Zhanxian - Chapter 13 – Peeled Fruits Best For Consumption

She, the top goddess in the showbiz, officially announced her marriage, with her husband's identity remaining a mystery.One day, a news story went viral claiming that she was seen entering a villa with a strange man in the midnight and didn't leave until morning.Someone recognized the man as a financial tycoon, who is mysterious and low-key, and no one dares to offend him.That day, she clarified the rumors during a live broadcast, “It's all rumors. Please don't misunderstand. We are just friends.”Just then, he himself stepped up and said, “That's right. We're just friends for now.”...Everyone knew that their marriage was just a commercial arrangement devoid of any real emotion; otherwise, he wouldn't have left his wife to go abroad for two years right after their wedding.Just when everyone was waiting for their divorce, a secretly shot video suddenly went viral online.In the courtyard, the man who was always casual, proud, and superior, knelt on one knee in a pious posture, massaging the woman's ankle. His low and sexy voice captivated everyone watching the video as he said, “Sweetie, would you like to remarry me?”Damn! It's so sweet!

Hello, my name is Bologue Lazarus, a debtor.The wound on Bologue's face is healing at an observable speed. The blood remaining on his face flows back, and the skin is reattached, as if time is reversing.Faced with the terrified dying demon, he whispered.This is my “blessing”, the “debt” I owe.Sixty-six years ago, with the end of the Scorched Earth Fury, Opus of Oath City rose from the ruins of the Holy City.Sixty-six years later, the Kagader Empire and Rhine Alliance, two colossal entities spanning the continent, are plotting another all-consuming war.Order Bureau, King's Secret Sword, Order of Truth, Corrupted Sect, All Secrets Order... existences hidden in the shadows of history, trying to join this grand celebration.Under the curtain, the devils enjoy the agony of mortals, taste the values offered, manipulate fate, and bestow curses and blessings.Gazing at the mortals who were originally kindred spirits, they loathe and slaughter each other...

The young man was so ridiculed for his wasted blood aptitude. Once he awakened the supreme bloodline, the dragon flew into the sky!

From then on, the geniuses and martial arts giants all bowed their heads, and the nine heavens and ten earth trembled!

Condensing the supreme Taoist body to achieve supreme power!

One finger penetrates the plane, one sword slashes the galaxy, one thought swallows the starry sky, and holds the avenue for eternity!

- Description from MTL

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

*****

He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.