Codename-Anastasia - Chapter 55 - 4.9 Checkmate 3

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 .

Guo Miao, the national treasure of the Empire, committed suicide after completing a certain grand project. Everyone had theories about her motives, but no one was aware that she was a reincarnation and had simply ended her own life because there was nothing left for her to do. She did not expect to reincarnate back to her past life when she discovered that she was the Guo family’s real rich daughter. In her last life, she did not turn down her parents who came for her, only to find that her decision left her in the abyss.

Not only did her parents play favorites, but their fake rich daughter was also ruthless, framing her for a murder and isolating her, then leaving her to rot in jail while her stepfather died from depression. Now that she had reincarnated, she no longer sought familial warmth—only survival for the sake of those who truly loved her and to live her life! She earned countless honors and innumerable scientific discoveries by turning over a new leaf.

Everyone who used to belittle her now regretted life, bawling as they begged for her patents. She coldly watched as they humiliated themselves and snapped at them icily: Dream on! In this secular world, she was the goddess to all and the most coveted person of every rich kid in the Imperial Capital. A certain man: The proudest thing I’ve done in my life is winning her love!

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

“A marriage contract determines fate for a lifetime.As the once well-to-do Sang Wan marries into the wealthiest Shi family of Qingzhou, she faces a suspicious and difficult mother-in-law, a husband who cherishes his childhood sweetheart instead, a harsh eldest sister-in-law, and a cunning younger sister-in-law. The diffident Sang Wan retreats and concedes until she ultimately meets a tragic and desolate end, dying alone in a secluded corner of the Shi Mansion.Reborn in the sedan chair on her wedding day, where should she go? At the starting point of tragedy, with a chance to start anew, can she change her tragic fate and create a life filled with harmonious melodies for herself?In this life, she only desires a leisurely and peaceful existence, to truly live for once.”