Mind Over Magic - Chapter 9 - 8: Masks and Messengers

In a world transformed by the arrival of mana, Earth is no longer the domain of humanity alone. Magical beasts and three powerful humanoid species have claimed vast territories, forcing humanity into fortified cities protected by mana-infused barriers.The hope for survival lies with the awakened—those blessed with magical classes and the ability to wield mana.Victor Revenant, a hilarious and self-deprecating 16-year-old, has spent his life dreaming of joining their ranks. But on the day of his Awakening Test, his dreams are shattered. Like countless others, he fails to awaken, destined to remain ordinary in a world where mediocrity means irrelevance.Just as Victor hits rock bottom, his father gifts him a VRMMORPG game, Ascendant Realms: Cultivation Chronicles, as a consolation prize. The game promises an immersive cultivation experience, complete with mystical techniques, powerful bloodlines, and the journey to ascend to godhood. But when Victor logs in as his in-game persona, Fang Chen, he discovers something incredible: the cultivation techniques he learns in the game begin to manifest in the real world.Armed with the Primordial Chaos Constitution and the legendary Void Emperor Bloodline, Victor embarks on a dual journey—mastering the game’s cultivation system while using his newfound abilities to change his fate in the real world.What begins as an escape from his failures turns into a chance to rewrite his destiny. But Victor quickly learns that his unique ability may make him more than just an anomaly—it may make him a target...

“Only by enduring 2¹⁴ trials can one awaken the ancient power sleeping within the Key of the Star Prison, and become the most powerful being in the universe.”Timothy, the youngest Demon Lord in the history of his race, saw these words emerge after he touched the Key of the Star Prison, the most powerful artifact of the demon race, handed to him just before the old Demon Lord's death.According to the demon race's records, no Demon Lord had ever achieved this.However, over a span of a hundred thousand years, Timothy had easily passed 16,383 trials.Now, once again, he turned the Key of the Star Prison, and an unknown force mistakenly sent him to a brand new world, transforming him into an unknown and seemingly worthless demonic cultivator disciple.And the formidable opponent he was about to face in this world was the powerful Goddess Sylvia.When Goddess Sylvia received the challenge Timothy handed her, her cheeks flushed...“My dear Sylvia, I want you to know how deeply I love you. My heart belongs to you, now and forever.”

Ming Liuyi transmigrated into a novel she had read, and to make matters worse, she was placed into the body of the novel’s antagonist who shares the same name. The original Ming Liuyi, bullied into marrying a cripple, decided to abuse the rich male lead, Yao Zizhou, until he went into a vegetative state. Ming Liuyi knew she had three months of safety before Yao Zizhou woke up and took his revenge. But for some reason, she was drawn to him, and when she touched him, her spiritual energy began to stir.

No one suspected that Yao Zizhou would actually still be perfectly aware of his surroundings, though he couldn’t move. He continued his days in great confusion when his arranged wife from hell was suddenly replaced with a sweet, nice girl, who actually cared for him dutifully and spoke to him with gentle words. It aroused his curiosity, but right before he could wake and see her, she fled. Yao Zizhou huffed in annoyance. There was no way he would let her escape his clutches.