MTL - Tales of Herding Gods - Chapter 545 Keep a smile (second!)

When Kael died, he thought it was the end.Instead, he woke up in the body of Kaelion Drenlor—the disgraced heir to a powerful duchy in a kingdom on the verge of collapse.In this cruel and mystical world ruled by bloodlines, magic, and ancient deities, Kael isn't interested in playing the hero.Not when being a villain gets things done faster.Cunning, cold, and dangerously ambitious, Kael begins his rise from the shadows.He doesn't shy away from blood or betrayal—and he certainly doesn’t mind bending hearts to his will.As power gathers around him, so do those drawn by obsession, loyalty… and desire.But even as his influence grows, he keeps his true face hidden. Behind the mask of a second identity, he handles the dirty work the noble Kaelion could never touch.In the darkest corners of the realm, he plants the seeds of something greater: a secret organization—The Order of the Black Sigil.Built to manipulate, infiltrate, and control, it becomes a force whispered about in fear.But as Kael pulls strings from behind the scenes, the world begins to see him as more than just a shadowy lord. They begin to worship him.And gods, even fake ones, are dangerous.In a world of schemes, monsters, and ancient mysteries, Kael never asked to be a savior. But one step at a time, through love, lies, and war—he carves his throne from the bones of empires.In the end, only one will sit upon the world.###Before you dive in, here are some things you should know to better enjoy the story:1. The MC is not an all-knowing monster from Chapter 1Our main character is a teenager who transmigrated into a dangerous world. He’s not some ancient cultivator with 500 years of experience. At the start, he’s a bit unhinged (he kills someone in Chapter 1), but still grounded—more of an antihero than a villain.But this is a journey of corruption. As he faces the horrors of this world and gains power, his mindset begins to change—slowly, and then completely. By the time you're deep into the story, he’ll become the kind of villain others whisper about in fear.So no, he’s not your overpowered righteous MC. He’s dangerous, ambitious, and eventually terrifying.2. Yes, there’s romance—but NO, this is not a fast food haremLet’s be real:Day 1: Meet Girl ADay 2: Sleep with Girl ADay 3: Onto Girl BThat’s not happening here.This novel values slow burn, proper development, and emotional payoff. The MC does have multiple love interests, but every relationship is earned. Each girl has depth, motivations, and unique interactions with Kael. No one’s here just for fanservice. And yes—they each get proper screen time.If you’re here for emotional stakes, chemistry, and realistic progression: this one’s for you.3. The worldbuilding is deep and rich.High fantasy. Secret cults. Ancient orders. Political schemes. Forgotten islands. Brutal wars. It’s a lore-heavy universe built to explore.4. The power system is risky and unique.Getting stronger can literally drive you mad. But don’t worry—our MC finds ways to survive (and thrive).Also, each continent has its own power rules—some based on bloodlines, others on potions, rituals, spells or forbidden arts. So expect variety.5. Lots of action and crazy fights.From intense duels to massive battles, this story brings the chaos.6. Side characters matter.No “zombie” side characters here.They have their own stories, motives, and growth. They're not just props for the MC. Some might even surprise you.7. Yes, there are other transmigrators and regressors.But they appear later in the story—and when they do, things get wild.

First Senior Brother is a hopeless romantic, Second Senior Brother carries a deep-seated blood feud. Third Senior Sister is caught in a love-hate cycle with the Demon Lord across three lifetimes, and Fourth Senior Sister is a femme fatale.The Sect Leader left the sect for love, while the Martial Uncle fell into demonic cultivation for the woman he loved…Neither immortal nor heroic, just handsome men and beautiful women playing house.Only the Little Junior Brother is reliable, upholding the sect while dedicating himself to profound cultivation.The heavens stretch vast and mighty, my Dao shall prosper!With righteousness in his heart, grand ambitions, and the fate of the world as his responsibility—“Disciple Li Xuanxiao, requesting the Sect Leader to die!!”“……”The Empress: “Open your eyes and look at me. I don’t believe your eyes are truly empty.”Li Xuanxiao’s eyes widened like bronze bells.The Empress: “For you, I would rather bury the entire world with me.”Li Xuanxiao backhanded her with a slap: “What did the common people do to you?!”“…….”Blood Demon Patriarch: “Should evil truly deserve death?”Li Xuanxiao: “If you don’t die, then do I have to?! Hurry up and die!!”“……”By chance, he encounters a gravely injured demoness—stunningly beautiful.Li Xuanxiao: “Let’s see if my poison can’t kill you!!”“Take my sword and feel a thousand holes piercing through you!!”“…..”Li Xuanxiao transmigrated one day—no system, no chosen one destiny, only the relentless pursuit of immortality.But the sect is a bit unreliable.First Senior Brother constantly attempts su*cide because of unrequited love.Third Senior Sister brings the Demon Lord right into the sect.His master, stuck in puberty, ran away for love.Little Junior Sister is determined to seduce him.The Empress sees him as her dream lover.

The Prince Regent of the Zong Dynasty, Lin Bozhou, looked noble and benevolent on the outside but disgustingly filthy on the inside.

This traitorous minister, whom everyone had condemned.

One day, Meng Huan, who just transmigrated into a book, arrived into the bedroom in a sedan chair after he was forcefully sold as a male concubine to the Prince Regent.

How to keep himself safe in the face of this treacherous minister? Meng Huan was prepared to act like the original host, that was, being an aloof and cold man who would rather die than obey the Prince Regent. He would despise this man, while showing off his intelligence and wisdom, and occasionally, engaged in a game of wits with the Prince Regent.

Only this way would the Prince Regent love and respect him.

He could also be like the original host, winning the man’s favor but choosing to ignore it, making his escape in style, and forcing the calm Prince Regent glow in red anger.

—

However, when he tried to recall the incoming part to play as the original host, Meng Huan suddenly froze.

Meng—Low IQ— Huan: What were the crafty plots and machinations?

Meng—Low IQ—Huan: What were the words the original host used to scold the man?

Meng—Low IQ—Huan: Oh no, I am finished, I am done for. I am toast QAQ

—

The male concubine he bought were said to possess determined character, and very likely going to commit suicide by bitting off his own tongue, or viciously shout foul words at him.

Always calm and collected, Lin Bozhou, who was not one to force himself on another or witness bloodshed, was ready to free this man.

Yet, when he entered the door, he saw a dazed beauty, looking at a loss while saying in a very soft voice, “Hus-husband?”

The beauty looked to be racking his brain as if his life depended on it.

Then, after a few seconds of stupefaction, he appeared to have given up. “I would better serve you in bed.”

Lin Bozhou: “…?”

The absolute wise minister and his dumb wife : )

This story is also known as The Waste Who Transmigrated into a Political Fiction

*A powerful and smart minister gong vs dumb and delicate beauty shou

- Description from Novelupdates

Li Yu transmigrated to a world of the cultivation and martial arts. He became the head disciple of a low-ranking sect.