“My name is… wait, what’s my name again?” A young man floated in a swirling void, unable to remember anything but a single, final moment of his life.

“I died, huh,” he murmured, an emptiness washing over him.

He looked around, trying to make sense of the formless void surrounding him. “Is this heaven… or hell?” he wondered aloud.

A distinct chime—a sound he'd never heard before—echoed through the silence, and a faintly glowing, semi-transparent panel appeared before him.

[Congratulations! You have been chosen!]

[Restoring the host’s memories!]

[Memory restoration completed!]

The young man winced, clutching his head as a flood of memories—his own memories—crashed through his mind. His life, from the beginning to the end, played out in his head, and he could only manage a wry smile.

“Uh, Mr. Angel… or Mr. Demon, I guess? Are you taking me to heaven or hell?” he asked, staring at the system window. Reaching out, he was surprised to find it felt almost solid under his fingertips.

[The system is neither a demon nor an angel, and we’re not heading to heaven or hell.]

Confused, he asked, “Then… where are we going?”

[Should the host agree to the system’s conditions, the host will be reincarnated in the Sacred Martial World.]

His ears perked up, and an excited smile broke out on his face. Something he’d never thought possible was unfolding before his eyes.

“Um, what conditions?” he asked hesitantly.

[Determining the host’s previous profession…]

[Analysis complete!]

[The host was a low-level drug dealer.]

Jason felt a mix of embarrassment and offense. He’d expected better from this mystical force.

[The following conditions apply to the host’s reincarnation:]

• The Sacred Martial World is a cultivation world; however, the host may only begin cultivating once they reach half of their lifespan.

• The host must continue their current profession and is required to strive to reach the peak of it in the Sacred Martial World.

• The host may only sell their own products.

• Each product must be sold at or below its production value, unless the customer offers a higher price on their own accord. The host will face a random punishment if they intimidate, harass, or pressure a customer into paying more.

• The host must regularly complete system-assigned tasks and missions or suffer consequences.

• The host is forbidden from revealing the system’s existence to anyone.

Jason read through the list and found he didn’t have any major objections.

“What happens if I decline?” he asked.

[The host will be sent to the afterlife for judgment.]

Jason’s face reddened. Although he hadn’t committed any unforgivable sins, he wasn’t exactly a model candidate for paradise, either. This offer wasn’t exactly his dream job, but getting a second chance was far better than whatever judgment awaited him.

Resolving himself, Jason nodded. “I agree to the conditions!”

[The host’s pact has been acknowledged!]

[Commencing transfer to the Sacred Martial World!]

An irresistible wave of drowsiness hit him, and his eyelids grew heavy as he drifted deeper into the endless abyss.

----------------------------------------

“Finally, I’m done,” Han Rui whispered with satisfaction, a radiant smile playing on his quivering lips as his clear eyes moved from one thick tome to another. The azure crystal in the small room, barely twenty feet in size, bathed the space in a soft light. Apart from a simple table and chair, the room was devoid of furniture. Instead, tomes of various shapes, sizes, and colors, some piled neatly in stacks, others strewn randomly on the floor.

Standing up, Han Rui yawned and stretched, the smile still firmly on his face. He wore a simple, yet luxurious burnt orange robe cinched with a black sash around his waist.

“I can't believe it took me seven years to reach this point,” he mumbled softly, his body emitting odd creaks as he stretched. “I've never been the bookish type, but I'm glad I persevered. Now, nothing is holding me back.” Han Rui erupted into a bout of sly laughter that contradicted his youth and handsome appearance.

Without hesitation, he moved towards the exit. The seemingly ordinary wooden door opened on its own, and Han Rui stepped out, full of vigor. Before him lay an expansive forest, stretching as far as the eye could see. The small, windowless cabin stood at the center of the forest. Gentle winds, carrying a minty aroma, tousled Han Rui's charcoal black hair, and the sun's rays fell on his seemingly delicate, pale skin.

“I can't remember the last time I didn't have the smell of books lingering in my nose,” Han Rui said, inhaling deeply. “This is refreshing, but it's time to go back now.”

He retrieved a small coin from his inner robe, lifting it high into the air. “Elder Yifeng, I'm ready to leave now!” Han Rui shouted at the top of his voice, closing his eyes. A light beam descended from the tranquil heavens, striking the gold coin. Instantly, a warm, azure wisp of energy coated Han Rui's body, and he disappeared in a flash.

Opening his eyes once more, Han Rui found himself in a small room enclosed with stone walls. He chuckled, “I didn't puke this time. It seems my body has finally gotten used to it.” He looked around the empty room for a moment before approaching the steel door.

Please let the hall be empty. Please let the hall be empty. Please let the hall be empty, Han Rui silently prayed, crossing his index and ring fingers. With a gentle push, the door noiselessly swung open, revealing an expansive hall filled with people all dressed in identical burnt orange robes. The moment Han Rui stepped out, everyone stopped in their tracks, deliberately forming a path on either side of the entrance.

“Welcome back, young master!” they shouted in unison, each person bowing.

An awkward smile graced Han Rui's lips.

Han Rui sighed. “You don't have to do this; you can all go about your business,” he said, but the hall remained deathly silent, everyone maintaining their bowing position.

These obstinate cultivators haven't changed at all. They don't listen to anything I say. For many people to have come here on such short notice, surely word would have reached Grandfather already, Han Rui sighed again.

Walking in silence, Han Rui’s gaze lingered on the colossal statues portraying various magical creatures vanquished by the heroes of the Han Clan.

Abruptly, a caustic voice invaded Han Rui's ears. “So, you're finally out. Took you long enough.”

Another sigh escaped Han Rui's lips. Why did this guy have to be here?

Forcing a smile, he faced the young man standing at the end of the hall. He wore the traditional robes of the Han Clan, but unlike Han Rui and the others, his robes had white embroideries depicting a roaring dragon on the back and a miniature dragon around the chest.

“I'm honored you'd go out of your way to welcome me. I thought you'd be in the Martial Hall,” Han Rui said with a smile.

Han Yulong's brows furrowed, and his smile disappeared. “Don't say nonsense. Do you think I'd be here if I had a choice?”

Both men shared striking features, but Han Yulong possessed a more robust physique and an authoritative demeanor, giving the impression of a human weapon crafted by the gods.

“Then, my dear cousin, why are you here?” Han Rui asked uncertainly.

A mischievous smile played on Han Yulong's lips as he motioned with his index finger. “Come with me, and you'll find out.”

Han Rui furrowed his brows. Did something happen while I was gone?

“What are you dillydallying for? There's no time to waste,” Han Yulong scowled. Han Rui quickened his pace, approaching the hulking cultivator with a smile.

What are they feeding this guy, though? He has grown taller again. What sort of genes did he inherit? Han Rui pondered, stealing glances at his cousin.

Han Yulong was sixteen but already taller and stronger than many seasoned cultivators in the Han Clan.

To think there was a time I could still slap the top of his head. Is this what it's like to unlock your potential? Han Rui wondered silently as he exited the hall with Han Yulong. Only then did the bowing cultivators raise their heads before proceeding with their tasks.

Meanwhile, at the hall's entrance, Han Rui and Han Yulong descended an impressive flight of pristine stairs while locked in conversation. “So, are you going to tell me what's going on, or are you going to keep me in suspense?” Han Rui asked, unable to quell his curiosity.

A wicked smile graced Han Yulong's face. “Did all the books you were reading make you stupid or what? Or did you forget you ran away from your duties?”

An awkward smile appeared on Han Rui's lips as he scratched the back of his head. “So, grandfather—"

Han Yulong interrupted, “Patriarch. You'll address him as that. He's my grandfather too, but you don't see me going around saying that.”

“All right. So, the patriarch and elders sent you to get me, right?”

Han Yulong nodded. “Good, your brain is still working, it seems. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have let a lazy bum like you do as you pleased, but alas.” The brown eyes of the towering youth lit up as he continued, “That's not all, by the way.”

Han Rui's expression soured, furrowing his brows. “There's more?”

“An envoy from the Su Clan arrived yesterday,” Han Yulong said with a teasing grin. However, Han Rui cocked his head backward, unable to conceal his confusion. The Su Clan was a renowned clan, even the Han Clan couldn't rival them. Everyone in the Celestial Ridge knew about them, but Han Rui couldn't fathom why Han Yulong would inform him about the Su Clan. Seeing Han Rui's puzzled look, Han Yulong froze in his steps. Stupefaction washed over him, but anger soon distorted the features of the large youth.

“You rotten bastard. You've forgotten, haven't you.”

“Forgotten what? I don't understand what you mean. I know about the Su Clan, but what's their arrival got to do with me?” Han Rui said.

Han Yulong clattered his teeth, thick veins distorting his forehead. “You little...” he paused, taking deep breaths to calm his rising temper. “Forget it, I have nothing to say to you. I'll just patiently watch the show,” he said as he continued descending the stairs.

This time, Han Rui paused in his steps. What's gotten that little shithead riled up? Did I do something to the Su Clan? Han Rui pondered for a moment, but nothing came to mind. Forget it. I'll find out soon enough.

Han Rui quickened his pace, catching up with Han Yulong, who wouldn't bother speaking to him anymore. The duo silently descended the stairs while acknowledging the greetings of several cultivators along the way. In less than ten minutes, Han Rui and Han Yulong reached the end of the massive staircase. There, a levitating steel carriage adorned with runic patterns and ornate crystals awaited the duo.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

A group of men in black robes, with faces covered with white cloth, regarded the two men.

“Welcome back, young master,” Han Xingwei, the leader of the guards, bowed gently. Then, he turned toward Han Yulong. “Young master, the elders are becoming impatient. We must return now.”

“I know. We would have gotten here sooner if this blockhead focused more on cultivating than reading some useless books,” Han Yulong hissed as he turned toward Han Rui.

“You heard him. So, get your ass in there.”

“Wait, you're not coming along with me?” Han Rui asked. Han Yulong snorted while rolling his eyes. “Do you think everyone is as unambitious as you are? Coming here has already taken valuable time from my cultivation. I would rather not waste any more time on trivial matters. Goodbye, I won't be seeing you around.” Han Yulong shooed the young man away while tapping on the jade ring on his right index finger.

A majestic silver sword coated in azure qi appeared, and the cultivator mounted the sword, taking to the skies and disappearing in a flash. Meanwhile, Han Rui wore a dry smile as he watched the hulking cultivator disappear into the distance.

That mouth of his is going to get him in trouble one day. How did such a cute little guy turn into that? Puberty, huh. Han Rui slowly shook his head as he averted his gaze to the levitating carriage.

“Young master, please, we must hurry. The guests from the Su Clan are becoming impatient,” Han Xingwei reminded, gesturing toward the carriage.

“Yeah, let's leave. By the way, do you have any idea why the Su Clan sent an envoy?” Han Rui approached the carriage, and a retractable staircase made of condensed qi appeared.

Han Xingwei hesitated for a moment. “I don't know the intricacies, but their visit this time is in regard to the young master's matter.”

Han Rui froze on the second step. “Huh? What are you talking about? I don't have any business with the Su Clan.”

Han Xingwei tilted his head to the side, and so did his subordinates who had remained silent. The guard spoke up after a momentary silence, “Young master, that's Miss Liren's clan.”

“Who?” Han Rui asked without pause.

Han Xingwei and a few guards staggered backward for a moment, their eyes seemingly bulging behind their coverings.

“Young master, Miss Liren is your fiancée. Please tell me you remember,” Han Xingwei spoke slowly, still stunned by Han Rui's previous question.

“I have a fiancée?” Han Rui muttered softly, but loud enough for the guards to hear him.

Han Xingwei and his companions staggered, their lips quivering underneath their masks.

As if recalling a random thought, Han Rui continued, “Oh. I remember grandfather mentioned something about that a while back,” Han Rui nodded as the conversation returned to him. “But why are they here? The marriage shouldn't be taking place until we're both twenty, right?” Han Rui pondered out loud.

Han Xingwei and his companions exchanged glances, unable to utter a word.

I knew the young master was eccentric, but how can he forget his fiancée? Is the young master going to be okay? The Su Clan won't let him off easy if he does something crazy, Han Xingwei mused.

“Young master, we really must hurry. The patriarch and the elders will become furious if we delay any longer,” Han Xingwei said with a bow.

“Oh, yeah. I got lost in my thoughts for a moment. Let's go. I am quite eager to see this fiancée of mine. It was nice of them to make the trip all the way here,” Han Rui said as he entered the carriage. The door closed behind him, and the carriage slowly rose into the air.

The black-clothed guards retrieved their flying swords from their space rings; they too, took to the skies.

In a flash, the procession disappeared into the horizon.

A moment later, Han Rui arrived outside the main hall of the Han Clan. He stood in front of an impressive dual stone statue depicting roaring coiling dragons. However, Han Rui focused on the wooden door manned by several guards in black robes. Like the stone statue, the door was tastefully carved to resemble the head of a roaring dragon.

“Welcome back, young master,” a guard said with a courteous bow. “The patriarch and the elders are waiting for you inside.”

“Hmm. Please announce my arrival,” Han Rui said as he took a subtle whiff of his clothes, wrinkling his face. It would have been nice if they allowed me to freshen up first, but oh well.

He readjusted his clothes, and the roaring entrance parted at the center, forming a small opening. Han Rui took gentle strides through the opening, a gentle but cold wind waving his clothes. An artistic paradise teeming with an assortment of profound and rare paintings lined the spotless walls, while several illumination crystals embedded in the marble pillars brightened the hall.

Han Rui ignored the beauty of the hall, instead focusing on the people occupying the luxuriously carved seats, especially the aged man occupying the main seat.

“I greet the patriarch and the elders,” Han Rui said with a deep bow.

Han Xianlong, the esteemed patriarch of the reputable Han clan, stroked his long goatee as he lazily stared at the bowing young man. Although the vastitude of time had claimed most of the man’s handsomeness, there were still traces of a once-dashing figure left on his chiseled face. So much so that no cultivator in the hall could compete with the gallant man in demeanor or aura.

“So, you finally left that place,” Han Xianlong grumbled, not bothering to hide his displeasure.

Han Rui wore a bashful smile as he raised his head, “A fairy came to my dreams last night. She told me how much you missed me, grandfather. How dare I not come to visit you after that?”

Han Xianlong interjected, “Shut up, I’m not falling for that again.” His grip firmed around his armrest as he muttered, “What did I do to have a shameless rascal like you for a grandson?”

“Ahem, Patriarch, please don’t forget about our guests,” an elder whispered via qi message. Han Xianlong reined in his emotions, turning toward the five-man group in amethyst and snow-white robes.

The group, which comprised three guards, a middle-aged man with a refined aura, and a lady wearing an enlarged hat which covered her face, either silently drank tea or pretended not to notice the confrontation between Han Rui and Han Xianlong.

I totally forgot about them… Han Xianlong coughed slightly as he beckoned toward Han Rui.

“Your in-laws have come a long way; won’t you greet them?” Han Xianlong said while waving his sleeve. A condensed qi wave wrapped around Han Rui, carrying him toward the Su clan’s envoy.

Han Xianlong then turned his attention toward the refined middle-aged man leading the Su clan envoy, “Elder Mingdao, my grandson is here. Can you reveal the purpose of your visit now? Surely you won’t keep up this needless suspense.”

“I dare not, Patriarch Xianlong,” Su Mingdao said with a warm smile, both fists cupped. Then, he regarded Han Rui for a moment, and his smile became brighter.

“Young master, I’m glad you’ve grown quite healthy. You have the aura of a seasoned scholar,” he said.

“Thank you for the compliments,” Han Rui said with a smile.

However, a deathly silence filled the hall. There was no greater insult to a cultivator than being regarded more for their smarts than martial prowess or cultivation. The seven elders from the Han family wore deep frowns while Han Xianlong remained indifferent.

“Elder Mingdao, did you make the long journey here just to compliment my grandson?” Han Xianlong said softly. However, the members of the Su procession stood at alert, a sense of unease washing over them.

“P-Patriarch Xianlong, I sincerely didn’t mean any disrespect. I apologize if my words offended you in any way; it was certainly not my intention,” Mingdao said with a bow.

“Enough!” Han Xianlong slammed his fists against his chair, and a deep hum accompanied by scorching heat burst across the hall. “I’ve entertained this charade long enough. Tell me why you’re here and why you wanted my grandson to be here for it, too.”

Su Mingdao waved his sleeves, and qi instantly covered the bodies of his companions. “Patriarch Xianlong, please calm down,” Su Mingdao said, his brown eyes lingering on Han Rui, who winced under the qi torrent, “We don’t want any incidents.”

Han Xianlong snorted, but the qi torrent disappeared. Han Rui barely managed to stop himself from falling when Su Mingdao’s voice filled the room, “Patriarch Xianlong, I was specially dispatched here to deliver a letter,” he said as a sealed letter appeared from his space ring.

Qi coated the letter, and it flew toward Han Xianlong.

“The letter was personally written by the patriarch,” Su Mingdao said as Xianlong unsealed the letter with his qi. Instantly, Han Xianlong's features changed as he stood up. Fire engulfed the letter, but it remained intact.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Xianlong roared, rage distorting his visage.

The elders quickly approached the enraged patriarch, and Xianlong passed the letter to them. One after the other, their visages soured, and rage quickly distorted their faces.

“Elder Mingdao, is this some sort of joke?” Han Wudi, the first elder of the Han clan, asked.

Unlike the other elders and Xianlong, he reined in his emotions, patiently awaiting Su Mingdao’s words.

Elder Mingdao bowed gently while cupping his fists, “Patriarch Xianlong, elders, please forgive me, but I can’t satisfy your curiosity.” The middle-aged man paused for a moment, glancing at Han Rui before continuing, “As stated in the letter, the Su clan would like to humbly cancel the engagement between the young miss and young master Han Rui. It’s fine if the Han clan publicly announces that the young master was the one who initiated the divorce, and we’re also willing to compensate you immensely for this—”

“Do you think my clan is that lacking that we would sully our reputation for mere benefits!” Han Wudi roared, qi covering the feeble frame of the elder.

“So, this is how the Su clan handles its promises. To bring such shame to us via a mere letter,” Han Xianlong gritted his teeth as he continued. “Not only that, but you also had the audacity to bring some random wench along with you to take the place of that rotten bitch from your clan.”

Su Mingdao’s features soured, rage filling his eyes. However, it only lingered for a moment. “Patriarch Xianlong, I understand your anger. But Meixue isn’t in any way lacking compared to young master Han Rui—”

“I don’t want to hear it!” Xianlong roared, and the illusion of a roaring dragon formed behind the old man.

“The Su clan has finally revealed their true colors. Even Tianyi didn’t have the courtesy to come here to tell me to my face; it shows how little your Su clan regards my family. I refuse to be insulted just because my son isn’t here anymore. I would rather—”

“Grandfather, please let me handle this,” Han Rui interjected from the side. Instantly, all eyes turned toward the young man who didn’t exude a wisp of qi.

“Rascal, this isn’t a matter you can interfere in. Your reputation and that of the family are at stake here,” Han Xianlong chided.

“Grandfather, please trust me,” Han Rui said softly, his voice laced with an otherworldly confidence. The cultivators from the Su clan exchanged glances, unable to predict what would happen next. Amid the silence, Han Rui approached elder Mingdao in gentle steps, pausing three feet away.

“Elder Mingdao, can I ask for the reason why Su clan is determined to cancel the engagement?” Han Rui asked calmly.

Su Mingdao met Han Rui’s limpid eyes. There’s no point hiding this matter since it will be well known soon enough.

“Young master, the young miss has been accepted as the true disciple of the Heavenly Immortal Pavilion,” Mingdao said.

Silence graced the hall as surprise covered the faces of the old men. The only sects permitted to use the title ‘Immortal’ in their names were those who have produced countless immortals across the ages. Su Liren being accepted as the true disciple of such a sect was beyond the comprehension of all the elders gathered and all but guaranteed that Su Liren had the potential to become an immortal someday.

“Oh? That’s it? That’s all right,” Han Rui said while nodding.

This time, Su Mingdao, Su Meixue, and the three guards cocked their heads backward, doubting they heard what they heard.

Does this brat even understand what the Heavenly Immortal Pavilion represents? Elder Mingdao mused silently. Before he could echo his thoughts, Han Rui spoke up again, his index finger pointed at Su Meixue, “So, if I’m understanding you, you’ll compensate us for breaking the engagement and she’ll also be given to me as a concubine?”

Wait, is this brat considering accepting the offer? This is turning out better than I anticipated. Wasn’t he supposed to be some sort of literary prodigy? Does he realize what he’s about to do? I can understand why Xianlong isn’t interfering, but why are the other elders silent? Did they resign to their fate after hearing about the Heavenly Immortal Pavilion? Different questions flashed across Su Mingdao's mind as he nodded in acknowledgment to Han Rui’s question.

“Fantastic,” Han Rui said as he retrieved a small parchment from his inner robe.

“Elder, do you perhaps have something I can write with?” Han Rui asked while searching for a brush.

Mingdao exchanged glances with the guards, each unable to hide their confusion. One guard retrieved a brush from his space ring, politely passing it over to Han Rui. In silence, Han Rui approached a vacant seat and began scribbling on the paper.

Three minutes later, he returned with a bright smile on his face. “Pardon me for the delay, elder. Please receive this,” he said, presenting the paper to the confused man.

“Um, young master, what is this supposed to be?” Mingdao frowned, unable to make sense of the items written on the paper.

What the hell is a Screaming lily and blue-black avaes? This little bastard also asked for the blood essence of rank 1 demon beasts. Is this some sort of recipe? Mingdao pondered silently, his gaze roaming past the thirty items listed.

“That’s our compensation, of course,” Han Rui answered without pause.

“Young master, you shouldn’t make such distasteful jokes. Do you speak for—”

“Elder, did you ask my grandfather if he’s against it? Do you think he would remain silent if he didn’t agree?” Han Rui interjected.

Mingdao turned toward Xianlong and the elders, and as Han Rui said, none of them raised any objections. But their expressions still echoed the resentment in their hearts.

Mingdao’s grip firmed around the paper, and a smile parted his lips, “Young master, although I don’t recognize the majority of items listed here, they will be delivered a fortnight from now.”

“Fantastic,” Han Rui said with a smile as he clapped. “The next batch will be ready by then.”

“Huh? This isn’t everything?” Mingdao asked.

“C’mon, how would those little things compensate for the humiliation we’re going to suffer? Is elder suggesting the Han clan’s face is only worth a few blood essences and some random herbs?” Han Rui asked, his brows furrowed.

“O-Of course not. The patriarch has already given permission to fulfill any requests your clan might have,” Mingdao reassured with a smile.

“That’s good. We’ll be looking forward to it,” Han Rui said before turning his attention to Su Meixue.

“I believe she won’t be going back with you, right?”

Su Mingdao cast a sideways glance toward Meixue, “No, young master. If you’re pleased with her, she’ll remain here.”

Han Rui laughed softly, “That’s even better. I believe this was quite productive, don’t you think so, elder.”

“I share the same opinion, young master,” Mingdao said with a smile. “Young master, I’ll be taking my leave now. I need to report the details of our discussion to the clan as soon as possible. The earlier we leave, the likelihood of those items getting here sooner.”

“Oh, I totally understand, elder. It’s a shame you can’t stay here for long but have a great trip back. I’ll look forward to the good news,” Han Rui declared with a bright smile. Su Mingdao announced his intentions to leave to the leaders of the Han clan, but unlike with Han Rui, hostile glares greeted his announcement. However, the middle-aged cultivator exited the hall in haste along with his guards.

Another group of guards escorted Su Meixue out of the hall, leaving Han Rui and the upper echelon of the Han clan alone in the hall. Once again, silence graced the hall. This time, however, Han Rui strolled toward a vacant seat before sitting down. He sighed deeply before turning his attention toward the patriarch and elders, “It has been a while since we gathered like this. I’m eager to hear your reports. I hope I won’t be disappointed.”