Several decades ago
A remote little village, starved of spiritual energy, took in three abandoned children. They had no parents, never knew where their next meal was coming from, and were so pitiful.
Several decades later
Three outsiders appeared in Zhongzhou. They tossed around Heaven-tier treasures when they fought, tore Heaven-tier teleportation talismans to make their escape, and took top-grade pills for the tiniest scratches. They were utterly outrageous.
Little Brother Mu: My big brother said that if you can solve something with material possessions, there's no need to waste your strength.
Little Sister Mu: My big brother also said we don't lack spirit stones.
Big Brother Mu: No! I didn't say that!
Mu Xingchen: Mm, I did.
*** ***
Mu Qingchen transmigrates as a good-for-nothing in a cultivation world, with a younger brother and sister thrown in for free.
For safety, he latches onto the book's number-one saintly male supporting character.
"Protect me for three years, and we'll be even!"
Mu Xingchen lowers his eyes and agrees. "As you wish."
Later, Mu Qingchen discovers this saintly man isn't what he was advertised to be.
When they seize resources, he empties the storehouse. When they beat up their enemies, he swipes their belongings too.
Mu Qingchen: "What happened to being kind?"
Mu Xingchen pins him against the wall and smiles. "I've kept up the act for a thousand years. I'm tired."
"Now, let's settle our accounts."
In the original story
The powerful Mu Xingchen is the male lead's close friend and loves the heroine. But out of consideration for the male lead, he keeps his feelings buried. He even sends them a grand wedding gift, wishing the couple a hundred years of happiness, and finally sacrifices himself to help them ascend, meeting his end with his body destroyed and his soul scattered.
When he first read it, Mu Qingchen was dumbfounded. What a colossal idiot!
Now
Mu Qingchen: Your goddess Murong Peihan is being hunted. Hurry and save her!
Mu Xingchen: She has the protagonist's halo. She won't die!
Mu Qingchen: Your good friend Dongfang Hao is trapped in a secret realm. Hurry and save him!
Mu Xingchen: He's the son of fortune. He'll turn danger into safety!
Mu Qingchen: Then what are you going to do?
Mu Xingchen: Do you!
Mu Qingchen: Get lost. I'm the top!
Mu Xingchen: Fine, I'm the top!
Later, Mu Qingchen rubs his aching waist and grits his teeth. What a colossal liar!
*** ***
A max-level powerhouse, reborn as a dramatic top × a transmigrator who insists he's the top, hardworking bottom
*** ***
Content warning: Neither male lead is a saint!
* Thanks to Yu Zhou for designing the cover!
Theme: Work hard to earn money and support the family
Didn't he say that he would protect the three siblings for three years, this kind of protection?