no ring grandpas, no random artifacts with overpowered abilities or knowledge, no hidden bloodline or immortal family that the MC has forgotten or lost, no instant comprehension, etcetera, etcetera. i just want a cultivation story where the setting isn't invalidated by a MacGuffin that the mc lucked into. i don't mind if the MC has some talents or lucky encounters as long as it doesn't break the setting instantly and is deserved/plausible.