High-IQ Protagonists, Intricate Plots, No Harem, Dark and Scheming, Not Goody-Two-Shoes 高智商，一环扣一环，不种马，黑暗，腹黑，不圣母

1. 401 无 The Painless: Everyone’s a Villain 无痛者：全员恶人 Who the Heck Are You, Author?作者你丫谁啊Sci-Fi & Apocalypse232k WordsOngoing [Every time he dies, he unconsciously devours everything around him, and comes back stronger...] Tags: No System / Dark power fantasy / Urban supernatural abilities / Suffering followed by a counterattack / Revenge and comeback / Ensemble strategy First, a warning: this book is extremely demanding to read. Simply paying attention is not enough. The extensive strategic conflicts between the many characters and the parallel storylines make it exceptionally challenging to read, remember, and unders 4Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   The male protagonist didn't crush everyone from the start; he grew step by step, even forming a special group to learn about human society and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships.

2. 402 满 A Max-Level Expert Pretends to Be a Newbie, but Her Secret Identities Keep Getting Exposed 满级大佬装萌新，马甲掉不完 Mysteries of the Stars星辰玄妙Eastern Fantasy3.1M WordsCompleted Invincible + Cautious + Comedy + Multiple Secret Identities + Absolute Control He is a creator-level powerhouse among the myriad heavens, yet he prefers to pose as a weak newbie and take it easy. The God King is a clay figure he molded, the Immortal Emperor is one of his split incarnations, and every legend in the world is one of his secret identities. At the sect tournament, he “narrowly beats” the last-place contestant, while the Grand Supreme Elder kneels to watch a divine technique. When t 2.8kReads—Score313Shelves

   Reader note

   It's arguably the pinnacle of fantasy comedy! A world-class powerhouse disguises himself as a complete weakling to roam the heavens, with gods, kings, and immortal emperors all playing disguises—a premise that inherently provides a satisfying experience. From a clay figure in a newbie village causing a sect-wide uproar, to a shopping list turning into a sword manual and underwear becoming a chaotic treasure, every scene is filled with adorable contrasts and hilarious moments of overwhelming power. The plot is wildly imaginative, featuring alter egos fighting each other, villainous plots turning into fireworks, and schizophrenic romances. Absolute strength collides with a laid-back, survival-oriented approach, creating a wonderfully unique experience. It offers the exhilarating feeling of an invincible protagonist while also providing laugh-out-loud moments of absurd comedy. High-energy from start to finish, it's a true stress-relieving masterpiece!

3. 403 窃 The Book of Stolen Lives 窃命书 Heavy Snow in May五月下大雪Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The short drama adaptation of this book, A Book of Ashes and Joy, premieres at 12:15 a.m. on February 13. If you're interested, keep an eye out! [Regains control after being possessed | Not a wish-fulfillment story | Plot-driven | Light ensemble cast] Lin Ruochu, the legitimate daughter of a general's family, was possessed during her coming-of-age ceremony at fifteen. The transmigrated woman, sold off by a System, used every means to “win over” the young heir of a marquis's estate. She turned e 37.6kReads9.4Score5.7kShelves

   Reader note

   The interconnected plot points are very relevant to the theme; greed, anger, and ignorance are all human desires and attachments. The author's descriptions are excellent. [Thumbs up]

4. 404 被 After They Read His Mind, the Madman Wants to Kill Someone Every Day 被读心后，疯批变态天天都想杀人 Leisure Time时暇Modern Romance760k WordsCompleted [Looks like a little lamb on the outside, a true maniac on the inside; everyone is highly intelligent; angsty romance] Yu Ke transmigrates into a book, becoming the cannon-fodder biological heiress in a story about a real and fake heiress. Not only is her whole family doomed to die, but she’s surrounded by cannon fodder who meet increasingly gruesome ends. She rolls up her sleeves and decides to save these poor souls, but... The first time, someone pushes her off a building and she dies. The sec 12kReads8.5Score1.2kShelves

   Reader note

   This female lead is incredibly intelligent. She's not easily detected in other mind-reading stories, but when the plot changes, she analyzes and tests it herself, and understands a lot of things. It's amazing! [Admiration][Laughing]

5. 405 别 Don't Be Weak, Don't Provoke Her: An Angry Palace Maid Can Restore a Fallen Kingdom 别太弱，别招惹，宫女发怒能复国 Ethereal Fairy霓裳妖妖Ancient Romance748k WordsCompleted [Unusual premise + assassin’s rise + strong heroine + political intrigue + cold and heartless + mildly yandere + cool-headed lunatic + male lead rises from the nth place] * Su Mian was just a palace maid serving a princess. On the day the Southern Yan Kingdom fell, she watched everyone die before her without a flicker of emotion. The princess gave her an even more perilous mission. Until it was done, she had to stay alive. But in a world thrown into chaos, she was sold as a slave and forced to e 25.6kReads9.5Score4.2kShelves

   Reader note

   Both are highly intelligent stories, with each plot intricately linked. The first is a female-centric novel, while the second involves several men using the female lead to fight among themselves. Both are highly rated reads. [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

6. 406 匹 The Common Man's Comeback 匹夫的逆袭 Xiao Qi Jiao骁骑校Urban2.3M WordsCompleted A veteran cop with a terminal illness makes one last stand. A private detective will stop at nothing for baby formula and mortgage payments. And a mysterious killer who refuses to stay dead is closing in. All three parties are after an older man and a young girl living in a rental on the outskirts of the city. On the evening before a torrential storm, everyone stands at a crossroads of fate. Who is an ally, and who is an enemy? Should they accept their deaths, or turn the tables against all odds 35.9kReads9.3Score4.4kShelves
7. 407 她 She Cares Only for Love and Romance 她只关风月 Jiang Liuye姜六耶Modern Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Heaven was fair to Li Shu. It gave her the most stunning beauty, then gave her the humblest origins. Because of her beauty, she caught the eye of the capital's most powerful young heir. Because of her background, she fell into the mud. "A woman who doesn't even know who her own father is thinks I'm going to marry her?" He thought she was a rose with thorns, and that if he pulled out those thorns, she could remain his secret lover forever. But she wasn't a rose. She was wild grass, impossible to 13.3kReads8.5Score1.7kShelves
8. 408 重 Reborn, I Turn My Fate Around with the System of Noncontention 重生归来，我凭不争系统扭转死局 Wen Qiheng温栖珩Ancient Romance114k WordsOngoing Reborn on the eve of the palace banquet, Su Wanyuan's fingertips brushed against the secret drug hidden in the lining of her gown. In her previous life, she was tricked into making a scene, lost her reputation, and saw her entire family executed. This time, she stayed calm, waiting to tear away her half-sister's gentle facade in front of everyone at the banquet. Before the trouble had even settled, a wooden token etched with a whirlpool pattern led her to a decades-old secret plot involving a 15Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Everyone's IQ is online

9. 409 男 A Man of Savage Strength 男人凶猛 Fang Huo方火Urban1.8M WordsCompleted The whole point of this book is to show you just how miserable a man's life can be if he doesn't work hard to earn money! The sequel to Thirty Years of Life… 29.5kReads9.1Score2.8kShelves
10. 410 算 The Deadly Trap 算死局 Li Er Bu Ha李二不哈Urban1.7M WordsOngoing Everyone knows that shady dealings can make you big money, but not everyone can pull them off. As for me, I was born to make a living this way. My name is Li Shiming, but people call me Li Ergou. In 2006, just after turning eighteen, I pulled off a scheme in Guangzhou and made my first million. By 2026, my assets had topped ten billion. This isn't just a story. It's a true account of the underworld, and a guide to the secrets of human nature. Some people read it and copy the tricks without under 157.1kReads8.8Score6.1kShelves

    Reader note

    High intelligence, setting up schemes, unorthodox methods

11. 411 将 The Bride-to-Be 将嫁 Echoes Linger for Three Days绕梁三日Ancient Romance287k WordsCompleted Three years ago, to pacify the western frontier, he married the daughter of the Governor-General of Yongzhou as his empress. But during his lifetime, he met Huo Shiying, the one and only woman of her kind, and the sole female general in the Great Yan dynasty. She doesn't know, and no one else does either, that he has followed her life for twenty whole years. When he was six, he first heard his mother and eldest sister mention her name, and wondered how a two-year-old girl could have been taken t 25kReads9.6Score3.3kShelves

    Reader note

    A bookworm's picks from Tomato Bookstore: Books I've read and reread during summer vacation are all high-IQ, non-saintly, and meticulously planned. The supporting characters are also well-developed and compelling, not mindless villains; their wickedness has a reason and they're intelligent. The romance between the male and female leads is fast-paced, straightforward, and avoids misunderstandings—very enjoyable.

12. 412 人 Life at Thirty 人生三十 Seven Parts Alive七分生Urban2.3M WordsCompleted My career went bankrupt, and my beloved wife betrayed me! There’s no such thing as an easy life for adults. No transmigrating, no being reborn. No wishful fantasies, just reality. Keeping my feet on the ground, taking one step at a time, I’ll turn things around against the odds and rise to the top! This one’s for readers born in the ’80s. If you’re thin-skinned or haven’t been battered by life, read at your own risk! Better not read it! 21.7kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves
13. 413 绑 After Binding to a Black Tech System, I Beat the Male Lead to a Pulp 绑定黑科技系统后我打爆了男主 Snowfall In Winter岁冬下雪了Modern Romance472k WordsCompleted [No CP + Academic genius + Cutting-edge technology + Real and fake heiresses + Wish fulfillment] After being reborn, Jiang Huaining discovers that she is the vicious supporting female character in a story about a real and fake heiress. According to the plot, the fake heiress is supposed to envy the real one, scheme against her family, and seize the company, only to be left with her family in ruins by the male lead. “What vicious supporting character? Being a tycoon is more my style.” So... She t 28.1kReads9.3Score3.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is highly intelligent, possesses a cutting-edge technology system, is a researcher, and isn't a saint—it's incredibly satisfying!

14. 414 开 My Uncle Dies from the Start, and I Get This Great Deal? 开局死大爷，还有这好事 Yan Wu Never Speaks of Night言午不说夜Urban677k WordsOngoing On the surface, he is the young owner of a traditional Chinese medicine therapy clinic. In truth, he is a cultivator who has chosen to live in obscurity among ordinary people. If a hospital can treat it, I can treat it. If a hospital can’t, I can still treat it. As long as you aren’t meant to die, I can keep you alive. If you’ve found your way to me, it means you can still be saved. So tell me, what did you do this time? Feng shui can help someone rise to great heights, or leave them plagued by 241Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Supernatural cultivation books: How to cultivate in modern society

15. 415 诡 The Eerie Spirit Medium: My Doll Can Really Manifest Spirits 诡异降神师：我的娃娃真能显灵 Clouds Can Smile云会笑Mystery1.4M WordsCompleted [Ghosts in the Book!] [Dark Tone!] [Villain Protagonist!] [Urban Supernatural!] [Horror Aesthetic!] [Invincible from the Start!] A sinister doll saws someone to pieces, a red-clad vengeful ghost claims lives at the airport, a hundred ghosts hunt people down along a ten-mile street, the dead rise again in a crematorium, and corpses dance wildly in an abandoned hospital... None of these things happened to me. They are all stories I wrote. My name is Yang Ning. I am an heir to the Ling Men, a profe 131.2kReads9.5Score11.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist of this book is truly highly intelligent. Every time he kills, it's a meticulously planned and interconnected scheme, leaving the police with no evidence and even proving his innocence. This book doesn't have any cheat codes or systems. The protagonist was abducted and trafficked. From the beginning, the book is about taking revenge on all human traffickers. No criminal can escape his eyes. He won't harm innocent people. He's a mysterious spirit medium surrounded by many ghosts who, like him, were abducted and died.

16. 416 无 Infinite: People Can Die, but You Must Never Lose the Game 无限：人可以死游戏绝不能输 Ran Tu染途Mystery1.4M WordsCompleted (Completed) [Infinite Flow + Logical Deduction + Death Games + Brain-Burning + Slightly Unhinged Female Lead + Strong Leads] (Content warnings at the end of Chapter 1) After her parents died, Xin Zhixia witnessed the ugly faces of her relatives during a dispute over the inheritance and grew disgusted with the world. She devoted herself to the games she loved and drifted through life in a daze. Finding life pointless, she decided to jump off a building and kill herself. A man appeared beside her. 12.7kReads9.1Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    Xin Zhixia, a disillusioned and hopeless individual, decides to end her life by jumping off a building. However, just as she is about to jump, a mysterious man appears. Instead of stopping her, he asks her if she is willing to die for him. Thus, she unexpectedly arrives in an alternate dimension called Death Space, beginning a series of deadly games. Here, the winners receive rewards, while the losers are all eliminated. Completing the game and accumulating points might allow for resurrection and a return to the real world. But for Xin Zhixia, resurrection is unimportant; what matters is—she can die, but she cannot lose the game! [What?]

17. 417 冥 The Funeral Parlor Owner's Son Becomes a Forensic Doctor Just to Lie Flat 冥店之子当法医，只为躺平 Yan Wu Never Speaks of Night言午不说夜Mystery620k WordsCompleted You can talk to ghosts about human relationships and social niceties, but you can't reason with people, because people are often scarier than ghosts. When dealing with conflicts between ghosts and people, you don't always have to side with the living. Those who have done wrong don't deserve help. The so-called Five Disadvantages and Three Deficiencies aren't a fate that comes with being a cultivator. They only befall cultivators who help people do evil. Some jobs aren't hard because of the work 74Reads—Score—Shelves
18. 418 三 The Poisonous Strategist of the Three Kingdoms: Li Ru Seizes Power 三国毒士：李儒夺权 Ink Shadow Fragrance墨影流芳Historical599k WordsCompleted After transmigrating to the late Han dynasty, Li Ru becomes the most underestimated schemer under Dong Zhuo. When the eighteen warlords unite to campaign against Dong Zhuo and his faction is beset by troubles both within and without, everyone believes Li Ru is merely a sinister adviser clinging to Dong Zhuo. What they don't know is that Li Ru has long memorized The Art of War and The Thirty-Six Stratagems, and is secretly plotting with the advantage of a thousand years of historical knowledge. F 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A high-IQ political intrigue novel, highly recommended.

19. 419 人 A Human Cage 人间囚笼 Yan Yizhi言一知Urban538k WordsCompleted [Not a wish-fulfillment story + extremely dark + oppressive and suffocating. Don’t read if you’re faint of heart.] When you’re nearing the end of your life, you can actually feel it coming. Just like right now. The closer that moment gets, the more you want to leave something behind in this world. But what should I leave? Assets lose value, and houses change hands. Nothing material can last forever. So perhaps I should tell everyone my story instead. I’m no good person. I just occasionally feel 117.1kReads9.5Score16.4kShelves
20. 420 神 The Mighty Little Constable 神通小捕快 Seven Stars in Hand手握七星Martial Arts2.0M WordsOngoing “One leaf riding the wind, roaming ten thousand miles; a dashing constable, famous throughout the land.” The most righteous men are often those society looks down on, and heroes rise from the streets. The spring breeze and I are both passing travelers, but your name alone belongs to the martial world. Ye Fei, a lowly errand boy at an inn, is rejected by the Su family because he's nothing but a nobody who runs errands! Who could have guessed that after getting drunk, saving a beauty, and catching 14.6kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend "The Charming Young Constable"! Hidden within the everyday life of the city lies chivalry and (a code of honor among heroes), and the ordinary constable possesses extraordinary talent; both the characters and the story are incredibly captivating.

21. 421 逆 Against the Meridians: Liar, Stop! 逆经：骗子住手 Ren Fanwuyin任梵无音Eastern Fantasy1.3M WordsCompleted [Original novel for the animated series This Taoist Is Not Quite Right] Life is unpredictable. The fit thrive under Heaven's law, Those skilled in force become generals, those skilled in strategy become kings. Born into the lowest of professions, he refuses to live like a nobody, He waves the yin-yang banner and sees through the Six Lines of Divination. Watch him play at being a spirit medium, watch him swindle and deceive, Watch him make ruthless decisions, watch him rise like a hidden dragon f 43.3kReads9.4Score4.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Top-tier political intrigue awaits! A blend of martial arts, crime-solving, adventure, genius, revenge, the martial world, and the imperial court. The plot is tight and concise, the writing is superb, and it's suitable for both male and female bookworms. It's simply captivating! [Requesting more frequent updates!] 🙂

22. 422 宦 Love Amid the Corridors of Power 宦海情途 Boil the Sea into Salt煮海为盐Urban1.0M WordsOngoing After offending his superiors, Zhou Zhiyuan was transferred from the county Party committee office to a remote township. Amid the undercurrents of grassroots politics, he remains humble yet steadfast, puts down roots in the countryside, and plans for development. Through one power struggle after another, he holds true to himself and uses his courage and wisdom to break through and grow. Starting from a small township, he rides the waves and steadily opens a path to success in his political caree 16.1kReads7.6Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is good.

23. 423 灵 The Five Strokes of the Spirit 灵之五划 Zhang Shiba章十八Eastern Fantasy557k WordsOngoing No one gets to define what web fiction should be! Within books lies a path to heaven; between the lines are the deeds of ten thousand ages. Three thousand great characters, each taking root; roots plunge deep into the earth, branches flourish and pierce the sky. Where does the mystery lie? Where does the fantasy begin? Hold a staff in either hand, swing blades with every stroke, hook your fingers around a cup, and join me for a drink. 3.1kReads—Score210Shelves

    Reader note

    A great book that you won't be disappointed with once you open it.

24. 424 真 The Real Heiress Drops the Act! The Unhinged Girl Offends the Whole World! 真千金不装了！疯批得罪全世界！ Endless Sky长空万里Modern Romance2.2M WordsCompleted [Top-Tier Wealthy Family + Sharp-Tongued, Unhinged Heroine + Dark, Powerful Hero + Plenty of Secret Identities + Sweet Romance, One-on-One] Ye Kong grew up an orphan and turned twenty. Then she was suddenly told that she was the real daughter of the wealthy Ye family of Huaichuan. But when she returned home, she was greeted not by a heartwarming reunion, but by a family who doted on their fake heiress and an unwanted, disabled fiancé. Ye Kong had a lot to say. But before she left, the orphanage 49.6kReads9.4Score5.6kShelves

    Reader note

    A combination of genius and madness, where wisdom reigns supreme.

25. 425 天 Supreme Destiny 天命最高 Sweet Dream Feather甜梦羽Historical180k WordsCompleted He was the “Qin dog” everyone in Handan hated, a hostage who trembled in his mother’s arms. Before the age of nine, he lived for one reason alone: to avoid being beaten to death by the people of Zhao. Then one day, his father died, and he became the King of Qin. The road back to Xianyang was strewn with thorns: his grandmother wanted to depose him, his younger brother wanted him dead, powerful ministers treated him like a puppet, and the queen dowager and her lover controlled the inner palace. H 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Who could imagine that Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who conquered the world, was once a pitiful youth struggling to survive? His path to power in Qin was fraught with peril, requiring countless schemes and battles to secure his throne. This ruthless emperor held a special affection for the Epang Palace, vowing to exchange the land for her. But his good fortune was short-lived; war broke out, and fate deliberately presented him with a difficult task, forcing him to relinquish his only weakness.

26. 426 平 From Secretary to the Top Leader, Rising to Great Heights 平步青云从一把手秘书开始 Boil the Sea into Salt煮海为盐Urban49k WordsOngoing With both his career and marriage at the lowest point of his life, the minor official Lin Yanzhou stumbles into a new post by chance. From then on, he enters a fast track to the top, changes his fate, and makes his way through the workplace with careful moves and growing success, embarking on a bloody path to promotion... 926Reads—Score—Shelves
27. 427 豪 Cast-Off Rich Wife? Sorry, She's a Beautiful Madwoman 豪门弃妇？抱歉，她是疯批美人 One Paycheck, One Hundred Trillion一薪一亿亿Modern Romance945k WordsOngoing [Pursuit of his wife + unhinged heroine + satisfying face-slapping + male rivals competing for her + revenge] This book is also known as Mr. Fu, Your Wife Is Acting Up Again. Three years into their marriage, Mo Lansheng suddenly discovered that her husband was keeping another woman on the side. An ex-girlfriend he still had a thing with, a first love he couldn't let go of, and a whole crowd of admirers. And she was nothing but a discarded rich man's wife in everyone else's eyes. But she wasn't d 23.3kReads8.4Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The story revolves around a "wife-chasing-after-the-cremation" scenario, featuring a crazy, highly intelligent, cunning, and ruthless female lead in a fierce and competitive arena.

28. 428 别 Don't Call Me a Demon 别叫我恶魔 Yi Qingfeng弈青锋Urban5.7M WordsCompleted [Qing Feng's new novel, This Player Has Something Wrong with His Head, is now serializing and has plenty of chapters ready to binge] The sacred heavenly gates stand across the sky, while the demonic abyss of time and space lays waste to the human world. When twelve spirit springs burst from the earth, when the moon no longer belongs to humanity... Where will we go from here? A world of gods? A world of demons? No. This is a world that belongs to humanity! I will take up the crown no one else wou 177.9kReads9.4Score16kShelves

    Reader note

    Absolutely no Mary Sue stories; the protagonist is quite cunning. A sacred gate stands tall in the heavens, a temporal abyss wreaks havoc on humanity. When twelve spiritual springs gush forth from the earth, when the moon no longer belongs to humankind… where will we go? The world of gods? The world of demons? No, this is the world of humankind! I will take up that crown no one has bestowed upon me and become the king of a new era. My name is Ren Jie! Born to be a hero!

29. 429 先 The Ancient Prophecy: The Return of Saling 先古之谕萨灵归来 Mr. Sazhilingxing萨之灵星先生Modern Romance89k WordsCompleted In ancient times, shaman mages used their mysterious powers to protect the balance of the land. They lived in harmony with nature, using spiritual energy to preserve the peace of the mountains and rivers and the well-being of their tribes. But their peaceful days were shattered overnight when a rift suddenly appeared in the sky, and monsters and demons from distant star systems surged toward their tranquil homeland like a tidal wave. The shaman mages rallied at once, knowing that the fate of the 165Reads7.9Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended for those who are interested [Already interested]

30. 430 修 The Cultivation Investiture of the Gods 修仙封神榜 Light of the Dao道之光Fantastical Romance602k WordsCompleted In the Age of Declining Dharma, immortals and demons wage a great war. The Way of Heaven is the way of humanity. The survival of the Dharma realm rests in the hands of every one of us. This book is tagged as fantasy romance. The love in this story is the Way of Heaven's care for all living beings, and the righteous love that inspires them to work together to uphold its order. Cultivating immortality means cultivating humanity. The righteous path in this world is a rough one. 14.2kReads9.5Score2.7kShelves
31. 431 光 All Beings Beneath the Light 光遇众生 The Quiet Duke静谧的公爵Anime Fanfiction976k WordsOngoing Adventure + high-IQ showdowns + suspicious, scheming characters + no female lead + ensemble cast + slow pace + revelations about the world’s truth, layer by layer (A Sky: Children of the Light fanfiction) After transmigrating into the world of Sky: Children of the Light, the Duke becomes a Light Child manipulated by the ancestors. “Go make an offering,” they say. “It is your supreme glory.” He believes them and fights his way forward with his companions, only to discover the horrifying truth aft 153Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's so niche that it barely gets any attention, but its quality is astonishing. The world-building is so fresh that there are no established counterparts. The author's writing is steady, the pacing isn't fast, but the details are incredibly abundant, like slowly gathering a net. While reading, you'll constantly have questions, and you'll find yourself questioning everything alongside the protagonist. It doesn't deliberately try to be sentimental, but each character's fate unfolds like a meticulously crafted tragic work of art—both logical and cruel.

32. 432 纨 The Pampered Life of a Spoiled Commandery Princess 纨绔郡主得宠日常 Zhao Pian赵骗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Signed for publication. The print edition is expected to be available by the end of the year. No! This! Is! Not! A! Romance! No CP! No rebirth, no transmigration, a thoroughly evil heroine, a power-struggle story A truly wicked heroine, vying for power over the realm, genuinely unhinged, ruthless, and rotten to the core Questions that come up while reading can only be answered by reading on. The willful, overbearing young princess of the Prince of Zhenbei’s household takes a fancy to Pei Jinnian 49.7kReads9.4Score6.3kShelves

    Reader note

    High intelligence, intricately linked plots, strong combat skills, and powerful backing.

33. 433 欲 The Quest for Enlightenment 欲求得道 Nangong Meiyue南宫美月Fantastical Romance242k WordsOngoing [Dragon Mom] [Transmigrated Before Birth] [No CP] [Hoarding Hamster] [Fantasy Cultivation] [Business-Savvy Young Prodigy] A sweet girl from Sichuan and Chongqing transmigrates to another world. In the year she comes of age, she joins the Hehuan Sect, then stumbles upon a huge flower-covered egg in a secret realm. From then on, she begins a journey of growth and adventure... 213Reads7.3Score107Shelves

    Reader note

    Fantasy cultivation, set in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing, lighthearted and humorous, set in another world, featuring gourmet food and spiritual cuisine, a quirky and clever character, a junior sister, the Hehuan Sect, local dialects, no romantic pairing, time travel, genius, and a cunning personality. Su Rou: Fellow Daoist, please call me "Sweet Girl"! [Smile][smile][smile]

34. 434 无 Infinite Game: Don't Rush, I'll Fool You After I Fool Them 无限游戏：别急，骗完你的骗你的 Come Get Rich来发财Mystery1.1M WordsCompleted (Please read the content warnings below before starting.) [No CP] [Feel-Good Power Fantasy] [Game] [Lone Wolf in the Early Stages] [Welcome to the Infinite Fun Game. Fail three times, and you will die.] While other players slaughtered their way through the game with all kinds of attack skills, Yun Cen, a newcomer from Blue Star, stared at her innate skill and fell into deep thought: [Huh? You can hear me?] What was this lousy skill even good for, besides listening to toilets complain about const 59.4kReads9.0Score10.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Bao Shuang is definitely not a saint.

35. 435 霍 Mr. Huo, I’m Married 霍先生，我已婚 Foodie Fish吃货鱼Modern Romance137k WordsCompleted Wen Ling, a graduate of the police academy in Country C, secretly signed a five-year marriage contract with Shen Zhi, a wealthy heir, to help with the business of her adoptive father, who loved her dearly. After graduating, she returned to A City and became captain of the criminal investigation team at the Public Security Bureau. While solving cases, she became entangled with Mr. Huo, the head of A City's leading corporation. The heroine is cool-headed, independent, confident, quick-witted, and 8.8kReads6.7Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is smart and very capable. [Smirk][Smirk][Thumbs up]

36. 436 诀 The Dao-Cutting Art 诀天道 Yue Xin Hengtian月信恒天Eastern Fantasy1.2M WordsOngoing (No mindless protagonist, no clichéd plot, a cunning lead, fully realized characters, no System, twin swords) The twin swords ring out, cleaving the heavens. Let souls be severed and bones torn out as you will. The world shall know no more bloody storms. I am both demon and god! With everything shattered, can it be made whole again? Faced with the shackles of fate, he will cut them apart with his twin swords! The gods and demons wage war for a hundred years. The Heavenly Dao is merciless, treati 3.2kReads—Score261Shelves

    Reader note

    Fellow Daoists, you'll know once you read the first chapter! What are the three golden chapters? It'll be even more enjoyable if you read up to chapter 57. It's not mindless; your intelligence will be on point throughout!

37. 437 五 Five Thunderbolts, True Heart Art 五雷正心诀 Dao Dao Zai刀刀哉Urban388k WordsCompleted This work is entirely fictional. It features everyday urban cultivation, twin senior sisters who are both masters, daily couple life, distinctive tribulations of lightning, and a disciple-recruiting System. I'll do my best to tell every story well! 40Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The short story is finished, and the long story will be updated twice today, so it's worth reading!

38. 438 听 Heard His Senior Brother Was Going Down the Mountain, the Demon Ancestor Practiced Buddhist Teachings All Night 听说师兄要下山，魔祖连夜修佛法 I Just Love Bewitching Women就喜欢妖女Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted Wang Huitian is a self-conscious man with no spiritual roots, yet his swordsmanship is divine. From the moment he leaves the mountain, the world knows no peace! Demon Ancestor: “What? He’s going down the mountain? Quick, bring me my kasaya!” Demon Clan: “Damn it, my son’s meat is tender. Hurry and hide him!” Forbidden Grounds: “We’re doing a deep clean today. Tomorrow, everyone must stay silent. Anyone who dares disobey will be thrown onto the mountain.” He demands a title from heaven and earth, 12.9kReads8.8Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    ✨High intelligence, meticulous planning, not mindless, decisive and ruthless!

39. 439 做 Abandoned as a Concubine, She Turns Around and Takes Command of a Hundred Thousand Troops 做小妾被弃，她转身手握十万大军 Taishi Ying太史婴Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [A beauty bent on rebellion, a menace who wreaks havoc vs. an ethereal beauty who leaves everyone in the dust, the undisputed champion of male rivalry; her aloof, clear-headed brother-in-law falls into passion; her ex, who hates her with a passion, becomes the third party for love; one-on-one ending] Su Wantang is breathtakingly beautiful, yet born a lowly concubine’s daughter. To climb the social ladder, she acts as a surrogate for her elder half-sister, the heir’s wife, and dumps her fiancé af 31.4kReads9.1Score4.9kShelves

    Reader note

    It's really amazing! As a bookworm for many years, very few books can move me anymore, but this one is so captivating that I can't put it down.

40. 440 守 On the Day of the Wake, My Sisters-in-Law Put Me on the Throne 守灵当天，我被众嫂嫂推上皇位 Kitchen God of the Wood Stove柴火灶王爷Historical724k WordsOngoing [Alternate Dynasty + Transmigration + War + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + The Golden Finger Has Been Cut in Half] A high school boy named Tian Shu wakes up one morning in an ancient funeral hall. His widowed sisters-in-law swarm around him, showering him with care. In a feudal age of chaos, the powerful clans hold sway. The System is practically useless, and each sister-in-law has her own agenda. Born into a poor family, can he defy fate, change his destiny, command a vast empire, and mak 4.6kReads8.8Score183Shelves

    Reader note

    [Alternate Dynasty + Time Travel + War + Political Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + Chopped-Off Cheat] High school student Tian Shu wakes up to find himself transported to an ancient funeral hall. His widowed sisters-in-law swarm around him, showering him with concern. In this chaotic feudal era, powerful families hold sway. The system is practically useless, and his sisters-in-law each harbor their own agendas. Born into poverty, can he defy fate and rise to power, leaving his mark on history? Or will he be unable to escape his destiny, becoming cannon fodder for someone else's benefit?

41. 441 丞 The Prime Minister's Legitimate Daughter Is No Longer a Fool 丞相府嫡女不傻了 Foodie Fish吃货鱼Ancient Romance104k WordsCompleted Lin Yu’er, a miracle doctor from the twenty-first century, woke up in ancient times in the body of a noblewoman with the same name, the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s household. Taking the attitude that she should make the best of wherever she found herself, Lin Yu’er thrived in the ancient world. She gained not only family and friendship, but also love. (This is my first novel, and I’ve chosen to write a sweet, indulgent romance. I hope life is sweet for everyone. Please feel free 912Reads8.1Score108Shelves
42. 442 没 Who Can Afford to Practice Martial Arts? I'm Off to Chop Wood 没钱修什么武，我砍树去了 Duck Teasing the Dog戏狗鸭Urban124k WordsOngoing [Urban] [High Martial] [Plot-driven] [No female lead] Twenty years after the spiritual qi revival, martial arts have become the latest luxury for the elite. Tuition at a martial arts university is 880,000 yuan, and ordinary universities have followed suit, raising theirs to 188,000 yuan. Are poor people unfit to study or practice martial arts? Chen Liang tossed aside his admission letter to an ordinary university, picked up the axe his father left behind, and headed for the Black Mist Forest, a 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book is a rare find from Tomato's work, featuring dialogue interspersed throughout to advance the plot. While driving the story forward, it also incorporates slice-of-life moments and humor without feeling abrupt. The logic is sound, and it's written by an author from another platform, so you can read it with confidence. The second book is a "Little Heaven" of pretentious characters. The third book is an incredibly satisfying read. PS: The writing style of the first book on another platform is quite different from Tomato's usual style; it's worth trying. The second book's pretentiousness with logic is rare on Tomato's work. The third book is very enjoyable in the beginning, but might become tiring later. Personally, I highly recommend the first book. If you're tired of Tomato's writing style, this is a refreshing change. Although the word count isn't high, the plot is gradually built up, and the latest update shows just how cunning the villain is—what a truly intelligent villain looks like!

43. 443 苏 Su Tu: The Su Family Arc 苏屠之苏家篇 Dao Dao Zai刀刀哉Eastern Fantasy66k WordsCompleted The protagonist, Lin Feng, transmigrates to a world of magic and struggles to survive alone in the Su household. There are quite a few hidden plot threads, and the pace is a little slow, so it may take some brainpower to read. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions. 18Reads—Score—Shelves
44. 444 天 Awakened by Heavenly Treasures: I Can Engrave Anything 天物觉醒：我能刻印一切 The Leaf Riding the Wind御风而行的葉子Urban3.7M WordsOngoing [Publication Contract Signed, Safe to Read][Tales of Youth][Everyone Has Common Sense][Absolutely Wonderful][Magic][Distinctive Characters][No Female Lead] My name is Jin Feichen. Draped in the twilight of my youth, I once thought I would muddle through life, relying on taxpayers to support me forever. I thought that would be my fate. However, all of that came to an end on a rainy afternoon. Youth is a grand stage. On that evening when rain poured down in torrents, the stage reached out to me, a 269.6kReads9.5Score22.3kShelves
45. 445 重 Reborn as the Urban Immortal Venerable 重生之都市仙尊 Luo Shu洛书Urban12.8M WordsCompleted Luo Chen, once a supreme immortal, is ambushed and reborn on Earth. Though he holds an ordinary position in society, he faces contempt from his girlfriend, ridicule from his rival in love, his parents' miserable lives, and threats and provocations from the scions of wealthy families. He swears to change his unfair fate, stand at the pinnacle of the world, and show everyone that he, Luo Chen, was once here. 26.5kReads9.0Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    This book perfectly meets your requirements; the schemes are truly intricately linked. The beginning follows the typical urban romance novel formula, but it gets really good later on. The only drawback is that it only updates two chapters a day, but it's already over 3,000 chapters, so you can read it slowly from the beginning.

46. 446 栩 Vivid as Life 栩栩若生 Xiao Xu小叙Mystery2.3M WordsCompleted A fortune-teller said I was born destined for greatness, the reincarnation of the Flower Goddess, with the power to turn stones into gold and command flower spirits and tree sprites. Once I came of age, my family was sure to prosper. But when I was twelve, I came down with a strange illness. My fever wouldn’t break, and I kept seeing terrifying visions... In a dream, I met an old woman who told me to find an expert with supernatural powers to save my life. Millet to summon souls, altars and form 19.7kReads9.5Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The male and female leads are both intelligent, making the story satisfying and not frustrating. The plot is straightforward and easy to follow, which I really enjoyed!

47. 447 主 Being the Mistress of the House Is Hard: Reborn, I Bring Ruin to the Marquis’s Entire Family 主母难当，重生让侯府全家遭殃 Yi Fan Shunshun伊帆顺顺Ancient Romance619k WordsCompleted Traditional historical romance + scheming household intrigue + reborn revenge against scum + powerful heroine and hero + secret identities In her previous life, Mu Ziyue was blind and loved the wrong man. Her in-laws deliberately plotted against her: Her husband pretended every day to suffer from an ailment that made him incapable of sharing her bed, yet secretly had two sons with the Marquis’s adopted daughter. Her mother-in-law always spoke kindly, but secretly ordered the servants to strip th 1.3kReads9.1Score183Shelves

    Reader note

    🔥The mistress is reborn, feigning virtue, while the entire Marquis's family is filled with regret. What would you do if you discovered you were living in a conspiracy, with those around you meticulously using and harming you? The protagonist, Mu Ziyue, only learned at her death that she had been manipulated all along. For the sake of a legendary treasure, she and her family were killed by her husband's family. She was reborn, reborn on their wedding day. This time, it's not too late—time for revenge, and time to cherish those who truly care for her.

48. 448 戏 The Drama-King Tycoon Plots Against Himself Every Day 戏精财阀每天都在自我攻略 Qi Qi Jiu Er Qi柒柒玖贰柒Two Male Leads142k WordsOngoing Combat power off the charts, a black-hole-for-a-brain, a 37.5-degree walking furnace of a golden retriever top X a refined scoundrel, prone to low-blood-sugar morning grumpiness, a poker-faced fox with an accountant's mind bottom 1v1, HE, from elite school to the heights of the wealthy, with an all-star cast of divine helpers. Intense push and pull, sweet, satisfying, and hilarious! "Young Master Jin, climbing through my window first thing in the morning and pinning me down... Are you planning 46Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    High IQ. Cunning. Cunning, pure love. Very good. Explosive combat power, brain circuit black hole, 37.5 Degree constant temperature golden retriever gong X refined scoundrel, hypoglycemic morning grumpy, abacus-wielding cold-faced fox shou 1v1, HE, from a noble school to the top of a wealthy family, all the gods help, extreme tug-of-war, sweet, refreshing and hilarious! "Young Master Jin, you climbed in through the window early in the morning and pinned me down... Are you planning to repay the public relations fees you owe me with your body?" "If you want to repay with your body, how about... Let me inspect the goods first?" In the top noble school with strict hierarchy, Shen Xingyuan approached Jin Chengyu, initially only to complete the task of seizing power and taming the Shen family. This shrewd hunter had envisioned countless power struggles within wealthy families, but he hadn't foreseen that this seemingly arrogant and immature mixed-race golden retriever would tear his bespoke shirt to fan him in a sweltering 38-degree Celsius room, feeding him melted dark chocolate with his burning fingertips; and that in a life-or-death situation during an attack on the high seas, he would unhesitatingly leap into the deep sea to shield him from a knife. Upon seeing that blinding splash of blood, the ever-calm Shen San Shao lost his composure for the first time in his life, his hand trembling as he held Shen's. Late at night on the return voyage, in the presidential suite, waves crashed against the floor-to-ceiling windows.

49. 449 收 Collecting Corpses, Ghosts, and Immortals 收尸，收诡，收仙人 Raincoat Warrior雨衣战神Eastern Fantasy545k WordsOngoing (Supernatural horror, cultivation, ordinary protagonist, no System, no transmigration) A poor young man from a small town becomes a corpse collector to earn enough to marry. Before long, he stumbles into a strange and magnificent world of immortals and gods... 848Reads—Score103Shelves

    Reader note

    A fantasy cultivation novel featuring a protagonist who is an indigenous person from another world. No system, no transmigration, and a mortal protagonist—from a humble background, with no special bloodline or family history, and no cheat codes.

50. 450 双 A Blood-Soaked Reckoning: Twin Sisters Return for Vengeance 【血色满门】双生姐妹踏血归来 Xiao Xiao Ran Zi萧萧然子Ancient Romance606k WordsOngoing An entire family of loyal officials is framed, and a century-old marquis’s estate is turned into a living hell. Twin sisters plunge from a cliff into the water, surviving against all odds. Once cherished young ladies who lived behind closed doors, they now tread a thorny path through the world. One struggles to survive on a sheer cliff, honing her edge; the other wanders in a foreign land, maneuvering at every turn. The court is rife with deceit and schemes, while the martial world flashes with 1.8kReads6.6Score189Shelves

    Reader note

    Looking for a political intrigue novel where the female lead is the mastermind...? 🩸A must-read ancient Chinese political intrigue novel: *Bloodstained Gate*, a game of chess between twin sisters! "Returning from the ashes" isn't just a slogan, but the starting point of this political game. I highly recommend *Bloodstained Gate*; the twin sister premise is incredibly captivating! One fights her way through obstacles, while the other orchestrates the schemes from behind—the bond between the sisters is deeply moving. The ancient Chinese setting is beautifully depicted, the political intrigue is logically sound, and the female lead is undoubtedly the mastermind, manipulating the world's affairs with ease.

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