I just want permanent death
In a world ruled by Qi cultivation, ancient sects, and unbreakable traditions, five individuals stand at the crossroads of fate. Layla (Meilin) – Once a ruthless war strategist, she is reborn into the crumbling Silver Lotus Sect, struggling to rebuild it without becoming the monster she once was. But as her forbidden Qi corrodes everything she touches, is she saving her people—or becoming something even worse?
Atlas Ryland – A merchant, a con artist, a walking headache. He talks his way into Shrouded Peaks Sect, cheats his way into alliances, and somehow survives battles he has no business winning. But when his body begins absorbing Qi in ways it shouldn’t, the world starts to notice—and not in a good way.
Emery Voss – A genius inventor who believes Qi is obsolete. As he crafts gunpowder weapons and steam-powered engines, Zafira fear that he might become insane.
Zafira al-Rahim – A crime lord who rules the underground, she controls information, trade, and people’s darkest secrets. But even she cannot control the madness Emery brings into the world.
Master Daokan – A living legend, once unshakable—until he sees Layla’s deadly new Qi and Atlas’ impossible survival. For the first time, he fears the world is changing beyond his control.