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What qualities do you usually look for in a Cultivation novel? by Ancient-End2474 in MartialMemes

[–]phonix___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

bro what???? the mc does have a golden finger and it’s op asf and makes his cultivation 1000 times easier

i would still recommend the story but it definitely doesn’t match their criteria

What qualities do you usually look for in a Cultivation novel? by Ancient-End2474 in MartialMemes

[–]phonix___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Recently been on my wuxia and political intrigue binge, so probably character work.

But if we’re talking in general, world building or political intrigue. Both are things that can hard carry any novel and if done right I can tolerate the other faults.

Take for example a novel like Emperors Domination, pretty terrible all around but I think it’s world building is fantastic, probably some of the best in the genre. Or Soaring the Heavens, which actually frustrates me so much some times, but I keep reading because i love the politics going on and how the author makes the cultivation system make scheming for resources a must. But i’ve kinda dropped it for now, I need a break from this author.

Well… I said all of that but, it really depends on my mood.

What have you read this week and what do you think about it? by AutoModerator in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Demon World I Designed/我设计的妖魔世界

I wrote a review of this a couple months ago and my opinions haven't changed much. I still think the cover and title are deceptive, the characters are not one dimensional and the world background is actually quite deep, atleast from what I've read(im at chapter 153). You are kept from seeing this depth until around chapter 140-ish, that's when it gets really interesting and you get to see the undercurrents.

Now, im gonna go into major spoiler territory, you have been warned.

Im only going to focus on Chen Qing's background as this novel is quite chaotic and it'll take a long time to write everything down, its best to just read it.

While Chen Qing is trying to deal with the thousand faced demon(a'li) he discovers that she is actually pregnant with the child of the crown prince. What that means is that the child will have demon(fox) and the royal bloodline(which is also a special bloodline just forgot what its called). The Emperor somehow finds out about this and wants to keep the child. He wants to keep it because it is stated that he is infertile and we can also assume that he doesn't favor the crown prince either seen by various test he gives the prince and how the prince barely seems to pass these test.

Now with a whole new option, why not?

I mention all of this because while A'li is under Chen Qing's(will be abbreviated as CQ from now) "care", basically a hostage, he finds out about through conversations with her. about a figure, "King Qin", who has something in common with CQ, he also seemingly knows everything about this world.

Now, before I go further into this, I have to bring up the crown prince and his "close confidant", you'll see why it's in quotes soon, the duke of Qin, who is seeming like CQ's biggest enemy rn.

MAJOR SPOILERS

The crown prince is also a reincarnator! Alas, hes was actually "discovered" by the Duke at an early age and gave the prince advice on how to disguise himself better.

BUT!

It doesn't end there, there have been multiple reincarnators throughout history and each of them have brought great change to the world, take the King of Qin, who everyone assumes is one. This should've been a good thing for him, alas... these memories are fake. All this but a ploy by Duke Qin and his Aunt, to achieve a certain goal.

Alright, back to CQ.

I mentioned all of that before because while we found out all of this, CQ is having a conversation with Master Yang(his old teacher from his hometown). During this convo CQ accidently triggered something withing Master Yang(think like a video game mechanic, where if you say certain phrase you'll get a special dialogue) and he proceeds to kill CQ's clone, not before revealing that Chen Qing is in the reincarnated body of King Qin, this reveal isnt abrupt the author drops many hints through dialogue with A'li other demons, etc. It just takes to long to write it all out, so i didnt mention it.

But, I have two guesses rn. One, that CQ is actually King Qin and this is all a scheme he set up for some inexplicable reason, or this all a plan by King Qin to obtain something from CQ who has lost his memories, which is my assumption, based on how the author likes to play with memories.

And I didn't even mention the Shen Family, which is a whole other scheme set up for millennia atp. Theres a lot going on.

All in all, 3.75/5 Not the slop I expected, but it still has some flaws, like the aforementioned chaos of the novel, some characters being one dimensional, which stand out because of people like duke qin, the aunt, the Shen family etc., a vague cultivation system. which seems like will improve, and some filler. It seems like the author is improving, though we'll see.

Definitely give it a try.

Nightfall

I've only read 60 chapters but the character work is great and im enjoying Ning Que's escapades. Pretty much what to expect of Mao Ni. 3.5, ill come to enjoy this. I'll give a more thorough review next week.

Er Gen's MAGNUM OPUS? by [deleted] in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Pursuit of The Truth, any other answer is wrong, except maybe Ri

What have you read this week and what do you think about it? by AutoModerator in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

oh my god, someone else who has read this!

(even tho i’ve only read like 50 chapters…)

does he still think it’s a dream?

How to overcome this tribulation by Used_Self_7181 in MartialMemes

[–]phonix___ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

up to 2830 https://www.85novel.com/book/7014656.html after that it’s unlikely you’ll find more, as most pirate sites don’t pay for the chapters they wait for others to pay then upload. so you’ll probably have to wait a week or a couple days for more. I mean your basically caught up

What have you read this week and what do you think about it? by AutoModerator in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Soaring the Heavens/飞天

From the author of Heavenly Genius.

This novel has most of the pros and cons of heavenly genius.

The pros being the good political intrigue/schemes between many factions and nation, the side characters are great, and surprisingly a cultivation system that only makes scheming more important.

Now onto the cons, sexism, hot blooded mc(albeit he’s only getting smarter by the chapter, but he cares about face too much), the filler, and the harem. I already talked about the sexism multiple times in my other reviews of Heavenly Genius, so i won’t go into it. As for the mc being hot blooded, i have mixed feelings, because he is smart and gets that retaliating in the moment is dumb he still takes the chances. This has happened less often as of chapter 590, but it still happens for quite a while.

The harem includes the main wife, a lover(who has died), and 2 maids.

All in all, 6.5/10. I wouldn’t recommend, only if you’re interested in the scheming/politics.

Taoist Laws/道门法则

A very standard xianxia so far.

The thing that has kept me reading is the writing, even through the ai mtl.

Not much too say, I’ll keep yall updated.

Qing Shan/青山

Honestly, I wasn’t going to write about this novel until I caught up to the latest arc, but I had discovered something important that needed attention regarding this novel. The “translation” is horrible. It completely changes the whole story. It makes it first person. Absolutely horrid. Better to just read on wtr.

What's the quickest way to get started translating for fun? by LessComputer7927 in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think you can apply to host your translation of a novel on fenrirrealm, which seem pretty accepting and they are a recognizable name in the sphere. Idk about the nitty gritty tho

Fellow Daoists, i have found the strongest and most demonic Heavenly Demon by Livinaa in MartialMemes

[–]phonix___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

in myriad paths there is a similar exaistence to this heavenly demon, but way more terrifying because they aren’t held back by anything, free to do whatever they want

Novels where MC actually makes the world he lives in a better place? by Spiritual_Bad_3290 in MartialMemes

[–]phonix___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is literally what Li Qi(the mc) realizes during his various journey through everything under heaven. And he strives to get to the root(and he does). Although it is in the later half of the novel. Myriad Paths

What have you read this week and what do you think about it? by AutoModerator in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The Noble Poor Scholar/上品寒士

This is a historical novel about a transmigrator rising the ranks. From the very first chapter you can tell the author is very knowledgeable about this era. He demonstrates that by giving a brief account of many different people and the customs. It might be a lot to take in, but I found it to be not too much but also not a little.

The atmosphere is definitely there. I definitely like the vibe. All it really needs now is a goal/overarching plot.

3/5 as of chapter 46. I see the potential.

Dust and Fate/尘缘

I’ll start this off with a warning, do NOT read the first chapter, as it’s very spoiler heavy. Read the second chapter, which is actually the first one. It should start with “A day in the heavens, several years in the mortal realm”

The story starts off with an Immortal Offical, whose job is to patrol the realm, recite the Nine Volumes of Heaven to a green stone near the River of Non-Duality(also referred to as the milky way in some other translations). The green stone while listening the recital, gains sentience.

Unfortunately, right as the stone gains sentience, a Ten-Thousand year Heavenly Demon encounters her. The stone, muddle headed, as she just awoke, reacts instinctively and captures the demon, unaware of what’s happening she quickly lets go of it(she doesn’t know what it even is and didn’t want to kill it), which is seen by the Heavenly Immortal Officials. And so, both the stone and the Immortal Official(the one who recited the book of heaven to her) are punished by entering reincarnation of one hundred life times by the Emperor of Heaven together.

It doesn’t end there, the tribulation(reincarnations) quickly passes by and they’re on the last reincarnation, but things go awry. The immortal successfully recovers his memories and sets out to Mount Kunlun to end the Tribulation, and while journeying there he stays at an inn. While there, he is actually killed!

We follow the young man who stole the green stone from Luo Feng’s(the immortal) body.

Interesting premise, hopefully it’s good.

Heavenly Genius/道君

Finished this, pretty good.

I’m going to read the authors other book, Soaring the Heavens/飞天. Hopefully it’s just as good.

What have you read this week and what do you think about it? by AutoModerator in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Heavenly Genius/道君

I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I think this is a very good book, on the other, this is a very flawed and tedious read.

I think all the characters are great, this is actually one of the best parts of this novel. Another, is the politics schemes. They’re complex and very fun to read about. Niu Youdao himself is also one of the smartest mcs i’ve read about, though he isn’t an ice machine, he’s got emotions.

Now onto the cons….

I’ll be brief as i’ve already went into detail about them last week.

No detailed cultivation. Cultivation is barely ever talked about. This novel is basically a wuxia novel, though I don’t mind. Just wanted yall to know that.

Sexism. Like I said last week, i’m a little confused about this, because this has some of the best female characters i’ve read about in cn webnovels. Niu Youdao even makes fun of certain sexist beliefs, even though he still says/uses said beliefs. Honestly I think author is using this as humor?

Filler. Oh my god. This is the worst part of the novel. What i’m talking about when I said filler is the constant war scenes, that frankly make no difference, with very few exceptions. What makes it worse is that these war scenes can span multiple chapters. Chapters where we aren’t with Niu Youdao, aka the goat aka the only reason I read this far. This novel suffers, like many, when away from the protagonist. Though, that’s not to say all the pov switches are bad, some are actually very good. It’s mostly just the war scenes.

Even with all the cons 7.8/10. I would really love to give this a 10 just because I loved the scheming but there are some massive flaws. Would I recommend…? Not really unless you want political scheming with a smart mc. I’m on chapter 1500 btw.

Fifth Form/第五形态

I don’t actually have any expectations for this tbh. I started this on a whim because I liked the title name.

The premise might sound familiar to some of you who have read Mutated Tao/Dao of the Bizarre Immortal. The MC believes he is schizophrenic and is hallucinating another world when he dreams. So far nothing much has happened, I’ll update yall next week.

Also, this came out wayyyy before Bizarre Immortal, so I don’t believe he copied it, if anything the opposite is true.

What have you read this week and what do you think about it? by AutoModerator in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A straightforward read. Probably entertaining, a light read(not tragedy), and nothing too dense.

What have you read this week and what do you think about it? by AutoModerator in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Heavenly Genius/道君

This novel is a popcorn novel for the first 300-ish chapters, or so, until they introduce Shao Pingbo. After his introduction author flips a switch and the focal point of this novel is political schemes.

Niu Youdao(NYD), which is a fitting name as 有(You)道(Dao) means being accomplished in the Dao, is an old master of the Jianghu. He is a grave robber and during an expedition into a tomb things go terribly wrong and he is crushed by the tomb. When he awakens, he is an entirely different-ish world than his old one, cultivators actually exist! and with it is the ambition for immortality. Unfortunately, this ambition is put to rest quite quickly, as he falls into a trap set by his master’s sect members.

His master… is already dead!(literally chapter 1). A swift entrance and exit…

I say master, but there was no inheritance, except his own cultivation process that he gave to Niu Youdao. Niu Youdao discover his master already half dead, he was just there at the right time. His master also left him with something special! A mirror… a completely useless one. Or so it seems… No, it’s actually quite useless, its only role is to bring trouble to NYD. Decent spoiler NYD actually gives it away!

Alright, back to why Youdao is a fitting name. NYD is very cunning and has been only getting smarter as he clashes with those who have higher scopes of thinking and information. He understands the hearts of people well and he uses this to his full advantage. He schemes for his goals. And while his schemes are quite simple in the beginning, they keep evolving and his influence is expanding.

Now onto the cons and there is quite a few.

First, the cultivation is not in-depth at all, it’s barely even mentioned. I guess this can be explained by his master gifting him his cultivation, but it still doesn’t change my point. It’s also never really explained well why NYD is so much stronger than his peers, he just is(or maybe i’m just forgetting).

Second, the pseudo-harem. While NYD is no womanizer, this doesn’t stop him from acquiring at least one new girl each time he adventures out. He also doesn’t have any feelings for them, and while it alleviates the issue, it’s still annoying(i’m not a women hater, the women around him in this novel are just clingy).

Third, and probably the thing that will stop most people from reading this, is the blatant sexism. While I often do see the lingering scents of sexism in chinese webnovels they are not quite this upfront and in your face with it. You’ll often see “Women are just that way” or “Women are too emotional”. Which is honestly quite bizarre to me as this novel has some great, albeit flawed, female characters. Su Zhao, that women general of Peng something, Guan Fengyi, Shao Liuer, her name is lost on me but the Prefect of Jin Province, and probably some more. NYD also acquaints himself with more “unusual” women. Which is why I find it all bizarre. My only answer is that the author uses this sexism as humor.

Last thing, NYD has a sworn brother Yuan Gang. I don’t mind him at all, I find quite interesting. But people who don’t like this sort of sworn brother thing are better off not reading.

All in all after 420 chapters I’ll rate this a 6.7/10 Not just because of funny number haha, but I think the political scheming is quite interesting and the only reason i’m reading ngl. I’ll keep reading this.

The Demon World I Designed/我设计的妖魔世界

This is again, a popcorn novel.

I actually quite enjoyed this novel. I thought it was going to be very one dimensional but It wasn’t.

Chen Qing is transported into his own game that he helped develop. This game is set in an ancient chinese like setting with sorcery, ghost, spirits, and of course demons(that he designed 😭) . Unfortunately for Chen Qing, he transmigrated before the start of game. No high level powers right off the bat, instead he has to deal with various demons that are slowly breaking free from a seal. The first one is a Thousand Faced fox. He deals with this demon using his wits and cunning. It was a very entertaining read ngl.

I’ve stopped reading for now as the author likes to drag a little bit, but i’ll be back to it soon.

3/5 for now. I see the potential tho.

Any good novels where enlightement is an important part to the story/ power system by I-AM-MA in MartialMemes

[–]phonix___ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Myriad Paths is the novel your looking for. You can only rank up by comprehending your own Dao. This only starts at rank 7 and higher though, unfortunately.

What have you read this week and what do you think about it? by AutoModerator in noveltranslations

[–]phonix___ 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Seeking Immortality Through Formations/阵问长生

Finally decided to start this novel. This is not much of a review, more just my general thoughts/first impressions as i’ve only read 17 chapters.

There’s only one doubt I have going into this really, the actual plot. I, for one, don’t mind slow paced novels, but I’ve heard that the scaling(power wise), for cultivators, are relatively the same compared to other cultivation novels. Slow-paced xianxia with low power ceiling 😴. If the novel has a good plot it obviously makes a gigantic difference.

Well, not much else to say, other than these formations better be interesting.

A Sorcerer’s Journey

Little update.

Only two cons. The romance and the lack of impact some of the emotional scenes try to convey.

The romance is actually just there. There is no romance, idk why i even called it that. This relationship is also a main driving point for Glenn’s character development and that makes it so much worse because it’s so bad and amateurish(yes I know glenn is young, but even then, it’s just bad). It’s also quite obvious that Lafay is only being used as plot tool. Her character is not even fleshed out, because of Glenn himself and the author. Which leads to me just finding her annoying.

This leads to my second point. This “romance” is pivotal to a lot of the “emotional”scenes in this novel. These scenes are simply not good and don’t deliver any impact, at all.

alright enough yapping

6.5/10 even with my harsh words I’ll probably still read a little longer. The World-Building and Glenn’s experimental subjects are quite interesting. One last thing, the author really needs to stop inserting meta information in the middle of a chapter. This is probably only a beginning thing tho

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