One more thought: the class subject seems to be history about the Ancient Silver Moon. This suggests that the civilisational history since the first Shine is taught in schools. The fact that students learn about cultivation history implies a high degree of integration into education. This is a small but effective world-building point. It also shows that Wang Li, despite his lazy past, has some book knowledge because he can answer the question about the three Shines. So he's not a total slacker.
Pacing-wise, this first chunk covers a lot: court case, transmigration, family backstory, meeting the MLs, and mystery setup. It never feels rushed though. The transitions between Xingnong's past life death and her awakening in the courtroom are smooth – confusion giving way to acceptance. The memory dumps are integrated naturally as she walks. I didn't feel bored once, which is impressive for an opening that has to establish so much.
I'm a little worried about the system becoming a crutch. The "mark incorrect rule" function is powerful, but it takes the edge off the puzzle for the reader. I want to feel like I'm figuring it out alongside Chi Mu, not just watching him use his cheat codes. I hope the author makes the traps harder to spot for the system too.
I wonder if Wendel is going to stay a grumpy statue or if he actually has a personality. Right now he is a bit of a cardboard cutout of the Cold Duke trope. The story lives or dies on the eventual thawing of his character. I hope he gets a backstory that justifies this level of coldness.
One thing that bugs me: the timeline. The siege in Liang is 130 days, then the second chapter is set in “Heqing era of Northern Qi.” Is this supposed to be a prequel or a sequel? If Xie Yuqing is dead, how does her spirit travel to Northern Qi years later? The text implies it’s the same world but a different time. I guess it’s a story about the soul being reincarnated or trapped. Or maybe the Northern Qi part is a fantasy parallel world. The lack of a clear link is frustrating. I wish the author had at least put a line in the narration saying “Ten years later, in a remote village...” or something. Right now it feels like two different books stitched together. But even so, I’m excited to see how they connect.
Merea's characterization as someone who's already died once makes him uniquely suited for this story. He's not your typical isekai protagonist who's constantly complaining or acting entitled. He's genuinely grateful to have a body that moves, even if it's a child's body being put through hellish training. The line about "it might only be this time that I can remain as myself" really stuck with me. He's aware that reincarnation is a gift, not a right. That perspective makes his struggles feel earned rather than annoying. When he's exhausted and complaining, it doesn't come across as whiny—it comes across as someone fighting tooth and nail for a life he almost lost.
2 The talent entry “Abbess’s Favor” is described as gold-grade, meaning it’s powerful. The effect says “You can always gain the favor and attention of Abbesses.” That’s hilariously specific. But given that Emei is a primarily female sect full of nun-like figures, it’s practically a cheat for this setting. If he ever leaves the sect, will this entry become useless? Or will it apply to any woman in a position of religious authority? The ambiguity bothers me a bit.