A Step into the Past - Volume 20 Chapter 1

Long ago a great calamity struck the earth, destroying much of it and merging what remained with pieces of other worlds.

With these worlds came Aether, a new form of energy that can allow one to transcend the bounds of normal mortality and human limitations.

In a world where humans absorb the essence of aether beasts to gain power, Aiden Hawke joins the class of humans known as arcanists, people who defeat aether beasts and absorb their essence into cores they forge within themselves, and who infuse themselves with the aether that permeates the world around them to increase the power of their body and mind.

However, unlike most, Aiden will find that he holds a unique gift and that his journey as an arcanist will not be so simple.

Zhao Du'an, a government official leading a cautious life, finds himself transported to another world where he becomes the favored 'pretty face' of a female emperor and an oppressive, power-abusing villain. Before he can relish the moment, he faces mortal danger for releasing a national criminal. Cornered and desperate, he plans to soothe the female emperor to seek mercy, only to discover his 'leading gigolo' role is a sham.Worse still, his notorious reputation prompts officials and heroes alike to impeach and eliminate him; and martial artists and clerical magicians consider him a disgrace. Overwhelmed, Zhao Du'an decides it's better to stop being human to survive.Starting by betraying his allies, he becomes the Emperor's top lackey. Years later, amidst heavy snowfall in the capital, the female emperor Xu Zhen Guan sighs atop the city tower, 'It was supposed to be a pretend companionship, how did it turn real...'Also known as 'Deceiving and Flattering at the Court of Great Yu', 'The Record of a Villain Going White'.

The Ning family finally found the sole granddaughter after she disappeared for ten years. Grandpa Ning was overjoyed! He embarked on the search for a grandson-in-law in River City. With a raise of her finger, Ning Dai pointed at the Mo family's disfigured Second Young Master, Mo Chen. Everyone thought she was crazy, but only Ning Dai knew that when she was kidnapped, Mo Chen risked everything he had—even with a broken leg and disfigured face—to rescue her from the devil's lair after her elder brother died tragically. Ning Dai returned to repay Mo Chen for saving her life, and also to exact revenge on her uncles for her elder brother's death. Everyone claimed that the Mo family fell from grace after Mo Chen's injuries while Second Young Master Mo Chen became paranoid and ruthless too. No one dared to get close to him. However, Ning Dai insisted on clinging to him. "Second Brother, your medicine won't taste bitter today because I'll give you a kiss to go with it." Mo Chen was about to lose control of his emotions. "Scram. I don't love you." Ning Dai gave him a cheeky smile, "Two kisses, then." Eventually, Mo Chen kissed Ning Dai's forehead shakily, his resolve shattered into a thousand pieces. After seeing how profound Mo Chen's love for her was, Ning Dai was convinced that he would once again stand up for her and stay by her side at the top of the world.

I’m an imperial uncle; his imperial majesty’s uncle.

Once, someone with nothing better to do took a comprehensive survey of the current dynasty, and summed up the imperial court’s three great cancers.

Wang Qin leads in corruption; the treasury is never full.

Yun Tang favours a few, forming cabals; leading to corruption in our politics.

Prince Huai plays with power, and serves as the head of a hundred poisons — thus causing instability to the throne.

When they talk about the most venomous of vipers, the wicked one who plays with power, the biggest cancer of them all, they’re talking about me: this insignificant prince, Prince Huai, Chengjun.

I can only say that I feel rather hapless in the face of these theories.

In truth, I have been ever dutiful, ever devoted, devoid of intention to monopolise power, and possess even less of a heart to covet the throne. In the entire imperial court, I dare say there is no loyal subject more loyal than I.

But, most tragically, in all the realm, the matter of my being a loyal subject is something that not many would believe.

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