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A Thousand Li #5
The Second Sect
Not All Injuries Heal True
Wu Ying saved his master from the machinations of the dark sect but was gravely injured during the process. His body has changed, his bloodline awakened and his cultivation compromised. Physicians and healers at the Verdant Green Water can do nothing for him.
Forced to travel to a new sect for healing, Wu Ying might find opportunity in his distress. But the dark sect is not done with him, or their machinations. Caught up in the winds of war, Wu Ying and his friends must continue to balance their journey to immortality against the pull of mortal politics.
The Second Sect is the fifth novel in the A Thousand Li series, a book on immortal cultivation, wondrous martial arts, evil cultivation sects and spirit beasts. This series will be loved by those searching for wuxia and xianxia works and those looking for a more westernised cultivation story. The Second Sect is written by Tao Wong, the bestselling scifi and fantasy LitRPG author of the System Apocalypse, Adventures on Brad and the Hidden Wishes.
Wu Ying saved his master from the machinations of the dark sect but was gravely injured during the process. His body has changed, his bloodline awakened and his cultivation compromised. Physicians and healers at the Verdant Green Water can do nothing for him.
Forced to travel to a new sect for healing, Wu Ying might find opportunity in his distress. But the dark sect is not done with him, or their machinations. Caught up in the winds of war, Wu Ying and his friends must continue to balance their journey to immortality against the pull of mortal politics.
The Second Sect is the fifth novel in the A Thousand Li series, a book on immortal cultivation, wondrous martial arts, evil cultivation sects and spirit beasts. This series will be loved by those searching for wuxia and xianxia works and those looking for a more westernised cultivation story. The Second Sect is written by Tao Wong, the bestselling scifi and fantasy LitRPG author of the System Apocalypse, Adventures on Brad and the Hidden Wishes.
Audible Audio
First published June 1, 2021
433 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Tao Wong
137 books957 followersTao Wong is the author of the A Thousand Li progression fantasy series and the System Apocalypse LitRPG series, among others. His work has been released in audio, paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats, and translated into German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and several other languages. He was shortlisted for the UK Kindle Storyteller Award in 2021 for A Thousand Li: The Second Sect. In 2026, the first three books in the A Thousand Li series will be republished in hardcover by Ace Books.
When he’s not writing or working, he enjoys practicing martial arts, reading, and dreaming up new worlds. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
When he’s not writing or working, he enjoys practicing martial arts, reading, and dreaming up new worlds. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 9, 2025
Re-read: Still the best one yet. Fun, interesting and just a good ride.
This was the best book in the series yet. Which is odd, because the action actually feels a bit muted. A fun journey to a new sect, learning more about the world and cultivation. It was a fantastic read, and the last 25% is riveting. So good. Really glad I grabbed this series and excited for more.
This was the best book in the series yet. Which is odd, because the action actually feels a bit muted. A fun journey to a new sect, learning more about the world and cultivation. It was a fantastic read, and the last 25% is riveting. So good. Really glad I grabbed this series and excited for more.
December 19, 2021
Slow and repetitive but in the end okay
The not so good at first. The amount of time spent struggling through his awakened bloodline is a bore. It’s super slow and redundant.
His friend’s story gets touched but again it’s overshadowed by the main protagonist story struggling to figure out his own progression.
The villain/jerk storyline was weak. A ton of hints and fluff that the reader has to endure before anything happens. Not to mention she is a dead giveaway as the bad guy early in the story.
Lastly, the fact the protagonist gets totally trounced and wakes up getting healed again in this book is becoming predictable. Sometimes it’s not that bad and can be overlook. However for this story It’s becoming redundantly unsatisfying.
The good, the cultivation part of the story finally starts to work. That is at 83% mark of the book. The herb gathering was interesting and fun. The soul garden building is interesting. The protagonist and his two friends interactions were about the only thing worth reading in the middle of the book.
If I’m ever going to re-read this book I would most like skip the first 60% and focus on the end. Let’s be honest I’m never going to re-read book 2 or this one ever #5 again.
Book 1 good
Book 2 what the…
Book 3 alright back on track
Book 4 getting better again
Book 5 crap, back down to 2
The not so good at first. The amount of time spent struggling through his awakened bloodline is a bore. It’s super slow and redundant.
His friend’s story gets touched but again it’s overshadowed by the main protagonist story struggling to figure out his own progression.
The villain/jerk storyline was weak. A ton of hints and fluff that the reader has to endure before anything happens. Not to mention she is a dead giveaway as the bad guy early in the story.
Lastly, the fact the protagonist gets totally trounced and wakes up getting healed again in this book is becoming predictable. Sometimes it’s not that bad and can be overlook. However for this story It’s becoming redundantly unsatisfying.
The good, the cultivation part of the story finally starts to work. That is at 83% mark of the book. The herb gathering was interesting and fun. The soul garden building is interesting. The protagonist and his two friends interactions were about the only thing worth reading in the middle of the book.
If I’m ever going to re-read this book I would most like skip the first 60% and focus on the end. Let’s be honest I’m never going to re-read book 2 or this one ever #5 again.
Book 1 good
Book 2 what the…
Book 3 alright back on track
Book 4 getting better again
Book 5 crap, back down to 2
June 4, 2021
I enjoyed the earlier books, a good mix of ideas, characters, action and a culturally different take on character ranking. I nearly gave up reading this at about 70% through, as the "character sick then gets better" trope was predictable and not carrying a story. This would have been ok for half a book but once I started to check percentage read to see how much longer the story was going to last it was clear reading had become a chore.
Hopefully this is the low point in the series. No doubt I'll give the next book a try but I'll wait a little and see the reviews of others before committing.
Hopefully this is the low point in the series. No doubt I'll give the next book a try but I'll wait a little and see the reviews of others before committing.
December 26, 2021
Notes:
While the bullet points for the story were cool & nice addition to the world & character development, the way it was told was rather dull. The way it was written made the book into a transition piece vs a thrilling adventure to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightment.
While the bullet points for the story were cool & nice addition to the world & character development, the way it was told was rather dull. The way it was written made the book into a transition piece vs a thrilling adventure to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightment.
July 9, 2021
true Cultivation book. Lots of the book are introspection on cultivation techniques from the MC. Quite interesting take. The climax is where the metaphorical sh*t gets flying. Doesn't progress the plot that much, but still an interesting read. Liked it.
September 26, 2021
slow and plodding
I was dissatisfied with this book. Nothing significant happened until the last 20 pages. It was a discouraging account of Wu Ying’s journey.
I was dissatisfied with this book. Nothing significant happened until the last 20 pages. It was a discouraging account of Wu Ying’s journey.
June 5, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
This is really one of the better cultivation series I have read. Most of these books focus only on the cultivation aspect and deal much less with the character development and personal relationships. While anybody picking up a cultivation novel knows the focus will be on cultivation, if that is all there is the story gets stale pretty quick. This one doesn't have an MC this is a genius and gets stronger and stronger with every day at an insane pace. For the most part the MC is not that special with his cultivation. He has carved himself a little niche though. He isn't a warrior but knows how to fight. His background as a farmer and being a peasant has given him a unique set of skills to become a spiritual herb gatherer. There are not a lot of those in the sect. One has to have marital prowess to fight monsters while out in the wild gathering as well as a deep understanding of the earth and how to take care of the plants. Most cultivators are either looking for safety and to progress their cultivation or are warriors with out many more skills.
This books picks up where the last one left off. The MC was deeply wounded but was given a bath that helped keep him alive. That bath has caused changes in him and has awakened a blood line that is very rare and could be very powerful, if he survives. With this new blood line he can't cultivate the way he had been. Unfortunately he doesn't know another way to cultivate and nobody else in the sect does either. He is sent to another sect to try and find a cure to his problem. He spends most of the book making small gains and getting large setbacks. He can't use the manuals that others have used, he needs to find enlightenment and come up with someone unique for himself with his rare bloodline. If that wasn't enough, the dark sect is still out there.
This is really one of the better cultivation series I have read. Most of these books focus only on the cultivation aspect and deal much less with the character development and personal relationships. While anybody picking up a cultivation novel knows the focus will be on cultivation, if that is all there is the story gets stale pretty quick. This one doesn't have an MC this is a genius and gets stronger and stronger with every day at an insane pace. For the most part the MC is not that special with his cultivation. He has carved himself a little niche though. He isn't a warrior but knows how to fight. His background as a farmer and being a peasant has given him a unique set of skills to become a spiritual herb gatherer. There are not a lot of those in the sect. One has to have marital prowess to fight monsters while out in the wild gathering as well as a deep understanding of the earth and how to take care of the plants. Most cultivators are either looking for safety and to progress their cultivation or are warriors with out many more skills.
This books picks up where the last one left off. The MC was deeply wounded but was given a bath that helped keep him alive. That bath has caused changes in him and has awakened a blood line that is very rare and could be very powerful, if he survives. With this new blood line he can't cultivate the way he had been. Unfortunately he doesn't know another way to cultivate and nobody else in the sect does either. He is sent to another sect to try and find a cure to his problem. He spends most of the book making small gains and getting large setbacks. He can't use the manuals that others have used, he needs to find enlightenment and come up with someone unique for himself with his rare bloodline. If that wasn't enough, the dark sect is still out there.
January 29, 2024
The Second Sect (A Thousand Li #5) by Tao Wong:
The Second Sect falls short of expectations, serving as a lackluster addition to Tao Wong's A Thousand Li series. Despite Wong's established talent for world-building, this installment fails to deliver the depth and excitement readers have come to expect.
Wong's writing remains solid, but the plot feels stagnant and predictable, lacking the intrigue and complexity of earlier books in the series.
Character development is minimal, with little growth or evolution among the cast. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of exposition bogging down the narrative and few moments of genuine tension or excitement to keep readers invested.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
While dedicated fans of the series may find some enjoyment in revisiting familiar characters and settings, for others, The Second Sect is likely to be a forgettable entry in an otherwise promising franchise.
June 5, 2021
Alert
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
(Yep...hit with the banhammer.)
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
(Yep...hit with the banhammer.)
Cheers
November 20, 2021
I liked the previous books but this one was really bad.
Wu Ying goes to a new sect to try to fix his body. That's the main premise of the book, the problem is that nothing happens for 80% of the book. I would say it was something like:
* 40% Wu Ying internal dialog where he tries to be a philosopher but he sucks
* 30% Wu Ying tries to cultivate, fails and smells like shit
* 10% Traveling time
* 20% Actual action, but to be honest even the combat is becoming boring at this point with this 'Dragon paints the sunset', 'Dragon catching fireflies', 'Dragon doing a barrel roll' stuff.
I won't be reading the next one - If you want an actual good Wuxia novel go read Cradle by Will Wight instead.
Wu Ying goes to a new sect to try to fix his body. That's the main premise of the book, the problem is that nothing happens for 80% of the book. I would say it was something like:
* 40% Wu Ying internal dialog where he tries to be a philosopher but he sucks
* 30% Wu Ying tries to cultivate, fails and smells like shit
* 10% Traveling time
* 20% Actual action, but to be honest even the combat is becoming boring at this point with this 'Dragon paints the sunset', 'Dragon catching fireflies', 'Dragon doing a barrel roll' stuff.
I won't be reading the next one - If you want an actual good Wuxia novel go read Cradle by Will Wight instead.
January 22, 2025
Both good & bad but mostly meh'
The MC goes to a Kung-Fu rehab clinic for hard to diagnose cases. While there, nobody believes they are in danger for the Karate Death-eaters.
This has several interesting ideas & concepts in an otherwise mediocre book.
I could honestly see people getting bored and walking away, even after making it through the series to get this far.
The MC goes to a Kung-Fu rehab clinic for hard to diagnose cases. While there, nobody believes they are in danger for the Karate Death-eaters.
This has several interesting ideas & concepts in an otherwise mediocre book.
I could honestly see people getting bored and walking away, even after making it through the series to get this far.
June 7, 2021
Allow me to summarize this book for you:
-40% talking about cultivating
-25% talking about how protagonist stinks after cultivating
-15% visiting the library
-15% herb gathering
-05% plot advancement and nail-biting action
-40% talking about cultivating
-25% talking about how protagonist stinks after cultivating
-15% visiting the library
-15% herb gathering
-05% plot advancement and nail-biting action
July 4, 2021
I recommend you stop reading at #1, that's as good as it's gets. Yes I read the whole series {#1-#5}
March 28, 2023
Might be feeling generous but I'd give it 3.5.
July 13, 2022
This series is ramping up!
I gotta say my expectations for this book weren't high die ro previous installments in the series but boy did this one deliver. I would definitely give this series a read and the ending made me so excited for what comes next.
I gotta say my expectations for this book weren't high die ro previous installments in the series but boy did this one deliver. I would definitely give this series a read and the ending made me so excited for what comes next.
June 1, 2021
Wow. Just wow.
So... I’m not going to say this lightly, but this book was an impressive feat from the author worthy of acknowledgement. The culmination of plot threads, or little hints here and there, of all these small points combining into this impressive beast of a reveal was magnificent.
Tao Wong, this may be the best book you have written so far. I am deeply impressed.
The story proceeds to so wonderfully craft a western interpretation of cultivation stories with a strong inherited tone from eastern ideals that make up cultivation stories. It manages to combine the two in a way that retains the ideas but strips some of the misogyny present in many cultivation stories you may read coming out of China.
I say this is important, because it shows a deft understanding of the cultural values while also making it a better story in the process. Misogyny is not a required part of cultivation stories, and Tao Wongs efforts to minimize those themes is important.
Because, to not sound like a progressive snowflake or whatever, the story is great. I think the characters have grown over the course of the series so majestically, and the relationships and sorrows and victories the characters experience feel like your own.
This book earns 5 stars from me, being the best (so far) in the series for how it fulfills plot points I considered and wondered about from previous books, as well as starting and presenting the future of the story so effectively.
Lots of action. Lots of self reflection. Lots of good reference to the cultivation genre, and lots of good material I hope improves the genre.
And that’s what I think makes this book so good. If authors looking to write cultivation stories were to read this series, I think it would give them the best gaze into the western interpretations of the dao. From a mystical sense at least.
So... I’m not going to say this lightly, but this book was an impressive feat from the author worthy of acknowledgement. The culmination of plot threads, or little hints here and there, of all these small points combining into this impressive beast of a reveal was magnificent.
Tao Wong, this may be the best book you have written so far. I am deeply impressed.
The story proceeds to so wonderfully craft a western interpretation of cultivation stories with a strong inherited tone from eastern ideals that make up cultivation stories. It manages to combine the two in a way that retains the ideas but strips some of the misogyny present in many cultivation stories you may read coming out of China.
I say this is important, because it shows a deft understanding of the cultural values while also making it a better story in the process. Misogyny is not a required part of cultivation stories, and Tao Wongs efforts to minimize those themes is important.
Because, to not sound like a progressive snowflake or whatever, the story is great. I think the characters have grown over the course of the series so majestically, and the relationships and sorrows and victories the characters experience feel like your own.
This book earns 5 stars from me, being the best (so far) in the series for how it fulfills plot points I considered and wondered about from previous books, as well as starting and presenting the future of the story so effectively.
Lots of action. Lots of self reflection. Lots of good reference to the cultivation genre, and lots of good material I hope improves the genre.
And that’s what I think makes this book so good. If authors looking to write cultivation stories were to read this series, I think it would give them the best gaze into the western interpretations of the dao. From a mystical sense at least.
December 30, 2021
Another great edition in the continuing story of our favorite peasant turned cultivator. Left grievously injured by the dark sect's attack at the end of Book 4, Wu Ying is now searching out a solution to the problem of his awakening his long-dormant bloodline. The Double-Soul, Double-Body Sect may have the solution, if he can cobble together enough contribution points to purchase the necessary cultivation manuals AND then decipher the information provided. And, of course, the dark sects are not just going to sit idly by and wait for Wu Ying and his friends to solve their problems. If only the elders of the sect would actually listen to his warnings, rather than dismissing the existence of the dark sects as stories told to scare small children... Ah, well. Nothing is ever easy, after all. But, with Tao He and Yu Kun beside him, maybe, just maybe, he can thwart whatever the dark sect is planning. Just as long as the corruption and blackages growing in his body doesn't kill him first...
June 5, 2021
A good continuation of the series
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one This book is not as fast paced as others in the series. There is a lot of build up and is a lead on to the larger storyline. The author sets up the further adventures of the characters. I both enjoy and dislike the fact that the main characters are not completely overcoming their opponents. I enjoy it as it more "realistic"and part of the long game but dislike it because it's a more fantasy and enjoyable seeing the main characters really grow and soundly triumph over the bad guys.
The story definitely seems well grounded in the lore and history of Chinese martial arts and this shows through strongly in descriptions and the world in general.
This is a good book and a great author that I look forward to reading more in this series and his others.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one This book is not as fast paced as others in the series. There is a lot of build up and is a lead on to the larger storyline. The author sets up the further adventures of the characters. I both enjoy and dislike the fact that the main characters are not completely overcoming their opponents. I enjoy it as it more "realistic"and part of the long game but dislike it because it's a more fantasy and enjoyable seeing the main characters really grow and soundly triumph over the bad guys.
The story definitely seems well grounded in the lore and history of Chinese martial arts and this shows through strongly in descriptions and the world in general.
This is a good book and a great author that I look forward to reading more in this series and his others.
June 1, 2021
Amazing book, would recommend to anyone!
Another great continuation. I really enjoyed the hard work the main character puts into becoming stronger. It's a good balance and seems realistically achievable In a way that makes sense. Alot of books of the same genre can't find the balance and make their MC too power too quick and it becomes a werid power fantasy that I get bored quickly. This series has a good mix of growth, character development and fight scene. I will definitely be picking up the next book.
Another great continuation. I really enjoyed the hard work the main character puts into becoming stronger. It's a good balance and seems realistically achievable In a way that makes sense. Alot of books of the same genre can't find the balance and make their MC too power too quick and it becomes a werid power fantasy that I get bored quickly. This series has a good mix of growth, character development and fight scene. I will definitely be picking up the next book.
June 2, 2021
I appreciate that having him trudge grimly through the muck is a metaphor for a martial artist’s struggle to comprehend their dao, but could he spend a bit less time doing that and have, like, one more cool fight in the next book? (And while I’m at it, does he have to spend so much time vomiting?) Anyway, good book, great detail and the fights in particular have a nice balance between too much pedantic accuracy and too little description, which is quite hard to do. Hope he finally gets a proper romantic interest, it’s about time!
June 2, 2021
Short on action
It’s a decent installment to the series. There’s more worldbuilding, a lot of cultivation related struggles, but not a lot of meaningful action besides the end of the novel. And I found that last action scene somewhat confusing because I had a tough time keeping track of what was going on.
Certainly a better book than book 2 of the series and it moved the story forward. I just wished it had more action and that the last scene wasn’t as confusing.
It’s a decent installment to the series. There’s more worldbuilding, a lot of cultivation related struggles, but not a lot of meaningful action besides the end of the novel. And I found that last action scene somewhat confusing because I had a tough time keeping track of what was going on.
Certainly a better book than book 2 of the series and it moved the story forward. I just wished it had more action and that the last scene wasn’t as confusing.
June 4, 2021
Progression fantasy as it should be written
(For Americans)
Lol
Between the footnotes to explain Chinese (?) terms and the clarity of the narrative, this is an excellent read for non-Asian lovers of Cultivation novels.
Mostly clean prose, and family friendly as well.
I recommend d you start with book 1, but there is a bit at the beginning that catches you up somewhat.
I will eagerly await the next novel.
(For Americans)
Lol
Between the footnotes to explain Chinese (?) terms and the clarity of the narrative, this is an excellent read for non-Asian lovers of Cultivation novels.
Mostly clean prose, and family friendly as well.
I recommend d you start with book 1, but there is a bit at the beginning that catches you up somewhat.
I will eagerly await the next novel.
June 9, 2021
So good!
Amazing story that continues in this book. The main character Long Wu Ying has challenge after challenge thrown in his was only to find the inner strength to overcome them. Just when I think I have the plot line figured out the author throws a new wrinkle into the story making me wonder why he chose this path only to amaze me with his creativity at the end of the tale.
Amazing story that continues in this book. The main character Long Wu Ying has challenge after challenge thrown in his was only to find the inner strength to overcome them. Just when I think I have the plot line figured out the author throws a new wrinkle into the story making me wonder why he chose this path only to amaze me with his creativity at the end of the tale.
June 29, 2021
Gripping Continuation
Events take off from where it was left off in the last book. As usual while reading this series I am continually reminded about the gritty technical details in cultivation. Unlike most other wuxia, problems don’t automatically solve themselves, MC doesn’t have too many fortuitous encounters ,everything is hard earned and paid for. Can’t wait for the MC to reach nascent soul stage. More please.
Events take off from where it was left off in the last book. As usual while reading this series I am continually reminded about the gritty technical details in cultivation. Unlike most other wuxia, problems don’t automatically solve themselves, MC doesn’t have too many fortuitous encounters ,everything is hard earned and paid for. Can’t wait for the MC to reach nascent soul stage. More please.
June 7, 2021
An improvement over the previous story, but still a let down in terms of character and plot development. Another review I read summarized it as "the character gets sick and then gets better." That's pretty much the extent of the story. The author is really slow playing this whole series, and it's in serious danger of becoming a yawn-a-thon.
June 10, 2021
Good book but it’s a little slow.
This book mostly consisted of the main character dying and running around trying to find A way to save himself. As the results of the injury from the last book he hast to find someway to save his life and that pretty much consists of the entire story with a big fight at the end.
This book mostly consisted of the main character dying and running around trying to find A way to save himself. As the results of the injury from the last book he hast to find someway to save his life and that pretty much consists of the entire story with a big fight at the end.
October 16, 2021
Another banger
This book is a bit slower paced than the other books in the series but it was intense for the main character nonetheless. There was a muted sense of urgency as we waited to see how he would deal with the problems his body generated. It was done very well and I cannot wait to see his progress.
This book is a bit slower paced than the other books in the series but it was intense for the main character nonetheless. There was a muted sense of urgency as we waited to see how he would deal with the problems his body generated. It was done very well and I cannot wait to see his progress.
January 2, 2022
Best on the series by far
The series continues strong, the story growing but still centered on the Amin topic without mayor distractions. This book is a bit more dense than the other in the series and it requieres a bit more attention, though is still a quick read, ideal for a lazy weekend .
The series continues strong, the story growing but still centered on the Amin topic without mayor distractions. This book is a bit more dense than the other in the series and it requieres a bit more attention, though is still a quick read, ideal for a lazy weekend .
June 2, 2021
Fun
Another great installment in the Thousand Lives series. The author really helps by painting a vivid picture of the actions taken by the main character so that it is easy to see it in your minds eye.
Another great installment in the Thousand Lives series. The author really helps by painting a vivid picture of the actions taken by the main character so that it is easy to see it in your minds eye.
June 5, 2021
Solid read
First have to say, loved the personal touch in note 14. Otherwise an interesting story with some new characters that I am looking forward to seeing more of, and of course my favorite ex monk.
First have to say, loved the personal touch in note 14. Otherwise an interesting story with some new characters that I am looking forward to seeing more of, and of course my favorite ex monk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews