Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Investment Return System, Start by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple
"Investment Return System, Start by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple" is a web novel that I went into with mixed expectations, given the range of opinions floating around. It seemed like a bit of a gamble, and, well, here's what I think.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: an OP MC with a system focused on nurturing disciples. The early chapters were promising, establishing a charismatic protagonist and hinting at a unique dynamic with his, especially his first, disciples. The blend of xianxia elements with a slice-of-life feel was intriguing.
What Works Well
The characters, particularly the disciples, are a highlight. The MC isn't a dense blockhead, which is always a plus in these kinds of stories. I appreciate the author's efforts to create distinct personalities and motivations for each disciple. The concept of an invincible domain is also well-executed, adding a layer of intrigue to the story. The action isn't bogged down by excessive filler, which kept me engaged. The novel also has a good translation that's way more complete than this site lists currently. (as-in, it's actually completely translated.)
Areas of Concern
However, the romance is a significant drawback. There's a frustrating lack of progress in the relationship between the MC and his first disciple, despite clear mutual attraction. This dragged on for hundreds of chapters, with the MC engaging with other love interests first.
I also found the MC's actions occasionally inconsistent. While he's portrayed as a cautious and caring master, some of his decisions, like destroying entire sects over perceived slights, felt disproportionate and jarring. It sometimes felt like he was evil for no reason. Also I'm not a big fan of the whole sub-romance/flirting thing as well. Especially when author think nose bleeding because you see some edge or revealed skin is funny.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
The following contains potential spoilers regarding the plot and character relationships.
Several reviewers pointed out the MC's delayed relationship with his first disciple, Yanran, and his initial interactions with other female characters. There were also mentions of the MC's power scaling and the introduction of higher realms.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Investment Return System, Start by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple" is a decent time-killer if you're looking for a lighthearted cultivation story with an OP MC and entertaining disciples. However, the poorly written romance and occasional inconsistencies in the MC's character might detract from your enjoyment. I'd recommend going in with tempered expectations and focusing on the action and character dynamics rather than hoping for a satisfying romantic subplot. I'd give it a 3 out of 5.
