The Cannon Fodder True Young Master’s Return from Cultivation

In an urban fantasy novel, the protagonist, posing as a false heir, reaches the pinnacle of life by usurping the family lineage of the true heir. He becomes a legendary Dragon King, a war god with numerous admirers. Shen Wang is that unfortunate true heir. Returning from the cultivation world, Shen Wang gasps in shock. He’s about to be drained of blood and have his soul suppressed by the protagonist, with no chance of reincarnation. Family affection? That’s less important than his own life. He decisively chooses to flee. Everyone believes Shen Wang left his family because he couldn’t cultivate, feeling inferior and ashamed. They then see him casually selling shabby talismans and elixirs in water bottles on the street.Bystanders laugh: “This guy must be desperate for money to sell such junk so expensively. Who would buy that?” Later… The wealthiest tycoon follows him around, addressing him as ‘big brother’ just for a peace talisman. The head of a famous Taoist temple respectfully pleads with him, paying a fortune for a breakthrough elixir. >Using talismans he casually drew, he exterminates a Ghost King. Newcomers to the mystic world kneel with suitcases full of cash in front of Shen Wang, hailing him as a boss. People even see the number one figure of the mystic world, Gu Dongting, usually cold and aloof, smiling and affectionate with him. Bystanders are stunned: “Where did this freak come from?!” They watch in disbelief as the despised true heir soars to heights unattainable by the high and mighty. His biological parents, who hoped the fake heir would elevate their family, are dumbfounded with regret. Gu Dongting, the foremost figure in the mystic world, is a vision in white, with long black hair, exuding nobility and purity, remote and unapproachable. A new dark cultivator rises, draped in a black cloak and a ghost mask, concealing his features, embodying both good and evil, ruthless and decisive. Some observe both men have a deep, ambiguous connection with Shen Wang. Busybodies stir up drama: “The first of the righteous path and the first of the dark path, whom does Shen Wang love more?” The debate rages on without conclusion, until it reaches the ears of those involved. The dark cultivator, with a smirk and a captivating red mole under his eye, asks teasingly, “So, between him and me, who do you love more?” Shen Wang: “……” Help, save me, aren’t you the same person? Is there a need to compare?

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Cannon Fodder True Young Master’s Return from Cultivation Alright, let's dive into "The Cannon Fodder True Young Master’s Return from Cultivation." This novel is a bit of a mixed bag, and my experience reading it mirrors a lot of the sentiments I've seen floating around. It definitely has its high points, but also some significant drawbacks that are hard to ignore. ### First Impressions Initially, I was hooked. The premise of a young master returning from cultivation, combined with the promise of face-slapping and a slow-burn romance, definitely grabbed my attention. The early chapters had a fun, lighthearted feel, and I was eager to see how the story would unfold. I found the protagonist's initial focus on money to be quite funny and relatable, adding a unique flavor to the usual cultivation tropes. ### What Works Well The romance between the MC and ML, while slow, is undeniably a strong point. I particularly enjoyed how the author developed their feelings for each other and the gradual unfolding of their relationship. The multiple personality aspect of the ML was also intriguing, adding a layer of complexity to his character. Many readers (myself included) found the MC to be funny and likeable, and I appreciated that the author didn't fall into the trap of making the ML a stereotypical "domineering CEO." The face-slapping moments were satisfying, and the drama, thankfully, didn't drag on unnecessarily. ### Areas of Concern Now, for the not-so-good. The biggest issue, and one that many readers have pointed out, is the heavy-handed nationalism and, at times, outright racism that permeates the later parts of the story. The international competition arc seems to be where things really take a turn, with some portrayals of other countries and cultures feeling insensitive and even offensive. This, combined with the intense "China is the best" narrative, can be off-putting and detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. I also felt that the golden finger aspect of the tome was underutilized, which was a shame, as it had the potential to add more depth to the cultivation aspects. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, spoilers ahead! Some readers have mentioned that the ending felt rushed and left some loose ends. The merging of the ML's split personalities is a key plot point, and while I appreciated the complexity it added, others might find it a bit convoluted. Also, the power of friendship making a miracle at the end might not be everyone's cup of tea. ### Final Verdict Overall, "The Cannon Fodder True Young Master’s Return from Cultivation" is a flawed but potentially enjoyable read. If you can overlook the nationalistic and potentially offensive elements, there's a decent story here with likeable characters and a satisfying romance. However, I would caution readers to be aware of these issues going in and to decide for themselves if they can tolerate them. I'm giving it a tentative 3 out of 5 stars.