Rating:
5/5 world building
5/5 descriptions/descriptive passages
3/5 plot. plenty of fun plot twists & interesting side missions but it often felt like the author just randomly gave up on these really great settings and these really interesting secondary characters that they previously spent 5 or more chapters developing. also... unmarked time skips. ugh.
3/5 romance (like SVSSS with a more honest, healthier relationship between the MC and ML... but not all that realistic romantic progression)
5/5 translation quality
Overall: 4.5/5 fun to binge read but not particularly memorable. big kudos to Xixi Translations.

I thought I knew where the story was going. After all, its the cliche transmigrating into a book plot right? Wrong. I loved the twist to the usual transmigration trope.

MC and ML are your run of the mill characters. No surprises there. Its the story that was a pleasant surprise. I loved the plant, 4th martial uncle and his reaction to MC and ML getting together.

More details of some things would have been nice. For example, the CPs of Qin Yuan, Chen Fei, the identity of the monk.

I wanted more... more>> "screen time" for the plant.....

Overall. a decent read. The translator has done a good job. Kudos. I hope the 2 part story of Chen Fei gets translated as well. <<less

Awesome translation and really cute interactions bet the MC & ML. I really like how the 'slow burn' romance making the character developement really good. ML's possesiveness is too cute while the MC's denseness and mischievouness balances it out. Overall it one of those terrific transmigation stories that can't be passed!

It's a good read. While it's similar to Scum Villain's Self-Saving System initially, the characters have different personalities and the plotline veers a different direction after the resurrection/transmigration. The protagonists are both decisive and emotionally/physicially strong. When the MC tried to gain favor with the ML through kindness, the ML doesn't immediately jump into his arms with hearts in his eyes. After declaring their affections, the ML respects the MC but doesn't show an unhealthy dependency on the MC unlike some other transmigration novels I've read. This story is a... more>> more mature implementation of the "transmigrating into villain cannonfodder" trope. In addition, while some transitioning could be improved, the writing style and translations were good. There were plotholes here and there and the ML's character wasn't very well-developed (he was a bit 2D), but this story was very enjoyable. <<less

4/5

A definite re-read! Don't let the generic "transmigrator shizun is pushed down by his cold demonic disciple" summary fool you--this story is distinct, heartwrenching, mysterious, and absolutely full of adventure from beginning to end.

Why you should read:

• so much mystery (with eventual satisfying answers, don't worry) ; you know something happened to Shen Zhixian (MC) that turned his cultivation to waste and you know Yan Jin (ML) must have discovered something right after killing SZX in the previous life.... but as to how these clues come together, it is a rollercoaster of emotions and adventures that take the pair across the country and through secret realms and illusions
• the side characters were intriguing, funny, and didn't overstay their welcome or overshadow the main pair
• side characters include: the acting sect master with a hidden agenda; a cross-dressing "love rival" disciple; a mysterious youth who controls flowers and is really h*rny for his rival; a monk who both resembles and adores steamed buns; a literal grass sprout that I imagine is like a LoZ korok with an attitude
• and more!
• perhaps my only complaint is that there was obviously some unwritten background history among the side characters but the author cut it out to focus on the main pair; would have liked to see their origins in an extra
• and then my only REAL complaint is that the story should have ended after they defeated
  Spoiler

  Song Ming

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  and saved the day; instead there's another whole arc afterwards that doesn't reveal anything about the characters since by this time, all their mysteries have been solved
• feels like an arc that was in the middle of the story but didn't exactly fit, so it went at the very end
• idk but that's my only issue
• SZX was realistic and competent but not boring, and his feelings towards YJ grew steadily in a slow-to-moderate burn
• YJ also wasn't the typical "sticky demonic disciple"; his backstory and previous life's actions had tangible effects on the present and his love for SZX took a long while
• not quite an enemies to lovers thing, but close~
• also nothing explicit but some gooooooood steamy scenes xx

So yeah, if you like adventures where they go to one place to unlock X, travel through Y to find Z, and end up in Alice In Wonderland-esque illusions at the same time, this is the story for you.

Also, we stan a bis*xual king. You do you, SZX <3 enjoy ur honeymoon babe

I'll be frank and admit I do not enjoy these type of novels where the main couple are master and disciple and the master is reincarnated into the person the disciple hates the most. The couple usually ends up being extremely uncomfortable to look at and instead of feeling happy they got together I am pitying the MC for being so unfortunate, so far I haven't found many I enjoyed.

So I will say I am pleasantly surprised to be writing a good review about this, I'll admit it is not... more>> a very memorable novel but it was a very pleasant read. Their relationship was developed fairly well and unexpectedly not extremely toxic, things tie together alright and while the time skips are a bit jarring and some details I found hard to understand I still think this could be a favorite of mine.

They both understand each other and their love is just so ugh! I love it plus I can't tell you how relieving it was when the MC didn't mind the mls love, I am also not a fan of MCs who are gay but refuse to believe it (the authors drag it on for so long that it gets frustrating to read) so seeing the MC just shrug and let things go with the flow felt like a breath of fresh air, this whole novel felt like a breath of fresh air so much so I'm probably praising it too much for what its worth but it just hit all my good points I can't help but give it a five stars.

I don't know and don't think you will enjoy it as much as I did but I suggest taking a gander at this if you're interested anyways its not complete garbage so just give it a shot. <<less

Overall worth a read, but still felt lackluster. I feel like the whole "past life/second chance" was a little rushed. The whole thing screamed lost potential to me, unfortunately.

Still, the characters and overall conflicts were very good and interesting. I particularly loved the MC, he was smart, badass and had personality. The ML was okay too, tho I think his character could have been more fleshed out.

The similarities with SVSSS I didn't mind. It's pretty obvious the author took inspiration from it, but this story still had a unique feel... more>> to it. Plus the MC had his own personality, very different from Shen Qingqiu.

It's just, like I said, I feel like the author could have done more, like they barely scratched the surface of things. Also, I personally lost interest in the last few chapters. Still, overall a good read. If you liked SVSSS or anything that has to to with transmigration/reincarnation, go for it. <<less

Lighthearted carefree adventure. Not really much drama.

Main themes are just the ML and MC giving out dogfood to people who want it and forcing dogfood down the people who don't. Secondary theme is the ML becoming a vinegar factory while MC is bby.

The inconsistencies get explained later on, so suspend your disbelief.

It was pretty good. SVSS vibes in the beginning but became its own. I feel like it had the meat and potential to become a slightly longer, more fleshed out novel. Sometimes we're just narrated things and it would have been nice to see scenes play out since we've read so much already. It had a few characters and cps that could've been interesting to read about but we got nothing. The 2nd extra is particularly cute T__T

3.5, rounded up.

I just binge read this in two days. It's overall a cute story. I like the main character--he accepts how things are without bemoaning about it too much. Because the story isn't too long, it feels like there wasn't any unnecessary information or filler story arcs, which is nice.
And the twist near the end definitely sets it apart from other similar novels, I think. ^^

A very good read. Though some mysteries and characters' background are not writen I still love it and highly recommend this novel.

I'm fairly new to danmei but the story seems like a mix of Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation and Scum Villain's Selfsaving System by MXTX, which both I loved very much.

It's a very good novel, the characters are very loveable and the plot is amazing and quite interesting. There is a slight mystery element that is revealed as the book goes on, but it is quite easy to guess. This novel is able to pull so many ideas and plot points into a shorter novel series and it is very good. Although there are some awkward time skips that don't necessarily warn you before doing, but they are more at the beginning of the novel and then it gets better.... more>> Although there are many reoccurring side characters, the story is more focused on our MC and ML.

Main Characters and Romance. As many have probably noticed, but the relationship and general feel of the novel is similar to SVSSS, but this novel takes it in a very different direction. The MC and the ML have a very sweat and well written relationship. The ML fell in love with the MC simply because of how the MC treats him and his personality, and it was really beautiful. I'm kinda into that, I love you but I hurt you kind of thing, and it is somewhat present here, in the sense that the ML treated the MC as the bad Shen Zhixian and "hurt", and then later protects him. The ML early on learns where his heart is and learns to put grudges behind because he realizes that the MC has changed. He falls in love and also confesses. The MC doesn't actually completely fall in love until after he is confessed to. There isn't any non consentual stuff, be it kissing, hugging, or s*x. Although at first the MC didn't have romantic feelings when the ML confessed, he realized after thinking about it that he really does love the ML and that he trusts him enough that if their relationship doesn't work out, they will both do what is best for each other. I really appreciate that even though the ML was probably dying to hear what the MC thought about being in a relationship and was having difficulty forcing his love down, he still let MC take his time to figure out his feelings. I like how the MC made sure that the ML wasn't basing their love of anything superficial and was using him as a substitute. They have a really healthy relationship and it is quite adorable.

Spoiler

I love the fan fiction written by that one sect character about the MC and ML, it was a really funny plot point.

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PLOT. Predictable, but satisfying. Although it was easy to guess the twists, it was still awesome. THE BOOK IS GREAT AND SOMETIMES IS DEPRESSING AND MADE ME WANT TO HUG THE CHARACTERS. The plot is quite interesting, despite being more predictable. I just really like this plot. Not every side plot is completely explained and some things are a little confusing at the end, but in general the story is very good. I really love all the characters and they were all super cute (not the bad guys -_-).

This story really shined the most with the relationship and interactions between the MCs. It is a very good novel and I would highly recommend it. There are some darker things, there are lighter things all in this novel. It is fascinating and very well written. The characters are intriguing and loveable. The only real down side is that the book wasn't longer and that the author didn't expand on some of the plot points and story aspects, but little was lost from the main story. VERY GOOD. I really love it <3 <<less

I've read this book a few days ago, and then I had a bit mixed feelings about it. I loved everything about two main characters and their relationship, but the plot in the second half of the book seemed rather boring. But days passed, and the aftertaste left by this book is very strong and very nice, because of the MC and ML and their relationship.

It starts like SVSSS (someone transmigrates into an evil teacher's body and needs to treat the student nicely to escape being killed by him). So,... more>> if you want something like SVSSS, you can try it. If you want something different from SVSSS - this book will be different. There are many secrets and layers in the relationship and past of the main couple. And when everything is revealed, the whole picture is so complicated and beautiful.

Spoiler

I really loved it how in the beginning it looks like the MC protects and pampers the ML just to avoid death. But in the end you understand that while it is the MC's logical motivation, in reality it is the true wish of his soul that he unknowingly follows.

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The development of their relationship was also very nice and refreshing, with many funny, endearing moments.

And the translation is so good, it was a joy to read it. <<less

First if you worried if it would be like SVSSS and/or Protagonist wants to Capture Me, don't be. It's Totally Absolutely Different!

Sure it should be obvious because the ML's situation already different, which can be compared to I've led the Villain Astray, but still totally different too!!! The ML is not Possessive, but when he 'finally' Fall for the MC, and 'allowed' to be close and touchy by the MC, he was very Sweet, Gentle and Protective! A Touchy ML in non Overbearing way!!! Rare!!! Especially because the MC enjoyed... more>> it most of time.

The MC personality doesn't restricted to keep an 'image', but his freedom is not in s*upid, Annoying, Naive, or OOC way in front of others. But because MC is sickly, he's doesn't have problem to use his Weak and Sickly image to get away with some things. And in this novel, half the time MC going to be shown as Weak because of his Sickness, and the Half is being Normal Badass.

All the Mystery going to be solved, so no worry, it has Great story and Satisfying Ending!

The Supporting Side Characters might not be as Spectacular and Wonderful as Supporting Characters in SVSSS or PWTCM, but they still pretty enjoyable and great!

All the moments between MC and ML is Absolutely Great especially when they're being Intimate in both Non-s*xual and s*xual way!! I especially LOVE the (sadly short) Extras of those two!

I really Love this Novel Sooo Much!!! It was Different, Refreshing, Adorable, Lovable, and I Love and Enjoyed every moments of it! <<less

There are lots of detailed reviews by others so I'll be brief. Overall 4/5.

What I liked: wholesome relationship between the MC and ML, interesting plot twists and story resolves well in the end, has my favorite trope (transmigration/villian/shizun-disciple).

What could've been better: side characters could be stronger, world building is lacking (like it doesn't need to be a detailed fantasy world, but author seems to have spent minimal effort).

I like this. The characters, the story, the twist, the humor...

It's very different plot from Scum Villain but it's just as interesting as Scum Villain.

Thank you so much Xixi's (the translator) for a great translation! Bless you!!

It's Not Easy Being a Master has one of the best CP I've ever seen! There's trust, communication, mutual understanding, they're both in love with the other and in contrast to other Shizun x disciple novels their relationship is very healthy and refreshing.

Mystery surrounding the whole story behind the reincarnation and transmigration will keep you invested in the story and it's very well thought, that's not your typical transmigration novel. I give it all stars, it was a pleasure to read and it's in my top ten novels for sure

A decent read! Not one of the best, but good enough.

My favorite part was when the mysteries were being unraveled. The MC and ML were cute together, but I wasn't that interested. The initial conflict between them was really fun to read! I like how the MC has a personality and isn't an absolute pushover. He does fall a little fast, but there's a reason given.

I was confused at times, but it wasn't a big deal.

I really liked the last extra because the side pairing deserves more love. The side... more>> pairings are kinda nonexistent in the novel, bummer.

The ending wasn't that great in my opinion... I didn't feel any excitement or anything, even from the last battle in the story. I feel like the story is kinda missing a climax. Eh, I guess I'll take the sweet and happy ending. <<less

I dropped this novel because there wasn't really any conflict anymore. Sure there are still some open questions

But the plot still feels like the story is finished and the characters are just wandering casually through the world. So I was just boorded.

This novel is just so- so. It doesn't exactly have an engaging plotline but it does carry the readers gently along the plot especially maybe because Shen Shixian is a very gentle and carefree person that it reflects in the plot and pov. Also, the novel is short so maybe that is why that every arcs seems a little rushed... additionally it left some plotholes... the four most important were: What happened to Sui Feng and Chen Lie? What happened to the destiny paper in Chen Lie? How did Lin... more>> Qian and Duan Yuan got together? How did that bald old monk became senile? <<less