- #1
Honestly shocked by some of the other low reviews - Aspiring to the Immortal Path (AIP) is one of the best "traditional" cultivation light novels I've read. This is partly due to the excellent translation that's been provided. The main reason that AIP (as of chapter 373) is so well written is because it resolves many of the classical cultivation light novel problems.The classical problems with cultivation light novels are:a) one dimensional villains (young masters/1000+ years old elders with the mentality of a 15 year old) b) poorly written side characters (all accomplished women are jade beauties who fall in love with main character (MC) because he's powerful, followers that are discarded after 1 arc, etc) c) unrealistic and irrational MC (MCs who fight 2 cultivation levels higher than their own without em)., which makes power level meaningless.AIP isn't a light novel where the MC jumps cultivation realms just by breathing or relies on serendipitous opportunities, he employs schemes and takes risks for his opportunities. The MC actually adapts to the cultivation world (becomes more decisive and ruthless) as the plot progresses. Antagonists actually have rationale causes for their actions and know when to hold back. Side character have their own unique personalities, and they're not discarded without cause. Finally, the fights are believable. The two closest comparison with AIP are Divine Throne of Primordial Blood and Reverend Insanity.My one qualm about AIP happens later in the story:Spoiler
The MC develops a clone which ends up opening quite a few problematic plot points.
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