The Story in 3 Sentences
A transmigrator named Yan Zhaoge awakens in a ruined future, armed with the lost knowledge of a golden age, turning his doomed villain role into an unstoppable advantage.
His journey shifts from outmaneuvering cliché “hero” rivals in the Eight Extremities World to confronting cosmic powers and ancient calamities across the World beyond Worlds.
The story’s direction arcs from clever subversion of tropes to an epic, universe-spanning saga where he rebuilds legacies and defies the very heavens, becoming history’s strongest senior brother.
Why It Stands Out
1. The Ultimate Power Fantasy, Executed with Brains
This isn’t just about being overpowered. It’s about the sheer, unadulterated satisfaction of watching a protagonist who knows everything. Yan Zhaoge doesn’t just win fights; he wins by exploiting forgotten techniques, predicting enemy moves based on historical precedent, and turning every disadvantage into a masterstroke. It’s a gamer’s dream, where the cheat code is an encyclopedic memory, making his victories feel earned through intellect, not just brute force.
2. A World That Feels Truly Ancient and Vast
The novel constructs a martial universe with staggering depth and history. The concept of civilizations rising and falling, with knowledge lost to cataclysms, creates a unique atmosphere. Yan Zhaoge’s knowledge isn’t just powerful; it’s precious, a direct link to a bygone era. This backdrop elevates the stakes, making his journey feel less like a personal climb and more like the rediscovery and reshaping of an entire world’s destiny.
3. From Rival to Cosmic Architect
The story masterfully evolves its scope. It begins with the intimate, almost comedic tension of being the “perfect senior brother” antagonist to a destined hero. This premise is fresh and engaging. However, the narrative doesn’t stay small. It seamlessly expands, pulling Yan Zhaoge into larger conspiracies, ancient wars, and multiversal threats. His role transforms from a clever survivor to a foundational pillar of reality, offering a satisfying and grandiose payoff.
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Sikong Qing – a cold and aloof genius from the younger generation who gradually warms to Yan Zhaoge, her admiration for him growing as she witnesses his unparalleled depth and power .
You’ll meet Ying Longtu, who possesses the rare Big Dipper Body and rises from being a simple, honest youth to a formidable Martial Scholar, his loyalty and growth a steady counterpoint to the chaos .
And Ah Hu? They’re the one who serves as Yan Zhaoge’s fiercely loyal attendant and best friend, a large, seemingly simple man whose hidden talent and unwavering, unambitious devotion make him an unexpectedly endearing and crucial pillar of support .
The Flaws Fans Debate
The protagonist’s near-perfect competence can drain tension from conflicts, making victories feel inevitable rather than hard-won.
The initial, brilliant premise of subverting the “villainous senior brother” trope fades after the first few hundred chapters, giving way to a more conventional power-leveling epic.
Some readers feel the story becomes bloated in its later stages, losing the tight, clever focus that made its beginning so compelling.
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–150: The Perfect Senior Brother Arc – Yan Zhaoge navigates his new identity at Broad Creed Mountain, using his foreknowledge to outwit rivals like Ye Jing and subtly reshape his fate, all while establishing his terrifying reputation and gathering his first allies.
Ch. 300–800: The World Beyond Worlds Ascension Arc – After breaking through to the Martial Saint realm, Yan Zhaoge enters the higher-dimensional World beyond Worlds, confronting ancient sects and cosmic entities, rescuing his mother, and beginning to rebuild Broad Creed Mountain’s legacy on a grander scale.
Ch. 1200–1836: The Territory Beyond the Void & The Dao Realm Arc – Yan Zhaoge ventures into the most dangerous, primordial realms, facing existential threats and the remnants of the Great Cataclysm, ultimately ascending to challenge the fundamental laws of existence and secure his place as the peak of the Dao.
Killer Quotes
“I am the ruler of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. At the end of the path of immortality, I am the peak!”
“Three years later. The righteous path would never expect us to send such a promising disciple as a spy.”
Cultural Impact
It’s hailed as a genre-savvy classic, frequently recommended alongside titles like “I Am the Fated Villain” for its clever twist on xianxia tropes.
Fans often meme about Yan Zhaoge’s effortless coolness and the futility of being his enemy, dubbing him the “original OP isekai protagonist.”
The novel enjoys enduring popularity, consistently ranking high on reading lists and maintaining a strong presence in fan communities years after its completion, a testament to its unique premise and satisfying power fantasy.
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
To live out the ultimate “knowledge is power” fantasy where the hero always has the upper hand.
A story that starts with a brilliant, subversive hook and escalates into a truly epic, universe-shaking adventure.
Characters who, while orbiting an overpowered MC, still manage to leave their own distinct and memorable marks.
Study If You Love:
Narratives that explore the weight and value of lost history and forbidden knowledge within a fantasy setting.
The evolution of a protagonist’s role from a reactive player to an active shaper of cosmic destiny.
Clever world-building that uses cultivation systems and sect politics to create a sense of vast, interconnected history.
Avoid If You Prefer:
Stories where the protagonist faces genuine, sustained peril and the possibility of defeat.
Narratives that maintain a single, consistent tone and scale from beginning to end.
Plots that avoid any sense of bloat or meandering in their later stages, preferring tight, focused storytelling throughout.