MTL - Mermaid Effect - Chapter 144

In a world where power is dictated by gangs, cities, and families ranked from Tier 1 to Tier 6, only the strongest survive. In the Tier 4 city of Blackridge, fifteen-year-old Elijah struggles to find his place. With his mother working tirelessly and his younger sister depending on him, he has always kept his head down.Determined to rise above the chaos, Elijah and his best friend Kai decide to create their own gang from nothing. But strength in this world isn’t given—it’s taken. The gangs that rule Blackridge won’t tolerate competition, and even the weakest gang has more resources, manpower, and experience than they do. With no money, no reputation, and no clear allies, they must navigate a brutal world of betrayals, violence, and ambition, where every decision could mean life or death.But Elijah is different. He possesses a mysterious system that offers him power—at a cost. As he slowly uncovers its secrets, he realizes that survival is not enough. To protect those he loves, he must become stronger than anyone else. He must climb the ranks, crush the opposition, and seize control of Blackridge’s underworld.But in a world ruled by kings, warlords, and ancient families, the price of power is steep. And when the past comes back to haunt him—when whispers of a forgotten night resurface—Elijah must confront not only his enemies but the truth about himself.In the gang world, the strong rise, the weak perish, and only the ruthless reign supreme.And Elijah? He plans to reign at the very top

Yun Xiangxiang was a well-regarded celebrity in her previous life.

The six prefectures of Zhongbo were offered to foreign enemies on a silver platter, and Shen Zechuan was taken into custody in the capital, reduced to a drowning dog—loathed and condemned by all.Xiao Chiye followed the scent of the furor and made his way over. But instead of setting others on him, he kicked Shen Zechuan with his very own leg, rendering the latter an invalid. Who would expect this invalid to turn around and bite him in a counterattack until he was all drenched in blood?That was the start of an epic feud between both men who tore at each other every time they come face-to-face with one another.“Fate wants to bind me here for life, but this is not the path I choose. The yellow dust submerged my brothers deep under. I have no wish to bow in submission to an illusory fate. The imperial edict can’t save my troops, and the imperial court can’t fill the stomachs of my mounts. I’m no longer willing to lay down my life for this purpose. I want to surmount that mountain. I am going to fight for myself.”Note: A ‘drowning dog’ is someone who is down and out, having lost favor or power.

Shen Meng is a factory worker who encountered a car accident while delivering a contract to a business partner.While she was bedridden and suffering alone, she suddenly discovered a spatial power.Before she could be happy for two days, the side effects of the space emerged, causing her to have strange dreams almost every night.Realizing the situation quickly, Shen Meng hurriedly sold her house and car and started hoarding supplies frantically in case she ended up in a place lacking food and clothing, fearing she might starve to death.While she was once again on her way to stock up, another car accident occurred. When she opened her eyes again, she had transmigrated into a period novel as a vicious supporting role doomed to a tragic end for opposing the female protagonist Jinli.Not only was her own reputation destroyed, ending in an accidental tragic death, but her four children also became extreme due to lack of guidance and frequent childhood abuse, resulting in psychological issues leading to tragic fates.Moreover, the man, who had been a soldier contributing to the country, was ambushed and hit on the back of the head, becoming mentally impaired forever, and he drowned in the river during winter while holding the clothes they married in.To change her destiny, Shen Meng had to redeem her reputation and guide the children towards good as they were descendants of a hero, and she couldn't stand watching them fall.Occupying the original body's identity, Shen Meng decided to be filial to the elderly, take care of the children, and lead the whole family towards a prosperous path.Just that the man, who always protected the country and had a lukewarm relationship with her, seemed to look at her increasingly passionately.