Sha Po Lang

Description

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“The first person to dig ziliujin fuel out of the ground could never have predicted that what they dug out was the beginning of a dog-eat-dog age.

Our entire life was but an ugly confidence game of greed; this is something everyone knows, but that they could not bring to light.

From where did this con begin? Maybe from atop the first clean white canvas sails of a foreign ship that sailed across the ocean, or from beneath the great wing of a Giant Kite as it rose unsteadily into the skies — or from a time even before that: as the spreading ziliujin, like an ink stain upon the earth, turned the great plains of the wild north into a sea of flames.

Or maybe it was when We… when I met Gu Yun in a world all covered in ice and snow.”

Associated Names
One entry per line
Shā Pò Láng
SPL
Stars of Chaos (Print Copy)
Sát Phá Lang
ฆ่าหมาป่า
杀破狼
殺破狼
烽火流金 [Live Action Drama]
살파랑
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Golden Stage (13)
Imperfections (8)
Qiang Jin Jiu (8)
To Rule in a Turbulent World (7)
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect (7)
Those Years In Quest Of Honour Mine (5)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Read it
  2. TBR - fila de espera
  3. BLs Adapted into Dramas ( live action )
  4. Books I've read
  5. Have Read Pt. 1

Latest Release

Date Group Release
06/30/22 Northwest Flower extra 16
12/26/21 SPLtrans c37
12/19/21 SPLtrans c36
12/12/21 SPLtrans c35
12/05/21 SPLtrans c34
11/28/21 SPLtrans c33
11/21/21 SPLtrans c32
11/14/21 SPLtrans c31
11/07/21 SPLtrans c30
10/31/21 SPLtrans c29
10/24/21 SPLtrans c28
10/17/21 SPLtrans c27
10/10/21 SPLtrans c26
10/03/21 SPLtrans c25
09/26/21 SPLtrans c24
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107 Reviews sorted by


Y.HL
Y.HL rated it
July 24, 2020
Status: extra 10
Set in a real historical time period, Sha Po Lang masterfully combines steampunk and wuxia to tell one of the most magnificent stories you'll ever read about the rise and fall of dynasties, the challenges of building and transforming a nation, the clash of old and new ideologies, and the high-stakes political schemes and warfare for power and resources.

It's cinematic, inspiring and deeply moving with lol moments that stay true to Priest's signature style.
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Anecdote
Anecdote rated it
July 8, 2020
Status: Completed
This book took way longer than I expected to finish. I'm not sure if it's the way some of the sentences are worded but I had to reread certain passages to fully comprehend it. But then there would be chapters that I'd easily breeze through. Regardless, kudos to the translator for her hard work and effort put into this.

As for the plotting, I was really interested in the historical references as well as Priest's homage to China's Song Dynasty. I really came to appreciate Gu Yun's humor further in as... more>> he became mired in political intrigue. It's not all fun and games and it's sort of angsty but in a good way. I savored the fluff all the more because it felt so well-deserved and not gratuitous. Note: also the extras are so good, they're killing me with the sweetness that's missing from the main story. <<less
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procrastinatorpro
procrastinatorpro rated it
June 12, 2020
Status: c128
Sha Po Lang is one of the best web novels I have read-with an intensely complicated plot comprising mind games and politics in the main and romance as a secondary theme. And it does not disappoint, especially with Priest's ability to make you cry at one moment and then be in splits at the other. The characters are not one-dimensional and you get to understand the reason behind their actions (i love this aspect).

Honestly, I was not able to keep up with the mind games all that much, but that... more>> just fuels me to read Sha Po Lang once more to understand this wonderful novel more thoroughly.

I will be rating a few major aspects of the novel now:

Plot: 10/10

Narration: 10/10

Humour: 10/10

Characters: 10/10

Romance: 10/10

Which is to say, I loved this novel (as is obvious) and strongly recommend it for those who are looking for a great plot and a story that will create havoc on your emotions (in the best way). Its definitely not a light-read. <<less
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Sasanz
Sasanz rated it
April 11, 2020
Status: Completed
This novel is beyond my expectation. The heavy 'war' plot helps us understands clearer the reasons behind all the 'events' and the character developments happening. But worry not, coz there are still cute and funny moments amidst the war/political fights.

Our couple ChangGu are not in 'fluffy & flowery' romance all the times. Some of the things they go through or struggles with, do gets to you emotionally at times. But that is what makes their moments together sweeter than anything! The side characters are also worth praises in their roles..... more>> Look out for 'Mama' Shen Yi ?

So glad I picked up this great novel as my first novel by Priest! Looking forward to read other works by her. <<less
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ukiiukii
ukiiukii rated it
April 8, 2020
Status: Completed
Wonderful novel!

The main characters are super likeable and fleshed out, they have great chemistry with each other and the romance is delightful, I was rooting for them from the start of the novel and I love the way everythign unfolds.

All of the side characters are great, the antagonists have complex motivations and the story and drama are super well done and compelling.

Overall one of the best danmei I've read. It's definitely dense on the war and politics so it might not be for everyone but personally I prefer plot heavy... more>> and Sha Po Lang mixes the character drama, romance and story wonderfully.

Highly recommend it! <<less
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CallMeJolea
CallMeJolea rated it
April 4, 2020
Status: Completed
I totally think that this one is similar and also better than MDZS, the plot is more complicated and the characters are very complex, there is a lot of political matters, you have to read careful other wise you won't get anything.

But also this novel is very unique, some of its elements we don't see often, deserve being read, the couple is adorable. I say go for it.
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Bitter
Bitter rated it
November 2, 2019
Status: c93
I made an account specifically just to give this a 5 star, I haven't caught up to the latest, but man am I in love with it. If I didn't have my exams I would have sat down and finish this within 2 days by now.

A very long post praising the novel below, nothing that will spoil the story though.

... more>>
Spoiler

Firstly, I would like to say that I am not a very good judge when it comes to plot. I have never been the type to care for it, so I'd usually skim through the text just to look at the relationship parts. In this however, I properly sat myself and read all of it. The plot was so well crafted that it had left me wondering how much care Priest must have put into writing something like this.

Almost every character is memorable, no matter if you love them or hate them. This is especially true for the main characters. MC and ML both have very distinct personalities, I can easily remember the funniest and the most ridiculous things they've done with each other or individually that brings a smile to my face. Side characters didn't feel like some extra mob puppets that adds nothing to the story or are just there to aid the main characters. I even got worried at one point for a side character that hadn't appear for a long time. (I'm looking at you, Shen Yi!)

Bless Priest, bless Yi Fu, bless Chang Geng, I'll be looking forward to more of Priest's works in the future!

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Raintree
Raintree rated it
October 20, 2019
Status: v4c110
Welp, this novel is very addicting.

I had never read the novel that contains many death flag everywhere, everymoment except this one.

Still, once you read this you will never stop.
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Redroses__
Redroses__ rated it
April 25, 2019
Status: c74
It was the kind of slow-burning romance that I loved. The story like all Priest's novel doesn't only revolves around the romance of the two main lead. It involves a lot of politics, war, death, and hope amidst the struggles of the characters. The MC was the serious type (probably because of his hidden disease). The ML and his best friend are the laughter-inducing characters. Seriously, I love Priest's shameless characters, they make reading so much fun :D
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Zozo7400
Zozo7400 rated it
January 30, 2024
Status: extra 1
Woahhh, Wat a journey this novel was! Finished reading it, last night at 3:45 am or should I say today at 3:45 am? Hm... I'll just say today then! For the record, it's Tuesday today.

Now onto the novel, it's so so sooooooo worth the hype and so freaking good, I'm just blown away. Rn, I have finished reading the main story and as I pulled all nighters to finish it, I am gonna take a break from the extras for now. But I'll definitely be reading them later. So when... more>> I have finished reading the extras, I'll update this review of mine.

Ok so honestly, I read Sha Po Lang by taking a break in between. The 1st time I started reading, I read until ch 80 but then had to pause and read something else because my fickle self was in the mood to lighten it up a little. But then I came back this 2nd time around and started reading after ch 80 after rereading some chapters so ik what's happening. This time I'm so fuvking happy, I reached the end and it was so satisfying too.

The story is really on the same level as Peerless, QJJ, and Golden stage for me. Even tho at first I was sceptical because of the Mecha in this. Like mecha and historical in the same novel? Sounds so crazy right? But damnnnn did Priest achieve it so f*cking well that now I'm just like speechless and yearning for more.

Priest really is one heck of a writer, I have read some of her novels and I have never been disappointed. This novel is worth the 5 stars and more because it's so amazing, idk how to say it all.

The characters, the plot, everything was really chef's kiss! I'm so glad that I joined this journey and now I'm feeling rather dazed, just remembering all the parts of the story. Sigh... This is is for now, let's see if I wanna gush some more after being done with the extras later.

Till then, see y'all in my next review and also if it wasn't clear yet, I DEFINITELY BESEECH ALL THE PEOPLE TO READ THIS AMAZING MASTERPIECE! ❤❤❤

P. S. I gotta say I was turned of by the story when cheng gang called gu yun yifu at times even after getting together and after the confession part, I really don't like these kind of things in the story. But I still read it till the end, didn't i? This shows how amazing it was, even when there was this big ick of mine, I still couldn't help but finish it. So do read it! <<less
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Enchanted Whisperer
Enchanted Whisperer rated it
January 14, 2024
Status: Completed
While I am writing my review here, I have long back finished reading the original Novel by Priest which was translated to English even printed, STAR OF CHAOS. I read it even before I knew that here was also a platform to read the same novel. When I came here I found that a few comments said that this was not the original rather a competition to the published novel.. SO I am wondering if its okay to read this one. I have also read this translated version on NovelToon... more>> app which is also 95% same as the original published version..

What then is this version here? Also when I searched for the novel with the name it showed me 2 same names.. so which is the original here, please help me out..... <<less
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Arabisse
Arabisse rated it
August 9, 2023
Status: Completed
If you haven't already started this masterpiece of Priest, don't walk, run!

I've read the hole story some two years ago and some part of the plot start to become shady to me, but I still remember enjoying every last second of my reading.

Good : the depht of the plot, on the long run (if I remember correctly at least a decade has run from the beginning to the end of the story). Lots of battle scenes, court intrigues, deep scheems all along the way. Very slow burn romance, realistic and... more>> well done, good main characters that you love equally. Steampunk universe, very unique.

Less good : no smut or NSFW scenes : (A bit long, could have been 10 chapters shorter towards the end, it's just endless battles, you already know that the war is coming to an end, less battle scenes would have done the same job.

A great story, highly recommend. <<less
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ineednoodles
ineednoodles rated it
April 23, 2023
Status: Completed
This is my second novel by Priest. The first one was Tian Ya Ke (which, wasn't all that good but just decent enough tbh)

I have to say, I really like the dynamics between main characters in Priest's novels and the interesting world building. Her main characters are likeable, smart and interesting and she really develops their emotional turmoil and their strenghts well. Both novels was enjoyable in terms of, world building, main couple and their interactions.

I enjoyed reading Gu Yun and Chang Geng's interactions and their bond was build... more>> up really well. Some people could say that it was a bit abrupt and I do understand why they might think that way since they started as an adoptive father and son relationship. Thus, Gu Yun coming to terms with Chang Geng's feelings might be a little unconvincing to some but I think it was built up really well overall.

The world- building was really interesting as well. Ancient China x Steam punk? C'mon there's no way I'm gonna hate it.

My main issue throughout this whole novel was... It was very dull. I was very disappointed with this since I really enjoy reading political novels with good plot. It had every elements that could make this novel enjoyable but it just wasn't executed well enough.

Spoiler

The "Barbarians" was an interesting villain concept but the execution was just really boring. Like, they were the main villains behind Chang Geng's poison which wasn't known in anywhere in the world but then they weren't shown again after the prologue, they just kinda disappeared and show up again at the end. Gu Yun and CG wasn't even there when they finally defeated the barbarians (if I remember correctly).

What did "Barbarians" wanted? They just wanted to conquer Great Liang blindly, they wanted revenge because of... The Goddess? Why was The Goddess so important since this novel wasn't even low-fantasy anyway? Did Wolf King loved The Goddess, Chang Geng's mother, or he just blindly worshipped her? Why did they give her up to Great Liang if she was "that" important then? They were just very 2D villains which I couldn't really care about because we couldn't see much of them. (Also what was the cure to the Bone of Impurity?? Chen just goes "Oh so that's it" when she sees a statue and then doesn't elaborate on it and CG just gets healed???)

And then we have... lots of war stuff happening constantly with really uninteresting and flat characters. I only remember Shen Yi, doctor Chen and Chang Geng's childhood friends which were really interesting bunch but then again they didn't have that many scenes. Honestly, I would prefer to see CG's chilhood friends doing stuff, rather than some old stale General doing war stuff with his forgettable traits. Like, I had no idea who was who since Priest doesn't describe their appearence or their age so I didn't really care about their accomplishments or even if they died I could care less.

A prince, which I forgot the name of, just starts rebelling one day and then just gets executed after being caught. So? How should I feel bad or feel good that the villain got what he deserved, we literally didn't even see him talk once. Gu Yun's teacher, which also taught CG, just randomly dies one day and I was like "oh, ok" and just went on. The only thing that made it worth it was the impact it had on Gu Yun but then again, we don't know much about the teacher in the first place except he is "strict" so we couldn't feel his inner turmoil that well. Gu Yun's parents as well. Like we only know that they're "strict" they "discipline" Gu Yun a lot but these things are just being "told" to us we don't "see" it. We just see them in the extras but until then it's already too late. What did Gu Yun's father and mother truly felt like when Gu Yun got hurt by the enemy. Yes Gu Yun's father was strict, but what did he feel like when he heard his only son losing both his sight and hearing. Did he get angry with Yuan he? What was Gu Yun's mother's personality like except that she's "strict" and she's a "princess". When it gets revealed that who poisoned Gu Yun and why, it just gets brushed off by other stuff happening at the same time and Gu Yun gets imprisoned or whatever and then more boring war stuff happens. Like... Ok...

I do love political novels but if the side characters that involve around it don't matter I just can't get into it. It just feels like a flat history book.

The only thing that made me finish this novel was the main couple and their interactions. The good thing was both Gu Yun and CG had their own aspirations, goals and strengths and stuck to them even after they got together. They weren't just "Oh I love him because he has a pretty look, he is kind or he saved me..." NO. It was a big process. CG loved Gu Yun because he understood his aspirations, his manners and personality and in response, Gu Yun fell in love with the way CG dealt with his pain and suffering and how hard he worked. That scene where Gu Yun read CG's letter about what he wanted to accomplish within the empire, his hopes for the country and aspirations, it really molded their relationship beyond mere attraction.

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I really like this novel overall, it's just that I couldn't enjoy the world building because it was revolved around forgettable side characters with uninteresting events. Like I literally had to skip some chapters near the end of the novel if I didn't see main characters name appear. <<less
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Ajonjoli1
Ajonjoli1 rated it
December 24, 2022
Status: Completed
It's really very good

Plot

The plot can be complicated at times and you will have to stop or reread, but even that is worth it.

... more>> As in real life, politics in the middle of a war is not easy and there are usually bribes, cheating or some in power collapsing. If I remember correctly, they were even close to entering an economic crisis.

It's not cliché at all and it shows that the plot was planned from the beginning.

The decisions that the characters make are usually crucial for their survival, everything has a cause and a consequence.

Characters

The characters are human, they have strengths and weaknesses, sometimes they fail, they regret something or they are even close to giving up. They have dreams and goals, but they also have obligations to fulfill, even if they don't want to.

Spoiler

that extra gu yun almost giving up is art

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Romance

The romance is... subtle in a certain way for me, the truth is that I didn't pay much attention to it due to the political plot. But one thing I can be sure of is that in this novel, the two protagonists have lives of their own apart from their romance, which is a bit refreshing.

(Even in very good novels, I felt that one of the protagonists had no life of their own apart from romance) <<less
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Seraphim13
Seraphim13 rated it
November 11, 2022
Status: Completed
I finished reading and it was interesting? To be honest, I was not in the correct headspace to read this. It was really boring and I skipped passed a lot of text about politics and discussions. Funny how I knew this novel was going to have a lot of that when I started. It was for the gays though. Anyway, this was a good read from what I remember.

I believe I read all of this novel on Novelhi. Or maybe it was SPL translations? Idk.
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ceannn
ceannn rated it
September 18, 2022
Status: --
My biggest regret about this book is that there are too many plotholes and it is not written in detail about how the relationship between the two main characters develops into pink, it's a bit regretful because I thought it would be very sweet if it was written a little more in detail from the beginning of Gu Yun and Shen Yi living in yahui city (cmiiw) I really want to witness Gu Yun and shen yi's recklessness more also want to see how Ceng gang get along with Gu... more>> Yun who is like a boneless person more T.T

they grow up too fast I can't stand it T.T

because some of the political plots are a bit heavy and the emperor's behavior is very annoying so I thought it would be good to add a few light parts, but the characters in shapolang really stick in my memory, the plot is heavy but there are many people there who also like to make jokes, -

Shen Yi and Gu Yun's relationship left a deep impression on me who doesn't really care about the sentiments of friendship.
Spoiler

how shen yi said "your subordinate is present" while kneeling when gu yun called him Jiping that night also left a deep impression on me

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phoenixbabe
phoenixbabe
February 22, 2022
Status: --
Priest is really the master storyteller. Ever sentence, every chapeter is a piece of the big complex puzzle the author puts together slowly. In Sha Po Lang war and politics is entangled with the complexity of human nature and relations, in a way that draws you in from the first page itself. Its one of those rare gems where the romance between the characters is not the forefront of the main plot but its an essential driving force, where it does not overpower but leaves a deep mark. Character wise... more>> Gu Yun and Chang Geng are beautifully writen and evolve through the story. Though superficially they appear to be godlike, they have this flawed human side to them- at times vulnerable to the developments around them, at times barely strong enough to withstand the storms, so that you are left vehemently praying that they can overcome the next hurdle. Not just the MC and ML but even the side characters are all having their own depths, their own stories. Even the antagonist cannot be considered two dimensional, where you hate them but also can't be completely unsympathetic.
Spoiler

One side note, MC is initially a teenager when the story starts and the ML is an adult, there is quite an age gap, but literally nothing romantic develops between them till the MC is much much older and well into adulthood. Its a little wierd at the start with the father son dynamic they share but its just as wierd for them too they navigate this small detail and that makes its quite funny at times.

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Luvd007
Luvd007 rated it
February 2, 2022
Status: Completed
Chapter 56

Had to take a break here to speak on this and to check some reviews to compare experiences. This chapter is s'posed to be super exciting, as there were plot reveals, betrayals, rebellion and treason...I think? That's just the thing, I have no real idea of what's going on? Sigh. It's just too much with too many characters about whom I know nothing, but who are somehow supposed to be important to plot. All I know at this point is that ML ... more>>
Spoiler

is in prison for reasons? The story of how he was poisoned was revealed, but so much happened after it came out, that it got lost in the midst of the confusing drama

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I really couldn't give a fig about the other characters and plot lines except for MC and MC along with the General Yi and MC's 2 childhood friends (who only pop up every once in a while) Such a shame as I actually care about their story

Update c98

Oh, it gets so much better, so much sweeter, so much funnier, and so much much clearer. Probably because we all know who is who at this point, or maybe events are recorded better? Either way, everything is clarified.

I am living for the relationship between MC and ML. They aren't both strong men (we're never reminded of one is pretty, or tall and strong, or how one has to look up to the other because of his height, or some of the tired old tropes of establishing heteronormative values onto a gay couple. That *ish just pisses me off to no end) Each wants to protect the other and support the other. They're on their way to becoming of my my fave CP's

Final update........................................... The story was good overall, but something was lacking toward the end. I found myself speed reading to just 'get to the end already' Maybe it's because our main protagonists had very little interactions with each other, or there was a lot of exposition? I can't really put my finger on it exactly. The extras at the end raised the star rating for me as the initial ending was really just flat.
Spoiler

What ever happened to the crown prince? Did he take over after CG's 18 years on the throne?

Why did CG even want to be emperor in the first place? After the first 1/3 of the story, I wanted them to just retire away from court life and find a little cottage somewhere to while away their days. I didn't expect CG to be hella ambitious. But, it is what it is

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Overall ok read, but missing that je n'ai ce quois to make it a favourite for me <<less
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Nual
Nual rated it
September 28, 2021
Status: --
I love written work from this author although I tend to dislike stories with narrators/protagonist to be the seme of the relationship this is one that's the exception to the rule. In Thailand the translation only has two books therefore I'd read only the first book and overall it's a great read. The story line moves at a great pace and I love how the author reveals the unanswered questions quite early on. Both lead characters are strong in character and personality an ideal male lead on both sides. I'm... more>> just looking forward to the rest of the novel's translations. <<less
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Sakura Dream
Sakura Dream rated it
June 3, 2021
Status: Completed
This is a very plot-driven novel but I love it~ Being my first novel of Priest, it is truly awesome. I enjoyed reading it, felt every tension occurring in the story. Great Liang is very lively and surreal under the descriptions of the author, leaving me Wow WOw WOW. The romance between Chang Geng and Gu Yun deserves a thousand chef's kisses, beautiful and well-paced. The main characters are so lovable where I love them dearly. Overall this is a great book, give it a try.

What is Love? ChangGu is.
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