Refining the Mountains and Rivers - Chapter 1864 – A Loss

Ethan Cross was just an ordinary college student in his past life—until he died trying to save a banker playing hero. Now, he finds himself reincarnated in “New World”, a realm plagued by Dread Beasts, where only those who awaken Aethermarks can become Heroes.But there’s a problem.Ethan has awakened as an E-rank Hero, the weakest tier, cursed with only one ability slot—a death sentence for any aspiring warrior. With no powerful clans willing to recruit him and the world already looking down on him, his future seems bleak.Until he discovers his Innate Talent: Sanctum of Beasts.This mysterious power grants him access to a personal dimension, where he can hunt endless waves of Dread Beasts. Unlike the real world, slaying them in this space drops Ability Fragments, which he can combine to gain abilities without slot restrictions. Even better? Time flows differently—he can train for days, yet only an instant passes in reality.Determined to rise from nothing, Ethan embarks on a secret journey to accumulate power. But as he completes missions and unravels the truth about the Black Pits, he realizes there’s something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface.The Hero Association hides dark secrets. Villains roam freely in the shadows. And Dread Beasts may not be the mindless creatures everyone believes them to be.With powerful enemies watching his every move, Ethan must play a dangerous game—remain unnoticed or become the hunter of both beasts and men.But one thing is certain:In this world, strength is everything. And Ethan Cross will carve his own path to the top—no matter the cost.

(Isekai, Fantasy, Non-transmigration, Unconventional, Ensemble cast, Meticulously crafted setting, Multiple identities, Light novel, Succubus)I have many masks, and each has its own story.I am the unremarkable little artist of the Church of Dawn; the strongest apprentice in the gladiator arena; the killing machine in the eyes of goblins... The holy nun beneath the sunlight is me, and so is the old gentleman on the train... I have hurried through underground tunnels in escape, and I have left behind beautiful legends on the frontier...Beneath the mask, there is an even more beautiful mask; within the lie, there often lies a hidden truth...My name is Ogre. A child raised by ogre since birth. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Martial arts and cultivation. Two different systems in a single world.

Fang Chen had reached the peak of power in the Grand Xia Empire. He was a mighty Qi Core Stage martial artist, and he led an army of 600 000. Yet he fell prey to the schemes of the Qingsong Empire, and he was defeated at Three World Mountain. His army fell; his vision was taken away from him; his sea qi was shattered, and he became nothing more than a cripple. In his final moment of clarity, a blazing sun and the figure of an immortal were burned into his mind.

The defeated general thus returned, only to face endless humiliation. However, something changed the day he was defeated—Fang Chen realized that his soul could leave his body and roam the world.

For five years, he endured mockery and insults. For five years, he observed everything going on around him without anyone knowing. Five years was neither a short nor long time, but it was enough for him to reach a state of enlightenment.

“Oh, there’s actually a fellow Daoist who received such enlightenment in such a small empire!” - Daoist Yun He, Central Continent Empire.

… Daoist Yun He raised his hand and sent a ray of spiritual light into Fang Chen’s forehead… Those memories constantly intertwined and gathered into a bright golden manual called the [Introduction to the Three Thousand Daos]

How will Fang Chen’s path change and what exciting adventure awaits? Follow Fang Chen in his path of cultivation to become an Immortal of the Nine Realms!

Official blurb:

The path to immortality is mysterious and strange, while humans remain insignificant. The hearts of immortals are as cold as frost. To them, all living beings are but little mayflies, frail and short-lived. Young Fang Chen stumbled upon this path of immortal ascension by chance. Even so, he had only one wish. With a divine sword in hand, Fang Chen wish to establish peace in the Nine Realms!

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After hatching endless plots and suffering innumerable hardships, the demons of the Demonic Realm finally managed to resurrect the Ancient Demon King.

The demons of the Demonic Realm had hoped that the Ancient Demon King would not only lead them in waging a war against the Heavenly Realm and enable them to lord their superiority over the Immortals, he would also ultimately gain control over the entire realm.

Gradually, however, they discovered that their thoughts were very, very wrong.

Whilst it is true that this Ancient Demon King still retains his aura of superiority and possesses unlimited powers, he…

He seems to be a mental case…

It’s alright even if he changes orders and does things in an incomprehensible way.

But what’s with his habit of muttering under his breath, nagging and conversing with himself the entire day!

Small Orchid: He’s not ill, he’s just despicable (贱jian)…can’t stand to see (见jian) people live a good life.

Dong Fang: I am only unable to endure seeing you live a good life.

Small Orchid: …

*T/N: The Chinese pronunciation for the word “despicable” is the same as the word “see” – thus, the author is trying to show that Small Orchid, while trying to scold Dong Fang, is also careful not to incur his wrath, which is why she tried to imbue another meaning into her sentence after scolding him.

- Description from Novelupdates