In the Eastern Divine Province of the Xuantian Realm, a divine mountain floated between heaven and earth, wrapped in mystical light, its form flickering between illusion and reality—like a mirage carved from sacred law.
This was the ancestral land of the Eternal Jiang Clan.
A clan with lineage so ancient, it could be traced back to the age of myths. Through countless disasters and heavenly calamities, they had never fallen. Though now living in seclusion, every prodigy who walked out from this mountain shook the world with unmatched talent.
In all of Xuantian, families who dared to wear the name "Eternal" could be counted on one hand.
Deep within the sacred mountain, inside a quiet courtyard.
"Xuan'er," an old man in luxurious robes said gently, "The current Saintess of the Desolate Heaven Divine Sect has expressed interest in forming a cultivation alliance with our Jiang Clan. She's even named you specifically. She wishes to become your Dao Companion—to walk the path together, and… even help our bloodline ascend to dominance."
"She's willing to back you for the position of Young Patriarch."
"This is a powerful union. The clan hopes you'll accept."
The old man's voice was kind, but his eyes gleamed with ambition.
This youth—Jiang Xuan—was the most monstrous genius of their lineage in a thousand years. His bloodline purity had reached a terrifying 75%, a level thought lost to time. He was already known as one of the Four Pillars of the Jiang Clan.
Even a Saintess from an ancient sect wanted to be with him.
It was a source of pride. And more importantly—it meant resources, support, and status.
Jiang Xuan lifted his gaze. Calm eyes shimmered with a flicker of surprise.
"The Desolate Heaven Saintess… the one with the Profound Yin Sacred Body? She wants to become my Dao Companion?"
"Is there some hidden motive?" he muttered.
He wasn't being paranoid—he had reason to be cautious.
Because Jiang Xuan… wasn't originally from this world.
Eighteen years ago, his soul had crossed into this realm. Even as a child, his talent was unmatched. He became a core disciple through sheer brilliance, and his rise had elevated his entire bloodline within the clan.
He once believed he was the chosen one—like all transmigrators should be.
But fate wasn't so kind.
During one trial, he encountered what he thought was a remnant soul of a True God. Expecting to be granted divine power, he accepted its legacy eagerly.
Instead, he was almost possessed and killed.
If not for the ancestral imprint protecting his soul, he would've died then and there.
Another time, he approached an ancient treasure deep within a secret realm. As it flew toward him, he thought, "Ah, it's recognizing me as master!"
It wasn't.
It was a demonic weapon in disguise, lured by his bloodline purity. It tried to devour him.
He barely escaped with his life.
Over and over, Jiang Xuan had fallen into traps. Each time, thinking he was the protagonist. Each time, life reminding him: "No, you're not."
So now, when he heard that a top-tier Saintess wanted to marry him after meeting him only thrice…
He was nervous. Really nervous.
"Isn't this… way too suspicious?" he thought.
The more perfect the opportunity, the bigger the pit.
"This isn't something you should hesitate on," the old man said. "With her support, even the other three Pillars will have to bow before you."
"You'll become the next clan leader. You'll stand atop the Eternal Jiang Clan. Who can challenge you?"
"But first," his voice hardened, "you must break off the childhood engagement your father arranged. That girl is a cripple now. She's no longer worthy of you."
"One year ago, she was a promising talent. She had a solid bloodline, reached the fourth level of Soul Entry by age seventeen. She was on track to reclaim her family's honor."
"But now? Her meridians are shattered. Her core is ruined. She can no longer cultivate."
"She's a dead end."
"She doesn't deserve to walk beside you. Even your future offspring will suffer."
The elder tossed a scroll to the table. It hovered in the air, inscribed with flowing ink.
"This is her file. See for yourself."
Jiang Xuan picked it up and scanned it casually.
Then his eyes widened.
"Nangong Mingyue… genius of a border city… recruited by Jade Mountain Palace at age seventeen…"
"She was about to lead her family back to prominence—but then…"
"A sudden collapse. Meridians broken. Core shattered. Overnight, she became a cripple."
Mocked. Pitied. Forgotten.
Jiang Xuan blinked.
"…Wait a second."
Break off the engagement?
HELL NO.
This was the classic protagonist setup! A crippled fiancée, mocked by the world? That was guaranteed main heroine material!
Girls like her fell off cliffs, found ancient legacies, and returned as Empress-tier monsters.
Why would he give that up?
He looked up, expression serious.
"Elder," he said firmly, "a promise made is a promise kept."
"Even if Nangong Mingyue has lost her cultivation, she is still my fiancée."
"Please inform the clan—I refuse to break off the engagement."
The elder's face froze.
…What?
He's turning down the Saintess?
For a cripple?
"Jiang Xuan, think carefully!" the elder snapped. "This will hold you back! The path of cultivation cannot be walked with sentiment!"
But Jiang Xuan shook his head.
"I've made my choice."
DING!You have defied narrative expectations. Had you followed the script, you would've lived a forgettable life, dying among the masses.By refusing to break off the engagement, you've gained a Protagonist Buff and become a High-Fate Individual.Luck Increased. Ancestor's Blessing Activated. Bloodline Purity will rise to 90% within ten days, making you the strongest descendant of your generation.
Jiang Xuan blinked.
"…My cheat system finally activated?!"