Splitting the Heavens - Chapter 8: Late to the Party

Toradora!’s story begins with the male protagonist Ryuji Takasu who is frustrated at trying to look his best as he enters his second year of high school. Despite his gentle personality, his eyes make him look like an intimidating delinquent so he is utterly hopeless about his chances of getting a girlfriend anytime soon, and does not have many close friends either. After being greeted by his hungover mother in the morning, Ryuji goes to school and is happy to find that he gets to be in the same class as his best friend Yusaku Kitamura and crush Minori Kushieda. However, it is then that he unexpectedly knocks into “the school’s most dangerous animal of the highest risk level” — Taiga Aisaka — who just happens to also be in his class, and is a good friend of Minori.

Taiga has a negative attitude towards others and will not hesitate to snap at people. After meeting Ryuji, she takes an instant dislike of him. Taiga comes from a rich family, though she moved out to live on her own due to family issues, and by coincidence is now living in an apartment next door to Ryuji. After Ryuji discovers that Taiga has a crush on Yusaku, and Taiga finds out about Ryuji’s affections towards Minori, Ryuji suggests that they cooperate so they can win the object of their affections. Ryuji says he will do anything to get closer to Minori, which Taiga exploits, making Ryuji her personal servant, and getting him to do household chores like cooking and cleaning for her. Taiga spends a lot of her time over at his house, so much so that she could almost be considered a member of his family. Since Ryuji spends a lot of time with Taiga, he is opened up to her world and to a side of her that most people do not see. The two also attempt to help each other in order to improve how people view them. Unknown to them, however, people they know from school start to become curious about their strange relationship together and rumors begin to spread about them.

Lu Gu got a marriage on behalf of his brother and married the fierce hunter in Qingxi Village. No matter how wronged he was, under the coercion of beatings, he was still put on the sedan chair.

How could the Shen family gave up on marrying such a ridiculous thing. After a tumultuous fight, Lu Gu was brought back to the Shen family. He was ready to tremble and seek life.

Who knew that the days after marriage were far less difficult than he imagined, and he could even fill his stomach without having to be beaten. Shen Xuanqing also bought him chickens and ducklings, and built a fence in the backyard to raise chickens and ducks for him. Lu Gu squatted in the backyard and touched the chickens and ducks. After the panic, he was full of joy. Shen Xuanqing said that these were all his.

For the first time, Shen Xuanqing, who was about to go out was stopped by Lu Gu timidly, holding the corner of his clothes. He saw his little fulang showing a short and shy smile, handing over a small bag of fine flour cakes, saying that it was the food for him who was going into the mountains.

Shen Xuanqing was nibbling on the cakes expressionlessly in the mountains, but in his heart he was thinking that the little fulang was good and diligent. He looked good when he smiled, but he was too thin.

- Description from Novelupdates

The beautiful Blue Star tragically fell victim to an invasion by enemies from the Otherworld. The globe was left riddled with wounds, but it also presented an opportunity for the Awakening of the Blue Star people—a chance to choose something other than hot weapons. Individuals could use their own strength to slay enemies, amass wealth, and reach the pinnacle of their lives.Ye Nai was lucky enough to awaken in advance, releasing energy spores that could decompose organic matter. He had planned to make a stunning debut during the mass Awakening at school, but results showed he hadn't awakened?!What the hell?I haven't awakened?Then what's this Fungal Mycelium I have that can decompose abnormal creatures?Ye Nai gave a devilish smile.Haha, everything that happens is to my advantage. Whether it's the enemy or abnormal creatures, obediently fall into my hands and become nourishment for my mycelium!

Zaiyila thought she had suffered enough—betrayed by her own mother and sold into marriage with a wealthy, aging man. But on the night of her pre-wedding ceremony, everything takes a dark and unexpected turn. A swarm of deadly snakes descends upon the gathering, killing her groom-to-be and throwing the hall into chaos. Fear spreads as the people recognize the serpents as the servants of the enigmatic and terrifying Snake King, Everett.When Everett himself arrives—a striking, horned man of unmatched beauty and power—Zaiyila finds herself drawn to him in ways she cannot explain. Despite the fear he inspires in others, she feels an unshakable connection to him, one that transcends the realm of logic. The moment she defies the fearful kneeling of the crowd, she unknowingly seals her fate.Taken into Everett’s domain, Zaiyila is forced to confront not only the dangerous, supernatural world she’s been thrust into but also the awakening desires she cannot deny. As she unravels the truth about her past and her connection to the Snake King, she must decide—will she resist the pull of destiny, or will she embrace the darkness and passion that Everett offers?A tale of betrayal, power, and an irresistible bond, Bride of the Serpent King explores the fine line between fear and desire, fate and choice.---