PID Chapter 1

Xiao Mo was taking a stroll along the riverbank. Last night, he had read an extremely melodramatic book and spent the evening arguing with people online, leaving him in a less than pleasant mood. He decided to go for a walk to clear his head.

 

The book was titled “The Moonlight of the Cultivation World.”

 

Xiao Mo had just been accepted into university and was enjoying the final and longest summer vacation of his high school years. While working part-time jobs to support himself, he also had more free time to relax. He stumbled upon a novel recommendation on the freshman forum and decided to read it.

 

He soon wished he hadn’t.

 

Xiao Mo never imagined the book could be so excessively dramatic that it was infuriating.

 

In essence, it was a story about an irresistible protagonist and his countless suitors. The author initially concealed this fact, luring readers in before revealing the true nature of the plot. Xiao Mo, unfortunately, became one of the many victims.

 

At first, Xiao Mo was captivated by the character Chu Jinglan, believing it would be an exciting revenge story.

 

To his dismay, he watched as Chu Jinglan was written to become just another one of the protagonist’s many admirers.

 

Chu Jinglan was a prodigy who, despite experiencing a series of misfortunes in his youth that left him incapacitated, managed to overcome adversity through his extraordinary talent and resilience. He climbed out of the depths of despair and rose to great heights, eventually becoming the revered Immortal Lord Chu.

 

Yet, this genius was portrayed as hopelessly devoted to the main character. Despite knowing that the protagonist’s affections were fickle and shared among countless others, Chu Jinglan willingly faced any danger for him. In the end, he perished in perilous circumstances, leaving no remains behind.

 

When Xiao Mo reached this part of the story, his countless criticisms condensed into six dots: “……”

 

Brilliant? More like a brilliant fool in love.

 

He had been waiting for the career storyline, expecting to see a genius overcome adversity and rise to power, conquering the world with his sword. Instead, he was blindsided by melodrama, leaving him utterly defeated.

 

It was absurd. Such a promising life and talent, wasted. Didn’t the author realize how many people struggle just to survive?

 

Despite having all the conditions to fulfill his ambitions, Chu Jinglan died a worthless death. What kind of ridiculous character development was this?

 

Even more laughable was that after Chu Jinglan’s death, the irresistible protagonist merely shed a few tears before forgetting about him. The most absurd part was that even those tears were shed in someone else’s arms.

 

Xiao Mo couldn’t help but write his first book review in the comments section. It was a lengthy critique of over a thousand words, with more than ten exclamation marks, clearly expressing his indignation.

 

His dissatisfaction with Chu Jinglan’s character was also a criticism of the author’s writing style.

 

Some agreed with him, while others immediately attacked him. Xiao Mo scoffed and readied his keyboard; he had never feared a war of words.

 

As he reminisced about last night’s online battle, Xiao Mo leisurely walked along the riverbank. Suddenly, he heard a faint but distinct splash.

 

It was accompanied by a child’s startled cry and loud sobbing.

 

Xiao Mo’s pupils constricted as he quickly turned around, only to see a young child had fallen into the water.

 

At that moment, there weren’t many people walking along the riverbank. Some hadn’t even noticed what happened, but Xiao Mo immediately jumped into the water.

 

The child was drowning in a shallow part of the river near the bank. Xiao Mo easily pushed him back to shore. The water had barely reached Xiao Mo’s waist, and he could even touch the bottom with his feet. However, just as he was about to pull himself out of the water, he felt something forcefully tug at his feet.

 

Xiao Mo: !

 

Something was pulling him down!

 

Xiao Mo looked down in shock, but the previously clear river water had been stirred up by the commotion, making it impossible to see anything. Before he could react, the force dragged him backward, causing him to fall completely into the water.

 

Amidst his internal panic, Xiao Mo tried to remain calm. He reached for his ankle that was being pulled, but his hand grasped nothing but water. It wasn’t even a whirlpool, yet he was definitely being dragged towards the deeper part of the river.

 

As he began to suffocate, his instincts finally took over his rationality, and he started to struggle.

 

Time seemed to stretch infinitely, yet pass quickly at the same time.

 

Physically fast, but mentally slow.

 

Water engulfed him from all directions, and his consciousness began to blur.

 

Light and shadows flickered, fragile bubbles struggled and burst, only to disappear in vain. In a brief moment, the bubbles went from turbulent to silent.

 

The painful moment was hard to measure, but the feeling of his heart sinking into helplessness seemed to last forever. Xiao Mo feared nothing more than having nothing to grasp onto; the feeling of falling alone was almost driving him mad.

 

But he was groggy and couldn’t move.

 

In his daze, he thought someone had grabbed his hand, pulling him up forcefully. It felt warm, allowing his suspended heart to settle.

 

Xiao Mo closed his eyes, feeling at ease.

 

When he opened his eyes again, everything before him was a blur of white.

 

As Xiao Mo’s consciousness gradually returned, he thought his eyes hadn’t adjusted to the light, or that he might be in a hospital. He could hear electronic beeping sounds nearby.

 

After the beeping, a cheerful voice rang out: “Loading complete, transmigration successful. Welcome to the world of ‘The Moonlight of the Cultivation World’. The transmigration system is at your service. Your current mission—”

 

…What?

 

Xiao Mo’s heart skipped a beat as he suddenly sat up, pressing his dizzy head: “Wait, wait a moment!”

 

The voice stopped.

 

His ears were ringing as he struggled to open his eyes wide. Finally, he saw his surroundings. Apart from the white light, there was only a floating electronic panel in front of him.

 

Xiao Mo went from bewilderment to shock, then to confusion.

 

But he forced himself to stay calm, hiding all his emotions as he anxiously yet methodically analyzed the situation.

 

Transmigration? How could this be…

 

Seeing that the host didn’t look well, the system softened its voice to greet him: “Hello, host. Are you listening?”

 

Xiao Mo’s shoulders trembled slightly, but he managed to keep his composure outwardly, habitually concealing his panic and not revealing any emotions to others: “…I have questions.”

 

System: “Sure! What would you like to ask? I can answer all your questions~”

 

“Did I really transmigrate?”

 

“Absolutely!”

 

“Alright.”

 

Xiao Mo took a deep breath, clenching his fists: “How can I return to my own world?”

 

The system’s cheerful tone faltered: “Uh, I’m sorry, but you can’t go back.”

 

The host’s reaction wasn’t what the system expected. It quickly checked Xiao Mo’s various conditions, confirming that he met the transmigration criteria. Cautiously, it said: “Host, your previous living environment was so bad, with nothing worth missing. Why do you want to go back?”

 

The system was puzzled. Shouldn’t he be happy about transmigrating from such a difficult life?

 

When Xiao Mo was young, his irresponsible parents abandoned him and ran off, rumored to be living recklessly, their fate unknown.

 

He was left with relatives who treated him like a burden, passing him around like a ball until he ended up in an orphanage.

 

Though his time with relatives was short, he endured much suffering. Adults berated and beat him, while children bullied him in various ways. Xiao Mo endured hardships and contempt, maturing far beyond his years.

 

Hearing the system’s words, Xiao Mo’s tense face twitched slightly as he scoffed: “Why wouldn’t I want to go back?”

 

His pent-up emotions burst forth like a flood.

 

“I’m only seventeen, and I just received my acceptance letter from a top university. I could have shoved that letter in the faces of those so-called relatives, watching their shock and jealousy. Look at them, a bunch of useless good-for-nothings who could only bully me when I was small. They’re incapable of anything else. I could have really put them in their place. Why would I want to miss that?”

 

As Xiao Mo spoke, he seemed to envision those people’s humiliated expressions. A mocking smile curved his lips. The system laughed nervously, not expecting the host to be so vindictive. It wiped nonexistent sweat and spoke even more cautiously.

 

“But you died in that world while saving a child. That’s why we were able to bring your consciousness to the system space.”

 

Xiao Mo’s cold smile and mockery froze instantly.

 

Then, his lips slowly flattened.

 

…So he was already dead?

 

What a joke. He thought he had been saved, but he had died after all…

 

Was that final sensation of being pulled up just an illusion? He hadn’t felt particularly painful.

 

Dying in the prime of his youth, or to put it sentimentally, before he had fully blossomed. This poor soul had just completed his reversal of fortune, not even getting the chance to savor those worthless people’s humiliated expressions, and he had died just like that.

 

Xiao Mo’s shoulders slowly slumped. He hugged his knees to his chest, bowing his head in silence.

 

This curled-up, defensive posture was a sign of insecurity.

 

Xiao Mo didn’t regret jumping in to save the child. He just felt… empty. Perhaps bewilderment was clearer than sorrow; his original life had suddenly been cut short.

 

Moreover, he felt his death was very suspicious, but there was clearly no place here for him to seek justice.

 

Xiao Mo pressed his sore eyes, not letting tears fall. He smiled, half bitter and half sour: If he was dead, there probably weren’t many people who would mourn for him.

 

Seeing Xiao Mo’s gloomy expression, the system quickly consoled him: “But you’ve been chosen by us! As long as you complete the mission, you can gain a new life and live with a new identity in the cultivation world. What a great opportunity! Plus, the parents of the child you saved are very grateful. They’re even preparing to send you a thank-you gift!”

 

Xiao Mo, who had been silently processing his tumultuous emotions, immediately raised his head in alertness upon hearing this. His handsome brows furrowed as he asked, “I’m already dead, so who will receive that money?”

 

If it were those relatives that even dogs wouldn’t want to be around, Xiao Mo would definitely flip his coffin lid and haunt their bedsides at night.

 

“No, no, the money has been donated to the orphanage you lived in! Isn’t that the best place for it to go? If you’re not satisfied, our system can intervene and ensure the money goes where you think is most appropriate.”

 

Xiao Mo’s expression relaxed slightly: “Hmm, that’s fine.”

 

He remained silent for a moment, then asked with a last glimmer of hope: “I really can’t go back?”

 

The system responded regretfully: “I’m sorry, but that’s correct.”

 

Xiao Mo slowly exhaled the stifling air in his chest. He had encountered an insurmountable force, his life forcibly taking a turn. Whether he accepted it or not, whether he was happy or sad, he had already transmigrated.

 

Given Xiao Mo’s personality, he would never easily give up on himself. If there was a chance to live, why not seize it? Although he had been tormented by life since childhood, Xiao Mo was inherently resilient. He always told himself to live a life worth living.

 

He wanted to shine brightly, to have a dazzling future. Only by living brilliantly could he best revenge against those who had bullied him. Whoever wanted to see him miserable, he would stubbornly refuse to fulfill their wishes.

 

Xiao Mo’s fingers tightly gripped his arms, his fingertips turning white, betraying his inner turmoil. After a long silence, he spoke to the system with difficulty: “Continue talking about the mission.”

 

Uttering these words meant he had finally accepted reality.

 

The system was very pleased with his cooperation, its voice rising a few degrees in excitement: “You will become Chu Jinglan’s inner demon. Your main task is to make him aware of the inner demon’s existence, and then wait for the right moment to be killed by him so he can prove his Dao.”

 

“The secondary task is to accompany his growth, tempering his will and character. Causing mental attacks on him can be converted into points, which can be used to enhance your cultivation or exchange for items in the mall.”

 

As the system spoke, it opened the mall. Xiao Mo glanced at it, finding a rich variety of items, from spiritual pills to magical treasures.

 

“However, your cultivation level will not exceed the Divided Spirit realm, as you need to be killed by him at that stage.”

 

Xiao Mo asked about the crucial point: “Will it hurt when I’m killed?”

 

The system hurriedly replied: “No, no, I can activate a completely pain-free mode for you, guaranteeing you won’t suffer at all!”

 

Not having to feel pain was truly great news. Xiao Mo finally relaxed a bit. Whether anxious or calm, his thoughts remained clear: “What’s the difference between the main task and the secondary task?”

 

The system responded eagerly: “The main task is mandatory, while the secondary task just provides a way to accumulate points. It’s not required.”

 

Xiao Mo’s mind stirred. Did this mean his mandatory tasks were actually only two?

 

He was very clever, and his thoughts immediately became active.

 

The system, of course, didn’t notice that the host had already started plotting: “You’ve read the original story, so if you have any questions about the plot, feel free to ask me anytime.”

 

While pondering, Xiao Mo asked a few more questions.

 

After Chu Jinglan’s death, Xiao Mo hadn’t continued reading the novel.

 

If it had just been a random novel he’d read, Xiao Mo could have closed the book and forgotten about it. But now Chu Jinglan was no longer just a fictional character; they would soon be living together day and night. As the system had said, as a inner demon, Xiao Mo would have to make his home in Chu Jinglan’s sea of consciousness.

 

Xiao Mo immediately felt uncomfortable. As someone who had lived a difficult life but still treated each day seriously, he truly disliked Chu Jinglan’s character design.

 

It wasn’t personal against Chu Jinglan. Frankly speaking, Xiao Mo found the portrayal of most main characters in the original story to be trash, either already melodramatic or on their way to becoming melodramatic.

 

Xiao Mo equally despised the main protagonist, a fickle-hearted character who wanted everything, claiming their love could be divided infinitely. “Although I’m in love with many people simultaneously, I’m still pure and innocent.”

 

You’re just the reincarnation of a centipede spirit, juggling multiple relationships, aren’t you?

 

If you’re a scumbag, just admit it. You can deceive others, but don’t deceive yourself.

 

Knowing the original plot and understanding his main task, Xiao Mo had already quickly formulated a plan in his mind.

 

After the system finished explaining everything, it transported Xiao Mo to a new space. When Xiao Mo opened his eyes again, the vast whiteness was gone, replaced by a silent night scene.

 

The system cheerfully announced: “Ta-da! Welcome to the cultivation world. This is Chu Jinglan’s sea of consciousness!”

 

A crescent moon hung in the sky above. Xiao Mo appeared under a withered tree, in front of which was a clear lake. There were no living creatures in the water, which remained perfectly still.

 

With the lake at the center, the shore extended only a few meters before being surrounded by black mist. There were no other features beyond this.

 

It was desolate.

 

Xiao Mo leaned over the lake to see his reflection. His hair had grown longer, and he was now wearing black ancient-style clothing. He had always been handsome, like a spring willow in the moonlight, but now with a red lotus mark between his eyebrows, he had an added air of demonic charm.

 

He definitely had the looks to be a demon lord, the kind that specializes in bewitching hearts.

 

Seeing himself in ancient attire for the first time, Xiao Mo uncomfortably pinched a lock of black hair hanging in front of him.

 

System: “This is where you’ll be living from now on.”

 

Xiao Mo released the strand of hair and stood up, seriously surveying his future “home.” He asked the crucial question: “Where do I sleep?”

 

With just one tree and a lake, should he sleep under the tree or in the water?

 

The system guided him: “You can modify the environment, but the area around Moon Lake is Chu Jinglan’s basic territory. If you build here, he might easily demolish your constructions once he can internally visualize his sea of consciousness. You’ll be competing for territory then. The best approach is to go into the black mist now, demarcate your territory, and construct barriers to prevent him from easily intruding.”

 

“You can build not just a bed, but pavilions, towers, mountains, and seas as you like! The sea of consciousness is all about imagination! Oh, but you can’t bring modern things here. Different eras, you know. We still need to be scientifically rigorous.”

 

…We’re talking about cultivation, and you’re lecturing me about scientific rigor??

 

Xiao Mo crossed Moon Lake and approached the edge of the black mist. To be honest, the roiling black mist didn’t look like anything good, but it was harmless to him. Xiao Mo didn’t even feel afraid, suggesting that his body had adapted to the transmigration and identity change faster than his mind. inner demon, after all – he must have some innate abilities.

 

Xiao Mo easily walked into the black mist, clearing out a small area where he conjured a bed.

 

The bed frame was simple but spacious, with warm-colored pillows and bedding of suitable firmness, promising a comfortable sleep.

 

It was a good bed, but it was also the only piece of furniture.

 

The system, seeing the lone bed, thought the host lacked imagination and tried to show off: “I can help with the construction too, host.”

 

Xiao Mo refused without turning his head: “No need.”

 

He had already planned his future course of action. One bed was enough.

 

As a inner demon, he intuitively understood some of his abilities upon entering this space. Influencing the host was basic; Xiao Mo quickly figured out how to establish a connection with Chu Jinglan.

 

Xiao Mo stood under the moonlight.

 

The system was curious about how the host would take his first step.

 

Then it saw black mist swirling in Xiao Mo’s hand, successfully breaching the sea of consciousness barrier on his first try.

 

The system applauded: “Host, you’re amazing!”

 

Amidst the system’s expectant voice, Xiao Mo took a deep breath and spoke in a chilling, ghostly tone: “Chu Jinglan—I am your inner demon.”

 

System: This looks like he’s about to say something fierce!

 

As long as Chu Jinglan experienced emotional fluctuations, it would count as a mental attack and could be converted into points. The system hurriedly prepared the settlement panel, waiting for the host to exert his power.

 

Full of anticipation, it watched as Xiao Mo swiftly withdrew his hand, closed his mouth, and turned to leave.

 

…He left?

 

System: ???

 

Wait, what about the follow-up? The fierce words? That’s it??

 

It watched Xiao Mo part the black mist, lie down on the bed, and close his eyes.

 

…Huh?

 

The system was full of question marks, completely bewildered: “Host?”

 

Xiao Mo lay peacefully with his eyes closed: “I’ve already made him aware of the inner demon. The first task is complete. Do you have any way to make me sleep for a few years? Just wake me up when he needs to kill me, and I’ll go let him do it.”

 

System: “…”

 

The system was dumbfounded.

 

Can he really do this!?

 

I’ve already pulled up the settlement panel, and this is what you show me!??

 

Regardless of the system’s confusion, Xiao Mo had already settled in: That’s right, for tasks and people he didn’t like, his plan was to slack off like a salted fish.

 

What? Someone’s asking why Xiao Mo doesn’t try to change Chu Jinglan’s fate?

 

Xiao Mo: Why should I go to all that trouble?

 

First, he didn’t volunteer to transmigrate. Second, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan were strangers.

 

If Chu Jinglan was like the drowning child Xiao Mo had saved before, accidentally caught in some trouble, then Xiao Mo, as a kind-hearted passerby, would be willing to help him out.

 

But Chu Jinglan, after careful consideration, still chose to go through fire and water for the protagonist. So Xiao Mo chose to set aside his helpful instincts and respect others’ destinies.

 

Xiao Mo didn’t feel obligated to be responsible for Chu Jinglan’s life. He was a good person, but not overflowing with kindness.

 

After all, the system said the process wasn’t important, so he’d do the beginning and end, considering it his duty fulfilled. This couldn’t even be called exploiting a loophole in the rules.

 

As a diligent student who often worked part-time jobs, Xiao Mo had his own work philosophy.

 

Noticing the system’s prolonged silence, Xiao Mo opened his eyes on the bed, quite alert: “I haven’t broken any rules.”

 

The system was thoroughly impressed by this host. If it had a human form, it would probably be sprawled out, exhausted: “Yes, that’s fine. Your idea isn’t wrong, but regarding your Sleeping Beauty plan, I have two points to make.”

 

Xiao Mo: “…Who’s Sleeping Beauty? Go on.”

 

“First, I don’t have a method to make you sleep for years. If you have extraordinary talent, you can try it yourself.”

 

“Second,” the system said gloomily, “Chu Jinglan thought your voice just now was an auditory hallucination. He doesn’t believe he has a inner demon, so your task isn’t complete.”

 

Xiao Mo: “…”

 

Silence. Silence is tonight’s Cambridge.

 

One second, two seconds, three seconds passed, and Xiao Mo finally slowly sat up.

 

The plan had failed right at the start.

 

His clear, broadcast-quality announcement could be dismissed as a hallucination?

 

Did he have to appear in person before Chu Jinglan for it to count?

 

Xiao Mo pursed his lips, hugging his arms indecisively.

 

Meanwhile, in the outside world, Chu Jinglan was focused on his cultivation, his body as still as a cold pine tree. As he swung his sword, the fluid sword light was disrupted by the sudden voice, causing the strike to go askew.

 

A green bamboo was cut in half, reluctantly falling down, causing bamboo leaves to rustle as they fell.

 

Chu Jinglan paused in surprise, immediately releasing his spiritual energy to investigate. The wind passed by his ears, and after the bamboo fell, all around was silent. There was no one, no demons or evil spirits.

 

He frowned, his long sword pointing diagonally at the ground. Was that voice just now a hallucination?

 

Author’s Note:

 

Xiao Mo: I want to slack off

System (covering his mouth): No, you don’t

 

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