MTL - The Apocalyptic Master of Synthesis - Chapter 198 Hard-hearted Chen Wei (subscription required)

Ethan Cole was, by all appearances, an ordinary young man navigating the familiar ups and downs of life—until the night everything changed. That was when he encountered the “Unlimited System.” This mysterious system didn’t merely make Ethan wealthy—it granted him unimaginable riches and set him on a path that was both exhilarating and perilous. The catch? Each mission the system assigns doesn’t just test his wit and resolve; it also unlocks incredible powers, elevating him to new heights of strength and influence. But this isn’t just a tale of lavish spending and indulgence—though those moments certainly add flavor! Ethan’s journey is laced with challenges, each step bringing him closer to reshaping his destiny. From building NovaTech Innovations into a technological marvel to buying a football club and even creating an app poised to revolutionize the food delivery industry, Ethan’s rise is nothing short of meteoric. And yet, the further he climbs, the more he discovers the shadows lurking behind his newfound success. Beneath the surface lies a hidden world—a world ruled by the Great Families, an elite group whose wealth is only part of their power. For these families, strength is the ultimate currency, and disputes are settled not in boardrooms but in combat arenas. Whether through sparring matches or life-and-death duels, they prove their dominance with skill, strategy, and sheer might. Drawn into this dangerous realm of secret societies, high-stakes confrontations, and unrelenting ambition, Ethan must use every ounce of his intelligence, strength, and ingenuity to navigate the intricate web of power that surrounds him. Expect a whirlwind of twists, heart-pounding action, and moments of sheer wonder. From outsmarting ruthless rivals to unraveling the enigmatic traditions of the elite families, Ethan’s journey is as unpredictable as it is thrilling. It’s a story where rules bend, reality tilts, and every turn brings something unexpected.

Duan Rong's soul travels to an otherworld and gains the ability to devour Artifact Spirits, including those in weapons, paintings, Ancient Wood, statues.{“Artifact”: “Long-handled simple saber.”}{“Artifact Spirit Tier”: “Tier Three.”}{“Devouring Requirement”: “Host’s Spiritual Power Level 3.”}{“Devouring Effect”: “Master of Rakshasa Saber Technique, Master of Shura Saber, Master of Yellow Springs Saber Technique, Entry-level in Eight Trigrams Saber.”}

Gou Liang travels through worlds in order to complete a mysterious and arduous mission…

16 worlds in total:

School Campus: Strawberry Flavored Scholar Gong √
Entertainment circle: Lemon Flavored Film Emperor Gong √
Ancient Time: Honey Tangerine Flavored Shadow Guard Gong √
WuXia: Melon Flavored Senior Brother √
Beastmen: Pineapple flavored Beastmen Gong √
Ghost Spirits: Snow Pear Flavored Dead Gong √
Ancient Time: Gr*pe Flavored Regent Gong √
Apocalypse: Banana Flavored Boss Gong √
Interstellar: Pomegranate Flavored Sentinel Gong √
Modern: Citrus Flavored Aristocrat Gong √
Mecha: Sweet Jujube flavored Lunar New Year Gong √
Ancient Time: Durian Flavored Battle God Gong √
Magic: Watermelon Flavored Blacken Gong √
Cultivation: Cherry Flavored Disciple Gong √
Fantasy: Blueberry Flavored Demon King Gong √
Celestial World: Bayberry flavored Senior Immortal Gong √

- Description from Novelupdates

When the man in front of her tried to touch her hand, she instinctively took a step back from him—as she didn’t want him to get hurt. “Please don’t touch me for your sake,” she said to him. The man smiled a little and replied,” Don’t worry about me, Celestia! Nothing will happen to me.”She was startled as he had called her by her actual name. She had kept her identity a secret—as no one is supposed to know who she really is. “How do you know my…. real name?” she asked him nervously. “I know everything about you, Celestia,” he said and moved near her. “I know you better than you know yourself—”Her heart throbbed when his hand got near her skin. She thought that he would be thrown away from her and get severely injured—just like all the other men did.But surprisingly, nothing happened to him when his sturdy hand clasped her pearly white fingers. With his other hand, he held her chin and fixed his alluring gaze on her. “How... How are you even able to touch me?” Celestia asked him. “Because you are mine—” he answered in a deep tone. “Others weren’t able to touch you—as you only belong to me—”She winced slightly when he suddenly grabbed her tiny waist and pulled her closer to him. Then he leaned down and kissed her pale cheek. “Only I get to touch and kiss and make love to you! Because you are forever destined to live with me,” he whispered in her ear and made her shudder. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is feared by everyone else in her kingdom. His powers are infinite, and he can do things beyond other’s imagination. Even though everyone considers him dangerous, Celestia sees a different version of him. He is ruthless and cold to others—but whenever he sees her, he surrenders himself to her.Despite the warnings of others, she finds herself slowly falling for him. Even after she becomes his lover, she is unable to predict his true nature.What are his true motives? And what circumstances are forcing him to join hands with the dark side?And why does he desire Celestia so much that he is willing to kill any man who even thinks of touching her?!