A Journey of Black and Red - Chapter 6: Uprooted

Ade has lived in an incense burner for over a thousand years, her days spent sleeping. Longing for the outside world she hears about from her fairy friends, her wish is finally granted when a man brings her home, releasing her from the seal. Ade, tears streaming, vows to repay her savior to the fullest extent.Qin Yu, known as the cold and ruthless Third Master Qin of Kyoto, finds his life upended when strange occurrences plague his bedroom after he places an antique incense burner given to him as a New Year's gift there. Chaos ensues, with items displaced and unexplained puddles of water; he even senses something in his bed while half-asleep.One afternoon, Qin Yu comes home early to find a young girl cleaning up spilled milk. The girl, her black hair cascading, her skin porcelain, is startled by his return and tries to flee. Upon being caught and questioned by Qin Yu, she timidly speaks of repaying her debt.To Qin Yu's amusement, she lists her belongings: pearls, antiques, even her savings. None of these interest Qin Yu, who instead sweeps her into his arms and suggests a more personal way of repaying the debt. Terrified, the girl's beautiful fish tail is revealed.

I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun is a Korean web novel that immerses readers in a complex world where the protagonist, after returning from another realm, faces challenges that prevent them from abandoning their role as a warrior. The story intricately weaves elements of fantasy and sci-fi with a strong psychological undercurrent, exploring themes of identity and duty. In this gripping narrative, the protagonist is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and survival in a world that seems familiar yet is fraught with new dangers. Despite having the chance to return to a peaceful life, the protagonist finds themselves unable to lay down their weapon, suggesting a deep internal conflict and a sense of responsibility towards the battles they must still face​​​​. Why Read It: **1. A Unique Blend of Genres: The novel skillfully combines elements of action, adventure, fantasy, and mecha, offering a refreshing take on the traditional isekai (another world) genre. The mecha and sci-fi components add a layer of technological intrigue, making it appealing to fans of futuristic storytelling​​. **2. Psychological Depth: At its core, the story delves into the psychological struggles of its protagonist. The exploration of identity, post-war trauma, and the moral dilemmas of warfare provides depth and complexity, making it more than just a typical action narrative. This focus on character development and internal conflict resonates with readers who appreciate stories with emotional and psychological substance​​. **3. Rich World-Building: The novel is known for its expansive world-building, which blends modern-day elements with fantastical and sci-fi settings. The detailed environment and intricate plotlines create a captivating backdrop for the protagonist’s journey, engaging readers with its vivid and immersive universe​​​​. **4. Engaging Plot: With over 651 chapters and counting, the novel offers an extensive and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists, strategic battles, and complex character interactions, ensuring that there is never a dull moment​​. Reception and Popularity: I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun has gained a substantial following among fans of Korean web novels. Its blend of action, fantasy, and psychological themes appeals to a wide audience, from those who enjoy fast-paced adventures to those who prefer more introspective tales. Although still ongoing, the novel has already completed its first part and several side stories, providing a satisfying yet evolving reading experience​​. Conclusion: This novel is a must-read for fans of isekai stories who are looking for something with more depth and complexity. Its exploration of post-war realities and the psychological impact of conflict offers a thought-provoking take on the genre. Whether you're drawn to epic battles, intricate plots, or character-driven narratives, I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun promises an unforgettable literary journey.

Chu Hao was reborn in another world. With the memory of his past life, he embarked on a journey to conquer the heavens and the worlds, and finally became the Eternal Heavenly Emperor.[Rebirth], [Exploration], [Battle]

Shen You is a real daughter. When she returned to the Shen family, she realized that the Shen family was biased towards the fake daughter. They always said that Shen You was not as elegant and kind as the fake daughter Shen Jiao.

Even if Shen You did not fight for it and only wanted to gain the recognition of her family, they believed that Shen You was fighting with Shen Jiao.

Until Shen You died of a terminal illness.

At this moment, Shen You realized that she was living in a novel. Shen Jiao was the real lucky female lead in the novel, while she was just a supporting actress with a tragic ending!

Shen You, who had been reborn through the system, decided not to care about her family anymore. She wanted to stay away from her fiancé, Zhao Nan, who hated her. She immediately packed her luggage and left.

But after she left, her cold parents, her brother who hated her, her hot-tempered brother, and her fiancé, Zhao Nan, who was used to being pestered by Shen You, all felt uncomfortable?

In order not to get terminally ill again, Shen You had no choice but to follow the system’s tips and try her luck with Young Master Huo.

Every time this young master saw her, his face was so red that it was about to bleed, yet he still had to pretend to be cold. “Can you stay away from me and not always stick by my side?”

Shen You nodded and left. She was going to take advantage of other people’s luck.

At a cocktail party, her fiancé saw the beautiful Shen You and took the initiative to strike up a conversation with her. Unexpectedly, she rejected him coldly.

Zhao Nan was about to pester Shen You when he was stopped by Master Huo’s bodyguards.

At that moment, Young Master Huo was walking over from the banquet hall’s entrance. He grabbed Shen You’s wrist and finally lowered his noble head. “I thought you wanted to pursue me, but you just wanted to take advantage of my luck. That’s why I was a little angry before.”

“From now on, I’ll let you stick to me, okay?”