Lord of the Mysteries
| Author | Cuttlefish That Loves Diving |
|---|---|
| Original title | 诡秘之主 |
| Country | China |
| Language | Chinese |
| Genre | |
| Publisher | Qidian (web serial) China Literature (print) |
| Published | April 1, 2018 – May 1, 2020 (web serial) 2020–present (print) |
| Media type | Web novel, print |
| Followed by | 'The Circle of Inevitability' |
| Website | www |
Lord of the Mysteries (Chinese: 诡秘之主; pinyin: Guǐ Mì Zhī Zhǔ) is a Chinese web novel written by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving (爱潜水的乌贼). Serialized on Qidian from 2018 to 2020, the story blends steampunk, Lovecraftian horror, and xianxia elements in a Victorian era-inspired world.[1][2][3]
Plot
[edit]The story begins in the year 1349 of the Epoch Calendar. Klein Moretti, a modern-day man, awakens in the body of a history graduate who committed suicide. He discovers a world where steam technology coexists with occult forces and secret societies. After joining the Nighthawks, a clandestine organization combating supernatural threats, Klein gains access to the "Gray Fog"—a mystical space enabling communication with other "Beyonders" (individuals with supernatural abilities). Posing as the deity "The Fool," he forms the Tarot Club, a group of Beyonders who exchange knowledge and resources while unraveling conspiracies tied to ancient deities like the Ancient Sun God.
Publication
[edit]The novel was serialized on Qidian from April 2018 to May 2020.[1]
Adaptation
[edit]An animated adaptation is scheduled to be released in 2025, created by B.CMay PICTURES.[2][4] It is set to be released on WeTV.[5] As of 2024, a mobile RPG titled Code:Mystery is in development using Unreal Engine 5.[6]
Reception
[edit]The novel amassed a large fandom among Chinese and English speaking audiences.[1] It was ranked #1 on Qidian’s popularity rankings for several consecutive months.[7] As of 2023, it had tens of millions of readers.[8]
Fans of the series frequently discussed fan theories regarding the protagonist and his abilities, which the author directly engaged with online, sometimes by confirming fan speculation or by redirecting them. He also incorporated reader feedback into future instalments of the series.[9]
It is one of 144 web novels in the National Library of China.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Gupta, Jahnavi (2020-10-08). "Famous Chinese web novel 'Lord of the Mysteries' a smash hit at Bangkok International Book Fair". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
- ^ a b "Lord of the Mysteries Trailer Drops Ahead of Summer Debut, Teasing Anime's Turn to China". Screenrant. 9 March 2025. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
- ^ Gamerant Staff (2025-04-18). "Lord of the Mysteries Author Will Release New Series in 2026". GameRant. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
- ^ "Lord of the Mysteries anime set for July 2025 release: Everything you need to know". India Today Gaming. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
- ^ Pollacco, Laura (2024-08-27). "'Lord of the Mysteries' spectacular trailer has us excited for this animated adaption". The Mary Sue. Retrieved 2025-04-27.
- ^ Kalita, Parash Jyoti (2024-09-24). "Lord of the Mysteries RPG: SPARK NEXA brings the popular Web Novel to life on Mobile and PC". GamingonPhone. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
- ^ "Lord of the Mysteries". Qidian (in Chinese). Retrieved 2023-10-15.
- ^ Xu, Han; Patiño, Javier González; Linaza, José Luis (2023-12-13). "The Phenomenon of Cultural Exchange and Learning Reflected in the Transmedia Fiction Comment Area: Taking Lord of the Mysteries as an Example". Human Arenas. doi:10.1007/s42087-023-00387-x. ISSN 2522-5804.
- ^ Liu, Zhenhua; Xu, Mingze; Tang, Yi (2025-02-28). "The Impact of Real-Time Reader Interactions on Plot Structure and Pacing in Chinese Web Novels". Studies in Art and Architecture. 4 (1): 48–57. ISSN 2958-1540.
- ^ Matters, Business (2022-09-12). "Chinese web novels arrive at the British Library for the first time: The 16 pieces were originally serialised on China literature's Qidian website". Business Matters. Retrieved 2025-04-27.
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