Douluo Dalu

Description

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Tang Sect, the most famous martial arts sect of all. By stealing its most secret teachings to fulfill his dreams, Tang San committed an unforgivable crime. With his ambition attained, he hands his legacy to the sect and throws himself from the fearsome “Hell’s Peak”.

But he could have never imagined that this would reincarnate him in another world, one without magic, martial arts, and grudges. A land where only the mystical souls of battle lay.

The continent of Douluo.

How will Tang San survive in this unknown environment? With a new road to follow, a new legend begins…

Associated Names
One entry per line
Combat Continent
DD
Lands of Battle
Soul Land
Đấu La Đại Lục
斗罗大陆
Related Series
Skyfire Avenue (Shared Universe)
Mad God (Shared Universe)
Shen Yin Wang Zuo (Shared Universe)
Child of Light (Shared Universe)
Unrivaled Tang Sect (Sequel)
Magic Chef of Ice and Fire (Shared Universe)
Heavenly Jewel Change (Shared Universe)
Jiu Shen (Shared Universe)
The Kind Death God (Shared Universe)
The Legend of the Dragon King (Sequel)
Zither Emperor (Shared Universe)
The Twelve Zodiac Guardian Gods (Shared Universe)
Only I Shall Be Immortal (Shared Universe)
Space Speed Xing Hen (Shared Universe)
Ultimate Fighting (Sequel)
Douluo Dalu 5 – Rebirth Of Tang San (Sequel)
Recommendations
Shen Yin Wang Zuo (15)
The Legend of the Dragon King (8)
Unrivaled Tang Sect (8)
Heavenly Jewel Change (7)
Zither Emperor (3)
Magic Chef of Ice and Fire (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. china
  2. Probably read when im bored (some of it)
  3. Wow there's a manhua version (ML)
  4. Donghua Adaptations
  5. An actual attempt at ranking

Latest Release

Date Group Release
05/03/20 Blue Silver Translations c336 (end)
05/03/20 Blue Silver Translations c335
05/03/20 Blue Silver Translations c334
04/01/20 Blue Silver Translations c333
04/01/20 Blue Silver Translations c332
04/01/20 Blue Silver Translations c331
08/27/18 Wuxia Dream c336
08/27/18 Wuxia Dream c335
08/27/18 Wuxia Dream c334
08/27/18 Wuxia Dream c333
08/27/18 Wuxia Dream c332
08/27/18 Wuxia Dream c331
08/27/18 Wuxia Dream c330
10/28/18 Blue Silver Translations c330
08/27/18 Wuxia Dream c329
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107 Reviews sorted by


baelar
baelar rated it
November 19, 2017
Status: c336
First of all everyone should know that the remaining chapters 268-336 have been translated by another group so the novel is fully translated, just google for the remaining chapters and you will find the translations.

I rated this novel a 5/5 but it is really close to something between 4-4.5 and the reasons for that without spoiling:

    • The ending is vague and a little weak, they could have added a few chapters to close the story. (The story develops strong character backgrounds all along but there is no follow up story for any characters at the end--- The story just cuts out)
    • When you realize the motivations of the main characters in the big story plot you will get a huge WTF there was no reason for things to go this way. (Basically a lot of story could have been avoided if the characters weren't overly dramatic sensitive -cuss word- and had talked things over with other characters from the start)
    • They bombarded us with the love/romance elements all the way through the story and then they kind of removed them towards the end.--- I was disappointed about this.
Other than that this story is a strong 5/5 for the first 3/4 of story, the ending lacks a little bit but it is still a solid story.
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KKristen
KKristen rated it
August 10, 2017
Status: c296
One of the best and most popular Chinese light novels out there, and for good reason. This is Tang Jia San Shao's best and most famous work. It is also one of the first Chinese LNs I ever read (back when I was a wee LN noob coming straight from the craptastic Douluo Dalu manhua) and also the first truly GOOD Chinese LN I ever read. This isn't one of your generic ATG MGA tr*sh-turned-chosen-one kills-the-chickens-and-the-dogs slaughterfests. This is Douluo Dalu.

I can't write a worthy review at this time. I'll... more>> update this once the series is finished being translated.

But the things you need to know now are:

  • The world-building and power cultivation system are very unique, thoroughly thought out, and very well-written. This isn't the normal immortals-on-flying-swords xianxia -- it's a world of spirit beasts, soul rings, and douluo unlike any other.
  • The characters are very developed. One particularly nice aspect is that there's an equal balance of strong males and strong females without being too unbalanced, sexist, or harem-like. The many side characters introduced throughout the series aren't easily forgotten.
  • The main character never becomes too OP, despite his numerous outstanding powers, abilities, weapons, and knowledge. There is always someone stronger, and anything the MC gains is earned through blood, sweat, tears, relentless practice, and sacrifice.
  • The writing is well-paced and you can tell that the author put a LOT of thought into how the systems within the novel work. The leveling and cultivation system is extremely detailed without being an info-dump, and the fight scenes are intricately strategic. This will not only satisfy your desire for OP MC level-breaking ass-whooping, but you'll also understand exactly how and why he won.
  • The translation by our esteemed son of bagels, Bagelson, at Blue Silver Translations is consistent and of good quality. There are the occasional spelling errors, but overall the English, grammar, and translated tone/feeling is excellent.
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alaskame
alaskame rated it
May 6, 2016
Status: --
The story is quite main stream for the cultivation genre.

(MC cultivate get strong-> found some hindrance -> get stronger)

However, the story has strong concept of cultivation path which I think quite unique and interesting.

... more>> I really love the world that the writer create, to the point that I wish some developer adopt the idea to create some RPG games for me to play in. The MC is strong cunning and peerless in strength, but loving

The characters that show up all have variety in flavors and spice up the story well.

I read it several times already and eagerly checking for updates <<less
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Okuri Ookami
Okuri Ookami rated it
January 3, 2016
Status: --
Great story definitely give it a try, I was thrown off by the no martial arts and no magic but this Novel is really worth reading, its not a big spoiler but for those who don't think to give this a try because of the none magic and martial arts you should read it

... more>>
Spoiler

The MC does have MA skills and the action is nothing less than what you'd get from regular Xianxia, on some levels its way above the normal glossed over stuff, this novel gives very detailed action sense that don't bore you to tears and will always leave you guessing!

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Panda
Panda rated it
December 3, 2015
Status: --
The most western like xianxia that is out there I think. Power system is unique. Love story is unique. There is a ton of characters that are unique. The strange thing is that Tang San didn’t use his methods from previous life to help his “sister” in getting stronger. There are no major plot twists but the story can still keep u in suspense. This one of a few must reads in xianxia genre, I would even say that it’s arguably the best one beside ISSTH. They are both greats... more>> but in different aspects that's why you can't really compare them <<less
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IsaiahT
IsaiahT rated it
August 19, 2022
Status: v37c1
I absolutely love the world of Douluo Dalu. The power system is an absolute breath of fresh air. A truly unique system that incorporates the entire eco system of the Douluo Continent spectacularly.

The early chapters are truly where this novel shines. As Tang San is thrust into this unknown brand new world, You too learn the power of spirits and the capabilities of the revered Title Douluo. This is why when a beloved character breaks through we get excited. They're slowly but surely growing closer to the apex and we... more>> get to see how they make use of the systems hammered into us across their journey to overcome their weaknesses.

This leads us into the many problems I have with this novel. But the stem of these problems is undoubtedly Tang San.

As many have already pointed out Tang San is truly exceedingly OP. And there's nothing wrong with an overpowered MC but the first problem is that Tang San seems to learn a new way to kill someone at the shake of a hand. With almost every interaction some miracle rains upon him giving him a handjob and an AK47 while the author writes a whole chapter about how painful his back is as he bends to pick it up. Because pain validates substantial powers. Then after getting hit during a pillow fight with God his AK will evolve and learn to shoot lightning.

Spoiler

The Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Bones are the biggest offenders. They are literally just an excuse to give Tang San more powers. Absolutely no one apart from the core antagonists are going to have them. Not to mention the Yin Yang Yo BS.

His fights are so boring because he's already stronger than a 95th level Title Douluo as a Spirit Douluo and if not he just gains another power.

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No part of Tang San can be weak. Every aspect of him must be godly because 'he needs to protect Xiao Wu'

Spoiler

The fact that he probably won't pay any real price to ressurect Xiao Wu is the work of the true Golden Body called plot armour. You know what it's called when their are no consequences for your characters? BAD WRITING. BTW I'm not 100% sure this is true but I'm like 99% sure

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He gains abilities that compound and create other abilities which open more possibilities for more abilities. While Ma hongjun's 6th spirit ring shoots fire, If Tang San had that Spirit Ring he'd shoot fire and paralyse everyone around him because his AK merged with his hand.

Speaking of Ma hongjun... This is also one of the problems I have with the story.

Tang San completely outclasses his peers. It's "Shreks 7 Devils" not "Tang San and Friends" Tang San is a completely ungrateful arrogant unlikable prick that cries over not having a sword when he has the whole world at his fingertips. It's always gotta be about Tang San, When Dai Mubai does something the author always has a paragraph about how Tang San did something similar or how Tang San told him to do it.

SLIGHT SPOILER

Spoiler

The 6 other Devils barely get any room to shine around Tang San because even when he's not in the battle, He's telling them how to fight and constantly warning them to be careful. The 5th Trial was supposed to be their moment to shine. Tang San had his big showing and now it was time for the other's. But Tang San has to show his d*ck at every concert. He has to constantly remind them that he's stronger than them and offer them a seat on his c*otch. (Sorry, I just really hate his attitude. He doesn't realise how worthless it makes you feel to be offered help from someone superior in talent. Not to mention how heart wrenching his bullsh*t modesty is) when they are also powerful talents who are ALSO there to train! Not one of them needed his help, Especially not Oscar.

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Now with this said, The best aspect of the story is undoubtedly the characters. Although they come from completely different walks of life they unite under the goal of becoming stronger. We see each character grow not only stronger but closer. We see the characters overcome their flaws, Forgive their misdeeds, Fall in love. They laugh, They cry, They get under each overs skin and after fighting countless battles together, Physical and mental they still won't tell Tang San to STFU

(Seriously though, the banter is great)

Now that were done complaining about Tang San. please. STOP WITH THE f*ckING SENSELESS s*xual BULLSHIT! I don't want to hear 12 year olds threatening to r*pe each other OKAY? and you don't need to to mention how plump their bu*t is or how slim their waist is whenever any female does anything. You've mentioned how slim Xiao Wu's waist is the last 10 times Tang San wrapped around them. I don't need you to remind an 11th time.

Spoiler

More Gripes

1 - Why the hate for Zhu Zhuqing huh? I mean 1st of all she was barely acknowledging Mubai so why give her the heart yearning thistle stick thing and second of all of anyone should have had 5 Trials it should've been Ma Hongjun.

2 - After the 5th Spirit Ring Tang Sans abilities have barely anything pertaining to Blue Silver Grass

The Best Arcs

1 - Beginning

2 - Shrek Academy (Grandmasters training to Emporer Team Battle)

3 - Slaughter City

The Worst Arcs

1 - 2nd Round of Tournament Arc

2 - Seagod Trials 3 - 8

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I'm sure I forgot some more stuff but I'll return once I've pushed through the rest. <<less
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asyx
asyx rated it
June 9, 2020
Status: c250
Ok I haven't finished this and I don't remember what chapter I was at exactly but it was after ... more>>
Spoiler

rank 100

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. Why did I drop it? Because I read to the update point and I didn't keep up because I'm lazy. I'll finish it someday but my opinion will probably remain the same.

Doulou Dalu is a guilty pleasure. The fight scenes were creative and good until it just became a battle of rank and the MC vs everyone strong. It's good, there's growth. If you want a satisfying isekai with some added romance and op characters don't miss out! Every time I go through the I just want a badass MC phase, Doulou Dalu is there for me. This story is a hero's journey. If you want a weak to strong or a person overcoming weaknesses, try Doulou Dalu 2 or 3. Number 1 is about being number 1.

Tang San is a bit boring, too OP, to good, too badass, too smart, but so so satisfying. I think the rest of the Shrek Seven Devils should have had more time to shine, and they were neglected compared to our protagonist, but this story isn't about them. This story doesn't do romance that well and I know for a fact it becomes less engaging. But it is still so satisfying ok. It's a pleasure read not brain juice. It'd probably be a fun game.

This is a story about Tang San becoming awesomely powerful, nothing more nothing less. It's a Hero's Journey, don't have other Expectations.

Spoiler

unpopular opinion: if I had a choice, I'd ship Hu Liena and Tang San and have Xiao Wu remain... deceased. not that I don't like her, just a preference

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Kuzero
Kuzero rated it
June 1, 2020
Status: Completed
REVIEW AFTER FINISHING THE NOVEL

Everything that I had said in my first review remains true, if not even worse than I said back then.

There are a lot of things to say, but I'll try to keep it in a few strong points.

  • It remains disturbing that most bad things only happen because someone (usually the MC) did something s*upid.
  • Mutual plot armor. Antagonist have plot armor too! They get ridiculous buff kinda out of nowhere at the worst timing. Or sometimes things go horribly wrong when they shouldn't have. As a result author pulls some more plot armor out of nowhere to save the MC. See the problem? First he breaks the flow of the novel to put the MC into danger, and he breaks the flow of the novel to pull him out of danger. Probably to try to make the things more interesting since otherwise it's very boring.
  • Most of the novel is training or tournament. There is little outside of that. And what little there is outside of that is mostly fighting. Overall, not a lot of space for plot and world building. And even what little there is feels weird, in a way.
  • Main reason it feels weird and unsettling and kinda boring is probably because, at the end of the day, most conflicts in this novel have no reason to happen. When I read about a big big war, I read the epic final battle with very high stakes, and I'm still there wondering why they even fight......... yeaaaaaah.
... more>>
Spoiler

Though at the very end some of those people fighting are expecting to die and go to the divine realm. One literally says to the MC something like...I'll kill you at the price of my life and we can go to the divine realm together ; maybe there we'll be able to be friends. The problem is that there are only 3 people who definitely have a seat for the divine realm so everyone else can die for sure... without talking of the millions of soldiers dying for your s*upid meaningless wars. Then again they were going to war before the whole god thing, and I still didn't know why they were fighting back then either.

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OLD REVIEW AT AROUND 40% of the novel

My overall feeling is similar to the one of Hamsta's review. Character have partial mental ret*rdation to push plot forward. Except maybe the MC, which has near constant mental craziness. It's relatively easy to ignore early on, but the more we go into the story the harder it is to ignore the fact most of bad stuff in the story happens because of mc's s*upidity and inability to follow Tang Sect's principle, despite constantly thinking he is following them to the letter. The MC is way too stubborn to the point that, as long as there is 1% chance of success, he would rather have all his friends die than retreating for fear of being a coward. To be fair, the only way this story could be even remotely interesting was if the MC was a total ret*rd. Because he is also ridiculously OP and gifted to the max. Here are some spoiler of why the MC is the most op being ever born since the birth of god :

Spoiler
    1. To begin with he has all the knowledge of the Tang Sect, a top sect of his previous world, knowledge that is totally unknown in this new world and very complementary. Of course, the MC being ret*rded, he uses that knowledge relatively little, doesn't hurry to make things, and takes nearly 10 years to realize that damn maybe he can combine the knowlegde of the Tang Sect with the spirit abilities of this new world. To be honest the Tang skills are mostly used as asspull from the author each time he puts the MC into too dangerous a situation so tang san pulls off from the infinite void a random weapon he supposedly crafted before to one shot an enemy much stronger than him.
    1. During the awakening ceremony, it is discovered Tang San has a blue grass spirit, tr*sh spirit. Oh no! Don't worry though, it's just those fool being unable to see properly. Not only is this blue grass the most op grass of the whole continent, he also has twin spirit, something pretty much never seen ; and his second spirit is well known as the strongest tool spirit in the continent. tr*sh spirits I tell you.
    1. Of course, people need a teacher. What better than the best teacher in the whole continent? So good that one of the top dog in the world say "Who has this teacher will own the world" to the emperor of a country. But tr*sh teacher I tell you.
    1. Spirit master need spirit ring. Good thing lady luck is always smiling, because MC always find some of the best spirit ring around, and somehow he can always have ones better than his peers. Probably due to his incredible willpower most likely.
    1. Of course people also need a strong background! Don't be fooled by this drunkard father, actually he is... Damn.
    1. But hey if you think all that isn't enough, no worry. All I said was just the basic package. He gets a lot more along the way, usually in random way through incredible lucky encounter (he randomly gets things that even the strongest spirit master on the continent can only dream about).
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Another problem that really irked me was romance. Romance is very very bad in this novel, despite a lot of people praising this novel for its romance. There are four main couple we follow, most important one being the protagonist's obviously, but all of them are tr*sh... Okay almost all of them.

Spoiler

Main couple : Tang San and Xiao Wu. This "love" is too strong to the point of being unhealthy. It's not love... It's much weirder than that. Not sure how to say more without spoiling heavily. I guess it isn't too bad but the problem maybe is most of the "falling in love" part is actually done in time skip so here goes the romance part.

Side couples :

    1. Mubai and Zhuqing. Probably the best one. It's still a pretty extreme relationship, but it's the one I can understand the most.
    1. Grandmaster and Erlong. Not only do we never really learn why Erlong falls in love with grandmaster (sorry but with her personality they are really incompatible and I don't see where her love come from... but the falling in love part is done in a flash back so here goes the romance part). Biggest problem is I never understood the drama. I know cousin can't get married in China, but the way they phrase it in the story it's like the biggest taboo ever done on earth. I can't really accept so much drama was involved just because 1) those two are cousins 2) those two love each other.
    1. Rongrong and Oscar. I think this couple shows the biggest weakness of the author when it comes to romance : the falling in love. This is the only couple in which the people fall in love during the actual story - not in a time skip or in a flash back - and it's very bad. I mean, rongrong aside, how am I supposed to support Oscar's "pure love" when the only reason he fell in love was because of her beauty? I'm not denying physical attraction is very important, but his love seems to be based 99% on that.
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Eccentric Theorist
Eccentric Theorist rated it
April 7, 2020
Status: --
The story is actually quite a refreshing change from the usual Wuxia trope where disciples learn the same sect skills and fight to reach the pinnacle power, etc. DD realm does not have a fixed skill set, everyone develops differently and skills can come from almost anything. The novel has its charms and certainly its unforgivable flaws. It's more like a showcase of the unique power and abilities nobody could think of (except the author) rather than the classical wuxia story of good vs evil.

... more>>
Spoiler

It started off quite well with a captivating transmigration introduction but then it quickly reverted back to some high-school like drama, having to slowly read through the growing up of the MC from age 6 onwards. Being a mature reader, I don't fancy reading high-school type competitions or tournaments storyline. The main action already starts when the MC is barely a teenager. I understand the MC has the mind and soul of an adult but his teammates haven't. They are supposed to be normal teenagers, albeit brilliant. But just the idea that they all left their home and travelled to the same school where they met for the first time at such young age is already a little far-fetched. For example, we have Dai Mubai running away from a royal family power struggle when he was barely 13. Then his gf decides to chase after him 2 years later traveling hundreds of miles all by herself. We know Dai Mubai is 3 years older than the MC and Dai's gf is the youngest among the '7 devils'. So does that mean Dai Mubai and his gal started dating when she was like 10?

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Criticism aside, I do enjoy reading the concept of unique spiritual gifts and abilities. No one is predictable in that sense. The way they try to outsmart each other using their unique spiritual abilities is really engaging to read. Most of the fight or battle scenes are described quite vividly and down to the last detail. Some can be tedious and repetitive.

Nevertheless, many reviews actually lament that the MC is too OP. I actually have no qualms about that. This is one of the reasons I like Chinese wuxia because we have the heroes having all kinds of crazy, out of the world ability and power. Fictional main characters are supposed to be OP and stand out from the rest.

Spoiler

After all the author gave a solid reason (transmigration background) why Tang San is more superior compared to the others. Actually this whole power level is inconsistent throughout the novel because the MC gets power-up and rewards at almost every turn but to be honest, he does work hard for it, while his teammates can suddenly level-up with him despite his crazy effort training himself those years when they were apart. Even the so-called antagonist who suddenly appear so formidable out of nowhere contradicts what the author said in the beginning.

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This is why I do have to chide the author for being such a lousy and inconsistent writer. Not only he ascribes phenomenal skills and abilities to the MC, he also emphasizes repeatedly how gifted our MC is, only to have someone surpasses him with literally no effort at all. I know it's a web novel and it's updated periodically and not done in one go but the level of blatant inconsistency and incoherence is truly frustrating.

The author is always contradicting himself. The only saving grace is perhaps the consistency of the conduct and principles of our MC and his teammates. He's always calm and level-headed in crucial decisive moments but rash and unreasonable when it involves his gal. Although on a positive note, one can also say he is steadfast and loyal in all of his relationships. Oh, there's no harem and this is my next gripe because there are some female characters that definitely deserve more attention and character development. But then again, the focus on Shrek 7 devils kinda made up for all the lacking. They truly complement the storyline and add to the appeal of this novel.

Spoiler

Regrettably Tang San's relationship with Xiao Wu feels kinda forced and unbalanced. It seems she exists just to show how selfless and heroic the MC is. The author kept shoving down our throat on how much they love each other and it gets annoying at some point. I have to admit I don't like Xiao Wu as a character. She started off fine, though she does get annoying and petty but towards the second half, the author just ass-pulled her character to the extreme. She could suddenly transform into a human from a soulless rabbit and a rather invincible one to boot, all thanks to some flower and herb. When she was resurrected, her power just skyrocketed without any prior effort although half of the time, we are reminded that it is highly difficult to raise one's power at such level.

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Spoiler

Not to mention for the most part, the author led us to believe that she was chosen to be a god for no reason other than to level up to the MC. At the same time, the author painstakingly highlighted the ordeals that Tang San has to go through in the process of becoming a god. But she just happens to be in touched with some godly power out of the blue. I was a little hesitant with the godhood arc but when I started reading the sequels, it does make sense to build the MC up this way. The only pity is that it is not developed properly here.

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Spoiler

The last few chapters are so unbelievably contrived, it just falls apart. The abrupt ending is not helping either. In the finale (literally in the last few paragraphs), we have a plot twist that Xiao Wu turns out to be just a 'bridge' for our MC to be a dual god. This is probably the biggest ass-pull of the entire novel. This reduces her to nothing more than a tool, at the same time it reduces our MC to nothing more than an undeserving and a wretched hero who could do nothing if his gal is not in his body. It sounds so bad when I put it like that but it really is awfully written.

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Having said that, I see the justification why the story ends the way it is because the continuation of the series (DD2, 2.5, DD3, 3.5 and DD4) are based on this realm and the MC of DD is the forefront for the other MCs in the sequels. To me, the merit of this novel, apart from the superlative spirit-based power concept, is the main character himself. I actually like Tang San a lot especially his camaraderie with his teammates (minus those irrational moments/actions he did for his gal). He may be OP but he's not a jackass. Although he appears calculative and confident but he's actually very humble and down-to-earth. Many wuxia main characters are either haughtily chauvinistic or downright naive. Thankfully Tang San is neither. <<less
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slouchking
slouchking rated it
October 10, 2018
Status: Completed
Average generic read. Fairly like the romance between the MC and LI. It was little too shonen for me with the power of friendship and "tragedy" that surrounded the MC. Quality lowers near the end.

... more>>
Spoiler

The whole thing between MC and Qian Renxue and Qian Renxue in general was just terrible. The fact that one of the two final antagonist were madly in love with the MC and the other madly in love with the MC teacher/father was just silly and killed the story for me. If I wasnt so close to the end I would probably have dropped this novel.

And the last tragedy reveal of Bibi Dong before she died at the end was just silly. If she hated spirit hall so much why did she turn it into a an empire. The only time we find out she wants to destroy spirit hall is with her dying breath. Before that she just hated her husband and wanted to control spirit hall.

Also everyone cries too much in this.

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Its an okay filler read since its been fully translated. But its potentially mature story being written poorly lowers the quality of this novel to just generic. <<less
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Tykos
Tykos rated it
April 27, 2018
Status: c183
Douluo dalu in my opinion is novel that is great for starters. It is entertaing and engaging and it shows what chinese novels are all about. But, if you have read more of the chinese novels before it. It becomes near impossible to finish. The author of Douluo dalu is one of the best authors out there. He makes great plotlines, believable villains, interesting and creative cultivation... However, there is one thing the author always messes up and that is the main character. Every single one is flawed in some... more>> way. This MC basically went insane around 150 chapter (I dont mean he turned into a psycho, Altough he did in sense, I mean he legitemately went crazy) and I dont blame him. This novel is basically made so every single tragedy imaginable happens to him. Also he gets all the power ups and by the time you get to the later chapters there is no one who can challenge him so the author pulled some from his arse. But, anyway Doulao dalu 2 and 3 are actually better and have not disappointed me (so far). To better understand the story you might want to go through this, but I personally think it is unecessary. <<less
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Odyssey
Odyssey rated it
February 24, 2018
Status: c312
Spoiler

Overall the story is fairly good. Great pacing, character interactions and plot. However that being said the novel does have 2 gaping elements that detracts from the story. the first one was fine in the being since it served a purpose but the second is shear hypocrisy. The forced OTP element the beginning of the story was "needed" since you have 1 MC with 6 bro/sis so until all 7 of the Devils get a partner no one member should have a 2nd wife. So to keep to this theme the author doesn't let other girls stay near the MC for long til they are completely forgotten....... except 2. After the last hold of the Devils gets a girl the MC has 2 females that could be but cant be with him since they are the "enemy".

The last issue is the hypocrisy; the "villain" of the story really isn't bad from the get go, she's bad now because she was a victim in the being [events set before the opening of the novel] so while the MC side gets their happy endings, 3 women of the Church side don't. Hell the Pontif didn't harm her student for loving and "aiding" the MC. She actually felt sorry for her. Then worse is the Pontif's daughter [an unwanted child (offspring from r*pe) is raised by the girls grandfather [rapist's dad] to ultimately usurp the Pontif's power/position. so the 2 people that really cause the trainwreck of events to take place, 1 dies at the MC's birth and the other dies a "peaceful" death to aid the daughter into becoming lvl 100.

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SoloFlame
SoloFlame rated it
September 21, 2016
Status: c238
Truly a gem.

Everything about this novel makes me appreciate the author and makes me feel that he actually put time and effort into his work. Despite it being a decent size the side characters all have their own personalities and quirks and don't seem to follow the standard cliches and feel much more alive than the simple side characters found in other novels, but my biggest love about this novel is that ... more>>
Spoiler

Tang San still uses his Tang sect skills that he learned in his previous life and it's still remembered as a plot point and its useful

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yijunding
yijunding
May 16, 2016
Status: c215
One of the best MCs of any novel. Is OP, but not obnoxiously so. Excellent character development and growth of all the main characters, and they all have their own unique personalities that draws the reader in. This is in stark contrast to the mostly linear characters in most xianxia novels. The cultivation route in this is also one of the best - very clear on powers, skills, and abilities. Although I got this spoilt by idiot friends who have read the Chinese version, I will still read the translated... more>> one till the end. <<less
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koog008
koog008 rated it
February 10, 2016
Status: --
This was one of the most addicting novels ive ever read. It quickly became one of my favorites. I truly loved this novel right until a certain part. Then it got a little draggy. But still a great read and one of my favs. I decided to take a little break to build up the chapters. Hope it stops the draggy part and picks it right back up.
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Grenade
Grenade rated it
November 19, 2015
Status: --
The series which introduced me to the xianxia/wuxia world, cant get enough of it. Loveable characters and captivating plot
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CayLuhsYah
CayLuhsYah rated it
January 7, 2022
Status: Completed
Douluo Dalu is one of those series that are better when adapted into a television series, animated series, or comic. When I first completed this novel a couple of years ago, I was so frustrated I put it in a list called ‘DON’T READ AGAIN!’. This novel is highly rated though and it isn’t too bad so why did I do that? Simply because the whole entire read through was so aggravating, I couldn’t do anything else.

Tang San is a very strong, morally just person. I actually really love his... more>> character and he was a joy to read about. He made the miserable time of reading this novel just a bit better. He’s probably the best written out of all the other characters. Most of the other characters outside of the Shrek’s Monsters aren’t very flushed out but there’s one character in particular that infuriates me to no end... Xiao Wu.

In the donghua, a lot of her most annoying traits are eventually corrected and I actually like her a lot. However in the original novel, she’s insufferable. In times where Tang San doesn’t need her help, she jumps in. She gets herself into so much danger that Tang San has to save her and he loses so much because she refuses to believe he’s strong enough to handle himself. She’s annoyingly hyper all the time. In the beginning she treated everybody like they were her gofers. I just couldn’t stand her and because of her I just couldn’t enjoy the story.

The world building is amazing and I really enjoyed watching it come to life so I can’t say not to read it. I’m sure that if you take the time to read it you’ll have a lot of fun. If you try not to pay attention to Xiao Wu, there are a lot of other fun things about the series and the characters inside it. My favorite characters are Tang San and Dai Mu Bai. I guess the tsundere lovers won’t find any problem with Xiao Wu or any of her weird behaviors but if tsundere’s tend to annoy the sh*t out of you, I decided to send out a fair warning because she is the main love interest. <<less
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Llamaz
Llamaz rated it
May 22, 2021
Status: c336
Omg, I watched the drama and wanted to know the ending bc I didn't want to watch season 2 so...

Me reading the last pg of the novel... Fu*k. 👁_👁

... more>>
Spoiler

Why Bi Bi Dong! Her teacher a fc*king Bi*ch. Quote of Bi Bi Dong, "I caused so much death, so much harm. My death is fair. I hate this world, so I wanted to take revenge on the world. I wanted to ruin Spirit Hall, ruin the world, and ruin myself." end of quote.

And WTF is this quote, "Liu Erlong, when I'm dead, your hatred will also be avenged. Xiao Gang loves you, abandon all profane chains, truly be together with him even if you have to r*pe him. Have the blessing I never did, at least you can be together. Help me look after him, ok?"

Really Bibi Dong. "r*pe HIM..."🙄

Oh yas he with his lover forever. That's all I wanted to know.

Oh here another quote, "Teacher, I want to arrange your wedding, and host your and madam's wedding in Heaven Dou City. This is all this disciple can gift you and madam."

Tears of Joy. "Fine, I agree to your last request. But not just me and Xiao Wu, you also have to marry little Ao and Rongrong, Fatty and Xiangxiang, as well as boss Dai and Zhuqing with us, so it's up to them."

All em got happiness. Ahhh! Love their friendship. Yes. Yes. I'm happy now.

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sulili
sulili rated it
November 11, 2020
Status: c336
I've just spent 4 days (?) reading the LN of douluo dalu. The whole novel setting has a very comfortable adventure/ fantasy feel. Tencent's animated version is quite loyal to the original novel and does a better job than the manhua, but the novel is still the most comprehensive and has the most intact logic. I have to credit the excellent translator, Bagelson, here. Could be why I sadly cannot get into any of the sequels.

I have to contradict a lot of the other reviews here to say that the... more>> book is really quite good among xianxia, despite the shortcomings. Yes, there are many cliches and too much deus ex machina towards the end, but the characters are lovable, worldbuilding is rich and the combats and tournaments are quite well written among representatives of this genre. The author does not neglect many interesting details about the battles and the medicines, and especially at the start, our protagonist spends his time doing the work to get through his level-ups. Tang San's unique skill in the world is hidden weapons, and I appreciate that this remains his special thing all the way to the final battles of the book, even though he does not need it anymore.

Also, I want to point out that in a novel of this size, I think the plot is actually relatively tight. Most items are foreshadowed except for a few that come near the end (see below). Many themes persist throughout the book, for instance, the circumstances being echoed between Tang San and his father is quite artful.

Favourite characters: Tang San obviously, though he's a bit too OP I love him all the same. I liked his dad, Poison Douluo and Bibi Dong the best out of the side characters. I would have loved to see more interaction with these three side characters.

My favourite arcs in order (spoilers) :

    • Clear sky arc.
      Spoiler

      The author gives vivid description of the clear sky clan internal politics and the way the clan works. The clan itself inspires mystery, being hidden in a giant mountain connected by a slippery chain link path, with a small government and rich clan politics and traditions. I especially like the interactions between his dad, aunt and uncle. Would love to know more about Tang Hao's training when he was young, as well as the relationship was between Tang Hao and his great grandfather (the Slaughter King).

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    • Arc of slaughter city.
      Spoiler

      This is a really well written adventure, especially the slaughter road. I still want to know more about slaughter city and how his grandfather established it, as well as how Bibi Dong came to know about it. Perhaps she is the 'spirit hall backing' that the novel discussed? Also, if Tang Hao knew about the slaughter city, I feel that more of the Clear Sky elders should have gone through; but there are only 2 slaughter kings. There's a story here.

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    • Shrek 7 battles.
      Spoiler

      These are quite enjoyable, such as the tournament and the sea god trials, because the battle interaction between the devils is well done. One small nitpick is that in the seagod trial, the hall elders should applaud instead of look down on Tang San's choice to challenge the elders directly after the other members. It clearly saves time. Instead, the trials end up hinging on Tang San's individual brilliance in the end? Maybe the author was worried that Tang San was not OP enough compared to other xianxia protagonists lol.

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The two most major weakness of this novel, imo, lie with the ML and FL. Tang San is a bit too OP. He is not only an expert in several domains, such as poison, but The Expert; comfortably surpassing all other characters. I do enjoy his OP-ness but at times he's seriously written like a benevolent saint which makes it hard for him to be a realistic comrade, love interest, etc.

The character of Xiao Wu also seems too ornamental to allow depth for the romance. Her character's skills need more development.
Spoiler

Despite training for the same amount of time as Tang San, Xiao Wu is never able to surpass her partner in any significant aspect e.g. she only stands beside him during the seagod trials. And to top it off, in the end she serves as an excuse for Tang San to upgrade his soul rings and a sheath for Tang San to wield the Asura power? She barely seems to count as a FL. If the author could develop her a bit more, he could make her worthy of being the Asura in her own right.

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As some additional weaknesses that I thought stood out, most are plot hole related (spoilers) :

    • Spoiler
        • The main villain should really be Bibi Dong. Such an interesting character, I'm lamenting that her daughter has to be pulled out to inherit the angel god as Tang San's final opponent. I also have to say that Bibi was killed way too easily. I wish the author told us more about her youth, her soul rings, and how she got her god inheritance.
        • Tang San's poison knowledge is too OP / Poison Douluo is too weak. It's ok for him to learn some things from Tang San, but how could he lack so much knowledge about his own lake? Also he never seems to go back to this precious lake after Tang San plants his mother there? With Poison Douluo's abilities, he ought to be a bit more useful; he could really wipe out a lot of spirit hall instead of just appearing once on the battlefield at the end. The same goes for other Title Duoluo, please give them a bit of face to teach the younger generation.
        • The gods in the book are only really introduced near the end when in fact, it would be more harmonious to just have them from the beginning. This random angel god is an example. It's not clear what the function of this god is and why it would choose such an odd trial for Bibi Dong's daughter. Secondly the sea god is a bit a random choice, as from the start the author has hinted that Tang San is more suitable for the Asura god (they even call him Asura in the tournament??). Tbh it would have been better to leave out all this sea stuff that appeared at the end and do some kind of Asura God trials instead.
          At least Asura domain is used with Tang San's hammer so it makes more sense for the Asura God to exist. Why can't the hammer be a divine tool like the trident? Also the Asura God seems like a cool guy. This would seriously boost the novel ending by like 30 % enjoyment for me. The Sea God's powers don't have much explanation either. Why can't the angel god win against the Sea god despite having a higher status?
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This is still my favorite xianxia to date... and probably among my top 5 favorite novels. The chapters are long, but can be enjoyed patiently. Highly recommend. <<less
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MyRAMEN
MyRAMEN rated it
November 4, 2020
Status: ?
Dont get me wrong, I freaking loved this series, espicially the manhuas, however the first book is in my oponion the worst out of the series, except maybe the sort of spin off in the immortal world. This was when the author was starting out and still improving so it isnt that surprising. This book has lots of cliches and similar to the copy and paste cultivation novels minus the unique cultivation. I honestly suggest skipping this novel and starting with the manhua, and only go to the books from... more>> the 2nd or 3rd book. Though, the art is drastically improved in the later series of manhuas, so it will be hard to ditch <<less
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