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Panguan: The Twelfth Gate #1
Panguan: The Twelfth Gate (Novel) Vol. 1
From the author and universe of Copper Coins and Three Hundred Years of Longing comes a modern-day, supernatural danmei (Boys’ Love) story about a man without a soul and the one determined to save him at all costs.
As a panguan, a cultivator tasked with putting the dead to rest, Wen Shi has spent a thousand years sending souls on to their next life. But without a soul of his own, he’s trapped in an endless cycle of rebirth, desperately searching for the lost pieces of himself.
Now, reborn for the twelfth time, he feels a constant hunger that can only be satisfied by consuming the dark miasma that clings to the dead. So when failed panguan Xie Wen responds to Wen Shi’s ad for a roommate, Wen Shi is taken aback by the dense miasma cloaking the handsome young man. Smug and irritating, Xie Wen instantly becomes Wen Shi’s most tempting meal. Yet the longer Wen Shi spends with Xie Wen, the more mysterious he seems. Xie Wen appears to know things about Wen Shi even Wen Shi has forgotten—things that could end his millennium of lonely wandering.
As a panguan, a cultivator tasked with putting the dead to rest, Wen Shi has spent a thousand years sending souls on to their next life. But without a soul of his own, he’s trapped in an endless cycle of rebirth, desperately searching for the lost pieces of himself.
Now, reborn for the twelfth time, he feels a constant hunger that can only be satisfied by consuming the dark miasma that clings to the dead. So when failed panguan Xie Wen responds to Wen Shi’s ad for a roommate, Wen Shi is taken aback by the dense miasma cloaking the handsome young man. Smug and irritating, Xie Wen instantly becomes Wen Shi’s most tempting meal. Yet the longer Wen Shi spends with Xie Wen, the more mysterious he seems. Xie Wen appears to know things about Wen Shi even Wen Shi has forgotten—things that could end his millennium of lonely wandering.
412 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 20, 2026
This danmei was an incredibly enjoyable read and exactly what I needed to lift my spirits after experiencing a disappointing previous book.
I have a strong fondness for all the danmei this author has written, and I wasn't surprised to find myself loving this one as well; she has a remarkable talent for depicting couple dynamics that are exactly to my taste.
I particularly appreciated how the horror elements genuinely conveyed a sense of dread; at times, I had to set the book down because the creepy atmosphere became too intense, especially during the first arc. I really dislike creepy children in horror stories; they always give me the chills.
I also cried because many of these arcs are profoundly emotional, as they deal extensively with themes of death and loss, especially in the poignant moments when characters bid farewell to their loved ones.
Wen Shi is portrayed as a blank protagonist, and when I say blank, I mean that he lacks a soul rather than being an empty character. He lost his soul, or it simply vanished some time ago, and now he is on a quest to find it. His internal thoughts are hilarious; he constantly roasts everyone while appearing cold and distant.
Then there's Xie Wen, the mysterious love interest whose true identity is revealed early on because the story doesn't hide it. He remains an enigma because his personality is quite subdued, and there's still a lot we don't know about him. Despite this, he possesses such charisma that it's hard not to like him.
Their relationship can be succinctly described with one word: Yearning. Throughout the entire story, they are making eyes at each other, and their chemistry is palpable. While they maintain unwavering eye contact that seems destined to last forever, their connection is unfolding gradually, embodying the slow, evolving nature of a slow-burn romance. They share a past, but Wen Shi doesn't remember it; however, his heart still recognizes Xie Wen instinctively. Their playful bickering adds humor to the narrative, and I love how gentle and caring Xie Wen is with Wen Shi.
In conclusion, this is a danmei novel that masterfully balances emotional depth with creepy atmospheres, achieving both with great skill.
I have a strong fondness for all the danmei this author has written, and I wasn't surprised to find myself loving this one as well; she has a remarkable talent for depicting couple dynamics that are exactly to my taste.
I particularly appreciated how the horror elements genuinely conveyed a sense of dread; at times, I had to set the book down because the creepy atmosphere became too intense, especially during the first arc. I really dislike creepy children in horror stories; they always give me the chills.
I also cried because many of these arcs are profoundly emotional, as they deal extensively with themes of death and loss, especially in the poignant moments when characters bid farewell to their loved ones.
Wen Shi is portrayed as a blank protagonist, and when I say blank, I mean that he lacks a soul rather than being an empty character. He lost his soul, or it simply vanished some time ago, and now he is on a quest to find it. His internal thoughts are hilarious; he constantly roasts everyone while appearing cold and distant.
Then there's Xie Wen, the mysterious love interest whose true identity is revealed early on because the story doesn't hide it. He remains an enigma because his personality is quite subdued, and there's still a lot we don't know about him. Despite this, he possesses such charisma that it's hard not to like him.
Their relationship can be succinctly described with one word: Yearning. Throughout the entire story, they are making eyes at each other, and their chemistry is palpable. While they maintain unwavering eye contact that seems destined to last forever, their connection is unfolding gradually, embodying the slow, evolving nature of a slow-burn romance. They share a past, but Wen Shi doesn't remember it; however, his heart still recognizes Xie Wen instinctively. Their playful bickering adds humor to the narrative, and I love how gentle and caring Xie Wen is with Wen Shi.
In conclusion, this is a danmei novel that masterfully balances emotional depth with creepy atmospheres, achieving both with great skill.
September 21, 2026
4.5 Stars!! I really liked this one! The dynamics/banter is really good and i like the mystery vibes. Good start! (Also i love my little crybaby..)
September 21, 2026
(chapter 27)
Amid the swirling snow, the man was still patiently holding out his hand, waiting for Wen Shi to take it.
The black mist was too filthy. Wen Shi hesitated, then moved to tuck his hands behind his back, but halfway through the motion, the man caught one of them and held firm. "Why are you shrinking back?"
His hand was not only large but warm. Wen Shi fought his own instincts, then gave in; meekly, he allowed himself to be led up the path.
They walked for a long time before Wen Shi spoke. His sulky, childlike voice came out scarcely above a whisper. "My hands are really dirty."
Many people had said he was like an evil spirit. Yet after a brief silence, the man said, "no, they're not."
Wen Shi looked at the snowy ground, his voice thickening. "That bird—I just wanted to touch it." But instantly, it had stiffened and dropped dead, eyes vacant, as though its life had been drained away. The other children had scrambled away from him in fear, like he was a malevolent ghost, a demonic creature of stories.
In reality, no one was more scared than him.
"I know," the man said.
I've gotten hooked into this story since the moment I read chapter 1, which this is so rare for me. What helped me into reading this so soon was because I heard that there's a shizun x disciple trope and both a historical and modern setting, which I haven't read that one before. I really liked how they showed Wen Shi learning new inventions from throughout his last lives to his current one, like him being so shocked of a vacuum. Wen Shi and Xie Wen's conversations are so cute and silly together, and how when he finally moved into the house, he bought the entire floor so that he could move in his workers, a tree, and other furniture there, which I still don't know how the hell he moved that tree. It was cute how he got a dream of the past the moment Xie Wen moved in, like he subconsciously remembers but his body isn't letting him to. I'm liking his and Xia Qiao's brotherly relationship, despite them knowing each other for maybe a week or two. I'm loving the two twins so far, I've saw some art of them and it's so cute how they look like they have cat ears.
It was sad how Xie Wen took Xia Qiao and Wen Shi for dinner in chapter 15 and that Wen Shi couldn't even eat it for whatever reason, knowing that he was treated to food that he once loved in his first life. This is what I'm talking about:
Noticing the flicker of confusion on Wen Shi's face, Xie Wen contemplated for a moment. "I once took in a..." He paused, as though searching for the right words. Only after Wen Shi shot him a second look did he continue: "I took in a child who loved this meal."
"Where is he now?" Wen Shi asked.
"He's not here anymore." Xie Wen kept his gaze on the cup in his hands, lashes lowered. "It was a very long time ago."
It was hilarious how Xia Qiao just said that Xie Wen will pay for Wen Shi's phone for when he moved in, not only that but a kitten as well, when all he wanted was the 2nd floor. This is what he gets for being so secretive and cramped now. I also liked how when a woman asked for Wen Shi's name, and he, of course, had to fake one because everyone knew of him from the past, he used the same surname as his shizun as his first thought without meaning to. I'd like to think that they were married in the past, either secretively or open to the other disciples. He even shocked Xie Wen too for when he said that name, I wonder if bro was blushing at the time, since he was right at the door when it was said, and left after. Anyways, I'm loving Wen Shi and Xie Wen's relationship, which I need them to kiss, and I hope that Wen Shi and Xia Qiao becomes more brotherly.
Amid the swirling snow, the man was still patiently holding out his hand, waiting for Wen Shi to take it.
The black mist was too filthy. Wen Shi hesitated, then moved to tuck his hands behind his back, but halfway through the motion, the man caught one of them and held firm. "Why are you shrinking back?"
His hand was not only large but warm. Wen Shi fought his own instincts, then gave in; meekly, he allowed himself to be led up the path.
They walked for a long time before Wen Shi spoke. His sulky, childlike voice came out scarcely above a whisper. "My hands are really dirty."
Many people had said he was like an evil spirit. Yet after a brief silence, the man said, "no, they're not."
Wen Shi looked at the snowy ground, his voice thickening. "That bird—I just wanted to touch it." But instantly, it had stiffened and dropped dead, eyes vacant, as though its life had been drained away. The other children had scrambled away from him in fear, like he was a malevolent ghost, a demonic creature of stories.
In reality, no one was more scared than him.
"I know," the man said.
I've gotten hooked into this story since the moment I read chapter 1, which this is so rare for me. What helped me into reading this so soon was because I heard that there's a shizun x disciple trope and both a historical and modern setting, which I haven't read that one before. I really liked how they showed Wen Shi learning new inventions from throughout his last lives to his current one, like him being so shocked of a vacuum. Wen Shi and Xie Wen's conversations are so cute and silly together, and how when he finally moved into the house, he bought the entire floor so that he could move in his workers, a tree, and other furniture there, which I still don't know how the hell he moved that tree. It was cute how he got a dream of the past the moment Xie Wen moved in, like he subconsciously remembers but his body isn't letting him to. I'm liking his and Xia Qiao's brotherly relationship, despite them knowing each other for maybe a week or two. I'm loving the two twins so far, I've saw some art of them and it's so cute how they look like they have cat ears.
It was sad how Xie Wen took Xia Qiao and Wen Shi for dinner in chapter 15 and that Wen Shi couldn't even eat it for whatever reason, knowing that he was treated to food that he once loved in his first life. This is what I'm talking about:
Noticing the flicker of confusion on Wen Shi's face, Xie Wen contemplated for a moment. "I once took in a..." He paused, as though searching for the right words. Only after Wen Shi shot him a second look did he continue: "I took in a child who loved this meal."
"Where is he now?" Wen Shi asked.
"He's not here anymore." Xie Wen kept his gaze on the cup in his hands, lashes lowered. "It was a very long time ago."
It was hilarious how Xia Qiao just said that Xie Wen will pay for Wen Shi's phone for when he moved in, not only that but a kitten as well, when all he wanted was the 2nd floor. This is what he gets for being so secretive and cramped now. I also liked how when a woman asked for Wen Shi's name, and he, of course, had to fake one because everyone knew of him from the past, he used the same surname as his shizun as his first thought without meaning to. I'd like to think that they were married in the past, either secretively or open to the other disciples. He even shocked Xie Wen too for when he said that name, I wonder if bro was blushing at the time, since he was right at the door when it was said, and left after. Anyways, I'm loving Wen Shi and Xie Wen's relationship, which I need them to kiss, and I hope that Wen Shi and Xia Qiao becomes more brotherly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
2.5/5 🌟
This is strictly if I were to divide the novel in 4 books. Giving me 30/117 chapters for this volume, and for the first 30 chapters, I was very disappointed. But I will keep my thoughts to myself in fear of people just being cruel for me having an opinion.
This style of writing feels so "tell, don't show." I feel like I've learned I like and prefer "Show, Don't Tell" more.
One thing I did like is the endings of the gates. It was touching to see those who have died be able to release their burdens and move on.
I didn't like how long it took to get there... But at least we got to the end of the gates!
I am still reading this whole novel and hope to gain love for the story as a whole. As I'm writing this review, I'm 43% of the way in and am definitely enjoying it more now. So there's hope.
(ˊᵒ̴̶̷̤ ꇴ ᵒ̴̶̷̤ˋ)♡
I loved Copper Coins in the same universe, and gave it such a high rating. But this specific volume of Panguan... I just didn't feel it.
Main Characters: ★★☆☆☆
Plot potential: ★★★★☆
Deliverance: ★☆☆☆☆
Side Characters: ★★★☆☆
Romance/Emotions: ★☆☆☆☆
Writing style: ★☆☆☆☆
This is strictly if I were to divide the novel in 4 books. Giving me 30/117 chapters for this volume, and for the first 30 chapters, I was very disappointed. But I will keep my thoughts to myself in fear of people just being cruel for me having an opinion.
This style of writing feels so "tell, don't show." I feel like I've learned I like and prefer "Show, Don't Tell" more.
One thing I did like is the endings of the gates. It was touching to see those who have died be able to release their burdens and move on.
I didn't like how long it took to get there... But at least we got to the end of the gates!
I am still reading this whole novel and hope to gain love for the story as a whole. As I'm writing this review, I'm 43% of the way in and am definitely enjoying it more now. So there's hope.
(ˊᵒ̴̶̷̤ ꇴ ᵒ̴̶̷̤ˋ)♡
I loved Copper Coins in the same universe, and gave it such a high rating. But this specific volume of Panguan... I just didn't feel it.
Main Characters: ★★☆☆☆
Plot potential: ★★★★☆
Deliverance: ★☆☆☆☆
Side Characters: ★★★☆☆
Romance/Emotions: ★☆☆☆☆
Writing style: ★☆☆☆☆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2026
Absolutely devoured this. The only thing better than fated lovers are lovers who defy fate for each other mwah
September 30, 2026
So happy this is the first (licensed) danmei I read! This was so good!!! Just the right blend of hilarious, spooky and mysterious. I was so into the story I didn't notice I was already at the end (I screamed a little at that cliffhanger lol) Cannot wait to read the next volume!
Review of advance copy
I enjoy the main characters dynamics but I not really enjoying the cages thing.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews