The Divine Elements - Chapter 73: The First Strike

[MATURE CONTENT]He wanted to ruin her by every means but what happens when he is the one who becomes her protector in an enemy kingdom? Can she survive in a kingdom where nothing but hostility awaits her?Synopsis: In the year 299 of the Lunar System, a mysterious red streak fell to Earth, landing in unclaimed territory between the kingdoms of Eldoria and Selvarys. The discovery of magical red stones sparked a decade-long war between the two nations.To end the bloodshed, the kings of Eldoria and Selvarys arranged a marriage between Princess Cynthia, whose reputation in high society was marred by scandal, and Prince Lucian, the illegitimate son of Selvarys’s king.Princess Cynthia, known as a villainess and troublemaker, had recently faced a broken engagement. Despite her notoriety, she agreed to the marriage to stop the war and save her people.Prince Lucian, recently returned from the battlefield, despised the thought of marrying an enemy princess. However, as an illegitimate prince, obeying the king’s command was his only way to survive the palace conspiracies.In a marriage marked by mutual disdain and distrust, can they put aside their hatred and learn to live together? Or will the hostility surrounding them in the enemy kingdom be too great to overcome?Excerpt:“Your Highness, why do you always avoid looking at me when you speak?” Cynthia asked, her tone firm as she tilted her head curiously.“Is it because you can’t keep eye contact with me?” she added her words carrying a subtle edge.To Lucian, her remarks felt like thinly veiled criticism he heard countless times. He clenched his jaw, then raised his eyes, meeting Cynthia's gaze with his striking green-emerald eyes.“Are you mocking me, Your Highness?” Lucian asked quietly and lifted Cynthia's chin, leaning in closer, his eyes reflected his irritation at the princess’s harsh remarks, their faces nearly touching. “Well, it doesn't matter to me. As long as you perform your duty as my wife properly, I will have nothing against you. But the moment you fail in your obligations,” his hand slipped on her shoulders as he stared deeply into her eyes. “It’s the moment you will regret this marriage. You will regret marrying into an enemy kingdom where you have no one to protect you from harm. Where not even your husband is by your side.” A soft chuckle escaped Cynthia, confusing the man before her.“I will not regret any of it. You will regret it when you fall in love with someone you don't even wish to see,” she mumbled.Disclaimer: This is enemies to lovers. Read only if this is your cup of tea!

Arthur, a young man in his twenties, suddenly finds himself inside the world of the novel “The Rise of the Sovereign Sword,” a famous story he had been reading in his previous life. He doesn’t understand how he ended up in this world, but he soon discovers that he has been installed as the ruler of a poor and small barony due to a serious misunderstanding—everyone believed he was the illegitimate son of the Duke, a man notorious for his terrible reputation and corrupt deeds.Afraid of having his true identity as an impostor exposed, Arthur finds himself in a difficult predicament.As he tries to find a solution to his dilemma, he faces daily problems stemming from this world’s extreme backwardness in terms of economy, technology, and governance. However, instead of surrendering, he decides to use the knowledge from the world he came from to change this regressive situation.Arthur attempts to spread civilization and progress in his society, fighting against outdated traditions and establishing new concepts that will improve and advance people’s lives.

In an era brimming with noise, where danger and opportunity coexist, the practice of martial arts, various folk customs, strange tales, taboos, imperial courts, and the world of martial artists abound. Among these are the grandmasters, magical duels, ghostly encounters, divinations, invoking the divine, ritual plays, esoteric Buddhism, and the pursuit of immortality.In this diverse and complex world, where the three teachings intermingle and all kinds of people abound, the sphere of mysticism is filled with folklores and bizarre stories.It's a tumultuous time, where danger and opportunity exist side by side.Striding with his saber, Li Yan is determined to dispel all evil and embrace a world free from any taboo!

The most precious things in the world are priceless. Ordinary men tend to turn a blind eye to this fact. Apart from the treasured air, sunlight, and familial love, there is still one more thing that’s extremely valuable. It’s right beside you and can be easily obtained. But… I wonder whether you can see it?