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判官
花里胡哨的「菜雞」x住著豪宅的窮比
判官這一脈曾經有過一位祖師爺，聲名顯赫現在卻無人敢提，提就是他不得好死。
只有聞時還算守規矩，每日拜著祖師青面獠牙、花紅柳綠的畫像，結果拜來了一位病歪歪的房客。
房客站在畫像前問：這誰畫的？
聞時：我。
……
別問，問就是感動。
判官這一脈曾經有過一位祖師爺，聲名顯赫現在卻無人敢提，提就是他不得好死。
只有聞時還算守規矩，每日拜著祖師青面獠牙、花紅柳綠的畫像，結果拜來了一位病歪歪的房客。
房客站在畫像前問：這誰畫的？
聞時：我。
……
別問，問就是感動。
685 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 24, 2025
If modern x ancient cultivation with a 1000 year history of yearning/pining with memory/soul loss and hidden identity sounds good- this book is perfect for you. This is a beautifully written novel by Mu Su Li and has surpassed Global Examination as my favorite of hers (I've only read three 🙄). It also shares a universe with Copper Coins and Unseen Immortal of Three Hundred Years/Three Hundred Years of Longing so I'm excited to read those soon.
Panguan: someone who helps undo cages which are spaces where souls suck in malicious energy and trap normal people created by lingering attachments of the departed.
MC Wen Shi: Panguan, Chen Budao's disciple, cold, tsundere, taciturn, stubborn, calm, focuses on puppetry
ML Chen Budao: Panguan creator, teasing, gentle, indulgent
⛄️shifu x disciple
⛄️ modern x ancient- starts in modern setting with ancient flashbacks
⛄️ puppetry is the main focus- a form of cultivation in this novel
⛄️ memory/soul loss
⛄️ slow burn/power couple/pining & yearning with absolute devotion
⛄️ found family vibes
⛄️ ghosts and some horror aspects but not scary at all IMO (but I also wasn't scared in Kaleidoscope of Death)
⛄️ humor peppered throughout making it less dark
⛄️ foreshadowing- lots of little details that payoff and are so satisfying
Similar vibes to Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire and Guardian if you liked either of those!
Mu Su Li's writing is absolutely gorgeous and the FTL is outstanding. IIt's currently being translated by Tiny Salt Translations and as of 7/23/25, 113 (of 117 chapters and six extras) are completed. TBH, probably one of the best I've read with amazing TL notes/explanations. This TL has been ongoing since 2020 so it's on the home stretch! Of course I couldn't wait so I bought the remaining chapters/extras from jjwxc and used Google Chrome to translate. But I would recommend waiting for Tiny Salt's TL because it is that good. https://tinysalttranslations.com/nove...
What I loved about this novel:
🐢such a beautiful love story- but hard earned
🐢 Wen Shi!!! Has my whole heart the way Lan Wanji does
🐢 the small details that have so much meaning
🐢 the side characters- Xia Qiao and Zhou Xu
🐢 the plot reveals- I didn't see them coming at all.
Panguan: someone who helps undo cages which are spaces where souls suck in malicious energy and trap normal people created by lingering attachments of the departed.
MC Wen Shi: Panguan, Chen Budao's disciple, cold, tsundere, taciturn, stubborn, calm, focuses on puppetry
ML Chen Budao: Panguan creator, teasing, gentle, indulgent
⛄️shifu x disciple
⛄️ modern x ancient- starts in modern setting with ancient flashbacks
⛄️ puppetry is the main focus- a form of cultivation in this novel
⛄️ memory/soul loss
⛄️ slow burn/power couple/pining & yearning with absolute devotion
⛄️ found family vibes
⛄️ ghosts and some horror aspects but not scary at all IMO (but I also wasn't scared in Kaleidoscope of Death)
⛄️ humor peppered throughout making it less dark
⛄️ foreshadowing- lots of little details that payoff and are so satisfying
Similar vibes to Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire and Guardian if you liked either of those!
Mu Su Li's writing is absolutely gorgeous and the FTL is outstanding. IIt's currently being translated by Tiny Salt Translations and as of 7/23/25, 113 (of 117 chapters and six extras) are completed. TBH, probably one of the best I've read with amazing TL notes/explanations. This TL has been ongoing since 2020 so it's on the home stretch! Of course I couldn't wait so I bought the remaining chapters/extras from jjwxc and used Google Chrome to translate. But I would recommend waiting for Tiny Salt's TL because it is that good. https://tinysalttranslations.com/nove...
What I loved about this novel:
🐢such a beautiful love story- but hard earned
🐢 Wen Shi!!! Has my whole heart the way Lan Wanji does
🐢 the small details that have so much meaning
🐢 the side characters- Xia Qiao and Zhou Xu
🐢 the plot reveals- I didn't see them coming at all.
October 4, 2025
Panguan is a tale about an indulgent master and a “snowman” disciple whose mood never fail to entertain me. And of course, it’s about pining and sacrifice, and moving heaven and earth to ensure the happiness of the object of their affection.
To be honest, I didn’t expect this to be set in modern days (although there are flashbacks to their past) since it’s set in the same universe as Copper Coins and Unseen Immortal For 300 Years. (I still don’t know where the connection lies, btw.) Another thing I didn’t expect is the somewhat spooky element prevalent in this book. Horror is totally not my kind of genre, although this is maybe too mild to fall under that.
So I was actually a bit torn when reading this. On the one hand, I love the main couple’s story (and the side characters like Xia Qiao, Lao Mao, Zhou Xu who give us the needed comic relief). On the other hand, all they did was basically entering one cage after another, and I found myself groaning from the lack of variation and the impending creepy things. Granted, everything was connected to the main plot, and it was honestly amazing to see Mu Su Li brought all the seemingly separate threads together to weave the complete tapestry.
I did feel that we only got surface level of knowledge when it comes to some characters, including Xie Wen. I wish we knew more about his thoughts and feelings, and the reasons behind his undying devotion. Oh, and I was waiting till the end to see more of Zhong Si and Zhuang Ye, but unfortunately, nope.
Another praiseworthy thing is the beautiful prose, which is also beautifully translated by Tiny Salt. I’m so grateful for their hard work!
Art bait:
To be honest, I didn’t expect this to be set in modern days (although there are flashbacks to their past) since it’s set in the same universe as Copper Coins and Unseen Immortal For 300 Years. (I still don’t know where the connection lies, btw.) Another thing I didn’t expect is the somewhat spooky element prevalent in this book. Horror is totally not my kind of genre, although this is maybe too mild to fall under that.
So I was actually a bit torn when reading this. On the one hand, I love the main couple’s story (and the side characters like Xia Qiao, Lao Mao, Zhou Xu who give us the needed comic relief). On the other hand, all they did was basically entering one cage after another, and I found myself groaning from the lack of variation and the impending creepy things. Granted, everything was connected to the main plot, and it was honestly amazing to see Mu Su Li brought all the seemingly separate threads together to weave the complete tapestry.
I did feel that we only got surface level of knowledge when it comes to some characters, including Xie Wen. I wish we knew more about his thoughts and feelings, and the reasons behind his undying devotion. Oh, and I was waiting till the end to see more of Zhong Si and Zhuang Ye, but unfortunately, nope.
Another praiseworthy thing is the beautiful prose, which is also beautifully translated by Tiny Salt. I’m so grateful for their hard work!
Art bait:
October 21, 2025
➺
4/5🌟
"This person was the only exception. Just one more look at him was enough to stop him from ever leaving again."
When it comes to pining/yearning that pulls your heartstring and lingers for a lifetime, or any lifetimes after that, and characters so in love they treat each other's life as their own life line, Mu Su Li is definitely the author for you.
I actually find Panguan so unique and interesting thematically. The idea of undoing 'cages', or in other terms something the people who have died can't let go of, and doing it like they're inside an unlimited flow instance is very engaging.
I think this novel is a loose xianxia, where the cultivation itself is not the integral part, but the role of the Panguan is very much the focal point, and even though some important events happen in an ancient world, majority of the setting is in the modern world. This is more urban fantasy/supernatural, in my opinion, though the xianxia part is a little apparent when the past is being tackled, especially in the latter part.
Going into this novel blind is the best way to read. The mystery aspect, the romance and the character dynamics really pulled me in. Though the first part is a little slow in pacing, I actually think it's suitable that way to establish the world better and have a deeper attachment to the characters.
I expect nothing less from Mu Su Li and I'm glad she doesn't disappoint. Her prose just hit you in the gut and rip your heart out. Of course, kudos as well to the translator for delivering the passages smoothly. I especially loved reading the translator's notes where they analyzed important conversations and you will realize how deliberate and detailed the author is in every action and dialogue she puts out. A simple phrase can mean a lot when it's from Mu Su Li.
I highly recommended!
"This person was the only exception. Just one more look at him was enough to stop him from ever leaving again."
When it comes to pining/yearning that pulls your heartstring and lingers for a lifetime, or any lifetimes after that, and characters so in love they treat each other's life as their own life line, Mu Su Li is definitely the author for you.
I actually find Panguan so unique and interesting thematically. The idea of undoing 'cages', or in other terms something the people who have died can't let go of, and doing it like they're inside an unlimited flow instance is very engaging.
I think this novel is a loose xianxia, where the cultivation itself is not the integral part, but the role of the Panguan is very much the focal point, and even though some important events happen in an ancient world, majority of the setting is in the modern world. This is more urban fantasy/supernatural, in my opinion, though the xianxia part is a little apparent when the past is being tackled, especially in the latter part.
Going into this novel blind is the best way to read. The mystery aspect, the romance and the character dynamics really pulled me in. Though the first part is a little slow in pacing, I actually think it's suitable that way to establish the world better and have a deeper attachment to the characters.
I expect nothing less from Mu Su Li and I'm glad she doesn't disappoint. Her prose just hit you in the gut and rip your heart out. Of course, kudos as well to the translator for delivering the passages smoothly. I especially loved reading the translator's notes where they analyzed important conversations and you will realize how deliberate and detailed the author is in every action and dialogue she puts out. A simple phrase can mean a lot when it's from Mu Su Li.
I highly recommended!
November 15, 2025
4.5 stars
It took me some time to get into this story and I felt it was slow going for quite some time. Nonetheless I found the world building absolutely captivating. I love, love, love the idea of us humans being able to give people whom we have lost a proper goodbye for their and our sake with the help of countless Panguan even though we sadly don’t remember more about it except that we had a very good dream.
I really liked our MC, Wen Shi, our puppet master extraordinary who might look like a snowman from the outside but who was actually hotblooded and passionate about helping lost souls (which he quite literally could relate to) and to take care and love Chen Budao. The surrounding cast was great fun. I loved the puppets and how unique they all were and I also laughed myself silly over the different Zhang family members. They might have had one bad apple amongst them but all others were truly enjoyable characters.
In parts I found it too slow paced and especially the early cages felt longer (to me) than they needed to be. The last third of this story had me in its grip and I tried to figure out ways to read at least a little each day.
I highly appreciate how Musuli sometimes combines horror with humour. I loved it in GUEE and here as well. Her books each feel unique even when they pick up similar themes. Luckily, I have still a lot of her works to read and I’m looking forward to it.
On a side note, I’m very curious how Panguan’s official translated volumes’ art is going to look like. There’s room for many different covers and interior artworks.
It took me some time to get into this story and I felt it was slow going for quite some time. Nonetheless I found the world building absolutely captivating. I love, love, love the idea of us humans being able to give people whom we have lost a proper goodbye for their and our sake with the help of countless Panguan even though we sadly don’t remember more about it except that we had a very good dream.
I really liked our MC, Wen Shi, our puppet master extraordinary who might look like a snowman from the outside but who was actually hotblooded and passionate about helping lost souls (which he quite literally could relate to) and to take care and love Chen Budao. The surrounding cast was great fun. I loved the puppets and how unique they all were and I also laughed myself silly over the different Zhang family members. They might have had one bad apple amongst them but all others were truly enjoyable characters.
In parts I found it too slow paced and especially the early cages felt longer (to me) than they needed to be. The last third of this story had me in its grip and I tried to figure out ways to read at least a little each day.
I highly appreciate how Musuli sometimes combines horror with humour. I loved it in GUEE and here as well. Her books each feel unique even when they pick up similar themes. Luckily, I have still a lot of her works to read and I’m looking forward to it.
On a side note, I’m very curious how Panguan’s official translated volumes’ art is going to look like. There’s room for many different covers and interior artworks.
October 10, 2025
I had surface knowledge of Panguan even before I started it because friends used to cry all over my timeline because of this book. I knew it had knives, but I didn’t really know what I was getting into. Then the first cage ended, the first reveal dropped, and I WAS BLOWN AWAY. The writing is so intricate, the translation was excellent (thank you so much for your wonderful work Tiny Salt!), and the story carried this melancholy that never went stale. The magic literally never ended.
"The cage that had been bound there for a millennium crumbled into pieces around them. Everyone else had long since vanished, and their surroundings were utterly empty and silent, as if they were in a secret world of their own—untouched by worldly chaos, entangled hopelessly together."
判官 Panguan is a tale of love that stretches across more than a thousand years. While the story carries deep sorrow, Mu Su Li balances it with moments of humor that soften the weight. Every detail pays off, they keep on getting dragged into cages that also has a really significant symbol that unfolds into a gradual revelation of love, to the way time itself becomes a backdrop for longing. As the characters drift apart and reunite again and again, their story remains achingly tender, that is sometimes gentle, sometimes painfully sharp, but always unforgettable. I'm so on the floor!
And when I say the yearning is TOP NOTCH? IT IS TOP NOTCH. Mu Su Li loves writing stories like this. Absolute torture in the best possible way. They pine for each other endlessly; especially Wen Shi, even when he doesn’t remember anything or anyone... They sacrifice everything again and again, only to realize that the other has also sacrificed everything in return. Layers upon layers of love and devotion. I'm so sad.
"他跪坐其间，吻了红尘。"
"He knelt amidst it all, and kissed the world of mortals."
The symbolisms? The sealing array? The red string? The beads? The blue bird feather? The finger bone? The puppet strings? The Gate of Oblivion? Chen Budao? Wen Shi? Lunacy. Obsession. Salvation. The novel asks what it means to love someone when time, memory, and mortality all stand against you. The answer? Wen Shi and Chen Budao—sacrificing, yearning, burning for each other, life after life. GUYS YOU HAVE TO READ IT, I AM BEGGING.
Aside from all that, the side characters are all also so loveable. Shen Qiao, Xia Qiao, Zhou Xu, Bu Ning, Zhong Si, Zhuang Ye, and literally everyone else! They're all so funny and I love them so much. I'm so sad! Also, I want to acknowledge Bu Ning, he has seen a lot and also has carried a lot because of that. The revelations about him also made me ugly cry. And their shixiongs, and then everything else. I mean, EVERYTHING about this book made me cry so hard. The way the revelations and secrets were unfolded were so good, I didn't even see them coming. Also, baby Wen Shi! My god, his was just a little baby! Everyone is just so precious, I'm on my knees.
I literally laughed, I cried, I screamed. And at the end, I could only echo my friends years ago: Please read this so you can understand why I’m absolutely destroyed.
"The cage that had been bound there for a millennium crumbled into pieces around them. Everyone else had long since vanished, and their surroundings were utterly empty and silent, as if they were in a secret world of their own—untouched by worldly chaos, entangled hopelessly together."
判官 Panguan is a tale of love that stretches across more than a thousand years. While the story carries deep sorrow, Mu Su Li balances it with moments of humor that soften the weight. Every detail pays off, they keep on getting dragged into cages that also has a really significant symbol that unfolds into a gradual revelation of love, to the way time itself becomes a backdrop for longing. As the characters drift apart and reunite again and again, their story remains achingly tender, that is sometimes gentle, sometimes painfully sharp, but always unforgettable. I'm so on the floor!
And when I say the yearning is TOP NOTCH? IT IS TOP NOTCH. Mu Su Li loves writing stories like this. Absolute torture in the best possible way. They pine for each other endlessly; especially Wen Shi, even when he doesn’t remember anything or anyone... They sacrifice everything again and again, only to realize that the other has also sacrificed everything in return. Layers upon layers of love and devotion. I'm so sad.
"他跪坐其间，吻了红尘。"
"He knelt amidst it all, and kissed the world of mortals."
The symbolisms? The sealing array? The red string? The beads? The blue bird feather? The finger bone? The puppet strings? The Gate of Oblivion? Chen Budao? Wen Shi? Lunacy. Obsession. Salvation. The novel asks what it means to love someone when time, memory, and mortality all stand against you. The answer? Wen Shi and Chen Budao—sacrificing, yearning, burning for each other, life after life. GUYS YOU HAVE TO READ IT, I AM BEGGING.
Aside from all that, the side characters are all also so loveable. Shen Qiao, Xia Qiao, Zhou Xu, Bu Ning, Zhong Si, Zhuang Ye, and literally everyone else! They're all so funny and I love them so much. I'm so sad! Also, I want to acknowledge Bu Ning, he has seen a lot and also has carried a lot because of that. The revelations about him also made me ugly cry. And their shixiongs, and then everything else. I mean, EVERYTHING about this book made me cry so hard. The way the revelations and secrets were unfolded were so good, I didn't even see them coming. Also, baby Wen Shi! My god, his was just a little baby! Everyone is just so precious, I'm on my knees.
I literally laughed, I cried, I screamed. And at the end, I could only echo my friends years ago: Please read this so you can understand why I’m absolutely destroyed.
December 11, 2025
My Chinese edition finally came ☺️
Unfortunately I can't read any Chinese, but I couldn't resist since it was precious Panguan 🥰 I ordered off Aliexpress and it came with so many goodies!!!
It's so beautiful I don't regret my purchase at all 😅
Unfortunately I can't read any Chinese, but I couldn't resist since it was precious Panguan 🥰 I ordered off Aliexpress and it came with so many goodies!!!
It's so beautiful I don't regret my purchase at all 😅
November 23, 2025
Panguan is one of those novels you don’t realize you’re going to fall for until a few chapters in. Its mix of humor, supernatural twists and romance, combined with Mu Su Lin’s seamless blend of modern-day scenes and historical flashbacks, makes it unexpectedly captivating. Both leads are incredibly likable, and even the side characters turned out to be far more entertaining than I expected.
Wen Shi (the MC) is a disciple of the original Panguan sect — he’s moody, stubborn, and full of classic tsundere energy. He acts like he doesn’t care while being fiercely loyal underneath, and his nickname, “Snowman,” fits perfectly. Xie Wen/Chen Budao (the ML) is the ideal counterbalance: gentle, teasing, compassionate, and quietly devoted. Their romance is subtle and slow-burn, but the sense of mutual devotion is clear from the start.
The whole novel honestly felt like watching a paranormal donghua with a touch of cultivation—maybe I’ve just been binge-watching too many lately, but I was completely pulled in. Scenes like the undoing of cages, the freeing of souls, and the puppetry work were all so vivid. It’s a story that moves through life, death, grief, and the slow work of letting go, all with just the right amount of humor. Wonderfully executed. This is my fifth Mu Su Lin read, and she has yet to disappoint. I’m happy that 7Seas picked it up—it’s definitely a must-read!
Wen Shi (the MC) is a disciple of the original Panguan sect — he’s moody, stubborn, and full of classic tsundere energy. He acts like he doesn’t care while being fiercely loyal underneath, and his nickname, “Snowman,” fits perfectly. Xie Wen/Chen Budao (the ML) is the ideal counterbalance: gentle, teasing, compassionate, and quietly devoted. Their romance is subtle and slow-burn, but the sense of mutual devotion is clear from the start.
The whole novel honestly felt like watching a paranormal donghua with a touch of cultivation—maybe I’ve just been binge-watching too many lately, but I was completely pulled in. Scenes like the undoing of cages, the freeing of souls, and the puppetry work were all so vivid. It’s a story that moves through life, death, grief, and the slow work of letting go, all with just the right amount of humor. Wonderfully executed. This is my fifth Mu Su Lin read, and she has yet to disappoint. I’m happy that 7Seas picked it up—it’s definitely a must-read!
October 3, 2025
I literally have no words for how much I loved this story and what a lasting impression it left me with. I’ve read Danmei for 5 + years now and wow. This snuck up my top 5. I am a SUCKER for yearning / pining. I LOVED the banter and the chemistry between the leads and you really connect with the snowman. 🤭 It was so beautifully written, I’m a huge fan of Mu Su Li. And the ending… worth every minute. I am so excited to see the official English translation.
I also can’t stop listening to Eternity by Alex Warren and thinking of them.
The side characters were fantastic and just the connection.
I feel really blessed to be in a world where a story like this exists.
I also really loved the combination of modern / historical and the supernatural aspect. It connected so many of my favourite things!
I also can’t stop listening to Eternity by Alex Warren and thinking of them.
The side characters were fantastic and just the connection.
I feel really blessed to be in a world where a story like this exists.
I also really loved the combination of modern / historical and the supernatural aspect. It connected so many of my favourite things!
Read
June 1, 2021I was a fan of Mu Su Li since Global University Entrance Examination 全球高考 and 某某 A Certain Someone. Unfortunately, her later few books are kind of hit-and-miss for me.
This book is about the protagonist, a panguan, a cultivation line that began a few thousand years ago and continues till today. Their duties are to resolve the last wishes and grievances of ghosts who don't want to move on so that the ghosts can leave in peace. These ghosts create 'cages' from their resentment and grievances that are like life-like delusions/fantasies/illusions that outsiders like panguan enter.
This book felt kind of scattered. The author says that she meant for this as a lighthearted romp, but her grandmother ended up in hospital so she had to take a long break, and it also meant that the second half took on a darker tone. So, the first third is very reminiscent of Global University Entrance Examination - the main couple is also very similar to the couple there - where it's kind of slow-paced and the protagonist solves locked-room murder mysteries (the 'cages').
The middle part is a lot of angst. The book delves into the events of the protgaonist's past, leading all the way back to when panguan was founded and it's really bittersweet that the protagonist, a panguan, is unable to let someone he loves leave and goes to crazy lengths to keep that person alive. This was a huge plot twist. I actually liked this part a lot because it was so sad 😭 and very poignant sometimes.
The last part is really disjointed (to me at least). There was the Zhang family head villain and large-scale battles and mysteries being unraveled, characters from the past popping up, but then the Zhang family head was killed off quite quickly, and the final 'villain' was to try to keep the love interest alive. And then the last few chapters were a bunch of really sweet fluff chapters that read more like extras?? I was quite confused by the changes in tone lol.
I liked the middle part the most because the biggest plot-twist that explained a lot of the mysteries was that the love interest was already dead and the protagonist couldn't let go. I felt for the protagonist. There was this other webnovel, 南禅 Nan Chan , where the main couple experiences the 8 Buddhist sufferings, but honestly I felt like this book did it way better. And I also love that the panguan often left a little something from the departed ghosts for the loved ones - a flower, a branch... As a farewell ritual, this is very poignant.
This book is about the protagonist, a panguan, a cultivation line that began a few thousand years ago and continues till today. Their duties are to resolve the last wishes and grievances of ghosts who don't want to move on so that the ghosts can leave in peace. These ghosts create 'cages' from their resentment and grievances that are like life-like delusions/fantasies/illusions that outsiders like panguan enter.
This book felt kind of scattered. The author says that she meant for this as a lighthearted romp, but her grandmother ended up in hospital so she had to take a long break, and it also meant that the second half took on a darker tone. So, the first third is very reminiscent of Global University Entrance Examination - the main couple is also very similar to the couple there - where it's kind of slow-paced and the protagonist solves locked-room murder mysteries (the 'cages').
The middle part is a lot of angst. The book delves into the events of the protgaonist's past, leading all the way back to when panguan was founded and it's really bittersweet that the protagonist, a panguan, is unable to let someone he loves leave and goes to crazy lengths to keep that person alive. This was a huge plot twist. I actually liked this part a lot because it was so sad 😭 and very poignant sometimes.
The last part is really disjointed (to me at least). There was the Zhang family head villain and large-scale battles and mysteries being unraveled, characters from the past popping up, but then the Zhang family head was killed off quite quickly, and the final 'villain' was to try to keep the love interest alive. And then the last few chapters were a bunch of really sweet fluff chapters that read more like extras?? I was quite confused by the changes in tone lol.
I liked the middle part the most because the biggest plot-twist that explained a lot of the mysteries was that the love interest was already dead and the protagonist couldn't let go. I felt for the protagonist. There was this other webnovel, 南禅 Nan Chan , where the main couple experiences the 8 Buddhist sufferings, but honestly I felt like this book did it way better. And I also love that the panguan often left a little something from the departed ghosts for the loved ones - a flower, a branch... As a farewell ritual, this is very poignant.
June 4, 2026
So this was on my "On hold" shelf for long enough...One day (as in 2 days ago) I was at work, doing a night shift, felt extremely sleepy and thought I should pick something up. My finger chose this.
I initially left it at 33% right in the middle of an arc and I thought it would be quite difficult for me to continue it, but that was not the case. Not only was it not the case, I actually managed to reach 65% that very night - I was that captivated.
Surely, some novels need to be read at the right time, or they won't hit the way they're supposed to.
If you ever interacted with me, you would know that I am a HUGE Mu Su Li fan, so naturally I couldn't wait to read this one. However, at first I couldn't give it the attention it deserved...I am glad that I managed to finish it this time.
Someone said that Wen Shi is Jiuhuo's child and Chen Budao is Mianwu's child and honestly...that's the most accurate description. We have a 1000+ yo disciple with a missing soul and an even older shifu who is not supposed to be alive in this day and age...But somehow they meet again and the adventure begins.
I loved the concept of the novel, with little cages - think of them as Escape games - they had to solve and each cage had its own purpose for the story. The characters, in a very Mu Su Li fashion, were well developed as well, but I had some disatisfactions...
For example, I wish there was more romance. Yes, they love eo and they'd do anything for eo, but the relationship itself was quite underdeveloped in my humble opinion. I also think that all characters (the important ones anyway) were fully explored, but not Chen Budao... Sure, we find out some of his backstory, but I wasn't very satisfied.
The plot could also be quite confusing at times, there were some elements I didn't understand - this novel definitely requires working braincells.
Sure, this is personal preference but overall an amazing read, I definitely recommend it.
I initially left it at 33% right in the middle of an arc and I thought it would be quite difficult for me to continue it, but that was not the case. Not only was it not the case, I actually managed to reach 65% that very night - I was that captivated.
Surely, some novels need to be read at the right time, or they won't hit the way they're supposed to.
If you ever interacted with me, you would know that I am a HUGE Mu Su Li fan, so naturally I couldn't wait to read this one. However, at first I couldn't give it the attention it deserved...I am glad that I managed to finish it this time.
Someone said that Wen Shi is Jiuhuo's child and Chen Budao is Mianwu's child and honestly...that's the most accurate description. We have a 1000+ yo disciple with a missing soul and an even older shifu who is not supposed to be alive in this day and age...But somehow they meet again and the adventure begins.
I loved the concept of the novel, with little cages - think of them as Escape games - they had to solve and each cage had its own purpose for the story. The characters, in a very Mu Su Li fashion, were well developed as well, but I had some disatisfactions...
For example, I wish there was more romance. Yes, they love eo and they'd do anything for eo, but the relationship itself was quite underdeveloped in my humble opinion. I also think that all characters (the important ones anyway) were fully explored, but not Chen Budao... Sure, we find out some of his backstory, but I wasn't very satisfied.
The plot could also be quite confusing at times, there were some elements I didn't understand - this novel definitely requires working braincells.
Sure, this is personal preference but overall an amazing read, I definitely recommend it.
August 23, 2025
My heart is so full.
September 17, 2025
“He knelt amidst it all, and kissed the world of mortals”.
alright so I can confirm I liked this much better than Global Examination; it was just so much more fun and the prose was delectable (hats off to the translator). I wasn’t ever terribly bored and although I took breaks in between reading I was immediately immersed when I got back into it. The characters and their individual personalities and backgrounds were developed immensely, I couldn’t help but adore all the side characters - especially the puppets and specifically Zhou Xu and Shen Xia - the lovable idiots. Our mcs had SO much tension from the minute they meet till the very last few chapters where the romance actually starts and it was giddying the entire time. cold tsundere shou x half immortal nonchalant gong. no wonder it took them long to get together lmao. but it was a angsty ride with all the exciting arcs; entering and solving cages where they essentially level up by fighting inner demons left behind by people passed on. I thought I wouldn’t be fond of the format since it’s almost Unlimited Flow-esque but it never really bothered me so yayay all around pretty satisfied with this read. kinda wish I could’ve read the extras but I’ll have to wait for the physical release :((( (need more romance pls)
alright so I can confirm I liked this much better than Global Examination; it was just so much more fun and the prose was delectable (hats off to the translator). I wasn’t ever terribly bored and although I took breaks in between reading I was immediately immersed when I got back into it. The characters and their individual personalities and backgrounds were developed immensely, I couldn’t help but adore all the side characters - especially the puppets and specifically Zhou Xu and Shen Xia - the lovable idiots. Our mcs had SO much tension from the minute they meet till the very last few chapters where the romance actually starts and it was giddying the entire time. cold tsundere shou x half immortal nonchalant gong. no wonder it took them long to get together lmao. but it was a angsty ride with all the exciting arcs; entering and solving cages where they essentially level up by fighting inner demons left behind by people passed on. I thought I wouldn’t be fond of the format since it’s almost Unlimited Flow-esque but it never really bothered me so yayay all around pretty satisfied with this read. kinda wish I could’ve read the extras but I’ll have to wait for the physical release :((( (need more romance pls)
May 24, 2026
see, maybe i'm not freaky enough (or is this my moral compass?) but, i cannot ever care about a romance where one character has been raised by the other from a very, very young age. add on to some disgusting official art where you see one as a fat-cheeked cute little baby and the other as a grownass man...
they didn't serve angst, fluff, tension, anything to even remotely care. the cultivation method was interesting but, the arcs were boring. didn't really see the overarching plot for a very long time.
they didn't serve angst, fluff, tension, anything to even remotely care. the cultivation method was interesting but, the arcs were boring. didn't really see the overarching plot for a very long time.
May 2, 2024
“这是我们这一脉存在的意义。
21年1月7日，白梅开花了。
夏樵于宁州。
***
或许你已经不记得了……
你其实跟离开的人好好道过别，于某个长夜。”
我的天啊啊啊啊 这把刀有点狠
21年1月7日，白梅开花了。
夏樵于宁州。
***
或许你已经不记得了……
你其实跟离开的人好好道过别，于某个长夜。”
我的天啊啊啊啊 这把刀有点狠
September 11, 2025
4.5✨
“Panguan don’t resolve attachments. Rather, they give those attachments a place to call home.”
rtc
“Panguan don’t resolve attachments. Rather, they give those attachments a place to call home.”
rtc
March 2, 2022
I actually finished the radio drama from MaoEr FM before I started reading the book. I always like the story about the departure of the dead and this book delivered quite a few touching arcs. I would be lying if I said I wasn't crying when listening to the radio drama (both during the cage resolution and angst of the lead characters). The novel itself is good and poignant, but if you understand Chinese, I will suggest you to purchase the radio drama too. They have done a good job in adapting the script (no change in the plot fyi) but they are not doing the 6 extra chapters from the book.
The English translation was released only till chapter 55 so far and the quality is quite good. It is a happy ending and I am thinking of picking another book from Mu Su Li, probably Copper Coin cause it also have a complete radio drama already.
The English translation was released only till chapter 55 so far and the quality is quite good. It is a happy ending and I am thinking of picking another book from Mu Su Li, probably Copper Coin cause it also have a complete radio drama already.
September 23, 2025
" I have died every day waiting for you.
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you.
For a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more ".
And the way this song is for my "Chen Shi" , a love weaven of pain, grief, sacrifices and pining with a reunion at last is what panguan is. (it's not a spoiler dw)
Panguan as a whole was an experience to read the little moments, the big ones..it was a slow slow burn between the main characters atp you'll think oh..they are finally together but then a lot of things unravel..you get through that stubborness they have for wanting each other, for saving each other, for loving each other.
One of my favourite favourite moments will be their first kiss ( that explanation was so so beautiful).
I was in love with all the side characters starting from Xia Qiao, Lao Mao, the twin girls, Zhang siblings, Zhou Xu..
The story transitioned from past to the present, narrating a tale over a span of thousand years to end with a deserved happy ending.🪷
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you.
For a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more ".
And the way this song is for my "Chen Shi" , a love weaven of pain, grief, sacrifices and pining with a reunion at last is what panguan is. (it's not a spoiler dw)
Panguan as a whole was an experience to read the little moments, the big ones..it was a slow slow burn between the main characters atp you'll think oh..they are finally together but then a lot of things unravel..you get through that stubborness they have for wanting each other, for saving each other, for loving each other.
One of my favourite favourite moments will be their first kiss ( that explanation was so so beautiful).
I was in love with all the side characters starting from Xia Qiao, Lao Mao, the twin girls, Zhang siblings, Zhou Xu..
The story transitioned from past to the present, narrating a tale over a span of thousand years to end with a deserved happy ending.🪷
August 22, 2025
English Title: Panguan
This series makes me happy. While the disciple/teacher dynamic probably should have been better explained and delved into (especially the transitional period between the type of affection), I didn’t mind so much, especially since they literally experienced a thousand years of separation.
Wen Shi is cold and stubborn, his nickname from Chen Buduo even being Snowman, but he is endlessly loyal and devoted. His puppetry is interesting, and the lengths he goes to in order to bring Chen Buduo back is a little heartbreaking. He certainly does embody the madness that Bu Ning references while in the midst of Chen Buduo’s absence. Who else would rip out their own soul to keep someone in the land of the living or their own finger bone just to be reincarnated with that person?
The best part is that Chen Buduo matches him for protective and insane gestures. Wen Shi is not left to carry these burdens alone. In fact, he was the one to make the first gesture by absorbing all of Wen Shi’s worldly burdens.
I also loved Xia Qiao and his relationship with his ge. Wen Shi’s final remark to him before he enters the cage, “Who thinks of you as a puppet?”, really cemented their bond as one beyond that of puppet and master, but of brothers.
Mu Su Li, you’ve done it again.
This series makes me happy. While the disciple/teacher dynamic probably should have been better explained and delved into (especially the transitional period between the type of affection), I didn’t mind so much, especially since they literally experienced a thousand years of separation.
Wen Shi is cold and stubborn, his nickname from Chen Buduo even being Snowman, but he is endlessly loyal and devoted. His puppetry is interesting, and the lengths he goes to in order to bring Chen Buduo back is a little heartbreaking. He certainly does embody the madness that Bu Ning references while in the midst of Chen Buduo’s absence. Who else would rip out their own soul to keep someone in the land of the living or their own finger bone just to be reincarnated with that person?
The best part is that Chen Buduo matches him for protective and insane gestures. Wen Shi is not left to carry these burdens alone. In fact, he was the one to make the first gesture by absorbing all of Wen Shi’s worldly burdens.
I also loved Xia Qiao and his relationship with his ge. Wen Shi’s final remark to him before he enters the cage, “Who thinks of you as a puppet?”, really cemented their bond as one beyond that of puppet and master, but of brothers.
Mu Su Li, you’ve done it again.
November 5, 2025
There were a few things I didn't understand completely, but... wow. Xie Wen and Wen Shi... my 'I kneel to you as you're everything that exists in the world to me' otp. They truly Ranwan's brothers in my mind!
March 6, 2024
Dnf at ch 72
My favorite novel from musuli. Will be reading again when the translation is complete
My favorite novel from musuli. Will be reading again when the translation is complete
March 4, 2025
"红尘故里旧相识，重逢却不知。因为一个已经忘了，而另一个不打算说。"
"或许你已经不记得了…… 你其实跟离开的人好好道过别，于某个长夜-"
be色彩特别浓但是是he啊（完了我感觉我明天眼睛要肿）到最后我才真正的get到判官的存在，像夏樵说的一样- 判官不是去了却牵挂的，而是让那些牵挂有处安放。（设定真的很好看啊，宿命感特别强 QAQ ）
"或许你已经不记得了…… 你其实跟离开的人好好道过别，于某个长夜-"
be色彩特别浓但是是he啊（完了我感觉我明天眼睛要肿）到最后我才真正的get到判官的存在，像夏樵说的一样- 判官不是去了却牵挂的，而是让那些牵挂有处安放。（设定真的很好看啊，宿命感特别强 QAQ ）
October 4, 2025
I can't believe I'm putting this on main... but it was too good not to! This was an absolutely beautiful story about our "worldly attachments": the bonds we share with our loved ones and the inevitable pain of parting. Although the first half was somewhat light-hearted and solidly in the horror genre, it led to a really potent slow burn that paid off beautifully. Spoiler: I cried multiple times while reading this.
I'm really not a fan of horror, but the combination of the spooky atmosphere and deep deep yearning was somehow really good?? I always love a hundred chapter slow burn, and somehow this didn't feel angsty just poignant.
Many thanks to TST, I can't believe how lucky I am to read this right before it gets taken down. I would highly recommend this to others, once the official translation is published 2026!
I'm really not a fan of horror, but the combination of the spooky atmosphere and deep deep yearning was somehow really good?? I always love a hundred chapter slow burn, and somehow this didn't feel angsty just poignant.
Many thanks to TST, I can't believe how lucky I am to read this right before it gets taken down. I would highly recommend this to others, once the official translation is published 2026!
September 16, 2025
4.5 stars rounded down to 4
What a beautiful story about a one-sided love through the ages with a supernatural touch. I'm not sure I understood all the nuances of the story, but even the overall gist was quite touching and written beautifully. It just takes a while for the story and the romance to pick up, as initially the MC doesn't retain much of his memories and it's a slow process for him to regain them again. Also, it was a bit hard to follow along with the revelations later in the story. It's a very complex story that definitely benefits from multiple rereads imo.
The MC is Wen Shi, a panguan (people who help souls that have trouble passing on due to lingering attachments) who keeps dying and returning back to life from the Gate of Oblivion. When the story starts, it's his 12th time returning to the real world, and 50-60 years have passed since he last returned. Needless to say, the world has changed a lot, and it's hard for Wen Shi to initially understand all the technology that's become ubiquitous since his last life. Part of his goal for this life is to find the large chunk of his soul that's been lost, as his memories and he himself aren't quite whole without the missing piece.
Most of the story is spent following Wen Shi around as he resolves cages for various people. Cages are the tangible representation of any lingering resentments or attachments formed by people who encountered a catastrophe or passed away. As panguan, he goes into the cages and helps them resolve their lingering attachments. For example, the first cage he enters is for his old disciple Shen Qiao, who has trouble letting go of his puppet boy Xiao Qiao. My favorite cage that they enter is an escape-room themed cage, where all 8 participants take on specific roles in the Shen residence where the story takes place.
Accompanying the MC into most of the cages, amongst others, is the ML, Xie Wen, also known as Wen Shi's master Chen Budao, a millenia ago. I don't want to go into too many details, but they have such a bittersweet relationship where they both do so much for each other without the other's knowledge. I didn't quite understand all the specifics, but it's due to Chen Budao's actions that Wen Shi goes through the Gate of Oblivion when he "dies" at the end of every life and comes back to life again, and it's also because of Wen Shi that Chen Budao didn't die in the sealing array, so in a sense they kept each other alive through the past 1000 years.
When the truth slowly comes out, it was a constant stream of going 'awwww' at their relationship. I don't understand how their love can be so sweet but bitter and heart wrenching at the same time. For example, every time Wen Shi thought he was performing the soul cleansing ritual, it turns out that all the negative emotions weren't getting cleaned up but going into Chen Budao instead, who accepted them all in Wen Shi's place. If that's not true love, I don't know what is.
So: every time he stood in the array all by himself, scouring away—bit by bit—the worldly bonds that he was unable to bear, listening to those harrowing wails that followed him relentlessly… Each and every time, there was someone else standing guard at the other end of the array, undertaking it all in his stead.
Everything that he couldn’t have, couldn’t voice, couldn’t dissolve, couldn’t dispel—that person had undertaken it all for him.
For a thousand years…
He had remained utterly oblivious.
Wen Shi went to crazy lengths to keep his master alive as well...
Because of the soul cleansing exchange, Xie Wen had taken all the malevolent energy into himself, completely purifying the array.
His vessel had been prepared long in advance for this. It was modeled inherently and entirely off of his real body, and it was controlled by his original spiritual consciousness. As such, it was as if he had returned to walk the mortal realm once more, half-connected to the present day and half-connected to a millennium prior.
Through that vessel, all the black mist that had amassed on the mountain had been transferred, without exception, back to the giant sealing array where his original body was.
He should’ve perished together with the giant sealing array a millennium ago, but it was circumvented by Wen Shi stripping out his very soul. That soul then ended up becoming a cage that absorbed both him and the sealing array, forcefully keeping them here in this world.
That was why Xie Wen’s withering vacillated so much and was never fully actualized.
Because there was someone on the other side protecting him.
BUT! Luckily there's a happy ending, and finally we get some sweetness at the end without the bitterness.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was definitely the romance and the slow reveal of revelations about their actions for the other in the past, but I personally didn't enjoy the story as much. The escape room cage was probably the only one I actually liked, whereas I found the other cages to be less interesting. I also wasn't super interested in the big fight at the end with the ultimate villain, hence why I'm only giving 4.5 stars for this novel rather than 5.
What a beautiful story about a one-sided love through the ages with a supernatural touch. I'm not sure I understood all the nuances of the story, but even the overall gist was quite touching and written beautifully. It just takes a while for the story and the romance to pick up, as initially the MC doesn't retain much of his memories and it's a slow process for him to regain them again. Also, it was a bit hard to follow along with the revelations later in the story. It's a very complex story that definitely benefits from multiple rereads imo.
The MC is Wen Shi, a panguan (people who help souls that have trouble passing on due to lingering attachments) who keeps dying and returning back to life from the Gate of Oblivion. When the story starts, it's his 12th time returning to the real world, and 50-60 years have passed since he last returned. Needless to say, the world has changed a lot, and it's hard for Wen Shi to initially understand all the technology that's become ubiquitous since his last life. Part of his goal for this life is to find the large chunk of his soul that's been lost, as his memories and he himself aren't quite whole without the missing piece.
Most of the story is spent following Wen Shi around as he resolves cages for various people. Cages are the tangible representation of any lingering resentments or attachments formed by people who encountered a catastrophe or passed away. As panguan, he goes into the cages and helps them resolve their lingering attachments. For example, the first cage he enters is for his old disciple Shen Qiao, who has trouble letting go of his puppet boy Xiao Qiao. My favorite cage that they enter is an escape-room themed cage, where all 8 participants take on specific roles in the Shen residence where the story takes place.
Accompanying the MC into most of the cages, amongst others, is the ML, Xie Wen, also known as Wen Shi's master Chen Budao, a millenia ago. I don't want to go into too many details, but they have such a bittersweet relationship where they both do so much for each other without the other's knowledge. I didn't quite understand all the specifics, but it's due to Chen Budao's actions that Wen Shi goes through the Gate of Oblivion when he "dies" at the end of every life and comes back to life again, and it's also because of Wen Shi that Chen Budao didn't die in the sealing array, so in a sense they kept each other alive through the past 1000 years.
When the truth slowly comes out, it was a constant stream of going 'awwww' at their relationship. I don't understand how their love can be so sweet but bitter and heart wrenching at the same time. For example, every time Wen Shi thought he was performing the soul cleansing ritual, it turns out that all the negative emotions weren't getting cleaned up but going into Chen Budao instead, who accepted them all in Wen Shi's place. If that's not true love, I don't know what is.
So: every time he stood in the array all by himself, scouring away—bit by bit—the worldly bonds that he was unable to bear, listening to those harrowing wails that followed him relentlessly… Each and every time, there was someone else standing guard at the other end of the array, undertaking it all in his stead.
Everything that he couldn’t have, couldn’t voice, couldn’t dissolve, couldn’t dispel—that person had undertaken it all for him.
For a thousand years…
He had remained utterly oblivious.
Wen Shi went to crazy lengths to keep his master alive as well...
Because of the soul cleansing exchange, Xie Wen had taken all the malevolent energy into himself, completely purifying the array.
His vessel had been prepared long in advance for this. It was modeled inherently and entirely off of his real body, and it was controlled by his original spiritual consciousness. As such, it was as if he had returned to walk the mortal realm once more, half-connected to the present day and half-connected to a millennium prior.
Through that vessel, all the black mist that had amassed on the mountain had been transferred, without exception, back to the giant sealing array where his original body was.
He should’ve perished together with the giant sealing array a millennium ago, but it was circumvented by Wen Shi stripping out his very soul. That soul then ended up becoming a cage that absorbed both him and the sealing array, forcefully keeping them here in this world.
That was why Xie Wen’s withering vacillated so much and was never fully actualized.
Because there was someone on the other side protecting him.
BUT! Luckily there's a happy ending, and finally we get some sweetness at the end without the bitterness.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was definitely the romance and the slow reveal of revelations about their actions for the other in the past, but I personally didn't enjoy the story as much. The escape room cage was probably the only one I actually liked, whereas I found the other cages to be less interesting. I also wasn't super interested in the big fight at the end with the ultimate villain, hence why I'm only giving 4.5 stars for this novel rather than 5.
August 6, 2023
Đọc xong chương cuối tôi phải ngồi thẫn thờ một lúc, vậy là hết rồi sao? Câu chuyện phán quan truyền đời này qua đời khác cũng đã khép lại, nhưng không phải là kết thúc hoàn toàn mà đó là một sự tiếp nối, tựa như mở đầu là nhật ký của Thẩm Kiều, kết truyện cái tên Hạ Tiều được đề trên trang giấy.
Lần đầu đọc câu văn của Mộc Tô Lý khiến tôi thật kinh ngạc, từ ngữ hoa mỹ đẹp đẽ, kết cấu câu chuyện logic hợp lý, mỗi một nhân vật xuất hiện đều có nguyên do của nó, là một nút gỡ của câu chuyện bị ẩn giấu nghìn năm.
Ban đầu đọc, tôi còn nghĩ sẽ hơi giống với trò chơi vô hạn, mỗi lồng là một trò chơi, nhưng hoàn toàn không phải vậy. Lồng ở đây là những chấp niệm, những điều không thể buông bỏ của mỗi người khi rời thế gian, có người không yên lòng vì người thân, có người không nỡ rời xa thế gian đẹp đẽ khi chưa kịp ngắm nhìn, có người vì hận thù quấn thân không thể siêu sinh, có người lại là những quyền lực trường tồn không muốn buông tay. Như Mộc Tô Lý có nói: "Những thứ kia quả thật nào có dơ bẩn gì, chúng chỉ chấp chứa quá nhiều buồn vui, yêu hận, lưu luyến và vấn vương của hằng hà người trên thế gian, đó chính là trần duyên". Người giải lồng cũng chính là phán quan, đến tiễn đưa chủ lồng, nhưng phán quan không đến xoá bỏ vấn vương, mà để chu toàn cho những vương vấn đó một nơi an vị, phổ độ chủ lồng buông bỏ chấp niệm lần nữa nhập vào luân hồi, bắt đầu một kiếp sống mới sạch sẽ đơn thuần.
Nhưng đến cuối cùng, cái khiến tôi vấn vương chính là tình cảm của Trần Bất Đáo và Văn Thời. Đó là một Trần Bất Đáo lòng ôm chúng sinh, dù cho biết trước kết cục của mình cũng muốn thiết lập một trận pháp để ôm lấy toàn bộ nghiệp chướng, đổi lại một nhân gian không bị vấy bẩn, chỉ có một người anh không thể buông bỏ, chính là người tuyết nhỏ của anh, người anh tâm tâm niệm niệm không nỡ rời xa, thậm chí để lại con rối của mình để tìm lại linh tướng cho người ấy, ngắm nhìn người ấy luân hồi chuyển kiếp, đi đi về về trong cửa Vô Tướng mười hai lần. Đó lại là một Văn Thời ngoài lạnh trong nóng, dù phải lột sống linh tướng của mình cũng cố chấp tạo một chiếc lồng để níu giữ người ấy lại thế gian, dù cho về sau vì thiếu mất linh tướng mà quên mất hầu hết mọi chuyện nhưng cũng đã có một sinh linh với mong cầu duy nhất là thay hắn nhớ trên thế gian có một chiếc lồng, trong lồng là người hắn nhớ thương.
Thực sự rất rất hay, Mộc Tô Lý dùng lời văn hài hước để kể lại câu chuyện nhưng vẫn khiến người đọc thổn thức khôn nguôi.
Lần đầu đọc câu văn của Mộc Tô Lý khiến tôi thật kinh ngạc, từ ngữ hoa mỹ đẹp đẽ, kết cấu câu chuyện logic hợp lý, mỗi một nhân vật xuất hiện đều có nguyên do của nó, là một nút gỡ của câu chuyện bị ẩn giấu nghìn năm.
Ban đầu đọc, tôi còn nghĩ sẽ hơi giống với trò chơi vô hạn, mỗi lồng là một trò chơi, nhưng hoàn toàn không phải vậy. Lồng ở đây là những chấp niệm, những điều không thể buông bỏ của mỗi người khi rời thế gian, có người không yên lòng vì người thân, có người không nỡ rời xa thế gian đẹp đẽ khi chưa kịp ngắm nhìn, có người vì hận thù quấn thân không thể siêu sinh, có người lại là những quyền lực trường tồn không muốn buông tay. Như Mộc Tô Lý có nói: "Những thứ kia quả thật nào có dơ bẩn gì, chúng chỉ chấp chứa quá nhiều buồn vui, yêu hận, lưu luyến và vấn vương của hằng hà người trên thế gian, đó chính là trần duyên". Người giải lồng cũng chính là phán quan, đến tiễn đưa chủ lồng, nhưng phán quan không đến xoá bỏ vấn vương, mà để chu toàn cho những vương vấn đó một nơi an vị, phổ độ chủ lồng buông bỏ chấp niệm lần nữa nhập vào luân hồi, bắt đầu một kiếp sống mới sạch sẽ đơn thuần.
Nhưng đến cuối cùng, cái khiến tôi vấn vương chính là tình cảm của Trần Bất Đáo và Văn Thời. Đó là một Trần Bất Đáo lòng ôm chúng sinh, dù cho biết trước kết cục của mình cũng muốn thiết lập một trận pháp để ôm lấy toàn bộ nghiệp chướng, đổi lại một nhân gian không bị vấy bẩn, chỉ có một người anh không thể buông bỏ, chính là người tuyết nhỏ của anh, người anh tâm tâm niệm niệm không nỡ rời xa, thậm chí để lại con rối của mình để tìm lại linh tướng cho người ấy, ngắm nhìn người ấy luân hồi chuyển kiếp, đi đi về về trong cửa Vô Tướng mười hai lần. Đó lại là một Văn Thời ngoài lạnh trong nóng, dù phải lột sống linh tướng của mình cũng cố chấp tạo một chiếc lồng để níu giữ người ấy lại thế gian, dù cho về sau vì thiếu mất linh tướng mà quên mất hầu hết mọi chuyện nhưng cũng đã có một sinh linh với mong cầu duy nhất là thay hắn nhớ trên thế gian có một chiếc lồng, trong lồng là người hắn nhớ thương.
Thực sự rất rất hay, Mộc Tô Lý dùng lời văn hài hước để kể lại câu chuyện nhưng vẫn khiến người đọc thổn thức khôn nguôi.
August 28, 2025
This one started out really well, the first half was great, loved the mysteries and cage solving - the concept of cages itself was rather interesting. And then, after around the first half, especially towards the last third... it became a bit disjointed and fizzled out for me, and I lost interest a few years ago already, only coming back to it recently to get the last arc over with and mark it as "completed" - but admittedly, I finished it without much excitement.
Musuli's novels are a hit or miss for me, and while this one is a hit, it didn't manage to dethrone Global Examination from my top list.
Panguan has similar modern x ancient vibes as in Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire, with the main couple's dynamic reminiscent of jiuhuo from Global Examination.
Musuli's novels are a hit or miss for me, and while this one is a hit, it didn't manage to dethrone Global Examination from my top list.
Panguan has similar modern x ancient vibes as in Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire, with the main couple's dynamic reminiscent of jiuhuo from Global Examination.
February 15, 2024
Started listening to the audio drama 1st on MaoEr and this book absolutely delivered like alot of Mu Su Li’s titles, started this during Winter break after I finished reading 全球高考 (Global Examination) cause i was in an author’s frenzy (Still am).
I’m not too sure how to write a review properly, so I’ll just say this, if you like a 1000 years pinning, Cultivation (Modern), a little bit of infinite flow and a moderate amount of angst you can consider reading this :>
I’m not too sure how to write a review properly, so I’ll just say this, if you like a 1000 years pinning, Cultivation (Modern), a little bit of infinite flow and a moderate amount of angst you can consider reading this :>
March 8, 2022
4.5
truyện ngược mà đọc hài ẻ. Cốt truyện xây dựng chặt chẽ và các nhân vật đều có thế mạnh riêng, chỉ có cái chung là đều nhảm nhỉ.
truyện ngược mà đọc hài ẻ. Cốt truyện xây dựng chặt chẽ và các nhân vật đều có thế mạnh riêng, chỉ có cái chung là đều nhảm nhỉ.
February 4, 2025
I would give it 6 stars if I could
May 17, 2026
I took about a day to process my feelings about this book before I decided to write this review. Despite only taking around 4 days to finish this book (one of my faster reads recently, maybe my attention span has increased significantly), this novel struck me most significantly. 5/5 stars for me.
Last year, around the same time, I started reading Yuwu, which is currently my favourite Chinese novel. This year, Panguan comes as a close runner-up. Yuwu and Panguan discuss similar themes - the idea of processing grief - which is why I hold these two stories very close to my heart. I always become melancholic around the midpoint of the year, as I usually spend more time reflecting, which is why these two stories entered my life at the best possible season.
Okay, let's get on to the real review now: (SPOILERS AHEAD)
The worldbuilding was interesting and symbolic. In the story, one's biggest regrets and desires entrap the person and, as a result, manifest into a physical space called a "cage" after death. A group of trained people/professionals, called "Panguan" (判官), each specialising in an art form - whether it be puppetry, spell casting, array-forming or divination - enter the cage in an attempt to break it to release the soul from imprisonment. What I found even more intriguing was the title of these professionals. In English, “Panguan” refers to a mythological judge of the afterlife. However, the role of a Panguan in the story is not that of a judge who metes out sentences as punishment, but rather to send them off gracefully. This strikes me as something so profound and poetic - that perhaps, forgoing your regrets and worries is not a punishment, but is the highest form of grace that one may give to themselves.
The romance was also nothing short of beautiful. The love story between the main character and the male lead was the epitome of a sacrificial love. A couple that were separated by so many difficult circumstances, yet they kept choosing each other through time, even though they were pained and literally on the brink of death. Could that be what love truly means - to give until it hurts?
Wenshi was truly selfless. He chose to remove the most important part of himself - his fingers, which were in fact, the most precious part of his being for a puppeteer - and literally bury it near himself so that even if he reincarnated again and again, he would always remember that he was supposed to search for Chen Budao to reunite with him. I said this before, but imagine loving someone so, so much that you would do anything to see the person you love again for a moment. Only he could.
Chen Budao/Xie Wen was truly the best shift anyone could ask for, and he was so altruistic and loving that he wanted to carry as many burdens as he could in silence. And to think he watched over Wenshi afar for 12 reincarnations for a millennium. Oh my god…
Each side character had their own distinct personality, and they brought me quite some humour to laugh, which cushioned the shock of the plot twists and creepiness of the horror elements. Bu Ning and Zhou Xu sharing the same bodies completely gagged me.
All in all, this novel helped me to learn what grief could look like and prepare myself for the inevitable. In fact, I almost burst into tears reading the last few lines of the novel, but I was also deeply comforted:
Thank you, Panguan, for the reminder that life is so fragile and impermanent. Regrets and worries build up quickly and will eventually trap me in a mental prison if I don’t free myself. I will embrace the rest of life and death with open arms.
P.S: Here are some other quotes that made me so emotional:
- The most famous line of the novel!
- Tears
- The English language will never be able to express the longing and sorrow imbued in this statement. Something that used to be so easy for Chen Budao - returning to his home - became so difficult for him to do, and he never got to see Wenshi one last time..
Last year, around the same time, I started reading Yuwu, which is currently my favourite Chinese novel. This year, Panguan comes as a close runner-up. Yuwu and Panguan discuss similar themes - the idea of processing grief - which is why I hold these two stories very close to my heart. I always become melancholic around the midpoint of the year, as I usually spend more time reflecting, which is why these two stories entered my life at the best possible season.
Okay, let's get on to the real review now: (SPOILERS AHEAD)
The worldbuilding was interesting and symbolic. In the story, one's biggest regrets and desires entrap the person and, as a result, manifest into a physical space called a "cage" after death. A group of trained people/professionals, called "Panguan" (判官), each specialising in an art form - whether it be puppetry, spell casting, array-forming or divination - enter the cage in an attempt to break it to release the soul from imprisonment. What I found even more intriguing was the title of these professionals. In English, “Panguan” refers to a mythological judge of the afterlife. However, the role of a Panguan in the story is not that of a judge who metes out sentences as punishment, but rather to send them off gracefully. This strikes me as something so profound and poetic - that perhaps, forgoing your regrets and worries is not a punishment, but is the highest form of grace that one may give to themselves.
祝来生有幸，能在尘世间等到一场相遇。
May the next life be graced by luck, so as to chance upon a fateful encounter in this mortal world.
The romance was also nothing short of beautiful. The love story between the main character and the male lead was the epitome of a sacrificial love. A couple that were separated by so many difficult circumstances, yet they kept choosing each other through time, even though they were pained and literally on the brink of death. Could that be what love truly means - to give until it hurts?
Wenshi was truly selfless. He chose to remove the most important part of himself - his fingers, which were in fact, the most precious part of his being for a puppeteer - and literally bury it near himself so that even if he reincarnated again and again, he would always remember that he was supposed to search for Chen Budao to reunite with him. I said this before, but imagine loving someone so, so much that you would do anything to see the person you love again for a moment. Only he could.
Chen Budao/Xie Wen was truly the best shift anyone could ask for, and he was so altruistic and loving that he wanted to carry as many burdens as he could in silence. And to think he watched over Wenshi afar for 12 reincarnations for a millennium. Oh my god…
[Chen Budao] had sent off countless people throughout his life. Regardless of whether he’d ever had a connection with them, he could always turn and leave for the next farewell after sending them on their way.
This person was the only exception. Just one more look at him was enough to stop him from ever leaving again.
Each side character had their own distinct personality, and they brought me quite some humour to laugh, which cushioned the shock of the plot twists and creepiness of the horror elements. Bu Ning and Zhou Xu sharing the same bodies completely gagged me.
All in all, this novel helped me to learn what grief could look like and prepare myself for the inevitable. In fact, I almost burst into tears reading the last few lines of the novel, but I was also deeply comforted:
或许你已经不记得了……
你其实跟离开的人好好道过别，于某个长夜。
Perhaps you no longer remember…
In truth, you said a proper farewell to your dearly departed, on one of those long nights.
Thank you, Panguan, for the reminder that life is so fragile and impermanent. Regrets and worries build up quickly and will eventually trap me in a mental prison if I don’t free myself. I will embrace the rest of life and death with open arms.
P.S: Here are some other quotes that made me so emotional:
他跪坐其间，吻了红尘。
He knelt amidst it all, and kissed the world of mortals.
- The most famous line of the novel!
因为无法久留，索性免了重逢。
Because it was impossible to stay for a long time, it was better to simply avoid a reunion.
- Tears
怎奈松风明月三千里，天不许归期。
For though the soughing pines and lucent moon were but three thousand li away, fate did not permit him to return.
- The English language will never be able to express the longing and sorrow imbued in this statement. Something that used to be so easy for Chen Budao - returning to his home - became so difficult for him to do, and he never got to see Wenshi one last time..
April 6, 2026
the novel 'ambience' reminds me of those japanese magical realism/slice of life books where it feels muted, slow-paced and where everything that happened are actually connected to each other and you will only see the big picture or grand reveal at the end. i genuinely love the plot, where the panguans get into the cages and solve the mysteries; the horror vibes inside the story, the world building is good and there's also humor (i love xiao qiao and the puppets a lot!)
however, for a novel thats supposedly centered around two people histories and love story, there's not a lot of scenes around them and there's not a lot of things actually going on until chapter 80 or the final arc of the novel. i don't think that's "bad" or it diminishes their chemistry, it's actually logical because of their personalities that keep their feelings a secret from the other and not as expressive (until they got together later on). but if you're into subtle, slow burn romance and don't really mind not getting a lot of "romantic" scenes (they do love each other and the things that they did and sacrifice for each other shows the depth of their feelings) ㅡ then this story is for you. but if you want a novel that centered for romance with a lot of such scenes between the leads, then you might feel unsatisfied with it.
anyway i feel like this novel is best consumed and read slowly, and not suitable for fast-paced reader (i feel like it's impossible to do so with how author wrote it ㅡ there's beauty in the writings and it's just the novel's pace in general)
however, for a novel thats supposedly centered around two people histories and love story, there's not a lot of scenes around them and there's not a lot of things actually going on until chapter 80 or the final arc of the novel. i don't think that's "bad" or it diminishes their chemistry, it's actually logical because of their personalities that keep their feelings a secret from the other and not as expressive (until they got together later on). but if you're into subtle, slow burn romance and don't really mind not getting a lot of "romantic" scenes (they do love each other and the things that they did and sacrifice for each other shows the depth of their feelings) ㅡ then this story is for you. but if you want a novel that centered for romance with a lot of such scenes between the leads, then you might feel unsatisfied with it.
anyway i feel like this novel is best consumed and read slowly, and not suitable for fast-paced reader (i feel like it's impossible to do so with how author wrote it ㅡ there's beauty in the writings and it's just the novel's pace in general)
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