Source of Light in the Mortal Realm: Spirit Eyes Illuminating the Path to Immortality

Cultivation Lone Wolves, True Lone Wolves With Absolutely Nothing Holding Them Back!!!

I want to read something like "A Daoist Heart Reaching for the Heavens". No more stories where cultivation is held back by the family or a little sister. I want the protagonist to venture into the cultivation world alone, relying only on himself as he makes his way through it and climbs step by step to the peak. If he has a family, he should leave it behind or eventually...

Looking for Stories With a Similar Approach to A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality

After finishing A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality, other cultivation novels feel a bit too contrived. It's easy to guess where the plot is going: the protagonist meets a powerful foe and either 1) hides his true abilities, 2) turns the tables just before dying, 3) lets his enemies fight each other and then swoops in to reap the rewards, or 4) gets taken on as a disciple by some old man. Orz

Traditional Fantasy Novels with No Female Lead, a Smart Male Lead, and Ruthless Decisiveness!