One thing I found a bit jarring is the sudden shift from Gu Jia Ning's painful period to Sheng Ze Xi jumping in the window. It's a little abrupt. But it also serves as a sudden relief from her suffering. The narrative uses his entrance as a deus ex machina. It's effective if slightly unrealistic. But for a story with a system, a little convenience is forgiven.
The chapter where Ruby explores the forest behind the detached palace was refreshing after all the tension. Her wonder at seeing a pond for the first time, her nostalgia at finding poisonous plants, her immediate instinct to save the bird – it shows that even with her rough treatment, she still has a curious and kind heart. The dark forest feels like a place that will accept her more than people ever did.
Eileen's character is intriguing because she clearly knows more than a simple nun should. She deduces that the monster is different, she warns Mark not to come out tonight, and she seems to have a plan. But her refusal to explain things fully is frustrating. Is she protecting Mark, or is she afraid he'll mess things up? The way she scans Mark when he asks about the necklace — she knows he's hiding something. Their relationship has a layer of unspoken trust and distrust. It adds depth.
The fifteen people caught in the crossfire. She feels bad about it, but she also doesn't regret it. 'I had reasons!' It's the perfect introduction to her alignment. Chaotic Good, maybe Chaotic Neutral with a heart. Friendly to friends, a walking hazard to everyone else.
The action scene with Uncle Qi fighting Wang Daoyuan was over in a flash. "He fell to the ground, trembled a few times, and spat out a mouthful of blood." That was too brief for someone who was built up as a guard for a Governor. I wanted a bit more of a fight to show his skill before the defeat. It felt underwhelming.