Solo Max-Level Newbie - Chapter 204: The Emergence of Variables (1)

Qi Condensation. Foundation Establishment. Core Formation. In the current world, only these three realms are known to be achievable. Nascent Soul is but a legend and the realms above it lost to the the long river of time. The modern era is known as Cultivation Civilization, a balance of power and civility, excess and moderation. While cultivation remains a secret practice, it has long since exposed itself to the mundane world, quietly intertwined with each facet of society. While the world appears to be at peace, what lies underneath is a conflict between human, cultivator, and demon, brewing for ages and waiting to implode. Yet in the wake of humanity’s rapid industrialization, qi—and consequently cultivation—is dying.

Ethan Blackwood wasn’t used to being defied. As the CEO of a global empire, he crushed obstacles with a single glance. But when Lily Anderson stood before him, her chin lifted in quiet defiance, and something in him snapped. “Sign the contract,” he said, his voice like ice. “30 days. You’ll obey every command. After that, you’re free.”She hesitated, her fingers trembling as she gripped the pen. “And if I refuse?”His smirk was cold, but his eyes burned. “Then you’ll spend the rest of your life paying off your father’s debts. Your choice.”Trapped, Lily signed. But she vowed one thing: she wouldn’t let him break her.From the first day, their clash was electric. He demanded perfection; she gave him rebellion. “You think you can control me?” she spat, after he criticized her for being late.Ethan stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “I don’t just control you. Lily, I own you.”But as the days passed, the lines between them blurred. Late nights in his penthouse turned into whispered conversations. His cold demeanor cracked, revealing glimpses of a man haunted by his past. One night, after a heated argument, he pinned her against the wall, his breath hot against her ear. “Why do you fight me so much?”Her voice trembled. “Because I’m afraid if I stop, I’ll lose myself to you.”Their connection deepened, but danger loomed. Secrets from Ethan’s past resurfaced, threatening to destroy everything. When Lily discovered the truth behind his obsession with her, she confronted him. “Was I just a pawn in your game? A way to settle an old score?”His eyes darkened with pain. “You were never just a game, Lily. You’re the only thing that’s ever felt real.”As the final days of their contract approached, their bond was tested like never before. Enemies closed in, and trust hung by a thread. Could they overcome the shadows of their pasts, or would their love crumble under the weight of secrets and pride?

The tale of Oliver.
An orphan boy from a Mine, in 19th century Europe, filled with Magic.

Hunted for the Alchemical Book in her hand - Mu Ruyue wakes up in the body of a wastrel in Shenwu Continent - a martial arts dominated world.Her fiancé has jilted her in favor of her foster sister.Her father condones her abuse.Her younger sister wishes she was never born.And the whole country ridicules and insults her for being a first-rate wastrel.Wastrel? Not at all. With the Alchemical Book in her hand, what pills and elixirs can't she refine?Jilted? She'd rather marry the pure and innocent Ghost King, Ye Wuchen.----Mu Ruyue: Stop calling me Sister!Ye Wuchen: Can I call you Wife then?Mu Ruyue: Not that either!Ye Wuchen: (about to cry)Mu Ruyue: (sighs) Suit yourself.Ye Wuchen then leans forward and kisses the corners of her lips.Mu Ruyue: …Did a child just steal her first kiss?----Brother 1: Let her go!Brother 2: She is my mother, why should I let go of her!Brother 1: Don't ever think of robbing my mother!Mu Ruyue: Let me introduce you, Jing'er, this is your younger brother. Huang'er, this is your elder brother.Huang'er: Mother, this stupid boy bullied me. He's not my brother.Jing'er: Little guy, from now on, you must listen to me.Ye Wuchen: (How exactly do these two regard him? They dare fight over his wife in front of him...)