Long Yan stood on the barren surface of Phobos, one of Mars' moons. The environment was eerily familiar yet undeniably changed. The solar system wasn't what it had been two millennia ago. New planets had appeared, some artificially created, while others, like Mars, had undergone drastic environmental and structural changes. The transformation of celestial bodies over the centuries was both awe-inspiring and unsettling, a testament to humanity's evolution and the mysteries of the cosmos.
As the memories of his transmigrated soul resurfaced, Long Yan found himself revisiting painful moments. Despite his fascination with this world of cultivation, his past life was rife with bitterness.
Back on Earth, he had struggled with the inability to cultivate. His school life had been a nightmare, dominated by the cruel taunts of bullies who ridiculed his weakness. The memories became even more bitter when they shifted to Hao Yu, the girl who had captured his heart.
Hao Yu was nothing short of stunning. She had long, jet-black hair that cascaded down to her hips, a flawless porcelain complexion, and eyes with a natural curl that shimmered with intelligence and beauty. Her cherry-red lips and tall, graceful figure exuded charm, while her slender waist and curvaceous physique made her look like a goddess brought to life—or an anime character plucked straight from fiction.
But it wasn't just her beauty that made her unattainable. Hao Yu was a prodigy. At just 16, she had reached the final stage of Body Refinement, capable of defeating cultivators at the third level of Qi Refinement. Her talent earned her the admiration of teachers and students alike at Star Academy, the most prestigious private institution in the solar system. Known for producing powerful graduates who went on to elite colleges and influential positions, Star Academy was the pinnacle of academic and martial excellence.
Long Yan, on the other hand, had attended a mediocre government school, one that lacked resources and prestige. But even knowing their differences, he couldn't stop himself. Four days before his death, he had mustered the courage to confess his love for Hao Yu.
It was a public spectacle. In front of the entire Star Academy, he poured out his feelings. The result? She rejected him outright.
The rejection didn't just sting—it shattered him. The news spread like wildfire, turning him into a laughingstock in his own school. The bullying intensified, and his life became unbearable. Unable to endure the humiliation and pain, Long Yan dropped out of school. The trauma eventually consumed him, leading to his untimely and pitiful death.
Now, as these memories played out in his mind, Long Yan's emotions grew turbulent. Anger, sadness, and an odd sense of detachment churned within him.
"So that's how I died," he muttered, his lips curling into a bitter smile. "Should I laugh or cry?"
But he didn't dwell on it for long. With a deep breath, he steadied his emotions and forced himself to move forward. His second chance at life wasn't meant to be wasted on regrets.
As he composed himself, an intriguing thought struck him. "Isn't this the part where a transmigrated male lead gets some kind of system or cheat ability? Like in all those anime and manga?"
Excitement surged through him as he scanned his surroundings, searching for any hint of a miraculous power or artifact. He even patted himself down, hoping to discover some latent ability or hidden object.
Minutes passed. Nothing.
Disappointment began to creep in when something finally caught his attention. On his left hand, his ring finger bore a strange, unfamiliar ring—a simple yet majestic design with a red dragon emblem etched into the surface. The dragon radiated an aura of ancient power, a feeling that sent shivers down his spine.
Long Yan's eyes widened. "What's this…?"
As he stared at the ring, a fragment of memory surfaced. The original owner of this body had always worn this ring, even as a child. It was the only clue to his true identity, a relic he had tried to keep hidden from others. Even as a 10-year-old, he had sensed that the ring was no ordinary ornament.
Long Yan attempted to remove it, but the ring wouldn't budge. It was as though it had fused with his very flesh, bound to him by some ancient, unbreakable connection.
"This must be a blood-bound artifact," he realized, his heart pounding. Blood-bound artifacts were rare, and their power often grew with their user. This ring, unassuming as it seemed, could be his only hope to unlock his identity—and perhaps even his future in this world.
Staring at the red dragon symbol, Long Yan clenched his fist.
"This ring… What secrets are you hiding?"
Determined, he vowed to uncover its mysteries. If he couldn't cultivate like others, then this artifact might hold the key to his survival—and the answers to the enigma of his past.