After Being Preached by My Senior Martial Brother

My Thoughts on After Being Preached by My Senior Martial Brother

First Impressions

Going into After Being Preached by My Senior Martial Brother, I was expecting something angsty and dramatic, based on the summary. What I found instead was a delightful rom-com with xianxia elements. The story follows Feng Xuan, a god sent to the mortal realm to undergo a love calamity with the (potentially) demonic Qi Zhuoyu. Armed with a peek at his "fate," Feng Xuan tries to navigate this destined relationship, leading to hilarious and heartwarming situations.

What Works Well

The biggest strength of this novel is the dynamic between Feng Xuan and Qi Zhuoyu. Feng Xuan is a lazy, vain, and often hilarious protagonist, while Qi Zhuoyu is the cold, overpowered senior martial brother with a hidden childish side. Their interactions are consistently entertaining, and I found myself laughing out loud at their antics. The romance is sweet and fluffy, and the plot, while not the main focus, provides a nice backdrop for their relationship to develop. I especially enjoyed Feng Xuan's internal monologue and strange thought processes, which added a layer of comedy to the story. The side story about Feng Xuan's parents was a delightful addition, showcasing that the comedic genes run in the family.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the story overall, there were a few things that didn't quite click for me. Feng Xuan, despite being the protagonist, is often quite passive and doesn't contribute much to the plot. Qi Zhuoyu is so overpowered that there's rarely any real sense of danger, which can make the conflicts feel less impactful. I also found the reliance on modern terms and concepts a bit jarring at times, pulling me out of the xianxia setting. Some may also find Qi Zhuoyu's remorseless killing and stealing a bit off-putting, even if it's presented in a comedic way.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

Some readers might find the amnesia and separation arcs a bit repetitive. Also, Qi Zhuoyu's obsession with getting Feng Xuan back might be too much for some.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, After Being Preached by My Senior Martial Brother is an enjoyable and lighthearted read. If you're looking for a fluffy rom-com with a cute couple and don't mind a somewhat passive protagonist and an overpowered love interest, this novel is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a story that's more about the characters and their relationship than a complex plot or serious xianxia world-building. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.