Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Abandoned Young Master Cultivates Immortality
"The Abandoned Young Master Cultivates Immortality" is a completed original xianxia novel that I decided to dive into, and I have mixed feelings about it. It has some genuinely enjoyable aspects, but also some quirks that held it back from being a truly great read.
First Impressions
The premise is intriguing: a transmigration story with cultivation, action, and a yaoi pairing. I was immediately drawn to the promise of a power couple dynamic and the blend of martial arts and fantasy. The early chapters did a decent job of setting the stage, but I quickly realized that the pacing and focus could be a bit uneven.
What Works Well
The central relationship between the MC, Gao Han, and the ML, Zhongli Tingzhou, is undeniably a highlight. Their dynamic is a mix of stoicism and playful bickering, which I found endearing. The ML's tendency to act like a "drama queen" added a fun, comedic element to their interactions. I also appreciated the character growth, as they navigate the cultivation world and face various challenges together. The plot follows their journey from Earth to a cultivation world and then even to a galaxy where the MC lived in his first life. The couple is OP and it is nice to see how they deal with various fights.
Areas of Concern
One of my main issues was the excessive focus on minor characters and their repetitive commentary. It felt like a significant portion of the story was dedicated to the thoughts and opinions of "cannon fodder" characters who ultimately had little impact on the overall plot. This detracted from the main storyline and became quite frustrating.
Another issue I faced was with the MC's assassin background not being explored enough. I also found the plot to be predictable at times.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several reviewers pointed out plot inconsistencies. For instance, the paradox of humanity's presence in the MC's original galaxy despite the couple saving Earth from destruction. Another point was that the monster invaders in the MC's galaxy wasn't completely wrapped up. Additionally, the novel touches on political topics, which some readers found uncomfortable and hypocritical.
Final Verdict
Overall, "The Abandoned Young Master Cultivates Immortality" is a decent read, but it's not without its flaws. The relationship between the MC and ML is a strong point, and the overall plot offers a mix of action, adventure, and cultivation. However, the pacing issues, excessive focus on minor characters, and occasional plot inconsistencies detract from the experience. I'd recommend it with reservations, especially if you're looking for a fun yaoi pairing with cultivation elements and are willing to overlook some of the narrative shortcomings.
