A review by syinhui
Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know by Cyan Wings, 青色羽翼

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.5

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.