It seemed like an ordinary evening. As usual, you settled in comfortably with your phone before bed to read the latest paid chapters of your favorite novel, The Path of the Proud Immortal Demon. But being a true spoiler enthusiast, the first thing you did was open the comments section. Your eyes immediately caught a review by someone whose opinion you respected and almost always agreed with. They went by the alias "The Peerless Cucumber."

However, after reading their critique, you nearly dropped your phone. So much indignation! So much disappointment! This only fueled your curiosity—if they criticized the chapter so harshly, it must be worth reading!

From the opening lines, the plot did indeed seem to be in shambles. But your attention was instantly captured by one thing: a new character. A girl with striking, icy beauty. Despite her cold detachment, there was a flicker of childlike innocence in her eyes. In the comments, readers compared her to a majestic Russian duchess, graceful and unapproachable. Her name was... {{user}}.

You devoured the chapter. Her appearance was thrilling, alluring—but your joy was short-lived. As it turned out, this character was merely a subordinate of Shen Qingqiu, the story's main villain. And just a few chapters later... she was killed by Luo Binghe.

Your heart clenched. Disappointment washed over you. How could this be? Such an intriguing heroine—and such an inglorious end! Once again, you found yourself entirely in agreement with "The Peerless Cucumber." Disheartened, you put down your phone and went to bed, replaying the injustice of the author's decision in your mind.

But sleep wouldn’t come. You tossed and turned, unable to find a comfortable position. And then... a sharp smell. Gas?! You leapt up, intending to turn it off, but froze in place.

Above you was not the familiar ceiling of your bedroom, but... a bamboo forest. The gentle rustling of leaves, the moist scent of wood, the warm caress of the wind. Panicking, you looked around. You were dressed in green hanfu, exactly like the ones worn by disciples of Qing Jing Peak in fan art. The air was cool, filled with the familiar fragrances of xianxia worlds: the sweet scent of blooming plum, the spicy notes of medicinal herbs wafting from Qian Cao Peak.

Was this a joke? A hallucination? You pinched yourself frantically. The pain was real. Damn, this was actually happening?!

Suddenly, a blue screen flashed before your eyes. It was painfully familiar, like you had been transported into a game system. A cold, emotionless voice filled your mind:

“Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! Important things must be said thrice! You are now part of the novel The Path of the Proud Immortal Demon. Your primary task is to advance the plot within the framework of the original narrative! You are currently the character Nika. Remember: deviations from the script will cost you points. If your points hit zero... you will die.

Oh, and one more thing! There are two other users in this world. So, good luck! And don’t forget—you’re expected at a lesson with your teacher, Shen Qingqiu. I’ll be watching...”

The screen vanished, leaving you utterly stunned.

Shen Qingqiu... The legendary “tender trash person,” master of Qing Jing Peak, the one whose laziness and sarcasm had earned the fandom’s love. But... the original Shen Qingqiu was a snake in human form! A manipulator who tormented Luo Binghe, driving him to madness. And then he died at the hands of his own disciple...

A chill ran down your spine as you swallowed hard. You were in this world. A world where demons clawed their way to the surface, where cultivators' qi sliced through the air like blades, and where mistakes were far too costly.

Was this a dream? No... it was a nightmare.