Path to Dual Cultivation - Chapter 29: Stepping Stone

The most popular game worldwide is Ancient Arena Online, a high-octane PvP fantasy game where teams fight for supremacy in mythical arenas. Millions of fans watch livestreams, bet on matches, and follow their favorite players like celebrities. The game’s competitive scene is so fierce that professional teams are treated like esports royalty.At the heart of it all is Kai Ashford, one of the top players and captain of the pro team Phoenix Edge. With lightning-fast reflexes and strategic brilliance, Kai leads his team to countless victories. But success breeds jealousy. Sabotaged by a teammate he thought was loyal, Kai is not only kicked off his team, but also humiliated in front of millions of fans. With his reputation shattered and confidence at rock bottom, Kai retreats from the public eye.However, Kai's competitive spirit is not easily extinguished. He stumbles upon a group of amateur players—a ragtag bunch who show raw potential but lack the finesse needed to win at the highest levels. Their quirky personalities clash with his no-nonsense attitude, but something about their passion reminds him of why he started gaming in the first place. Deciding to put his past behind him, Kai agrees to train them into a professional team.Along the way, Kai builds unexpected connections with his new teammates, including romantic entanglements with a fiery mage, an eccentric hacker, and a mysterious assassin player, all while juggling his personal feelings and growing attraction for multiple women. As his new team rises through the ranks, they gain attention from fans and sponsors, putting them back on the radar of the professional scene.But Kai’s past doesn’t stay buried for long. His former teammates—now rivals—plot to sabotage him once again, while jealous contenders within the gaming world aim to tear him down. However, Kai's return to the spotlight will be on his terms this time. With a darker, more calculating approach, he plans to not only dominate the game but also to get sweet revenge on those who betrayed him.

**Updates Paused Temporarily to Resume on the First Week of March; Check Chapter 292 Author’s Note For More Information.[Warning: Contains Mature Content]“Beware of the tongue of a wicked woman. For it may tell a lie that would slay the world.”Eighteen-Year-old rejected, wolfless and blind Zina is summoned to the capital to tell a vision for the ruthless and feared Alpha King of the North notoriously known as ‘The King Who Crowned Himself’.The result of Zina’s ‘false’ vision has the Alpha Prince and future Alpha Supreme, Daemon, banished from the capital to fight wars at the borders where only death awaits him in the hands of the famed Arising Rogues, and the even more famed Deformed.But Daemon survives fire, blood and claw, and not only does he survive, but six years later, he is back as Alpha Supreme, driven by vengeance against those who brought him down. Starting from his cunny siblings, to the eighteen-year old girl now twenty-four who spelt his destiny with just mere words, Daemon vows to leave no one unscathed.However Zina is well aware of her own treachery. Now the Theta to the same powerful werewolf house she told the dangerous lie against, and having tasted the bitter pill of betrayal from the very people she told the dangerous lie for, she is unwilling to resign to her fate just yet.But how do you melt the heart of a man that you once ruined? And how do you destroy a woman loved by all the common people, and perhaps, even the gods?Daemon will learn the hard way that not all vengeance can be taken, and not all debts can be collected.Secrets abound, the Deformed Werewolves are set to rise, and a rare chance at second mating befalls the two most unusual people. And now, one thing has become for sure—Daemon must first defeat the enemy outside, before he can truly confront her, who has become the enemy of his heart.****Zina's back pressed against the wall as a taut body pinned her, their warmth mingling together. Four years of deadly anticipation had culminated into that very moment.His whispers caressed her ear, sending shivers that had nothing to do with the chill in the air down her spine. “Since you see visions so well, tell me Theta of my house, do you see the day you will die?” His breath ghosted over her skin, reminding her of a debt to be collected.Swallowing and maintaining a tight grip on her staff despite the body that burned against hers, she answered firmly. “I am afraid the gods haven’t shown me yet.”The man over her smiled shrewdly. His lips grazed her ear, his hot breath sending waves of sensation. “I believe in all of the names I have been called, one of them is god. So let me tell you that which you do not know…“…today is the day you will die.”

Luis Shin, a famous chef, was awarded a medal for his 10th 3-star restaurant. It was supposed to be a great day. However, after a few hours of being awarded, Luis Shin was in a white space. What was in front of him was a man with unparalleled beauty. And said beauty was bowing his head down.“I'm so sorry!”Apparently, the reason for his death was because of this god!“I will give you the chance to reincarnate in my world!” The god suggested as an apology.“New world? Does that mean there are new ingredients as well?!” Luis's eyes sparkled as he gazed at the god. And the god nodded his head. Without any hesitation,”Yes!“New ingredients? New foods? Who could say no to that?! Like that, Luis was reincarnated into the new world. What would be in store for him?Cover artist: VivilenThis is a slow paced and carefree novel I wrote.Posting time/chapters: Mon-Fri 2 chapters each dayPosting on royalroad as well

During a party one evening in the royal palace, Rachel, the eldest daughter of Duke Ferguson, was reproached by Prince Elliot for sins she didn’t remember committing and their engagement was abandoned. Rachel informed everyone she had not committed the acts they were accusing her of, but she was dragged away out of the party venue and thrown into the palace dungeon.