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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional funny informative fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would going into it. I was convinced by the reviews, and now I get it. This story went from demonic sect leader wants to take over the world to let's examine our past histories and inner demons and figure out how to make peace with them so we can love ourselves and others. Yin Hanjiang is the prime example of character development and I so loved reading his story and seeing how he grew. Wenren E also had a good amount of development, and I loved watching him realize just what he had alongside him all these years and how instead of a loyal soldier, he had someone he could trust with his life and love deeply as a life partner. 5/5, great story!
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Such a terrific, fun read! It's been quite some time since I've come across a novel, danmei or otherwise, that had me laughing so much. Each chapter is just as good as the last one. The overall plot is brilliant, it’s original, no dull fillers or unnecessary story arcs. 

I love how surprisingly profound the perspective on the cultivation world is in this novel. It is a great introduction for those curious about how cultivation works. How the concept of dual cultivation, the art of plucking and replenishing makes so much sense to me now. It also covers the different stages, realms, paths of cultivation as well as some of the principles and ideologies behind it. Also love how it highlights the thin line separating the ‘righteous’ and ‘demonic’ sects. Though on the surface they appear as polar opposites - in ways of teaching, techniques, and principles - they ultimately both seek power from the cosmos, one through deception and the other through outright theft, that’s why those heavenly retributions also make sense. 

While this may seem like a light, slow-burn romance danmei on the front, there's a wealth of interesting themes, elements and philosophy to unpack here—from the unique fantastical setting of the cultivation world to the character dynamics and motivations. And did I mention that it’s a story about a book being isekai’d /transmigrated to their character’s world, a trashing of popular stallion harem novel plot while also dabbling a little bit on multiverse and parallel worlds? Yes, there’s plenty to appreciate and love about this novel. 

The characters here truly shine. They are what make this novel so damn fun. For once, the shizun/disciple (technically it’s more of a master or mentor/subordinate dynamic) is actually wholesome and loving. The way their relationship progressed feels very natural.

Wenren E who has become a favorite of mine is one of the most decisive, clear-headed (except in matters of love), logical man I’ve ever known in all of danmei. He’s a little too overpowered but plot-wise, not unreasonably so when the cultivation goal is virtually boundless. Think you’ve leveled up? Powerful enough? Immortal enough? Well, think again, there’s more to go, realms to surpass! 

Yin Hanjiang on the other hand is a character that grows on you. He might not be likeable at first but be sure he’s crazy adorable. More precisely, crazy and adorable. Wenren E’s silent, unhinged, loyal puppy. 

Zhongli Qian? Best boi. Best Altar Master. Too competent. MVP. Sexy brain. Employee of the year. Relationship coach, therapist. No way Xuanyuan Sect could’ve held it together without him. 

The women? Shu Yanyan and Qiu Congxue? They’re just lovely and BADASS. There are a few characters that could match Shu Yanyan. 
She might just be the most dangerous member in Xuanyuan Sect, if not for WenJiang being a power couple. As a seductress she might act innocent and amiable but the real woman inside is cold, cunning, unapologetic, ambitious and greedy. She is 
someone who would probably backstab you for being ugly or kick you down at your most vulnerable. Yet, clever enough to acknowledge her own limits, grovel and beg for forgiveness if she has to and flexible enough to adapt based on the situation. An absolute femme fatale queen, in short. 

Qiu Congxue is no less fun! Hot-headed and ill-tempered ghost cultivator, who may or may not have working brain cells in her skull. Treats her beauty and body less than dirt, would rather wear a full set of bones if it means increasing her power. Her and Shu Yanyan’s shenanigans brought me so much joy. 

Ah, great female side characters are a rarity in BL so thank you so much Cyan Wings and to mourningcrow for the fantastic translation. 

This is a novel I can wholeheartedly recommend to all danmei readers and new readers of the genre. I’d love this to have an official EN book because more people need to know about this gem. The funny blurb gives disservice to the quality of the novel but I know some people picked this up for its silliness so I guess it has its charms.
adventurous emotional funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

sienna_canread's review

5.0

I’m shipping it so hard right now
camomila_'s profile picture

camomila_'s review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 14%

although I find the plot interesting and a bit funny, I couldn't care enough for either the characters or the couple
adventurous emotional funny relaxing sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous emotional tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

so good honestly. i really wish we got more of their relationship once they fr got together but i can’t really complain too much :)

also the happiness i felt when he wenzhao finally died was unbelievable. fuck that guy fr