily, a smile appearing on his face.
Sun Hui slung his arm around Andrew's shoulder and urged, "Let's talk outside, not in the classroom—we don't want to disturb everyone studying."
With that,
He and Andrew walked out of the classroom to a secluded spot outside the school building.
Click.
Sun Hui skillfully flicked his lighter, lit a cheap cigarette, then pulled one out and offered it to Andrew.
"Sorry, I don't smoke." Andrew waved his hand, curious, "Isn’t martial arts training supposed to mean no smoking or drinking?"
Sun Hui didn’t mind, putting the cigarette away with a chuckle, "You really are a good student. You shouldn’t smoke often if you practice martial arts, but one every now and then is fine. By the way, you said you’re taking the test—are you trying to become a martial arts student?"
Andrew replied, "My grades aren’t very stable, so I do want to give it a shot."
Sun Hui pondered for a moment, then asked seriously, "Andrew, if you want to switch to martial arts, you’ll probably miss regular class time. Is your family okay with that?"
Andrew quickly answered, "I’m not sure if I’ll be able to keep up with regular classes yet."
Sun Hui took a deep drag on his cigarette, concerned, "What’s going on?"
Andrew sighed, looking a bit down, "There’s some trouble at home." He wasn’t making excuses—his words carried genuine emotion, which moved Sun Hui.
Trouble at home?
Can’t go to school anymore?
Sun Hui immediately felt sympathy, holding the half-smoked cigarette at his side, lips pressed together. For a senior year student... not being able to go to school was a disaster.
Just thinking about it felt bleak.
"Sigh."
Sun Hui tossed the cigarette butt, stomped it out, then put his hand on Andrew's shoulder.
Andrew took a breath and smiled, "Maybe there’s still hope."
If he could meet a skilled martial artist and get help against demons and monsters, maybe life could be carefree again—just like in his previous life.
"Mm."
Sun Hui nodded and was silent for a moment.
He glanced around and whispered, "The martial arts test is really just about doing three difficult moves. If you can do them to standard, it proves you’ve got talent—it’s not too strict. Here, let me show you first, watch closely."
......
Lunchtime, inside the Senior Year Class Seven classroom.
At the window-side, third row, Andrew Han lay face-down on his desk with his eyes closed. It looked like a quiet nap, but his mind was ablaze—there was no way he could sleep.
That morning, Sun Hui had demonstrated three difficult moves for him, and Andrew had tried them right away.
He failed the first time, and again on the fourth try, but after more than thirty attempts and plenty of corrections from Sun Hui, Andrew finally managed the three moves—just barely meeting the standard.
"These three moves are basically up to standard."
Andrew thought to himself, "If I can truly enter the martial arts world, I’ll owe Sun Hui a huge thanks. If martial arts can help me keep my family together, Sun Hui will be my guide."
Andrew mused quietly, while the classroom remained silent.
During lunch break, even if people chatted, they kept their voices low and cautious.
Huff.
Andrew shook his head, lost in thought.
Nearby, his desk mate Gu Yuanliang was chatting animatedly with two girls from the row behind, apparently discussing something interesting.
Suddenly, Gu Yuanliang twisted around... Andrew Han glanced curiously at his desk mate and immediately noticed an ancient bronze coin spinning in Gu Yuanliang's palm.
"What's that?"
He couldn’t help but ask, curiosity getting the better of him.
Gu Yuanliang glanced at Andrew and grinned, whispering, "This is my family's Bright Family Heirloom Coin—a hundred-year-old treasure!"
Andrew was taken aback, memories rising within him.
Back in his previous life, during senior year, his desk mate Gu Yuanliang did bring an ancient bronze coin, showing off to the girls behind them. It even led to a minor conflict.
"Oh?"
Andrew blinked, a bit nostalgic, and tapped the coin with his finger.
In that instant,
Andrew’s senses seemed to awaken to a sixth perception, strangely vivid. He could clearly feel a faint current inside the ancient bronze coin... it seemed grayish-white!
What was happening!
What was going on!
Andrew’s mind was a mess as he stared at the coin in shock.
"Hey!"
Gu Yuanliang laughed and scolded, "If you want it, just take it."
Gulp.
Andrew swallowed, his right hand trembling slightly as he gently picked up the coin.
Thump.
Thump, thump.
Sitting at his desk, Andrew could feel his heart pounding as he gripped the coin... a storm of emotions—nervousness, shock, wonder—swirled inside him.