MTL - The Book of Troubled Times - Chapter 220 The river Styx surges, the vacuum is not empty

Zhang Ruo Chen was the sole male heir of one of the nine emperors of the Kunlun Field. Ruo Chen’s father was known to all as the “Enlightened Emperor”, however Ruo Chen didn’t just leech off his status as emperor’s son. He proved himself to be a dragon amongst men, possessing a heaven defying body, and managing to cultivate to Greater Perfection within the Yellow Horizon Realm, at just the young age of 16.

But even though he stood at the summit of the younger generation and had a boundless future, he sadly died at the treacherous hands of his own fiancee at a young age.

Reincarnated 800 years later in the body of a young boy who shares his name, he found out his former fiancee already unified Kunlun’s Field and built the First Central Empire, and was now known as Empress Chi Yao… Empress Chi Yao—Her Majesty governed the mortal world and enjoyed prestige in all directions as well as an eternal life.

Zhang Ruochen stood outside of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, looking at the statue of Empress Chi Yao, and the flames of hatred burned in his heart. “After I practice for 13 years, I shall send the empress to her doom!”

- Description from Novelupdates

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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“I hate my old world. No matter where I turned, misfortune followed me like a curse. In this world, I will be free. I’ll rise to the top and enjoy life with beauties... but to do so, I must destroy everything that stands in my way.”Ryan was a simple construction worker, trapped in a boring routine, weighed down by gambling and loss. Until one day, his life ended when a rogue steel pole crashed into him—right in the middle of his important gacha pull. Everything went dark… and then bright again. He found himself face-to-face with a goddess.Seraphina, the Goddess of Life, stood before him with an air of indifference. “Welcome, Ryan, to the world between life and death. I could explain your life and death, but I can’t be bothered. I’m Seraphina, blah blah blah. Go save the world, be a hero... whatever.”Ryan lashed out. “What kind of shitty goddess are you? I don’t want to be a hero!”“How dare you speak to me like that?!” Seraphina’s fury was palpable. She had never been spoken to like this before.Ryan scanned the endless white room, muttering, “So, I’m dead, huh? This is a new world… First thing, get strong. And maybe get some beauties...”“Listen, we’re not done talking—” the goddess started, but Ryan cut her off. “Shut the f**k up! I’m thinking here!” He was beyond thrilled to escape his miserable old life. This felt like a second chance.“Hero? F**k that! Make me a villain,” Ryan growled. “Give me powers like in those anime shows! I want to burn the world down and make them kneel to me!”The goddess paused, clearly annoyed. “Fine, have it your way.” She flicked her wrist, sending a flash of light toward him.Unseen by her, a shadowy presence entered with the light.“I shall grant you one wish,” the goddess muttered bitterly. “Name it, and it will be done.”Ryan’s eyes gleamed. “Anything?” His grin widened. “Make me someone who can f**k countless women and have a hundred wives. And you...” He leered at her, “You’ll be my first.”Before Seraphina could react, a system window appeared before Ryan’s eyes, glowing crimson.[Welcome Ryan Wood][You are reading a message from the system of the chosen ones][You are offered to become the Harem God][Will you accept your fate?][Yes/No]Ryan’s excitement surged. “F**K YES! I ACCEPT! GIVE ME THIS POWER!”Follow Ryan on his journey to becoming the true Evil Harem God. He’ll conquer beauties, battle enemies, and reshape the world in his image. In a world where only the strong survive, Ryan will stop at nothing to become the ultimate villain—the man who controls all the women and rules over all.● This novel contains R18 explicit content and adult themes.● Two chapters will be uploaded daily, so buckle up.● The MC? He’s evil, ruthless, and sure as hell not a coward.● Expect epic battles, cool abilities, and solid world-building.Bonus tags(Netori; OP; MILF; Monster Girls; Large Harem)No NTR. No incest. No pegging. No femboys. No direct rape(Only brainwashing that leaves the woman feeling good). No YURI.

I reincarnated as the wife of the cursed archduke in my own twisted novel.

As the author, I have a responsibility to fix this novel.

I have lifted the curse, which is the main problem of this story.

I thought my job was done. But when I was trying to go back, the archduke asked me, “Did you really think I wouldn’t know that you’re planning on returning to your fiance?”

‘My fiance?’

What I’m gonna do? He completely misunderstood the situation!

All I want is for him to please let me go home!