The Price Of Salt Patricia Highsmith

In a world where strength rules and cultivation decides one’s destiny, Lu Tian had perfected the art of doing nothing. Nicknamed the “Salted Fish King” by his peers, he spent his days napping under the sun, avoiding responsibilities, and ignoring his unrealized potential. Everything changed when the Myriad Astral Guide System awakened. “Host detected. Task: Cultivate or perish!” “Wait, what? Work? Can’t I just sleep a little longer?” Forced to complete grueling tasks, tame powerful beasts, and rise through the ranks, Lu Tian’s peaceful days crumble into chaos. But as the system pushes him to become stronger, the world begins to see a side of him they never expected. “Lu Tian… he’s at the bottom of the class? How is he defeating a Gold Core expert?!” “Is that another celestial beast following him? Where did he find it?” Behind his laziness lies unmatched talent. Behind his unwilling hands lies unimaginable power. As challenges mount and enemies close in, Lu Tian must abandon his salted-fish dreams and rise to claim his place at the top. This is the story of an idle genius forced into greatness, where every step shakes the world and leaves everyone speechless!

The Price of Divinity is a powerful exploration of divinity, empathy, and the cost of power. As Note becomes one with the pain of his followers, he learns that to truly understand humanity, he must first sacrifice everything he knows about himself.

Because of the small mistakes she made during her life, Shirley Aschenford died full of regrets and was sent back to the past. The first thing she saw after her regression was her husband, whom she now knew suffered from temporary muteness due to a traumatic event, staring at her with a piercing gaze! He was an incredibly kind, loving, and patient husband—the very one she had madly tried to divorce in her first life. However! ["I’ve already signed it."] Something was different about her husband this time. ["It feels great to separate from you sooner …."] Her husband, Escar Aschenford, who in her first life had tried desperately to stop their divorce, now .... ["… 'Ex-Wife.’"] … Happily and with a beaming smile, signed the divorce papers as quickly as possible!

50 years ago demons and other spiritual life forms invaded Earth and started a great War in search of a new world to call home or maybe something more!!

In a dark and dangerous world, Juliette finds herself in a harrowing situation when she is attacked by a man who embodies the brutality of a society that preys on the weak. As she pleads for her life, a mysterious and powerful entity intervenes, dragging her attacker into the depths of the earth. This creature, however, is not a savior but a monstrous being that demands a steep price for its intervention. Juliette, terrified and desperate, engages in a haunting dialogue with the nameless entity, grappling with her fear and confusion. As she realizes the creature's intentions, she is faced with a horrifying choice: to submit to its grotesque desires or face an even worse fate. In a moment of despair, she offers herself willingly, hoping to escape the torment of her situation. The entity transforms her into a nightmarish version of herself, stripping away her humanity and dignity. As she grapples with her new monstrous form, Juliette is forced to confront the reality of her existence as a prisoner to this abomination. Despite the horror of her transformation, she recognizes that the creature saved her from a worse fate, leading her to a complex relationship of gratitude and revulsion. Ultimately, Juliette's story is one of survival in a world where power dynamics dictate the lives of the vulnerable. She is left to navigate her new identity and the twisted bond she shares with the monster that saved her, reflecting on the harsh realities of a society that often leaves women with no choice but to submit to the whims of those who hold power over them

[This is the reboot of Qaya: the tale of the singular duo] In a kingdom ruled by ruthless power and shrouded in secrets, Qaya finds herself entangled in the web of King Awin’s dark ambitions. As a skilled operative coerced into destroying innocent lives, she’s promised freedom in exchange for a final act of betrayal. But just when she begins to hope for her release, fate deals a fatal blow. Awakening in the body of Mahalia Heris—a noblewoman from a family once loyal to the very king she despises—Qaya is granted a second chance. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, haunted by the past and surrounded by those who believe she is someone else, she realizes the power of her new position. With her knowledge of Awin’s treachery and the resources of the Heris family, Qaya seizes this unexpected opportunity to right her wrongs, seek redemption, and ultimately bring down the man who once held her captive. But can she balance the pursuit of vengeance with the weight of her new identity? Or will the shadows of her past consume her once more?

A brave hero and a Saint of the Immortal Flames join forces to face the most powerful being in the universe, the Celestial Emperor. However, all they manage to do is separate a piece of his divine artifact, the book Tales of the Creation of Heavens and Earth. Unexpectedly, Tristan, a kid who has been locked up in a dungeon for two years by his stepmother, ends up receiving a fragment of this book. Unfortunately, he realizes that this alone is not enough to change his situation. Nevertheless, it rekindles the flame in his heart and motivates him to stay alive to seek revenge and find out what happened to his mother. And perhaps, thus began his ascension in this hellish world. What to Expect: - Weak to Strong to Op - Big fantasy world, many regions to explore with different cultures and characteristics - A good romance - Very interesting magical system - Creative enemies with nice backstory: magical, mystical and divine (eventually) _____________ Discord Server: Join if you want to see some pictures of the characters or just talk about the book. https://discord.gg/q9EQuZfYeZ

Deep within the forest, many enchanted creatures live and prosper. This is all due to the magic of the fairies, which gave each creature the ability to speak and reason like a human. As a result, many nations rose and waged war with each other. To stop the chaos and form peace, the Olanders, the most ancient of creatures that could walk on two legs and speak the human tongue long before the fairies wrought their magic, began to spread their influence and reign to the borders of the forest. Its only foe was the Wolves, vicious monsters that haunt all woodlanders' nightmares. But they are steadily gaining power, and the Olanders grow desperate. Enter Severus, a young Dog with no real purpose or future, whose entire life is filled with just his dead-end clerk job. He wishes that he could somehow break free from his empty, monotonous existence and live life like all those around him seem to do. But when that wish is granted by a chance encounter with an Olander Army Commander, Severus finds he can not only break free of his dull life, but also break free of his own restraints to find friends, love, courage, and maybe even happiness.

A few years ago, the human race witnessed an apocalypse. One person's mistake that affected the whole world and threw it into chaos. 'There is now a tree in the moon, how it got there, i don't know.

Neris Truide was born with the legendary purple jewel eyes of the ancient warrior Elandria. Despite this, her peers at the noble academy bully her mercilessly, destroying her self-esteem. Adopted by the wealthy and powerful duke Elandria because of her jewel eyes, Neris eventually marries Crown Prince Abelus―only to be pushed aside for his mistress Megara, who led the bullying at school. Neris's life ends at age thirty when she is poisoned by her adoptive sister Valentin. However, instead of dying, she wakes up back at age twelve with her memories of her previous life intact. Enrolled at the academy once more, she sets about exacting revenge on those who ostracized, assaulted, and ultimately murdered her. But she didn't expect that in this life, she'd cross paths with Cledwyn Maindulante, the cunning future ruler of the north. As a determined Neris sets out to make her enemies suffer―and prevent her murder―will Cledwyn turn out to be a dangerous foe, or her closest ally ever?

Lin Yun, 36 years old, a widower, a mid-level manager in a private enterprise, is a single father, who has recently felt that he is encountering a mid-life crisis. Professionally, he faced adversity; domestically, he was in a cold war with his 14-year-old daughter; physically, he suffered from periarthritis and spoke daily of his agony. In the past few days, he had also uncovered a secret — his daughter was being a "Magic" girl. With the body of a young maiden, she battled extraordinary monsters and protected the city from attacks — this is the common perception of a "Magic" girl. But he was very aware that being a "Magic" girl came with life-threatening dangers. Should he stop her, or respect his daughter’s choice and find other ways to protect her? Gazing at the Heart Flower in his wardrobe, now covered in dust, Lin Yun, the former "Magic" girl who retired 19 years ago, was facing the third major decision of his life.

For thirteen quiet years, I lived in London with my adoptive parents, knowing full well the secret of who I really was. They had told me everything—the truth of my bloodline, the dangers lurking in the shadows—and we agreed on one thing: staying hidden was the only way to survive. But the past has a way of catching up. When the unknown world I escaped comes crashing back into my life, everything I thought I knew unravels. Hunted by demons, thrust into a world that feels more foreign with every heartbeat, and tasked with an impossible quest to recover the ancient swords of the First Queen—this isn't just survival anymore.

On a night when heavy rain swallows the world in shadow, a lone rider emerges—a man draped in black, his steps both deliberate and enigmatic. With a sword at his side and secrets etched into his soul, he rides a path few dare to tread. As kingdoms tremble on the brink of war, whispers of sorcerers, kings, and forgotten bloodlines weave through the taverns and battlefields. Alliances are fragile, trust is a weapon, and somewhere between justice and survival lies a truth few are willing to uncover. Guided by instinct and burdened by a past that haunts him, the swordsman journeys through lands torn by conflict and fear. In his wake, myths awaken, danger stirs, and a kingdom's fate balances precariously on the edge of a blade. To follow the way is to embrace its darkness... and its light.

Seri ini adalah prolog dari kisah atau cerita yang akan saya buat di masa mendatang

Kaelen Aegis, a battle-hardened warrior, is tasked with guarding Lady Elara Valemont, a noblewoman caught in political strife. As they face war and betrayal, their bond deepens, challenging Kaelen's beliefs about duty and love. In a world of conflict, their love becomes their strength and redemption.

The son of the God of Darkness is known for his bad temper among the gods. The father, the God of Darkness, does not like that his son behaves too freely, which casts a shadow on his reputation." The God of Darkness decides to send his son to a world that he and the other gods rule without telling the other gods. It is difficult to predict what the son of the God of Darkness will do. How would he decide to show his father that he was in charge and that he was just a jerk?

In a galaxy ravaged by war and haunted by the ever-expanding Dead Zones, Naia is a skilled Harmony Navigator - a person of extraordinary powers that can temporarily stabilize paths through them. Thus she was trained and recruited into the branch of the military known as Vanguard Operations. She finds her romance - a welcome stabilizing factor in her life - thrown into turmoil when the enigmatic and powerful soldier, Theia, joins her squad. It would be clear to anyone that the two women looked very much alike… and it was long clear to Naia that this woman was the one she was always meant to replace in Evander’s heart. Bound by duty, Naia must navigate not only the treacherous reality-bending terrain of the Dead Zones but also the growing tension and unspoken desires within their team. As her squad leader Evander's attention slips ever more towards the alluring and unpredictable Theia, the Navigator grapples with feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and a growing sense of isolation. Love & Duty - Or Duty & Sacrifice? A balance that the three can live with is sought. Will she be able to maintain her focus and fulfill her vital role in the war effort, or will the discord fomenting within their squad consume them all? Naia must confront the rising tide of chaos, both within herself and slowly building in the world around her… ultimately discovering the true price of harmony. ---- Romance-Drama with a Science-Fantasy setting. Messy Triangle - yes. An Omni-Directional one? At times, but it's not poly. Some FxM R-18/Smut... Interspersed tastefully and plot progressively. --In this author's opinion, anyway. * Eventual Les/Yuri/FxF scenes, yes. * You're Welcome. ---- If you like your love stories poking you in the feels in the middle of fantastical settings, check out my other works too! It's kind of what I do.

Sam and Emma, siblings bound by a shared past of hardship, have always relied on each other to survive. With poverty and neglect as their constant companions, Sam takes on the role of protector, venturing into the shadowy underworld to provide Emma with a better life. But his desperation leads him to a secretive society that offers wealth and power—at a heavy cost. As Sam ascends the society’s ranks, the tasks he faces grow darker, forcing him to compromise his values. Meanwhile, Emma begins to build her own life, uncovering the truth about Sam's dangerous choices. Gratitude turns to fear as she sees the price he’s paying to keep her safe. When a high-stakes mission puts Emma directly in harm's way, Sam is torn between the family he swore to protect and the society that demands his loyalty. With time running out, he must make an impossible decision: sacrifice his humanity to secure Emma’s future, or risk everything to break free from the chains of the brotherhood. In a world where love and loyalty clash with power and corruption, Shadows of Sacrifice explores the lengths we go to protect the ones we love—and the cost of losing ourselves along the way.

In the infinite universe composed of planes, the number of planes that had gained fame with their might and traversed millions of years was no more than the fingers on one hand. Among them was the Celestial Plane, inhabited by beings known as the Fatihs. A young Fatih named Ülgen had just graduated from the academy of the Celestial Plane and was about to take his first step towards becoming a true Fatih in the infinite universe. He knew that his journey would be filled with countless dangers, and he was ready!

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In a medieval world gripped by war, Anya, a young elf from a small clan, discovers she carries one of the Seven Gems of Lumina. This gem, with the glow of a cat's eye, grants her mastery over the elements, making her a powerful sorceress. But Anya is not the only bearer. Each gem, scattered across the kingdom, grants a unique power: that of burning flame, that of freezing ice, that of hurricane wind, that of fertile earth, that of blinding light, and that of dark shadows. The search for the gems has sparked a war between the great clans. The Raven Clan, led by the ambitious Lord Kael, seeks to dominate the kingdom and forge a dark empire. Kael, in love with Anya, sees her as a tool to achieve his goals, but she resists his advances. As Anya delves deeper into this world of magic and betrayal, she discovers that each gem has a story and a legacy. The Burning Flame Gem, for example, was forged in the heart of a volcano and grants unimaginable destructive power. The Frigid Ice Gem, born in the depths of the sea, can freeze rivers and create impenetrable shields. As the clans clash in epic battles, Anya and her allies suffer devastating losses. Friends and family fall in combat, and the young elf is forced to make difficult decisions that will shape her fate. The conflict over the gems escalates, and the kingdom is divided into warring factions. In the midst of this war, Anya discovers an ancient oracle that reveals a terrible secret: if all seven gems are gathered in one place, they could unleash a catastrophe that would destroy the world. Anya must find a way to stop Kael and the other gem bearers before it is too late. But the path to peace will not be easy, for the fate of the kingdom and her own are intertwined with the power of the gems.

The Price of Rivalry follows Olivia Carter, a fiercely determined CEO, as she battles to prove her worth in the high-stakes world of corporate power. Handpicked to run her family’s green tech empire, Carter Wave Solutions, Olivia has spent her life preparing to defy expectations and make her mark. But her rise is challenged by Dimitri Stavros, a billionaire whose family controls a multinational conglomerate that dominates the business world. Arrogant, ruthless, and dangerously captivating, Dimitri is used to bending the world to his will. When Olivia outmaneuvers him in a critical boardroom showdown, she shatters his carefully curated dominance, sparking a clash that transcends business. Their rivalry becomes personal, a battle of manipulation and power where neither is willing to back down. Dimitri, furious at his defeat, devises a plan to punish Olivia in a way that forces her to confront her own vulnerabilities. But as their fiery confrontations lead to undeniable passion, the lines between love and revenge blur, threatening to destroy them both.

I thought I was just another gamer until I found myself in a post-apocalyptic world where survival is a game—and I’m playing for keeps. With my life on the line and grotesque creatures lurking around every corner, I quickly learn that strategy is my best weapon. But it’s not just about surviving; it’s about forging bonds with a ragtag group of fellow survivors. Among them is Ethan, a brooding ex-soldier who makes my heart race despite the danger we face. As we navigate a treacherous landscape filled with rival factions and ancient magic, I must uncover the secrets within me that could turn the tide in our favor. Will our growing connection help us rise from the ashes, or will the chaos of this world tear us apart before we get the chance?

As war ravages the steppe of the East, a Priestess hounded from her home, and her companion who never had one, follow a trail of fire and cinders left behind by a creature borne of the blood and fire which covers the steppe, more distant from life than from death. If they falter then the entire steppe may be set ablaze and reduced to ash before any may sit upon its throne.

Legend of the Blacksmith Ang Panday: The Origin is a Filipino Epic Story that famously characterized and portrayed by Fernando Poe Jr. Tells us the story of Flavio a blacksmith who found the gem of Meteorite that he used to craft a dagger. Because the gem is a source of power the Dagger transforms into any kind of weapon, especially a Sword.