诡秘之主
Lord of Mysteries
The steampunk donghua that conquered Crunchyroll in 190 countries
Synopsis
Zhou Mingrui wakes up in an alternate, Victorian-inspired world of steam, machines and mysteries, inside the body of Klein Moretti — a man who died under mysterious circumstances. Recruited by the Nighthawks, he discovers the existence of Beyonders, beings who have transcended humanity by walking one of the Pathways toward supernatural power.
Adapted from Cuttlefish That Loves Diving's novel, Lord of Mysteries blends detective-style investigation, Lovecraftian horror and esoteric lore (tarot, potions, hexes) in a dense steampunk setting, carried by cinematic direction praised from its very release.
Released simultaneously in over 190 countries with nine dubs and nineteen subtitle languages, the series marked a turning point for the donghua's international reach — Tencent Video has since announced a ten-year production plan, with seven seasons, three specials and a movie planned through 2035.
Where to watch Lord of Mysteries in France
In France: legal options
- SubscriptionCrunchyroll
Official international platforms
Official streaming outside France, usually with English subtitles. French subtitles and access from France vary by title.
Checked on October 12, 2026 on JustWatch France. Catalogues change often. All platforms
World
The plot unfolds in a Victorian-inspired parallel world where the industrial revolution meets the supernatural: cannons, dreadnoughts and steam machines coexist with secret societies, esoteric cults and creatures of another order. The city of Backlund, the story's political and occult heart, hosts much of the series' intrigue.
Power system
Beyonders follow one of twenty-two recognized Pathways, each structured into ten Sequences (from 9 down to 0) that determine their powers. Potions, divination, hexes and ritual tarot cards allow progress along these paths, at the cost of growing risks and personal sacrifice.
Reception & popularity
From its very first season, the series climbed to the top of Crunchyroll's charts in several countries, a rare international success for a donghua that directly motivated Tencent Video's announced ten-year production plan.
My take
Finally, a donghua that steps right off the cultivation path! Victorian atmosphere, secret societies, cosmic horror: Lord of Mysteries has an instantly recognisable visual and narrative identity.
The adaptation respects the novel's mystery by rationing its reveals, even if that leaves viewers a little lost at first. That is deliberate, and it is exactly what makes Klein Moretti so endearing: we discover the world alongside him.
Who is it for?Watch it if you like Lovecraft, investigations and steampunk worlds more than sect tournaments.
Main characters
More character profiles are coming.
Adaptations
This franchise also exists in other formats — each with its own pacing and audience.
Trivia
- The original novel's author, Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, directly took part in writing the animated adaptation's script.
- The series is co-produced by Tencent Video and Yuewen, and animated by B.CMAY Pictures — also behind Mo Dao Zu Shi and The King's Avatar.
- Its simultaneous worldwide release on Crunchyroll made it one of the most talked-about donghua internationally from its very first season.
If you liked…
More donghua to discover after Lord of Mysteries: same author or same genres.
