“Xiao Huan, I’m not sure I can handle a long-distance relationship,” she said seriously. “Let’s break up.”

  Those words still echoed in Lang Huan’s mind. She felt a deep sadness; her girlfriend had suddenly asked to end their relationship. They had been together for three years, and now, just a week before Lang Huan was set to leave T City to study in the US, everything had fallen apart.

  “You and I kiss goodbye on empty street abdhabsj#% (Wen bie song by Jacky Cheung)” Lang Huan sang Kiss Goodbye on stage at the party, her voice flowing beautifully. All eyes were on her. Not because her singing was bad—she actually sounded great.

  But this was her parents' anniversary party.

  So why was she singing a breakup song and making the whole vibe sad? The guests exchanged glances, unsure whether to clap or just pretend they didn’t hear it.

  "Hey, little bastard, why are you singing that song? Are you trying to bring bad luck to our parents' happy marriage?" Lang Xuan asked while twisting Lang Huan's ear mid-performance.

  Lang Huan winced but kept singing, her voice only wobbling slightly as she swatted her eldest sister's hand away.

  "Hiss... ohh, it hurts." Lang Huan winced, her face flushing with embarrassment, she realized all the guests were watching her.

  Her third sister, Lang Yue, unable to stand it any longer, rushed forward and pulled Lang Huan off the stage.

  "Do you want to ruin this party?" Lang Yue scolded, her face a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

  Lang Huan pouted, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, but she had no choice but to reluctantly step down, her voice still shaking from the awkward performance.

  "Ohh, you know that I just broke up with my girlfriend. I want to go home," she muttered, glancing at Lang Yue. "This party... it just doesn't feel right for me."

  "Hey, don't be gloomy! Just let it go. You're still young. Focus on your studies," Lang Xuan said, giving Lang Huan a comforting pat on the shoulder, her voice surprisingly gentle for someone who usually teased.

  Lang Yue nodded with a soft smile, "Exactly, Xiao Huan. You've got so much ahead of you. Studying abroad is a huge opportunity—don’t let this mess with your head."

  Lang Huan felt the warmth of their care and tried to force a smile, though the ache in her chest made it hard to fully believe their words.

  Lang Huan felt the warmth of their concern and tried her best to smile. She knew her sisters were doing their best to cheer her up, but the ache in her heart made it hard to accept their words fully.

  Mr. and Mrs. Lang entered the party hall, today marking their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. The grand celebration reflected their status. The Lang family was one of the wealthiest in T City, with numerous businesses under their belt.

  The couple radiated harmony, their love evident in the way they interacted. Blessed with five daughters, their family seemed almost perfect, a model of success and happiness. The guests couldn't help but admire them as they made their way through the hall, greeting friends and family with warm smiles.

  Having spent most of their lives in the US, they moved to T City in China ten years ago. Despite the change in scenery, they quickly established themselves in the business world, becoming an influential presence in the city’s social and economic circles.

  Mr. and Mrs. Lang, almost fifty years old, still looked great. Mr. Lang was sharp in his suit, with a bit of gray hair that made him look even cooler. Mrs. Lang was elegant, her beauty still shining through, even with a few years on her.

  Their daughters quickly rushed over to them, shouting "Happy Anniversary!" in unison. They hugged and kissed their parents, their faces beaming with love. It was a tradition, a moment that always filled the room with warmth.

  Unfortunately, the second and fourth sisters weren’t there to join the celebration. They were both studying abroad. The absence of the two sisters created a small gap in the otherwise perfect family moment.

  "Lang Huan, why does your face look so ugly?" Cheng Lin asked bluntly. "Oh, and where's your girlfriend?"

  "Mom, I just broke up with her," Lang Huan replied with a sigh, her expression showing a mix of annoyance and sadness.

  "Relax, Xiao Huan, there are plenty of Dad's friends here with their sons and daughters. Want me to introduce you?" Lang Xiao said, giving Lang Huan a light pat on the back.

  Lang Huan shook her head, rolling her eyes. "No, better save that for Lang Xuan and Lang Yue. She smirked, clearly not interested in the matchmaking attempt.

  Lang Yue, growing bored with the formalities of the party, let her gaze wander toward a lively group of young girls chatting and laughing nearby. She leaned back lazily in her chair, her expression a mix of boredom and curiosity, as though silently hoping something or someone might catch her attention.

  “Hmm, Third Sister, is there anyone here who’s caught your eye?” Lang Huan teased, a playful glint in her eyes as she nudged Lang Yue.

  Lang Yue turned her head slightly, raising an eyebrow at her youngest sister.

  “Yeah, Yue,” Lang Xuan jumped in, clearly enjoying the moment. “This is a great occasion—Dad’s friends brought their sons and daughters. Surely, someone’s gotta catch your interest.”

  Lang Yue just shrugged with a lazy smile, sipping her wine. “Maybe, maybe not,” she replied, her tone light and carefree. “Parties like these are always the same anyway.”

  But Lang Yue wasn’t one to be easily flustered. She let the teasing roll off her, her thoughts drifting somewhere else. There was something about tonight that felt different—maybe it was the party, the people, or maybe it was just her feeling a little restless. Who knew?

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  The Lang siblings were lucky. Their parents never pushed them into relationships. Unlike many families who saw marriage as some kind of strategic move, Lang Xiao and Cheng Lin always told their daughters one thing: happiness first. As long as their kids were happy and made choices based on what they truly wanted, it didn’t matter who they chose to be with.

  ---

  The room was buzzing with laughter, music, and chatter, but Lang Huan couldn’t quite get into it. Her heart felt heavy, like a rock just sitting there, refusing to let her breathe. Maybe it was the breakup still lingering in her mind.

  She picked up her phone, scrolling through old photos of them together—laughing, holding hands, sharing moments that felt like a lifetime ago.

  Lang Huan's ex-girlfriend was twelve years older than her, a successful lawyer. She had the charm of a mature woman and was very sexy. In contrast, Lang Huan, young and full of energy, loved basketball, tall, and was both beautiful and handsome, attracting both guys and girls. This often made her ex-girlfriend feel a bit jealous.

  A long-distance relationship had always seemed impossible, especially with her ex-girlfriend being so possessive. Always needing reassurance and attention made it tough to keep things steady, even when they were together.

  After the party ended, the Lang family returned to Nuan Yu Villa, their sprawling estate nestled between hills and a tranquil lake, a peaceful contrast to the bustling city life they'd just left behind. Nuan Yu Villa was more than just a home—it was a symbol of the family’s legacy, passed down through generations.

  As they arrived, Lang Huan felt the familiar calmness of the villa settle over her. The peaceful surroundings, with the soft rustling of trees and the gentle lapping of the lake's waters, brought a sense of tranquility. It was a place filled with countless cherished family memories, where all worries seemed to disappear, leaving only warmth and a feeling of home.

  Despite being well-connected in modern society, the Lang family had deep historical roots, tracing back to the ancient Lang Clan. Their ancestors weren’t just nobles—they were legendary warriors who protected the kingdom for centuries. Stories of their past were passed down like precious treasures, just as important as the wealth and power they still held today.

  According to one of the most famous story, an ancestor of the Lang Clan had once saved a wounded wolf. This act of compassion led to an unexpected turn of fate—the wolf, through sheer will and cultivation, ascended to become the revered Wolf Deity.

  Grateful for the ancestor’s kindness, the deity had bestowed a mysterious blessing upon the clan. From that moment onward, the descendants of the Lang Clan were said to possess extraordinary and mysterious powers, gifts that set them apart from ordinary humans.

  The younger generation couldn’t help but feel the weight of these old family stories. In today’s world, where science and technology ruled, such tales felt like nothing more than bedtime stories. Most people didn’t believe in the supernatural anymore.

  With all the advancements of modern life, legends like these had become irrelevant to most. Still, the stories never completely faded—they were whispered from one generation to the next.

  The young generation of the family saw these legends as just a part of their proud history, nothing more. But some couldn’t help but wonder—was there even a little bit of truth hidden in the myths? Maybe, somewhere deep in their blood, the Lang Clan’s extraordinary powers were still there, waiting to be awakened.

  "Hoamm!" Lang Huan yawned loudly, stretching like a lazy cat. After such a long day, she was completely drained. But more than her body, it was her mind that felt exhausted—like a messy room she didn’t have the energy to clean up.

  She collapsed onto the bed, closing her eyes for a moment, hoping to shake off the day’s tension. But tonight wasn’t going to be a peaceful one for her.

  As she slept, sweat covered her body while she tossed and turned. In her dream, she was falling into a deep, dark hole, spinning endlessly as everything blurred around her. The feeling was terrifying, like she would never stop falling.

  Then, she hit the ground. Darkness surrounded her, and a deep growl echoed in the air. From the darkness, a huge wolf emerged—much bigger than any normal animal. Its glowing blue eyes stared at her, and its pure white fur seemed to shine against the endless dark.

  The wolf snarled and took a step closer. Lang Huan's heart pounded as she tried to run, but the ground beneath her kept shifting, making it impossible to escape. Its sharp teeth glinted in the dim light as it chased her deeper into the darkness, its heavy paws thudding closer and closer. She could feel it right behind her, and the dream turned into a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from.

  Bang! A loud noise shattered the silence, jolting Lang Huan awake. Her heart raced, and she quickly pushed herself out of bed, feeling lost for a moment. The dream still lingered in her mind, but the sudden sound ripped her from it, pulling her into the present.

  She ran to the window, her eyes scanning the dark grounds of the villa. There was no sign of movement. The place was eerily quiet. No lights flickered in the windows, no sounds of footsteps. Where were the guards? Why was everything so still? Had she been the only one to hear that sound?

  Her eyes flicked toward the dense trees by the lake, noticing them swaying violently as if they were having a dance party without her. Was it a thief? Or a wild animal throwing a tantrum? Her instincts kicked in, and without a second thought, Lang Huan grabbed her backpack, slung it over her shoulder like a superhero, and rushed out of the room.

  Lang Huan dashed toward the lake, the chill of the night air biting at her skin. She could hear the sound of her own breathing, steady but quick as she pushed herself forward. Whatever had made that noise, Lang Huan had a feeling it was something she needed to investigate.

  Lang Huan approached the lake, her senses on high alert. She reached into her backpack and pulled out her baton, gripping it tightly in her hand. Every muscle in her body was primed for action, her martial arts training making her feel prepared for any unexpected danger.

  But when she reached the lake, there was nothing there. The trees that had been violently swaying earlier now stood still, their branches barely moving in the cool night air. The silence felt unnatural, as if the entire world had paused just for her. Lang Huan frowned…

  Had she imagined the sound? Could it have been a gust of wind, or perhaps an animal wandering through the woods?

  Her heartbeat slowed, but the uneasy feeling wouldn’t go away. She took a step closer to the water’s edge, the quiet around her making everything feel even more tense. Then, out of nowhere, a cold shiver ran down her spine, sending goosebumps up her arms. She froze, holding her breath.

  "Dammit! I’ve been watching too many horror movies…" she muttered to herself, trying to shake off the growing fear. She looked around nervously, telling herself there was nothing to worry about. Gripping her baton tighter, she scanned the trees again—but there was still nothing.

  Suddenly, a strong wind blew, making Lang Huan look up in shock. Above the lake, the wind had formed a huge swirling hole.

  The spinning vortex grew bigger, twisting the clouds into a strange spiral. The wind howled louder, stirring up waves that crashed wildly in every direction. The sky had been torn open, revealing a dark void beyond.

  A sudden wave of fear hit Lang Huan, and she turned to run. Her legs moved as fast as they could, her breath coming out in short gasps as she sprinted back toward the villa.

  I have to warn them. Something’s not right.

  But the air around her felt heavy, the wind pushing against her like an invisible force, making it harder to move.

  Then, out of nowhere, something unseen grabbed her and pulled her into the air. Her feet lifted off the ground, and she gasped, holding onto the baton as tightly as she could. She felt weightless, floating high above the lake.

  She tried to scream, but the loud wind drowned out her voice. Her body spun out of control, thrown around like a doll in a storm. The wind was too strong, and she couldn’t fight back. All she could do was shut her eyes and brace herself for whatever was coming next.

  Her stomach dropped, and for a moment, everything went completely still. But just as fast as she had been pulled up. Then, she fell at a terrifying speed, the wind slapping against her face. Her mind screamed at her to do something, to take control, but it was already too late.

  Thud!