Soulbound: Dual Cultivation - Chapter 44: Cultivation stress

In the wake of the first wave of shadow creatures, the world was plunged into ruin, a desolate yet enchanted wasteland. Humanity, driven underground, clung to survival while desperately plotting to reclaim their shattered world.But from the abyss of darkness, something miraculous stirred—a mysterious tree, shimmering with ancient power, appeared overnight. It chose only the strongest of heart, those with unbreakable will, gifting them extraordinary abilities. With these powers, humanity rose from the depths, waging war against the shadows.Yet beneath the surface of their heroic deeds lay a hidden rot. Corruption seeped into their ranks, and arrogance clouded their judgment. As their powers grew, so did the whispers of betrayal. The true battle may not be against the creatures lurking in the shadows—but against the darkness festering within their own hearts.A question lingers: When heroes fall, who will rise to take their place?

In a world where rank determines your worth, Adrian Vale awakened at the very bottom.F-Rank.In a single ceremony, he lost his fiancée, his status, and his freedom. Sold under the Civil Utility Act, he became a transferable asset—property in a society that worships strength.Then an S-Rank elf noblewoman purchased him.Not for love.For political marriage.Bound to the most powerful woman in the capital, Adrian is expected to remain silent, obedient, and insignificant. But the moment their hands touched, something awakened inside him—something the World Core never measured.In a society built on absolute hierarchy, he may have discovered the one flaw in the system.And the higher her rank…The stronger he becomes.

Tian Man Continent is a world of martial arts. A young boy named “Su Yi” led countless yao (monsters or demons) and overrode countless families who had thousands of years of history. He rose abruptly in the world as the brightest star in the sky. He married beauties and walked towards the peak of of the world, and finally ascended onto the thrones of the ancient gods!

- Description from novelupdates

Zephany Draven is a shy, clumsy celebrity journalist who is constantly ridiculed for not getting the big scoops. She is soft-spoken and easily intimidated, so she looks weak. However, behind closed doors, she's Eclipse, an altogether tougher, loud-mouthed agent and quite ruthless and efficient.Kendrick Montclair is a gentle, positive artist who loves his family and remains optimistic despite his struggles. His gentle nature makes him easy to take advantage of. But secretly, he's Obscura, a cold, ruthless agent who is efficient and silent.Both work as partners in a secret organization that preserves hidden truths erased by governments, yet they remain completely unaware of each other's true identities.Their goal is to reach the highest level of clearance to access classified information. But just when they're on the verge of success, they fail.Then, a mysterious man appears with an offer—a contract marriage in exchange for the information they desperately seek. Trapped with no alternative, they sign the deal.But neither expected what would happen next.-------------Kendrick and Zephany sat by the glass wall, waiting for their food when a car suddenly crashed through. Kendrick pulled Zephany to safety just in time, but both got small cuts from the broken glass.“Are you okay?” they asked, checking each other.To their astonishment, the cuts healed before their eyes.Their minds raced. “Beside me, the only person I know who has that ability is.”“No! She can't be that loud, short-tempered woman!”“No! He can't be that silent, obnoxious man!”“Did I marry my secret partner in crime?” They both shuddered at the thought.