MTL - The Monk That Wanted To Renounce Asceticism - Chapter 133 Fireworks on the fifteenth day of the first month

After years of exile, Marcus is coming back home. A powerful mage with few equals, Marcus lives in a world full of monsters and powerful adepts, many of which have bad histories with him. But he has not come back to pursue vengeance or start a fight. All Marcus wants to do is reconnect with old friends, build himself a house, and maybe train a successor or two.Alas, the world didn’t stop just because Marcus went into exile, and not everyone is content to let go of old grievances. Strange things are happening in the world at large, too, hinting at a looming disaster of unknown nature. Still, where there is a will, there is a way.If nothing else, Marcus has a lot of magical power to throw at problems.+++Zenith of Sorcery is set in its own original setting and isn’t related to Mother of Learning… beyond being written by the same person, of course. This is a more classical fantasy story than my previous one, with a lower level of technology and stuff like elves and dwarves, but it has a lot of worldbuilding effort put into it and its own complex magical system. The story has significant xianxia influences, but isn’t meant to be a xianxia story.For those of you not familiar with my previous work, I write relatively slowly. I intend to publish chapters at the rate of one chapter every three or four weeks, subject to further delays as life intervenes.

In a world devastated by an unforgiving apocalypse, Qing Xia struggles against a life filled with despair. Surrounded by the suffocating remnants of society—polluted air, barren land, and the haunted expressions of humanity—he often envies those who have found peace in death, escaping the relentless suffering of existence. Yet, the memory of his family's sacrifice fuels his determination to endure, making him one of the last survivors in a landscape of desolation.But fate has other plans. During a routine mission, Qing Xia’s life abruptly ends, or so he believes. To his shock, he awakens reborn as an idol on the brink of obscurity, a mere shadow in a vibrant world. Eager for a second chance, he seeks solace in a newfound identity, yearning for a life filled with simple pleasures.However, tranquility slips through his fingers as he is thrust into an unexpected chaos—a variety show that pulls him into the heart of danger, where secret agents, ruthless hitmen, and shadowy figures lurk. With every step, the weight of his dreams collides with a reality he never wished to face. As he grapples with relentless uncertainty, Sian realizes that the struggle for peace may lead him deeper into turmoil. In this haunting journey, can he carve out a destiny in a world that seems determined to tear him apart? The winds of fate do not blow as one wishes, and with shadows closing in, every moment counts.----------------------------Black box:Someone: “Darling, help me deal with these people.”Sian: “Stay away from me. I have nothing to do with you or them.”Someone, with fake tears: “Darling, I’m hurt. Come kiss me here, and the pain will go away.”Sian, holding a military knife: “Does it hurt there? How about I just cut it off for you?”Someone, stripping Sian’s clothes: “Darling, you look so beautiful when you’re angry. I can’t take it anymore.”Sian: “Go to hell! Ah—ahh! Stop it—stop! That hurts! Quit biting me, you damn dog!”

After marrying into the Gardiner Family for two years, Florence Fuller has become the topic of casual conversation among the wealthy ladies.“I heard that on the day of the two families' wedding, the young master of the Gardiner Family actually took another woman abroad.”“Yes, I was at the wedding scene that day, the man showed up once and left, leaving the girl there feeling awkward.”“No one outside knows she's the young mistress of the Gardiner Family. Her husband is constantly surrounded by scandals, and his female companions are never the same.”......Florence Fuller’s marriage was indeed as pitiful and unbearable as they said.Luke Gardiner would only occasionally pretend to be with her to appease the Gardiner family elder and never took this marriage of convenience to heart.Until someone showed him a video.Florence Fuller fell into a man's arms, her tearful eyes and expression distraught, while the man looked at her with deep affection, one arm holding her close. His other hand brushed away the tears from her eyes, and he lowered his head to kiss her.From that moment on, Luke Gardiner's world fell apart.He realized that from beginning to end, Florence had another man hidden in her heart.

Chapter update schedule has been updated: 1 chapter per week released on Mondays.***At the dawn of the universe, the most powerful demons and Gods competed in a legendary battle of strength by churning the universal sea. Out from it came many treasures, the most powerful of which was the God Grimoire.After finding its way through various hosts, it fell into the mortal realm.…Tear Shosha’s life was despondent and worthless for as long as he could remember. He was a middle aged gas station worker who was easy to walk over. He didn’t know who his parents were, and his memories of the distant past had been erased. The only slightly pleasant thing he could remember was the fact that he loved the display of magic. And so, he risked it all at a magic show by performing a trick out of his grandpa’s magic trick book… and found himself in a new world filled with unique landscapes, unthinkable creatures, and some of the strongest beings in the universe.With the help of his new God Grimoire, which traveled with him through his soul, Tear—>Tyr will unlock his memories of past and the catastrophe which fell upon his family, forge himself from a weak and timid man to a ruthless and cunning, genius ruler, and climb atop all pinnacles, trampling his way to the throne of Heaven. “An immortal God? I see… so I have another stone to step on!”———————————————-—Main character:- Not a lone wolf edgelord.- Not a hero of justice. He’s reasonable.- Not OP from the start.- Not a cunning ruthless genius from the start.- Has quick, solid character development in the first arc.- Trust him.World:- Super vast cultures.- Unique power system.- Dangerous, ruthless place.- Several planets + Hell and Heaven realms later on.Characters:- Each one has a distinct backstory.- They aren’t boring as hell.Story:- Well planned and gets deep and hype.- Foreshadowing from chapter 1.- NO HAREM.- Potential Romance in later chaps.There will be a bunch of things I probably didn’t add so if you have any questions, ask them by replying to my review. Have a good read!