Thronebreaker: The One Who Devours Names - Chapter 22 – The Shape of Her Smile

In the winter of Taikang Year 3, a girl pays a visit to her future in-laws, the Ning Family of Beiliu, Yangcheng.

After her engagement was denied, the girl decided to hang herself in front of the Ning Family to show them her sincerity.

When the girl who had died opened her eyes once more, many people’s fates were changed forever.

- Description from Novelupdates

An avid Xianxia reader suddenly has his dream come true—he wakes up in a world of cultivation. The only problem? Maybe it wasn’t really his dream after all.Now, faced with the daunting reality of countless cultivation realms to climb, countless worlds to ascend through, and countless arrogant young masters to deal with, despair begins to settle in.Fortunately, a glimmer of hope appears amidst the chaos: a mysterious system that could change everything.Armed with elders, ancestors, and a sect leader—who are all actually his own avatars—he no longer feels completely overwhelmed.“At least I don’t have to do it all alone… well, technically, I do. They’re just avatars, after all.”

Embarking on a journey through a mysterious realm filled with boundless dangers and boundless opportunities, Qin Ze, an ordinary soul, is imbued with an extraordinary system that promises unparalleled power and growth. With each challenge overcome, be it fierce battles against demonic beasts or treacherous schemes woven by cunning foes, Qin Ze's strength soars to new heights. This is a tale of relentless progression, where the protagonist's will to survive and thrive fuels his relentless pursuit of becoming the strongest entity in existence. As Qin Ze delves deeper into the secrets of this vast universe, he uncovers ancient legacies, forms powerful alliances, and faces off against the titans that once ruled the land. But amidst the chaos and bloodshed, he never forgets his roots and the promise he made to protect those he cares about. “Unrivaled Ascension” is a thrilling adventure of self-discovery, boundless potential, and the ultimate triumph of perseverance over adversity.

Themes: Black Market Trading, Global Crime Networks, Boundaries of Human Nature and Morality, The Struggle Between Truth and SurvivalStory Background:In a modern metropolis, the surface level of prosperity conceals the darkness and corruption lurking beneath. Ethan, a highly skilled detective, spends his life navigating the shadowy corners of the city, uncovering the hidden secrets buried beneath the mundane facade of everyday life. When he is drawn into what initially seems like a simple suicide case, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the global black market, power struggles, and transnational crime.Main Characters:Ethan (Protagonist): A seasoned, calm, and intuitive detective who excels at finding the truth in complex cases. On the surface, he is a quiet, solitary man who prefers to avoid social interaction, but deep down, he is haunted by unresolved cases from his past. Faced with dark forces, he is both determined and full of doubt.Lila (Female Protagonist/Key Ally): Ethan's investigative partner, an intelligent and resourceful intelligence officer with a mysterious background. Her past is also shrouded in secrecy, and she seems to have an undisclosed connection to the “Black Angels” organization. She provides crucial assistance in Ethan's investigation, but her motives remain unclear, casting suspicion on her true intentions.Victor Saville (Antagonist/Main Adversary): A charismatic yet dangerous businessman, who appears to be a successful entrepreneur but is, in fact, one of the central figures of the global crime syndicate “The Black Angels.” Cold-hearted, clever, and ruthless, he controls a global black market network, overseeing arms trafficking, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. He is not only a key figure in Langley's death but also the biggest obstacle in Ethan's investigation.The Mysterious Woman (Key Character): An elusive woman who repeatedly appears during Ethan's investigation, warning him not to delve deeper into Saville and the “Black Angels” organization. Her identity is unclear, but it is evident that she holds vital secrets about Saville and his network. Her appearances leave Ethan bewildered—whether she is an enemy or his only ally remains uncertain.