The Rise of the White Lotus - Chapter 557: The best only needs the bes

In the world of cultivation, countless tales follow righteous protagonists, fated heroes blessed by destiny, or those chosen by heaven to walk the path of immortality.But what of those who stand in their way?What of the villains? The so-called obstacles to the hero’s journey—do they not bleed, dream, and struggle as well?Xiao Ning was never meant to succeed.From the very beginning, the Grand Dao wove him as a stepping stone—a necessary sacrifice to elevate another. His path, like that of all designated ‘villains,’ was doomed to failure by design.But what happens when that design is defied?After death, Xiao Ning awakens—not in the cycle of reincarnation, but in the cold silence beyond it. There, he is offered the Eternal Paradox Codex—a forbidden artifact containing the hidden truths of the Grand Dao System itself.Rules. Loopholes. Vulnerabilities.Knowledge not meant for those like him.With this power, Xiao Ning is granted a single, impossible choice: accept oblivion, or step outside the Grand Dao entirely—to abandon fate, sever karma, and cultivate a path unbound by heaven or law.It is Xiao Ning’s journey, from ashes to something beyond comprehension.Not to become an Immortal among men.But something even the heavens dare not bind.If fate is a chain…Then let him forge his own path in the void beyond.Welcome to this humble tale.The cultivation world is vast and unkind.Let us begin again—on our terms.

A world consumed by boundless, unending oceans.His sole companion was a mysterious Orb, a cryptic guide capable of leading its holder across dimensions.His goal? Infinite planes, where the sea of stars lay in wait.PS: The MC's main world is an endless ocean similar to One Piece, but it is not One Piece.#Slow-Paced #Slow Growth

(Naruto + Single Heroine Tsunade + Romance + Action)A failed author transmigrates into the Naruto world, becoming the younger brother of Konoha’s White Fang, Sakumo Hatake, and the uncle of Kakashi. He gains a cheat ability—enhanced cellular activity.Coincidentally, just before the Second Shinobi War, he participates in a Jonin meeting where he supports Tsunade's proposal ahead of Dan Kato, marking his first encounter with her.From then on, he launches an intense pursuit, winning her heart during the war.Tsunade: “Kawakaze, why do I keep losing to you?”Kawakaze Hatake: “Because I’d like to live a few more years...”Kakashi: “My uncle is amazing, I’m his biggest fan!”Kawakaze Hatake: “Keep it low-key, keep it low-key.”

He was weak, he was depressed, he was a loser.
He wasn't even Lvl 10 in the game when Earth was destroyed in the Quake and the players of Redlands were transmigrated to the fantastic world of Zushkenar.
But he lived, learned, and died again.
Now, he was back on Earth, one year and three months before the Quake.
Deciding to rejoin the game earlier and with greater focus, what changes would he bring with his actions?
What life would he live?

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paypal.me/JInDaoran

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There's a map for the lands of Zushkenar posted on the DeviantArt website:
https://www.deviantart.com/kilrain/art/Hunters-Guide-map-cities-grid-b-877682076

It's not complete, but it'll give an idea of the general geography.

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The background image for the cover is part of a landscape by moinzon taken from pixabay.com