I never thought my life would end like this—choking on my own blood in a penthouse suite, staring up at the furious face of a man I'd cuckolded one too many times. But hey, that's the risk you take when you're living the high life on someone else's dime. Or in my case, someone else's wife's dime.
My name was Alex Smith, and I was what you'd call a professional charmer. Twenty-eight years old, with a face that could melt hearts and a tongue that could spin gold from lies. I didn't have a real job; why bother when rich, neglected women were lining up to shower me with gifts, vacations, and cold hard cash? They called me their "little secret," and I called them my sugar mamas. It was a sweet gig—until it wasn't.
That night, I was tangled up in silk sheets with Elena, a forty-something heiress whose husband was some big-shot CEO always away on "business trips." She'd just whispered something filthy in my ear when the door burst open. There he was: Victor Hargrove, red-faced and wielding a shiny Beretta. The guy looked like he'd aged ten years since the last time I'd seen his photo on Elena's nightstand.
"You bastard!" he roared, his voice trembling with rage. "You think you can screw my wife and get away with it?"
Elena screamed, scrambling for the covers, but I just smirked. What can I say? Arrogance was my middle name. "Come on, Vic. She's the one who called me. Maybe if you spent less time in boardrooms and more in the bedroom—"
The first shot hit me in the shoulder, spinning me back onto the bed. Pain exploded like fireworks, but I laughed through it, adrenaline pumping. "Is that all you got? Jealous husbands are so cliché."
The second shot was to the chest. That one shut me up. Blood filled my lungs, and the world blurred. Elena's screams faded into a distant echo as Victor emptied the clip. Darkness crept in, cold and final.
So this is death, I thought. Not bad. At least I went out with a bang.
But death wasn't the end. Not for me.
When I opened my eyes again, the world was different. No penthouse, no blood-soaked sheets. Instead, I was in a lavish office, slumped over a mahogany desk piled high with documents. My head throbbed like I'd been hit by a truck, and my body felt... off. Stronger, somehow. More vital.
"What the hell?" I muttered, sitting up. My voice was deeper, smoother. I glanced down at my hands—long fingers, manicured nails, a gaudy ring with a jade dragon etched into it. Not mine. I rushed to a nearby mirror, and the face staring back wasn't Alex Smith's.
Sharp features, jet-black hair slicked back, eyes like polished obsidian—cold and calculating. I looked like a villain from a bad action movie. Or wait... no. This face was familiar. Too familiar.
Memories flooded in, not mine, but his. This body's original owner: Li Wei, the arrogant young master of the Li Family, one of the hidden cultivation clans in modern China. Li Wei was a mid-tier villain in that trashy urban cultivation novel I'd binge-read a few months back while lounging on a yacht. What was it called? "Return of the Dragon King" or some over-the-top title like that.
In the story, the protagonist, Long Tian—the so-called Dragon King—returns from a mysterious exile, reclaiming his lost cultivation powers, building a business empire, and collecting a harem of beautiful women along the way. Li Wei was one of those disposable antagonists: a spoiled brat who bullied the weak, lusted after the heroines, and got his ass handed to him by Long Tian in a humiliating defeat.
Holy shit. I've been reincarnated into that novel? As the villain?
I laughed, a dark chuckle that echoed in the empty office. This had to be a dream. Or maybe hell. But as I paced the room, touching the sleek furniture and inhaling the scent of expensive incense, it felt real. Too real.
Then, a chime rang in my mind, like a notification from a video game.
[Ding! Celestial Villain System activating...]
A translucent blue screen materialized before my eyes, hovering like a hologram.
[Host: Li Wei (Reincarnated Soul: Alex Smith)]
[Welcome, Host. You have been selected as a Celestial Villain Candidate. In your previous life, you lived by manipulation and greed, stealing the affections of the powerful. Now, in this world, you will steal far more: luck, destiny, power, and even the hearts of heroines destined for others.]
[The system's core directive: Disrupt the original plot of "Return of the Dragon King." Steal the protagonist's opportunities, women, and luck. The more you plunder, the greater your rewards. Fail, and you will be erased—returned to the void.]
[Initial Rewards Unlocked: Villain Points: 1000. Luck Value: 5%. Level: 1.]
[Status Window Unlocked.]
I stared at the screen, my heart racing. This wasn't a joke. It was a system—like those LitRPG stories I'd skimmed. But villain-themed? Perfect for a guy like me.
"Show me the status," I said aloud, testing it.
[Status:
Name: Li Wei (Alex Smith)
Level: 1
Cultivation Realm: Mortal (Peak)
Strength: 15
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 18
Charm: 20
Luck: 5% (Stolen from Protagonist: 0%)
Villain Points: 1000
Skills: None
Artifacts: Jade Dragon Ring (Low-Grade Defensive Item)]
Not bad. My intelligence and charm were high—fitting for a playboy turned schemer. But cultivation? In this world, it was all about Qi, meridians, and breaking through realms. Li Wei's body was at the peak of mortal strength, but without proper techniques, I'd be fodder for the real powerhouses.
The system continued:
[Shop Unlocked: Use Villain Points to purchase skills, techniques, or items.]
[Gacha Unlocked: Spend points for random draws. Higher tiers yield better rewards.]
[Other Worlds: Locked until current world conquest reaches 100%.]
[First Mission: Identify the Protagonist and Steal His First Opportunity. Reward: 5000 Villain Points, +10% Luck.]
A grin spread across my face. Long Tian, the Dragon King. In the novel, he returns to Shanghai today, disguised as a poor veteran, and stumbles upon his first big break: a hidden auction where he buys a ancient cultivation manual for cheap, kickstarting his rise.
But not if I get there first.
I needed to act fast. Li Wei's memories told me I was in the Li Family's corporate headquarters in Beijing. The auction was in Shanghai—a quick flight away. But first, I had to blend in. No one could know the real Li Wei was gone; I'd play the part until I was strong enough to drop the mask.
A knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. "Young Master Li," a soft voice called. "Your meeting with Miss Zhao is in ten minutes."
Miss Zhao? I rifled through the memories. Zhao Ling'er—the first heroine in the novel. She's the icy beauty from the Zhao Family, a rival clan. In the story, she starts off engaged to some minor character but ends up falling for Long Tian after he saves her from an assassination attempt. She's destined to be his first conquest, providing him with resources and alliances.
But not anymore.
"Send her in," I replied, straightening my suit. Time to test my charm.
The door opened, and in walked Zhao Ling'er. She was stunning: long raven hair cascading down her back, porcelain skin, and eyes like stormy seas. Her red qipao hugged her curves perfectly, exuding an aura of untouchable elegance. But I could see the cracks—the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her lips pressed into a thin line. She was here for business, but vulnerable underneath.
"Young Master Li," she said coolly, taking a seat across from me. "I trust you're prepared to discuss the merger terms?"
I leaned back, flashing my most disarming smile. In my old life, this was child's play. "Miss Zhao, always a pleasure. But let's skip the formalities. I know why you're really here."
Her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
"The Zhao Family is in trouble. Your father's gambling debts have piled up, and the banks are circling. You need this merger to save face." I paused, letting the words sink in. Li Wei's memories confirmed it—insider info I'd use to my advantage.
Her composure cracked, just a flicker. "How dare you—"
"I can help," I interrupted smoothly. "But not for free. Join me for dinner tonight. We can... negotiate privately."
It was a bold move, laced with implication. In the original plot, Li Wei would have been crude, demanding, and gotten rejected flat-out, setting him up as a lecherous foil. But I wasn't him. I was Alex Smith, master of seduction.
She hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly. "This is inappropriate."
"Is it?" I stood, circling the desk to stand beside her. I placed a hand on her shoulder—light, non-threatening, but intimate. "Or is it an opportunity? Think about it, Ling'er. With me, you could have power. Real power."
She didn't pull away. Instead, her gaze met mine, conflicted. I could feel it—the spark. My high charm stat was working overtime.
Before she could respond, my phone buzzed. A text from one of Li Wei's underlings: "Boss, that veteran guy you wanted tailed—Long Tian—he's heading to the underground auction in Shanghai."
Perfect timing.
"I'll consider it," Zhao Ling'er said finally, standing up. "But don't push your luck, Li Wei."
I chuckled inwardly. Luck? That's exactly what I was about to steal.
As she left, the system pinged.
[Opportunity Detected: Protagonist's First Auction Encounter.]
[Mission Update: Arrive before him and claim the Ancient Dragon Manual.]
[Villain Points +200 for Initial Manipulation Attempt on Heroine Zhao Ling'er.]
I grabbed my coat and headed for the private jet. Long Tian, you poor bastard. You think you're the destined one? Watch me turn your story into my empire.
But as I stepped into the elevator, a nagging thought crept in. The system mentioned erasure if I failed. And Long Tian wasn't just strong—he had plot armor. I'd need to be smarter, crueler. No mercy.
The doors closed, and I whispered to myself, "Game on."
[ Luck Stolen: 2% (From Detecting Protagonist's Move). ]
I arrived in Shanghai by dusk, the city lights glittering like a sea of stars. The underground auction was hidden in the bowels of an old warehouse district, accessible only to those with connections in the hidden world. Li Wei's family ties got me in without a hitch.
The venue was a dimly lit hall filled with cultivators in disguise—business tycoons, martial artists, and shady dealers. I took a seat in the VIP section, scanning the crowd. There he was: Long Tian, looking every bit the down-on-his-luck hero. Tall, rugged, with a scar across his cheek from his "exile." He sat in the back, trying to blend in.
Fool. In the novel, he bids on a dusty old book no one wants, revealing it as the Dragon Emperor's Manual—a god-tier cultivation technique.
Not tonight.
The auctioneer, a wiry man with a mustache, banged his gavel. "Lot 47: An ancient tome of unknown origin. Starting bid: 100,000 yuan."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. It looked worthless—tattered cover, faded ink. But I knew better.
"150,000," I called out lazily.
Eyes turned to me. Long Tian frowned, raising his paddle. "200,000."
Oh, he had some starting cash from his veteran pension. Cute.
I smiled. "500,000."
He gritted his teeth. "600,000."
This could go on, but I wasn't here to play fair. I signaled one of my planted bidders—a thug in the crowd. He nodded and bumped the price to 800,000, forcing Long Tian to go all-in at 1 million.
That's his limit, I recalled from the book.
"2 million," I said, my voice cutting through the tension.
Gasps echoed. Long Tian's face paled. He couldn't match it. The gavel fell.
"Sold to Young Master Li!"
As I collected the manual backstage, the system chimed.
[Ding! Mission Complete: Stole Protagonist's First Opportunity.]
[Villain Points +5000]
[Luck Stolen: 10%]
[New Skill Acquired: Qi Sensing Lv.1 – Detect cultivation levels of others.]
[Level Up: Level 2]
[Strength +2, Agility +1, Intelligence +1]
Power surged through me, warm and intoxicating. I flipped open the manual, absorbing its basics. Dragon Qi—perfect for a villain like me.
But Long Tian wasn't done. As I exited, he cornered me in the alley.
"You... that was meant for me," he growled, his eyes flashing with draconic aura. Already showing his true colors.
I laughed. "Meant for you? The world doesn't owe you shit, 'Dragon King.'"
His eyes widened. "How do you know—"
Before he could react, I activated Qi Sensing. His realm: Foundation Building, early stage. Mine was still mortal, but with the manual, I'd catch up fast.
I didn't fight him—not yet. Instead, I slipped a business card into his hand. "Come work for me. Or regret it."
He crumpled it, fury boiling. "You'll pay for this."
As he stormed off, I felt another ping.
[Protagonist's Hatred Increased: +5% Conquest Progress.]
Back at my hotel, I pondered my next move. Zhao Ling'er had texted: "Dinner tomorrow? We need to talk."
Hook, line, and sinker.
But stealing women wasn't just about charm. It was about breaking them down, making them need me. Psychological warfare.
I opened the shop with my new points.
[Shop Items:
Basic Cultivation Pill: 500 VP
Sinful Charm Skill: 2000 VP – Enhances seduction and manipulation.
Shadow Step Technique: 3000 VP]
I bought Sinful Charm.
[New Skill: Sinful Charm Lv.1 – Increases persuasion on targets with emotional vulnerabilities.]
Tomorrow, Ling'er would be mine. And Long Tian? His luck was just the beginning.
The night deepened, and I lay in bed, visions of conquest dancing in my head. But a whisper from the system chilled me.
[Warning: Protagonist's Destiny is Strong. One Misstep, and He Rises Stronger.]
I smirked. Bring it.
[End of Chapter 1]