That night, Ye Fan sat alone beside a quiet river outside the city.
The moon reflected on the water's surface.
He looked down at the old black ring on his finger.
It was something his father had left behind before disappearing many years ago.
For years, it had been nothing more than an ordinary ring.
But tonight…
The ring suddenly began to glow.
Dark energy slowly spread around it.
Ye Fan's eyes widened.
"What…?"
A deep ancient voice echoed inside his mind.
"After ten thousand years… a successor has finally appeared."
Ye Fan stood up in shock.
"Who are you?"
The voice replied calmly.
"I am the remnant soul of the Dark Emperor."
The surrounding shadows suddenly began moving like living creatures.
Cold wind swept across the riverbank.
The voice spoke again.
"Child… do you desire power?"
Ye Fan remained silent for a moment.
Then he slowly clenched his fists.
Memories of humiliation and betrayal filled his mind.
Finally, he spoke one word.
"…Yes."
The ring released a burst of dark energy.
And Ye Fan's destiny began to change.