Started as a Cat? I Rely on Role-Playing as a Deity to Become an Immortal! - Reviews

I must say, I am thoroughly enjoying this story! At first glance, it might seem like it's following a familiar trope—a protagonist reincarnated as a cat who levels up and grows stronger. However, what truly sets this narrative apart is its unique twist on the concept of reincarnation. In this tale, our main character is tasked with not only leveling up but also impersonating a deity. This adds a fascinating layer to the plot as he must gain followers and increase the number of believers in order to enhance his divine powers. The process is far from straightforward; he needs to listen intently to the wishes and desires of these believers, navigating the complexities of human aspirations and fulfilling them in creative ways. It's a delightful challenge that often leads to unexpected situations, showcasing both the humor and heart of the story. While it may not have reinvented the wheel, the blend of amusing antics with the underlying themes of responsibility and growth makes for a captivating read. I find myself eagerly turning the pages, eager to see how our feline protagonist maneuvers through the challenges he faces. There’s a lot of charm in the whims and wishes of the characters, and I look forward to seeing how his adventures unfold. In conclusion, this story is a fun escape that balances lighthearted moments with deeper reflections. As of now, I have little to critique, as I am fully engrossed in the journey. If you’re looking for something entertaining with a twist, I highly recommend giving it a try!

One last thing: the use of the word "civet cat" is interesting. Most Chinese novels use "spirit cat" or "demon cat" but here it's specifically "civet cat" which is a real animal. That gives a more grounded feel. The "white gloves" on his paws and the tabby patterns make me picture a specific cat breed. That visual helps with immersion. I hope the author keeps that level of detail for other beasts and settings.

Overall, this is a solid start to a transmigration animal protagonist story. It balances survival, humor, and budding responsibility. The cliffhanger with the wild boar dream gives me a reason to keep reading. I just hope the MC doesn't accidentally get himself squished before he gains more followers. The weasel and Zhou are immediate threats, but the system gives hope. I'm putting this on my watch list for its fresh take on the deity-acting genre.

The moment where he hesitates before entering the temple—"If I steal the deity's offerings, won't I be struck by lightning?"—shows he's aware of the supernatural consequences. That's good. He's not a reckless protagonist. And then he promises to guard the temple for three days to pay it forward. That sets up a possible future quest: maybe he'll actually have to defend the temple from something. That could be a cool arc.

The mechanical prompt sound and the transparent light screen are very gamer-like. Some readers might find that immersion-breaking in a wuxia world, but I think it's fine. The system is clearly an isekai staple. The binding process—"Detected a Mountain God statue nearby, binding to host…" —feels like a quest marker. It's not subtle, but it gets the job done. I'm okay with that as long as the system doesn't become a crutch for everything.

I want to know more about the baddie Zhou Liqiang. He's a woodcutter strong enough to threaten Xu Ling? He offers chickens to a demon. He seems like a coward who relies on outside help. But will he become a recurring antagonist? Or will the weasel demon betray him? The way the demon demanded "tender chickens" suggests it's willing to upgrade to humans if it gets a taste. That could backfire on Zhou. That's a risk I hope the story explores.

Some of the phrasing feels awkward in English—like "Lu Jueming couldn't help but curse" is used twice. Also, "the gnawing pain in his stomach jolted him awake" is good, but then later "the hunger burned in his belly like a blazing fire" repeats the sensation. A little editing would help. But for a raw translation, it's readable. The cultural concepts like "Qi Refining," "Divine Ability," "Incense Power" are all clear enough.

The whole setup feels like a slice-of-life xianxia, where the MC uses trickery rather than raw power. I'm getting strong "I'm a Spider, So What?" vibes but with a more proactive system. The difference is the MC here has a mission: restore faith. That gives a clear goal beyond personal strength. I'm interested in how he'll convert other villagers. Dream entries are limited to close range. He'll need to be creative.

The part where Aunt Sun picks up a firewood stick to catch the beast? That's pure rural village energy. She's ready to whack a stray cat. And the two women flanking the statue felt like a really tense moment. Even though it was a small scene, the stakes were high—if they caught him, they'd probably hurt him. The broom transformation was a lucky save. But will they notice the missing dried fish? That detail might come back.

The small details about cat anatomy are a treat. The paw pads feeling soft and furry, ears flicking automatically, the amber eyes glowing when using dream entry. It's not just flavor text; it affects how he interacts with the world. He can't speak human language yet, only in dreams? That's a limitation that forces non-verbal communication. I like that. It's like playing a character with a vow of silence.

The mystery of why the mountain god is fading is intriguing. Only 6 believers? That implies either the god has been neglected for a long time, or something suppressed worship. The Demon-Suppressing Bureau might have outlawed certain cults? Or there's a stronger deity nearby poaching followers. Could be a political angle. I hope the author expands on the religious landscape. Are there multiple gods? Can a cat replace a mountain god? That's a weird loophole.

I wish we got more internal reflection about his past life. He was a volunteer firefighter, he rode a motorcycle, he died in a rescue. That's a heroic death. But he barely thinks about it after the initial memory. Does he miss his family? His dad's old motorcycle? That could give emotional depth. Right now, he's very focused on survival and the system. I'd love a chapter where he mourns his humanity, even briefly.