MTL - The Book of Troubled Times - Chapter 54 What is the relationship between you and Tang Shouzuo?

“Mana to breathe, mana to eat, mana to fucking live,”Inhale: -0.001 MP… oops! You're out of mana points.(Pay-to-breathe RPG.)Humanity's last walled stronghold._____In the world Elio lives, every gasp of air comes at a price.A floating indestructible book for every human, a magical system that turns survival into a pay-to-breathe RPG.Here, poverty isn't just being broke, it's choking.Surrounded by barren land and a sea of monsters on top of it (No water, just literal monsters), each day is a suffocating dance of survival, a balancing act between mana for air and mana for food.In this economy, holding your breath isn't just a game, it's a retirement plan.Driven by desperation (and the city's miserly rulers that don’t cut anyone a break), Elio dives into the Book System’s trials to save his family.Along the way, he unlocks powers he didn’t ask for and starts to figure out... Who he really is.Immerse yourself in an adventure where one young man's stubborn refusal to become a statistic could spark a revolution. Who knew being a pain in the system's rear could change the world?Because in Elio's world, breathing is just the beginning of the revolution and... he's gasping for change.But hey, who said saving the world had to be all doom and gloom? Join Elio as he kicks monster butt, uncovers ancient secrets, and maybe, just maybe, figures out how to grow a tree or two along the way.__________Warning:May contain traces of world domination, an unhealthy obsession with the periodic table, damage points, progression math, and yes, even a sprinkle of that old “power of friendship” magic. Because sometimes, you need a buddy to help you remember which element does what or even help you calculate those sweet, sweet stats.A quick heads-up:Despite what the cover might suggest, this isn’t a hack-and-slash adventure. Think more along the lines of a turn-based RPG, where strategy and choices matter as much as action. Get ready for a different kind of challenge!If you want to know more about the cover:Yep, that's our first FL crying and crossing the transparent barrier straight into a pixelated, indistinguishable sea of monsters. Because why not mix emotions with chaos? She's crazy like that! (Not really... or is she?)Discord to check the visuals: https://discord.gg/W3CjfC2cw4I’m still working on it in the little moments I find between writing, editing, making more character images, etc.Little by little, we’ll have a Poked... uh, a full SummonDex! Meanwhile, you can check out the ones on Fandom with their... funny descriptions? Or at least I hope so... orzWarning 2 (Privilege 4 and 5):I just wanted to stick to the novel’s level system, so I had to add those '0s'!!! Don’t be an elephant... unless you’re an enormous one... A whale! Seriously, nooooo!You’re going to make me die from the pressure, and I’ll feel terrible!! It’s just one chapter!!! You can wait... But if you’re dirty rich and really, Really, REALLY want to support, well... okay, though I’ll still feel bad!!! orz

In a world where Taming Beasts determine strength and destiny, Leonhardt Valtara is reborn as the heir of the most feared villainous family in history. The Valtaras are ruthless, powerful, and utterly devoted to their own—especially to Leonhardt, their beloved son.But his greatest surprise?He is married to Celestia Nightshade—the Number One Villain, a peerless beauty, and the most genius Taming Beast Master of her generation. Feared by the world, Celestia wields unmatched power, yet behind closed doors, she is the most doting wife, willing to burn kingdoms if it means protecting Leonhardt.However, fate has already written his downfall.The original protagonist, Rael Ascarion, a rising hero, is destined to gather allies, defeat the villains, and restore “justice.” By his side is Evelyn Astralis, the heroine meant to love him. According to the original story, Leonhardt and Celestia are fated to lose.But why should he follow a script that leads to his destruction?With his reincarnated knowledge, Celestia’s overwhelming power, and his first beast, Ironhorn, the Indomitable Rhino, Leonhardt will crush fate itself and carve his own path.If the world wants him to be a villain…Then he will become the greatest villain of all time.

[Group Pet + Farming]

The little ginseng essence was finally shaped into a human figure, but was smashed to pieces by Wang Baojiao who slipped and fell into the pool. When she woke up, she was lying on the earthen kang of the Wang family, and many people around the kang looked at her distressedly.

The shrewd woman put her hands on her hips: “My Jiaojiao, who the hell pushed you into the river!”

The strong man’s father cried and cried: “Jiaojiao, if you don’t wake up, Dad will go with you.”

Eldest brother who is frail and sick: “Little sister, I won’t go to school anymore, I will always be by your side to protect you in the future.”

The black girl with sky braids: “Little sister, be good~ Second sister will buy you a hair tie.”

The silly third brother sucking snot: “Sister~ I will give you all the bird eggs my little brother digs out.”

Facing poor and decrepit family members who are plagued by bad luck, the small ginseng essence waved its fat hand, and the century-old ginseng spirit whiskers, one for you, the other will remove the bad luck, bring good fortune, and cure all diseases!

A family of six, the days are getting more and more prosperous.

…

Many years later, Jiaojiaobao reached the age of marriage. Everyone in the Wang family was very worried, thinking that no one could match their own Jiaojiao.

Unexpectedly, Jiaojiao brought back a beautiful boy by herself, and said that he was her future husband-in-law.

…

The master of the national teacher who retired from the world was not close to women, but he didn’t want to be disturbed by a little ginseng spirit.

- Description from novelbuddy

Luo Qiu became the boss of a ‘club’ by chance.

It was a weird club that sold strange items and with a servant girl that had 300 years of working experience. Countless people with dreams, hopes and ambitions came to the club to exchange anything precious they own for what they want. They would offer their lifespan, items, and even their soul. Every successful trade would increase Luo Qiu’s lifespan by a little.

“Tribute successful, your lifespan has increased by 99 years.”

As thus, Luo Qiu began his endless life as the club’s boss.