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My Peaceful Life With the Heroine I Once Fought
Chapter 1: The Beginning of It All
The world trembled beneath the feet of the Demon King.
Rael Alzareth, Sovereign of Shadows, stood atop his obsidian tower, gazing over a world that had long since surrendered to his might. The skies burned crimson, the ground cracked under the weight of his will, and silence echoed through the once-proud realms of gods and mortals.
He had won.
Utterly, absolutely, and without challenge.
His enemies had fallen, their legacies reduced to dust. Even she—the brilliant, radiant Heroine who once dared to raise her sword against him—had fallen to his hands.
And yet, the victory felt hollow.
Rael sighed.
"Is this all there is?" he murmured into the wind.
He had ruled for a thousand years, perhaps more. Time blurred in the eyes of an immortal. He had tasted glory, fear, reverence, and hatred from every corner of existence. But now, not even the clash of blades nor the thunder of divine power could stir his heart.
The world was his—but what was a world without purpose?
With a weary smile, Rael raised his hand and tore open the fabric of reality—not to destroy, but to abandon.
He was done being the Demon King.
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"I want to live... as someone else.
Just once… to live a quiet life.
A life with no war. No throne. No crown."
And with that, the Sovereign of Shadows faded—his soul cast into the cycle of reincarnation, seeking peace.
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Eighteen Years Later…
Eastern Jade Province — a lush region of rolling hills, blooming spiritual gardens, and humble sects.
In a modest courtyard, beneath a blooming spirit tree, a young man sat with a pot of tea beside him. His black eyes were calm, his breath steady, his presence warm.
This was Yu Zhen, eldest son of the Yu Family.
Handsome, refined, and shockingly talented in cultivation. But few knew the truth.
Inside him lived the soul of Rael—the once-feared Demon King.
Now, he was content living a quiet life in the countryside.
His father, Yu Tianhai, was a retired cultivator turned woodcarver.
His mother, Madam Yue, loved brewing tea and growing spiritual herbs.
His sister, Yu Lian, just fourteen, often teased him and wrote silly poems.
It was a family without bloodshed. Without war.
Exactly what Rael—now Yu Zhen—had longed for.
He poured himself tea and sipped slowly, listening to the morning birds and rustle of wind.
"Gege!" a cheerful voice called.
Yu Lian peeked into the courtyard, grinning wide.
"Did you forget? The Lan Family's coming today. With her."
Yu Zhen looked up calmly. "Her?"
"Your future wife!" Yu Lian sang. "Lady Lan Yueran. It's an arranged meeting! You really didn't know?"
Yu Zhen blinked. That name… Lan Yueran. It stirred something deep in his soul. A distant echo. A breeze from a memory long buried.
Before he could reply, his mother appeared, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Zhen'er," Madam Yue said gently. "Dress properly. You'll be meeting your fiancée today. The Lan Family is an honorable house—don't look like you just crawled out of bed."
Yu Zhen chuckled faintly and stood. "Understood, Mother."
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Later that day, three elegant spirit carriages arrived before the Yu household.
From the main carriage stepped Lan Weiyang, head of the Lan Family, dignified and composed. His wife, Madam Qin, followed—regal and proud.
Then came the girl.
Lan Yueran stepped down gracefully. She wore robes of pale blue, embroidered with silver cranes. Her hair was tied with a silken ribbon, her steps light as petals, and her presence calm yet commanding.
Yu Zhen's breath caught.
Those eyes…
That presence…
Why did she feel so familiar?
The girl looked at him, smiled softly, and bowed with perfect grace.
"Yu Zhen, it is an honor to meet you," she said.
Yu Zhen returned the gesture. "Welcome to our humble home, Lady Lan."
Neither of them knew that they had once stood across a battlefield—her sword burning with holy light, his aura cloaked in shadow and fire.
Now, they were just a young man and woman, meeting for the first time.
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That evening, both families gathered for dinner.
The large table was filled with spiritual dishes, prepared lovingly by Madam Yue. The candles glowed softly, casting warm light over wood-carved beams and paper lanterns.
Laughter flowed easily between the parents. Yu Tianhai and Lan Weiyang talked like old friends. Madam Yue and Madam Qin discussed herbs and household matters.
Meanwhile, Yu Zhen and Lan Yueran sat side by side, quiet and polite.
"Is this awkward for you?" Yu Zhen asked gently.
Lan Yueran shook her head. "No. Only... unfamiliar. But your home is very peaceful. I like it."
Yu Zhen smiled. "It's simple, but full of care. My mother puts her heart into everything."
She nodded. "I noticed. Her cooking is wonderful."
There was a pause. The two looked at their teacups, then at each other.
"Are you afraid of this marriage?" Yu Zhen asked.
Lan Yueran hesitated, then answered honestly. "I'm not afraid. Just... curious. I never imagined I would marry someone I'd never spoken to before."
Yu Zhen chuckled. "That makes two of us."
And just like that, the tension eased. A soft warmth settled between them.
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That night, under the starlit sky, Yu Zhen sat in his room.
The wind blew gently through the open window, carrying the scent of spiritual blossoms.
He looked up at the stars.
"So this is peace," he whispered.
No thrones. No blood.
Just tea. Warm food.
A quiet courtyard.
A family.
A girl who smiled at him without fear.
He touched his chest.
Once, his heart beat only for conquest. Now... it fluttered when she looked at him.
The past was fading.
The future was unknown.
But for the first time, he felt no need to look back.
Perhaps…
This was the life he truly wanted.
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