Anthesis of Sadness - Chapter 12: Escape

Ethan Liu, an ordinary young man trapped in a monotonous life, finds an escape in the form of the latest virtual reality game—Immortal Cultivation VR. This game offers a deeply immersive cultivation experience where players can become powerful cultivators by mastering ancient martial arts.However, what initially seems like mere entertainment soon turns into a far more dangerous and mysterious journey. When Ethan accidentally joins a cultivator chat group filled with players from around the world, he begins to realize that the virtual world is much more than just a game. Behind its battles and mighty creatures lies a greater threat that could destroy not only the game but the real world as well.In his quest to uncover the truth behind the game, Ethan must fight against powerful players with dark ambitions while facing a crucial dilemma regarding the immense power and technology controlling the virtual world. As time passes, Ethan’s choices in the virtual realm start to have real-world consequences, altering the very fabric of life outside the game.As the battle between the virtual world and reality escalates, Ethan must decide whether to continue seeking power in the game or fight to prevent the impending destruction of both worlds. With the fate of the world resting on his shoulders, Ethan faces a decision that will shape the future of humanity—and his own destiny.Virtual Reality Cultivator is an epic tale of power, betrayal, and self-discovery in a world where the boundaries between reality and virtual worlds are becoming increasingly blurred.

In a galaxy ruled by warlords, guilds, and ancient tech cults, Kai Zareth is just another debt-ridden scavenger—until a legendary system descends upon him.“One Trader per 10,000 light years. One chance to rise.”Selected by the Cosmic Trade Nexus, Kai becomes the sole wielder of the Galactic Exchange System, a multidimensional platform that allows him to buy and sell across parallel worlds, forgotten realms, and alien civilizations.With only 12 hours to complete his first trade—or lose everything—Kai scrambles to make deals in a universe where information is power and one wrong barter could cost your life.From selling enchanted goblin toothbrushes in toxic slums to outwitting rival system users and forging alliances with forgotten races, Kai must build his empire item by item, realm by realm.But in a galaxy where traders kill for profit and system users are hunted like prey, being the Merchant Sovereign might be a bigger curse than a blessing.

After reincarnating as Zhou Xuanji, the prince of an empire, he thought that he would be able to live a worry-free life of luxury. He did not expect to be involved in a rivalry with the Empress herself, who forced him to escape from the palace.

[Reading Notice]

“The whole story is set in an ideal world for fans chasing stars.”

“The main storyline is about a company’s growth and expansion through idol group management.”

“The protagonist of this story is only the female lead, **while the supporting roles’ storylines all serve the protagonist’s growth.**”

Jiang Juyou, who graduated from a second-tier university, was on the verge of giving up after having a breakdown from her internship. Suddenly she saw a job posting:

“Looking for interns, 9 to 5, weekends off, social insurances and housing fund provided after being converted to formal employee, internship certificate provided, monthly intern salary 8500, food and housing included, formal salary negotiable, requirement: strong stress resistance.”

It’s a perfect trap for college students.

Worried that it might be a scam but still went anyway. After arriving, she –

“Ding-”

“Welcome to the Entertainment Company Operations Manual!”

Got bound to a system.

“What the hell?”

Bound to the system, Jiang Juyou was forced to become an entertainment company boss, and so she became someone she hated but also wanted to be – the rich.

[I’m crying but I’m pretending I’m not.jpg]

Jiang Juyou’s company became a wind vane in the entertainment industry:

She introduced a new talent show format, and those shows followed suit.

She created new conceptual peripherals, and those companies followed suit.

She operated a new model boy group, and those companies also follo…can’t copy, because Jiang Juyou spent too much money.

The fan community shook daily, but Jiang Juyou dodged a bullet.

Fans:

“To the company: Made the petty Entertainment die. To Jiang Juyou: [wry smile] I’ll let you off this time.”

“Lol, Jiang Juyou got lightly let off because she’s too pretty!”

“Can scold the company but don’t scold Jiang Juyou!”

“Every time I see Jiang Juyou training trainees, I think why isn’t she training me (sorry)”

After Random Entertainment became the hottest company in the industry, Jiang Juyou was isolated by capital.

Capital didn’t play with her, so she became capital herself, becoming the main seat at the table, becoming the one everyone had to suck up to –

–

[Background setting: Jiang Juyou time traveled, lost her memories due to the impact of space-time, but her subconscious would drive her actions.] [The male lead is the background board system]