The Villainess With A Heroine Harem - Chapter 16 - ’Royal Knights’?

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 .

“There are no heroes. In life, the monsters win.”

...

In 2106, [Mayhem Online], a fully immersive VRMMO game, was released. Soon, it dominated the world's economy when people could exchange the in-game currency with real-life currency and vice versa.

In the year 2107, Flynn Grey, a 22-year-old college dropout with an ambiguous history, joined in the fray of billions of people that had already started playing [Mayhem]. Hoping to uncover the game's secret and earn a fortune, he spent months on adventures without fruitful results.

For better or worse, Shura, Flynn's in-game character, ends up in a great Wyvern's den, acquiring a hidden class and a monstrous race. Join him as he defeats his past and paves his way into becoming a true legend in both worlds.

There is luster in the east, and it is named Dahuang. “
In the rumors, ignorance, poverty, backwardness, and wildness. “
– bullshit. “
Queen of the Great Desolation, cold as frost. “
Supported by the national teacher, and the golden boy and jade girl of the national teacher, they are deeply in love, a stunning couple, and unparalleled. “
– bullshit. “
The queen died suddenly, and the national teacher mourned. According to the instructions of heaven, they traveled thousands of miles and finally found their reincarnated lover. From then on, the prince and princess lived happily in the castle…
——Crap! “

- Description from novelbuddy

Ye Xuan was transmigrated to the Qingyun Sect and became the youngest elder. At the same time, he had also received the 10000x Disciple Cashback System.

From a young maid to a previous noble lady and the demonic empress, he accepted all of them as his disciples.

No matter what he gifted and taught his disciples, he would receive the same thing back in 10000 folds.

“Ding! You have given your disciple a low-grade Nirvana Pill. You have been rewarded with the Heaven Path Pill.”

“Ding! You have given your disciple the Sky Blazing Sword. You have been rewarded with the ancient divine sword, God Slayer.”

“Ding! Your disciple’s cultivation has increased by a year. You have been rewarded with 10000 years worth of cultivation.”

Ye Xuan continued to accept more disciples until one day, one of his disciples, the empress, exposed his identity.

It was then that the world learned of a person who was the strongest.