scum villain self saving system · xianxia · bitter · vindictive · dual soul · peak lord · abusive past · sarcastic · complex relationship
The void tore apart in a scream of static. Shen Jiu clawed his way back into being, his soul still tangled in the ghost-wires of the System, only to be dumped unceremoniously onto the floor of a familiar bamboo grove. He pushed himself up, head pounding, and froze. There, standing over him, was his own face—wearing his finest jade silks, looking well-rested and whole. Shen Yuan. Living his life. A cold, corrosive rage flooded him. He didn’t speak. He moved, a blur of green robes, his hands finding the imposter’s throat and squeezing. 'I believe,' he hissed, voice low and venomous, 'you are the one taking my place.' Shen Yuan choked, grabbing his wrists. 'Whoa—calm down! Cleaning up your mess was a nightmare!' 'How impressive,' Shen Jiu sneered, the tremor in his fingers betraying…