I did notice one small plot hole: if Wu Yin lives under a bridge in the development zone, and Tan Ci’s accident happened on Hongyang Road which is also in that area, it makes sense that she’s nearby. But how exactly did she know about the well rescue so accurately? Did she see it in a vision? The text says she calculated based on birth time and asking the father. That’s divine magic, so it’s fine. But I wonder if there will be a rule system later that limits her abilities.
I must say, I'm rather fond of this novel. The protagonist, or main character (MC), is refreshingly not overpowered; rather, she relies on a well-rounded set of tools that include her comrades and education. When she lacks certain resources, she doesn't simply sit around waiting for fortune to smile upon her—she actively seeks them out or exchanges what she has for what she needs. This emphasis on cooperation is a delightful twist and adds depth to her character. However, I find myself quite disappointed with the original main character (OG MC). For someone labeled as the supposed protagonist of the story, she is surprisingly lackluster. It’s quite frustrating, as she exhibits a rather foolish blend of arrogance and selfishness, portraying characteristics of a classic "white lotus." I had hoped for a more intriguing representation of an OG MC—one that we could root for or even see as a formidable counterpart in a different narrative. Instead, the OG MC feels like a mere plot device, added primarily to stir up tension and create drama. So far, she comes off as little more than an antagonistic background character, relegated to serving as cannon fodder in the plot. It’s a missed opportunity, as I long for a portrayal that adds genuine complexity and richness to the story. On a more positive note, the overall narrative itself is quite engaging. The author does a commendable job providing insight into the MC's actions and motivations, detailing what she requires, the nature of her collaborations, and the various hostilities she faces along the way. While I wouldn’t say it's the absolute best apocalypse novel I’ve encountered, it certainly offers plenty of entertainment and intriguing moments. I'm invested in seeing how the story unfolds!
The transformation from a bratty rich kid to a beggar sleeping under a bridge happens way too fast. One minute he's fighting the landlord, the next he's smearing stove ash on his face to look homeless. I get that time is a factor in a novel, but it feels a bit like the author just fast-forwarded through the hard part. His decision to call home and then pull back his hand because he’d rather die? That’s the pride talking, but it feels a bit hollow when he's just given up so quickly.
Old Wu as a character is a loyal but guarded presence. His relief when Ling Yan defends him adds emotional depth. The flashback about his hidden assassination in the original timeline saddens me. I hope Ling Yan protects him this time around. The bond between them feels genuine compared to the toxic relationship with Murong Xue. It’s a reminder that Ling Yan has real allies. I want to see Old Wu get more screen time instead of being a background helper.
The moment where Xing Xing licks her lips while watching the egg but refuses to eat it hit me. It’s such a small, pitiful detail. The story does a good job of showing her hunger and fear without over-explaining. That’s effective emotional writing.
The "Prison City" worldbuilding sounds cool but I hope it's not just flavor text. The idea of prisoners escaping and imitating jailers in the real world is unique, and I want to know more about why these medieval-style buildings are appearing in modern China. The mix of apocalypse and historical fantasy is intriguing.