World of Cultivation - Chapter Eight Hundred and Sixty – Transaction

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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In 2177, the world changed forever. The first full-dive VRMMORPG, 'Eclipse Online', was released.With its breathtaking graphics and adventures, countless players and already established guilds flocked to the game, which stunned the entire world and forced the largest conglomerates to act immediately after gold could be bought with money.It was supposed to be the future of gaming.For Yone, it was the cause of his destruction.Starting over once more, he has entered this “living game” again to control his own fate.This time, he will not be controlled by others and will instead walk his own path.“Kill them till they are allies”This was Yone's infamous phrase as he will rise from just an assassin expert to an unprecedented peak in this life.

Davies had just been transmigrated… but he wasn’t happy about it.After all, it was now his fifth life, fourth transmigration, the third time he’s been betrayed and murdered, his second…(oh well… no more lines)Davies: Hey! Where are my second and first times…Author: I already said I have no more lines, so shut up and let me finish the synopsis!…After realizing that he wasn’t destined to be a hero and after many run-ins with the “Fated Protagonists”, Davies totally abhors those crybabies that have their heavenly daddies spoon-feeding them with opportunities to be strong, especially at the expense of himself as he always ended up with the short end of the stick in all his lives.Davies is now in his fifth life, and now has a system that seems to target protagonists. Even though he doesn’t understand why he's been used as a steppingstone for the “fated ones” in all of his lives, or why he keeps on transmigrating, or even why the system is just finally showing up after all the transmigrations he’s been true…According to the system, he was on his last life but at least now with the system at his side to aid him against the protagonists, he can wreak havoc and have his revenge against the protagonists in this world and also find out who is messing with his life… is how the story should have gone, but…“What the hell is with this busted system…!!!???”

On the 15th of March 2139, the world mourns the passing of Darius Stone, billionaire broker, and philanthropist.

Yet while his family and friends put his body to rest, Darius wakes up to find himself reborn into a younger body in a different world.

A strange voice informs him that his soul has been transported into the magic-filled world of Faust on the behest of a mysterious Goddess called Vena, for the sole purpose of entertaining her through his struggles.

In this world where any dream can be achieved with enough effort, he sets out to become a Supreme, an existence above Mortals and even Gods!

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Warning: This novel features a villainous protagonist. If you have enjoyed Warlock of the Magus World, then you should be able to tolerate Darius Stone’s actions and choices throughout the novel in terms of Morality.

Note: This story is slow-paced in order to allow for better world-building and development. If you’re looking for a fast-paced action story, this might not be for you.