Purgatory Artist - Chapter 21: dual what?

Grayson is a poor college student, scavenging leftover food, betrayed by his girlfriend, and constantly looked down on by everyone around him. Little do they realize he’s actually the heir to the mightiest billionaire family. When the seal on Grayson’s fortune is lifted, he transforms into the ultimate second-generation rich kid. He only wants to keep a low profile, but fate just won’t let him!So you think I’m just a loser? Fine. I’ll quietly use my money to solve everything behind your backs. Then I’ll make you all choke on your own words, swallow every insult, and slap you hard in the face...（This is anovel full of twists, comebacksand face-slapping moments, witha tightly woven and engaging plot—definitely worth your time.If you enjoy my story, please support it by adding itto your favorites. Your encouragement is the driving force behind my continued creation of exciting contentI also promise there will be no disappointing ending—the storywill have a satisfying conclusion. As the author,I already have 1.5 million words in reserve and willupdate with at least three chapters daily on average.）

Ethan Blackwood wasn’t used to being defied. As the CEO of a global empire, he crushed obstacles with a single glance. But when Lily Anderson stood before him, her chin lifted in quiet defiance, and something in him snapped. “Sign the contract,” he said, his voice like ice. “30 days. You’ll obey every command. After that, you’re free.”She hesitated, her fingers trembling as she gripped the pen. “And if I refuse?”His smirk was cold, but his eyes burned. “Then you’ll spend the rest of your life paying off your father’s debts. Your choice.”Trapped, Lily signed. But she vowed one thing: she wouldn’t let him break her.From the first day, their clash was electric. He demanded perfection; she gave him rebellion. “You think you can control me?” she spat, after he criticized her for being late.Ethan stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “I don’t just control you. Lily, I own you.”But as the days passed, the lines between them blurred. Late nights in his penthouse turned into whispered conversations. His cold demeanor cracked, revealing glimpses of a man haunted by his past. One night, after a heated argument, he pinned her against the wall, his breath hot against her ear. “Why do you fight me so much?”Her voice trembled. “Because I’m afraid if I stop, I’ll lose myself to you.”Their connection deepened, but danger loomed. Secrets from Ethan’s past resurfaced, threatening to destroy everything. When Lily discovered the truth behind his obsession with her, she confronted him. “Was I just a pawn in your game? A way to settle an old score?”His eyes darkened with pain. “You were never just a game, Lily. You’re the only thing that’s ever felt real.”As the final days of their contract approached, their bond was tested like never before. Enemies closed in, and trust hung by a thread. Could they overcome the shadows of their pasts, or would their love crumble under the weight of secrets and pride?

A hero must be compassionate, selfless and courageous.But that isn't all. Because a hero must also be powerful.In this world, power is everything. Strength decides who gets to save lives and who's left with community service. That’s why I was nothing — a rank 50 E-Class reject, skating through the streets, saving what little I could while the real heroes battled gods and monsters.Then one day, I died. Almost.Dragged into the abyss, I was given a second chance: the Forever Core. An armor that evolves. A system that never stops adapting. Every battle, every hit, every mistake, I come back stronger.Now, the monsters that once crushed me can’t kill me the same way twice.I must adapt. Evolve. I must grow stronger and fight harder. Because humanity is worth fighting for.Even if I have to burn every villain alive to prove it.

Mo Ran felt that taking Chu Wanning as his master was a mistake.