Blossoming Path - Chapter 70: When Leaves Fall, The Shadow Rises

“A Virtual Dream Device? What the heck is this?”“Is it used for daydreaming? Nope, not interested.”“What? It could simulate reality at a hundred percent? I could live out half a year in one night's time and bring in a replicate of a real person?Hmm, pretty sweet I must say.”“I'll be the only one left in the world while the others are all gone in the first dream?”“Uhm, I'll like to bring in a female celeb at the pinnacle of her glamor, could I?”

In a distant future, seven centuries after the cataclysmic mana storm, the world of Gaïa transformed into a realm infused with magic. The fabric of reality shifted, revealing the manifestation of stats, skills, and levels through ethereal windows, visible to all. A new era emerged, where humanity awoke to the concept of Classes, bestowing upon them unique abilities and the potential for greatness. However, only the truly exceptional would ascend to seize the Throne in this extraordinary Era of Players.Noah uttered profound words, his eyes shimmering with an unearthly force. “Life itself is akin to a prison, but fear not, for I, Death, shall set you free.”

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.

Nan Qiao became a fake heiress, despised by her adoptive parents, and was sent back to her biological parents.Overnight, Nan Qiao transformed from a ridiculed fake heiress of a wealthy family to the true heiress of the richest family.Her parents adore her, and her brother pampers her, leading a life everyone envies.Does Qiao Qiao want to study? She can choose any prestigious school!Is Qiao Qiao bored? She can play with any company!Does Qiao Qiao want to drive? She can pick any luxury car!Does Qiao Qiao want to shop? She can swipe the black card at will!Does Qiao Qiao have an engagement? That's not allowed!Rumor has it that the powerful CEO Li Yihan is violent and moody.How can darling Qiao Qiao be with such a beast of a man? The engagement must be canceled.Li Yihan: Who said that? Arrest anyone who tries to sabotage the marriage.People: Mr. Li, didn't we agree that you're not violent?Some said Nan Qiao is not worthy of being the richest heiress, just a pretty face.Later, the designer is her, the medical genius is her, the investment prodigy is her, and the Li Madam is even more her.Wait a minute, she doesn't want this title!Li Yihan: This title is a must!The fiancé who came to cancel the engagement regretted it and clung to her every day.Qiao Qiao is bullied? Li Yihan captures the person, beats them until they kneel, and apologize to her.Qiao Qiao wants to work? Li Yihan gives her ten companies to choose from.Qiao Qiao has no jewelry? Li Yihan buys a room full of jewelry for her.Qiao Qiao has no high fashion? Li Yihan delivers all the world's high fashion to her doorstep.Qiao Qiao is mocked for canceling the engagement? Li Yihan steps forward: I was the one who was dumped, you all shouldn't spread rumors!