The next day, Li Chen awoke to a chilly Sunday morning. Deciding to forgo his usual workout routine, he opted to visit the herb shop to procure some herbs for Tang Junjie. Driving to the store, he entered to find it seemingly deserted. Ringing the bell at the counter, he patiently awaited assistance.

After a few minutes, the aged shopkeeper, Wu Feng, emerged with a welcoming smile upon spotting Li Chen.

"Young man, I didn’t expect to see you so soon."

"I need these herbs, can you help me?"

"Certainly. It’s quite a long list, so you’ll have to be patient. You can go and do your things and maybe come back after an hour, what do you think?"

"Sure."

Li Chen then walked out of the shop and decided to explore the old alley to pass the time.

Strolling through the narrow passages, Li Chen immersed himself in the charm of the ancient town. Cobblestone streets narrated tales of bygone eras, and the scent of incense filled the air, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.

As he wandered, Li Chen marveled at the coexistence of tradition and modernity. The old town’s timeless ambiance offered a respite from his usual fast-paced life. Tea houses and artisan shops lined the streets, telling stories of generations past.

Li Chen found himself drawn to a calligraphy store adorned with elegant strokes and characters. The elderly calligrapher acknowledged him with a nod, and Li Chen reciprocated before continuing his exploration.

Turning another corner, he discovered a small courtyard with blooming flowers and a serene fountain. The natural sounds of trickling water and birdsong created a harmonious backdrop, transporting Li Chen to a different realm.

Lost in contemplation, Li Chen appreciated the simplicity and beauty of life in this secluded city corner. The experience prompted reflection on the significance of balance and connection to one’s roots.

Returning to Wu Feng’s herb shop, Li Chen was greeted with a knowing smile, as if Wu Feng understood the silent journey he had undertaken within the embrace of the ancient town.

As Li Chen strolled through the alley, a deep connection seemed to emanate from every nook and cranny, resonating with the old soul within him. Upon returning to the herb shop an hour later, he noticed Wu Feng engrossed in conversation with the two elders he had encountered during his first visit. The God of War’s voice echoed in Li Chen’s mind, a subtle warning that the guardian was present.

Acknowledging this revelation, Li Chen calmly stated, "I see." Turning his attention to the elders, he greeted them with genuine concern, "How are the migraines, sir?" Chen Yunlong, recognizing the effectiveness of Li Chen’s herbal remedies, replied, "Better with the herbs you prescribed. I’m here to get more."

Li Chen expressed his satisfaction, "I’m glad to hear that." He then shifted his focus to Wu Feng, making a request, "Will you please find something for me to alleviate pain for a cancer patient?"

Wu Feng, the experienced shopkeeper, inquired about a written prescription. Li Chen, relying on shared knowledge, responded with certainty, "No, but just mix according to our understanding. I’ll take it from there." Wu Feng accepted the task, heading to the back of the shop to prepare the necessary herbs.

As Wu Feng departed, Li Chen’s demeanor underwent a rapid transformation. The warmth of his smile faded into a serious expression. Addressing Chen Yunlong, he posed a direct question that cut through the air, "If the guardian is here, should I be worried?"

The abrupt reference to the guardian startled both Chen Yunlong and Shu Mingrui. Li Chen’s straightforwardness in acknowledging the mystical forces was unexpected. Chen Yunlong, after a moment of surprise, responded, "Young man, your awareness is keen. The guardian’s presence holds significance—a protective force entwined with destiny."

As Li Chen observed the charged atmosphere in the herb shop, Chen Yunlong spoke with a hint of concern, "I fear the prophecy is about to come true." Li Chen, intrigued, questioned, "What prophecy?"

Chen Yunlong, cautious about discussing sensitive matters in the shop, suggested, "We can’t talk about it here." Li Chen swiftly retrieved his phone, stating, "Give me your number so I can contact you." Chen Yunlong recited his number, and then inquired, "What’s your name?" Li Chen replied, "Li Chen." Chen Yunlong introduced himself, "My name is Chen Yunlong. You can call me Master Chen. This is my friend and butler, Shi Mingrui. You can call him Uncle Mingrui." Li Chen greeted them, "Nice to meet you."

Intrigued by Li Chen’s knowledge, Chen Yunlong probed, "How did you know?" Li Chen casually responded, "That you are the current guardian? Isn’t that one of the successor’s gifts or something." Chen Yunlong acknowledged with a thoughtful expression, "Hmm, I see." The air in the herb shop crackled with a shared understanding, bridging the mortal and mystical realms in a delicate balance.

Wu Feng efficiently returned with a bag filled with assorted herbs, and Li Chen meticulously inspected each one. After a brief examination, Li Chen pulled out his card.

"I insist on settling the payment for these herbs today."

Wu Feng hesitated for a moment but eventually accepted Li Chen’s insistence. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"If you insist."

Li Chen swiped his card, and the transaction was promptly completed.

Turning his attention to Chen Yunlong, Li Chen conveyed his genuine hope for the elder man’s swift recovery.

"I hope you fully recover soon."

"Thank you, young man."

As Li Chen exited the herb shop, a subtle change in his demeanor hinted at the weight of recent revelations.

Entering his car, Li Chen found himself unable to shake off the disquiet brought on by the mention of a prophecy. Initiating a mental dialogue with the God of War, he sought clarification.

"You never told me about any prophecy."

"We share memories, dude. I don’t know anything about any recent prophecy. Must have happened after my death."

"Hmm, I see. So, what do you think it means?"

"I don’t know, but from the look on his face, it’s not good".

"What did you get me into?"

"I don’t think this is all me. The fact that you have 50% of the Sun blood in you is the main reason for it all."

"Right. I keep forgetting that Sun Gang, the first person to ever try to kill me, is my cousin."

"Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it."

"I know."

"I think you should contact that uncle of yours. He has good intentions."

"I know, but the Sun family is too rich. It scares me."

"Money scares you?"

"Not the money, but the history."

Reflecting on the recent turn of events, the God of War suggested reaching out to Li Chen’s uncle, emphasizing the latter’s well-intentioned nature.

"I know, but..."

The unease tied to the vast wealth and history of the Sun family lingered in Li Chen’s thoughts as he contemplated the next steps.

As Li Chen navigated the busy streets, his mind buzzed with a cacophony of thoughts. The revelation of a prophecy, coupled with the enigmatic history of the Sun family, left him in a state of profound contemplation. The weight of responsibility, tied to both his heritage and the unforeseen destiny hinted at by the mention of a prophecy, pressed heavily on him.

Contacting his uncle, the only familial figure seemingly disconnected from the turbulent history, became a plausible next step. Despite the trepidation surrounding the Sun family’s immense wealth, Li Chen recognized the necessity of unraveling the mysteries that enshrouded his lineage.

The God of War, ever present in the recesses of Li Chen’s mind, offered a perspective that urged action. Li Chen mulled over the notion that the unfolding events were not solely the result of the deity’s influence but rather a convergence of his heritage with the deity’s ancient essence.

In his car, Li Chen pondered the intersection of past and present, his internal dialogue serving as a compass guiding him through the intricate labyrinth of family legacies and prophecies. The road ahead seemed shrouded in uncertainty, yet Li Chen embraced the challenge with a determination to uncover the truth.

The cityscape outside his car window blurred as Li Chen propelled himself forward, ready to confront the complexities that awaited him. The journey into his family’s history and the enigmatic prophecy unfolded like an unwritten Chapter, beckoning him to unravel its secrets and forge his own destiny.

As Li Chen continued to drive, his senses heightened as the realization of being followed settled in. The car trailing him persisted, matching his every move. Concern for Zhang Mei’s safety took precedence, compelling Li Chen to divert from his usual route home.

Choosing caution over familiarity, he drove through less frequented areas, the quiet streets providing a temporary refuge. The persistent car remained in pursuit, prompting Li Chen to navigate toward an almost deserted locale, away from the bustling cityscape.

In this nondescript area, where buildings stood silent witnesses to the unfolding events, Li Chen parked his car. The surroundings offered minimal cover, and the stark daylight painted an unassuming backdrop to the unfolding drama. The tension in the air was palpable as Li Chen awaited the next move from the mysterious pursuers.

The distant hum of the city created a dissonant soundtrack to the impending confrontation. Li Chen, fueled by the instinct to protect those he held dear, steeled himself for whatever revelation or threat awaited him. The car that had been tailing him came to a stop nearby, its occupants hidden behind tinted windows.