The Empyreal Gem Master - Chapter 234: A Glorious Crucible! I

Themes: Black Market Trading, Global Crime Networks, Boundaries of Human Nature and Morality, The Struggle Between Truth and SurvivalStory Background:In a modern metropolis, the surface level of prosperity conceals the darkness and corruption lurking beneath. Ethan, a highly skilled detective, spends his life navigating the shadowy corners of the city, uncovering the hidden secrets buried beneath the mundane facade of everyday life. When he is drawn into what initially seems like a simple suicide case, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the global black market, power struggles, and transnational crime.Main Characters:Ethan (Protagonist): A seasoned, calm, and intuitive detective who excels at finding the truth in complex cases. On the surface, he is a quiet, solitary man who prefers to avoid social interaction, but deep down, he is haunted by unresolved cases from his past. Faced with dark forces, he is both determined and full of doubt.Lila (Female Protagonist/Key Ally): Ethan's investigative partner, an intelligent and resourceful intelligence officer with a mysterious background. Her past is also shrouded in secrecy, and she seems to have an undisclosed connection to the “Black Angels” organization. She provides crucial assistance in Ethan's investigation, but her motives remain unclear, casting suspicion on her true intentions.Victor Saville (Antagonist/Main Adversary): A charismatic yet dangerous businessman, who appears to be a successful entrepreneur but is, in fact, one of the central figures of the global crime syndicate “The Black Angels.” Cold-hearted, clever, and ruthless, he controls a global black market network, overseeing arms trafficking, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. He is not only a key figure in Langley's death but also the biggest obstacle in Ethan's investigation.The Mysterious Woman (Key Character): An elusive woman who repeatedly appears during Ethan's investigation, warning him not to delve deeper into Saville and the “Black Angels” organization. Her identity is unclear, but it is evident that she holds vital secrets about Saville and his network. Her appearances leave Ethan bewildered—whether she is an enemy or his only ally remains uncertain.

He was aloof, reticent, and indifferent to women. Many girls expressed their liking for him, but he refused all with three sentences: “No way,” “No need,” “No possibility.”Except for one person—her.Since she moved in and lived with his family, he changed a lot. The used-to-be aloof guy not only helped her with her homework but also protected her all the time. He liked to tease her every day.“Be good. I'll let you kiss me.”“I will only answer your questions.”“One wrong letter, one kiss.”

When Yue Qiang dropped all 8 free distribution stat points into his Charm stat, his entire life changed.

- Description from Novelupdates

While enjoying the favor of a handsome man, she learned that her country was ruined and her family was destroyed. What should a fallen princess do?Xiang Ying says, of course, she should use space to her advantage, empty the palace, and leave nothing for the enemy army!As the captain of a post-apocalyptic infrastructure team, she was thrown into a book by an explosion.The enemy army entered the palace, famine was impending, and she was encircled as a prisoner of war, taking care of three children.Such a catastrophic beginning made Xiang Ying exclaim, the good days are coming!Compared to the post-apocalypse, what is this?On the road to exile, while others suffered, she enjoyed melons. When everyone else was munching on dry bread, Xiang Ying and her children were savoring sumptuous meals.Everyone grew thinner, except for the three children who remained plump and cheerful, patting their bellies and saying wildly: Mother, we can’t eat any more, really!Xiang Ying, holding hot pot, milk tea, and roast chicken, enjoyed the scenery along the road, hoarding supplies as they fled, making life more flavorful.The villainess mocked her: What use is only having food? You're still a conquered slave!Xiang Ying pulled out the Imperial Jade Seal: Right, from today onwards, I will be the Empress.The enemy army was dumbfounded; she never said the thirty thousand wanderers she brought were elite troops!On the day Xiang Ying restored her country, the man who accompanied her through hardships held her hand.Jie Chen: For the sake of our three children, can we finally become official?Xiang Ying: Men should keep to their places, not seek a title.Jie Chen: ...With the country as my betrothal, my Jade Seal and my nation are all yours.Xiang Ying: Deal! Tonight's our wedding night!