Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Rely on Caution to Cultivate to Immortality
"I Rely on Caution to Cultivate to Immortality" certainly took me on a ride. Going into it, I was expecting a fairly lighthearted comedy, something fun and quirky. What I found was a far more complex and, at times, brutal story than I anticipated. While the premise of a cautious protagonist is definitely present, the novel delves into some surprisingly dark themes.
First Impressions
Initially, I was hooked by the unique setup and the promise of a clever, resourceful female lead. The early chapters did a great job of establishing the protagonist's cautious nature and the foundation of her upbringing. The relationship between the MC and her mother was also immediately compelling, and I appreciated the depth given to their bond.
What Works Well
The world-building is definitely a strong point. It presents moral problems that have no clear answers. I found myself pondering the implications of the choices the characters made, even when those choices were born out of necessity or caution. The author does a great job of making you feel the weight of the decisions and the helplessness that often accompanies them. Also, the author portrayed the MC's mother very well and made her very likeable.
Areas of Concern
I did find myself getting frustrated with the pacing at times. There's a lot of mystery woven into the narrative, but the answers felt slow in coming. I sometimes wanted the MC to be more proactive, to take more initiative rather than constantly reacting to the strange situations she found herself in. The lack of planning ahead made the MC seem less cautious than the title would have you believe. Also, certain characters seemed to be inconsistent, making it hard to get attached to them.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, there are some potential spoilers ahead, so proceed with caution! Some readers have noted that the novel can be unexpectedly brutal, with character deaths that feel abrupt and shocking. This can be a jarring experience if you're expecting a lighter, more comedic story. Others have pointed out inconsistencies in character portrayals, particularly with Xuan Yuheng, whose personality seems to shift throughout the story.
Final Verdict
Overall, "I Rely on Caution to Cultivate to Immortality" is a novel that defies easy categorization. It's a blend of xianxia, mystery, and even horror elements, with a strong emphasis on moral dilemmas and character relationships. While the pacing and occasional inconsistencies can be frustrating, the unique premise, compelling world-building, and well-developed characters, especially the female lead and her mother, make it a worthwhile read for those who are looking for something a little different in the cultivation genre. I'd say it's a solid 4/5 stars. Just be prepared for a darker, more emotionally challenging story than you might expect.
