Cultivation: Starting as a Cook at the Forge

A lowly outer disciple, busy running errands and earning spirit stones, is assigned to work with a beautiful fairy on a task. He’s timid, afraid of death, unambitious, and only cares about spirit stones. The fairy constantly complains and dislikes him. However, when he gets serious, the fairy is in for a big surprise—she never expected this seemingly weak disciple to be a hidden expert! The story focuses on an underdog rising to greatness, being humble and low-key while concealing his true power. He has an uncanny ability for predictions, and the tale blends celestial warfare with a mix of science and weapon refinement. The protagonist is straightforward in love and eventually inherits a small sect, building his influence and power. The beginning is slow to heat up, but the best parts of the plot unfold in the later stages. Patience is required as the story picks up pace!

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Cultivation: Starting as a Cook at the Forge "Cultivation: Starting as a Cook at the Forge" presents an interesting premise: a protagonist with hidden abilities starting from a seemingly menial position. I dove in expecting a classic xianxia tale with a twist, and while it had its moments, I walked away with mixed feelings. ### First Impressions The initial chapters pulled me in with the mystery surrounding the MC's true strength and the intriguing setting of a sect focused on artifact crafting. The "weak to strong" trope is a guilty pleasure of mine, and I was eager to see how the author would execute it. The idea of a cook within the forge offered a unique angle on the usual cultivation narrative. ### What Works Well The world-building is solid, with a clear hierarchy and interesting cultivation techniques centered around forging. I appreciated the focus on artifact crafting, as it set this story apart from countless other cultivation novels. The action sequences, when they appear, are well-written and exciting, showcasing the MC's hidden power in satisfying bursts. The slow-burn romance is present, even if it may not be everyone's cup of tea, and I think some readers will enjoy the MC slowly opening up to the female characters. ### Areas of Concern One aspect that I found increasingly distracting was the overwhelming number of female characters surrounding the MC. While a diverse cast is welcome, the imbalance felt forced and somewhat repetitive. I also found the MC's passivity frustrating at times. His willingness to be walked over by certain characters, particularly women, felt at odds with his supposed hidden strength and intelligence. His actions sometimes felt inconsistent with the "hidden expert" archetype, making it difficult to fully invest in his character. This could be a dealbreaker for some readers looking for a more assertive protagonist. ### Final Verdict "Cultivation: Starting as a Cook at the Forge" has potential, and I believe many readers will enjoy the unique setting and action. However, the uneven character interactions and the protagonist's inconsistent behavior might be a hurdle for others. Overall, I would say it's a decent read for those who enjoy xianxia with a focus on artifact crafting and don't mind a slower pace.