Bai Mu going after the same homeless guy he beat up earlier to ask for info is hilariously pragmatic. He straight up says "Don't be afraid, I won't hit you anymore" with a smile, but the homeless guy is still terrified. It's darkly funny, and it establishes that Bai Mu knows how to use his fists to survive, but also that he's not needlessly cruel. The information he gets from them gives a glimpse into the city's structure, and the contrast between asking a shop owner versus a homeless person for intel is clever worldbuilding.
The introduction of the "Sixty-four Posture Stance Training" and the "Nine Great Stances" is a smart way to show the martial arts system. It's not just "sit and meditate," it's a physical practice with set limits that vary based on talent. The fact that his talent improved from 16 minutes to 19 minutes after one death is a massive upgrade. It makes the horrific trips to Honghuang feel like a terrible but necessary form of therapy. 2
One thing I dislike: Kozō’s power level feels too low for too long. Even after being nourished by chakra and natural energy, he’s still getting one-shot by Tobirama’s water needle. I get that he’s a water bear, but some progression would be nice. The system feels wasted so far.
Li Dong is such a walking red flag. It’s incredibly obvious that he’s trying to manipulate Du Shao into giving up her future for him, and Lin Du sees right through it. I appreciate that she doesn’t just let it slide. Instead, she pushes him into a corner by making him suggest a Heaven and Earth oath. It’s a small but powerful move that exposes his insincerity. I genuinely dislike him, which means the story is doing something right.