What happens when a god mistakes your soul for a fish? Jin Wu was perfectly content as the Eternal Harmony Sect’s humble caretaker—a retired warrior with a cynical sense of humor, a knack for survival, and a hidden network of disciples running bets and backdoor deals on the side. But his quiet life ends abruptly when a mysterious attack razes his sect to the ground, and Jin Wu dies fighting to protect it. In the afterlife, a scatterbrained god mistakes him for a fish and, to cover up the error, hastily grants Jin Wu a divine inheritance and a one-way ticket back to the land of the living. Now, back at his ruined sect armed with the powers of a lazy deity, Jin Wu is ready for revenge… as long as it doesn’t interfere too much with his money-making schemes. To rebuild his life, avenge his fallen comrades, and track down his missing “Ferrets,” Jin Wu must outwit rival sects, navigate treacherous cultivation politics, and uncover the truth behind his sect’s downfall. But he’s no hero—and he’s certainly not about to suck up Qi like a madman. Sometimes, the best way to ascend is with a scoundrel’s wit, a healthy dose of luck, and the determination to do things his way. If you’re looking for an action-packed cultivation epic filled with mystery, clever tricks, and an unassuming old man with a surprising past, River of Ascension will take you on a journey that’s as powerful as it is unexpected. If You Like…     •    Clever, unconventional protagonists who use wit, experience, and strategy over brute force    •    Cultivation stories with a twist—where wisdom and cunning sometimes beat raw power    •    Humor and dry wit mixed into fantasy action, similar to Artorian’s Archives by Dakota Krout    •    Revenge plots and mysteries in a complex world of sect politics and ancient rivalries    •    And An Old Geezer who’ll use the power of a god to get you off his lawn …then you’ll love River of Ascension! Join the journey! [Participant in the Royal Road Writathon 2024]Updates M - F during the Writathon