MTL - The Sage Who Transcended Samsara - Chapter 9 Hermitage

To reward Meng Fan for his bravery before his heroic death, the cosmos rewarded him with a ‘system’, sending him back in time to three months ago, alive.

- Description from Novelupdates

Alex used to be a scientist in his previous life, infamous for doing questionable biological research; now he's the prince of a nation and a chosen 'Saint' of the God of Wisdom.Despite being a 'saint,' he's a top-tier schemer and a conspiracy master who considers his goals and ambitions above everyone and everything else in the world.“Power, connections, intelligence, and money... That's all that matters in this world; those who have them are supreme!” - Alex 'The All-Knowing Saint'What will happen if such a villainous person is thrown into this new world as a supposedly benevolent and kind 'saint'? Let's find out...(NO-HAREM, SCHEMER MC, TACTICS, AND STRATEGY!)

After getting hit by a car, Nolan thought death would bring him peace. But instead of resting in heaven, he wakes up in a world of gods and power.Reincarnated in the Academy of Heavenly Descendants, Nolan now finds himself surrounded by the heirs of mythological deities—each wielding divine power beyond imagination.But there's a problem: the body he reincarnated into is cursed.Without the ability to cultivate Divine Essence, Nolan is labeled as worthless, an outcast in a world where strength means everything.Just as he’s about to lose hope, a voice echoes in his mind:[Congratulations, Host Has Awakened The God King System!][Initial Bloodline Scan Beginning...][Scan Completed][Host Has Awakened the Power of Kratos, the God of Strength and War!]Equipped with a system that enables him to contract thousands of various mythological bloodlines, Nolan journeys across the limitless planes of existence, searching for the absolute power to achieve his ultimate goal—freedom!A path many have embarked on, but none have succeeded.

Look, I’m Riven Kael.Twenty-eight, data analyst, zero ambition beyond paying rent and avoiding small talk. My life was spreadsheets, instant ramen, and the occasional ghost I pretended not to see.Then one mandatory company gala, because of course it was mandatory, turned into the universe’s worst prank.I touched a cursed amulet.I just touched it.Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a penthouse that costs more than my entire bloodline, sporting a glowing marriage sigil on my wrist, legally and magically hitched to Azryth Valek.Yes, that Azryth Valek.The CEO of half the planet, a walking sin in a three-piece suit, an ancient demon lord who was literally sealed inside said amulet until I accidentally set him free.He says we’re bound. Separation means both of us die slowly and painfully.Soul-consumption optional but very much on the table if I’m stupid enough to fall for him. Which, newsflash, I am not. I’m not.Shut up.So now I’m living with an unfortunately hot CEO from hell, dodging assassination attempts disguised as corporate mergers, banishing spirits that show up at my desk like unpaid interns, and pretending we’re a power couple for the cameras while he smirks like he knows exactly how much I want to strangle him. Or kiss him. Or both.Brain, we are not doing this.I didn’t sign up for boardroom battles, multiversal rifts, or the terrifying realization that the arrogant demon who ruined my life might be the only one who truly sees me.But here I am. Still complaining, still fighting, still falling, against every shred of common sense, hopelessly, stupidly, irrevocably in love.Because when the universe marries you to the devil, it doesn’t ask for consent.It just hands you the ring.And damn it, I’m keeping it.