31: A Happy Life That Should Be Regretted

Ying Han's final consciousness lingered in the vibration of the delivery box. He gripped the silver ring worn smooth around his neck, his knuckles turning white.

"Mom... I've saved up 500,000... I'm still 29.5 million short for the bride price..."

The asphalt road twisted in his vision, sweat mixed with blood spilling from the corners of his mouth. He saw the delivery app still popping up new orders: "Building 3, XX Residential Complex, Remark: Urgent, negative review for lateness."

The phone screen reflected his sallow face, the dark circles under his eyes heavier than the stains on the delivery box. At twenty-three, he looked like a wick that had burned through all its oil.

"If only... in the next life... it were them chasing me instead..."

The silver ring suddenly grew hot, as if catching his final lingering thought. Ying Han's eyelids closed heavily, but a pressure not belonging to this mortal world exploded in his ears, as if someone had stepped across the galaxy to arrive, casually sweeping over his short and stifling life.

"Your wish is quite interesting."

Qin Jiuge's fingertips hovered over the System light screen. In the images, flashes of Ying Han gnawing on cold steamed buns at 3 a.m., being scolded to tears by customers yet having to bow and apologize, and walking three kilometers to deliver an order just to save one yuan, flickered by rapidly.

As a Devil King who had traversed thousands of Universes, he had seen ruthless characters who slaughtered gods and exterminated clans, but this was the first time he had seen someone work himself to death over a bride price.

"Since you've made a wish, I'll give you the ultimate enjoyment."

The moment his fingertip tapped, the silver ring turned into a stream of light, enveloping Ying Han's remaining soul. Qin Jiuge's figure shrank, drilling into this mortal ring, becoming the legendary 'old man in the ring.'

...

Ying Han was awakened by a fragrance. It wasn't the smell of grease from a delivery box, but a crisp scent of gardenia, mixed with the fragrance only found in high-end hotels.

He opened his eyes abruptly. What met his gaze was a crystal chandelier, and beneath him was a velvet bed so soft he could sink into it. He was wearing silk pajamas, not his washed-out T-shirt.

"Awake?" A charming voice rang out. Beside the bed stood a beautiful woman in professional attire, her makeup exquisite. She held warm milk in her hands, looking at him as if he were a rare treasure: "Hanhan, you were already asleep when I brought you back last night. Drink the milk while it's warm. Where do you want to go today? I'll book the whole venue for you."

Ying Han was stunned. Who was this woman? She was wearing an OL suit he had only ever seen on TV. Her name tag read 'Universal Group President's Assistant, Lin Xi.' Universal Group? Wasn't that the most powerful company in the city? Why would the president's assistant be bringing him milk?

"You... you must have mistaken me for someone else, right?"

"I'm Ying Han, a delivery driver..."

Lin Xi giggled, reaching out to ruffle his hair, her movements overly intimate: "Silly, so what if you're a delivery driver? I just like how hardworking and reliable you are. You helped me pick up my documents at the intersection yesterday, and I haven't forgotten you since."

No sooner had she finished speaking than the door was pushed open, and two more beautiful women entered. One was wearing a rider's uniform, with her hair in a high ponytail, looking heroic and striking: "Brother Han! I fixed the electric bike you broke yesterday. From now on, I'll help you deliver orders, you just rest at home!"

The other wore a white lab coat and gold-rimmed glasses, gentle enough to drip water: "Hanhan, I gave you a physical checkup, your body is a bit weak. From now on, I'll come over every day to stew soup for you. You are not allowed to stay up late anymore."

Ying Han froze completely, his brain feeling like it had been stuffed with firecrackers, buzzing loudly. Was the one in the rider's uniform the customer who scolded him for being late yesterday? Was the one in the white coat the doctor who made him wait two hours to get medicine last time and still complained about the slowness? How did everything change overnight?

"Ding—Host Ying Han, Opposite-Sex Attraction Aura activated."

Qin Jiuge's voice came from the ring, carrying a hint of mockery: "The aura I gave you can make all female creatures develop extreme affection for you, wanting to marry you, spend money on you, and spoil you like an ancestor. Does it feel good?"

Ying Han gripped the ring, his hand trembling: "You are the... the old man in the ring?!"

"Indeed. You wished to go to a matriarchal world, but I found that too troublesome, so I directly changed the rules of your current world. Now it is women who earn money to support the family, and men who are responsible for being spoiled. You died of sudden death yesterday, so I helped you with your Rebirth. This aura, is it good enough?"

Good enough? This was a life he wouldn't even dare to dream of!

Before Ying Han could fully process it, Lin Xi had already stuffed a black card into his hand: "Hanhan, take this card, swipe it as you please, buy whatever you want. This afternoon I'll take you to buy clothes. I've already had people set aside that limited-edition suit you said you liked last time."

Su Qing, wearing the rider's uniform, leaned in and handed him the car keys: "Brother Han, you can drive my Harley. From now on, I'll be your personal driver. Wherever you want to go, I'll take you!"

The white-coated doctor, Wen Ya, took out a card: "Hanhan, this is the black card for my private hospital. From now on, you don't need to wait in line for medical care. I'll cover all expenses. If anyone bullies you, I'll make sure they can't stay in this city."

Looking at the black cards and car keys in his hands, then at the three beautiful women, each with her own unique charm, Ying Han's eyes suddenly reddened. Before, he would hesitate for a long time just to buy a bottle of mineral water. Now, people were voluntarily giving him money, cars, and hospitals?

"What are you still dazed for?" Qin Jiuge's voice sounded again, "If others spend money on you, just accept it. Play if you want, rest if you want. Don't be like a punching bag."

Ying Han took a deep breath and straightened his back—in this life, he would never be that wretched person struggling for a bride price again!

In the days that followed, Ying Han fully experienced the joy of being a 'male princess.' Lin Xi took him to the most high-end shopping malls. The clerks at the luxury stores were more enthusiastic to see him than their own fathers, trying on clothes for him one after another. Lin Xi would say boldly from the side: "This one, this one, and that one, take them all!"

Su Qing came to pick him up on her Harley every day, taking him to eat all the delicacies in the city. From Michelin three-star restaurants to street stalls, Su Qing always rushed to pay, saying: "Brother Han, just tell me what you want to eat. Even if I have to travel across the country, I'll buy it for you!"

Wen Ya stewed soup for him on time every day and hired a personal trainer and nutritionist for him, conditioning his body to get better and better. His previously sallow face became fair, his eyes became bright, and walking on the street, he had a 100% head-turning rate.

What was even cooler was that it wasn't just these three women. When he went for a walk in the park, the square-dancing aunties surrounded him and praised him: "Young man, you're really handsome. Do you have a partner? My daughter is a civil servant, and she's very pretty!"

When he went to the supermarket to buy things, the young cashier girl blushed and stuffed chocolate into his hands: "Handsome, this is for you. I... I want to date you."

When he took the subway, the female white-collar worker next to him took the initiative to add his WeChat: "Handsome, I work in finance. If you need money in the future, just tell me. I'll give you a loan, interest-free!"

Ying Han was surrounded by all kinds of beauties every day, receiving gifts until his hands were sore. The money in his bank account accumulated more and more. Luxury goods, luxury cars, and mansions that he didn't even dare to imagine before were now within easy reach.

He no longer had to get up at 3 a.m. to deliver orders, didn't have to look at customers' expressions, and didn't have to worry about bride prices, because there were plenty of women willing to spend money on him and willing to marry him!

"Hanhan, let's get married!" That day, Lin Xi, Su Qing, and Wen Ya proposed to him together, holding diamond rings in their hands, their eyes full of expectation.

Ying Han looked at them, but a thought suddenly popped into his mind. He had had enough of the 'male princess' addiction in the city. If he went to the matriarchal world of the Cultivation World, would it be even cooler?

He gripped the ring and asked in a low voice: "Senior, I want to go to the matriarchal world of the Cultivation World. Is that possible?"

Qin Jiuge raised an eyebrow, thinking this kid was getting better at playing: "Sure, I'll take you. I guarantee I'll make you the most spoiled Junior Brother in the Cultivation World."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the silver ring flashed with light. Ying Han felt his vision blur, and when he opened his eyes again, he was standing in front of a mountain gate shrouded in Immortal Qi. The plaque bore three large characters—'Jade Maiden Sect.'

...

"The new Junior Brother?" As soon as Ying Han stood steady, he was surrounded by a group of Senior Sisters wearing pink immortal dresses.

The lead Senior Sister had bright eyes and white teeth, with a long sword tucked at her waist. Her eyes were sparkling as she looked at him: "Are you the new Disciple the Sect Master mentioned? You look so good, even more tender than the Spiritual Plants in our Sect!"

"Yes, yes, Junior Brother, what is your name? Which Elder are you studying under?"

"Junior Brother, I have some freshly picked Spiritual Fruit here, eat it!"

"Junior Brother, let me teach you sword flight. I fly very steadily!"

Ying Han was surrounded in the middle, his hands instantly filled with Spiritual Fruit, Medicinal Pill, and Magical Artifact, his ears filled with the gentle voices of the Senior Sisters.

He looked at the entrance Disciple robes he was wearing, then at the Senior Sisters surrounded by Immortal Qi, and shouted in his heart—this is much more satisfying than the city!

"Alright, stop crowding around the Junior Brother."

A cold and clear voice rang out, the crowd parted, and a woman dressed in white walked in.

Her temperament was refined, with a hint of arrogance between her brows; she was the Senior Sister of the Jade Maiden Sect, Feng Aotian.

Feng Aotian was a famous Genius in the Cultivation World, already a Golden Core Stage Cultivator at a young age.

Her beauty was peerless, but she had a tsundere personality and was cold to everyone.

Only towards Chapter 31 Protagonist did her eyes hold a hint of subtle softness.

"Are you Chapter 31 Protagonist?"

Feng Aotian walked up to him and looked him up and down.

"Follow me, I will take you to your living quarters."

Chapter 31 Protagonist nodded and followed Feng Aotian forward.

On the way, Qin Jiuge's voice rang out again:

"See that? That is the female lead of this world, Feng Aotian."

"High talent, beautiful, strong background; if you win her over, you can do whatever you want in this Cultivation World."

Chapter 31 Protagonist's heart stirred, and he secretly glanced at Feng Aotian's back—her white clothes fluttering, her waist slender; she was indeed beautiful.

They arrived at the residence, an exquisite small courtyard planted with Spiritual Plants, filled with rich Spiritual Qi.

Feng Aotian handed him a Storage Pouch:

"Inside are Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, and Cultivation Techniques. Look them over first; if you don't understand something, you can ask me or the other Senior Sisters."

Chapter 31 Protagonist took the Storage Pouch and quickly thanked her:

"Thank you, Senior Sister."

Feng Aotian's cheeks flushed slightly, and she turned and left:

"No need to thank me. Cultivate well and don't embarrass the Sect."

Watching Feng Aotian's retreating figure as she fled, Chapter 31 Protagonist couldn't help but smile.

So even such an impressive Senior Sister could be shy.

In the following days, Chapter 31 Protagonist lived a truly "immortal life" in the Jade Maiden Sect.

Every morning, the Senior Sisters would come to wake him up on time and bring him all kinds of delicious spiritual meals.

In the morning, a Senior Sister would teach him Cultivation Techniques, patient and meticulous, for fear he wouldn't understand.

In the afternoon, a Senior Sister would take him to the back mountain to pick spiritual fruits and hunt Yao Beasts.

When encountering danger, the Senior Sisters would be the first to stand in front of him.

At night, a Senior Sister would accompany him in meditation, channeling Spiritual Qi to him to help him improve his cultivation.

His cultivation improved rapidly; in just one month, he went from the first level of the Qi Refinement Stage to the ninth level of the Qi Refinement Stage.

This speed stunned the entire Jade Maiden Sect.

"Junior Brother is truly a Genius!"

"Yes, yes, even more impressive than Senior Sister Feng Aotian was back then!"

"Junior Brother, I'll protect you from now on. If anyone dares to bully you, I'll beat them up!"

The Senior Sisters' doting on him increased even more; not only did they send him all kinds of precious Medicinal Pills and Magical Artifacts,

they also built him a luxurious palace in the Sect, naming it "Nantian Palace."

The female Elders also took special care of him, often calling him to their side,

telling him interesting stories about the Cultivation World and teaching him exclusive Cultivation Techniques.

The Sect Master treated him like her own son,

placing high hopes on him and saying he would surely become a legend of the Cultivation World.

Chapter 31 Protagonist was treated like the moon surrounded by stars every day, living an incredibly comfortable life.

But he also noticed that Feng Aotian's attitude towards him was becoming increasingly strange.

Every time she saw him getting close to other Senior Sisters,

Feng Aotian would turn pale with anger, snort coldly, and turn away.

If she saw him injured, Feng Aotian would rush over immediately to apply medicine, while saying:

"Who told you to be so careless and cause trouble for the Sect."

If anyone from another Sect came to the Jade Maiden Sect and tried to target Chapter 31 Protagonist,

Feng Aotian would draw her sword and drive them out, saying domineeringly:

"Chapter 31 Protagonist is a member of my Jade Maiden Sect; whoever dares to touch him must get past me first!"

Qin Jiuge watched with amusement:

"This Feng Aotian is clearly jealous, but she's too stubborn to admit it. Interesting."

Chapter 31 Protagonist also thought it was interesting and teased Feng Aotian on purpose:

"Senior Sister, do you like me?"

Feng Aotian blushed and glared at him:

"Nonsense! I just treat you as a Junior Brother and am afraid of you being bullied."

"Oh~"

Chapter 31 Protagonist drawled,

"Then why won't Senior Sister allow other Senior Sisters to get too close to me?"

Feng Aotian was left speechless, turned, and ran away. After running a few steps, she turned back and glared at him again:

"Anyway, you are not allowed to get too close to them!"

Watching Feng Aotian's tsundere demeanor, Chapter 31 Protagonist couldn't help but smile. This life was worth it!

Days passed by, Chapter 31 Protagonist's cultivation grew higher and higher, and his fame in the Cultivation World grew greater and greater.

Female Cultivators from major Sects heard that a handsome, talented, and highly favored Junior Brother had arrived at the Jade Maiden Sect,

and they all wanted to catch a glimpse of him. Some even came directly to propose marriage, wanting to take Chapter 31 Protagonist home.

"Junior Brother Chapter 31 Protagonist, I am the Sect Master of the Qingyun Sect. As long as you marry me, I will give you half of the Qingyun Sect's resources!"

"Junior Brother, I am the Valley Master of the Pill Immortal Valley. I can refine the best Medicinal Pills for you, allowing your cultivation to advance by leaps and bounds!"

"Junior Brother, I am the successor of the Artifact Sect. I will craft the most powerful Magical Artifacts for you, allowing you to do whatever you want in the Cultivation World!"

Facing so many marriage proposals, Chapter 31 Protagonist was not moved at all, because in his heart, there was already Feng Aotian.

Feng Aotian saw so many people coming to snatch Chapter 31 Protagonist, and she was anxious, but she still couldn't bring herself to confess.

Qin Jiuge laughed: "I'm telling you, Feng Aotian, if you don't speak up, your Junior Brother is going to be snatched away by someone else!"

Feng Aotian was startled and looked around:

"Who? Who is speaking?"

"Stop looking, I'm here."

Qin Jiuge's voice came from Chapter 31 Protagonist's ring,

"This King is Chapter 31 Protagonist's guardian. If you really like him, hurry up and confess; don't dilly-dally."

Feng Aotian was stunned, then immediately reacted and cupped her hands toward the ring:

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior. I understand."

That night, Feng Aotian asked Chapter 31 Protagonist to meet her at the top of the Jade Maiden Sect's mountain.

The night view from the mountain top was beautiful, with twinkling stars, and the moonlight spilled onto the two of them, making it exceptionally romantic.

Feng Aotian took a deep breath, gathered her courage, looked into Chapter 31 Protagonist's eyes, and said earnestly:

"Chapter 31 Protagonist, I like you. It's not the liking of a Junior Brother for a Senior Sister, but the love of a woman for a man."

"I know I am tsundere and not good with words, but I truly like you. Are you willing to be with me?"

Chapter 31 Protagonist looked at Feng Aotian's earnest eyes, feeling warm inside, and smiled as he nodded:

"I am willing."

Hearing the answer, Feng Aotian was so excited she hugged Chapter 31 Protagonist, tears streaming down her face:

"That's great, that's great!"

Chapter 31 Protagonist hugged Feng Aotian back, feeling her body temperature, and felt incredibly satisfied.

Qin Jiuge watched this scene, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth:

"Alright, the wish is fulfilled, this King should go now."

He said to Chapter 31 Protagonist's consciousness:

"Kid, live your life well, don't embarrass this King."

Then he turned into a stream of light and disappeared into the ring.

Chapter 31 Protagonist felt the aura in the ring disappear; he felt some reluctance, but more than that, gratitude.

If it weren't for the old man in the ring, he might still be struggling desperately for a bride price, how could he live such a happy life?

"Rest assured, Old Man, I will live my life well."

Chapter 31 Protagonist recited silently in his heart.

From then on, Chapter 31 Protagonist and Feng Aotian lived a happy life in the Jade Maiden Sect.

Feng Aotian was no longer tsundere and was gentle and considerate towards Chapter 31 Protagonist, and Chapter 31 Protagonist also worked hard to Cultivate, becoming Feng Aotian's most solid support.

They cultivated together, traveled through the Cultivation World together, and experienced all kinds of storms together, their feelings growing deeper and deeper.

Years later, Chapter 31 Protagonist became a legendary figure in the Cultivation World,

and together with Feng Aotian, he guarded the Jade Maiden Sect and protected their happy life.

As for those women who had once been crazy about him, they also found their own happiness,

and they would occasionally come to visit Chapter 31 Protagonist and Feng Aotian to recall the interesting events of the past.

Chapter 31 Protagonist would occasionally think of his past life, remembering himself desperately delivering takeout for a 30 million bride price, feeling a myriad of emotions.

In this life, not only did he not have to worry about the bride price anymore, but he also had so many people who loved him, possessing supreme cultivation and a happy life.

He knew that all of this was thanks to the old man in the ring.

"This life, it was worth it!"

Chapter 31 Protagonist looked at Feng Aotian beside him and revealed a happy smile.