Crown of Thorns - Chapter 23

T/N: In Chinese, the 穿 in time travel is the same character as the 穿 in wear clothes.

“Why must I travel back in time (穿越 chuan yue)?” – Qing Qiao

“Because… If you don’t wear clothes (穿 chuan)… You’ll catch a cold…” – Qing Qiao’s servant girl, Dong Xi.

If you once thought this was a time traveling novel…

What is a Benz? Beautiful men step aside. As a knowledgable woman who has gone through higher education, how can I tolerate a backward life without a computer, without chocolate, without a flushing toilet bowl? No matter what I must return back to the future! Thus started, Gu Qing Qiao’s silly ridiculous legend, a side-splittingly funny case that started with one bowl of roast pork rice.

But sadly, we may have guessed the start, but we weren’t able to guess the end…

- Description from Novelupdates

In a world of power struggles and betrayal, A hero was once a loyal warrior who dedicated his life to helping his childhood friend ascend to the throne. Through blood, sweat, and unwavering devotion, he paved the way for his friend's reign—only to be betrayed the moment his goal was achieved. His life was cruelly stolen, but fate had other plans.Instead of death, he awakens in his childhood once more, armed with the memories of his tragic fate. This time, he will not be the loyal shadow of a false friend. This time, he will seize the throne himself.Yet, this is not his story.Our true protagonist is an ordinary man who finds himself reincarnated into this world—not as a hero, but as an extra. A mere background character destined to meet a tragic end, a third prince whose death will serve only as fuel for the true villain's rise. Slated to become an undead knight under the fourth prince, the last and most terrifying villain of this dark tale, he must now defy fate itself.With knowledge of the future and a world filled with scheming nobles, ruthless warriors, and an impending catastrophe, can this forsaken prince change his fate? Or will he meet his destined end, only to rise as a pawn in the villain’s grand scheme?A tale of revenge, survival, and defying fate begins now.

In a world divided between Awakener and Cultivator, most people dream of becoming an Awakener because it is an easier path where killing monsters can directly increase their level.However, not everyone can awaken, so they must follow the difficult path of cultivation, where they must comprehend scriptures and techniques, and slowly absorb Spiritual Energy to improve their cultivation.Oliver was forced to take this path due to his failure to awaken, but unlike others who faced difficulties, he managed to awaken one of the strongest innate talents in cultivation, the Void Body, which made his cultivation path easier, allowing him to progress faster and become stronger than any Awakener.

Nora is shattered a month before her wedding when she uncovers her fiancé's deceitful affair. As she manages this betrayal, she discovers a deep ploy to hinder her from claiming her rightful inheritance. Devastated but determined, Nora takes a daring step to regain control of her life. Enter Demetri 'The Demon' to those who know him, a formidable man barely known to her, who offers her protection and support in return for a contract marriage to satisfy him. In a twist of fate, Nora marries Demetri to claim her inheritance and fight those who plotted against her. But as she battles her own family and Demetri's many rivals, will she be able to keep from falling for the man known to crush people beneath his booted heel.Excerpt:She had forgotten that the man was intimidating and directly challenged him.Rather than speaking, Demetri rose from his seat and approached her deliberately. Although it was a mere few steps, time seemed to stretch for Nora. When he was almost within touching distance, his hand gently landed on her knee, moving it sideways. His touch moved with a hint of a caress, and he stepped between her open legs. Nora sat there in frozen silence, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights.Catching her chin between his fingers, he tilted her face upwards and spoke unhurriedly,“ You are my wife.”She nodded her head slowly in affirmation while his thumb slowly traced her lip. “I have given you time to gather your emotions.”Another nod. Nora's nervousness made her lick her lips, acutely aware of his intense gaze fixed upon them.“Your reason for the marriage was to secure your inheritance and get away from under your mother's thumb.”“Yes...” Nora whispered in confusion. Her confusion was not about his statement but about the bewildering sensations coursing through her. What was happening with her?”It's time for you to fulfil your end of the contract, yes?“ He continued.”Yes,“ Nora whispered breathlessly. Why was she breathless? Had the oxygen level in the house dropped? Was the air suddenly thinning?Abruptly, his hand left her face, and she watched as he drew closer. It was then that Nora comprehended what was unfolding. All those tantalizing, heart-pounding kisses she had read about in novels were about to possibly become her reality.But the anticipated kiss didn't happen. Instead, he paused near her and commanded, ”Kiss me.“