Centuries ago, Daoist Jing Yuan died from lightning. A millennium later, he comes back to life, but discovers that the stars have shifted and the world has transformed by leaps and bounds.
Marketplace: Selling herbs for 10 coppers each, alleviates fevers and detoxifies, reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Jing Yuan: Isn’t this the main precious herb used for Foundation Establishment Pills?
Auction house: Advanced level cultivation method starting at 30,000 spirit-stones!
Jing Yuan: Isn’t this the tr*shiest cultivation method you could find anywhere on the streets?
Art gallery: “The 100 Influential Figures of the Cultivation World”
Jing Yuan: Aren’t these my good friends A, B, C, D and old enemies 1, 2, 3, 4?
Bookstore: “Jing Yuan: A Biography“, “Memoirs of Jing Yuan“, “An Intro to Daoist-Master Jing Yuan’s Legendary Life“, “Honored Master Jing Yuan Teaches You How to Guide Qi into the Body“, “The Seven Habits of Founder Jing Yuan”
Jing Yuan: ?? Isn’t this me? Wait, when did I gain seven habits?
The companions he once journeyed with have long passed away, and not even 1/10 of the formerly glorious cultivation legacies remain. Yet, in this world without him, his legend still exists. This kind of feeling, is a bit embarrassing…



In terms of plot, the narrative lacks a clear central storyline, focusing instead on character-driven arcs. There's an eventual showdown with an anti-hero figure, but each segment ranges from city politics to academy challenges, time-travel adventures, infiltrating monster realms, and historical jumps. It takes time for the plot to pick up steam, and the reliance on reincarnation as a connection to the past can feel overwhelming at times.
The author appears to have drawn inspiration from countless xianxia concepts, leading to a diverse array of subplots. While well-integrated, the sheer quantity of side stories can be daunting, particularly for non-native readers like myself, as it often includes unnecessary detours and temporary plot points.
However, the novel shines in its main characters, Jing Yue and Qin Yanzhi. Jing Yue, a revered figure from the past, is intelligent and ruthless, driven by cultivation and loyalty to his sect. Qin Yanzhi, a talented swordsman, evolves from a stoic character into a lovable, ass-kicking figure, becoming my favorite among the love interests. Unfortunately, secondary characters lack depth and consistency, with most appearing briefly and few leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, the book offers enjoyable moments, especially the emotional connections between Jing Yue and Qin Yanzhi. However, the excessive padding makes it skimmable, suggesting the author prioritized word count over substance. If translated, I might appreciate the nuances more, but for now, I'd rate it a 3.5 out of 5. Qin Yanzhi remains a standout character.
In conclusion, "My Legend Still Exists in the Cultivation World" is a novel that leans heavily on its characters and their relationships, with a vast world filled with xianxia concepts. While the plot may not be the strongest aspect, the chemistry between Jing Yue and Qin Yanzhi makes it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
Overall, it's an average read, but still worthwhile if you're looking for a cultivation-focused BL without expecting a deep plot development.