Re: Blood and Iron - Chapter 284: Maximilian of Arabia

Qi Condensation. Foundation Establishment. Core Formation. In the current world, only these three realms are known to be achievable. Nascent Soul is but a legend and the realms above it lost to the the long river of time. The modern era is known as Cultivation Civilization, a balance of power and civility, excess and moderation. While cultivation remains a secret practice, it has long since exposed itself to the mundane world, quietly intertwined with each facet of society. While the world appears to be at peace, what lies underneath is a conflict between human, cultivator, and demon, brewing for ages and waiting to implode. Yet in the wake of humanity’s rapid industrialization, qi—and consequently cultivation—is dying.

In this world, some say, the truth and the legends are the same. One such legend belonged to the protagonist, Valerian.

Valerian was an orphan, a boy blessed with a beautiful face, and everyone around him, could not help but want to play with him, till one day a prophet passing through their town pronounced him to be cursed.

Since that day, the destiny of the boy seemed to have changed completely, he was shunned by everyone around him, and the gazes that were earlier filled with love and affection, now brimmed with disgust and hatred.

The constant shunning and humiliation made the cheerful child grow up to be bitter and inexpectant. On his seventh birthday, things changed once again.

This time, it was not the people around him who went through a change, but himself. As he grew up, Valerian became a legend in his own sense.

The people sang of a boy, who could not speak, they shed tears for a boy, who could not grieve. He came from nowhere yet he was known everywhere.

Would you like to know this legend? A story where a curse can become a blessing? A story of sacrifice, betrayal, determination, and secrets.

The next morning, Eleanor woke up in an unfamiliar room, sun streaming through the window. Beside her, the man from last night was fully dressed, sipping coffee. His expression was cold.The vague memories of last night returned in snippets. “I didn't mean… I was drunk,” Eleanor stammered.Liam raised an eyebrow with a small sad smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Save it. You're not the first to try to seduce me.”Eleanor's anger flared. “I wasn't trying to seduce you! And I'm not some prostitute.”Liam's gaze hardened. “Well, I'm not here to judge you, but don't expect any more than that.”With that, he turned and left, leaving Eleanor stunned.*******Eleanor's life instantly changed when she lost her job and got into a contract marriage with Liam Chase, a ruthless and possessive billionaire who agreed to pay off her debts. Life with Liam was a difficult one as he was cold to her. She found solace in the hands of his cousin and became pregnant for him.But what happens when she finds out that her billionaire husband is linked to her past?Will she easily let go or will her past hunt her forever?Will Liam's cousin come to her rescue or is she doomed forever?Dive into the book and find out more.

Heaven and Earth serve as the guesthouse for all living things, with Time being the sojourner since time immemorial.

As with the difference between dreaming and awakening, the distinction between life and death is diverse and confused, and changing.

What awaits us beyond time, once we have transcended life and death, heaven and earth?