Chapter 59: Cuttlefish That Loves Diving – The Lord of Mysteries

Note: All figures below are estimates based on publicly available information and Chinese publishing data. Actual figures may vary.

Author Snapshot

• Author: Cuttlefish That Loves Diving (爱潜水的乌贼; real name: Yuan Ye)
• Type: Chinese web novelist
• Genre: Mystery, fantasy, steampunk, Lovecraftian
• Career Span: 2010–present
• Notable Status: Lord of Mysteries considered one of the greatest Chinese web novels; unique Western-inspired setting; complex mystery plotting; international fan translation movement

The Cuttlefish Who Defied Chinese Web Novel Conventions

Cuttlefish That Loves Diving created something rare in Chinese web fiction: a novel that felt Western. Lord of Mysteries combines steampunk Victorian setting, Lovecraftian horror, and elaborate mystery plotting in ways that defied typical xianxia formulas. International fans organized massive translation efforts, making it one of the most celebrated Chinese web novels outside China.

Estimated Lifetime Gross Revenue

Total Estimated Range: $20 million to $40 million USD (2010-2024)

Strong domestic performance combined with unusual international recognition.

Revenue Breakdown by Source

1. Novel Subscriptions & Royalties (Estimated: $10-20 million)

• Lord of Mysteries: Massive Chinese readership
• Throne of Magical Arcana: Strong performer
• Martial Arts Master: Earlier success
• Platform revenue sharing with Qidian

2. International Translation & Rights (Estimated: $3-6 million)

• Official English translation (Webnovel)
• International licensing deals
• Stronger international presence than typical Chinese authors

3. Adaptation Rights (Estimated: $5-10 million)

• Animation adaptations in development
• Game rights
• Strong IP potential

Top Works & Impact

Lord of Mysteries (诡秘之主, 2018-2020)

Klein Moretti, a modern man who transmigrates to a steampunk Victorian world, discovers a supernatural realm of mysterious powers and ancient gods. As he rises through the “Sequence” power system, he uncovers conspiracies spanning centuries.

Why It’s Celebrated:

• Western-inspired setting unusual in Chinese web fiction
• Complex mystery plotting with payoffs
• Lovecraftian horror elements
• Elaborate magic system (Sequences)
• Character development prioritized
• Satisfying completed ending
• International translation movement

The Sequence System:

• 22 pathways of power
• Each pathway has 9 sequences (levels)
• Unique abilities per pathway
• Interconnected lore

Throne of Magical Arcana (奥术神座, 2016-2018)

A modern musician transmigrates to a world where music and magic intertwine.

Notable Business Decisions

1. Western-Inspired Innovation

By choosing steampunk Victorian setting, Cuttlefish differentiated from crowded xianxia market.

2. Mystery Focus

Plotting elaborate mysteries rather than just progression gave the novel literary quality.

3. International Appeal

The Western setting and mystery elements appealed to international readers beyond typical Chinese web fiction audience.

The Mystery Master

Lord of Mysteries represents Chinese web fiction’s potential for sophistication. Rather than simple power fantasy, it offers complex mystery, elaborate worldbuilding, and genuine horror. Its success proves Chinese web novels can transcend genre conventions.

In the Golden Quill Chronicles, Cuttlefish represents innovation—the author who brought Lovecraft to China, who proved Chinese web novels could feel Western, and whose Lord of Mysteries set a new standard for the industry.