It’s Not Easy Being a Master

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Shen Zhixian transmigrated into a book as a cannon fodder master who hatefully severed his disciple’s spirit root. This disciple fell into the devil’s path and returned to make mincemeat out of him.

Shen Zhixian just happened to transmigrate into the last moment of the master’s captivity, and then he was reborn again.

After rebirth, he devoted himself to fostering and supporting his disciple, only to discover later that his disciple was also reborn.

Even worse, the disciple still retained the memory of his life before rebirth.

Shen Zhixian: …Disturbed.

Afterward, he realized one truth: Being a master is a high-risk occupation. Not trivial at all!

Associated Names
One entry per line
师尊今天也在艰难求生
师尊难为
사존난위
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System (16)
The Husky and His White Cat Shizun (10)
The Daily Task of Preventing My Disciple from Turning to the Dark Side (8)
Every Day the Protagonist Wants to Capture Me (7)
I’ve Led the Villain Astray, How Do I Fix It? (5)
Transmigrating into a Mob Character to Rehabilitate the Villain Plan (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. BL & Baihe To-Read List - Translations Complete Pt...
  2. Best reads (ig?)
  3. Books I've read
  4. All BL Novels I've Read part (2)
  5. What I Read

Latest Release

Date Group Release
04/11/20 Xixi’s Translations extra 3 (end)
04/10/20 Xixi’s Translations extra 2
04/09/20 Xixi’s Translations extra 1
04/08/20 Xixi’s Translations c79
04/07/20 Xixi’s Translations c78 part2
04/06/20 Xixi’s Translations c78 part1
04/05/20 Xixi’s Translations c77
04/04/20 Xixi’s Translations c76
04/03/20 Xixi’s Translations c75
04/01/20 Xixi’s Translations c74
03/31/20 Xixi’s Translations c73
03/30/20 Xixi’s Translations c72
03/29/20 Xixi’s Translations c71
03/29/20 Xixi’s Translations c70
03/28/20 Xixi’s Translations c69
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156 Reviews sorted by


bingereaderv
bingereaderv
July 3, 2020
Status: Completed
I don't know why people dislike this novel so much. I think it is one of the pretty decent master x disciple transmigration story. I think the plot and twist is well thought off, while the execution is acceptable.

MC is not weak and helpless. Maybe he gets physically weak but he remains steadfast. He is intelligent and thoughtful. The ML does not turn annoyingly overbearing and obsessed. Anyway I enjoy the dynamic between them.

There are some things left unexplained and there are some chapters that I only skimmed true. However,... more>> I think it is pretty good for a novel this short.

Another good intermezzo in between tense novels for me :) <<less
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Fanbinbin
Fanbinbin rated it
June 29, 2020
Status: Completed
Em.. nothing much worth mentioning and remembering... I stopped halfway and picked it up again later when I was bored.. ? but nevertheless thank you for the translator hard work. Good translator that finishes a translation is hard to find nowadays. Thank you so much!
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frappucinno
frappucinno rated it
June 23, 2020
Status: Completed
This is a good quick read! At 79 chapters, it managed to get me really hooked and I enjoyed it a lot. It was initially similar to Scum Villain's Self-Saving System, but it isn't exactly the same through and through.

It isn't the best in terms of, well, anything, but it is good for a quick read. The pacing kind of put me off and while I had no trouble distinguishing the flashbacks, they felt clunky and all over the place. It's hard to get a coherent image in my head... more>> because the descriptions weren't particularly expounded on (and there isn't much of a fanbase, from what I've seen).

Certain plot points, particularly with the side characters, were left untouched. It's usually fine for me not to delve in too much with side characters, but when it's such a crucial point to the overall plot then at least... touch on it a bit more.

Reread value is low and it's probably one of the novels you forget after reading a few more. <<less
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Ainslee
Ainslee rated it
June 21, 2020
Status: c29
I felt that I've read this novel plotline beforehand but I clearly haven't put any bookmark yet.

Until this chapter I've read, it's really similar to that other novel that I've read around 70%

Perhaps I'll finish this novel later cuz I now I'm in need of a bit of fresh air/plotline that can make me curious and not that easy to guess.
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OlivineWK
OlivineWK rated it
June 12, 2020
Status: Completed
One of the better written novels that you can find here on NU. Usually there's a lot of plot points that make no sense/aren't resolved but I think this story did pretty well in this department. Every time I had a question in my head, it would typically get explained later on. It's not perfect and there are still some unanswered questions, but at least the effort is there.

... more>>
Spoiler

Some examples are MC's original injury, the tie between the modern world and the novel world, where the little bud came from, why MC acted the way he did in the past life, why ML really liked MC all of a sudden (he regained his full memory of the past life), etc.

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I actually liked a bunch of the side characters too. Most of them only appear for a short bit but they all have their own stories to tell. In relation to some of the unexplained plot points, I believe the author wants to/intends to expand on them a bit in side stories with these side characters (not sure if it'll happen though).

On the other hand, like some other reviews mentioned, the story can get confusing. I think this is due to excessive use of illusions/flashbacks elements. It can get a bit confusing sometimes on what's going on, but this also adds an air of mystery on what is the real truth. You really have to read carefully to understand the whole situation as the reader sees the story mainly from the MC's perspective.

Spoiler

For example, when the MC and ML head to a secret realm, MC constantly saw the world as normal, but in actuality, things were already dead/contained black qi.

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Another grievance, as other people mentioned also, is the ML's personality. I liked that
Spoiler

there was some character development - ML was initially very on guard against MC when the story first started, and you slowly start to see the changes.

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However, after a certain point of the story, he kind of fades into the background, only to come out when it came time for more fluff/romance or to progress in the plot. The downfall likely came from the personality that the author gave him. He's supposed to be an introverted/quiet type that prefers to communicate through his actions. Because of this, the readers mainly see him from what he does ie. The actions he does for the MC mostly.

Despite all these, this was still a pretty good story overall. I gave it a 5 star because the author actually tried to resolve/explain most plot points and the story didn't end in one chapter (like a lot of other stories I've read). Thank you to the translator for doing a good job translating this. I hope the other side stories will get written and/or translated in the future! <<less
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Thwon
Thwon rated it
May 25, 2020
Status: Completed
It is your typical MC transmigrating into a canon fodder who is about to die by the blackened ML novel so he has to hug thighs to survive.

In my opinion, it is not a bad novel, but there are still lots of confusion during the reading which make it quite difficult to keep on (though it is cleared after some chapters but still a bad point imo). The romance between the two of them is sweet and the characters have some good build.

... more>>
Spoiler

For example, during the first years of learning under his Master, ML still holds grudges against the person he thinks is the one who destroyed his roots in his past life. Even after 3~4y, he plans a trap where he will teleport his Master into an unknown land with his spiritual powers sealed. Obviously, it won't work but just think of the ML's intention.

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And this is why I find this novel good ; the ML doesn't forgive the MC for what his ancient Master did to him (even though it technically isn't MC's fault) even after 3y of coaxing and hugging thighs. For a reborned blackened ML, it is quite accurate.

Overall, I'm sorry to say some stories bored me to death and I had to skip some chapters because of this, some were still interesting! But otherwise a good novel that you can read if you are bored and don't know what to do during your day.

Also a little thanks to the translator who did an amazing job because damn, I could sense in some extract the translator's pain at translating certain sentences. <<less
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Jay0
Jay0 rated it
May 22, 2020
Status: Completed
An incredible story, phenomenal translation by Xixi~ <3 Kinda sad it's over.

*happy crying*

It was more plot-driven than I expected, with minimal romance (for like the first 40 chapters lol) but still heart-wrenchingly moving. Their character growth together is beautiful, and paints a realistic and deep relationship brought about by overcoming trauma and struggles - as opposed to the rather instant falling-in-love and fluff that you often get with BL novels (that I enjoy as well in it's own light).

The 'side-stories' were emotional (yuyu D:) and I got more and more... more>> engrossed by the story especially as their backstory and history was peeled back like layers of the tear-jerking life onion. The side characters were also really unique and memorable...
Spoiler

...I love the cheeky boy-hiding-as-a-girl Duan Yuan, the mysterious (super powerful?!) bun-loving bald monk, and I so want my own little grass bud buddy T^T. And of course, Ming Yi and Ming Li who are doing the lord's work. (-ω-ゞ Not only did we get BL-ception but the books were actually used as a plot device and not just thrown in as an Easter egg... colour me impressed!

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If I were transmigrated into Chinese Historical Web Novel, I like to think I would also be the BL fanfic writer for sure. <<less
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Calypso0
Calypso0 rated it
May 3, 2020
Status: Completed
my true rating is 10/5 bc this is the most flawless execution of my favorite trope. Only complaint is for the lack of female characters but, oh well. What's new. In the author's defense, they did give us a very concise story, without fillers or funfair, only plot, worldbuilding, & roooomaaanceee.

(totally, blessedly concensual romance)

but, boy, do I wish it was another 1000 chapters long. Give me aaaall the fillers please.
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lazyasianscientist
lazyasianscientist rated it
May 2, 2020
Status: Completed
THIS IS SO GOOD!!!

Thank you so much translator Xixi for translating this wonderful gem!

I really love how the mysteries and the questions being answered in unexpected ways but it makes the realisation oh so more satisfying to discover

What I genuinely love about the MC and ML's relationship is that they both equally respect and take care of each other. Theres no Dom seme wanna smash uke out of nowhere kinda vibe (which is kinda common in yaoi genre) but this is shounen ai so theres a difference !

... more>>
Spoiler

so thank god theres no r*pe or forced situations like that kind of shenanigans

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Spoiler

I was really super skeptical like the past!MC was such a villain and he was said to be a young heroic youth. What happened??? WELL TURNS OUT you have to read to find out :p

This story starts of like scum villain self saving system (with out the system) but as it progress you realize its a story of its own twist

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this story is very shounen ai. Meaning no smut. Sorry to ya'all thirsty readers but still stick around for genuine love and understanding between characters

Also made me cry

Spoiler

turns out its kinda reverse transmigration cus the MC never actually went from modern word to the book BUT IN REALITY it was the other way around ~

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<<less
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jermaine_matoza
jermaine_matoza rated it
April 30, 2020
Status: Completed
I started reading it yesterday evening and finished it this morning. The story is nice and it is a fun read. It is not too long and the story is not dragging.

At first I felt it was similar to other novels but after few chapters, you will learn that the plot is quite different in a whole level. ML is not over the top and MC is funny.
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MoniqGin
MoniqGin rated it
April 29, 2020
Status: extra 3
It's a very good read. I like the characters and enjoyed the journey ?

The MC is free spirited and likes to tease the ML. The ML is a tsun tsun to me ?‍❤️‍?‍??‍❤️‍?‍?

Only downside is....
Spoiler

no smut ?????

[collapse]

The translation is done well
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Nyankochi
Nyankochi rated it
April 26, 2020
Status: Completed
I liked this novel, the main couple was so so so adorable.

I think for most people giving this bad reviews it's because it starts off slow in the first 45 chapters with the plot not clear, details in weird places. However, as you continue reading all the pieces fall in place.

... more>>
Spoiler

The fact that the MC, is possessed initially so he hates the ML and tortures him. It's so sad because initially in the first chapter the MC says to the ML that he'll regret killing him. It's because of the demon possessing him, and the fact that the person the ML was searching for and loved all this time was the MC whom he kills.

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<<less
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akera93
akera93
April 19, 2020
Status: Completed
This started out well and I thought I was going to give it 5/5 but it got too boring and confusing and things dragged for way too long which is surprising since this is on the shorter side compared to other novels I read. I wish this stuck to its initial idea and the MC and ML never left the sect because things went downhill from there. They could've interacted in the sect and went on occasional mission instead of this tedious saga
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Tazberry
Tazberry rated it
April 18, 2020
Status: Completed
This was a super adorable read. I really like the interactions between the main couple, especially in the beginning, it didn't go as how I expected at all. I thought it was pretty interesting, and a lot of questions I had while reading were answered by the end. Speaking of the end! I felt like it was a bit too sudden and I would have liked to see more of the MC and ML living the true 'couple life.'

Update 4/23/22

I read it again and I really liked the early development,... more>> but it just went off the rails later in the story and honestly it was hard to get through the last 20 or so chapters. The ending really did feel rushed and slapped together. I really love the main couple and I feel sorry that they got such a sloppy ending when they had such great potential with all the backstory and progress they made in the beginning.

I'd honestly like to rate this 3 stars if I could. Wouldn't read it again tbh. <<less
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Fran.2424
Fran.2424 rated it
April 12, 2020
Status: extra 3
If you are in this page then is because you like Chinese yaoi novels, I will not say anything about this novel other than: read it now!!!!!!!!

As a fellow yaoi lover I know what's good and this is good.
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Ninjagal
Ninjagal rated it
April 12, 2020
Status: Completed
I know it may seem cliche in the first few chapters. But pls stay until the end. It's really really good!!!
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Amaruna Myu
Amaruna Myu rated it
April 11, 2020
Status: Completed
an unexpected plot which is slightly sweet and fluffy, a unique storyline that I've never read before in other novels.

it's a good read and slightly sad at times.
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Beccablue
Beccablue rated it
March 30, 2020
Status: c70
This is pretty well translated. An error here or there, but doesn't affect the reading experience. You do have to pay a little attention though. There are some time skips that aren't full explained, so you will be reading and then a sentence drops in that a week or a year has passed. However, I don't feel like the flow of time is really integral to the story. Its like times flows around them as they do their own thing.

There are some similarities to other stories, but considering that authors... more>> can be influenced by each other's work and certain tropes being common, it isn't really surprising. It doesn't feel super original, but it also doesn't feel like a copy paste either. It is it's own story.

I think what I liked about this the most was the interactions between the MC and ML. They way they slowly develop the relationship and how they think about it and eachother is just so lovely to read. There is a slow build and such a sweetness about them.

The story is interesting and we'll paced. I didn't feel like it was dragging or rushing. If you like these kind of stories and are interested in BL, this would be a great start. Its a gentle introduction to the genre of BL. <<less
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LibrArt
LibrArt rated it
March 24, 2020
Status: c63
I've seen other reviews comparing this work to "The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System", but there are many differences that make it an entirely unique and captivating experience.

Yes, there's a demon ML who's sorta possessive, and yes, there's a MC who appears to have transmigrated into a book. There's even a fan fiction written about them, just like in SVSS. That's where the similarities end, in my opinion.

I've recently binged all the currently updated chapters and I can confidently say it is NOT 50 chapters of SVSS copy and pasted. Our... more>> MC and ML leave their sect to figure out what happened in their pasts and help the MC's deteriorating health, while SQQ mostly travels between the various peaks.

Spoiler

They've met in the past! Very different from SVSS

[collapse]

If you did enjoy SVSS, you'll probably like to read this story! <<less
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BoriCats
BoriCats rated it
August 22, 2023
Status: c31
Ratings 3.4/5

I don't know if it's the TLs fault or it was originally written like that but this book clearly suffers from a lot of technical errors. But I'm leaning more on the fault of the author itself.

The book has some serious weird time skip and sequence of events. One time it was this scene and the next it was another. Most realization or hypothesis emerge from the final part of the scene than where it should be written in the initial part. It's like they're taking the 'show don't... more>> tell' part in a twisted way by narrating and having conversations or actions with no clear explanation. Like before the scenario concludes, it already started a new scene but the scene has no introduction, it's like the author expect us to be in the same wavelength as him to the point he forgot to explain details that are important for comprehending this book. No sense sometimes of context.

I also have a cringe with the book way of copying common tropes but executing it in a poor way. I've heard that it has similarities with Scum Villain but for me this type trope I've already read for like more than five times of different books so I was not that concerned. The author seem to have an attitude of let's put this scene here and force them to act accordingly and to be convenient let's make them s*upid too, contrary to their original characteristics. I get it, authors nowadays like to copy everything, but should you also copy them word for word and just change the name and place? I can get past that tbh as my expectations are low with webnovels despite my dislike to unoriginality but at least execute it to the normal standard. I don't know how many time MC and ML has to compromise their real attitude so that they can act the way the author wanted. They were not natural and their reactions was inconsistent. If you wanted to copy a scene at least do it like they are also humans and not puppets.

I also have some small critique but I forgot about them because my head was on the next book I'll read. Honestly, I just tolerated this book because of the few good reviews it has in here. All my expectations and thrill we have in reading a book with interesting plot with a lots of mystery was slowly dissipated by how this book was written or executed. The characters was okay at some point but they tend to not have a genuine personality, they seem to act conveniently to the author's whim especially the MC. It's true that no matter how interesting the story is if you dislike a lot of parts of it, you'll willingly drop it. <<less
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