9 Heavenly Thunder Manual

The main character Lei Yu does not have the ability to practice his family’s martial arts. He gets stepped on and tossed around. Due to certain reasons, he leaves the family, coincidentally gains an ability, and makes his own path to becoming an immortal.

Original Publisher

17k

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on 9 Heavenly Thunder Manual I went into "9 Heavenly Thunder Manual" with a bit of trepidation, given the rather polarized opinions surrounding it. Modern xianxia is a guilty pleasure of mine, and I was hoping this would scratch that itch. However, I definitely see where a lot of the criticism stems from. ### First Impressions The initial chapters felt like a rollercoaster, jumping between what seemed like ancient China and a modern setting. It was jarring, and I wasn't entirely sure what the author was aiming for. The MC gains power rapidly, and while I usually enjoy a good OP protagonist, it felt a little rushed and convenient here. The treasures and power-ups just seemed to appear out of nowhere. ### What Works Well Honestly, it's a tough sell. Some readers appreciate the "real-like" depiction of human nature, even if it's unflattering. The plot, while somewhat random, does have some foreshadowing, which I appreciated. I can see how the modern setting, despite its flaws, could be a unique draw for some, offering a different flavor compared to traditional xianxia. There's a raw, almost comic-book-like quality to the action that some might find appealing. ### Areas of Concern Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the racism. It's undeniable. The depiction of the "Kou country" (Japan) is incredibly problematic and uncomfortable. It's not just a matter of cultural differences; it's outright offensive. This significantly detracted from my enjoyment and made it difficult to connect with the story. Beyond that, the female characters are... lacking. They often feel one-dimensional, existing solely to fawn over the MC. The relationships feel forced and unrealistic. The MC himself can be quite unlikeable, displaying arrogance and hypocrisy. He's not the kind of protagonist I found myself rooting for. The story frequently feels random, and the plot meanders without a clear direction. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several readers mentioned r*pe being present in the novel, which is a major trigger for many. Also, the author appears to be unsure whether to do a modern-type story or a mythical ancient setting. ### Final Verdict "9 Heavenly Thunder Manual" is a deeply flawed novel. While it might offer a fleeting bit of entertainment for those who enjoy modern xianxia with a dark edge, the pervasive racism, weak characters, and haphazard plot make it a difficult recommendation. There are far better novels in the genre that offer a more enjoyable and less problematic reading experience. I'd suggest exploring other options before diving into this one.