Xian Xian - Reviews

Translated by google

This is really good. Truly one of a kind. Not your typical villainess, she is a brilliant one. I'll write longer review once it's completed. But, again, this is truly one of a kind. The manhwa also beautiful though it's still early into the story.


NEED MORE!!!  This is so good, carefully crafted political intrigue yet has enough romance in the air

I also expressed my disappointment in the comments section of the manhwa. And I was cursed by readers =)))

Currently in CH 1307. I wasted my time reading this novel it is full of sh*t *ss nonsense. I will give the rating 4/10.
Character building: 0
The author tries to incorporate to many people with the MC whether his friends or foe but the MC plot amor always saves him. The video game elements in this novel are full of sh*t. I can't even see the use of it. Honestly catching up to the latest chapter was just to see if there is any changes and whether it is still worth reading but after reaching 1300+ currently I have dropped the novel. It's just too boring veryyyyyy boring.

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."

A fantastic narrative, but I wish there was a translated version available; Machine-Translated Literature (MTL) can be quite challenging to read. Despite that, the compelling story kept me engaged. Here's my appreciation for the elements:

1. The female lead is strong and level-headed, which I adore – she's not overly emotional but remains理智, making her a refreshing character.

2. The instant attraction between the FL and the protagonist is intriguing without being痴迷, which suits my preference for a slow-burning romance subplot.

3. The dominant FL character may exhibit ruthlessness, but they also exhibit understanding, striking a balance that makes them captivating.

4. The story's tone is a delightful blend of drama, intrigue, and lighter moments.

For those who enjoy stories set in a royal palace context, incorporating elements of political intrigue, crime-solving, and action, this would definitely be a worthwhile choice.

Additionally, if possible, I recommend reading the original Chinese version with translations, as I discovered that the translated content on certain websites provides a more satisfying experience, even though I started late.

In terms of romantic development, the novel hit the mark initially, but let's face it, my expectations were higher. Spoiler alert, proceed with caution. Let's discuss the dynamic between the female lead (FL) and male lead (ML). Initially, it was delightful to see their complementary qualities – unlike typical stories where the ML is superior in every aspect, leaving one wondering what he sees in the FL. Here, the ML, as the leader of heaven's justice division with centuries of experience, appreciates FL's skills, making their relationship more balanced. They both hold powerful roles – FL commands the demon suppression division, while ML oversees the crime division. Their joint cases showcased their growth, evolving from professional rivals to mutual respect and eventually love.

However, the ending fell short for me. The FL, Li Chaoge, is a trailblazer, ascending the throne as a woman, something unprecedented in traditional Chinese historical romances. Her journey with her mother, the former emperor, delves into feminist themes, questioning societal norms and the potential of women to break free and pursue leadership roles. The complexity of her ambition, the sacrifices she makes, and the impact on her family adds depth to her character.

Despite the intriguing plotlines, the novel leaves several unaddressed aspects. For instance, the FL's mother's struggle to choose an heir, considering the political implications of passing the throne, raises questions about succession and the FL's own potential. The author hints at the FL's strength and martial arts prowess, yet she ultimately abdicates the throne to become immortal, seemingly sidestepping the possibility of her taking charge.

The ending, unfortunately, feels unsatisfying. The FL's reign is reduced to a footnote, and her legacy as an empress is overshadowed. The novel's exploration of gender equality seems to falter, with the FL's "unlike other girls" narrative potentially undermining the message of female empowerment. Instead of showcasing the FL's unique strength derived from strong role models, the author seems to undermine her character's accomplishments.

Moreover, the ML's superior position in their relationship is emphasized, diminishing the sense of equality that was initially established. His willingness to bear the brunt of their punishment, even with immense power, feels contrived and detracts from any emotional depth.

In conclusion, while the novel started with promising feminist themes and an engaging plot, the ending fails to deliver the expected depth or meaningful commentary. The loose ends leave the reader unsatisfied, especially when compared to the earlier, more balanced dynamic between the leads. The focus on their immortal love story, while impressive, felt disconnected from the earlier exploration of societal issues. Overall, the novel could have been more impactful if it maintained its initial focus on empowering female characters and their struggles.

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.

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 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.

I enjoy both FL (Filler Light) and ML (Main Love Interest) stories because they boast engaging plots, well-paced humor, and logical narratives. The initial moments of FL and ML's contrasting goals provide a delightful contrast, and the development of their romantic relationship feels organic, avoiding unnecessary forcing.