Cold.
That was the first sensation that seeped into Bai Xuanqing's consciousness when he opened his eyes. Not cold from the biting winter air temperature, but cold flowing from within his own body, as if his entire bloodstream had been replaced by ice river water from the highest mountain peak.
The bedroom ceiling reflecting the morning light looked strange yet familiar. Intricate dragon and phoenix carvings adorned the black teak beams, while white silk curtains moved gently blown by wind carrying the scent of osmanthus flowers. This was not the cramped apartment room in the metropolitan city he remembered. This was something far more magnificent.
Bai Xuanqing, or more precisely, the soul now inhabiting the body of a young man named Bai Xuanqing, slowly rose from the carved bed. His head throbbed, not from physical injury, but from two sets of memories currently colliding and merging in his mind like two rivers joining into one.
One set of memories belonging to Zhang Wei, a twenty-seven-year-old web novel editor who died from exhaustion after a marathon reading of xianxia novels all night. Memories of boring modern life, soul-draining work, and a pathetic death.
The second set of memories belonging to Bai Xuanqing, eldest son of the Nine Heavens Sky Sect, one of the Three Great Powers ruling the Azure Continent. Memories of a world where humans could destroy mountains, move at the speed of light, fly across the sky, and live for thousands of years through cultivation. Memories of power, domination, and absolute isolation.
What made this situation even more interesting was the fact that Bai Xuanqing recognized this world.
This was the world from the novel he, or more precisely Zhang Wei, read before closing his eyes for the last time. A novel titled "Legend of the Rising Heaven Emperor," a cliché xianxia work with millions of readers following the journey of a young man named Feng Tianyu from bottom to the peak of cultivation.
And Bai Xuanqing, in that novel, was one of the main antagonists destined to be defeated by the protagonist at the end of volume two, after a series of conflicts ending with the total destruction of the Nine Heavens Sky Sect and a pathetic death.
A thin smile, very thin, appeared at the corner of Bai Xuanqing's lips. A smile that never reached his eyes which remained cold as eternal ice.
"Interesting," he murmured softly with a voice deeper and more melodious than Zhang Wei's usual voice. "Very interesting."
He rose from the bed and walked toward the large mirror hanging on the east wall of the room. What reflected there made something dark and satisfying flow in his chest.
The figure staring back was a young man who could be called a living work of art, or more precisely, a work of dead art that somehow moved. Waist-length white hair flowed like a snow waterfall, in perfect contrast with skin pale as porcelain. Sapphire blue eyes, no, more precisely like crystal ice storing eternal cold, stared with intensity that could make ordinary people tremble and kneel.
His facial features were sharp and aristocratic, with high cheekbones and a firm jaw that gave him the aura of someone born to rule, or in this case, born to destroy.
On his forehead, faintly visible was a crescent moon-shaped mark emitting pale blue light, that was the Ice Moon Stigma, a birthmark signifying the bearer of the Eternal Moon Ice Body Constitution, one of the Nine Heavenly Constitutions that only appeared once in ten thousand years.
"Perfect," he whispered while touching the reflection in the mirror. "Truly perfect."
"A strong body, rare constitution, status as the Sect Master's son, and most importantly, I know exactly how this story will unfold. Every plot point, every power increase that little protagonist will get, every woman who will fall into his embrace."
"And now, all of that will become mine."
The thin smile widened slightly, though it still didn't reach his cold eyes.
"Feng Tianyu. Unfortunate protagonist. You will come to this world with a destiny already written, with supposedly invincible plot protection. But what happens when a villain knows your every move before you take it? When every 'fortune' prepared for you has been seized before you can touch it?"
"I will very much enjoy seeing the despair on your face."
The room door suddenly opened without a knock, and a female servant entered with a tray containing tea and light snacks. Her friendly face immediately turned worried when she saw Bai Xuanqing already awake.
"Young Master! You shouldn't get up too soon! The wounds from the battle with the beast three days ago are still—"
"I'm fine, Bi Xue," Bai Xuanqing interrupted, and he was slightly surprised at how naturally the servant's name came out of his mouth, and how easily he slipped into the role of Bai Xuanqing. His voice came out in a calm tone, almost gentle, but somehow carried weight that made Bi Xue immediately close her mouth.
Perfect control. This body had been trained for years in the art of suppressing emotions and projecting the desired aura. This was very useful.
"My body has recovered," he continued in a measured tone, not warm, but not cold enough to offend. Perfect balance. "There's nothing to worry about."
Bi Xue looked hesitant, but she knew her "Young Master" well. Or more precisely, she thought she knew him. She placed the tray on the table and retreated politely.
"The Sect Master requests Young Master to attend a meeting at the Main Hall after waking. He said there are important matters that need to be discussed."
Bai Xuanqing nodded once. "Convey that I will go there shortly."
After Bi Xue left, Bai Xuanqing walked back to the mirror, studying his reflection with an assessing gaze.
In the novel, the original Bai Xuanqing was portrayed as a stereotypical arrogant young master, bullying the weak, acting superior, treating everyone like trash. Typical cannon fodder villain who exists only to be slapped by the protagonist.
Foolish. Truly foolish.
True villains don't shout about their superiority. They don't waste time with petty bullying that only creates unnecessary enemies. True villains are patient, calculating, and most importantly, they know how to wear the perfect mask.
He smiled at his reflection, a practiced smile, that would look almost pleasant if not for the coldness in his eyes that never changed.
I will be a "changed" young master. Who suddenly becomes more mature, wiser, more reasonable. People will be surprised, but they will attribute it to a near-death experience or enlightenment or whatever bullshit explanation makes them comfortable.
And while they lower their guard, while they begin to trust me, I will systematically dismantle every advantage Feng Tianyu was supposed to get. Every ally he was supposed to recruit will become my pawn. Every treasure he was supposed to find will already be in my hands.
And when he finally realizes what's happening, it will already be too late.
The thought of Feng Tianyu's coming despair made something warm, or perhaps more precisely, something that burned cold, spread in his chest. Anticipation. Hunger. Dark satisfaction.
I want to see him struggle. Want to see him desperately seek power, only to find that all doors are already closed. Want to see hope die in his eyes when he realizes that the destiny promised to him is a lie.
And then, when he's at his lowest point, when despair has completely consumed him... that's when I will deliver the final blow.
But all of that were thoughts carefully hidden behind a mask. Externally, Bai Xuanqing only looked like a calm young master preparing for the day.
Feng Tianyu in the novel was portrayed as an orphan who grew up in a remote village, without strong background or adequate cultivation resources. However, due to a chance encounter with an ancient patriarch's soul residing in an ancient ring, he gained access to god-level cultivation techniques and various heavenly treasures.
From there began the typical xianxia protagonist journey: meeting powerful masters, obtaining opportunities, rescuing beauties in danger, then clashing with arrogant young masters, which in this case was Bai Xuanqing, and defeating him with sudden power-ups.
But now the variables had changed. This new Bai Xuanqing possessed complete memories of the novel's plot, knew who would become powerful, who would betray whom, and most importantly, he knew all the treasures and opportunities Feng Tianyu would find.
"It's unfortunate there's no cheat system like in other transmigration novels," Bai Xuanqing muttered while opening the wardrobe and taking out a clean white robe with embroidered moon and snowflake patterns. "But I don't need it. Knowledge of the future is already powerful enough as a weapon."
He donned the clean white robe with embroidered moon and snowflake patterns, clothing befitting his status. At his waist, he tied a long sword with a blue crystal sheath, the Eternal Ice Moon Sword, a low-grade heaven-level treasure.
Before leaving, Bai Xuanqing took a little time to check his cultivation. He closed his eyes and felt the flow of qi inside his body. Pale blue spiritual energy swirled in his dantian, the spiritual energy center in his abdomen, forming a stable and strong vortex.
Divine Transformation Realm Level Five.
This was very high cultivation for a youth his age. The cultivation path in this world was divided into nine major realms: Body Refining, Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Divine Transformation, Soul Sovereign, Heavenly Ascension, and Heavenly Venerable.
At the Body Refining stage, cultivators focused on strengthening the physical body and could already manipulate qi. They could increase strength to superhuman levels capable of destroying buildings with one punch. At this stage too, spiritual sense began to awaken, and qi could be used to envelop the body, giving resistance to conventional physical attacks. Qi-layered attacks were also capable of directly damaging an opponent's internal organs.
At the Qi Condensation stage, control over qi and spiritual sense increased drastically. They could withstand attacks from Body Refining cultivators without injury, while their attacks could destroy not only material bodies and internal organs, but also immaterial aspects.
At the Foundation Establishment stage, cultivators built the true foundation for their path of power. Qi that was previously still wild and rough was now purified, filtered until it became stable, dense, and far more effective energy. Meridians were strengthened, dantian expanded, and the core foundation formed, like the foundation of a building that determined the height and solidity of future achievements.
A cultivator at this stage could begin using true arts, not just qi bursts or powerful physical attacks. They could condense qi into weapon forms, shields, even sigils and patterns that suppressed natural laws around them. Body, soul, and qi strength reached harmonious balance. In the mortal world, a Foundation Establishment was an existence beyond human logic, a power capable of destroying small mountains with full techniques.
At the Golden Core stage, the purified qi was condensed into a Golden Core in the dantian. This core was a symbol of a cultivator's new self birth, a stable and dense power center like a small star. Core quality determined the future: a pure core obtained longevity, a flawed core brought a dead end.
Cultivators at this stage could fly freely with qi, walk on clouds, and destroy large mountains with high-level techniques. Their attacks could affect the surrounding space, and their presence could be felt from afar. At this point, they were no longer ordinary humans, but first-level transcendent beings.
At the Nascent Soul stage, the Golden Core broke and gave birth to the Nascent Soul, a miniature version of the cultivator living in the dantian. This soul was the core of their existence. As long as the Nascent Soul remained intact, cultivators could live again, transfer bodies, or survive even if their physical body was destroyed.
They could perform soul attacks, enter an enemy's mind, destroy will, or seize other bodies. At this level, one Nascent Soul cultivator could rule cities, sects, even small countries, and no ordinary person could resist.
At the Divine Transformation stage, soul and body merged more deeply. A cultivator's power was no longer just qi and body, but the power of will, something that suppressed nature itself. They could change the sky and climate, condense clouds into bullets, perceive thousands of kilometers with sight, and subdue thousands of enemies without moving.
Their names began to be written in world records, and the world acknowledged their existence.
At the Soul Sovereign stage, cultivators reached the point where the soul became an unshakable central power. If Divine Transformation strengthened will, then Soul Sovereign made it absolute. All doubts, fears, unstable desires, or hidden inner wounds — all were conquered and made part of the self with perfect control.
The existence of a Soul Sovereign was enough to suppress and destroy weaker souls just by standing in place. Their attacks not only destroyed body and qi, but could crush an opponent's soul, erase memories, taint will, or even take over another's body with absolute power.
In battle, behind their physical body, soul manifestation would appear — whether as a king sitting on a throne, a god clothed in curtains of light, or a giant shadow without a face — all were reflections of the inner self that had become perfect.
At this point, a cultivator's soul was its own small world, and everything entering its influence must submit
At the Heavenly Ascension stage, the cultivator transcended the laws of this world.
Their soul had become too large to be confined in one world. They could travel between dimensions, bend the laws of space, and their existence alone made nature tremble.
They were called The Ascended, existences acknowledged by Heaven, not merely strong.
And at its peak, the Heavenly Venerable stage, the cultivator became a pillar of existence for the world itself. Not just understanding laws, but defining laws. Their every word became reality.
They were the Peak of nature, Bearers of heaven's will, and Living gods
One thought of theirs could create stars. One breath of theirs could destroy realms. One anger of theirs could erase history.
"So far, at least in this era, there are only four Heavenly Venerables still alive," Bai Xuanqing muttered.
Each realm was further divided into nine levels. Bai Xuanqing had already reached a level that even cultivators hundreds of years old might not achieve. This was all thanks to the Eternal Moon Ice Body Constitution and abundant resources from the Nine Heavens Sky Sect.
In the novel, when Feng Tianyu first appeared, he was only at Golden Core Realm Level Three. But thanks to plot armor and absurd power-ups, he could jump several realms in a short time and defeat Bai Xuanqing who should have been far stronger.
"But this time will be different," Bai Xuanqing said with a cold voice that made the room temperature seem to drop several degrees. "I won't be foolish enough to challenge him frontally like the original Bai Xuanqing. If you want to defeat a protagonist, you must destroy his foundation before he grows."
With that determination, Bai Xuanqing left his room and walked along the magnificent corridor of the Ice Moon Pavilion, his private residence in the vast Nine Heavens Sky Sect complex. Each of his steps made no sound, like a drifting spirit. This was the result of high-level light movement techniques he had already mastered.
And this is just my starting point. With knowledge of the future, with understanding of all cultivation methods and treasures that will appear, I can accelerate my growth far beyond what the original Bai Xuanqing achieved.
Satisfied with his assessment, Bai Xuanqing left his room.
The Ice Moon Pavilion corridor was magnificent and literally cold. Frost formed at the edges of windows and walls, the result of cold aura continuously emanating from the original Bai Xuanqing. Disciples and servants who passed by immediately bowed respectfully, many not daring to raise their heads.
Bai Xuanqing observed their reactions with detached interest.
Fear. Discomfort. Admiration mixed with fear. This was what the original Bai Xuanqing cultivated, an image as an untouchable ice prince who couldn't be approached.
Useful in certain contexts, but ultimately limiting. People who fear you may be obedient, but they will never be truly loyal. They will betray you when there's a safer opportunity.
I need a different approach. Controlled disclosure of "humanity." Make them think I'm approachable, reasonable, worthy of loyalty. And then, when they're fully in my grasp...
The Nine Heavens Sky Sect complex was extremely vast, covering an area the size of several small cities. Nine giant mountain peaks stood towering, each the base of the sect's nine Grand Pavilions.
The Main Hall was located at the highest peak, Main Heaven Peak. Bai Xuanqing could fly there with sword flight techniques, but he decided to walk, seemingly to enjoy the scenery, but actually to process information and refine plans.
The timeline from the novel. The current event was about two months before the Peak Tournament, a major event where Feng Tianyu would make his debut on the world stage.
In the novel, the initial conflict between Bai Xuanqing and Feng Tianyu occurred at the tournament. Typical scenario: Feng Tianyu accidentally offended Bai Xuanqing, Bai Xuanqing challenged him with arrogance, and then got slapped when Feng Tianyu revealed hidden power.
The cold smile returned.
But now, the script will be different. I won't be foolish enough to challenge the protagonist in public where his plot protection is strongest. Instead, I will systematically weaken him from the shadows. Steal his opportunities, corrupt his allies, isolate him completely.
And when he finally stands before me, helpless and alone... that's when I will strike.
After nearly half an hour of walking, Bai Xuanqing arrived at the large doors of the Main Hall. Two guards with Nascent Soul Realm cultivation immediately opened the doors.
The Main Hall interior was very magnificent. At the end of the room, sitting on a throne of eternal ice, was a figure emanating an aura like the deep ocean.
Bai Tianshen, Sect Master of the Nine Heavens Sky Sect, Heavenly Ascension Realm Level Three cultivator, and Bai Xuanqing's biological father.
The man had the same long white hair as Bai Xuanqing, though indeed slightly shorter, and his eyes were equally sharp. His aura alone was enough to make lower-level cultivators kneel.
On Bai Tianshen right side stood a beautiful woman with an elegant aura, Yun Meihua, Bai Tianshen's second wife and Bai Xuanqing stepmother. Although not his biological mother, this woman had always treated Bai Xuanqing well, perhaps because Bai Xuanqing biological mother, Bai Tianshen first wife, had died giving birth to him, Yun Meihua tried to replace her figure.
Five sect elders were also present, each a cultivator with cultivation at minimum Divine Transformation Realm. Their combined aura was already enough to make ordinary cultivators faint.
But Bai Xuanqing stepped in calmly, completely unaffected. Bai Xuanqing stepped in with perfect posture, not arrogant, but also not submissive. He bowed with the exact degree.
"Xuanqing greets Father, Mother Yun, and the Elders."
Perfect. Respectful but not fawning. Confident but not arrogant. The right impression.
Bai Tianshen nodded. There was pride in his eyes when looking at his son, but also hidden concern.
"Have you recovered from your wounds?"
"Yes, Father. Xuanqing's constitution makes recovery proceed quickly."
"Good." Bai Tianshen paused for a moment. "I summoned you to discuss the Peak Tournament to be held two months from now. As the sect's strongest young cultivator, you will be the main representative."
Bai Xuanqing nodded. As expected.
"However," Bai Tianshen's tone became more serious, "there is information from the intelligence network that several factions, including the Eternal Heaven Sword Academy and the Golden Dragon Clan, are preparing something. They may use the tournament to challenge our dominance."
Ah yes. Political maneuvering. Typical xianxia world where everyone continuously conspires for power.
In the novel, this conflict was the background for Feng Tianyu's rise. Factions dissatisfied with the Nine Heavens Sky Sect would secretly support the protagonist as a weapon to weaken us.
Bai Xuanqing's expression remained perfectly neutral, but internally he was already calculating.
Interesting. This can be exploited. If I can track which faction will support Feng Tianyu, I can interfere. Or better yet, manipulate the situation to make them distrust the protagonist.
"Xuanqing understands," Bai Xuanqing answered. "Does Father want me to make a statement of power at the tournament?"
"Not only that." This time the speaker was one of the elders, Elder Bing Xuan, an elderly woman with Divine Transformation Realm Level Eight cultivation who was Bai Xuanqing's teacher in ice sword arts. "We heard rumors that a god-level artifact, the Eternal Heaven Crown, will appear as the main prize of this year's tournament."
"Is this information accurate?" Bai Xuanqing asked carefully.
"Eighty percent," Elder Bing Xuan answered. "Our sources are quite reliable. Therefore, you must ensure to win the tournament with an absolute margin. The Eternal Heaven Crown is not just a powerful artifact, but also it is a symbol of legitimacy. Whoever holds it will be recognized as the leader of the younger generation."
Bai Xuanqing nodded slowly, but his mind spun quickly.
This timeline change... is it because of my arrival? Or are there other factors at play?
Eternal Heaven Crown. In the novel, it was an artifact won by Feng Tianyu, giving him a huge boost in power and legitimacy as the "chosen one."
But the timeline is different. In the novel, that artifact appeared at a later tournament, not this one. Why did it change?
Then awareness struck.
Of course. My presence here, my transmigration, must have created a butterfly effect. Small changes in the timeline. This could be an advantage... or a complication.
However, I haven't taken any action yet. So it's impossible for a butterfly effect to occur. At least, it's not because of me.
"Eternal Heaven Crown," Bai Xuanqing repeated in a thoughtful tone. "An artifact that supposedly can greatly enhance spiritual sense and provide protection from tribulations. If the rumors are true, then the competition will be very fierce."
"Exactly," said Elder Bing Xuan. "Therefore, you must ensure victory with an absolute margin."
"Xuanqing will not disappoint the sect," Bai Xuanqing answered with very high confidence.
The Eternal Heaven Crown will be mine. Not Feng Tianyu's. The first major deviation from the plot will occur at the tournament.
"There's one more thing," Bai Tianshen said, his tone changing slightly. "About your engagement to Princess Su Lianxin of the Eastern Heavenly Dynasty."
Bai Xuanqing's expression didn't change, but internally, something cold and sharp focused.
Su Lianxin. In the novel, she was the main heroine, a woman initially engaged to Bai Xuanqing but then fell in love with Feng Tianyu after the protagonist "saved her" from Bai Xuanqing's "cruelty."
Typical plot development. Villain treats his fiancée badly, protagonist swoops in as white knight, woman falls in love and betrays villain.
But not this time.
"The Imperial family sent a letter," Bai Tianshen continued. "They propose that the marriage be accelerated, held after the tournament."
"What is your opinion on this?"
Bai Xuanqing was silent for a calculated time, appearing to consider carefully.
In the novel, the original Bai Xuanqing rejected the proposal with arrogance, saying he "had no time for marriage affairs." That was one of the factors that made Su Lianxin hate and become an easy target for the protagonist's seduction.
But me? I will take a completely different approach.
"Xuanqing thinks," Bai Xuanqing began in a measured and thoughtful tone, "that marriage is a serious commitment. Accelerating the schedule without proper foundation could create problems in the future."
He paused, then continued in an almost diplomatic tone.
"However, Xuanqing also understands the political importance of the alliance with the Eastern Heavenly Dynasty. Perhaps a compromise can be reached, allow me and Princess Su to get to know each other better first. She will attend the tournament as a representative of her dynasty. That could be an opportunity to interact."
Bai Tianshen looked slightly surprised. This was not the response he expected from his son who was famous for his coldness toward interpersonal relationships.
"Wise," he finally said in an approving tone. "I will communicate that proposal to the Eastern Emperor."
Perfect. With this response, I appear reasonable and thoughtful, different from the image people have of me. This will make them lower their guard.
And for Su Lianxin.... In the novel, she fell in love with Feng Tianyu because he treated her with "kindness" that contrasted with Bai Xuanqing's coldness. But if I show calculated "warmth," if I make her feel valued and respected...
Keeping her loyal to the engagement is not just denying the protagonist an important woman, but also keeping a valuable political alliance intact. And who knows... she might prove useful in other ways.
Poor Su Lianxin. In the novel, you fled from a "cruel" fiancé only to fall into the embrace of a "good" protagonist. But now? You will find that your fiancé is not what you expected. I will treat you with a perfect facade of respect and attention.
And by the time you realize the truth, if you ever realize it, it will already be too late to escape.
After several more discussions about strategy and preparation for the tournament, the meeting was finally dismissed. Bai Xuanqing left the Main Hall with measured steps.
When he was alone in the corridor, walking back toward his pavilion, he allowed himself a moment to truly express.
The smile that spread across his face was cold, cruel, and full of anticipation. His blue eyes shone with something dark and hungry.
Perfect. All the pieces are starting to fall into place. Two months before the tournament, that's enough time to make several moves.
"Feng Tianyu. Poor little protagonist. You're somewhere out there now, maybe training hard with naive belief that destiny is on your side. That heaven will guide your steps. That every difficulty will end in victory."
"But what you don't know is that someone else has already read your script. Someone who will systematically dismantle every 'fortune' prepared for you."
He stopped at a balcony overlooking the vast valley, gazing at the setting sun coloring the sky with orange and red.
"In a few weeks, I will begin intercepting your opportunities. The legacy you were supposed to obtain will be mine. The allies who were supposed to support you will become my pawns. The women who were supposed to love you will remain loyal to me, or will be destroyed if they refuse."
"And slowly, gradually, you will realize that your 'guaranteed' destiny is nothing more than an illusion. That your plot armor has holes. That the heaven that was supposed to protect you actually doesn't care."
"The despair you will feel... I can't wait to see it."
A cold wind blew, carrying falling flower petals. Bai Xuanqing caught one petal, and with a casual motion, he crushed it. The petal immediately froze and shattered into thousands of ice dust particles.
"Welcome to the new world, Feng Tianyu," he whispered to the air, his voice carrying a mixture of amusement and cruelty. "I hope you enjoy the despair that's coming."
He turned and walked back to his pavilion, his posture perfect, his expression returned to the calm mask.
The perfect villain. Sadistic planner. Hidden behind the facade of an elegant and calm young master.
"The game, has begun."