The Grandmaster Strategist - Volume 1, Chapter 5: Battle Over the Heir Apparent

The Six Prefectures of Zhongbo were ceded away in surrender to the external enemies, 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 that rendered 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 tear 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 engulfed my closest kin whole. I have no wish to bow in submission to an illusory fate. The imperial edict couldn’t save my troops, and the imperial court couldn’t fill the stomachs of my mounts. I’m no longer willing to lay down my life for them all. I want to conquer that insurmountable peak. I am going to fight for myself.”

1v1, HE, HE, HE.

◆ Main Couple: Xiao Chiye (gong) x Shen Zechuan (shou)
◆ There’s a yuri cp that are both important characters.
◆ Gong is even more of a scoundrel than the various gege in the author’s earlier novels.

Note: a drowning dog is someone who is down and out having lost favor or power.

- Description from Novelupdates

Will, a seasoned game designer, found himself reincarnated as the disposable villain in a cliché “kicked out of the party” novel. Faced with his inevitable tragic fate, he had one ambitious dream: to turn the pitiful “losers” from the protagonist’s harem into terrifying blackened bosses who would torment the protagonist!He taught the timid and cowardly wolf-girl maid to imprison the one she loves forever by her side.He trained the tsundere, sharp-tongued loli witch to make her beloved see only her in his eyes.He guided the cold and clueless half-elf princess to use…—

The first part is finished, and the second part is starting. Two worlds of immortals and demons, and the boundless universe. This decides the tone of the second part!

When a Medical student awakens in an infant's body in the deadly Hidden Mist Village, he knows surviving will require more than just his memories of a past life. In a world where children are forced to kill each other and bloodline abilities mark their wielders for death, Ren must carefully balance hiding his true potential while gathering enough strength to change the village's dark future. As Kirigakure descends into an era of unprecedented brutality, this reincarnated soul will discover that the deadliest technique isn't found in forbidden scrolls - it's knowing exactly when to reveal your true power.Fair Warning:This is a slow-burn story - no overpowered MC from the startPower progression is realistic and earned through years of dedicated trainingContains graphic violence and deathStory builds gradually with careful character and plot developmentWhat to Expect:Detailed training arcs and power progressionClever manipulation of future events using foreknowledgeOriginal story arcs and character development[This novel is for readers who enjoy:Smart protagonists who rely on wit over raw powerRealistic skill progression and strategic combatDeep world-building and political intrigueA fresh perspective on the Naruto universe]