In a land where no magic is present. A land where the strong make the rules and weak have to obey. A land filled with alluring treasures and beauty, yet also filled with unforeseen danger. Three years ago, Xiao Yan, who had shown talents none had seen in decades, suddenly lost everything. His powers, his reputation, and his promise to his mother. What sorcery has caused him to lose all of his powers? And why has his fiancee suddenly shown up?
If I remember this one correctly, after 1100 chapters or so the quality took a very noticeable dive (this is not accounting the ups and downs it had earlier). This series as a whole was one that I read mostly on a whim but as they say, once you ride a tiger, it’s hard to get off. I finished it more for closure's sake.
The best story I have eveer read. The Donghua/anime is also good but there's a little different from the books. And it's a pity the story is finished. I wish to read more but nothing I can't do about it. The story is so good that I want to continue the story but I didn't and it's a pity Xioa Yan didn't marry the other girls. 😢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The series as a whole gave a good vibe till the 1000 episode mark, after which it was all rushed up till the end. I could feel, that even though the MC powered up, he was always a step below his adversaries. This is the common trait I have found throughout. Overall, its okay read.
My first completely read Wuxia novel. It was a good read, for the most part, I had to admit near the end I had to force myself to finish, bolstered in part by my curiosity on how this will end, and held back by the repetitive narrative used by the author. It's always:
> Meet a strong enemy > Lose but not too badly > Goes to a retreat to power up > Sheer luck increases his power immensely > Strong enemy attacks friends > Returns just before friends are killed
From the start until the end, this was the sequence on how to progress to the next story arc. The cyclic nature of it made finishing it a bit difficult. Good thing the world building is good. Alchemists, the power tiers, various factions, and bloodlines, will make you want to see it through.
At 1600+ chapters, it's a bit dense and some parts could have been compressed. In the end, though, this is a really good first Wuxia to read, and makes you excited for more. I recommend picking up the ongoing Reborn Thief Wuxia if you enjoy world building.