Martial God - Book 2 - Fame Spreads - Chapter 1 - Xiantian Imprint

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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At Elysia's first meeting with the crown prince, her future fiance ended up punching him. In this way, she violated her first law of survival.

Elysia's three rules of survival - First, Stay away from the main couple of Adam and Eve and make sure they end up together. Second, never fall in love with anyone and keep yourself safe. Third, no matter what happens, make sure you are never caught in any act. Only then will Elysia be able to survive past her death on her 18th birthday.

Ever since her birth, Elysia Raffle knew a few secrets of this world. First, the world she had been born in was a book and Elysia was the villainess in that book. She was destined to be slain by Adam on her 18th birthday and the day of their marriage.

Elysia needed to keep a distance from the main couple to avoid that fate. But how did she do it when she was engaged with one of the main parties and the other refused to leave her alone?

Now Elysia needed to do everything possible in her power to ensure that her engagement with the crown prince was broken and the main couple ends up together.

But it was easier said than done.

We follow Anthony, a man forced to adapt to a world of dark fantasy that imposes itself on him with an unmistakable brutality. A place where shadow and violence reign supreme, where inequality is riven and the laws of nature are distorted. A world where every moment could be the last.What fate does this cruel universe hold for our protagonist? What hidden secrets do the powerful hide behind cold and inaccessible masks? And what alliances, betrayals or rivalries will be woven into this maelstrom of supernatural forces and unfathomable powers?To survive, Anthony will have to fight, evolve and face his own demons. For in this place, no matter the greatness of the beings that populate it, it is tenacity that dictates the law.

Liu Duo was a young girl whose grandmother sold her to four brothers with the intent to be a bride. Unwilling, she ran away the following night, only to fall unconscious while trying to get away. Unexpectedly, however, she was reborn with the spirit of a 25 year old woman, also named Liu Duo.

- Description from Novelupdates