Ascension of the Hollow Star - Chapter 16: Beneath the Cracked Moonlight

“The masterminds are cooler than heroes,” I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game.Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit.Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not?***[Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.]What?[Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.]Wait, what?![Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.]And, why would I do that?![Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.]Why would I save him?![The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?]Ah! I give up...It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things.In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker.I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need?Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though.I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse!Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is...[Failure: Destruction of the World.]It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped.If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing.[Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.]“If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne.”And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.

Originally, the question Tang Xian was thinking about was whether he should be a hero for a second among this group of destructive bosses, or continue to pretend to be a boss.

Later he found out that if you pretend to be fake, it becomes real.

- Description from novelbuddy

Lin Tianlong, 19 years old, a polytechnic school graduate. With mastery and control over electrical energy, he displays his unparalleled sagely medical skills, accepting the hearts of beauties on the side. Starting by helping his sister-in-law’s small clinic which was on the brink of closing down rise from the dead, he then proceeds to bring prosperity to a private hospital previously in a business slump. Socializing among the officials from the sectors of politics, commerce, law, literature, education, and health in Flame City, he’s drawn into the power struggle between the officials. Businesswomen, doctors, and nurses, attractive policewomen, teachers, pretty loli girls, charming married women, mature beauties – all of them fall to his clutches as he establishes his business empire and a harem of beautiful women.

- Description from Novelupdates

Legend has it that the world’s most formidable man Xu Shuangtze owned a cherished portrait of his deceased wife. But no one knew that on its back was another portrait of his arch rival who Xu Shuangtze had killed with his own hands.

Sixteen years ago, the Chief of Immortal Alliance’s Department of Discipline, Gong Wei, brought a blade with him on the Immortal Ascension Platform. His assassination of Xu Shuangtze failed and he was slain on the spot by the sword named No Way Out.

Sixteen years later, Gong Wei opened his eyes and found himself reborn in the body of a beautiful fool who even had to kneel down when talking to Lord Xu.

This was not the only disturbing thing for him.

Because of his ravishing good looks, remarkable power and status as well as his premature death in his previous life, he was now the beloved muse of countless writers. Books and stories featuring him as the main lead to all kinds of relationships were circulated far and wide. Even among the famous sects there were rumours of his forbidden encounters with every sect leader…

- Description from Novelupdates