“Fate Defiance System, exchange another 500 cultivation points!”

[Ding. Conversion complete.]

No rush.

These Fate Defiance Points—“earned” by snatching lollipops from little girls—why save them to hatch eggs when I need them now?

Dense, pure spiritual energy coursed through Luo Qingchuan’s veins.

His silhouette blurred as pitch-black, malevolent qi swirled ceaselessly around him.

Ordinary eyes couldn’t perceive it.

Luo Qingchuan closed his eyes, sensing the shift. Strength climbed another tier. Even if danger struck again, he’d be far safer now.

“Qi Refining Stage 7. Progress slows the higher you climb… and costs more Fate Defiance Points.”

He recalled the plot: destined prodigy Zuo Tian would reach Foundation Establishment overnight after obtaining his perfect cultivation technique.

Tonight was that night.

Afterward, Zuo Tian’s growth would become shockingly rapid.

When he truly emerged, even reclusive old monsters would marvel.

Powerhouses offered discipleship—only to be refused.

Zuo Tian declared he’d walk his own path: to the extreme, the peak, a height where none could stand beside him, coldly overlooking the mortal world from lonely heights.

Offend him? One sword stroke.

Not enough? Two.

Poor Luo Qingchuan could never grow stronger through cultivation alone.

His innate talent was locked. All ascension paths sealed by fate.

The Fate Defiance System and Sage System surely held untapped potential.

“What if…”

Luo Qingchuan narrowed his slender eyes.

“What if I kill Zuo Tian now?”

Snuff the fate-blessed protagonist in his cradle. Deny him future. Deny him growth.

The killing intent flickered—then vanished.

A wry smile touched the youth’s lips.

Forget it.

My heart isn’t that ruthless.

“Zuo Tian carries an ancient inheritance. And the Zuo clan ancestor’s remnant soul guards him.”

Yes, this was Zuo Tian’s weakest moment.

But that guardian would shield him—even at the cost of his remnant soul.

We’re both still leveling. Tower diving now? Suicide.

I just want a peaceful life.

Suddenly—

Luo Qingchuan instinctively sensed it: a faint, furtive gaze piercing him.

“Who?”

His icy eyes locked onto a green trash can beside the artificial lake railing.

His sunlit shadow writhed unnaturally, like a black cat coiled to strike.

“Come out willingly. I’ll spare your life.” Each word deliberate.

Malevolent aura surged. Killing intent pressed close—ferocious as a caged beast.

The Scripture of Calamitous Chaos weighed down the very air.

Beneath bright sunlight, the world plunged into a silent, frozen winter night.

A true demon lord!

The scene seared into Chen Yanyu’s mind.

“U-um… if I come out and apologize… will you forgive me?” Her voice sweet, trembling.

That tone made Luo Qingchuan’s heart skip.

Bad feeling.

“Of course I forgive you.”

He reined in his aura. Shadow stilled. A faint smile. “But explain clearly. Let’s talk properly.”

Get her out first.

I’ve got a hunch… it’s *her*.

“I-I agree.”

Chen Yanyu stood and stepped out.

Her form revealed; silvery jade dragon horns retracted from her brow.

A celestial beauty—like a lotus rising from water—reflected in Luo Qingchuan’s eyes.

Gentle ripples stirred in his clear gaze.

A twitch at his eye corner.

Whoa. It really is her.

Chen Yanyu watched the sinisterly handsome youth instinctively step back half a pace.

She opened her mouth—

“I know. I understand. I forgive you. No need to speak.”

Luo Qingchuan kept smiling. “Farewell. We’ll meet again in the jianghu.”

He turned and ran.

“Huh?”

Chen Yanyu froze two seconds—then snapped awake and chased.

“Don’t run! I haven’t talked to you yet!”

Luo Qingchuan fled headlong.

Chen Yanyu sprinted after.

Her skirt fluttered. Ornaments chimed softly. Slender, fair legs flashed in the sun.

He ran. She chased. He…

Luo Qingchuan was speechless.

Without spending those Fate Defiance Points to level up, he’d still be stalked by Chen Yanyu.

Terrifying!

Avoid heroine entanglements. I want peace. Steady happiness!

Don’t even get me started on Zuo Tian.

My sword immortal wife might castrate me—or start a fight.

Waaah… I’m a pure love warrior. I just want to protect this sweet romance.

Chen Yanyu was baffled. She’d meant to apologize—but this mysterious demonic cultivator forgave her instantly.

Then…

Why run?

Am I scary?

I still have something important to discuss with him!

Tears welled. “Stop! Just stop!”

She looked like she was chasing a thug… or a heartbreaker who swindled her.

They seemed caught in some ambiguous incident.

Few park-goers watched—but attention gathered.

Chen Yanyu moved like a wisp of wind.

Per Longxia Kingdom’s official decree, cultivators had two realms:

First: Qi Refining Realm.

Second: Foundation Establishment Realm.

As a heroine—a dragon clan princess, white-haired dragon girl—Chen Yanyu was born at Foundation Establishment.

Even in this era of spiritual decline.

In ancient times of flourishing immortality, dragon offspring soared skies from birth.

Adulthood meant becoming a powerhouse cultivators revered.

A future dragon empress—exalted status, immense power.

But she’d never fought.

The Scripture of Calamitous Chaos was unpredictable. A real fight? Outcome uncertain.

Mid-chase—

Luo Qingchuan glanced back, skidded to a halt. Delicate brows furrowed.

Chen Yanyu stood blocked by three delinquents, flustered, fingers twisting her skirt.

“Well, well!” The tattooed leader smirked. “Missy, did that guy up ahead bother you? We’ll handle him!”

“N-no! Could you… please move aside?” Chen Yanyu stammered.

“Don’t be shy! We’ll teach him a lesson. You treat us to karaoke after!”

“Boss.”

“Hm?”

“He’s back!”

Luo Qingchuan approached, face icy. Didn’t look like a good guy.

“Hmph! No way to treat a lady!” the leader barked. “Tiger—show him the light of righteousness!”

A youth rolled up his sleeves. “Today, you learn justice!”

“She’s my girlfriend,” Luo Qingchuan said flatly. “Don’t meddle.”

“Huh?”

“Hm?”

“What?”

The leader blinked, turning to the blushing girl. “Missy? True?”

Chen Yanyu stared at her shoes, slender fingers nervously clutching her hem.

If she denied it… these mortals would be crushed.

No choice. Save them with another lie.

“U-um… I… I am his girlfriend.”

Her face burned crimson, steam nearly rising.

First day in human society—and already a stranger’s girlfriend? Waaah…

But he’s stunningly handsome.

And kinda… domineering CEO vibes?

…H-hooray?

Not a total loss?

“Girlfriend”… probably just his temporary excuse, right?

Chen Yanyu’s mind spun, dizzy with flustered thoughts.