The fact that Gu Chen only had “over 200 yuan” to his name after living with the peasant family is realistic for a poor kid. His financial situation is dire. The 50,000 yuan skill book from the teacher is a lifeline. I want to see how he manages money going forward. Summoning is expensive even with great summons.
Overall, this is a fantastic start. It's a high-octane, well-structured, and wonderfully characterized introduction to a LitRPG world. The unique Jiangshi premise combined with the Taoist protagonist gives the story a great identity. The author has a great sense of pacing and knows how to build and release tension perfectly. The power system is logical and exciting. The characters are distinct and serve the plot well. I have very few complaints. I am genuinely mad that I have to wait for more chapters. This is an easy recommendation for anyone who likes clever protagonists, strong power systems, and a bit of supernatural horror mixed in.
I’m a sucker for transmigration/reincarnation plots, and mixing it with a “book within a book” twist is clever. The fact that Chou Chou knows she’s in a story where her whole family is cannon fodder adds immediate tension—we’re rooting for her to change the timeline.
I really like how Xu Ling’s not just a passive protagonist. She actively questions the system, demands explanations, and sets her own goals like saving points for a house. That agency makes her super easy to root for.
Old He's character felt a bit one-dimensional in the sense that his sole purpose was to deliver exposition about the Taoist abductions. But his grief was portrayed honestly, especially the tears and trembling. The scene where he says "they would be your age now" was heart-wrenching. I wish he had more personality beyond being a tragic elder, but for a minor character introduced and left behind, he served his role well. Maybe he'll reappear later?
The live stream reactions are too real. People online are quick to judge Yan Zhizhi for being the "fake" daughter without knowing anything. The way the commenters mock her form for sleeping or call her a "mountain chicken" shows how toxic fandoms can get. It adds a layer of realism to the story, even if it's frustrating to read. Yan Zhizhi's ability to ignore it is admirable.
I need to mention the food scene. The alien beef biscuit is surprisingly a highlight for me because the author describes it like it’s weird but edible and satisfying. Wang Dong taking a bite, recognizing beef flavor, then casually pocketing the rest like it’s a snack from a convenience store is a fun contrast to the scientists practically vibrating in their seats. It grounds the fantastical in something mundane and relatable. But I wish they spent a second describing the taste or texture beyond “beef.” How does it feel? Does it dissolve? Expand? Missed opportunity for cool detail.