Starting With Contract Pets - Chapter 144 - Withering Life, Purple Jade Evolves

In the world of cultivation, countless tales follow righteous protagonists, fated heroes blessed by destiny, or those chosen by heaven to walk the path of immortality.But what of those who stand in their way?What of the villains? The so-called obstacles to the hero’s journey—do they not bleed, dream, and struggle as well?Xiao Ning was never meant to succeed.From the very beginning, the Grand Dao wove him as a stepping stone—a necessary sacrifice to elevate another. His path, like that of all designated ‘villains,’ was doomed to failure by design.But what happens when that design is defied?After death, Xiao Ning awakens—not in the cycle of reincarnation, but in the cold silence beyond it. There, he is offered the Eternal Paradox Codex—a forbidden artifact containing the hidden truths of the Grand Dao System itself.Rules. Loopholes. Vulnerabilities.Knowledge not meant for those like him.With this power, Xiao Ning is granted a single, impossible choice: accept oblivion, or step outside the Grand Dao entirely—to abandon fate, sever karma, and cultivate a path unbound by heaven or law.It is Xiao Ning’s journey, from ashes to something beyond comprehension.Not to become an Immortal among men.But something even the heavens dare not bind.If fate is a chain…Then let him forge his own path in the void beyond.Welcome to this humble tale.The cultivation world is vast and unkind.Let us begin again—on our terms.

In life, the most important thing is appearance.To compensate for his lack of good looks, he worked hard for years to reach the peak.However, the reality waiting for him at the end was nothing but betrayal and despair.[The system has been activated.][You have obtained the ‘Handsome’ attribute.]On the brink of death, he gets a second chance at life.Now his goal is clear.[Quest Completed]Reward: Talent obtained through the ‘Handsome’ stat.[New Quest]Task: Become more handsome.“I will become handsome.”

Five years ago, she left behind an egg and said, “This is the son I bore for you. When he comes of age, that will be the time of my return.” He thought she was joking, but months later, the son hatched out of the egg, looking like a normal baby but with two shiny, adorably cute little dragon horns on his head. However, she remained far away with no signs of returning.Later, she disappeared for five years, and he went mad for five years, until Little Dragon brought home a woman, and he instantly came to his senses... But Little Dragon said, “Daddy, even though you don't have a wife, you're about to get a daughter-in-law soon. She saved me, and I want to dedicate myself to her in return!”From then on, the father and son found themselves in an open and covert struggle for her affection.“Your Excellency, Miss Si's medical skills have amazed the entire globe, and all the bigshots are busting their heads to court her. Your heroic rescuing act is of no use...”Mo Yinhe suddenly collapsed to the ground, coughing violently, “Quick, go call her to save me!”“Your Excellency, the seven arch-rivals whom you beat until their livers exploded are all Miss Si's biological brothers. They want to take Miss Si back to inherit the throne...”Mo Yinhe immediately announced his abdication, pulling his son to roam the streets: “Sonny, from now on, Dad can only follow you to seek refuge with your wife-to-be.”Little Dragon shook the shiny, adorably cute little dragon horns on his head, “Daddy, I've already arranged a retirement home for you, guaranteed to secure your peaceful old age~”

At the end of the road, in the throes of despair and impending death, Le Yu shouted defiantly:“If you have the guts, then kill me.”The enemy sneered and said:“I've never heard such a strange request.”Le Yu died.Then Le Yu came back to life, living in the enemy's body.This is a story where being killed means possessing the killer.“Why are the ones who kill me always some enigmatic, cunning figures with complicated backstories and numerous impending quests?Why aren't there some honest, wealthy, lady-charmer winners in life coming to kill me!?”