The Phantom's Gambit - Chapter 96: A Pawn

Once an unsung slave; Yur’s existence was defined by blood, pain, and chains. That was until he stumbled into Zulmasharr, the realm of demons.In the depths of despair and agony, a near-death encounter unsealed the terrifying truth of his existence; he is no mere mortal. A cursed hybrid of human and demon; Yur’s survival was only possible through the bloody rebirth of his Ashkavaal bloodline and the awakening of his sinister cultivation system, Zul.With Zul, Yur can rear demons for rituals, harvest their power, and dominate the chaotic world around him. But freedom comes at a cost. As the incognizant successor to an ancient being, his every step is burdened by the weight of a destiny he never asked for. Yur craves only one thing: to stay free, unbound by demons and men. Yet his growing power and severed bloodline ignite the fascination of forces that would see him enslaved or slaughtered.Yur must steer through a world of demons where trust is a fault, survival is animus, and his very existence is a blemish. Blood will pour, flames will revolt, and demons... they kneel or die. But in the end, is freedom attainable for the bearer of a bloodline forged from blood and ash?Will Yur vanquish his fate or will it condemn him?

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

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He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

Li Xiandao obtained the ancient Bank of the Universe but now the bank was totally empty and had no treasures at all. The only thing it had were a bunch of debts.

Bai Jing transmigrated into a book and became the male protagonist’s first love. She sacrificed herself for the male protagonist and the female protagonist got all the benefits.

Bai Jing, who wore the book, said, “Hehe, who wants to be the Virgin Mary?”

The male lead: “Jingjing, as long as you accompany President Wang for drinks, our company will be rich.”

Bai Jing kicked him away. “Get out. You’re not fit to depend on me!”

The female lead: “Jingjing, how could you break up with him when he’s broke? You are too materialistic!”

Bai Jing smiled lazily. “Are you envious? I’m more beautiful than you. I have the right to be willful.”

Bai Jing wanted to start her own career, but the male and female leads kept chasing after her.

She could not take it anymore and found a handsome man to marry.

“Let me introduce you, this is my husband. I’ve liked him for a long time.”

The male protagonist was stunned. “G… Greetings, President Si.”

The female protagonist trembled. “Si… Si Qian…”

Bai Jing was silent.

The villain in the book was also called Si Qian?!

That night, Bai Jing forbade men from going to bed. “Divorce. I’m not interested in villains.”

“Sure.”

Si Qian leaned forward. “Before the divorce, give me one last night.”

The next day, Bai Jing didn’t manage to get out of bed successfully…

After countless “last night”, Bai Jing finally created her own technology empire.

Reporter: “Ms. Bai, can I ask you about your secret to success?”

Bai Jing held her aching waist and smiled mysteriously. “Treat every night as your last night.”

Persona:

Bai Jing: Beautiful and cool, technology big shot.

Si Qian: Handsome and mysterious, wise and powerful, deeply attracted by Bai Jing’s charm.