This is my favorite novel. It starts out a bit slow but thats great because it helps build characters and the world. The main character is built well, he is funny, sneeky, agressive when needs to be. The character doesn't just get OP power cause he finds something but works at it to gain power. Also the story is in depth and well developed.

One of my fave novels here. I love Meng Hao's character, especially when there's a bashful expression appearing on his face, you'll know he's about to con someone. This novel made me laugh, made me root for the MC, and at the same time made me cry (there are scenes that made me bawl my eyes out) ; and of course, I love how this is not a harem, that Meng Hao only love one girl. Damn that wedding scene, I was so high because of that happy scenario only... more>> to plunged back down to despair. I wasn't disappointed when I took up to reading this wonderful work. <<less

This is definitely one of the best written (if not the best) Xianxia novels out there. Its well thought out and lacks a lot of the plot holes most Xianxia novels have and unlike most other novels that lose their lustre over time, it only gets better.

The only glaring problem with this novel in my opinion is the romance which could be considered a bit cheesy as the author is very old school so romance is not his strongest point, but that is only a small part of the story... more>> and is really only prominent in a single volume. Apart from that, this novel is definitely a masterpiece when its comes to xianxia novels and is definitely a must read. <<less

A lazy read. It will take you to a long and arduous journey with an MC that is really hard-working (again in more ways than one). There will be quite a lot of action and adventures and a modest romance to complement it. It will make you analyze things you have never even heard before, pluck upon the hardest hearts and feels a lot of "feels". These novel will take you to high and lows and evokes empathy and apathy sometime at the same time.

This grandpa loves this NOVEL! On a serious note this novel adequately describes that patience is important it was boring at the first 100 chapter but now, it makes us check novel updates at the regular schedule repeatedly for latest update. Meng hao is a trickster it is in his nature because he lived a poor well not penniless life. With that said I recommend this novel as #A2 in my reading list. Gramps out.

It's deep, the plot is complicating at times so much that it's confusing and the main character really grows on you. In short this is a must read along with ST, DE, ATG, TDG and TMW.

Don't listen to those who have only read 100 or so chapters. It's the part of the story where many unrelated scenes/encounters happen, therefore all the rant about being boring. But the battles are still very good (don't understand how people don't look at this point)

The writing style... it's very well written and Deathblade (the translator) explains the complex the parts very well (it has many... profound words).

One of the best.

Okay, first of all;
Before you judge and criticize this novel, read till chapter 200. The first 100 chapters are pretty meh. But after that, is where the awesome part of this novel kicks in. And if you don't get hooked in by chapter 250, then I don't know what will interest you. You just have to stick with it and be persistent for you to find the 'amazing-ness' of this novel. So don't be a bit*h and complain about the novel when you haven't even witnessed the true potential yet.

Oh, and for those looking for 'sweet romance', you'll find none of that here. If you want some lovey dovey action time, go read ATG or something.

ISSTH (I Shall Seal the Heavens) is one of the many novels that I had trouble digesting at first, but eventually fell for its charm. The story has an extremely slow pace, and unlike many Xianxia/Wuxia the MC (Meng Hao) isn't a cultivating genius nor a hotheaded buffoon; But he is an intellectual individual who actually thinks. In my opinion, the story from chapter 1-150... is a dreadful read. I wanted to just drop the story and criticized the author. But I soon came to love the story because of... more>> happy/sad events, the long cultivating adventures, and the hardship that the MC faces. Overall, tried to read pass 200 and you will maybe enjoy the story. <<less

For me ISSTH is the Top Xianxia Story that exists (or that I have read), the MC is interesting not arrogant at all and you actually like him (which for me is Quite rare). The whole Story never gets boring and the Details are just amazing. God I love this Story, and can only recommend it. Try it you will Love it.

I don't know why people doesn't like the first book, I really enjoyed it. Sure, the MC got pretty OP early on, that is also the reason I enjoyed it. The story is early was based mainly on that but was still nice though. After 300+ chapters the excitement kinda lessened but still enjoy most chapters.

Great story unlike your typical Xianxia. It's a bit slow at the begining and then just kind of takes off. It's "deeper" than your typical Xianxia and can really appeal to your emotions at times. Overall good sh*t :D

Really difficult to binge-read. The story is complex and has a lot of chinese references + play-of-words that makes it difficult to take. You may find it slow but it's really good.

One of the best xianxia to read on a daily basis.

At first I found it boring due to it acting like I’m new to wuxia but after the first chapter I was drawn in by the hilarious events surrounding and as I went Along found that he is indeed a likable character. He’s mature, doesn’t act rashly and finds his own faults when he’s in the wrong. He doesn’t treat women like toys and takes advantage of them even when they try to kill him due to his strict moral code. He’s not reincarnated and was instead a former scholar... more>> which gives another kind effect on the story due to the main character being a normal inhabitant of the world.

As I read along there were times I laughed so hard but it hasn’t managed to make me cry just yet, the arcs are interesting and although there’s not much romance to be seen it still fun to watch as he gets power ups due to both luck and hard work.I especially like the new chapters and am still not bored of watching him go around causing chaos them acting shy. I love the parts when he acts shy :’) So I give this novel a 5/5.

................................
Reviewing again because I can:
Although it starts off slow it is by no means not interesting, first arc is actually pretty funny due to him being a naive scholar from the same world giving a good twist to cliche developments, after finishing the arc the story becomes more and more interesting due to using effective foreshadowing at the right moments and even explaining things in simple terms when it comes to the things he learns as a cultivator. I like this MC the most due to him having morals and accepting his own mistakes, he does make mistakes and tries his best to fix them earnestly, he isn't emotionless nor is he a saint who wants to save the world but simply wants to become stronger to survive the brutal world of cultivation. I've read more than 500 chapters and I'm still not bored of it~ <<less

Novels tend to have its highs and lows. It could start off great then go down. Or start down and go up. But ISSTH is pretty consistent. Its of the best novels out there. Another thing that helps is it has such an amazing team that throws out chapters like no other. I can go talking about all the stuff why I like this novel, but you should just read it.

One of the best one out there. 5/5

My fav is book 3.

It starts slow so it might deter some people. The MC isn’t a reincarnated/transported from another world human, he is a full pledge citizen of his world. He was a scholar who is trying to pass Imperial Exam, by fate got picked up by a sect. During book 1 and 2 you can see he’s so tenacious, refuse to give up just because he isn’t backed by powerful people/family.

For people who like a leecherous MC, probably won’t like this... more>> series, because MC isn’t a leecher who thinks “gotcha catch them all” when he sees a female. Up until 450ish chapter only 1 female has certain place in his heart. He is so focus on his goals and getting it on with female certainly not one of them.

Another thing I like about this series is that each arc the MC didn’t grow on linear growth, he’s getting all different kind of powers, although the main theme is the same (getting more power/skills) it’s still different kind of power.

I must say when you read 424-425 when sh*t hit the fan, it's the best EPIC scene I have ever read. <<less

While all xianxia novels are generally similar in concept but would have something new to offer, ISSTH is by far, the most unique xianxia novel I have read to date. This is mainly because it isn’t focused on cultivation. The MC doesn’t start out that OP but slowly gets to that point. He reaches that point of OP that is just enough to make you admire him but not so much that the threat around him becomes boring.

And then things start to get weird. But not the bad kind, the... more>> good kind. Readers will agree that the best supporting characters in all xianxia novels are found in this novel and you will know who they are once you read about them.

As for our MC, he becomes a being which surpasses Professor Snape as well as a Pokemon Trainer surpassing those of the Indigo League. You get to see Crobat’s and Arcanines in action, and who know’s what else the MC will become.

It’s a good ride. Read it. 5/5 <<less

Best Story Funny and cool MC, clever side characters, harsh conditions for MC to get developed...i have read lot of Xianxia novels but after reading this novel you get to understand what is meant to be True Cultivator

5/5
only ze tian ji and True Martial World are comparable to this novel

Where do I start. This is the most amazing Wuxia novel I’ve read and keeps getting better. It’s a comedy with a lot of high tense live or die action. Meng Hao is truly the hero you want. There are characters who make me laugh out loud. Translator is amazingly good. The world itself feels dynamic, evolving, and large. As character grows the action and strength of those actions grow. Like an ant that keeps getting stronger to eventually fight against gods. You learn about the world alongside Meng Hao... more>> as well! MC never feels OP. He’s lucky and unlucky, but comes out ahead. He takes advantage of unlucky situations and often makes his own luck. When he’s weak he’s constantly on the run as expected, but as he gets stronger he runs less and less until he can fight back against enemies. He’s like a normal person instead of super overpowered and is strategic instead of rash, self-righteous or hotheaded. He becomes increasingly more mature as well and it’s not stated, but you feel it in the writing. There’s no righteous raping (looking at you MGA). The romances are funny or sweet not a harem. He’s focused and his goals are higher truths and not money, fame, or women. He will take what he can (otherwise he’d be s*upid), but he doesn’t have a problem working with, helping others, or sharing. The people he cares about, works with, and those on his side always gain something. He shares what he can. Most of his friends seem to be FAR luckier than him. Some story elements appear random, but they become important later (sometimes much later (Worldbuilding!)). He doesn’t always kill the bad guys. There are no eternal enemies. If there was a complaint, I’d say it’d be incense stick phrase being too repetitive, but eventually even that improves. <<less

Sigh. Where do I begin. One of the best LN I have ever read (the very best IMO)

No reincarnated MC. No harem. Guy has his shares of fortunes and misfortunes. He was a pretty normal kid who just wanted to clear his exams (and failing at it LOL), get a job and become very rich. Then BAM he’s forced into the world of cultivators, a world which he knows nothing about. There begins the journey of Meng Hao, who decides to never bow down or be restricted by... more>> the heavens. In my opinion the only reason the novel is below others is because of its slow start (but I prefer to call it building up the world)

If you are someone who loves to read novels but is very impatient. Please grit your teeth and read till chapter 160. After which the novel picks up (a very special character is introduced who is very special to me). Don’t miss out this masterpiece. To top it off, we have an awesome translator who loves ISSTH to the core (comeon who translates the names of all the characters and gives important insights as a footnote?)

Deathblade, if you are reading this. I would like to thank you for bringing us this masterpiece.

5/5 folks.

I would even say it is the “A Song of Fire and Ice” of xianxia novels

EDIT: I felt that I did not appreciate the translator enough. His ability to translate the novel while keeping its essence is top notch. As someone from a non english speaking country myself I understand how difficult it is. Certain catch phrases which might rhyme in chinese need not necessarily rhyme in english when translated literally. But the translator manages to do that while making us laugh uproariously at the same time. <<less