The top-notch con artist protagonist truly stands out in this series due to his exceptional gaslighting abilities. Watching him manipulate others is pure entertainment, as he's a master manipulator even leaving room for character growth for Lee Kiyoung. His sharp wit and swift decision-making consistently impress. For those who appreciate an MC who creates an elaborate backstory for control, this is the perfect read.
I disagree with the criticism that the main character appears weak. The novel's premise revolves around a vulnerable protagonist navigating a martial arts world through wit and deception. If you prefer a more overpowered MC who also employs manipulation, you may want to explore a different genre, like "Fated to be Loved by Villains."
However, when the protagonist isn't engaging in deceit, his character lacks depth and can become somewhat monotonous. The writing can be verbose at times, but occasionally, the poetic language provides a pleasing break. As an edited machine translation reader, I'm not too bothered by the style. One minor issue I have is with SkyDemonOrder's fan translation, which occasionally leaves untranslated terms, making comprehension difficult.
In terms of world-building, plot progression, and supporting characters, the series is rather average compared to others in its genre. The author could have benefited from trimming unnecessary fillers, such as scenes where the protagonist works as a woodworker or storyteller early on.
Despite these flaws, the main character's antics make the series worth reading, especially for fans of cunning protagonists and engaging manipulation plots.