The Oracle Paths - Chapter 1237: The Cost of Staying

Sixty Years ago, one middle aged man brought a Qilin that looked like a pug and a mandarin duck that looked exactly like a duck, walking into the Imperial City of the Central Plains for the first time.

She thought heartbreak was the hardest battle she'd ever fight. Ending a five-year relationship in 2024 nearly broke her, but she rose anyway. By 2028, she’s everything she once dreamed of becoming. A bestselling author, an admired high school teacher, and a successful businesswoman. But behind her perfect image lies a dangerous secret. She’s also one of the most feared underground hackers in the cyber realm.Then one night in City X changes everything. A book signing. Too many drinks. A stranger with a voice like sin and eyes full of danger. The next morning, no memories, a blurred signature, a hotel room, and a man’s touch she can’t forget. Back in City C, she tells herself to move on. Until someone knocks on her door. And the man from her forgotten night says the words that turn her world upside down.“I’m your husband.”He’s younger, commanding, and far from ordinary. A soldier from a secret military unit hidden in the shadows, where forbidden experiments and enhanced beings redefine humanity itself. Now bound by a contract marriage, they’re forced into a world of covert missions, coded lies, and a war between love and survival.She’s a hacker who steals secrets.He’s a soldier sworn to protect them.And when their worlds collide, love becomes both a weapon and a weakness, the only thing powerful enough to save them... or destroy everything they stand for.

Xiang Yu was perfectly content with his mediocre life on Earth—average job, average apartment, average everything. That is, until he woke up in the legendary World of Cultivation, where martial artists fly through the skies and immortals battle over ancient treasures.There's just one problem: Xiang Yu wants absolutely NONE of that action.Armed with only his wits and a peculiar system that doubles his exp every 24 hours, Xiang Yu has one goal: become powerful enough to live in peace without getting involved in those ridiculous “protagonist” situations. No ancient tombs. No tournament arcs. And for heaven's sake, stay FAR away from anyone named Chen Mo, Lin Feng, or Li Yao—those names practically scream “main character who will drag me into deadly situations!”Starting with strength stats so pathetic he can barely lift a cultivation manual, Xiang Yu must somehow survive long enough for his exponential growth to matter. After all, doubling zero cultivation talent still equals zero... at first.Follow Xiang Yu on his hilarious journey from zero to hero as he desperately tries to stay invisible while his power skyrockets beyond control! Watch as he dodges cultivation tournaments, avoids suspicious elders bearing gifts, and runs the other way whenever someone mentions “ancient inheritance” or “chosen one.”Join the adventure of the most reluctant cultivator in history whose only wish is peace and quiet, but whose exponential growth makes him the most terrifying force this cultivation world has ever seen!

Annan transmigrated to a new world – the Land of Dense Fog. He had become a rare elite NPC who possessed the player’s system.

However, he had the heart of a player.

I like to stir up matters, and unbridled. But, I’m a kind player. The ally of justice who is favored by this world.

I’m on a main mission. As the righteous player, I’m following my destiny to eradicate you, the evil NPC!

Dear player, I’d recommend you to stop running away. The mission is completed. I’m the righteous NPC now to punish you, the evil players…

—

In the long dark night, the crimson moon hangs high in the sky.

Hoarse whisper patrols the streets. The brass steam engine is emitting blood mist.

Your brain is in ecstasy; your eyes are enchanted.

With cracked skins, it sprouts new flesh.

In the gray mists, shirek cries come from the flesh wall that consumes thousands of corpses…

“Stop crying, our players don’t bite. They just want to play with you.”

The Solitary Schemer, Number 1 Player, Land of Dense Fog’s Savior, Leader of 13 Saints, Friend of 12 Upright Deity, Pioneer King, “The Righteous One,” Gatekeeper of Forth Disaster, Crownless Deity, the great Annan advised kindly.