Emperor's Reckoning - Chapter 269: Death is Number Two, I am Number One

For as long as he could remember, life had always been cruel.A young man in his early twenties—his name now lost to the past—was dealt a life filled with misfortunes.A cold, empty apartment, a soul-crushing job, and, finally, a terminal diagnosis.With nothing left to live for, his only comfort had been escaping into the fictional world of Path of the Elemental Sage, a story of heroes, magic, and survival.But fate had other plans.When death finally came for him, he didn’t fade into nothingness.Instead, he awoke in the world he had only read about—a world of chaos and danger where death lurked around every corner.The air smelled of magic, the sky was filled with possibilities.{«[Status Window]»}[Name: Lyrium Blackwood][Age: 16][Rank: D-][Skills: None][Elements: None}At first, confusion filled his mind.Who was Lyrium Blackwood?Why was he here?And why did this body feel so different?But as his memories returned, so did the realization: this wasn’t some blessing or second chance.He wasn’t reincarnated as the protagonist.No destined savior.No cheat abilities.No grand fate.He was just another mob, a face in the crowd meant to exist and die without leaving a mark.But this young man—the one who had left his old name and life behind—wasn’t the kind of person to roll over and accept his fate.“This world is dangerous. The protagonist isn’t the only one fighting for survival here,”he muttered, his red eyes deep and sharp.Unlike the naïve characters in the story, he knew the stakes.He’d read the web novel.He’d seen the carnage, the betrayals, the disasters that wiped out entire cities.And if there was one thing he refused to be, it was a pawn in someone else’s game.“I don’t care about glory. I don’t care about saving the world. All I care about is surviving—no matter what it takes.”Lyrium Blackwood wasn’t planning to live quietly or avoid danger.The only way to survive in this brutal world was to rise to the top.To be strong enough to stand above both heroes and villains.Using his knowledge of the story’s events and his iron will, Lyrium sets out on a relentless path to surpass the protagonist.Whether through clever manipulation, brutal training, or sheer desperation, he’ll climb higher and higher, leaving nothing to chance.But the deeper he gets, the more he realizes that this isn’t just the story he once read.As fate pushes him closer to the heart of the narrative, Lyrium begins to suspect that his reincarnation wasn’t an accident—and the world itself might be watching him.“I don’t care who or what stands in my way. If the story wants to kill me, I’ll rewrite the ending myself.”----------------------------------I apologize for any mistakes in this story, as it’s my first attempt at writing a novel.

As a eunuch, Tian Qi’s ba zi* was harder than diamond-plated gold drill. Although her ba zi easily brought an end to three consecutive masters, the Emperor was not afraid to be the next casualty and got her to serve at Qian Qing Palace.

Although His Majesty looked like a handsome gentleman, his behavior was more like a hooligan. Once, the Emperor touched Tian Qi’s lower abdomen and started to wonder at the amazing flatness of the area…

*八字 a Feng Shui term that refers to one’s date and time of birth, or the destiny that one is born with

- Description from Novelupdates

Shen Yuqing and the Emperor had a secret arrangement––

She was his pampered consort, and she would hit wherever the Emperor directed her to strike;

The Emperor “loved and favored her forever”, and she could do whatever she wanted.

Later, she set her eyes on the Empress who had the same type of marriage only in name…

- Description from Novelupdates

# WIFE-CHASING

Su Wan had loved Jing Chen for ten years, and she was married to him for two years. Jing Chen had always been the husband, no matter when they were alone or in public. He remembered their anniversary and would prepare gifts for her on every special occasion. She was the apple of his eye, and he treated her like a precious treasure.

He liked her body to the point that it could be said that he was obsessed with it. However, only Su Wan knew that Jing Chen was just acting like a perfect husband because he was a man of his words. She would never forget what he told her when they got married, “I can marry you, but I already have someone I love. Our marriage will last for three years. Three years later, you’ll be the one to propose the divorce to Grandpa.”

So, on their second anniversary, when Jing Chen took the divorce papers out and put it in front of her, Su Wan was not surprised. She secretly put her pregnancy test away. “Although it’s not yet three years as promised, Bai Lian is back. I can make it up to you,” said Jing Chen. Su Wan nodded calmly, “Okay.”

“You will be the one that asks Grandpa for a divorce. Tell him that you already have someone you like. Even if Grandpa doesn’t want to agree, he won’t reject you,” Jing Chen said. Su Wan nodded, “Got it, but… is it a must to divorce? What if I say we have a baby?” Jing Chen replied, “Su Wan, there are no ifs in my world. I had always taken contraceptive measures. Even if there’s really an accident, I’ll make sure that it disappears. I won’t leave this risk behind.”

On his wedding day, Su Wan’s baby was born prematurely. Su Wan was involved in a car accident, and the scene was filled with blood. Laying in a pool of gore, Su Wan hugged her stomach tightly, desperate to protect it. Later, there were rumors that said that Jing Chen abandoned his bride that day. He held his ex-wife’s cold body for a whole week, not allowing it to be buried. Jing Chen was driven over the edge. Until one day, Su Wan brushed past him with two adorable babies…