Chapter 1: I Am The Protagonist's Sworn Brother?!

In the heart of Sky City, at the lavish manor of the Ling Family—the leaders of the four Great Families in Jiuzhou.

In a beautifully decorated room, adorned with rich tapestries and elegant furnishings, a tall, handsome man stood by a large floor-to-ceiling window. He had a striking presence, exuding confidence and charm. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he gazed thoughtfully into the distance, as if contemplating the vast world beyond the glass.

"I've actually ended up in a web novel world?" Ling Tian murmured, a hint of disbelief in his voice as he frowned slightly. The realization was both exhilarating and daunting.

As he processed this revelation, he focused his mind, quickly sifting through the memories of the original owner of this body. It was a whirlwind of images and emotions, and he could feel the weight of their experiences settling over him like a heavy cloak.

"System!" 

He called out mentally for the special ability that accompanied his new life. 

A moment later, the system's voice resonated in his mind, clear and precise. 

[Ding! The Great Villain System has successfully connected to the Host!]

[The plot concerning the Host is now active.]

In an instant, a torrent of memories flooded Ling Tian's mind. Scenes from the original story flashed before his eyes—moments of betrayal, heartbreak, and conflict. He felt the hollowness in his gaze gradually shift to a fierce determination.

Ling Tian realized that the original body belonged to Ye Feng's sworn brother. In the tale, he had been nothing more than a stepping stone for Ye Feng, destined to be betrayed. His role was that of a guardian, a loyal friend, but such bonds often led to tragedy.

The memories revealed a dark fate: Ling Tian's family was destroyed because of Ye Feng's treachery. The only survivor was Ling Ruoxue, the adopted daughter of the Ling family, who had escaped due to Ye Feng's twisted sense of greed—he had saved her not out of kindness but out of desire for her beauty and the family's wealth.

Even worse, Ye Feng had long coveted Ling Tian's fiancée. When Ling Tian fell victim to a deadly poison, Ye Feng, who had the power to save him, merely watched him suffer and die, then stood over his grave, vowing to take care of his sister-in-law. The betrayal was profound, and Ling Tian felt a burning rage rising within him.

Unbelievable!

As the details of the plot replayed vividly in his mind, Ling Tian felt a mix of anger and resolve. Ye Feng not only led to the destruction of his family but also sought to claim their riches and his fiancée for himself.

Ling Tian remained composed, yet a cold glint flickered in his eyes. 

"System, explain your functions!" 

[Dear Host, if you can change the original plot and seize the Protagonist's Luck and opportunities, you will earn villain points to exchange for rewards!]

After hearing the system's explanation, Ling Tian nodded thoughtfully. He realized he couldn't simply accept his fate. He wouldn't allow himself to be a stepping stone for Ye Feng, destined for tragedy. No, he would rewrite his story!

With a steely resolve, Ling Tian thought, *Ye Feng, prepare for your downfall!*

Just then, there was a sharp knock at the door.

"Come in," he called, his voice steady.

The butler, Uncle Fu, entered with a respectful smile, his demeanor professional yet warm. 

"Master, Ye Feng has come to see you with his mother."

A smirk crept onto Ling Tian's face, cold and calculating. Today marked the moment Ye Feng sought his assistance, but he had no intention of playing the role expected of him.

"Uncle Fu, have them wait in the living room. I'll join them shortly."

Ling Tian narrowed his eyes, a plan forming in his mind. He could almost taste the unfolding drama.

~~~

A little later, in a fragrant living room filled with the aroma of blooming flowers and freshly brewed tea.

Three people were seated: Ling Tian at the head, exuding an air of authority; Ye Feng beside him, fidgeting with a hint of nervousness; and next to Ye Feng sat a strikingly graceful woman who appeared to be in her twenties but was actually 36—Ye Feng's mother, Wanrou.

The atmosphere was tense, yet filled with a strange camaraderie. Ling Tian's eyes flicked to Wanrou, admiring her composed demeanor and youthful beauty, which was astonishing for her age. It was hard to believe she had faced many hardships and trials in her life. 

After exchanging polite greetings, Ye Feng finally addressed the purpose of their visit, his tone shifting to earnestness.

"Brother Tian, I made an enemy of Song Hui, the Young Master of the Song family, yesterday. I'm not afraid of him trying to outsmart me, but I worry he might target my mother. I need you to ensure her safety."

His eyes were wide with concern as he spoke, looking directly at Ling Tian, who was leisurely sipping his tea. The contrast between Ye Feng's anxiety and Ling Tian's calmness was stark.

Ling Tian carefully set his teacup down and smiled faintly, his expression serene yet inscrutable.

"Don't worry, Brother Feng. I will take good care of Aunt Wanrou. As long as she is under my protection, no one will dare harm her."

His voice was warm and sincere, reassuring Ye Feng, who visibly relaxed. A smile crept onto Ling Tian's face, giving him a friendly, spring-like aura, but beneath that smile lay his true intentions.

He turned to Ye Feng's mother and offered her a gentle smile, noticing the elegance in her posture and the grace with which she carried herself. Wanrou's features were soft yet commanding, reminiscent of an orchid blooming in a secluded valley.

Ling Tian was surprised by her beauty and vitality, which seemed to defy her actual age. He quickly averted his gaze, not wanting to seem inappropriate. 

Yet, inwardly, he couldn't help but smirk. *Brother Feng, once you're gone, I'll gladly take care of your mother!*

Ye Feng, feeling relieved by Ling Tian's assurance, exclaimed, "Brother Tian, I will definitely repay this kindness in the future!"

His face lit up with happiness, believing that everything was falling into place. As long as his mother was safe, he felt invincible. He had experienced a rebirth and was determined to rise to power, using the four Great Families as stepping stones to his ultimate success.

Ling Tian, wearing a friendly smile, responded, "We are brothers; there's no need for thanks."

Yet, beneath his friendly facade, he felt a dark amusement at Ye Feng's naive gratitude. *Retribution?* he thought, sneering inwardly. *You two-faced brat! So this is your plan: to use my kindness to secure your sister-in-law and seize the entire Ling family's assets!*

As Ye Feng basked in the warmth of Ling Tian's words, he felt a surge of affection for his friend. He even experienced a flicker of guilt for having envied Ling Tian's status and wealth.

However, Wanrou, Ye Feng's mother, sensed something amiss. Once a formidable martial artist, she had lost her cultivation but retained her sharp instincts. Ling Tian's smile felt overly sweet, almost masking a hidden agenda.

She observed him closely, her intuition telling her that he was not being entirely forthcoming. Something deeper lurked beneath his charming exterior.

Ling Tian, aware of her gaze, maintained his composed demeanor, but inside, he was relishing the unfolding plot. The game was just beginning, and he was determined to emerge victorious.

~~~

As the conversation continued, Ling Tian's mind raced with possibilities. He had a plan to shift the balance of power, and he would not let Ye Feng or anyone else stand in his way. With the System at his disposal, the tides were about to change. 

Ye Feng was unaware that his quest for safety was merely playing into Ling Tian's hands, setting the stage for a much larger conflict to come.