Dragon Nation, Southeast Coast.

On Death God's Island, the Soul Prison stood silently—home to the world’s most dangerous criminals. War-hungry politicians, blood-soaked drug lords, emotionless assassins, sinister mystics... if you could name it, they had it locked up here.

But today, these terrifying criminals were outside their cells, gathered to see off a young man.

His name was Ethan Carter.

An orphan, Ethan had been brought to the prison by Jonathan Rivers, one of the guards, and raised as his disciple. Over the past eighteen years, the inmates—despite their dark reputations—took him in, each treating him as their own student and passing down their unique skills.

Today, Ethan would walk out of Soul Prison for the first time.

Jonathan, his once-grey hair now fully white, stood beside him. “Eighteen years slipped by fast,” he said. “It’s time you knew the truth about who you are.”

“My past?” Ethan’s eyes lit up.

Growing up locked away from the outside world, how could he not be curious about where he came from?

Jonathan nodded. “Years ago, someone arranged seven engagement contracts for you. The truth behind your identity—your real roots—are hidden in those.”

While speaking, he handed Ethan seven envelopes and a jade pendant. “These are the betrothal contracts and the main pendant. Each of your fiancées has a matching piece.”

“Take these with you. Whether you're going to marry or break it off, just show them the letter and the jade. They’ll hand you their piece in return. Once you’ve collected all seven, the puzzle of who you are will finally be complete.”

“One more thing—if you choose to end the engagement, you’re still expected to help each of them out with something. That was part of the deal.”

Ethan carefully put the letters and jade into his backpack. Then, he turned to the hundred-plus felons behind him, gave a deep bow, and said, “Thank you, Masters. For everything.”

The mood in the yard shifted.

Even these hardened criminals—feared around the world—seemed moved.

They’d all once been legendary, shaking the world with their power, only to end up locked away. Most thought they'd rot here with no one to carry on their legacy.

Then one day, Jonathan walked in holding baby Ethan.

They taught him everything—no secrets, no holding back.

And now, Ethan was leaving, carrying all their hopes and teachings into the outside world.

Even if they never left this place, what they passed on wouldn’t die with them.

…

After stepping outside, Ethan opened his backpack and took out the now-yellowed contracts.

He needed answers. Who was he, really?

Unsealing the first envelope, he found just a few lines: Jinling. The Thompson family. Chloe Thompson.

The date? Twenty years ago.

Short, outdated info. But for Ethan, not a problem.

One of his mentors was a genius hacker—breaking through national-level firewalls was child’s play.

It didn’t take long before Ethan had a complete picture of Chloe Thompson.He waved down a cab and casually said, "To the Thompson Estate."

About ten minutes later, the taxi pulled up in one of the priciest spots in downtown Jinling. Ethan Carter paid the fare and walked straight toward the estate.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

A sharp voice called out, and two security guards stepped in his way.

"I'm here to break off an engagement. Chloe Thompson and I are technically engaged," Ethan stated bluntly.

From what Jonathan Rivers had told him, whether he got married or called it off didn't matter—what mattered was getting the jade pendant. That was the key to uncovering his past. Marriage sounded like a hassle. Breaking it off was faster.

The two guards looked stunned at first, then burst out laughing.

"You? Engaged to our Miss Chloe? You know who she is, right?"

Ethan paused for a moment. "I’ve heard a little. Not too much."

The guards stared at him like he was a complete idiot. One scoffed, "You serious? Miss Chloe is the pride of the Thompson family. She's also the campus belle of Jinling University and the old man’s favorite. And you think someone like you can be connected to her?"

Ethan just shrugged. "Yeah, that doesn’t really concern me. I’m just here to cancel the engagement."

"You’ve got some nerve..."

One of them pointed to the gate and snapped, "That way’s out. Leave now. Or we’ll make you."

Ethan shook his head and kept walking toward the estate. The guards tried to stop him, but their skills were no match for him—they were easily brushed aside.

"You’re asking for it, punk!"

Just then, a Rolls-Royce pulled up at the gate. The door opened, and an older man in a traditional tunic suit stepped out.

The guards instantly panicked.

That was Mr. Thompson himself—the head of the family. If this kid offended him, they'd be toast.

Mr. Thompson frowned. "What’s going on here?"

One of the guards quickly stepped up. "Sir, this guy claims to be Miss Chloe’s fiancé! We were just about to toss him out—"

"Hold on!" Mr. Thompson suddenly shouted.

Face filled with emotion, he rushed forward in long strides, eyes shining.

"You’re Ethan Carter?"

Ethan blinked. "You know me?"

Mr. Thompson grabbed his hand firmly, beaming. "Your master saved my life years ago. We arranged the engagement with Chloe back then. Come on, I’ll bring you to meet her right away."

"Sir, I’m actually here to—"

"Don’t worry!" Mr. Thompson interrupted. "Chloe's a real beauty, famous all over Jinling. Come, have a seat inside first—I’ll send someone to get her."

Still smiling ear to ear, he called someone over to lead Ethan into the estate.

Left with no choice, Ethan followed, planning to bring up the engagement issue once he saw Chloe.

The two guards stood there in stunned silence, mouths dry.

Their faces practically screamed, "What the hell just happened..."This guy's whole outfit probably costs less than a hundred bucks, and he’s supposed to be Chloe Thompson’s fiancé?

Talk about skipping ten years of hard work.

No—this skips a whole lifetime of struggling!

Can’t help but feel jealous to the bone...

...

Not long after, a flashy red Ferrari screeched to a stop at the Thompson estate gates.

The car door opened, and a pair of slender legs stepped out—it was Chloe Thompson.

She totally lived up to her title as campus goddess of Jinling University.

Short skirt, off-shoulder top—her figure was flawless. Smooth, fair shoulders, a slim waist that looked like you could wrap your hand around it, and her legs? Wrapped in nude stockings, long and perfect.

She slammed the door and stormed straight into the living room.

“Chloe, perfect timing…” Mr. Thompson's eyes crinkled with glee when he saw her. “Let Grandpa introduce—”

Chloe instantly cut him off, pouting. “Grandpa, I’m against this engagement. Period.”

Mr. Thompson kept a patient tone. “Chloe, Ethan’s a great young man. And remember, his mentor once saved my life—saved our whole family. We can’t just turn our backs on that.”

Chloe shot Ethan Carter a sharp glare, scoffing. “Grandpa, there are plenty of ways to repay a debt. Why does it have to involve ruining my future?”

Mr. Thompson chuckled. “Sweetheart, Ethan’s excellent. If you marry him, you’ll be very happy.”

“Excellent?”

Chloe blinked in disbelief. “Grandpa, I think you and I might have different definitions of that word. Honestly, guys like him? You could find dozens on campus without even trying.”

That’s when Fiona White, Chloe’s mom, quickly stepped in. “Dad, maybe we should think this through? Chloe’s got tons of good suitors—look at Mr. Xu's son from the municipal office; he’s crazy about her.”

As she spoke, she gave her husband George Thompson a sideways glance, nudging him to chime in.

George got the hint and jumped in. “Exactly, Dad. Even if you’re not considering Chloe’s feelings, you can’t just marry her off to anyone.”

Mr. Thompson let out a loud snort. “What do you all know? Those so-called ‘elite’ boys you talk about? They’re fireflies trying to outshine the sun. Compared to Ethan, they’re nothing. I’ll have someone pick a good date. Chloe and Ethan will get married soon!”

That dropped like a bombshell. Everyone in the family froze.

No one had seen that coming. They even started wondering if the old man had lost it.

Chloe stomped her foot in frustration, her eyes welling up. “No way! I won’t do it! I’m not marrying him!”

Even though George and Fiona were still terrified of Mr. Thompson, they summoned some courage.

“Dad, please think carefully,” George pleaded. “What if you end up ruining Chloe’s life? That guilt will stay with you…”

“Excuse me, can I say something?”

Ethan put down his teacup and spoke calmly, “You all misunderstood. I’m not here to get married—

I came to call off the engagement.”