Xian Xian

This is one of the exceptional xianxia novels I've read. The summary, although intriguing, somewhat misrepresents the story. The initial chapters set the stage for the engaging plot.

The novel is a captivating journey in itself, weaving together romance, politics, mystery, and divine elements seamlessly. What I appreciate is the balanced narrative, where the plot drives the romantic development rather than overpowering it. The characters, particularly Li Chaoge, initially come across as ruthless, but they reveal complex layers. Upon重生, she views her past life as a lesson, determined not to repeat it. Her actions, though sometimes harsh, stem from a desire to prevent悲剧 and adapt to her new reality, which leads to surprising plot twists. Li Chaoge is a strong, intelligent, and multi-dimensional character, not an innocent victim but a force to be reckoned with.

The author faced criticism for Li's character, but she坚守 her vision, which I admire. Pei Ji'an, another重生角色, adds depth to the story. He regrets his past and tries to change it, even if it means acknowledging his mistakes. His empathy towards others, including the antagonist from his tragic past, demonstrates growth and self-reflection.

Li Chaoge serves as the queen's powerful ally, driven by ambitious goals. The conflict between her and opposing nobles creates tension, and she navigates these dynamics while striving for stability in her current life. The mystery unfolds beautifully, revealing hidden agendas and intertwining plotlines.

The novel incorporates xianxia elements, such as vivid sword fights, action sequences, and unexpected plot developments. The author's extensive research on Taoism and law enforcement is evident. The male protagonist, Qin Ke (Gu Mingke in mortal life), descends as the Beichen Tianzun, a symbol of justice, assisting Pei Ji'an in his quest. Their relationship evolves slowly and thoughtfully, grounded in their shared commitment to justice.

Qin Ke's character is portrayed flawlessly, embodying the essence of an immortal descending to earth. The romance is well-developed, reflecting their principles and dedication to their beliefs, rather than a typical love story. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each with their own motivations and growth throughout the narrative.

In conclusion, this book is a masterpiece, combining compelling characters, intricate plot, rich themes, thrilling action, and vivid descriptions. It's a story that will undoubtedly stand the test of time, deserving recognition for its skillful storytelling.

This is quite a mixed review. On one hand, I appreciate the well-developed FL (Female Lead) character traits, especially her confidence and strength, which I find appealing. However, the plot lacks depth and seems repetitive, with certain character actions appearing contrived at first and then revealing their purpose later, which I view as an ineffective storytelling technique. The initial 30 chapters were unengaging due to predictability and some silliness.

In theory, with better character development, the story could be much stronger. Unfortunately, there are numerous potential improvements left unaddressed, and the pacing feels stretched. After reaching chapter 60, I decided to skip to the ending directly. Quality writing is crucial, and even an intriguing premise can be marred by subpar translation (Machine Translation, in this case), which detracts from the overall reading experience.

Taking everything into account, I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5, acknowledging its potential but being disappointed by its execution.

For your information, the "bb" translation has been divided, with Chapter 17 corresponding to Chapter 5 in the original source materials. The Foxaholic translation follows the raws closely. This novel is an enjoyable read featuring 11 segments where the main character (MC) and male lead (ML) unravel paranormal mysteries while navigating overarching plots involving the mortal dynasty, drawing inspiration from Wu Zetian's rise to power, the ML's personal background, and the evolving relationship between the two. However, the story suffers from a rushed climax and inconsistencies in the heavenly realm sections.

A notable weakness of the book is that despite its marketing as a strong protagonist, the MC doesn't exhibit significant strength throughout the narrative. The ML frequently saves the day, effectively solving the central plotline, which could have been better balanced if the MC's growth were more evenly distributed across the book rather than集中在 the final ten chapters.

The romance development is uneven, and this isn't necessarily a complaint about its absence. The sudden intensification from minimal to intense emotions in the last 20 chapters leaves readers with insufficient time to fully engage and invest in the relationship.

Lastly, the presence of an omnipotent heavenly realm diminishes the significance of the mortal realm's struggles. Given how短暂 and feeble mortals appear in comparison, the MC's decision to abandon their mortal life for ascension feels unsatisfying.

"This is the sole novel that can make me endure the rough translations of Machine-Translated Literature. The storyline is exceptional, brimming with numerous surprising plot twists towards the climax. Although the romantic aspect isn't prominent, I found myself laughing uncontrollably whenever the male lead exhibited jealousy towards the protagonist."

The book is exceptional, and I'm surprised it only received a 3.5-star rating. The writing is crisp, the storyline is coherent with minimal loose ends, and the various plot threads converge beautifully at the climax. The protagonist is a standout character – I appreciate how the author didn't shy away from portraying a strong female lead (FL) who makes tough decisions and carries consequences, displaying a knightly demeanor. As for the male lead (ML), he might be a bit too perfect, but given his divine nature, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Regarding the title, "Treasonous Immortal" or "Exiled Deity," it holds a flattering connotation, symbolizing a highly skilled and intelligent individual who appears almost immortal, temporarily confined to Earth.

However, there is one aspect that didn't quite resonate with me – the final plot twist felt somewhat突如其ven to me, even though I can understand its purpose.

If available, I would recommend reading the translated version, as the machine translation isn't terrible, but I occasionally needed to refer to the original Chinese for terms like "Immortal Venerable Fairy." If the book remains untranslated after a year, I might consider purchasing the Chinese edition instead.

This is an exceptional novel with three intricately woven storylines: (1) the intertwined lives of the main character, Li Chaoge, and their reincarnation, 2ML Pei Ji An; (2) the mortal past of the male lead, Qin Ke/Gu Mingke; and (3) the developing relationship between the protagonist and the love interest. The narrative primarily revolves around the duo solving supernatural mysteries, which simultaneously deepens their political intrigue and emotional connection.

For fans of TV shows with a "Monster of the Week" format, like Supernatural set in ancient China, this story is a perfect fit. Similar to Supernatural, the characters' bond evolves through solving case after case. As the plot progresses, a more complex antagonist starts to emerge in the shadows.

However, there are a few points worth mentioning for those who can handle spoilers. Initially, it's disappointing that the historical background of Empress Wu Zetian wasn't clearer due to the supernatural elements and additional characters, making it difficult to fully grasp the elder Zhang brother's connection to the MC. Additionally, the revelation that others start dreaming of the MC's first life left me wanting more depth to her backstory. The novel lists six extras, but on the platform I read it, only one additional chapter after the MC and ML reunion was available. A potential twist, had it been included, would have been if the MC were a goddess undergoing a trial, explaining her previous treatment and the impact on the ML's own tribulation. Unfortunately, the novel doesn't delve into this aspect, maintaining a focus on their predestined love connection.

In summary, despite some minor disappointments, this novel offers an engaging blend of mystery-solving, ancient Chinese setting, and romantic development, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy such narratives.

So far (up to chapter 38), the novel has proven to be not only well-structured but also quite entertaining, much like the author's other works. However, what sets "Xian Xian" apart is its unique freshness. The plot, centered around mysteries, and the protagonist, Li Chaonge, stand out. Although she possesses flaws and carries past transgressions that she can't justify, she isn't inherently邪恶 or unlikable. She sincerely regrets her past actions and actively seeks redemption, attempting to rectify them while still pursuing her goals, albeit with a reduced reliance on violence – a characteristic that aligns with her aspirational yet newly awakened persona.

As for the male lead, I haven't formed a clear opinion yet, and I'm not particularly eager to delve deeper into their relationship.

Read everything through machine translation, but approach the summary with caution. The story centers less on the romantic aspect between the main characters and instead delves into paranormal investigations, cultivation, and the struggle for power. The female lead, contrary to the description, isn't as ruthless as portrayed. She was essentially a pawn forced to obey her imperial mother's whims to preserve her own life.

What I particularly appreciated was the Demon Division's crime-solving process and how each case gradually built up to a significant climax. I found myself engrossed in the mystery and plot, which is why I read it non-stop for three straight days, despite the initial temptation.