The Ashen Dominion - Chapter 7 - Just A Slave

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.

Witnessing her fiance’s derailment with her own eyes, she married a “poor and poor” poor second generation.

The next day, jewelry, diamonds, haute couture clothing, luxury cars and mansions were received softly.

He is a domineering president who is cold-hearted and black-bellied in front of others, and he is also a three-good man who spoils his wife, loves his wife, and loves his wife.

 …

Rumor has it that his cleanliness allergy makes him never touch a woman, but she is a complete exception;

Rumor has it that he is an ascetic man who is so indifferent to strangers that he is extremely gentle in front of her;

Rumor has it that he is generous and neat and never cares about others. After his marriage, he overturns countless vinegar jars every day…

Her married life: sweet, sour, sweet, sweet, bitter, salty;

His married life: Chai, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, vinegar, vinegar, vinegar, vinegar, vinegar, vinegar, tea.

- Description from novelbuddy

As he transmigrates across the continent of Douqi, Gu He takes on the mantle of Alchemy King Gu He and gains an incredible power - the Ten Thousandfold disciple cashback system. This allows him to grant gifts to his disciples, which are then returned ten thousandfold.“You have gifted Liu Ling the Green Lotus Core Flame, triggering a tenfold return and granting you the mighty Green Lotus Holy Fire!” the system announces as each gift brings Gu He greater power.After three years of intense training, Xiao Yan returns proudly to the Yunlan Sect, eager to display his newfound strength.“Don't underestimate this once poor youth!” he warns his former lover Nalan Yanran. “Today I'll show you what a true genius can do!”But Nalan Yanran just smiles faintly. “Is that so?” she asks, as a terrifying Dou Emperor aura suddenly surges from her.Shocked, Xiao Yan stammers in disbelief, “How did you become a Dou Emperor powerhouse?”With an arrogant smile, Nalan Yanran replies, “With my master, anything is possible.”

He was supposed to be just a guardian.But love doesn’t follow rules.After losing his mother, 18-year-old Kai finds himself under the roof of his cold, powerful stepfather, Sebastian Vaughn. What begins as silence turns into lingering glances, late-night tension, and a love Kai can’t run from—even if he tries.But Bast isn’t just any man. He’s possessive, broken, and hiding dangerous secrets… including an ex-lover who wants to destroy everything. As feelings grow, so do the risks.How do you escape a man who says he’s your everything—your father, protector, friend… and lover?