21st Century Archmage - Chapter 4: This Beautiful Bastard’s Love

I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun is a Korean web novel that immerses readers in a complex world where the protagonist, after returning from another realm, faces challenges that prevent them from abandoning their role as a warrior. The story intricately weaves elements of fantasy and sci-fi with a strong psychological undercurrent, exploring themes of identity and duty. In this gripping narrative, the protagonist is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and survival in a world that seems familiar yet is fraught with new dangers. Despite having the chance to return to a peaceful life, the protagonist finds themselves unable to lay down their weapon, suggesting a deep internal conflict and a sense of responsibility towards the battles they must still face​​​​. Why Read It: **1. A Unique Blend of Genres: The novel skillfully combines elements of action, adventure, fantasy, and mecha, offering a refreshing take on the traditional isekai (another world) genre. The mecha and sci-fi components add a layer of technological intrigue, making it appealing to fans of futuristic storytelling​​. **2. Psychological Depth: At its core, the story delves into the psychological struggles of its protagonist. The exploration of identity, post-war trauma, and the moral dilemmas of warfare provides depth and complexity, making it more than just a typical action narrative. This focus on character development and internal conflict resonates with readers who appreciate stories with emotional and psychological substance​​. **3. Rich World-Building: The novel is known for its expansive world-building, which blends modern-day elements with fantastical and sci-fi settings. The detailed environment and intricate plotlines create a captivating backdrop for the protagonist’s journey, engaging readers with its vivid and immersive universe​​​​. **4. Engaging Plot: With over 651 chapters and counting, the novel offers an extensive and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists, strategic battles, and complex character interactions, ensuring that there is never a dull moment​​. Reception and Popularity: I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun has gained a substantial following among fans of Korean web novels. Its blend of action, fantasy, and psychological themes appeals to a wide audience, from those who enjoy fast-paced adventures to those who prefer more introspective tales. Although still ongoing, the novel has already completed its first part and several side stories, providing a satisfying yet evolving reading experience​​. Conclusion: This novel is a must-read for fans of isekai stories who are looking for something with more depth and complexity. Its exploration of post-war realities and the psychological impact of conflict offers a thought-provoking take on the genre. Whether you're drawn to epic battles, intricate plots, or character-driven narratives, I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun promises an unforgettable literary journey.

“Alas, this life is a failure; let’s see what the next life holds.” ... “The second life has ended, calculating results... Final rating: C+. Rewards based on rating: You may choose to inherit one item from Constitution, Skill, or Talent. Please select?” “Hmm, I choose to inherit the Talent ’Dynamic Vision’.” “Talent inherited... Congratulations on achieving the following lifetime achievements: Innate Grandmaster; Blessing of Many Offspring (10/10)” Achievement rewards: Two random rewards. You may draw from Constitution, Skill, or Talent, or choose to upgrade Talent level. Please select? ... A reborn individual, in possession of the treasure ’Hundred Lifetimes book’, reincarnates within the Cultivation World, undergoing endless cycles of rebirth without the bloodline ending or the soul perishing! The family he established ten thousand years ago has now grown into a massive entity that spans the heavens. The disciple taken in casually eight thousand years ago ultimately became the founder of a Great Sect in the Immortal Realm. The pet raised three thousand years ago has evolved into an unparalleled Demon Saint of the Otherworld. ... I am Zhao Sheng, and I shall cultivate life after life until Ascension!

[Ding........ ][System Binding.......][10%..........][20%..........][40%..........][60%..........][80%..........][100%........][ Congratulations, Host! The Strongest Family System has been bound! ]----------------------------“Huh? I’ve transmigrated…” Arthur muttered, his voice barely above a whisper as he surveyed his bewildering new surroundings. Confusion washed over him like a tidal wave.-----------------------------Arthur was just an ordinary corporate worker, an overworked cog in the relentless machine of corporate life.After seven grueling days of nonstop overtime, his body finally gave out, collapsing right before his computer screen at home.He thought that was it; he thought he was dead. But little did he know, fate had something extraordinary in store for him.Instead of fading into oblivion, Arthur found himself thrust into a vast and unfamiliar world, one ten times larger than Earth itself!To his astonishment, he had become the head of the Osborn family, a once-mighty lineage now teetering on the brink of destruction.Bound by the standard configuration for all transmigrators: The System which is the [Strongest Family System ], Arthur faced an epic challenge: to transform the faltering Osborn family into the most powerful dynasty in existence.Join Arthur on this thrilling adventure as he navigates treacherous waters filled with intrigue, power, influence and danger.Can he lead a declining family back to glory and secure their place at the top?

In the previous life, he was in the shopping mall, and he was unwilling to die from a terminal illness, but was taken to the King Kong Temple in the prosperous world of martial arts by a Buddha statue of the medicine master, and was reborn as a medicine monk.

In this life, he only wants to live forever, to practice Buddhism and not to seek liberation

However, he unexpectedly discovered that with the blessing of Medicine Buddha, the mantra can turn legends into reality, and their power will be greatly increased.

The great light mantra, transcends the soul and goes straight to the bliss of the Western Heaven,

The mantra of clearing the heart, clearing the mind and calming the spirit, the mind is like still water,

Rejuvenation mantra, heals injuries like a god

……

He was even judged to be a waste of martial arts, but with the help of Medicine Buddha, he was able to practice Buddhist martial arts to the legendary realm.

Originally, I wanted to cultivate various medicinal materials, practice martial arts, practice Buddhism, and live in peace in this top sect Daxueshan King Kong Temple.

But I don’t want to, at this time, the Dagan Dynasty has experienced prosperity for thousands of years, and it has come to the moment from prosperity to decline.

- Description from novelbuddy