Jiang Hu’s Road is Curved

Description

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Alone, Pang Wan entered the Jiang Hu[1]. Her dream was to become a pure lady [2], to find her destined other half.

To fulfill this dream, everyday, she would dress elegantly in white and sit in the teahouse to admire handsome men and read her novels.

She heard, the demonesses [3] related to Jiang Hu were all, depending on their martial arts capabilities, divided into groups of three, six and nine.

Currently, the evil woman, who had the beauty of a blossoming flower, who had a heart like snakes and scorpions, who could kill at such a young age, was a once in a century’s peerless demoness.

She also heard that the demoness had came down the mountains to challenge the Wu Lin [4] champion Gu Xi Ju, to take the title of number one and to wreck havoc in the Jiang Hu.

Yet again she heard that all those who had decent martial arts skills vowed to get rid of this witch.

Aiyaya, it’s not good! Isn’t this demoness her? She did not kill the person! She did not start the fire!

This infamous name of the demoness is also not what she wanted!

Looks like Jiang Hu’s road is very curved, she’d better run!

—–

[1] Literally translated as rivers and lakes. Refers to the pugilist world.

[2] Direct translation: A lady like a White Lotus, meaning pure.

[3] Not exactly the supernatural kind. It’s kind of a name for the women of Jiang Hu.

[4] Wu Lin meaning martial arts.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Bi Bi Bi Xia
Jiang Hu Lu Wan Wan
江湖路弯弯
陛陛陛下
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Crazy Adventures of Wu Gate (5)
The Otherworldly Adventures of a Super Naive Girl (4)
My Disciple Died Yet Again (3)
The Royal’s Cute Little Wife (3)
The Legend of Chu Qiao: Division 11’s Princess Agent (2)
Falling Dreams of Fang Hua (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Stories I actually care to remember in 10 years
  2. 4.5+ bxg | shoujo | josei
  3. my absolute faves
  4. Ancient China Fluff Plot
  5. She's different! She's a queen!

Latest Release

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12/20/16 xia0xiao1mei special 3
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Review
95 Reviews


lolli
lolli
Apr 06, 2016
Status: --
*** Slight spoilers ahead ***

I thought this was going to be a light romance comedy, but halfway thru the story my assumption flew out the window. I must say that the heroine starts off as happy go lucky with thoughts of being the main female lead in her own made up story. When we reach the halfway mark what happened caught me by surprise, the author totally got me tricked. I was so sure I knew who the male lead was but it turned out I was wrong. I felt... more>> so sorry for the female lead and must applaud her nemesis for being such a good actor. I hope you guys get on the right ship because mine sank all the way to the bottom of the ocean and thats exactly where I want it to stay. In the end I really enjoyed the novel and it got more serious than I thought it would get. <<less
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Gabi94
Gabi94
Nov 23, 2020
Status: Completed
Edit : I finished this novel because I'm stubborn and it was near the end but I forgot to update here. I still agree with everything I said below. The plot twist at the end is very forced, soap opera style.

This review was written when I was in chapter 56

Ok, I feel that I've read enough of the novel to tell for sure... this isn't all that. (At least for me, so I'll say what I think just in case some person out there may relate and... more>> can avoid this novel because I feel like there should've been some review here warning people like me who can't tolerate BS)

First of all, I don't care if later it will be "sooo goood". If I have to read 48 chapters of a novel with 70 chapters, for then to be good, most of the novel was wasted.

Second, All the "ML" treated her like shit, one of them even beats her every time he sees her, people in the comment session keep "excusing" his behavior saying "ah but he comes from an evil sect, this is how they behave" I DON'T f*ckING CARE. People cheering for a romance where the man hits the woman ALL THE f*ckING TIME makes me sick. Plus, Our MC isn't evil at all, thus he treating her like that isn't the scenario where both are malicious and love this cat and mouse play. HE IS JUST BEATING HER. People in the comments are even more deluded than the MC, saying that things are coming around for the MC, in the same chapter that one of the potential ML beats the crap out of her because he is "jealous" Oh for f*ck sake, I can't believe I lost my time on this.

Third Don't let yourself be misled by the "big plot twist". See, this big plot twist everyone keeps saying in the reviews, is actually really obvious that will happen,

Spoiler

One of the ML betrayed her. And If the other two ML didn't treat her like sh*t which consequently brought down her self-esteem, she wouldn't have made such a huge mistake trusting that Gu (whatever) guy just because she was so desesperate for love. She was looking for love earlier, yes, BUT when the guy asked her to kneel, she refused. She still loved herself more then. But later on, after being beat by one ML and shout by the other, the fake guy actually felt pretty decent. You know what? Even tho I had 95% certainty that the Gu guy was bad news, hoped for a miracle because the other two are just too bad options.

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This is the BASIC of a toxic relationship: Make the person believe she doesn't deserve better. Make the person think she is not worthy, Treat her like sh*t first, and then, treat her a little better so she feels that she owes you... and then, she even feels grateful for the little attention you give her.

This time, the author used this mentality on the MC and on the readers.

Spoiler

She had only ONE guy being good to her, OF COURSE, everybody hoped for him to be the ML. He was the only one being nice. And Seeing the author using this "plot twist" that the only good one was actually fake, to make us like the other MLs (who btw treated her like sh*t too, but a bit less compared to the other guy) made me sick man.

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After that (chapter 49) things did get better but in this unbelievable way. From nowhere, everyone turned for the better. Was meant to be Subtle but it wasn't. The contrast was too big. The asswhole who kept beating her suddenly is a "big brother" type. The other one who couldn't stand her, now loves her with a fiery passion. (He at least had the excuse of being tsundere, but still didn't cut it.)

The MC had the most realistic change, but, Sorry, for me she didn't redeem herself for all those chapters of frivolity and annoyance. btw, the author intended to make a parody of the mary sue type but didn't achieve that, the Mary Sue types we see in most novels are ruthless and not interested in romance (at least in the beginning), for me the MC seems more like the delusional villain than anything, chasing beautiful guys and acting spoiled. AND YES, UNTIL NOW, IN CHAPTER 56, SHE STILL LETS PEOPLE DECIDE EVERYTHING FOR HER. oh god, I can't.

AGAIN I stand by what I said before, read 48 chapters to enjoy 22 of them makes no sense.

I can't believe this is supposed to be "romance" and not a cautionary tale, of how sometimes, NEITHER MAN are good. Better alone than with those sociopaths.

Why am I ranting here? Because, if wasn't for various reviews saying "don't give up, it gets better" I would've dropped this in chapter 10. I know, it isn't the reviewer's fault, for him/her, sure, got better, but I thought that I should bring balance to this review and let you know, this novel isn't for everybody. Don't believe blindly in the reviews, if you feel like dropping it, drop. And don't look back. For me, you're not missing a thing. <<less
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dysry
dysry
Mar 11, 2016
Status: --
At first glance, the MC is a silly and slightly deluded girl who believes herself to the the lead of a story (which in this case she is) and randomly casts famed warriors as her leading man. However she is also the heir to an evil sect and having survived under these circumstances, clearly has more skill and intellect than what readers assume. Unleashed into the martial arts world, we see her interact with various famous figures, and encountering harsh trials which really test her character.

Despite her appearance Pang... more>> Wan truly is the pure lily type, that remains true to herself throughout the story. Though, rather than graceful and otherworldly, she’s more resilient and vibrant, making her very cute and adorable. While the actions of the other characters, having been warned by other readers, did make sense and feels more realistic than their first appearance.
Spoiler

The male lead: While he wasn’t the best male lead ever, he was the only one who never hid his true nature from her and his situation would give her a peaceful life. So in a way Pang Wan chose the one most suited to her... after going through all the others...

Love interests: one planned out and fell for her future self, another is tied strongly to her past and cares for her platonically while the third did truly see her for who she was and loves the current her.

Ending: By the time the story finished, it truly felt the MC (and the reader) was just so tired of everything she just wanted out. I had wanted her to mature, but not to retirement age.

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Railman
Railman
Feb 23, 2017
Status: Completed
Probably one of the best romance novel here in novelupdates, its unique and has a good plot, we rarely see chinese romance that doesnt over praise the male lead as "clean as jade", "most beautiful man in the world", "even gods pale in comparison", etc. Even though the plot twist is a little slopy, predictable and was not explained clearly (one part translation problem), still doesnt lower the excitement you get from reading this awesome novel.
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Ruyi
Ruyi
Feb 13, 2017
Status: Completed
It is now 5AM but I have no regrets binging this novel. Amazing. It is amazing. I started out expecting some comedic parody/deconstruction of the Mary Sue trope vs wuxia, only to be completely surprised by the characters and plots that happened inside.

The twist in the first half completely changes the tone of the book in the second; while it still holds on to its humor in spirit, there's a sense of bittersweetness in the comedy that comes from growing up and facing reality--it's not all idle dreams and girlish... more>> fantasies in the world of Jiang Hu anymore.

I personally feel that parts of the ending were rushed, especially the gambits that kept piling on top of each other (though the author references this to be similar to a never ending Go game, the execution isn't quite as elegant and a little too sudden). Still, by that time I was so invested in the characters and their fate that I didn't care.

They're not just 2-D cutouts! They grow and change---or reveal that they weren't who you thought they were at all! Even "villains" (& I use quotes because it's not the "bad guys" that are the antagonists of the story here) and major side characters get depth and motivations/goals. Some parts of the novel that dealt with characters' inner thoughts and motivations, as well as poetic analogies to events/feelings of the plot, were well done.

All in all, a unique spin on a typical genre with different twists and a well deserved ending. Well done, author, well done! It kept my interest and had a satisfying finish for my favs! (Just wished the main antagonist could suffer... even more.)

Oh yeah, and have fun guessing the male lead early on! If you don't read the comments in chapters, you might be surprised. :3 <<less
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MrsNyan
MrsNyan
Dec 04, 2016
Status: --
If you have started reading it: DON'T DROP IT!

At first (around chapter 13-20) I was kinda disappointed by the main character. Her egocentric and delusioned world view about everything revolving around her and the ultimate goal of becoming a Mary Sue heroin.

BUT my worries got blown away rather quickly. (worry of wasting my time with that story, it is.)

... more>> ### slight spoiler/incentive ###

It gradually became sweet and funny and the delusions... they continued for a little while but were not excessive...

Until half-way through: PLOTTWIST followed by another PLOTTWIST followed by another PLOTTWIST followed by... you get the idea.

The author sure has a twisted mind (meant as a compliment). A stunning an unpredictable development of the story. The characters evolving or revealing their true selves.

Welcome to an emotional roller coaster with secret relations being unraveled, hidden psychopath sitting next to you and intrigues and schemes as well as crushing defeats.

Get the tissues ready while heading to the end! ~ <<less
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maiha-sama
maiha-sama
May 23, 2017
Status: Completed
OMG Please read this!!!! This was such a pleasant surprise. Here I started off thinking its one of those run of the mill reincarnation stories. BUT!! KABOOM!!! My ships came crashing down. Haha.. It was just delicious. I get so thrilled when I meet a story that exceeds my expectations.

The story starts off pretty light and silly and it does stay pretty wistful for the most of the first part. And then I was floored. The author did me in. Haha. I went from utterly in love with to -->... more>> disbelief to --> hate with a vengeance to --> complete disgust to --> scorn to --> uneasy pity for 'someone'. In all, this has everything you want from a Josei: a sweet romance, meaty characters, drama, betrayal, revenge and then some.

At first, the MC is, simply put, delusional. Believing that all males must be attracted to her, she fails miserably. This is essentially a story of her growing up and taking off her rose tinted glasses. The male characters are very interesting and they all have flaws which is so refreshing! Sometimes you feel like throwing a brick at them.

Spoiler

All was well till the last few chapters and then it just wrapped up like the author was in a hurry to use the restroom :/ why? I feel like the MC just settled with what she got. She was so fiery and lovely at the beginning. Surely, growing up doesn't necessarily mean you become docile and lose your personality. I'd understand if she remained duller than her earlier self - that's only natural. Here though, she just seemed to accept everything that came and quietly retreated into her box.

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But I loved it all the same. To the translator who did a fab job: one big kiss :) <<less
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KKristen
KKristen
Feb 04, 2017
Status: Completed
This series is so sweet that it'll give you diabetes. But it'll also make you laugh, tug on your heartstrings, and the big plot twist will make you gasp with horror. (Just a word of caution -- be careful when reading the reviews. If they spoil the twist for you, you'll really be missing out.)

PLOT:

A naive and vain girl from a land filled with Mary Sue's is reincarnated as the holy maiden in an evil sect. Everyone wants her to commit acts of villainy and the righteous sects... more>> all think she's a criminal, but all she wants to do is find romance and her "male lead"!

TRANSLATION:

The translation quality is excellent. The translators do an amazing job of translating poems, providing notes, and using varied and interesting language to capture the scenes.

REVIEW:

I really enjoyed this! This novel starts off light-hearted with a daydreaming (and slightly annoying) heroine, but it quickly turns into an interesting and unconventional romance that will make your heart pound. While reading the first book, you expect this to be a typical air-headed romance, but in the end it really becomes more intense, tragic, and exciting. The main character's personality develops and changes over time, and the author does a great job of conveying what it's like to realize that the "dream world" that you've been reincarnated into is actually a harsh reality. The romance develops realistically over time and all of the potential "male leads" really keep you guessing. If you're looking for an exciting romance-fantasy-comedy with a headstrong female lead, several interesting gorgeous guys for you to ship, and a good storyline that actually gets kind of deep (all the feels!!!), give this a try. <<less
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Katra1212
Katra1212
Oct 23, 2016
Status: c66
It's a romance comedy action novel, with a Female lead that is the epitome of Hilarious. Rollicking. Hysterical. It has the most unexpected plot twist.

Pang Wan who lives in the land of the Mary Sue (land of heroine to the attention of a harem of heros at her beck and call: in short, it's the land of love and frolic) got transported to the bloody world of Jiang Hu. What's more, she actually the Saint daughter of the most evil sect in the country.

A not so simple girl who likes... more>> to day dream entangling herself to three important men.
A man that tried to kill and save her.
A man of power she's supposed to overthrow.
And a mysterious man that taught her the ways of seduction.

Oops. Stop there... Before you speculate.

Warning: This is not a simple lighthearted romance. Ready your heart for some abuse, it will bleed and bruise. From crazy haha to a madness tear mess. <<less
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hawlol
hawlol
Jul 30, 2018
Status: c26
I followed the other reviews below and gave this a chance. I deeply regret it.

MC is a ret*rded woman that believes she's in a 'Mary Sue' world where the MC is a disney like princess with a constant male harem of powerful men that serve her. It's not ret*rded funny, but ret*rded annoying. She's gets constantly thrown down because no one is fawing on her, Male leads don't like her, her reputation is bad, etc.

She also get's manhandled by every male lead. So far there are 3 and they all... more>> do so. There are several martial arts scenes but there's no cultivation system or anything that represents strength. ML can beat her, she can beat everyone else. That's the only logic so far. Fights are lackluster.

Worst of all... it's BORING. Nothing happens, it's just the MC wandering around complaining about the lack of Male Leads chasing her and how she wants to be the most pretty woman ever. Could only last up to chapter 26 thinking it would get better, but it only got worse.

Don't recommend. <<less
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Foexi
Foexi
Jul 19, 2018
Status: special 3
(If the synopsis sounds confusing to you as it did to me when I first saw it, whatever you do, don't bypass this book because of it; you may regret it for the rest of your life =-=)

Are you tired of the reading predictable and repetitive stories? If you are, I think you'll love this book. If you're not, this will be a treat for you. Completed at 70 chapters, this book will twist and wrench your emotions more than any other transmigration novel you'll probably ever read.

The... more>> start of the story starts off a little slow but once you are a few chapters in, you won't regret it. The MC is one of a kind; she is openly narcissist because she's a transmigrator from the land of Mary Sue (which happens to be an actual place in the book), a place where there are many harem building women with a female lead hollow to protect them all their life. Due to her Mary Sue past life, Pang Wan firmly believes she's the female lead of this new world and goes out to hunt for the best husband (s) candidates she can find in this world.

It's kind of like a comedy or parody in the first half, but halfway through, there's a sudden twist you won't see coming and the story becomes darker, filled with even more twists. There aren't many books in the xianxia and wuxia genre that have solid character development but here, the MC will surprise you and make you proud at how she grows as a character from the beginning till the end of the story.

Although there's plenty of romance, the Male Lead is a tricky thing in that it's not obvious who the true one is. Some of you will board the wrong ship. For those of you who are afraid of this, I can assure you that you don't need to worry here. You'll probably change your own ship wholeheartedly, no feelings left behind, as quick as lightning when the right time comes. I can't tell you why. But just trust me. The true Male Lead is actually pretty satisfactory even if you weren't on his ship the first time around anyway.

Gah this book was so good. I kept reading and reading without putting it down until I finally hit the end. This is probably one of the best transmigration/ wuxia novels I've ever read. I've read so many C-novels now that I can guess the plot for most of them pretty early on in the book. But this one constantly surprised me. I don't think I'll ever recover from it. <<less
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blazikens
blazikens
May 08, 2019
Status: special 3
Rating: 4.5.

This is one of those web CNovels that is so well-written and actually feels closer to an actual published novel tbh.

In the beginning, it's a little confusing with how the MC (Pang Wan) acts but that's because in her past life, she was from a place actually called Mary Sue - a land of female leads who built harems for themselves with their FL halo, which is hilarious. Understandably so, PW begins this new life thinking she's the female lead, and is quite narcissistic but she's written in a... more>> way that's quite hilarious. Thus, for the first half, the story is more comedic and even seems to be a parody.

The second half, however....I won't spoil it, but the tone of the story does take a shift and PW's character develops very nicely tbh. So just for that, actual character development, makes this story stand out from the rest. There's also development w/ who the final ML is, altho you might not expect him to be it - he wasn't my favorite, tbh, but considering the rest I feel he was the best.

The way the story ends is tbh the only thing that lets me down. I felt the MC was simply too tired of everything in the end that she chose to ride off into the sunset w/ the ML and I really didn't like that:

Spoiler

she lost completely her ability to practice martial arts. I don't need her to be an OP FL w/ amazing martial arts but I liked that she was able to defend herself, and taking that away from her felt like too heavy of a lesson - I would've preferred that maybe she would no longer be as strong as before, or something like that.

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All in all, however, this story is full of surprises, with realistic and interesting characters, and if you don't spoil yourself, you'll be on the edge of your seat waiting to see how the story develops. <<less
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Yukari_me
Yukari_me
May 07, 2018
Status: Completed
THIS NOVEL IS A FREAKING GEM. I REGRET NOT READING IT SOONER ;-;

I had this on my reading list since forever but I didn't really wanna read it since the summary sounded boring but I REGRET not doing it fast enough. XXM chooses and translate novels that tugs my heart strings ALL THE TIME like she has a grudge against me. Every time I finish a novel in her website, I would feel like my life has become colourless again. Now lets... more>> talk about the novel before I cry.

The first half of the book I was really enjoying it because of the humour and the narcissistic view of PW but however I felt like it got dragged too long so I went to the spoilers forum but it was another BAD IDEA cuz the next chapter was where all the fun begins. I managed to save my interest and kept reading. I really have to say, PW had the best character development I've seen so far. Or probably one of the few I've seen and admired. The ML's turns out be the people who would twist her world and everything that forced her to mature (Only the scum GXJ but who cares bout him?) really badly. Like one of the reviewers said, I felt like she could've matured more but I'm satisfied with the ending. I mean, she did give us a HUGE moral of the story. Besides, why bother fighting when you could just live peacefully with someone who truly cares for you? What I'm most proud of is that I JUMPED ON THE RIGHT SHIP MWAHAHHAHAHAHA. Though my biggest regret is that WHY DOES EVERY 2ND ML ALWAYS END UP ALONE IN EVERY STORY??? ;-;

Also the POVS/Side story, the only thing that was really interesting was Nan Yi ge's story and the rest was nah. The author should've just continued of when PW and HQL had kids etc or probably change the POV'S to the one and only scum GXJ or HQL mah boi. Anyways, I'd like to thank XXM for translating this wonderful novel. I really enjoyed it. <<less
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sibyl97
sibyl97
Jan 14, 2018
Status: Completed
This is not for 'beginners' of chinese novels.

If you've read lots of chinese novels with lots of cliches and dog blood makjang plot, I think you would enjoy this more because it is so fresh and different. Twist upon twist, I have laughed, cried, creeped out, shocked, felt bitter and feeling warm and sweetness.

There are two part of the story. The first part made me cringed and quite painful because Pan Wan was still living in her delusion where every handsome males in Jianghu were in love with her. The... more>> second part was when she woke up and face the reality.
Spoiler

When she's sober and realised that she has lost everything, I got teary. Especially when the true male lead was being true to her but she had already developed an inferiority complex and felt that there's no way he would liked her. It just pains me every time she reminds herself that she is not worth to be loved.

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Without the first part, the second part won't be as impactful and as sweet.

The author certainly give a different point of view the mainstream plot.
Spoiler

Usually in novels, male leads would just fell in love with a silly cheerful female lead upon first meeting with no reason other than 'you intrigued me... you're not like other girls... etc etc'. But have you thought whether there is a different motive of wanting to get close to the girl. After all, a pie won't just fall of the sky with no reason or a handsome perfect powerful male god in real life.

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On the other hand, the translation can't get any better I think. <<less
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nixxara
nixxara
Dec 08, 2016
Status: Completed
Holy shoot. I did not expect that certain scene in the story to happen. I have been left utterly and completely speechless. My ship sank so hard and so fast. Thank god I had my eye on another guy. Hopefully, she gets her act together. On to the next chapter!

Edit:
Some parts in the middle get a little dark and scary but it quickly reverts back to the original innocent story so don't be worried! The ending is perfect and smoothly patched up all the holes that were created throughout... more>> the story. I'm thoroughly satisfied.

This story started off lighthearted and the MC seemed dumb and shallow but she snaps out of it in the second half and you can't help but respect her personality & decisions. Honestly, with this character maturation, it felt like the story was completely changed. (In a great way) The author was clearly thinking everything out when writing this story. Brilliant weaved! <<less
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briose
briose
Jun 30, 2016
Status: v2c2
This novel was such a good read. Happy-go-lucky and making you shake your head, laughing in silent at the antics of the heroine, a superficial kind of read. Yet all of that is blown away by the end of the first volume. I usually don't read novels with the tag of tragedy, yet I read this one because I found the translating site first and didn't want to spoil anything with the tags from novelupdates. I'm so glad that happened and I urge you to read it if you shy... more>> away from tragedy novels. <<less
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Bib
Bib
May 22, 2016
Status: Completed
It's one of those transmigration stories with a twist. Although the main female lead is so vain and narcissistic, she eventually comes to the realization of her status. She's really funny. I absolutely ship her with the third main male lead. Their interactions with each other are hilarious. He Qing Lu x Pang Wan ship all the way.
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aiji
aiji
Sep 02, 2020
Status: Completed
First 10 chapters: "Hmm... "

End of book 1: "Oh shit!"

Book 2 till ending: "Wtf!?!"

... more>> —Literally my reaction while reading this novel. Very harsh and cruel yet so sweet and satisfying. I'm giving it 5/5.

STORY:

With the given description, the novel looked interesting enough at first glance. Yet, the bully in me had to put this on hold for months due to the screaming lines of " (the MC) is looking for her destined other half", not knowing I'm just delaying this which could be thought of as one of the novels I enjoyed a lot. To be honest, I'm really not a fan of the "one's quest for true love" trope, so I thought this was one of them, but oh boy, was I very wrong! It turned out to be one of those cruel types; which throws bombs in front of you one after another, and all you gotta say is "wtf" while still in the middle of processing what really had happened.

I'm not gonna lie, I admit I find the first few chapters a little boring and irritating—irritating because the MC (Pang Wan) really irritated the hell out of me (which I will elaborate later) BUT, a big, BIG thanks to my fellow reviewers, they forewarned about this seemingly 'unattractive' element set in earlier part of the story, and asked us to persevere and be patient because the MC will definitely make a huge 'transformation' and we will surely love her in the end—which is very much correct. I really ended up admiring our cute Wan Wan.

Set in wuxia world (yep, not in Mary Sue land xD), the setting is very colorful and rich, highly reminds me of the novel Faraway Wanderers, where the messy business of jianghu takes place, with lots of interesting characters of martial arts, and inlaid with schemes and plots and betrayals. With the 'lively' description given for this novel, I was surprised this was not actually 'light' like I thought it was; completely opposing my first impression. Man, this was 'heavy'. 'Heavy' in the sense that you could actually feel the plot was well thought out by the author. Well, you know, had it not I wouldn't spit out "wtf" every now and then, even up until I reached the conclusion of this one-heck-of-a-roller-coaster-ride story. You will be amazed how this and that are connected, how this person was actually not that kind of person. And the romance element? Whoa, one of the sweetest and heart-wrenching there is, I gotta say. You'll shed tears and smile silly in every moments. A romantic romance indeed.

For a 70-plus chaptered novel, I'd say this is very well-paced, very engaging, has very smooth flow of storytelling and with a very, very, nice touch of cliffhanger that will leave your mouth hang open (no, I'm not a masochist xD). And if you're looking for the queen of plot twist and unpredictable turn of events, this is it. Heck, even the ending was a big "wtf" for me because I was like "Is that it..?"— but I'm not really complaining. Well, that's the 'queen' for ya.

It could be the author's superb storytelling touch or the translator's excellent work but I gotta say I really like the writing style of this one. May not be considered perfect but I like how smooth the story flow was executed and not stiff and robotic.

CHARACTERS:

In my list of c-novels, I must say this one is one of those types with many interesting characters you could actually remember what they did and what the role they play even if you don't completely remember their name.

Let's start off with the MC, Pang Wan, which I nicknamed eyesore-turned-fierce-star in my eyes. Let me tell you straight that this little girl is a daydreamer who only thinks and see everything as a field of flowers—for almost the whole first book. Well, we can't blame her. She didn't expect that the wuxia world was that cruel compared to the world she originated from (yep, some transmigration something happened to her), and due to this, her life made a 180-degree turn and woke her up from her delusions. Very harsh, very cruel, extremely saddening... but she went all through that. I'm not gonna elaborate more but all I can say is, when it comes to character development, she's one of the top.

And as for the ML... Heh! I guess I'm gonna ride the "guess who's the ML" train too like what the previous reviewers did. But I'm not stingy so to give a 'brief' description to sell our handsome male lead candidates, there are actually three prominent candidates here: namely Nan Yi, Gu Xi Ju, and He Qing Lu. If I were to put my personal description of them (in no particular order), one of them is tsundere 1, the other is tsundere 2, and the other one is just simply with a heavily twisted mind. The 'official' ML, whom the MC actually ended up with, is my prince—I mean, he's truly a prince you couldn't help falling in love with. The MC describes him as someone with "pure and sincere heart" and "small words but big actions". Yeah, I love him to bits. One of the best ML out there~

... Curious? Read and go find out yourself (lol). But, if you're prone to heartbreak after learning your ship had already sunk even before it gets to sail, I suggest to maintain a straight face and just go with the flow until you reach chapter 37. Believe me, it works! Because that's what I did (lol). Thus, I completely enjoyed every bit of the couple's lovey-dovey moments~

As for the other characters, like I said, some really stands out, with or without blatant characteristics given, which greatly played a crucial role in this interwoven 'light but not so really light' plot. Yeah, one of the source of my "wtf" moments.

OVERALL:

I should say this is a very good read. I love how the author played and deceived my unsuspecting pure reader's heart in a very pleasant way.

So, if you feel like reading a novel with a wuxia setting (but not centered in countless martial arts moves you couldn't imagine and unending names of sects), juicy amount of conspiracy and intrigue, tooth-aching romance (no, I'm not kidding! It's really sweet it hurts, re-reading it makes it all the more sweeter!) with happy ending, give this a try. You won't regret it. <<less
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amruta
amruta
Dec 22, 2019
Status: Completed
I thought I knew where this story was going and then bam! What a twist. Loved it.

The first half of the story is your run-of-the-mill story. There's a twist at the end of the first volume that I did not see coming. The FL "grows up" in the later half (though still kinda childish) and the story just gets better and better. The ML is OP but not in the typical "in your face" way. He genuinely loves the FL. ML is sweet.

The translation is great. Even the side characters... more>> are great.

Give this a chance. <<less
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Angana
Angana
Mar 01, 2018
Status: Completed
It's the kind of novel that grips your attention from the very beginning. I love the female lead. The story began as a lighthearted novel and then (BAM!) you get a twist in the novel that changes the direction of the story. However, the entire story is an enjoyable road. I finished it in one sitting. :D

If you are debating whether to pick up this novel or not, trust me (because I have read plenty of web novels by now) and add it to your reading list. :) You won't... more>> regret. <<less
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