The secondary characters are criminally underrated. The old man downstairs who says “Got a new partner?” when Xie carries the confidential delivery, and then “Take care of yourself” — that’s the perfect nosy neighbor trope. The street-sweeping uncle who traded his tricycle and now blasts Purple Mountains Green Waters while doing push-ups is just the right amount of background absurdity. Even the police officers from the flashback (young, old, and junior) each had distinct reactions that made the inflatable doll excuse feel lived in. I also enjoy the counselor, Teacher Xue, screaming at Xie over the phone. Her fury feels earned after years of his trouble making. These small roles add richness to the world without needing much page time. It’s a sign of confident worldbuilding.
the dialogue during the recruitment scene: "let me think about it" – chen yi's hesitation is so realistic. the guy just escaped death, reunited with his mom, and now some girl who barely knows him is asking him to join a super secret organization dealing with supernatural events? i'd say no too. his reason about preferring to stay with his mother and not worrying her again makes perfect sense. he's not power hungry, he's just a guy trying to protect the only family he has left
When the Fourth Elder says “my disciple acts according to karma” without even checking the facts, I felt Li Fu’s despair. It’s not about justice—it’s about protecting their own. And the way he immediately tries to throw her out shows how little her suffering matters to them. That line “you must have provoked her first” is victim-blaming on a cosmic scale.
The side plot about Nian Gengyao and the army adds world-building but is underdeveloped. Mentioned briefly, it feels like a placeholder for future conflict. I’d like more integration of her brother’s role—does he know her plans? The family dynamics are rushed after the marriage decree, leaving gaps in her support system.
yu yinyin's character is surprisingly warm and realistic for a story full of action. the way she takes care of chen yi, her gentle smile, giving him her mother's amulet – it's clear the author wanted to establish a strong family bond to raise emotional stakes. but because we barely see her before the attack, that hospital moment feels like we're told to care rather than naturally feeling it. still, it's sweet