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A Thousand Li #9

The Third Cut

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An Ill Wind Blows from the South As corruption seeps from the southern kingdom of Nanyue, Wu Ying sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover its source. Spirit stones have become corrupted, with twisted daos embedded within. If left unchecked, this corruption threatens to spread across the world. With the guidance of the wind of heaven, Wu Ying travels across the exotic kingdom where he must confront powerful daos and perilous threats. Along the way, he is aided by companions new and old as he battles to stop the corruption before it is too late.

The Third Cut is book nine of the xianxia cultivation series A Thousand Li . The series is about immortal cultivation, wondrous martial art styles and spirit beasts and will be loved by wuxia and xianxia fans. The Third Cut is written by Tao Wong, the bestselling scifi and fantasy LitRPG author of the System Apocalypse, Adventures on Brad and the Hidden Wishes .

461 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

287 people are currently reading
163 people want to read

About the author

Tao Wong

144 books965 followers
Tao 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for A.R.
433 reviews39 followers
June 21, 2025
Re-read: Solid entry. Glad to have a familiar face back.

This one was...interesting. It elevated a character introduced so barely in the last book, I don't think it ever even gave her name. Now she is a main character traveling with out hero. Why? The start of this book was just so jarring. Really, the whole book seemed to skip around a bit. The middle actually got really good. Really, really good. The last quarter I kind of lost the plot. Will have to re read the book eventually, to try and understand what all went down. Still, a fun book, a bit jumpy at times.
Profile Image for William Howe.
1,809 reviews88 followers
August 2, 2023
Wowza

Massive battles. The return of a great friend.

I still enjoy the use of footnotes to explain various language terms and idioms that don’t translate cleanly.

Looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for ReadToBreathe.
870 reviews32 followers
November 21, 2023
I hold my opinion from a previous book. Putting women in MC's path is the worst thing that keeps happening to him. I do not like how he is a pushover that can't say no. Letting himself be pushed around by an annoying btch who can't shut up in the start of the journey got on my nerves most of times. I prefer seeing him alone. The only saving grace in this book is Tou He.
Profile Image for Tao Wong.
Author 144 books965 followers
Read
January 17, 2024
We're a few weeks out from Book 10's release, so now is the time to start The Third Cut!

If you've already read the book, have you downloaded the bonus epilogue? Grab it here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/rpm5oe9imb
Profile Image for Dave Stone.
1,351 reviews97 followers
January 30, 2025
Much better
This is a lot more fun than the first 3 or 4 books. Now that the MC has the kind of power that gives you choices, I like the choices he makes. And the action & adventure don't hurt either.
119 reviews
January 14, 2024
For Books 1-9

I really liked this series. I read all nine books back to back so no gaps for time between releases up to this point.

5 stars is for the overall series as some books were better than others.

Positives
- Great character progression and growth
- the linked footnotes in the ebook version is so helpful
- There is a recap at the beginning of each story
- The MC is powerful but OP and not OP at the same time. He has to work for every stage increase. He is not a prodigy however he is stubborn and does the work for his fantastic powers.
- The other characters are great. I miss them when they weren't in a story and it is great to see them meet up again.
- It feels like some of the books were long and some were shorter. Maybe it is the pacing? I liked the ones where there was growth over time even when some pit stops didn't make sense. Like did he learn anything with that 6 month entrapment? I want to hear about how his skills improved or what he learned otherwise, skip it.

Cons
- My biggest gripe is the development of each romantic relationship. I highly suggest some other eyes on this because all the love interests are not fully developed. Every time he spends more than 5 minutes with someone and it becomes a thing. It is the same over and over. He meets girl. Girl can kick his butt. Communication sucks or they talk to him in a way that would have me running and then...together. It doesn't make sense because the non-love interests are done well. Weird.

SPOILER: I hated book 9 girl went up the mountain. It was HIS return. Leaving it at that to avoid giving too much away.

- Some of the endings feel rushed in some of the books. It was like MUST have big conflict at 75% of each book even with no lead up (example: Squid story). Some were fully put to bed by the end and others...not so much or didn't make sense.

- The rate at which he loses weapons...can we do something about that? Make him learn another for backup? It starts to become annoying that he loses his weapon at important parts and is seemingly "stuck".

Overall
Great story and progression. I look forward to what will happen next. Only thing is we just completed book 9 and I want more progression on the bloodline.
Profile Image for Akshay.
837 reviews6 followers
February 3, 2024

The Third Cut (A Thousand Li #9) by Tao Wong:



The Third Cut, the ninth installment in Tao Wong's A Thousand Li series, delivers a satisfying continuation of protagonist Jiang Zhu's journey in a world filled with martial arts, magic, and political intrigue. With this latest addition, Wong once again showcases his mastery of the genre, offering readers a compelling blend of action, suspense, and character development that will leave them eagerly anticipating the next chapter.



Wong's writing remains as sharp and engaging as ever, with descriptive prose and vivid imagery that bring the world of A Thousand Li to life.



In The Third Cut, Jiang Zhu faces new challenges and adversaries as he continues to navigate the complexities of a society on the brink of war. Wong skillfully explores themes of honor, duty, and sacrifice, weaving together a narrative that is both thought-provoking and thrilling.



The world-building in this installment is top-notch, with Wong expanding upon the lore and mythology of his fictional universe in ways that are both imaginative and immersive.



Moreover, the character development in The Third Cut is exceptional, with Jiang Zhu and his companions undergoing significant growth and evolution as they confront the trials and tribulations of their journey. The relationships between characters deepen, adding emotional depth and complexity to the story.





Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)



The Third Cut is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy, offering a captivating blend of action, intrigue, and emotion. With its gripping narrative, well-rounded characters, and immersive world-building, it is sure to delight readers of all ages.

Profile Image for Justin.
59 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2023
I pretty much binge read this series over the last week and am pretty impressed overall.

The overall rating for the series is probably somewhere between 4.25 and 4.5. A couple of the books are close to 5, while 1 or 2 are close to 3.5.

Overall, the story is trending in the proper direction as Wu Wing, grows, matures, and Journeys further along the path of his Dao. It is not the best cultivation series I have read, but there is a lot less ruthlessness, and "Young Masters" and "Courting Death!" in the series than other Cultivation series which really helps to make it more readable. Some cultivation novel tropes do exist, but they are mostly kept to a minimum.

The softening of Ridgid Eastern Cultivation Novels with a bit more Western Hero Complex vibes probably do a lot towards describing the MC. He isn't perfect, but seems to walk a pretty good line most of the time between logical thinking and doing what is right, even if its not beneficial to him at the time.

I enjoy the story much better when he is not in the Sect. So, I am a bit worried that he is going back, as every time politics get involved, the story also devolves a bit. Like the Mostly useless Tournament arc in the "Third Kingdom" which was basically a bad murder mystery with a not very good conclusion.

If you are fan of Cultivation Novels, I would definitely check this one out. Unless you are into the Truly Ruthless ones, like Reverend Insanity.
Profile Image for David Laughlin.
279 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2023
What an excellent read

A while ago a new but very good friend. Got me into reading longer series of books with him and we would discuss online our thoughts about the chapters and storyline as we progress through different books introduced me and a cultivation series style of writing with books such as heavenly throne, He who fights with monsters, and cradle, just to mention a few. Through all of that, I saw an ad for this series and so I purchased the first book and then had to continue reading and have now even pre-purchased the next book that won't be out until February of 2024 because it was that enjoyable of a read. The author's footnotes full then throughout the book give him myriad of historical information. Even though the book is not meant to be a historical book. The added information is so enriching while the storyline is engrossing in the character development is very well done. This has been a joy to read.
20 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of the book to read and review. I am a big fan of this genre as a whole and this series in particular. The descriptions and scene setting have a good weight to them without being a burden. Some authors I have read go way too far with this and it leads me to page skip or even not finish the book. None of that here.
The main character in this book has drawn me in and I usually devour the book in a couple of days, such is my need to find out what happens. It’s a journey together.
Having been reading sci fi and fantasy books since I was a teenager, this series of books safely makes it into my all time top ten.
Profile Image for Calista.
5,434 reviews31.3k followers
April 25, 2024
This book is like "The Heart of Darkness" by Conrad. It's a good book, very disturbing in many ways. Book 8 is still my favorite. That is the book of the series. I love it, but this gets us back to the cultivation world.

I tell you what, I feel for Tao Hua here. Every time he is around Wu Ying, he is so hurt and broken. He has come so far, but the man takes a beating. I really feel for him.

This is also the start of what feels like a bit of a love story. I think Wu Ying might have found his partner in life. Well, maybe, who knows.

In many ways, Wu Ying was pretty powerless in this story. It was a little frustrating. Gradually, we watched him grown and over years he earned all his power and then this book sort of kicked him back down to being a helpless person. It was a little irritating. Let the man show off some skills, but it made some sense too. No one really progressed in this story.

The story: There are tainted cores coming up from the South where most cores come from that the rest depend on for cultivation. Wu Ying goes down to what is now Vietnam and sees this new land. He gets into the city and fights some elephants that are corrupted. He also runs into an old friend. That was fun. I was just saying I missed him and he shows up.

They are going on a mission with some sketchy people into the jungle of corruption. The corruption is horrible and it really is disturbing what is going on. Horrors upon horrors. The people of the city don't want Wu Ying and company to go along, but they let him and the mission would have failed without them.

Some big stuff goes down at the end. It really is intense. Then, it's all over and everyone is pretty broken and Wu Ying goes home. We see him at the base of the mountain of the Verdent Green sect at the very end.

So, now I have to read the next volume. I really do love this cultivation series. It's so good. I want to read more pure cultivation stories, but most aren't translated. Sad.

Great entry in this series.
Profile Image for Bender.
455 reviews46 followers
July 24, 2023
https://fanfiaddict.com/a-thousand-li...

In “The Third Cut” we see Wu Ying being tasked with the job of travelling west to identify the source of corruption which has affected the entire region. Being amongst unfamiliar people and the overall passive geopolitical hostility between the regions, he’s between a rock and hard place trying to navigate the tensions as he works to solving the mystery behind the corruption. The book moves at a brisk pace from get go and the second half is a non-stop, adrenalin pumping ride of action sequences. Some familiar characters return and as the adventure is done, I’m so looking forward to Wu Ying’s journey to come a full cycle in the next book.

Lots of action and really fun adventure.
77 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2024
It was going great, until...

...it wasn't. Half the book detailing a single battle. Silly. And using the same method over and over and over and over. We won, it's finished, but no. Not dead yet. Again and again. When the author focuses on telling the story, it's really good, but the endless page upon page of battles is a poor reflection of his ability. Anyone can just make up weird stuff to keep extending a situation, and that's what the author does. There is no elegance or flow in the story when every battle is a continuous story of success/failure. The entire series could have been great if the author could retrain himself and stay on the course of a really good story without the page after page of silly extended battles.
Profile Image for Steve Naylor.
2,518 reviews125 followers
August 4, 2023
Rating 4.0 stars

I think the last book was my favorite in the series. It had multiple locations over the longest period of time and we saw the MCs growth and knowledge grow in leaps and bounds. In this one he is going to the south to find out about the corruption. The daughter of the powerful cultivator comes with him. He also meets an old friend who was sent by his sect to help solve the problem. It was still a good addition to the series but a little bit of a let down after how great I thought the last book was.
Profile Image for Liz.
287 reviews
February 15, 2024
Epic

I’m so glad we have a new character, Yang Mu! She’s such a boss, and I love the relationship between her, Wu Ying and Tou He! I hope she’s a permanent fixture in the series, and I am majorly shipping the romance.

I really enjoyed this book, more so than a number of the previous ones in the series, because rather than just the wandering gatherer, we get to explore themes of friendship, family, politics, romance and loyalty in this book. It’s a more fleshed-out narrative than the others; can’t wait to read book 10!
1,108 reviews15 followers
August 9, 2023
I have a complicate history with this series, especially the seemingly autistic behaviour of the protagonist being a prude, driven loner. But i love the parts of the series about spirit beasts, exotic places and intrigues.

As this book focuses on the latter, provides some interesting thoughts and FINALLY manages to give the protagonist some - desperately needed - depth of character i rather liked it. I loved how the protagonist is teased about his habits!!
287 reviews
June 13, 2024
NO SPOILERS.

Wu Ying's journey continues in The Third Cut . The interplay with Yang Mu and Wu Ying was worth reading all by itself. Then the appearance of THAT character was even better. Having that character along with the last few chapters of the book were amazing. The action and final outcome were quite a surprise.

Author Tao Wong continues to amaze with the A Thousand Li series.
Profile Image for TBRBooks.
100 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2025
The Third Cut

Wu Ying has followed the winds south and after meeting up with Tou He, they, along with Yang Mu join up with an army unit of another kingdom to help destroy a taint on the land and the creatures of the land.

Book 9 was filled with plenty of action and betrayal but was also balanced out with new friendships and the reuniting of old friends too. I enjoy these books so much that immediately after finishing this one I went straight into reading the next one.
523 reviews8 followers
August 6, 2023
A Taxing Journey

A new adventure for the Verdant Gatherer, deep into southern lands, to find a heart of corruption. Lots of action, some good tension, serious challenges, solid characterization, and philosophical revelations keep this volume compelling at every stage.
Enjoyed and recommended.
Profile Image for Urhierefe .
159 reviews
August 10, 2023
How Wu Ying has grown.
From former farmer to famed cultivator Wu Ying now faces new challenges that might just be his end.

The last few chapters of this book worries me, I can't wait for book 10 and hope Wu Ying can adapt to his technic, I don't want him to end up like his master.

The journey is almost done, but the road grows bumpier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sunday Okafor.
129 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2023
Its a nice follow up from the previous book, my only gripe with it was the introduction of the love interest and how fast their relationship progressed, and some scenes in the book were just utterly chaotic that I sometimes couldn't tell up from down. Overall it was a nice book and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Pablo Schulman.
3 reviews
October 4, 2023
I've read several xianxia stories and I believe this is one if not the best one out there.

Several xianxia stories get lost in the fantastical, banalyzing it. Here, there are a LOT of fantasy elements, but they are grounded in the reality that, to me, make them more feasible, more tangible.

Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Paps.
562 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2023
Great continuation to the story, it was good for Wu Ying to meet Tou He again. Is nice how the author portrays their friendship. It is wonderful how with each book the author reveals to us more about the path of Cultivation, and how progress comes not only from strengh increase but from deep understanding of oneself, his Dao and Inmortality.
82 reviews
November 18, 2023
I am really not enjoying the new love interest and romance plot that popped up here. She was immediately completely unlikeable, and the admiring flowery descriptions of how she looked, as well as the MCs jealousy are unwelcome distractions.
Then there are really cringey leering male gaze descriptions, like an arrow piercing a girl "below her rosebud breasts", like seriously.
Also got a bit of a taste of homophobia here which kinda sours me on the series.
137 reviews
November 26, 2023
Was ok read.

Yang mu is incredibly annoying, 1st parts of this book was honestly hard to get through as found boring.
Could of done without the homosexuality in story at all eww, Dame lot and mean lot of talking virtually no actual cultivation or progress really. And the romance no please just stop action pts went on for bit too long at times good but long.
(Some of humor and banter was good though)

And part wear mc said he often travels alone I thought when? Seriously he always with someone would be great if did do more alone.

Give between 2 to 2 half stars out of 5.
Profile Image for Scott Wozniak.
Author 7 books97 followers
November 25, 2023
So, I've learned that I love cultivation stories. The general theme of starting from nothing and progressing through a combination of hard work and personal revelation feels like my life story--plus I love magic adventures. :) This one is a well written example of the series, very true to the Chinese roots of this genre.
Profile Image for Randy Smith.
649 reviews22 followers
April 9, 2024
Bad Ending

Most of the book was actually quite good, but since this was an ending of story arc the main character had to be damaged in someway. That seems to be the pattern with this series. I am not sure what the next book will be about, but I am sure he’s going to spend half of it trying to figure away to heal the damage that he got at the end of this book.
Profile Image for Chris.
201 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2025
Enjoyed this book so much more than the last one. Yang Mu was a fantastic addition to the story and we get to see their relationship and how they work together. The reintroduction of a beloved character from the beginning of the series was great. It was like not time had passed. Getting into the final 3 books is bittersweet for the journey must end and we will leave Wu Ying.
98 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2023
always great!

Another great instalment to the series. What a great pace for novel releases, 5 years went quick. I’m excited for the next book and to see how he progresses within the sect
Profile Image for Ethan Stein.
Author 5 books247 followers
August 11, 2023
awesome

It was an awesome story. Loved it from start to finish. Can’t wait for the next one.

:SPOILER:

I also loved the new love interest and can’t wait to see that grow as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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