I wonder if the author plans to develop a romance between Fu Xi and Xi Xuan Shang, or keep it purely master-student/ally. The age gap (spirit vs mortal) and the future slaughter might make it complicated. I’m curious where that goes.
I’m curious about Old Song’s backstory. He’s been a bell ringer for 64 years. That means he started as a teen. Why hasn’t he left? The moment Li Qian asks casually and Old Song just glares and walks off with his wine gourd – that’s perfect foreshadowing. I want to know if he had talent but gave up, or if he did something wrong. The fact that he still secretly watches Li Qian ring the bell suggests he’s invested. I bet there’s a tragic love story or a failed promotion behind that.
I must say, one of the most significant drawbacks of this novel lies in its translation quality. It’s quite possible that the original text was penned in a rather careless manner, resulting in a reading experience that feels jarring and disjointed. Many of the sentences lack fluidity, making it challenging for readers to follow the narrative's progression. There are moments when the logical connections between thoughts seem almost nonexistent, creating a disconnect that diminishes the overall impact of the story. When we shift our focus to the plot itself, it becomes evident that it leans heavily toward a superficial narrative filled with what can only be described as pampering material. The central couple in the story possesses overwhelming power, which, while appealing to some readers, ultimately serves to reduce the surrounding plot to little more than a backdrop for this extravagant display of affection and strength. It feels as though the author missed an opportunity to weave a more substantial and thought-provoking story. I initially dived into the book drawn by the promise of an apocalyptic setting; however, as I progressed, it became clear that the execution simply does not justify the time spent reading it. Perhaps those seeking light-hearted escapism might find enjoyment here, but for readers in search of depth and coherence, this novel unfortunately falls short. Ultimately, it left me feeling unsatisfied and reluctant to invest further time in its pages.