Gnarled Heights

A true master of governance reaches a realm where they can handle heavy responsibilities with ease, turn stones into gold, and achieve near-miraculous results. With a keen eye on the world, such an official is like a god in their field. Xia Xiang has been reborn. Standing at the crossroads of his university graduation, he reflects on the missed opportunities of his past life and resolves to seize every chance in this new one. This time, he will chart his own path, starting as a secretary to the county party secretary. With extraordinary wisdom and unwavering determination, Xia Xiang rises through the ranks of the political system. He not only navigates the complex web of power struggles with ease but also turns crises into opportunities, transforming challenges into stepping stones. Every step he takes is marked by intelligence and courage, and every decision he makes is precise and well-calculated. In a world filled with both opportunities and challenges, Xia Xiang must face pressures and tests from all sides while finding a balance between morality and self-interest. He proves that a true master of governance is not just a symbol of power, but also an embodiment of wisdom and justice. Follow Xia Xiang's journey as he rises to legendary heights in the political arena, and witness how he ascends to the pinnacle, becoming a figure revered by all.

A veteran, once regarded as one of the best in his field, nearly crippled by a heartbreak, gains a semblance of sanity and finds himself entangled in the fate of humanity. Will he become just another cry of anguish among the sea of stars, or will he rise as one of the vanguards that pierce the firmament? Let us direct our weapons away from our fellow men and instead toward the vast cosmos, where we will plant the banner of humanity on every planet, star, and galaxy, as well as within the very fabric of existence. Though we have stumbled in the past, we possess the strength in our arms and legs to rise again! This time with greater resilience, unparalleled creativity, and deeper solidarity than ever before! Let us transcend the achievements of the past and elevate humanity to new heights once more! Join Alex on his Journey to be the protector of mankind in all timelines whether it's the past, present and future as he unfold the secrets of the cosmos and what really means to be human.

Shuri Lee, a pitiful orphan, never imagined she would capture the heart of Noran Kingston, a prodigious pianist revered worldwide for his brilliance. Their love was pure and passionate, but her humble background made her an outcast in the eyes of the powerful Kingston family. Against all odds, they eloped, building a life of quiet happiness—until tragedy struck. Years later, their love story met a cruel end when Shuri was murdered. Heartbroken and consumed by vengeance, Noran unleashed his fury, annihilating everyone responsible for her death before taking his own life, longing only to join her in the afterlife. But destiny granted him a second chance. When Noran awoke, he found himself transported back in time to the height of his fame, before he ever met Shuri. This time, he’s determined to change everything. “I’ll protect you, Rin. No one will take you from me again.” No longer just a pianist, Noran became the chairman of the world’s most powerful corporation, building an empire of wealth and influence. Ruthless and relentless, he reshapes the world itself, all to shield Shuri from her cruel fate and reclaim the love they were robbed of. However, Noran had no idea that, in both their past life and this one, Shuri carried secrets of her own... secrets that could still tear them apart.

[Romance + Comedy+ R18 scenes + violence+ supernatural elements] Zeva Chen, the protagonist of the story. She is an orphan with her parents passing away, at young age. So, she had learnt to strive and survive in the dog eat dog world today. She is young, and an absolute beauty. But well, try to mess with her and you are going to go back home Black and Blue. Yes, she was a little crazy too. You might call her a little Rebel, who would do anything to get something that she has her eyes fixed on. That was what the world saw her as. But deep inside, our girl was a softie and a sweetheart. She deeply cared about people whom she loved. And it so happened one day, that she saw a family in a brink of death situation. While trying to save them, Zeva herself was about to meet death. BUT! She did not die. She was saved by a 'System', who had chosen to get attached to her. Hence, she gets a system that would help her reach the heights of success in her life. And the most baffling thing about it was - Her system's manager was a three years old looking kid. Now not only she has to complete the tasks given to her by the system, but also babysit the little trouble! And that was not only it! The main thing is yet to come. Our girl has fallen in love! With her professor? Unfortunately. Fallen in love? Wait-! That's an understatement. She was obsessed! She turns on ready to do everything to get him, not knowing that the 'so called professor' had his eyes on her.... NOW READ THE BOOK! ENOUGH INFORMATION HERE. (This story is going to go for long... so be prepared!)

*New Chapters every Monday and Friday!* Luther, a cursed, female, bounty hunter must travel to deliver a boy across war torn France in the height of World War II; while being hunted by those with more sinister agendas. In a world full of bounty hunters, criminals, and the government, any day could be your last; so make every bullet count.

Dark Sapphic Bully Romance - Glyndon Walton: The Waltons, my family, are on top of the world, and very conservative. I’m a good girl who goes to church every Sunday to confess my sins. I’m loyal to my boyfriend aka my future husband. + Katherine Andrews: Since the rumor about me being a lesbian was spread around school, Glyndon and her group never stopped bullying me at school. I just had to bear the bullying a little longer, But I couldn’t… I needed to break her, to hurt her, to make her beg and cry, to destroy her, to make her desperate for me, to show her how much she wants and needs me… I needed her… ______ This book contains. + Good Girl (Bully) X Disrepute biker Girl (The Victim??) +A hint of sport romance +Gay awakening +Biker Girl + Crawling back to her +Height difference +Dark Romance + Stalking

Synopsis: Yang Liwei never expected his life to end so abruptly, nor did he imagine what came after. Instead of fading into nothingness, he wakes up as a system, a mysterious entity bound to guide others toward power and greatness. Stripped of his body and humanity, he now exists as Epoch, a system designed to aid cultivators in a world filled with mystical Qi, treacherous sects, and gods-in-the-making. Bound to Xia Yu, a struggling cultivator from a weak clan, Yang Liwei's new purpose is clear: help her rise to unimaginable heights. But Xia Yu isn't just any mortal—her fate is tied to forces far beyond her comprehension. As Epoch, Yang Liwei supplies her with Qi, breaks down barriers, and offers guidance to propel her cultivation forward. Yet, being a system is not as simple as it seems. His humanity clashes with his new existence, and his bond with Xia Yu grows complicated as they navigate the dangerous world of cultivation together. What happens when a once-human system begins to question its role? Can Xia Yu achieve greatness, or will the enemies lurking in the shadows destroy her before she ascends? A tale of power, partnership, and the struggle for purpose—watch as a fallen mortal system and a determined cultivator rewrite the destiny of their world.

What happens when modernization meets cultivation? It’s more than just a cultivator picking up a gun. Imagine storage rings and beast contracts being transformed into modern devices, letting anyone capture and tame monsters. What if alchemy evolved to mass-produce pills? Now, add vampires and other mythical races into the mix, and the possibilities are endless. In this fun story, we follow two main characters: Alex is a wealthy second-generation kid from the modern world, an "awakener" who spends his days as a big spender in online games and reading novels on his phone. In the novel community, he’s famous for throwing money around, known as a loyal, rich reader. His ordinary life gets turned upside down when he’s thrown into a new world filled with cultivation and magic. MinYue is a brilliant cultivator, a graceful beauty with incredible talent, and the shining hope of her family to reach new heights. Her disciplined, focused life is the complete opposite of Alex’s carefree lifestyle, but destiny has other plans for them. Through a twist of fate, their lives intertwine when a mysterious system binds them together, assigning them the mission to revive the vampire race. Even with their totally different backgrounds, Alex and MinYue must find a way to work together, blending their unique skills and views on the world. Join them on their journey as they become the strongest duo, rising to claim their throne as Vampire Progenitors in a world where modernization and cultivation collide!

After dying in laboratory tests, Klaus transmigrated to a Sorcerer World, in a strange and peculiar character whose existence is an enigma. He knew this world, for it was the world of the novel one of his students wrote. He also knew the character because he created it. But it was a discarded character; it never appeared in the novel. How could he have transmigrated in it? Reality hit him soon after when he was sent to cross through the first test that every sorcerer must pass to awaken his abilities. There, he will have to fight against powerful monsters, which they call Curses, and against other Sorcerers, all to try to enter the select group of Sorcerers to discover the secrets that await in this world and understand his arrival to this and his existence. Just when he thought his journey might be boring, he received a peculiar and mighty power bordering divinity, capable of making him reach unimaginable heights. Although a bit dangerous... ****** Discord Link: https://discord.gg/ZbjEHW2UEc

"Grind to Glory" Noah Greene was a nobody—an unlucky, broke, and aimless young man stuck at rock bottom. But everything changes when he stumbles upon the Grindstone, an ancient artifact that grants him the power to grow stronger through relentless effort. With every quest completed and every challenge overcome, Noah's stats rise, his body grows tougher, and his abilities reach new heights. But the Grindstone’s power comes with a cost. Strange, nightmarish creatures called Aberrations are drawn to its energy, and Noah soon finds himself thrust into a hidden world where danger lurks at every turn. When a shadowy organization known as the Department of Paranormal Regulation (DPR) takes notice of his potential, Noah must decide whether to work with them or face this dark world alone. Armed with nothing but his grit, a mysterious ally with her own agenda, and a system that rewards him for grinding his way forward, Noah is about to embark on a journey of growth, survival, and secrets. What lies at the end of the path? Power? Glory? Or something far darker? If you're a fan of progression-based stories, gritty underdog heroes, and thrilling twists, Grind to Glory will keep you hooked from the first chapter to the last.

Being one of the few hunters at the top, the S-ranked Marksman Hunter "Ace" had it all. A strong sense of combat, wealth, fame, and a bright future ahead of him. Yet, despite it all, he felt nothing at all to his feats. He was just content with his life, not wanting anything else. Having risen to unimaginable heights through battling many gates over the years, his glory was renowned throughout the world and was said to be one of the few hunters that would pave the path to a brighter future for their generation. Yet, that was all thrown out of the window. Almost a decade after The Great Awakening which shook the entirety of Terra, the Hunter "Ace" stood before many people as he announced something that no one could've ever imagined. "Today, I will be announcing my retirement." Yes. That day marked the end of one Hunter's journey. Though, it was not out of his own free will. [ Hunter "Jace"—class change will now begin. ] It was all because of a fateful notification he had received. [ You are now classified as a Synergist. ] ——————————————————— Official Discord Server: https://discord.gg/FdH8CET I do not own the cover art. Lettering: Hesreth

This story follows the journey of two conjoined twin brothers as they navigate their path to godhood. As the universe around them is transformed by a mysterious system into a realm of gods, super beings, and other powerful entities, the twins embark on a series of adventures. Together, they must overcome challenges, harness newfound powers, and confront the complexities of their bond as they rise to unimaginable heights in this evolving world.

[Warning: r18+/strong mature content] Amidst the clash of desire and betrayal, who will dare to sacrifice everything for the sake of love? With the ability to foresee the future, Tarah could propel kings to unprecedented heights of success or plunge them into the depths of irreversible failure. But when her kingdom fell, Tarah was forced to offer herself into servitude to her captor in exchange for her brother’s life, becoming a spy in a dangerous game against Ezekiel, the future Dragon King of Ebodia. Haunted by a prophecy of his doom by a woman’s hand, Prince Ezekiel has meticulously avoided female company throughout his life. However, everything changed when he met Tarah, the new fated Seer of Ebodia. Initially only caring about ruling the world, Ezekiel now finds himself strongly enamored by Tarah, at the risk of losing sight of his own goals. Caught between safeguarding her brother's life and the growing affection for the domineering ruler, Tarah faces a dilemma. Will she navigate this dangerous path, risking everything for her heart's desires? ********* Excerpt: "You can't escape me. There's nowhere in this world where you can hide from my reach," Ezekiel whispered, his breath warm against her neck. Her throat tightened as his lips grazed her skin. With a firm yet gentle grip on her chin, he tilted her head, urging her to meet his intense gaze, causing her heart to pound in her chest. "I'm here to make you remember every detail of the agony you've caused me," he declared. "Agony?!" she protested. "Yes, your cruel betrayal. Leaving me, breaking your promise..." ***** MAIN STORY STATUS - COMPLETED

What if you spend your whole life like a vegetable in a hospital bed? Only being able to speak and listen. Just that. Would you go crazy? Unbalanced? What if it was all the fault of a degenerate madman looking for his parents' inheritance? Would you be angry? Would you be mentally broken? That was Kayden's life for 20 years and as quickly as it started, it ended, but luckily for him, reincarnation existed and by some miracle, he still had his memories of it. And....his new world had...magic. In the first moment of consciousness, Kayden made a promise to himself, in this life, he would achieve everything, he would reach the height of power, he wouldn't give a damn about women or money, futile things that would condemn him to mediocrity, his focus was to have the power to rule his destiny, this time he would not be a slave to his own life, he would be a monarch. Image made by: Queen Frieza

“In misfortune awaits fortune.” In a universe where Gods dwell on the highest floors of the Tower, an Arcana Card for immense good luck was created. To balance this, a devastating misfortune card was also born. Unbeknownst to the Gods, both cards slipped out of the Tower and went unnoticed. Julien, cursed by the card of immense bad luck, lived a life where death shadowed his every move, and the Grim Reaper’s blade seemed ever-present. His first life ended in despair, but at the height of his misfortune, a glimmer of hope emerged when a mysterious entity offered him a deal. The deal: conquer the Tower and fulfill her request, in exchange for a chance at a better life after reincarnation.  With the Eternal•Lust System granted by this enigmatic entity, Julien embarks on a perilous journey to ascend the Tower and become the one and only—Grand Lust Sovereign. ***** Discord: https://discord.gg/RBhAbVAvnN [Warning: Mature Content. Discretion is advised.]

~Updates Daily~ (usually near 8PM ET / 1AM GMT) Other Tags: #GL #Slice of Life #Comedy #TheStrongActingWeak #ChildhoodSweethearts (It counts!) Single love interest Yuri! No lengthy misunderstandings over this fact~ --- After failing to ascend to the heights of Divinity despite all her preparations, an ancient cultivator finds herself not embracing the emptiness of the void - but the interior warmth of a womb. Her memories intact despite her spirit being a merest fraction of her height - and her trusted Astralism unchanged - she carefully starts over from an infant. How to navigate her family: [really easy with only two parents and an estate full of servants!] How to portray herself: [everyone likes 'sweet' kids and trusts (underestimates) 'weak' girls!] How 'quickly' to reveal the power she gathers: [this region is a 'backwater', let's just take it slow~] How her marriage was arranged before birth: [my parents adore me so at an appropriate time I'll just have it cance- oh?] Dealing with an 'amusing' deceit: ['he' looks worried still, but 'he' doesn't have to worry from me!] Confronting the 'boy' in private: [whatever their iffy plan is, I just obtained a husband-wife~] Even in a new life, | Elua er Goltbred | can't and doesn't *want* to change who she really is. A scheming cultivator. A possessive lover. Neither of those things had been a real hindrance to the Peak of Demi-God. Balancing the two in this life - without driving away the young 'boy' she decided would be hers - centers as much around helping | Qatrand er Yecine | find herself... as it is hoping to ease the fiance into how messed up the 'younger' girl honestly is. It's a good thing that the reborn cultivator can improvise with her ridiculous control of an Illusion Astralism - because plans fail and unexpected things happen when you're not *really* a genius. Like her Physique in this life allowing the lightest 'grip' to crack stone... | Qat | (the nickname picked almost instantly!) despite being a little stunted by her family environment early on, finds her future wife to be 'cute' on their first meeting. ... she really shouldn't have let on. It made her | El | kind of vain. Oh, and muscles. | Elua | : I just like looking at them, okay!? Is it so weird? People can have hobbies... - - - > Types of Cultivation // Spiritual (Soul), Physical (Body), Essence (Qi) > Aspect Trinity // Astralism, Physique, Element 'Ranks' Initial - Early, Mid, Late Lower Realms // Enchanter, Primalist, Breacher Upper Realms // Defier, Demi-god, Divinity - Echelons (First -> Seventh[Peak]) - - - Cover Art: AI Text Prompt Generation + title (etc.) added with an image editor. I also tend to do other 'fixes' in post! Potential trigger warnings: > A FL that may seem (to some) like they are being groomed due to 'true age' difference. > A MC that gets a little 'thirsty' a little 'young' but tries to 'keep her own pants on' until the proper age. > A toxic family environment willing to force an unloved child into the role of a crossdresser. A child that grew more than okay with it. > 'Pretty Good Dad' intentionally 'picked on' by his 'sweet daughter' for being a relatively 'minor obstacle'. Seriously, you were warned, average fathers with teenagers. Do not engage your trauma.

Among countless online games, one name is at the pinnacle: The Old Quest. It's a never-ending world of grind, and the concept of "max level" is an urban myth. Right in the middle of this virtual frontier is a young man—a dedicated gamer driven by an insatiable ambition to reach unprecedented heights in the game. He fuels his determination and attains a level so monumental that he has begun to shake the very core of The Old Quest. But when this seemed like the ultimate challenge overcome, the game sprang yet another surprise on him—a message from the developers and a new prompt "Become a god race" which turned an upheaval in his gaming journey. God of Grinding is a tale of persistence and strength but, maybe even more importantly, about plot twists that come with success. It's a virtual journey based on one crucial question: what happens when a player becomes a god? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Join our discord: https://discord.gg/v9QSTrDQS6

MOUNTAIN SITTING IMMORTAL (MSI) A conduit of the great Dao happened to enter the grotto heaven called Earth. No one had been able to take ownership of this conduit for many years until Marvin came into contact with it.  Marvin met the requirement to use the conduit. This allowed him to begin his journey towards immortality.  The journey begins from transcending the first mortal coil at Body Forging to transcending the second at Energy Gathering, passing through the subsequent mortal coils, and hopefully to becoming a true immortal with eternal life. But the conduit is far more useful than helping a dying business tycoon gain another lease at life. It is also a conduit of great power.  This power and many more will be his as long as he continues to sit on his mountain and grows the mountain into a colossus. The mountain will bring him to greater heights and greater power.  This is the story of the Mountain Sitting Immortal.

If Only I Could Level Up In a world reshaped by the enigmatic Paradox World System, humanity has become a battleground of levels, stats, and unimaginable power. For most, survival means ascending the ranks of the system, but for Erwin Grey, it’s a cruel paradox. Born without a system of his own, he’s trapped in a world where everyone else evolves—except him. Yet, Erwin is far from powerless. He discovers a unique ability: while he cannot level up himself, his weapons and items can ascend to extraordinary heights. Armed with this anomaly, Erwin must navigate deadly trials, face ruthless players, and outwit a system designed to crush him. But survival is only the beginning. As Erwin unravels the truth behind the Paradox World System, he’s confronted by a shocking revelation: the system was created by his future self to prepare humanity for a war with an unknown enemy. Now, Erwin must embrace his role as the architect of his own torment and make impossible choices—where sacrifice and survival are often the same. Epic battles, chilling decisions, and a hero driven by cold logic and ingenuity. If Only I Could Level Up is a gripping tale of resilience, defiance, and the relentless pursuit of purpose in a world that demands everything. Will Erwin conquer the system, or will the weight of his choices destroy him? The clock is ticking, and the price of failure is extinction.

Lu Zhen, the young master of the Lu family was defeated and crippled in a battle against Jin's young master. His Sword Dao Heart was also destroyed resulting in his cultivation being stagnant. Three years later, seeing that he will remain trash his whole life, Lu Zhen chose to end his life. As if the heavens were favouring him. Lu Zhen's body was taken over by the Sovereign White Lion which was besieged for its heaven defying technique and had everything taken from it. Will the Sovereign White Lion take Lu Zhen to new heights or will it be devoured by its vengeance?

A human who was forever cursed with the lack of mana, the absence of a bloodline, of any soul gears. With only his strong willpower, arduous training, and intense determination, he achieved the impossible—to become one of the strongest Aura users in history. A man who used his own flesh, blood, and life force to strengthen himself. But hard work can only bring a person to limited heights. Sooner or later, reality thrashes the ambitions of a talentless man. No matter how much he trains, learns, or adapts, the inevitable arrives. In the face of inevitable doom, all residents were reduced to nothing. And so it was for the strongest Aura user. In the presence of colossal creatures, he was helpless. His colleagues were either dead or had escaped. He remained alone in the face of death. Death eventually arrived. But… in these last moments of life, something magical happened. The wheel of fate turned, karma churned, and the quill of destiny began to rewrite the once inevitable fate. So behold: The strongest Aura user was regressed and reborn. Everything about him changed. but the changes that will occur have already transcended the boundary of imaginations. as He's the sole heir of " Asfer ". and the ruler of Authority over infinity. And the upbringer of an unpredictable era.The Era that will be known later on. Novel will be updated daily. it will be slow paced. so yeah that's pretty much it.

Ian was an ordinary guy on his way to work when he suddenly found himself in a strange and dangerous world ruled by dark races like vampires, werewolves, and demons. Transmigrated into the body of a lesser vampire, Ian must quickly adapt to his new reality where survival is a constant struggle. Just when all hope seems lost, Ian discovers he has a unique advantage: The Strongest Body Customization System, which allows him to modify and customize his body by consuming biomass. With this golden finger, Ian starts to turn the tables, designing bone claws and other enhancements to give him an edge against the terrifying werewolves and other supernatural threats. But as Ian learns more about the Curtained Imperium and the rigid hierarchies of the vampire race, he realizes that defeating his enemies is only the first step. To survive and thrive in this dark and brutal world, Ian must rise through the ranks, uncover the power of his system. Need to fly? Customize a pair of angel wings! The body is small? Add hundreds meters of height and become bigger than Godzilla! Need a weapon? Customize bone claws and kagune on the spot!

Betrayed and shattered by the man she trusted most, Abigail is left with nothing but a burning desire for revenge. As she plots her comeback, fate leads her to a mysterious stranger—the world’s most adored yet enigmatic singer, famously known as the Masked Singer. Disguised as a humble cook, he’s hiding from his fame and haunted by a past that no one knows. Captivated by Abigail’s fierce spirit, he steps in, guiding her transformation from heartbreak to Hollywood’s rising star, helping her climb to heights she never dreamed possible. But as their alliance deepens into an undeniable romance, dark secrets linger between them, threatening to unravel everything. What will Abigail do when she uncovers the heartbreaking truth behind the man who helped her reclaim her life? In a world fueled by fame, deception, and hidden scars, can love survive once the masks come off?

In the shadow of betrayal and heartbreak, one young woman's journey to redemption becomes a testament to the human spirit. When Patience, a university student, discovers she's pregnant, her world crumbles. Abandoned by her boyfriend and ostracized by her community, she teeters on the edge of despair. Yet, in the midst of darkness, Patience finds an unlikely guardian angel in Philip, a quiet neighbor who harbors a secret love for her. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of shame, exploitation, and loss, Philip's unwavering support becomes her beacon of hope. From the depths of sorrow to the heights of triumph, Patience's story is a powerful exploration of love, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit. Will she find the strength to rise above the ashes, or will the shadows of her past define her forever? Dive into the emotional and inspiring journey of Dawning Dusk.

In his past life, Han Sen was a skilled basketball trainer but never achieved his NBA dreams due to his height limitations. After dying unexpectedly, he reincarnates in a parallel world, inhabiting the body of a highly talented four-star recruit also named Han Sen, who had faced a career downturn. Now equipped with a mysterious system that makes him stronger the more he’s criticized, he plans to turn his new life around and fulfill his dream of becoming an elite basketball player. Join Han Sen’s journey as he sets the stage to prove his worth, utilizing his "Hater System" to grow stronger by attracting negative attention from the media and fans! This is a translation. Original Author: 肉末大茄子

What if you were a modern man who was reincarnated into a medieval world of powerful men, but you were but a small girl without anything to your name? How would you survive? How would you cope with being a woman? What sort of heights could you reach without any cheat systems or super advanced knowledge from the internet? Well come and find out how Bruce a former undercover police officer deals with this situation and his/her constantly changing body. The picture is not mine. It's AI generated and shows you what the protagonist is maybe going to look like in the future of this story.

"Kairos, a being of unparalleled power, embarks on a journey of self-discovery alongside his eleven enigmatic companions. United by fate, they transcend the boundaries of their world. As they ascend to unimaginable heights, their bonds strengthen, forged by love, loyalty, and shared ambition. Together, they unravel the mysteries of their existence. Will Kairos and his companions uncover the truth about themselves, or will their discovery reshape reality?" [A/N: All illustrations and Cover are Original. The illustration on Cover represents Kairos "Battle Form".]

Asmodieus, the ruler of all things unholy stood on his majestic throne. mortals, Gods and demon alike bowed under his feet. would you like to witness how he ascended to such magnificent heights?

Hikaru is a 17-years-old boy who is disliked by all his classmates because of his height and weight, he got bullied almost every day by bullies, he left school with bruises all over his body, he got used to everything that he sometimes didn't find it hard to endure everything his classmates put him through; one day on his way home he encountered a blue stone and it asked him to become partner's; will Hikaru's life be changed for the better or for worse?

Kelly Mitchell is a talented young man at the height of the industrial revolution. In his path to becoming a great engineer, what values must he sacrifice?