The pacing in the first part is manic. Mind battles, cliff jumps, alien apocalypse, sudden death, three years later. It’s a lot. While I love the high intensity, the slower water-carrying chapters in Zifu Mountain City feel like a necessary breather. Balancing that speed is tricky but it works so far.
I find myself in agreement with several of the critics below regarding this novel. While it certainly has its merits, I can't help but feel that the author could have enriched the narrative significantly by incorporating more new material and extending the length of the novel. As it stands, there are a number of chapters that seem somewhat inconsequential; they lack the depth and detail necessary to hold the reader’s attention, which makes it easy to skim through them without losing track of the storyline in the subsequent chapters. However, it is important to note that, despite these shortcomings, what resonates with me most profoundly is the ending. The conclusion of this story is not only satisfying but downright wholesome, providing a sense of closure that is often hard to come by in literature. It effectively ties together the various threads and character arcs, leaving the reader with a warm and contented feeling. Overall, despite its few flaws and pacing issues, I genuinely enjoyed this novel, particularly because of its heartfelt ending. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who appreciates a well-rounded conclusion that leaves a lasting positive impression. If you’re looking for a story that ultimately uplifts, this might just be the perfect read for you.