Modern Patriarch - Chapter 25(1/2): Foundation

In a world of endless star fields and interdimensional wars, the wizards' floating city conquered one world after another.At the wizard academy, through blood-stained exams, the towering wizard tower sent wizards batch after batch.Becoming an apprentice wizard, Richard activated the miracle furnace deep within his soul, where constant refining of materials granted him knowledge and skills...The veteran's weapon could be refined into legendary martial arts techniques.The ancient wizard's encrypted notes could be refined into lost knowledge.The remains of brutal monsters could be refined into monster bloodlines.In this era of great voyages in the wizarding world, Richard was destined to become a leader of his time.

In the future timeline, Humankind had developed things that brought a revolution to the world. But their best invention was fully immersive VR games that became more and more advanced as time passed. They could create new worlds— in virtual reality, that was more beautiful and profound than the real world they lived in.

Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom. He was loved by his citizens and was considered the darling of the world. He ascended to the Heavens at a young age; however, due to unfortunate circumstances, was quickly banished back to the mortal realm. Years later, he ascends again–only to be banished again a few minutes after his ascension.

Fiona thought losing her mother was the worst pain she would ever feel.But six years later, life proved her wrong.Her father’s new wife turned her home into a prison. Beaten, blamed, and silenced, Fiona lived as the unwanted daughter—her voice ignored, her tears unnoticed, her happiness stolen. Every day was a fight to survive under the watchful eyes of a stepmother who seemed to take pleasure in her suffering.One night, after another cruel punishment, Fiona finally breaks. She escapes through her bedroom window with only a small bag, some hidden cash, and a heart full of fear.The streets are harsh and unknown, but fate leads her to a kind elderly woman who offers shelter—and a grandson, Mason, who seems cold and indifferent. Fiona thinks she has found safety… but life has other plans.Soon, another man enters her world. Gentle, patient, and perceptive, he offers her a deal, for her to be his engaged girlfriend to get his wealthy family off his back.For the first time, Fiona experiences kindness, love, and acceptance. But the shadows of her past are never far behind. Will she be able to embrace this new life and the love she deserves, or will her family’s control pull her back?Fiona must fight for herself, for freedom, and for the life she was always meant to live.