The Sword and The Shadow - Chapter 87 – Butterfly Leaving Its Cocoon

A modern-day antihero, who was infamous for his devious acts, dies in an explosion meant to take down a powerful criminal syndicate. Waking up in a world of sword and sorcery, he finds himself possessing a fragile, powerless body with a strange “System” that seems broken. Initially thinking he's doomed, he learns that by pretending to be weak, he can manipulate others into revealing their secrets, granting him abilities they possess. As he rises in power, he discovers that the System was intentionally sabotaged—by none other than his own future self.

Reincarnated into a land of cultivation, Yuan Zhou uses his Earth knowledge and assumptions to become a genius under the heavens for both business and cultivation. However, he walks the path of defiance, exceeding all rational cultivation bounds. His business ideas struggle against the stagnant culture that pervades the land, but the things he doesn't lack are his drive for immortality and power.

“Obtaining the topmost degree of talent in sword arts in the world requires giving up 72 years of lifespan, which leaves you with only five more years of your life. At the same time, you will never be able to feel love, kinship, and friendship, and you’ll end up leading a lonely life until your death, unable to procreate, or to have any descendants.

“From now onwards, everything related to happiness in the human world shall no longer be of your concern. Are you willing to accept this?”

“Hahahaha, I’m already alone bereft of all support, my hopes dashed to pieces, shouldering only absolutely irreconcilable grudge and hatred, why would I disagree? Why would I not want it? I couldn’t ask for anything better!!”

His sword sweeps across the Divine Continent for seven days and nights, moving 90,000 miles through the starry skies, unhindered.

He slays saints and buddhas in Heaven, slaughters demons and devils in Hell, sweeping away all the grievances in his heart.

At the dawn of the universe, the most powerful demons and Gods competed in a legendary battle of strength by churning the universal sea. Out from it came many treasures, the most powerful of which was the God Grimoire.After finding its way through various hosts, it fell into the mortal realm.…Tear Shosha’s life was despondent and worthless for as long as he could remember. He was a middle aged gas station worker who was easy to walk over. He didn’t know who his parents were, and his memories of the distant past had been erased. The only slightly pleasant thing he could remember was the fact that he loved the display of magic. And so, he risked it all at a magic show by performing a trick out of his grandpa’s magic trick book… and found himself in a new world filled with unique landscapes, unthinkable creatures, and some of the strongest beings in the universe.With the help of his new God Grimoire, which traveled with him through his soul, Tear—>Tyr will unlock his memories of past and the catastrophe which fell upon his family, forge himself from a weak and timid man to a ruthless and cunning, genius ruler, and climb atop all pinnacles, trampling his way to the throne of Heaven. “An immortal God? I see… so I have another stone to step on!”———————————————-—Main character:- Not a lone wolf edgelord.- Not a hero of justice. He’s reasonable.- Not OP from the start.- Not a cunning ruthless genius from the start.- Has quick, solid character development in the first arc.- Trust him.World:- Super vast cultures.- Unique power system.- Dangerous, ruthless place.- Several planets + Hell and Heaven realms later on.Characters:- Each one has a distinct backstory.- They aren’t boring as hell.Story:- Well planned and gets deep and hype.- Foreshadowing from chapter 1.- NO HAREM.- Potential Romance in later chaps.There will be a bunch of things I probably didn’t add so if you have any questions, ask them by replying to my review. Have a good read!