Bards of the Broken Empire

Max Stone's laid-back life ends when a foolhardy rescue attempt earns him a trip to the afterlife. His soul becomes a bargaining chip in a game between gods — and he wins a second chance, awakening reincarnated in the frail teenage body of a recently-deceased boy on Eedan, a world of chi cultivation and monsters. Starting weaker than the lowest cultivator and immediately drawing noble ire, Max must leverage his Earth-born wits and a unique blessing to survive and grow.

Now navigating the treacherous halls of the Three Flowers Academy alongside the formidable Chantelle, Max must level up his bard skills and cultivation faster than ever. Noble rivals lurk, but a greater threat emerges as monster surges intensify, pointing to a sinister conspiracy orchestrated from the shadows. Max and Chantelle must master growing power, protect friends, and expose the truth behind the surges before the academy itself becomes a battleground.