The Foundation of Smoke and Steel Volume 2

Foundation of Smoke and Steel: Volume Two

The Empire’s games have begun--and Ethan Zhou is no longer invisible.

Once dismissed as a quiet scholar in a political marriage, Ethan--now guided by Daniel’s modern mind--has stepped into the blinding light of the Imperial Court. At the Gala, his poise, unexpected strength, and sharp defiance shake the balance of power. Nobles whisper his name. Rivals sharpen their knives. And the Empress herself has marked him in front of the entire Empire.

Now, Ethan faces impossible stakes:

A duel that could shatter dynasties.

Princess Sophie Virelyn, whose golden eyes hide both prophecy and danger.

Shen Minhua, the Peacock Sect’s prodigy, circling closer with ambition of her own.

And Vivian Li--his cold, calculating wife--who swore she would never care… yet finds herself watching.

But Daniel isn’t here to play their courtly games. He’s here to change the rules. Deep in the Li estate, he forges something no one in this world has ever seen: a magical machine. A system built by hand, not gifted by gods. A bridge between will, mana, and intent.

Because in this world of bloodlines, politics, and divine steel--knowledge is the sharpest weapon of all.

Volume Two of Foundation of Smoke and Steel delivers court intrigue, dangerous rivalries, breathtaking cultivation battles, and the first sparks of a new magic-system revolution. Perfect for fans of Will Wight’s Cradle, Iron Prince, and progression fantasy with bite.