Returning to the Mysterious Era - Chapter 7 - Progress Bar

I am but a traveler in a foreign land, with no desire to become an immortal.After cultivating Daoism in the deep mountains for twenty years, Master sent Song You down the mountain to witness the demons, ghosts, spirits, monsters and myriad aspects of life, to explore the famed mountains and rivers, and seek the legendary immortals. She said that was the true path of cultivation. Who would have thought, after traversing every corner of the land, the immortal I sought turned out to be myself.Original Blurb:In the remote wilderness, amidst the whispering winds and ancient trees, Song You, a wanderer from a foreign land, treads a path of solitude with no intention of becoming a celestial being.For two decades, Song has immersed himself in the rigorous discipline of mountain cultivation under the guidance of his master. Unexpectedly, his master instructs him to descend from the secluded mountains and explore the world of demons, monsters, and the myriad facets of human existence. Song embarks on a journey to witness the diverse landscapes and encounter the supernatural, seeking out renowned mountains and mighty rivers rumored to be the abodes of true immortals – the epitome of authentic spiritual cultivation.Little does Song realize that his quest will lead him far and wide, traversing the vast expanse of the land. In a surprising turn of events, he discovers that the celestial being he seeks is none other than himself.As Song journeys through the bustling regions of the north and the serene landscapes of the south, he unravels the mysteries of his own existence. The people he meets, the challenges he faces, and the secrets he uncovers become integral parts of his transformative journey. The pursuit of enlightenment becomes an odyssey of self-discovery, and the boundaries between mortal and immortal blur.

[WARNING: 18+ — NO RAPE]“I scratch and bite,” Vivian warned, holding the Lycan Alpha's gaze confidently.Ronan smirked, his hand gripping her chin possessively as he forced her to look up at him.“You'll crawl and beg too,” he promised.************Being the Clan Leader of the last remaining cursed Lycans, Ronan had long abandoned his task of finding his fated mate after years of useless searching. However, his life is disrupted when he encounters a mysterious and barely clinging-to-life alive Omega wolf, Vivian, trespassing on his land. Covered in strange Wickan magic symbols, Vivian is not just any wolf—she is his destined mate.Vivian has lived a life of rejection and suffering. Abandoned by her first mate for being unable to conceive, scorned by her family, and mistreated by her pack, Moonborn, she has endured endless humiliation. Forced by her father to mate with other Alphas in a desperate attempt to prove her worth, Vivian’s fate takes an even darker turn when she is cursed by a local coven and framed for a crime she didn’t commit. On the brink of death, she escapes into forbidden territory—Ronan’s land.A stretch of land her pack never dared to tread upon.Ronan’s mistrust only grows when he learns Vivian is from Moonborn, the pack that slaughtered his clan and remains his sworn enemy. Yet, irrespective of their dark feuding histories, he takes her in, determined to care for her and break the deadly curse inflicted upon her by Wickans and the ancient curse slowly leading him to an inevitable death. As they grow closer, secrets from both their pasts threaten to break them apart.And when Vivian’s niece arrives with a hidden agenda, matters become far more complicated.

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.