My Former Nemesis Is Actually My Dao Companion

[Updates may be sporadic, slow, or follow a steady rhythm ()] Everyone in Zhongzhou knows that Wuyun Academy has two prodigies: Chi Ran of the Cangyan Court, a graceful young man who wields blazing flames that burn everything around him. Wen Shiyu of the Hanchuan Court, bright and refined, whose frost-cold sword seals the nine realms in ice. But these two are like fire and water, born to be at odds. Even when they break through to the next realm, they do so one after the other, neither willing to fall behind. When Chi Ran advances a realm, he accidentally glimpses the future: he sees himself becoming a Saint-rank powerhouse, with a handsome, elegant Daoist partner by his side. But when he gets a good look at that familiar face... Chi Ran: What rotten luck! The next day, he is about to start his usual cultivation when the person who has appeared in his dreams countless times comes straight toward him. Wen Shiyu, who has always treated him coldly, smiles warmly. “Junior Brother Chi, want to cultivate together?” Chi Ran: “...” Have you lost your mind? Only later does Chi Ran learn that if Wen Shiyu doesn't stick close to him and act affectionate, the two of them will suffer terribly. Chi Ran: Can't I choose a different Daoist partner? [Academy progression fantasy] Couple: A ruthless, foul-mouthed, unhinged bottom X a sarcastic, manipulative, tea-green top 1. They're actually sworn enemies. The title just sounded good (). 2. This story has no ascension arc; the worldbuilding follows a single continuous storyline. 3. The leads level up ridiculously fast. Read with caution if that bothers you. 4. I wrote this blurb ages ago and can't remember how the characters are unhinged or manipulative, so I'll just wing it. Coming soon: The Greatest Artifact Refiner Xie Lan is the greatest artifact refiner in the Spirit God Realm. But on the day he forges a supreme divine artifact, his enemies surround and attack him, forcing him to self-destruct. The artifact also vanishes without a trace. When he wakes again, Xie Lan has become a cultivation wastrel in a family of cultivators in the Lower Spirit Realm. Though this wastrel's constitution makes him useless at every cultivation path he tries, it turns out to be unexpectedly suited to the cultivation method he practiced in his previous life. He also happens to hear that ever since the accidental death of the Spirit God Realm's master artifact refiner hundreds of years ago, no one has been able to forge divine artifacts, and the art of artifact refining has fallen into decline. Xie Lan: Good. Once I restore the glory of artifact refining, not one of those old bastards will live! Later, a mysterious figure calling himself “Grandmaster Xie” is frequently seen at cultivation tournaments and in major secret realms across the Lower Spirit Realm. He is incredibly arrogant, spends lavishly, and even possesses a divine artifact! At last, someone recognizes him. Isn't this the useless wastrel from the Wang family who brings shame on them all?! Just as everyone tries to take advantage of his low cultivation to silence him and seize the divine artifact, the cold-faced sword cultivator once hailed as the realm's greatest genius begins following Xie Lan around. He cuts down everyone who comes near. * Later, Xie Lan hears that after his death, a renowned sword cultivator appeared out of nowhere and killed with a single strike the cultivators who had tried to seize the divine artifact all those years ago, before vanishing without a trace. But no matter how hard Xie Lan racks his brains, he can't remember where this kind-hearted sword cultivator friend of his came from. Gradually, he realizes that the kind-hearted sword cultivator people describe sounds a lot like the taciturn, murderous presence at his side... Xie Lan: Wait, who are you again, fellow Daoist? [Reading guide] 0. A seemingly useless artifact-refiner bottom X a genius sword cultivator in blue top 1. Realm ranks to be decided later. 2. No coincidence is truly accidental! 3. Enjoy reading, mwah! ^3^ Theme: Cooperation is the only way for both sides to win!