I'm Not Who I Used to Be

Chen Chang'an would never have imagined that this place was actually the territory of the Qi family.

And that family's revered ancestor happened to be the unlucky fellow who had been drugged by another "Chen Chang'an" years ago.

Chen Chang'an also hadn't expected such a coincidence—how was he supposed to know this was the Qi family's domain?

Having just settled into an inn, Chen Chang'an planned to make good use of his resources and focus on cultivation for once, lest he give the impression of being perpetually idle.

Meanwhile, Da Huang seemed distracted, glancing alternately at Chen Chang'an and Yi Tuo, his thoughts inscrutable.

"Hmm?"

"Someone's coming."

"Looks like they're headed straight for us."

Suddenly, Chen Chang'an frowned, sensing an aura approaching his location.

Who could it be?

"Are you Chen Chang'an?"

The stranger's direct address took Chen Chang'an by surprise.

"I am. Do you know me?" Chen Chang'an asked curiously.

"I am... Qi Fang. Don’t you remember me?"

Qi Fang found it odd. The man before him was unmistakably the same person—identical in appearance and demeanor—yet his cultivation seemed weaker.

And the unfamiliarity in his gaze wasn’t feigned.

For a moment, Qi Fang wondered if he’d mistaken the man entirely.

Qi Fang?

Chen Chang'an wracked his memory but drew a blank. From the lower realm? No. From the Xuantian Domain? No.

Qi Fang... Qi...

Then it struck him—the surname. In Liuyun Domain, someone named Qi who recognized him could only mean one thing...

"I don’t know you."

"You must have the wrong person."

"This is my first time here. Maybe we just look alike."

No way was he admitting to this.

While Chen Chang'an wasn’t afraid of the Qi family’s retaliation, what had happened back then was downright shameless.

Chen Chang'an prided himself on being plenty mischievous, but drugging someone? That was a line even he wouldn’t cross.

Qi Fang was taken aback. First time here?

Could it really just be a resemblance?

But he’d already reported this. If he didn’t bring the man back, how would he face the ancestor?

Wait—

The guy was lying!

When asked if he was Chen Chang'an, he hadn’t denied the name.

He was Chen Chang'an!

"Our ancestor requests your presence."

"I hope you’ll accompany me, Senior."

Qi Fang’s use of "Senior" was a clear message: Drop the act. I know it’s you. Keeping this up would be beneath you.

"Can I... not go?" Chen Chang'an replied awkwardly.

Going meant dredging up the past—and that was a mess he hadn’t even caused. He wasn’t about to take the blame.

"What’s this?"

"Last time you visited, Senior, you weren’t so reluctant."

"Are you looking down on the Qi family now?"

"We extend a gracious invitation, and you refuse?"

Gracious invitation?

"I’m busy. I’ve got places to be—"

"Da Huang, Yi Tuo, what are you two doing?"

Chen Chang'an turned to see Da Huang already mounted on Yi Tuo’s back, the latter sidling up to him.

Their eyes sparkled with excitement, as if urging, Come on, Big Bro, hop on! Let’s go!

Da Huang loved a good spectacle and wouldn’t miss this for the world.

As for Yi Tuo? Pure mischief.

Even Xiao Qiu, though silent, seemed eager—the dog leash practically leaping into Chen Chang'an’s hand.

"Damn it!"

"Fine!"

"I’ll go!"

"It’s just the Qi family."

"Let’s see how they plan to ‘invite’ me."

Gritting his teeth, Chen Chang'an accepted. Some things couldn’t be avoided—especially when he’d walked right into the lion’s den.

Relief washed over Qi Fang. He’d genuinely worried Chen Chang'an might refuse; dragging him there by force wasn’t an option.

He remembered all too well how formidable Chen Chang'an had been back then.

Why else would no one have sought revenge for his antics?

The reason was simple: They couldn’t beat him.

"Senior, your mode of travel has become... ahem, increasingly inventive."

Chen Chang'an chuckled at Qi Fang’s remark. "Life’s boring if you always follow the rules."

"Don’t you think?"

"Ahem, I suppose there’s merit in sticking to tradition," Qi Fang replied awkwardly.

He’d love to break convention too, but lacked the prowess.

After all, Chen Chang'an’s past whims had left the Qi family with a few extra... little ancestors.

When they arrived, Chen Chang'an was stunned by the Qi family’s sprawling estate.

"Whoa, this is your family’s place?"

"This scale rivals an imperial palace!"

The sheer size exceeded his expectations, but Qi Fang was puzzled.

You’ve been here before. Why the surprise?

"Senior, you don’t recall your last visit?" Qi Fang asked skeptically.

"Look, I’m not the Chen Chang'an from back then. Believe me?" Chen Chang'an sighed.

"I didn’t before... but now I’m not so sure."

Qi Fang’s doubt grew. Chen Chang'an’s astonishment seemed genuine—as if he’d never seen the place.

Few knew about the reincarnation of that "Chen Chang'an" from the Jiuyun Immortal Sect, and Qi Fang wasn’t among them.

"Senior, so... you’re really not him?" Qi Fang’s voice wavered.

If he’d brought the wrong man, the ancestor would confine him for at least a century.

"I’m not. But the person your ancestor wants to see is me."

Qi Fang’s mind short-circuited. If it’s not you, why does the ancestor want you?

What kind of logic is this?

"Never mind. Let’s just go see the ancestor."

"You two can sort it out."

Chen Chang'an nodded. But the moment they stepped through the massive gates, he froze.

What the—?

Are they starting the revenge already?

Beyond the entrance, two orderly lines of Qi family members—men and women—stood in perfect formation, all eyes fixed on Chen Chang'an.

The sight left both him and Qi Fang speechless.

What... is happening?

"Welcome, Senior Chen!"

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