Protagonist? Antagonist? I Reject Both

On a fine sunny day…

Irina sat at the kitchen table, slicing fresh fruit for breakfast, as Leon bounded into the room, his eyes filled with excitement. "Mom, look what I found in the garden today!"

Irina asked, lovingly, "What did you find, sweetheart?"

"Look! A ladybug! It's so tiny and cute. Can I keep it?

"

Irina smiled warmly, setting down the knife to give Leon her full attention "Of course, you can, Leon. But remember, it's important to treat all living creatures with kindness and respect."

Leon nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling with gratitude "Thanks, Mom. I'll take good care of it, I promise."

Then he ran away but paused briefly, he looked at Irina and screamed"You are the best Mom."

The scene dispersed and Irina found herself sinking into another scene.

Irina and Leon sat together on a cozy window seat, watching the snowfall outside, wrapped in blankets and each other's warmth.

"Mom, why do you think snowflakes are different shapes?"

Irina gazed at her son with adoration, marveling at his curious mind. "Well, Leon, each snowflake is unique, just like you and me. They form in the clouds when tiny water droplets freeze, and as they fall through the sky, they gather different patterns depending on the temperature and humidity."

Leon listened intently, his fascination evident in the way his eyes widened with wonder"Wow, that's so cool! I wish I could see them up close."

Irina hugged him tightly, savoring the warmth of their bond."Maybe one day, we'll go on an adventure together and explore the beauty of nature up close. I will take you to the sky and we will transverse beyond the clouds. But for now, let's enjoy the magic of this moment, just you and me."

"Promise," Leon asked, raising his cute bubbly eyes.

"Is there a promise that Mother made and never kept?"Irina asked with a pout

"Never, Mom always keeps her promises. Mom is the best."

The scene dispersed and with teary eyes, Irina relived in another one.

The one where Leon had grown up a bit.

Leon rushed through the door, his backpack bouncing on his shoulders, a triumphant grin on his face. In his hand, he clutched a vibrant painting, depicting their family with vivid strokes of color.

Irina's eyes lit up at the sight of her son's creation, but as she studied the painting, she noticed something amiss, the absence of Leon's father.

"Leon, this painting is beautiful, but why didn't you paint Daddy?"

Leon hesitated, his gaze shifting to the floor as he wrestled with his thoughts. Finally, he looked up, his voice soft but resolute.

Irina gave him a look of amusement as she watched her son looking around awkwardly.

After a moment, Leon muttered loudly"I... I didn't paint Daddy because... because he's not good enough for you, Mom."

"That man has no respect for you and is openly squinting his eyes at other women. He is a bad guy and a liar."

Irina's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions, pride in her son's protectiveness and sadness at the weight of his words.

The pain she had felt from her husband faded away from Leon's words.

Irina laughed a bit while hiding her inner turmoil, "Oh, sweetheart, Daddy loves us very much, but sometimes things don't work out the way we hope."

Leon shook his head, determination shining in his eyes as he echoed the words of his teacher.

"But Mom, my teacher said that men should respect women and protect them. I want to be the man who protects you from all troubles and is always there for your needs. I will be the only man you will need when you face trouble so forget that stupid idiot. Soon, I will cultivate and become strong enough to protect you big sis Gwen and Stacy."

Tears glistened in Irina's eyes as she enveloped Leon in a tight embrace, overwhelmed by his unwavering love and devotion.

"You already are, Leon. You are my greatest protector, my hero."

These conversations captured the essence of the loving relationship between Irina and Leon, filled with warmth, making her aware of the unwavering connection she has shared with Leon.

"My true memories…My lovely son."

In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their love, Irina knew that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always stand strong together, a family bound by love and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

As Irina basked in the glow of these cherished memories, she vowed to never again let darkness cloud her love for Leon.

With newfound clarity, she emerged from her slumber, while wondering who was the one who manipulated her memories and separated her from her son.

It was unforgivable.

Irina wasn't able to linger on this thought as the happy memories continued to assault her, Irina felt a sense of overwhelming despair wash over her, her soul weighed down by the burden of her guilt and shame. She knew that no amount of remorse could undo the damage she had wrought, but she vowed, in that moment, to do everything in her power to make amends, to seek forgiveness from the son she had wronged.

As she finally manages to grasp her true self, she finds something inside her breaking and molding.

A sudden influx of power radiated from her inner soul supplying her with an infinite amount of power.

"Is this…"Irina's voice quivered as she examined the surge of power.

Martial Emperor.

Confronting her inner demons and managing to find herself, had broken away the way wall im cultivation that stood before her.

She started at the radiating light orb and was just a step away from snatching it and advancing into Martial Emperor.

However, as she extended her hand to grasp it, her body halted.

"No…I can't."

Tears started sliding down her cheeks. Reaching Martial Emperor was one of her dreams but what good it would be even if she reached it.

So what if she reached that realm when what was dear to her had been taken away?

"No, it's not the time yet. As a testimony of my will, I will not step into Martial Emperor until I find him and apologize."

"No matter what I need to do and what sacrifice I have to make, I will get my son back."

On stepping back, a bright light erupted from her body.

On the outside, the female nourishing Irina is startled by a bright glowing light.

The air crackled due to dense undulating energy emerging from Irina. The Yin Gu had blocked the qi in her meridians which started to flow densely and everyone could see minute noticeable changes in Irina as her skin became more subtle and she started to become younger.

With an abrupt motion, Irina opened her eyes and immediately got up from the ice.

Coldness flickered in her eyes making everyone flinch back in fear.

"Lady Irina, please calm down. You are scaring everyone."

Irina looked towards the woman in the blue Daoist robe and retracted her aura.

She got up from the place and asked, "Did you find anything about Yin Gu?"

Elder Meng shook her head much to Irina's dissatisfaction.

"We have managed to get hold of the trail but someone seems to be blocking and cutting the tail."

"Whom did you send to investigate?"Irina asked in an overbearing tone.

"It's my disciple, Qin Lang."

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