MTL - Old Chapters - v17 Chapter 35 1 cup of respect

Deep below the earth's surface, a mystifying subterranean seascape lurks, an archipelago bathed in inky blackness where suspense and horror hold court. Here lie strange islands and even stranger monsters, far beyond the realms of human imagination. In this domain, mankind is far from dominant; instead, madness and death rule supreme.

Pleading for mercy from the unknown creatures of the deep only leads to a slow, tortured existence. The trapped survivors gradually distort, losing what made them human, both physically and mentally, to the gloom as they remain trapped in this eternal obscurity. Their only hope? A perilous expedition into uncharted sea territories.

Fueled by determination, Charles embark on this daunting voyage aboard his steamship, aiming to reclaim humanity's past glory. Together with his crew, they sought a way out of this hidden sea world, a path back to the sunlit world above, where humans once stood tall.

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I read a few comments from Chinese readers that compared this novel with Lord of Mysteries because of similar elements: Lovecraftian, western fantasy, first industrial revolution, and steampunk. However, I have yet to finish reading Lord of Mysteries to do any actual comparison, but I do think those who have enjoyed that novel would enjoy this as well. Also, the author of LotM, Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, also did a shout-out for this novel, so I guess he approves of it too?

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Dear readers! Without any ads, maybe you will prefer .

Arthur was a weak and cowardly boy who lacked the power to protect anyone—a truth brutally demonstrated when his parents were massacred while defending him during a Gate outbreak. As the sole survivor, Arthur spent weeks believing his life was over. When intense chest pains began, he assumed he'd been infected with corruption by the void creature that killed his parents and was merely waiting for death.What Arthur didn't expect was that these sensations actually signaled his Realm Core forming. In two months' time, he would be forcefully transported to the next realm and awaken new powers, becoming one of the world-renowned “Chosen” who protect humanity from Gate outbreaks. Now Arthur must rise through the heights of power, climbing each of the seven realms in hopes of saving his world... or does he?

“Sanye, do you know that you are like a book. Every time I see you I want to … sleep.”

After some hesitation, Xin Ai finally decided to approach Jian Sanye, who was famous for his power. She tried hard to make him happy, justify thousands of ways, sacrifice self-esteem and dignity, with the main goal to find her missing sister.

Three months later, the man threw a check in front of her, “I’m tired.”

Xin Ai stood up with her innocent body without a single strand, smiled wryly and said, “Alright, I’ll go as far away from you as possible.”

When they met again, Xin Ai closed her eyes to Jian Sanye’s presence, it made the man angrily push her against the wall, “We’ve slept together a few times. Is it so easy to forget me?”

Xin Ai smiled so sweetly and teasingly, putting her hand on the shoulder of the man, “Sorry, I have slept with quite a few men, sometimes I can’t remember it even happening. If I may know, what’s your name, sir?”

“Just watch, I’ll make you remember who I am.”

- Description from Novelupdates

MC (female protagonist) dies in a plane crash and wakes up in the body of a beautiful but corrupt and lascivious prime minister in ancient times, Zhang Qinglian. As circumstances decree, he (she) cannot reveal that the original owner’s soul is gone else calamity might occur. So he (she) decides to walk a righteous path, determined to help the lovely but simple little emperor rule the country. Not backing down after facing torture, not losing courage, destroying rebellions and facing off with scheming princes.

- Description from Novelupdates