MTL - The city of Monkey King - ~ 1280 finale

'A Culinary Adventure in the Game World!!'Kai never asked for this. One minute, he’s stuck in a dead-end life, barely scraping by. Next, he’s reincarnated into a game world, trapped in the body of the Darklord. But there's a twist—he doesn’t just inherit the Darklord’s power. No, Kai is cursed with something far worse: a Culinary System that can turn food into magic, potions, and weaponry.In a world where culinary prowess is power, Kai has to master his cooking skills to survive. Can he turn scraps into a full course of victories, or will he fall victim to the game's deadly rules? As he navigates treacherous quests, forms unlikely alliances, and battles powerful foes, Kai learns that his new identity as the Darklord isn't just about power—it's about survival.But he's not the only one after the game’s ultimate secrets. A mysterious Crimson Guild, bent on using Kai’s Culinary System to take control of the world, is hot on his heels. To escape this game, Kai will need to unlock the true potential of his cooking, master ancient recipes, and discover how to break free from the game... but can he do all that before the Guild catches up with him?A world of dangerous quests, supernatural enemies, and magic-infused meals await!The Culinary System. The Darklord’s power. And a feast of deadly secrets.The game has just begun.

I belong to a good sect that has never turned its back on me for my poor potential, has never forced me to study martial arts, and even helped arrange a betrothal for me when I was young.

My fiancée is a much renowned hot-tempered young miss. She’s beautiful, strong, and deeply loves me. Upon my start down the path of the Jianghu, I entirely relied on her to provide cover for me and before long, I became renowned as the #1 Pretty Boy of the Immortal Path.

Yet one day, I discovered that this person is apparently a man. A man in drag!

More unforgivable is that he thought I was a woman dressing as a man!

Me, as if my liver and guts are being cut to pieces: “Brother, what have you done with my fiancée?”

Him, as if a knife has been twisted in his heart: “Brother, what have *you* done with my fiancée?”

The waters of the Jianghu are indeed murky. Even if I am starving, even if I’m dying far from home, from this point on, I will not eat even a mouthful of rice prepared by him.

—So fragrant.

- Description from Novelupdates

As a eunuch, Tian Qi’s ba zi* was harder than diamond-plated gold drill. Although her ba zi easily brought an end to three consecutive masters, the Emperor was not afraid to be the next casualty and got her to serve at Qian Qing Palace.

Although His Majesty looked like a handsome gentleman, his behavior was more like a hooligan. Once, the Emperor touched Tian Qi’s lower abdomen and started to wonder at the amazing flatness of the area…

*八字 a Feng Shui term that refers to one’s date and time of birth, or the destiny that one is born with

- Description from Novelupdates

Several hundred thousand players are trapped in a gritty zombie apocalypse survival game just after game launch. There are hints that deaths in the game might be serving some other terrible purpose in the background of reality…