MTL - The First Strong - Chapter 2585 War of illusion

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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★DARK ROMANCE★^WARNING 18+^~NO RAPE~In a world dominated by organized crime and ruthless power struggles, a tangled web of trauma, revenge, and forbidden passion unfolds.Katya Volkov, the stunning but vulnerable daughter of the Russian Mafia's feared right-hand man, has endured a childhood of unrelenting brutality and neglect.Growing up, Katya was repeatedly tormented by her father's resentment, leaving her emotionally shattered and unloved.However, Katya's life was about to take a much darker turn. Romeo Salvatore, a name that was both feared and respected, emerged from the shadows.His traumatic past has left an indelible mark on his soul, rendering him cold and detached.Seeking retribution, Romeo launches a daring invasion of the Volkov's heavily guarded estate. He captures both Katya and her abusive father, subjecting them to merciless torture.Convinced of Katya's complicity in her father's heinous crimes, Romeo executes her father and condemns Katya to a life of hellish slavery.Yet, as time passes, the boundaries between captor and captive begin to blur. Katya and Romeo find themselves inexorably drawn into a forbidden bond, igniting a fiery passion that threatens to consume them both.Torn between his thirst for revenge and his burgeoning desire for Katya, Romeo is forced to confront the darkness within himself, would he be consumed by lust, passion and possibly love or would he stay loyal with his beliefs.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This story is an enemies to lover type so don't expect all fluff and rainbows.~Weak to strong female~ML is ruthless, don't expect him to be a saint.~No rape~humours, laugher, tears and blush.~ And lastly, this story is not for the weak hearted~

Yang Qing never expected that he would travel to the fairy world, let alone that he would have a chance to travel back.

It’s just that after I came back, I found out that this world is not friendly to cultivation, and it’s a completely degenerated world, so what else can I do?

Part-time work is not allowed, so he can only rely on the rune technology of the fairy world and develop a little black technology to live his life, so his eyes are directly fixed on the moon above his head, where his dream begins!

- Description from novelbuddy

Inventory of Heaven’s Way Comes Pirates, starting from Judiciary Island, counting ten high-burning team battles

no10 Judiciary Island——Pursue the Flower of Hope in the Frustration and Pain

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No8 World of the Strong – The Tragic Life of the Golden Lion

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no6 Luo vs. Bai – the confrontation of legendary overlords in the distant past

no5 fanatical action – the peak confrontation between the old generation and the new era

no4 red-haired diva—red-haired diva’s dad

no3 Valley of the Gods – the world-shaking battle that disappeared in history

no2 top war – the end of the old era

no1 Ghost Island War – Witness the Awakening of the Sun God

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- Description from novelbuddy