the sharp needle

Li Yong adalah bocah yang bernasib malang. Sejak dilahirkan, dia tidak pernah mengetahui siapakah kedua orang tuanya. Dia dibuang begitu saja. Entah karena apa alasannya. Sebab hingga sekarang, dia sendiri belum mengetahui secara pasti. Saat itu usianya masih kecil. Untunglah langit mengulurkan tangannya. Pada detik-detik penentuan antara hidup dan mati, tiba-tiba ada sebuah tangan yang terjulur kepadanya. Tangan itu sudah keriput, bahkan kotor oleh debu-debu yang menyesakkan nafas. Ternyata tangan itu milik seorang kakek tua. Li Yong tidak tahu siapa kakek tua itu. Yang dia tahu hanyalah bahwa kakek tua itulah yang kemudian merawatnya seperti kepada cucu sendiri. Bahkan dia juga yang memberikan nama Li Yong kepadanya. Nama itu diambil dari marga Li milik kakek tua yang diketahui bernama Li Beng tersebut. Semenjak saat itu, Li Yong terus tinggal bersama Kakek Li Beng. Keduanya benar-benar akrab, seperti akrabnya hubungan keluarga. Siapa pun pasti tidak akan ada yang menyangka bahwa mereka sebenarnya tidak ada ikatan darah sama sekali. Namun sayang sekali. Semua itu tiba-tiba berubah ketika musibah menghampiri mereka berdua. Kakek Li Beng dibunuh secara sadis oleh perampok-perampok yang tidak punya hati nurani. Untunglah pada saat itu, Li Yong berhasil menyelamatkan dirinya. Kematian Kakek Li Beng telah membuat Li Yong terpukul. Dia tersiksa lahir batin. Hingga pada akhirnya, bocah itu memutuskan untuk pergi ke tempat yang sangat jauh. Namun sepuluh tahun kemudian, di jalan dan di desa yang sama, tiba-tiba muncul seorang pemuda misterius. Wajahnya angkuh dan dingin, kedua bola matanya kelabu. Siapa pun bakal mengetahui kalau dia adalah orang yang menderita penyakit batin dan selalu merasa kesepian. Pemuda yang dimaksud itu bukan lain adalah Li Yong. Ya, memamg dia. Namun Li Yong yang sekarang, telah berbeda jauh dari Li Yong sepuluh tahun silam. Sekarang dia telah menjelma menjadi seorang pemuda yang gagah perkasa. Ilmu silatnya sangat tinggi. Tiada seorang pun yang mengetahui sampai di mana taraf kesempurnaan ilmunya. Kematangan dari penguasaan setiap jurusnya juga tidak perlu diragukan lagi. Kemunculannya ke dalam dunia ramai membawa sebuah tekad. Li Yong ingin mencari pelaku yang sudah membunuh Kakek Li Beng sekaligus mencari jati dirinya sendiri. Dia pun ingin menjadi seorang pendekar yang membasmi kejahatan.

Traversing into the Immortal Cultivation World and becoming one of the dozens of sons of the Shen Clan's Clan Leader, Shen Changchuan proactively seeks an assignment to a remote land to avoid becoming a sacrifice in the clan's internal struggles, far from the vortex. With a progress bar panel that can show the Cultivation progress of Magic Techniques, he starts from the most common Basic Magic, the Golden Needle Technique, to attain the Dao and become an Immortal.

He’s her assistant. Loyal. Obedient. Untouchable. Victoria Sharp built her tech empire from scratch. She's rich, ruthless, and always in control. No scandals, no distractions, especially not from a certain devastatingly attractive executive assistant with bewitching eyes and a voice that could ruin her in seconds. James Mitchell has worked under Victoria for three years, hiding his desire behind professionalism and perfect ties. He knows the rules. He respects her boundaries. But when she starts breaking her own, James isn’t sure how long he can keep pretending he doesn’t want her. What begins as subtle tension, lingering stares, coffee with hidden meanings, after-hours “accidental” meetings, spirals into something hotter, darker, and far more dangerous. She’s used to power. He’s used to silence. But neither of them is ready for obsession. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you want these lips, then earn them." James's words hung in the air between them, transforming the atmosphere in Victoria's office from tense confrontation to something entirely unprecedented. Victoria sat frozen in her chair, her lips still parted in silent shock, her mind struggling to process what had just transpired. Earn them. The phrase echoed in her thoughts, foreign and disorienting. "If you want to keep tasting these lips, then you'll have to woo me." The additional statement landed like a second shockwave. Woo him? Victoria Sharp didn't woo anyone. ------------- "Victoria, what are you…" James words died in his throat as he felt the warm, wet heat of her tongue against his exposed chest. Victoria had found the gap in his shirt and was licking his skin with deliberate, erotic slowness that made his entire body go rigid with shock and arousal. The sensation was unlike anything James had ever experienced, raw and intimate and so unexpected that it short-circuited his ability to think coherently. Victoria's tongue was warm and soft against his skin, tracing patterns that sent bolts of electricity straight to his core. This was madness, she knew that. But she was past caring about sanity or propriety or any of the rules that had governed her life up until this moment. All she cared about was the man in her arms and the way he made her feel like she was coming alive for the first time in years. Her tongue found the small mole on under his right eye, and she felt James's entire body shudder at the contact. "I love that mole on you," she whispered against his skin, her voice husky with desire. James's eyes slammed shut at the intimate contact, his body betraying him as a soft groan escaped his lips. The sensation of Victoria's tongue on his face was so unexpected, so boldly sensual, that his pulse hammering against his throat. "I will do as you say, James," she said, her voice husky with desire and determination. "I will woo you." The words sent a jolt of satisfaction through James's system, but it was her next statement that made his breath catch. "However, you should know that I am very territorial." "You just sit down, look effortlessly handsome, and prepare to be wooed," she said, her voice carrying all the authority of a woman who was used to getting exactly what she wanted. "Remember, James," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper that somehow managed to carry more authority than any shout ever could. "You are mine." The declaration hung between them like a brand, marking him as surely as if she'd physically claimed him. Enemies-to-lovers tension CEO x Executive Assistant Office slow-burn with high heat Obsession, betrayal, and emotional redemption One woman who’s never been owned and the man she can’t control If you love dominant heroines breaking their own rules, devoted but strong men, and drama that keeps you breathless, then be ready to be will consumed.

Villains roam the world without any retribution. Demonic sects wage war against the Orthodox and emerge victorious. Neutral tribes stand by and do not help the worthy – they only look to profit from others’ misfortune. Meanwhile, fresh dangers brew beneath the turbulent waves... Might is right in the world of cultivators, and evil often goes unchecked. Isaac Dahl is born in the barren and chaotic lands of Northern Tundra. He shows promise, yet his sect holds no hope for him. ‘He might be an intelligent child, but his talent is mediocre. Bah... what can he amount to?’ Without resources or help; without kindness nor assistance from others, there is only oneself. Human relationships? Love? Kinship? I only see benefits, as others are unreliable. I can only believe in myself. This is the truth that Isaac realises. This is the truth that his sect – which proclaims itself as a Blood Path Sect – fails to notice. They are naïve. His heart is cold and his gaze is determined, but Isaac’s path forwards will not be an easy one. It will be filled with obstacles, danger and disaster. Will Isaac clamber over the bodies of those who stand in his way? Or will they drag him down with them?

KISS OF THE VAMPIRE: THE GIRL WITH THE SHARP SWORD They said he would be a savior. No one said he’d bury them all first. For centuries, the vampire nobility ruled with crimson claws and ancient blood rites, their power etched into every corner of the world. Humans were livestock. Rebellion? A forgotten dream. Then came Deyviel—the lone survivor of a massacre, wielding a blade sharper than truth itself. He's no chosen one. No prophecy shields him. Just rage, scars, and the will to fight monsters that once ruled him. With each swing of his sword, Deyviel cuts deeper into the world’s dark history—unearthing secrets meant to stay buried, and facing enemies who’ve lived long enough to become legends. But even as he fights to end an empire of blood, the line between hero and executioner starts to blur. And when the girl with the sharp sword reappears—her past tied to his own—Deyviel realizes that the real war isn’t just against vampires… It’s against fate itself.

The Wasp's Golden Needle is a novel that intricately combines the practice of traditional Chinese medicine with mystical techniques. It tells the story of Shen Xingkong, a protagonist born into poverty. Despite his relentless efforts, which secured him a place at a medical university, his life remains filled with hardships and scorn from those around him. However, an unexpected encounter dramatically alters his fate. During a seemingly mundane confrontation with a mutated wasp, Shen Xingkong, though appearing to lose, gains a magical golden needle from the wasp's stinger. This needle not only grants him immense power but also opens the doors to higher realms, setting him on a path of extraordinary transformation. Beginning of the Novel The novel begins with Chapter 1, "The Buzz of the Bee," depicting Shen Xingkong's accidental encounter with the mutated wasp. This opening scene sets a tone of tension and mystery, symbolizing the impending changes and challenges. Time and Setting Set in a modern urban environment that merges ancient Chinese medicine with contemporary medical practices, the story takes place in a fictional city. Shen Xingkong attends a medical university that combines both traditional and modern medical disciplines, giving the story a realistic yet timeless backdrop. Plot Details 1、Shen Xingkong's Struggles: Shen Xingkong is born into a poor family. Despite his hard work, he faces significant financial and social challenges at the medical university. 2、Accidental Encounter: In a fateful encounter, Shen Xingkong faces a mutated wasp. Although he appears to lose, he unexpectedly gains the wasp’s golden needle. 3、Awakening of Power: With the golden needle, Shen Xingkong discovers dramatic changes in his body and abilities, leading to significant academic and personal achievements. 4、Academic and Practical Application: During his traditional Chinese medicine classes, Shen Xingkong uses the needle to demonstrate extraordinary medical skills, gradually gaining respect from his peers and teachers. 5、New Challenges: As his powers grow, Shen Xingkong faces more challenges, including academic competition and various life trials. 6、Xi Feng's Challenge: In Chapter 158, the arrival of Xi Feng introduces a new twist. His challenge pushes Shen Xingkong to further develop his abilities, creating intense and gripping moments. Climax and Conclusion The climax occurs between Chapters 155 and 158, where Shen Xingkong faces significant challenges and the pressure of postgraduate exams. Balancing his academic life and personal growth, he ultimately overcomes Xi Feng's challenge, showcasing his full potential granted by the golden needle. Major Conflict The major conflict revolves around Shen Xingkong’s struggle against external adversities and his internal battle with self-doubt and fear. His encounter with Xi Feng serves as a crucial turning point, helping him conquer both external and internal challenges. Ending The novel concludes in Chapter 767 with a dual ending, offering two possible futures for Shen Xingkong. In one, he continues his medical career, becoming a renowned physician. In the other, he retreats from the limelight, living a peaceful and fulfilling life in seclusion. These endings highlight his sense of duty as a healer and his understanding of self-worth.

The Queen of Chaos Sharp tongue. Bad manners. Unlimited power. Aurelia Vayne was a commoner, a nobody, a village girl with a talent for attracting trouble. When she is falsely accused and sentenced to death, Aurelia believes her life is over. Then an imperial decree arrives. Instead of execution, she is chosen to become the bride of King Malrik Dravenhart, the ruthless King of Dangers whose name alone terrifies kingdoms. To everyone else, it is a miracle. To Aurelia, it is simply a slower way to die. The royal palace is a battlefield disguised as luxury,Nobles look down on her, Enemies lurk behind polite smiles. And Lady Rehanna Valemont, the woman who expected to become queen, is determined to make Aurelia's life miserable. But Aurelia refuses to be intimidated by nobles, assassins, or even her cold-hearted husband. What begins as a political marriage soon becomes a dangerous game of secrets, power, and forbidden attraction. As mysteries surrounding Aurelia's birth begin to surface, she discovers that a hidden power sleeping within her may be capable of changing the fate of the entire continent. Now Aurelia must decide whether to remain the commoner the world believes her to be, or embrace the destiny that awaits her. After all, crowns can be stolen. Kingdoms can fall. And chaos always finds a way.

Synopsis The Needle in this fiction embodies Martial Law. The skull mangled exemplifies the Filipino people specifically human rights victims from all persuasions – enforced Desaparecidos to combatants, students to academicians, civilians to soldiers, peasants to landlords, laymen to religious, ordinary taxpayers to oligarchs, voters to politicians, officials to professionals, – all victims of militarization offered as sacrificial lambs in the altar of Dictatorship. The crucifix and holy rosary, guns, and bullets symbolize the protagonists – heroes and villains - and the causes and institutions they represent. The red roses, a love affair that blooms and blossoms among the main characters. The timeline was September 21, 1972, covering fourteen long years of dictatorship when Martial Law was declared until February 24, 1986, during the restoration of democracy ushered in by People’s Power at Epifanio de Los Santos or EDSA. Post EDSA events from Fidel V. Ramos to Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III or PNoy to Duterte’s presidency and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are briefly treated in an Epilogue. The choice of fiction was deliberate because of its timelessness and very important lesson drawn from that historic event–the restoration of democracy no less by President Cory Aquino. Whether it succeeded or not thereafter doesn’t matter. Filipinos are that unpredictable. Their memory is way too short and the hardest to please. But what is important is we have thrown away the tyrant, award-winning Investigate Journalist Shiela Coronel emphasized restoring fourteen long-lost hostage democracy in 1986. Add to that is the consequent didactic message to all Filipinos especially the Post Martial Law babies: “Beware and never again Martial Law!” In format, the author uses four of Irving Wallace's criteria in writing fiction from his “The Writing of One Novel” with some innovation on grounding characters using flashbacks and other tools characterizing bestsellers like Dan Brown, Grisham highlighting the author’s premium on the relevance of the said historical event and its political ramifications surrounding the subject throughout the story. First, no loose ends in the plot. This one is a tough act to follow. The subplot should be tied together as much as possible to the end. Second, narrative excitement rings the bell for readers. Third, is the use of research to disabuse and mitigate elements of violence and sex. Treating this work as social commentary on different implacable social issues of the day was deliberately utilized by the writer given his Philosophy, Theology, and Sociology background. Note that pictorials used in the work unless indicated in the caption are meant to highlight the theme of each respective chapter. Lastly, the most unlikely ending squeezing creative juices of the imaginative mind. Breaking the rules of writing known to man is also a challenge here. Ergo, treating the subject as fiction against the social commentary backdrop to make the narrative captivating journey instead just plain Martial Law account which is surely dry and monotonous story. How these criteria are treated and addressed by the writer especially the first, third, and fourth is left to readers and critics. Copy editing of the first draft has been done by the author using Grammarly, relevant creative writing tips culled from the internet from the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Jeff Goins, Catherine Reid, Cynthia Jones-Shoeman, Joe Bunting of NaNoWriMo, Billy Wilder, and Pruelpo, an FB friend and OFW dabbling as free-lance writer and guru. The third is actual editing from Ricardo S. Maulion Jr., my son, doing the proofreading. I have yet to accept any copy editors to do the favor for me packaging this project into a cohesive whole work. Ricardo F. Maulion For book order: Email ad: [email protected]

A few years ago, Music of Tomorrow Entertainment hired Doctor Melody Marchesa as a mental health support assistant for the K-pop group known as BHY (Beating Hearts of Youth). On their latest world tour, the members have a massive falling-out, causing a rift to grow between them. Despite Melody's best attempts to resolve the issue, the members conclude that they want to disband. They agree only to work together until the tour ends; then, they want to disband officially. Can Melody mend their broken bond before it is too late?

In her previous life, she took the wrong "white lotus" script, causing her to die a miserable death. Heaven has let her live again, so she shouldn't have to suffer the hardships of her past life once more! Feng Moxi sheds her weakness from her previous life. Making a new choice, she must fight! There are monsters! Kill them! There are scumbags! Eliminate them! With her meager strength, she picks up a Heavy Sword and forges a difficult path forward. Unexpectedly, that arrogant and reckless person who caused her no small amount of trouble along the way eventually becomes a comrade-in-arms to whom she can entrust her back, a companion for life. The sky fills with darkness, the Demon People emerge! The Heavenly Dao returns. One day, Feng Moxi is leisurely roasting beast meat by the river. Chaoyang, having just finished fighting a demon beast, sees the crumbs on her lips and immediately leans in. "Want some?" Chaoyang dazedly nodded his head. Suddenly, a piece of burnt beast meat is stuffed into his mouth. Chaoyang pulls Feng Moxi into his embrace, gently brushes the corner of her lips with his hand, and says, "You're mine!" Apocalypse + Cultivation + Doting Boyfriend