Frightening Joke: Above the Mist - Chapter 174: Drawing Lots

Chang’an, Jan. 14th of lunar month, Tianbao Year 3 (744AD), Tang Dynasty.

For residents of Imperial City, what awaits them when the city enjoys its dazzling brilliance and joy of the Lantern Festival is an unexpected catastrophe that’ll destroy all. Tujue (a nationality in the north of ancient China), Wolfpack, kidnapping, assassination, rampant flames that scorch all…start the gear for the doom of and the Longest Day in Chang’an.

And the only hope lies in a one-eyed convict sentenced to death and the fleeting Twelve Hours…Will Chang’an, the city of prosperity, survive the longest day ever or will it burn…

Meet the Mafia King, whose fearsome reputation in the Underworld spread far and wide! But he hides behind the identity of a billionaire CEO. Money? Power? Handsome? All check! Except that he had a teensy tiny problem - his ZERO EQ that failed him to understand emotions.

Until the day Song Lihua walks in his life.

Song Lihua’s simple aim in life was to get a job and earn money. But a chance encounter with the Mafia King makes her fall in love with him at first sight.

She declares to win his heart one day. But to her shock, the Mafia King himself becomes her next door neighbor! Together with her, the emotions in deep slumber within him began to awaken.

Hiding a dark secret from her, the Mafia King slowly grows closer to her. But as he faces a threat that could bring the truth to light, he does something unimaginable to stop Lihua from leaving.

Amidst the hidden conspiracies of the Underworld, what will the Mafia King do to keep her by his side? How far will he go to hide his secret?

“You are my first love that brought this empty shell of my heart back to life. You have a place in my heart no one else could ever have.” - The Mafia King.

What to ExpectWelcome to this Martial Peak fanfiction, a respectful expansion of the legendary work by the original author. This fic follows the core events of the original, with a fresh twist in the form of a new protagonist who is an “outsider”—a modern reader reincarnated into the world of Martial Peak.1. MC Setup: A Cultivation Novel Reader in Martial PeakThe protagonist is NOT someone from the Martial Peak universe but a cultivation novel enthusiast from another world.No prior knowledge of Martial Peak, but vast experience with cultivation logic, tropes, and meta-awareness from similar novels.This allows for unique decision-making, unconventional strategies, and a slightly different approach to situations while still following the original storyline.He won’t be overpowered from the start, but expect fast progression due to his deep understanding of cultivation mechanics.2. Respect for the Original PlotNo major timeline changes—key events still happen as they should.All future arcs and climaxes remain intact to preserve the integrity of Martial Peak.What changes? The MC’s interactions, techniques, and relationships, providing a fresh perspective while saluting the original work.Expect some butterfly effects, but nothing that derails the core story!3. Large Harem (With More Depth & Development)Martial Peak already has one of the largest harems in cultivation fiction—we’re expanding on that.4. Smut Content IncludedLet’s not dance around it—explicit content will be featured in this fic.Balanced between romance, cultivation growth, and action, ensuring the story remains engaging beyond just smut.Cultivation-based dual cultivation, yin-yang balance, and ‘special’ training sessions will be explored in a tasteful yet satisfying manner.5. Fast-Paced UpdatesSince we’re not making drastic changes to the story, the pace will be fast and consistent.Updates will focus on the MC’s journey, harem development, and the occasional divergence to deepen character arcs.As long as there’s support and interest, the fic will keep expanding.Final NotesThis is a passionate tribute to Martial Peak, keeping the spirit of the original intact while giving readers a fresh perspective, expanded harem dynamics, and more in-depth character interactions.Are you ready to ascend to the peak once more?Let’s begin.

Shen Mo transmigrates into the body of an outer disciple of the Qingxuan Sect, once the brightest among his peers. Just as he is on the cusp of entering the inner sect, his foundation is cruelly destroyed by poison. At his lowest point, Shen Mo discovers an extraordinary ability: the power to see and seize the fated opportunities of others.Are you a powerful reincarnation destined to acquire a Heavenly Tier technique? I'll take it!Are you the future Flame Emperor, refining the essence of the sun? That power is mine now!Are you a descendant of the Martial Ancestor with a Heavenly Tier spiritual weapon? Hand it over!Are you the sacred maiden of the Fox Clan, about to tame a sacred beast cub? Both the beast and your opportunities belong to me now!“My fate is in my hands, not others', for I am the CHAMPION OF DESTINY.”