There was an ancient and decrepit Taoist, 999 years old, with a stunningly beautiful wife. As his life neared its end, his wife decided to leave him.
"We've been married for almost 1,000 years," the old Taoist lamented. "Can't you wait just one more year?"
"You've lived long enough," his wife, Bianca, replied nonchalantly. "Why are you crying?"
"After all these years as my wife, have you ever regretted it?" the Taoist asked, tears streaming down his wrinkled face.
"Regret? Perhaps, but we've been through a lot together. It's not easy to let go after so long," Bianca said softly. "Senior brother, your time is near. If there's any unfulfilled wish you have, tell me—I'll do my best to grant it."
The old Taoist's gaze lingered on Bianca's graceful figure before he spoke.
"I do have one last wish."
"What is it?"
"Since we're parting, could we share one final moment of happiness?" the old Taoist asked, half-squinting as he looked at her.
"Oh, you shameless old man!" Bianca laughed, a playful sparkle in her eyes. This was what the Taoist loved most about her. No matter how many centuries had passed, she still had the girlish charm of their first encounter. To the world, Bianca was the stoic and revered leader of the Lingxiao Sect, but to him, she was the bashful young bride who blushed at the slightest tease.
"Does that mean you agree?" he asked eagerly.
"Hmph. A thousand days of marriage, and now we part. Given your impending end, granting you this little wish is hardly an issue," Bianca replied with her characteristic pride.
"Quick, quick! Help me to the room, my dear. A kiss or two first!" The old man could barely contain his excitement.
"You're hopeless! Even at death's door, your mind is still in the gutter." Bianca rolled her eyes but allowed herself a wry smile.
Afterward, as she adjusted her robe and prepared to leave, she said coldly, "That's it. We're even now. Goodbye, senior brother." She opened a shimmering portal, stepping through without looking back.
Inside the empty room, the old Taoist muttered, "999 years... Do you know what those years have been like for me?"
From the shadows, a voice responded, dripping with sarcasm, "Who would've thought that being dumped by a woman was all it took to activate the system? Honestly, my lord, did it have to take this long for you to get rejected for the first time?"
"Blame me?" The Taoist sank into thought, memories flooding back.
Bianca had been his childhood sweetheart, and they had been inseparable since they were young. At 18, their bond deepened, though their wedding had been a mere formality. Their families approved, and the Taoist believed their life would be one of simple happiness.
But on his 20th birthday, everything changed. A celestial woman descended from the heavens into their secluded village, shaking the foundations of their world. She had planned to stay one night before continuing her journey but was stunned when she saw Bianca.
"You possess the Pure Radiance Physique," the woman, Floralia, marveled. "A legendary constitution capable of defying the heavens. How is it possible for such a rare body to appear in this remote village?"
Floralia introduced herself as the leader of the Lingxiao Sect and offered to take Bianca as her personal disciple. Bianca hesitated.
"I'll need to ask my husband first," she said.
"Your husband?" Floralia's expression darkened. She glanced at the young Taoist, whose cultivation potential was abysmal, and her eyes flashed with disdain.
"This man will never reach even the Nascent Soul stage, no matter how many resources are wasted on him," Floralia thought. "Such a rare talent, wasted on a nobody."
Bianca noticed the hostility in Floralia's gaze and declared, "If anything happens to him, I won't live either."
Floralia softened, though her tone remained firm. "You have the potential to become the strongest cultivator on this continent. Don't waste your life for a mere village bumpkin."
"He's my husband," Bianca said stubbornly.
"I promise not to harm him," Floralia conceded. "Now, will you come with me?"
"Yes, but only if my husband can come too."
"Fine," Floralia relented, though she added, "You must hide your relationship and address each other only as senior and junior disciples."
And so, the couple left their humble village and entered the world of cultivation.
Back in the present, the Taoist's musings were interrupted by the voice in the shadows.
"My lord, I've repaired your damaged Chaotic God Physique to one-tenth of its potential. I can also restore your physical vitality to its prime," the shadowy figure said.
"Chaotic God Physique?" the Taoist asked, puzzled.
"Yes, my lord. Though it's currently incomplete, this physique can be strengthened. You'll need to conquer 'Fated Women'—individuals with extraordinary destinies. Their submission, whether through force or free will, will grant you the energy to evolve your physique further."
The Taoist chuckled. "Is that so? Well, where do I find these 'Fated Women'?"
"Patience, my lord. I've been watching over you for centuries, waiting for this moment. From now on, whenever such individuals appear, I'll alert you immediately."
A grin spread across the old Taoist's face as he felt youthful energy coursing through his veins. His journey was just beginning.