Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king - Chapter 51: Northern ambition(1)

From infancy to maturity, what Ye Zhou dislikes the most was “two”.

The reasons were: he was ranked second at home, he had been forever ranked second at school, no matter how diligently he worked and tried, he couldn’t shake off that “second” curse. What was more exasperating was that, at University, not only was he ranked second, but even his appearance that he was proud of had to be classified as second best!

Why can’t I obtain the first place!

The eternal second will rise!

Then, Ye Zhou, after his vigorous efforts finally rises and the result was… the first became his boyfriend.

This is the story of a man who has been forced to be “second” and how he became the first, most popular.

- Description from Novelupdates

Not to fall into the cycle of reincarnation within the vast world,The heart transmits the Dao among humans.Willing to wield a sword to end myriad calamities,Exchange ruthlessness for a world of emotions!

“The ocean took everything from him—his memories, his past, even his name. When Eddy opens his eyes, he's met with unfamiliar faces and a world that no longer feels like his own. Rescued by Mr. Dand, a kind stranger, Eddy finds refuge in his home. As he navigates this new life, he develops feelings for Artur, Mr. Dand's son. But the past never stays buried. As Eddy's memories begin to resurface, he must confront the truth about his identity and the life he left behind. Will he still want that life back, or will his heart remain with Artur?”

He was once the most feared villain in the empire, a master of manipulation who wove chaos from the shadows. Ruthless, untouchable—until the day he was betrayed and executed by the very man he sought to control.But death is not the end.He awakens in the body of Lady Elara Valcrest, a fragile noble girl doomed to be a pawn in political games. Stripped of her former power, she is forced into an arranged marriage with none other than Cairon Everhart—the man who once killed her. He does not recognize her, but she knows him. And she will never forget.To survive, Elara must play a new game. One where deception is her only weapon, and trust is a dangerous illusion. She must outmaneuver her enemies, uncover the truth behind her execution, and reclaim the power she lost. But as she navigates the treacherous world of court intrigue, one question lingers—Was Cairon truly her greatest enemy? Or had she been blind to an even greater threat?Time is running out. The villain has been given one last chance. And this time, she refuses to lose.