Academic gathering with a lich - Chapter 686: Dream of the Golden Rose_2

In the world of cultivation, countless tales follow righteous protagonists, fated heroes blessed by destiny, or those chosen by heaven to walk the path of immortality.But what of those who stand in their way?What of the villains? The so-called obstacles to the hero’s journey—do they not bleed, dream, and struggle as well?Xiao Ning was never meant to succeed.From the very beginning, the Grand Dao wove him as a stepping stone—a necessary sacrifice to elevate another. His path, like that of all designated ‘villains,’ was doomed to failure by design.But what happens when that design is defied?After death, Xiao Ning awakens—not in the cycle of reincarnation, but in the cold silence beyond it. There, he is offered the Eternal Paradox Codex—a forbidden artifact containing the hidden truths of the Grand Dao System itself.Rules. Loopholes. Vulnerabilities.Knowledge not meant for those like him.With this power, Xiao Ning is granted a single, impossible choice: accept oblivion, or step outside the Grand Dao entirely—to abandon fate, sever karma, and cultivate a path unbound by heaven or law.It is Xiao Ning’s journey, from ashes to something beyond comprehension.Not to become an Immortal among men.But something even the heavens dare not bind.If fate is a chain…Then let him forge his own path in the void beyond.Welcome to this humble tale.The cultivation world is vast and unkind.Let us begin again—on our terms.

Because of her beauty, Dr. Su is visited by dozens or even hundreds of patients every day for various ailments like hemorrhoids and toothaches.Unexpectedly, there comes an even more outrageous claim: “Doctor, I'm injured there!”Just as Su Mei Xi was about to get angry, she realized it was the man she had met two months ago.Back then, he had been composed, but today, he claimed responsibility and they immediately registered for marriage at the civil affairs bureau, walking out with two red certificates.Initially, she thought she merely found a giant tree to lean on for shelter. However, when her ex-boyfriend, stepbrother... continuously came to harass her, she discovered that this tree not only had exceptional strength, a deep background, and mysterious origins but could also cook, wash clothes, and make beds...And then, one day, a helicopter landed, and he descended from the rooftop. Only then did she realize he was actually a distinguished war god!

William Medici was not born into this world—he was reborn into it. But fate has already decided his role. He is not the hero. Not the noble king who rules with honor. He is the villain.A system lurks within him, not as a guide, but as an ever-present spectator—one that delights in chaos. It grants no power freely, offers no redemption, only a whisper:The world is a stage. Your role is the villain. Play it well.In a realm where betrayal is currency and power is the only law, William does not resist fate—he embraces it. Every alliance is a move on the board. Every rival, a piece to be sacrificed. Every betrayal, already foreseen.But even a villain is not invincible. Enemies rise. Shadows scheme. And the system watches, amused—waiting to see if he will fall...Or if he will burn the world to prove that even fate can be rewritten.But one question remains:“Who summoned him… and what do they want in return?”--------------------------------AUTHOR HEREWilliam Medici starts off seeming wholesome—but don’t be deceived. He’s selfish, cunning, and manipulative to the core. This is a true villain’s journey.What makes this story stand out isn’t just the dark MC, but the deep world-building, unique power system, and layered, three-dimensional characters that evolve with every twist.more things(1) the first arc is introduction of the world so other is no deep manipulation or action but from the second arc the main chaos starts manipulation. killing and obviously charm.(2) The mc is cunning not because I say so but because he is.(3) the will be new chapters regularly.

Ning Qingqing and Shen Zhiqian have dated for 9 years from high school to university, including 2 years after joining the workforce.

Their relationship was stable and they were financially stable. Everything seemed to be a matter of course; however, even after hinting at marriage multiple times, Shen Zhiqian never gave any response.

Finally, on Ning Qingqing’s 25th birthday, after giving her last hint to no avail, she resolutely turned around and flash married Shen Zhiqian’s nemesis.

On the day of the wedding, Shen Zhiqian attended the ceremony, eyes red.

It was also at this moment that he finally realized what he had lost.

◆This is my wedding invitation, it’s the day after tomorrow◆

◆I arrived in style, just to miss you◆

◆I chased my wife all the way, yet I’ll never catch her again◆

More often than not, there are only two outcomes during a slow marathon of love – either to get married or to break up.

Unfortunately, her’s was the latter, yet she was also very fortunate to have met someone even better ~

Author’s reading captions:

The second male lead succeeds, first marriage then love, super sweet.

After the flash marriage, there is constant battling, scum abusing and face-slapping, feel refreshed til the end.

The story begins right from the breakup, there’s no campus-life arc; it’s all set in the city.

- Description from Novelupdates