Transmigration: After Entering the Novel, I Used My Metal Powers to Survive Exile

Bai Zhi was a survivor of a post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak, having perished in a sealed laboratory after three months of starvation. Upon reopening her eyes, she found herself transported into the body of Bai Zhiluo, an illegitimate daughter of the Marquis of Yongan. She had been forcibly substituted as a bride for her half-sister, marrying Xiao Zelan, the Fifth Prince, who had been exiled to a western villa for defending the Crown Prince. Bai Zhi discovered she retained her metal-manipulation ability and noticed a floating green number above her head that represented the life value of Xiao Yu, Xiao Zelan’s younger brother. The narrative establishes that Bai Zhi had read the novel this world was based on, knowing that the original Bai Zhiluo would betray the brothers during exile, leading to Xiao Zelan’s death and Xiao Yu’s eventual rise to throne and vengeance.

The core conflict arises from Bai Zhi’s determination to alter the tragic fate foretold in the novel. She realizes that if Xiao Yu dies, her own life value drops to zero, triggering a lethal constriction. Consequently, she must ensure the survival of both princes during their impending exile. The immediate threat comes from the villa’s corrupt cook, who steals their rations, and Li Yuanhao, a predator hired by the manipulative Old Madam Sun to harm Xiao Yu. Bai Zhi takes decisive action by intimidating the cook into submission, securing food supplies, and preparing for the harsh winter conditions. She also discovers that Xiao Yu possesses memories from a past life or prophetic dreams, confirming his awareness of the original timeline’s disasters.

Key turning points include Bai Zhi’s confrontation with the intruder Li Yuanhao. She captures him and forces him to reveal that Old Madam Sun is trafficking children and intended to harm Xiao Yu. Bai Zhi executes Old Madam Sun when she arrives to collect the boy, and compels Xiao Yu to kill Li Yuanhao, thereby binding them together through shared violence and eliminating immediate threats. She also secures resources by selling valuable items like inkstones and books through a bribed vegetable supplier, accumulating silver and essential supplies such as charcoal, winter clothing, and food. Bai Zhi’s leadership solidifies as she manages the household, treats Xiao Zelan’s chronic leg pain, and prepares a cart for the journey ahead.

The story direction shifts from passive survival to active preparation for exile. Bai Zhi negotiates a partnership with Xiao Yu, promising to help them survive the journey in exchange for his cooperation and a future divorce. She gains Xiao Zelan’s trust by treating his injuries without pity and ensuring his comfort. As snow falls and temperatures drop, the group finalizes their preparations, including sewing quilt covers and stockpiling food. The narrative concludes with Bai Zhi venturing out to sell more goods, confident in her ability to change the brothers’ fate. The floating number remains a constant reminder of the stakes, while the looming exile serves as the next major trial where Bai Zhi must utilize her modern knowledge and supernatural abilities to protect her new companions.