Shadow Slave - Chapter 1682: Hasty Retreat

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 .

This is the novel behind the TV series, “Love Like the Galaxy”.
The following synopsis is based on the TV Series.

“The young Cheng Shaoshang was left behind because her parents had gone off to fight in the war. In order to protect herself from her scheming aunt, she had to be extra diligent while pretending to be the opposite. However, years of estrangement have made it difficult for them to become family again.

Lacking love her whole life, Cheng Shaoshang is both pragmatic and insecure in choosing a partner for marriage. She encounters three men – the emperor’s adopted son Ling Buyi, the talented Yuan Shen of Bailu Mountain, and the aristocrat Lou Yao who each have their pros and cons. Although the road to love is bumpy, she never regrets every choice she makes. Through her interactions with Ling Buyi, she unintentionally becomes involved in the mystery surrounding his family and his identity. The two grow from their experiences and worked together, upholding the righteousness in their hearts to resolve a national crisis.”

- Description from Novelupdates

Wang Yi gets a key, opening a door in 2022 will lead to 1982, and opening a door in 1982 will return to 2022.

Two very different great eras appeared before him:

Abundant dietary protection, developed industrial products, miraculous medicines, and explosive information, this is 2022.

Simple folk customs, rich wild resources, scattered antiques, and treasures of the age, this is 1982.

Traveling between these two eras, Wang Yi didn’t think much of it, he just wanted to live a good life.

- Description from novelbuddy

This world has Fox Fairies, River Gods, Water Monsters, Great Demons and Cultivators who seek immortality.

By activating their Dharma Eyes, cultivators can see all kinds of demons and ghosts.

Refining a flying sword, they can kill enemies thousands of miles away.

Their all-seeing eyes and all-hearing ears allow them to observe everything around them…

The second young master of the Qin family, Qin Yun was one such cultivator…

- Description from Novelupdates