The Scarlet Paladin - Chapter 4: Bestowing the Gift

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 .

[Villainess Strong FL. Rebirth, Mind-reading.]Su Yanyi, the president of Splendid Entertainment, is one of the most legendary queen-like figures in the entertainment industry. Every artist she picked out would become a powerful force within the entertainment circle.A conspiracy caused her to lose everything, and she discovered that the man she had always treated with cold indifference had actually loved her deeply. Sadly, it was only at the end of her life that she realized all she left behind was unrectifiable regret.“If there is a next life, I will surely make those who have wronged me pay a hundredfold, and I will do everything in my power to ensure your well-being!”Perhaps it was her strong obsession, but in the blink of an eye, she found herself back to three years ago, accompanied by a very magical super system space—the Perfect Wife System.Having been a queen for so long, was this a hint for her to switch tastes and become a virtuous wife?Qin Jiran, the new generation's movie emperor, is handsome and overbearing, standing high above others like an emperor, the one and only god in the hearts of countless fans.Yanyi is the woman he loved most and the only woman he ever loved in his life. Unfortunately, she did not love him. Three years of marriage between them were nothing but a transaction.“Yanyi, do we really have to get a divorce?”...This story features a space, abilities, and a golden finger. The female lead is strong and cold but occasionally gentle; the male lead has a poker face and is a loyal dog, not lacking in assertiveness. I hope you all like it.

Accidentally reborn, Xu Wanwan realized that she was living in a novel and was currently the unlucky cannon fodder, while the fake daughter of a wealthy family was the extremely lucky original female lead!

Her birthright was stolen? 'Sure, take it.'

Her parents were stolen? 'I don't need them anymore.'

Her luck was stolen? 'Well this is the easiest to deal with, I'll just find the luckiest person in the novel and rub some off him!'

Cue Li Jingran, pretty much the embodiment of luck. The closer you got to him, the luckier you became.

There was no way she was going to let such a plug-in slip through her fingers.

As she rubbed off his luck, she regained her good grades, her beauty, her status, and even her horrible parents who were now filled with regret and wanted to reinstate her.

Li Jingran pulled her into his arms domineeringly and said, "Where did this trash come from? Leave my darling alone!"

Xu Wanwan, "I thought I was supposed to be the evil villainess? Why am I so professional at lovey-dovey behavior?"

The previous lords have committed as many atrocities as possible to fill their bellies. I, the only daughter of that house, had discovered that my servant and lover was a spy.

And as the people wanted, my life ended with my execution.

However, with the memory of getting beheaded intact, I began a new life. I was planning to shoulder the sins of my past life and become a nun, but by some trick of fate, I came to work as a maid for the current lord.

Under my former lover, whose name, age and even hair colour were all lies.