I Was Once a Legend

Eight years ago, Cui Zuojing passed the final level set by the “Queen” and became the first person to have ever escaped from the Pure White Realm. But his time was frozen forever at the moment he left—the day of his sixteenth birthday. Eight years later, he snuck back to that nightmare world and became a “prisoner” for novice player Dong Zheng. That day, the monsters of the Pure White Realm once again recalled the fear of being dominated by the devil. Dong Zheng didn’t have any affections for this little devilish youth at first, but with the mutual support of life and death, he gradually realized—Not good. He seems to be… a big shot! Riding on endless trains, crossing time and space, the white-faced clown at the end of the railway smiled and handed out the invitation letter. “Welcome to the Pure White Realm! This is the nightmare of the world, a gambler’s paradise. As long as you have enough chips, any wishes can be satisfied. But if you leave before the end of the game, we’ll charge a certain loss-fee. For example, your life!” “Now then, please show your chips.” And, like eight years ago, Cui Zuojing didn’t hesitate to bet on his own feelings.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *I Was Once a Legend* *I Was Once a Legend* is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its blend of action, adventure, and a dash of the supernatural. I dove in, eager to see if it lived up to the hype, and I came away with mixed but mostly positive feelings. ### First Impressions The initial chapters and synopsis can be a bit misleading. I went in expecting an overpowered main character (MC) effortlessly breezing through challenges, but that wasn't the case. The MC, while strong, faces real obstacles and the story has a surprisingly serious plot. It’s an unlimited flow survival game with a unique twist. The world-building felt a bit info-dumpy at the beginning, which was a little disorienting, but I found that it improved significantly as the story progressed. ### What Works Well I really enjoyed the dynamic between the MC, Cui Zuojing, and the male lead (ML), Dong Zheng. Their relationship develops at a slow but sweet pace, and I appreciated that they felt like equals. The ML isn't just some cold, detached figure; he's observant, witty, and grows significantly throughout the story. I particularly enjoyed how the side characters were fleshed out, each with their own backstories and development. It wasn't just about the MC and ML; the supporting cast felt like real people with their own motivations. The integration of mythology, SCP references, and even biblical characters added a layer of depth and intrigue that kept me engaged. I also appreciated the plot twists and turns, and how the author wasn't afraid to take risks. The "boxes" or instances that the characters go through are unique and diverse, keeping things fresh. ### Areas of Concern While I generally enjoyed the story, I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and underwhelming. Certain plot points felt anticlimactic, and I wished the author had taken more time to flesh them out. The climax could have been more impactful, and I felt some elements were resolved too quickly. Also, the initial POV switching was hard to follow. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers might be disappointed with how the final events unfold, particularly regarding the Queen and the fates of certain characters. The ending, while reasonable, might not satisfy those looking for a completely happy and neatly tied-up conclusion. ### Final Verdict Overall, *I Was Once a Legend* is a worthwhile read if you enjoy action-packed adventures with well-developed characters and intricate plots. While it has a few flaws, its strengths outweigh the weaknesses. The slow-burn romance, engaging world-building, and unique character dynamics make it a memorable and enjoyable experience. I'd recommend giving it a try, especially if you're a fan of the unlimited flow genre.