Gilded Ashes: When Shadows Reign - Chapter 296: Bitter Fruits

‘In the face of death, I have learned not to fear, but to embrace the power it grants me’ — EthanEthan, a weary office worker from the modern world, transmigrates into the body of Kai, a failed disciple in a ruthless cultivation world. His second chance is short-lived when the assassin comes after him right after his transmigration.In his final moments, Ethan awakens the Godly Revival System, which gives him the power to revive once every week and even lets him buy his Killer’s Cultivation, Talent, Mastery of Cultivation Techniques, and many more.With this newfound strength, Ethan vows to grow stronger, protect his new family, and make up for the regrets of his past life.But can Ethan truly protect his new parents and rewrite his fate in this dangerous world? Follow him on his journey to find out.

“The author wants to kill me! Why else would he plan so many insidious subplots centered around me, an Extra?”This was Han Xuhan's plight since he had transmigrated into a semi-familiar novel.The novel, written by a degenerate author, was truly messed up beyond description. All Han Xuhan had was a system that barely kept him alive from the dangers of this fictional world.But after he survived the introductory arc, the mad author even began influencing that system!Why else would the Quests issued by it be so difficult? Every time a new quest was issued, Han Xuhan could sense the author's killing intent through it!Ding![ Detected that host has met a child of destiny! Issuing Quest: Manipulate her for benefits! ][ Warning: She is a Regressor who knows your plan. And her hobby is skinning people alive. ]Ding![ Detected that host has met a legendary Ring-Grandpa. Issuing Quest: Trade him back and forth among your circle of friends to squeeze out all of his value! ][ Warning: This Grandpa can escape from the ring anytime! He'll refine your soul in hell when he figures out what's going on. ]Ding![ Detected that host has triggered an apocalypse by harvesting too much protagonist halo. Issuing Quest: Kill the harbinger of the apocalypse. ][Warning: His cultivation is three major realms above you. You're never beating him in a fight. ]As the quests grew more and more difficult, Han Xuhan finally decided that offence is the best defence; and so, to combat the author's murderous intentions, he attacked the main storyline itself!“Hahahaha! The author really loves this female lead, doesn't he? Let's see if he can save her from my evil influence! I will radicalize every precious character of his novel!”Soon, Han Xuhan discovered that this might not have been a great idea, because all the favorite characters of the author were crazy!Additional Tags: Time Travellers, Transmigrators, Reincarnators, Regressors, Machiavellian Characters, Ruthless Scheming, Villainous MC, Multiple Timelines, Paradoxes, Extensive Worldbuilding, System, Survival, Yanderes, Overpowered Female Leads, Enemies To Lovers, Villainesses, No NTR or Yuri, Mysterious Past, Bloodlines, Multiple Power Systems, Politics, Older Love Interests, Master-Disciple Relationship, Wholesome Relationships, Kingdom Building.

DEATH COULDN’T KILL HIM—IT JUST GAVE HIM A NEW LIFE TO DESTROY.Reo Carter was a name that made even the hardest killers shudder. A perfect hitman—no hesitation, no mercy. Until his own crew turned on him, leaving him bleeding out in a pile of bodies that used to be his enemies.But fate wasn’t done with him.He wakes up in a world of nobility, magic, and honor duels—trapped in the body of Leonhardt Caulem, the weakest, most useless son of Duke Caulem. A spoiled brat with no skill, no spine, and a reputation so pathetic that even servants look down on him.They think he’s weak? They have no idea who they just brought back.- Swords and magic? He spent his last life dodging bullets—this is child’s play.- Dueling etiquette? A knife in the ribs is the only honor that matters.- A noble’s life of luxury? He’s had enough backstabbing for one lifetime, thanks.He was once a ghost in the underworld—a man who didn’t exist. Now, in a world where strength is everything, he’s about to remind them what true fear looks like.The hitman is back. And this time, he’s aiming for something more.#NobleByDayKillerByNature #TheyBroughtBackTheWrongMan #FromHitmanToDuke #SayYourLastWords

“She was originally a demon. How could she be led evil after meeting a human like me? Those critics always say some ridiculous things.”

In 1798, during an interview with a reporter, Cardinal Ranchi was asked about his past with the exiled princess of the last descendant of the Demon Clan and the recent signs of the Demon Clan’s recovery. He said:

“I have made too many efforts to safeguard world peace. I am convinced that under her leadership, there will be no chance of the demons returning to the country.”

…

In the winter of 1802, the demons successfully restored their country.

[Based on the above materials, please identify who is the main war criminal who led to the return of the demons, and explain why it is Lan Qi. (10 points)】

——Selected from “Classic Collection of Imperial History Unified Examination Questions”

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