C1 The Hearts of Billions of People Were Fuel

"Back again."

Chen Dutian closed his eyes slightly, memories flooding in like a tide. A million years of cultivation, ascending to become an emperor, ruling over countless worlds, with millions of hearts loyal to him. Yet, at the crucial moment, he was betrayed and outmaneuvered.

The universe became a crucible, using the hearts of countless worlds as fuel, consuming Chen Dutian, reducing his imperial body and soul to nothingness.

"What a grand scheme. I wonder who was behind it?" Countless faces flashed through Chen Dutian's mind, finally settling on a face as beautiful as a flower.

"Was it you?"

A question flickered in Chen Dutian's mind. He took a deep breath, then opened his eyes, temporarily setting aside the countless doubts of his past life.

"Half a month later, the House of Protector was in turmoil. My mother died tragically, and I barely escaped death." A sharp light flashed in Chen Dutian's eyes. After a brief moment of thought, he understood that his rebirth brought him back to a pivotal moment.

The events of the past surged into his heart.

"The regrets of my past life—I won't repeat them this time." Chen Dutian exhaled deeply, his heart filled with regret and resentment, churning like the sea. "Since fate has given me another chance, I'll make sure to right all the wrongs of my past."

"Today is the day Qin Fan is supposed to come and provoke us," thought Chen Dutian, a sharp glint of determination in his eyes.

Chen Dutian pushed open the door and stepped out. Yuan Liu watched him with curiosity. For some reason, he felt that his young master had changed in some subtle way.

It was his demeanor—something about it was different. Yuan Liu suddenly realized that in the past, Chen Dutian, unable to cultivate his skills, had been a bit of a spoiled rich kid, with a touch of reckless abandon. Now, though his appearance hadn't changed, his inner spirit had transformed remarkably. He was no longer despondent; instead, he exuded a vibrant energy.

"Let's go," Chen Dutian said with a hearty laugh as he headed toward the main gate. In a past life, Yuan Liu had met a tragic end, and this time, Chen Dutian was determined not to let that happen again.

"Where are you off to today, young master?" Yuan Liu asked with a warm smile, following closely behind, his tone filled with a hard-to-describe fondness.

"You'll find out soon enough," Chen Dutian replied with a slight smile, though his eyes flashed with a fierce resolve.

The House of Protector wasn't particularly large, just seven sections from front to back. Chen Dutian quickly arrived at the main gate.

"Please inform Lady Protector that the Antler Marquis requests an audience."

Chen Dutian heard a distant voice, one he hadn't heard in at least a million years.

"Qin Fan, the newly appointed Antler Marquis of the Phethia Dynasty."

"Not interested," Chen Dutian replied loudly and arrogantly. "Not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can walk through the gates of the House of Protector."

Standing at the entrance, Chen Dutian spotted Qin Fan immediately. Even though he had torn this man apart in a previous life, seeing him again in this one reignited the urge to do it all over again.

In his past life, which Chen now referred to as "before his rebirth," Qin Fan had caused his mother to take her own life to avoid disgrace. His fiancée, after saving him, also chose death over dishonor. The depth of this hatred was unmatched, and even though these events hadn't yet occurred in this life, Chen Dutian was determined to prevent them from happening again. His loathing for Qin Fan was undiminished.

"Chen Dutian, I am now the Antler Marquis and seek an audience with Lady Protector. I'm not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry," Qin Fan said, his face twitching with barely concealed hatred. He could almost feel the sting on his cheek once more.

"I said I'm not meeting him." Chen Dutian shrugged nonchalantly, a look of disdain on his face. "I'm busy."

"Chen Dutian." Qin Fan glared at Chen Dou, his teeth clenched. If it weren't for the eight fully armored guards at the House of Protector's entrance watching him like hawks, he might have already ordered his two attendants to take Chen Dutian down.

Just a spoiled brat riding on his family's reputation, doing whatever he pleases. And now, even with trouble looming, he still dares to act arrogant in front of me.

"I'm doing just fine, no need for your concern," Chen Dutian replied lazily, making Qin Fan seethe with anger.

"Chen Dutian, do you remember what I told you six months ago?" Qin Fan suddenly smiled, though his eyes were filled with a chilling intent.

"Do I have to remember every little thing anyone says? I'd have too much to keep track of," Chen Dutian replied indifferently.

"Thirty years on the west bank, thirty years on the east bank. Don't underestimate the young and poor," Qin Fan said slowly, emphasizing each word. Six months ago, he was just a fallen noble, having caught Chen Dou's ire simply for glancing at his fiancée in a crowd, which earned him a harsh slap from Chen Dutian.

Qin Fan, barely able to keep his eyes open after being slapped by Chen Dutian, muttered, "Just finish up and get lost."

Chen Dutian waved dismissively, his face full of disdain. "And in the future, if people like him get close, chase them away. If you can't, then deal with them. The doors of the House of Protector aren't open for just any stray dog to bark at."

Qin Fan's expression twisted with rage. He had thought that after earning his title, he could swagger into the House of Protector and show off. But Chen Dutian still ignored him, and it infuriated him that someone he considered a spoiled brat on the brink of ruin dared to be so arrogant.

"Chen Dutian, let me tell you, Xiaomei is mine. In two weeks, she'll be my wife!" Qin Fan shouted, his face a mix of madness and satisfaction. The frustration of knowing everything but being unable to say it all poured out in that moment.

Chen Dutian simply responded with a dismissive chuckle and turned to leave. Only Yuan Liu, standing nearby, noticed the intense and terrifying intent in Chen Dutian's eyes.

Watching Chen Dutian walk away, Qin Fan was nearly driven insane. He had come to flaunt his status and perhaps even get close to Lady Protector, but Chen Dutian had stopped him at the door, leaving him seething with anger.

"If he doesn't leave soon, I'll beat him to death with a stick. What a worthless creature," Chen Dutian casually remarked, disappearing behind the door, ignoring Qin Fan's rabid shouting behind him.

"Young Master," Yuan Liu called out hesitantly. Recently, the entire realm was in turmoil, especially with Lord Protector Chen Dou's fate unknown. Many were looking to take down the Chen family, and Qin Fan, a rising star in the dynasty, was not someone to cross lightly.

"It's nothing, just a dog that can be crushed easily. Let him live a few more days," Chen Dutian replied with a flash in his eyes, completely unfazed. His tone was decisive, and his demeanor had transformed significantly, showing none of his previous frivolousness or carelessness.