I really appreciate how the story doesn't just dump all the lore at once. Instead, it's mixed into Lin Yu's thoughts as he slowly understands his situation. During his slumber, we learn about the Jade Plate of Creation and the Profound Yellow Ruler, and even the three thousand Chaos Demon Gods. The explanation that Hongjun will eventually be forced to merge with the Heavenly Dao because he can't leave the Primordial World was an interesting twist. It makes him more sympathetic, like he's trapped too. But Lin Yu's determination to become strong enough to leave? That's a solid goal for a protagonist.
The connection between Yi Xiu and the other concubines is nuanced. They're rivals but also fellow sufferers under the same system. When Yi Xiu sends Nian Shilan jewelry, it's not kindness—it's strategic. I like that the author shows multiple layers in interactions.
The backstory about Han Cuiyin’s mother is heartbreaking. Yan Shunhua being tricked into a nunnery under the pretense of blessings, while her daughter grows up alone and bullied—it’s the kind of cruelty that really makes you root for the protagonist. The name change to Yang Cuiyin stings too.
The spirit root test scene was classic wish fulfillment. Fire and wind spirit roots – both rare – and she has them. The elders immediately start bickering over who gets her. The female elder calls dibs for talisman peak, the beast taming elder argues fire root fits his peak too. It's predictable but fun. And there's a hidden attribute mentioned too, which is a good hook.
I appreciate that the men in the story aren't just cardboard cutouts. Lu Qing is mentioned as the cousin who hates her, and Lu Ling is complex—he loves her sister but still treated her well at first. The backstory about the marriage engagement being originally with Xu Ying adds layers to the tragedy. It's not just "evil husband," it's "trapped in family obligations."
1 The system notifications say “Achievement Points +10” and “Emei Breathing Technique (Entry Level) – Proficiency 1/100”. This kind of game-style progression makes me feel like I’m reading a translated Chinese web novel from the early 2010s. It’s not bad per se, but it can get repetitive. The author needs to balance the crunchy numbers with actual narrative. So far, the numbers are minimal, which is good. But if the whole story becomes about grinding proficiency, I’ll drop it.
Dad pulling down his pants to piss and curse at the ghost is the most unhinged, realistic, and effective bit of rural exorcism I’ve ever read. It’s crude, desperate, and works perfectly in the story’s weird logic. So raw.