Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Strong, The Few, True Cultivators on Campus
This web novel, "The Strong, The Few, True Cultivators on Campus," certainly took me for a ride. It's a modern Xianxia with a heavy dose of school life, martial arts, and, well, a bit of everything else. My overall impression is mixed; there are definitely things to enjoy, but also some aspects that might make you pause.
First Impressions
Initially, I was intrigued by the premise: a bullied MC gains cultivation powers in a modern setting, complete with a thousand-year-old mentor. The idea of blending the world of cultivation with college life and hints of the criminal underworld sounded like a fun twist on the genre. It definitely gave me a sense of "I am Really a Superstar" or "Cultivation Chat Group."
What Works Well
The pacing of the story is generally well-regarded, and I found myself easily drawn into the MC's journey. The translation quality is also a strong point, making the reading experience smooth and enjoyable. I appreciated the author's attempt to create a story where female characters have their own motivations and aren't just damsels in distress. The blend of action, romance, and cultivation elements kept me engaged, and I found the MC's determination to save his grandfather quite endearing.
Areas of Concern
However, I did encounter some issues that tempered my enthusiasm. I found some characters to be shallow and one-dimensional, and the plot sometimes felt contrived. The MC's decision-making could be frustrating, and I occasionally questioned his logic. Additionally, the story's reliance on certain tropes, such as the "bullied MC gains power" storyline, felt a bit overdone. I also saw some readers mention instances of racism and ultra-nationalism later in the story, which is something to be aware of.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers mentioned that at around chapter 61, the MC almost becomes a cuckold because he didn't ask the Ye family to solve some insignificant problems. Also, one reader mentioned that a female character frames the MC for murder and later snuggles up to him with no consequences. These plot points could be frustrating for some readers.
Final Verdict
"The Strong, The Few, True Cultivators on Campus" is a mixed bag. If you're looking for a well-translated, decently paced modern Xianxia with a focus on action and cultivation, this might be worth checking out. However, be prepared for some potentially frustrating character decisions and a reliance on genre tropes. I give it a cautious recommendation, leaning towards a 3/5 rating. It's a fun read, but not without its flaws.
