A Precious Pearl in the Imperial City - Chapter 120

In the world of cultivation, countless tales follow righteous protagonists, fated heroes blessed by destiny, or those chosen by heaven to walk the path of immortality.But what of those who stand in their way?What of the villains? The so-called obstacles to the hero’s journey—do they not bleed, dream, and struggle as well?Xiao Ning was never meant to succeed.From the very beginning, the Grand Dao wove him as a stepping stone—a necessary sacrifice to elevate another. His path, like that of all designated ‘villains,’ was doomed to failure by design.But what happens when that design is defied?After death, Xiao Ning awakens—not in the cycle of reincarnation, but in the cold silence beyond it. There, he is offered the Eternal Paradox Codex—a forbidden artifact containing the hidden truths of the Grand Dao System itself.Rules. Loopholes. Vulnerabilities.Knowledge not meant for those like him.With this power, Xiao Ning is granted a single, impossible choice: accept oblivion, or step outside the Grand Dao entirely—to abandon fate, sever karma, and cultivate a path unbound by heaven or law.It is Xiao Ning’s journey, from ashes to something beyond comprehension.Not to become an Immortal among men.But something even the heavens dare not bind.If fate is a chain…Then let him forge his own path in the void beyond.Welcome to this humble tale.The cultivation world is vast and unkind.Let us begin again—on our terms.

Kim Jeongjin, an editor of a publishing company on the brink of closing due to bankruptcy, ends up transmigrating inside a fantasy novel as the incompetent youngest son of a wealthy family.

And here he thought that he should live a rich life in this life…

“Why was I given a high-level skill? Don’t even bother!”

After waking up in a world of magic, knighthood, and alchemy, Carlotta finds herself with an unexpected gift: an intelligence system that feeds her daily updates, secrets, rumors, and even hidden dangers unfolding around her.Yesterday’s intel was especially eventful.Mrs. Thea Ashfield, an eccentric alchemist, tossed away an old tool called the Rose Thorn late last night, left forgotten in a trash bin just south of the academy.Meanwhile, a new restaurant at No. 56 Fame Street is quickly becoming the talk of the town, fresh ingredients, great prices, and a steak that people are already calling legendary.Not all food fared as well though: most of the caramel bread in the academy cafeteria turned out to be leftovers from days ago. (Still edible, just… don’t expect miracles.)Teacher Estelle Marlowe pulled an all-nighter preparing the upcoming magic exam. Rumor has it the questions are no joke this time.Then came the serious alerts. One warned of a wanted criminal hiding in the Fame District, with a bounty of thirty thousand Orrae on their head.The other was more personal, Headmistress Viviana Richards’s lost dog was about to be shipped off by dog traders through the port.Thanks to Carlotta’s timely tip-off, the headmistress was able to rescue her beloved pet just in time.######Some Tags: Female Protagonist, Card Magic, System, Daily Intelligence, Genius Main Character, Focused Main Character, Academy, Intelligent Main Character####There's no plans for romance for now. In my outline I don't plan to add romance for main character but will see how it will develop

“I think we couldn’t do ’that’ just yet, since you’re still recovering…” Hailee answered hesitantly, trying to find a reasonable excuse for her current situation.

“Bulsh * t,” Ramon cursed and got out of their extraordinarily luxurious bed. With impatient steps, the man approached Hailee, like a hunter about to catch his prey. “I’ll prove that I’m okay. Better than the best.” He confirmed his last word with a meaningful smile.

“…” Ugh!

***

Hailee found herself being sold by her adopted sister, Aileen, after the death of their parents in an accident.

However, on the very night she was supposed to serve the bastard who had won the auction, Hailee managed to escape by killing him.

Now, Hailee was in fresh pursuit and must flee the city to escape the accomplices of the man she killed.

While she was fleeing from her pursuers, Hailee accidentally met Ramon who was dying from an accident, to avoid those who were after her, Hailee pretends to be Giana, the lover Ramon had been hiding from the public eye.

Things got more complicated when Ramon woke up and said he couldn’t remember anything.

Hailee of course can take advantage of this and continue pretending to be Giana, but how long? And what about the real Giana?