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Series Group
Zhe Zhi
Type
Web Novel (CN)
Genre
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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 147 votes)
5    60% (88 votes)
4    19% (28 votes)
3    12% (18 votes)
2    3% (5 votes)
1    5% (8 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2014
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
36 Chapters + 4 extras (Completed)
Licensed
N/A
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 24.3 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #8212
Monthly Rank: #1862
All Time Rank: #6661
Reading List
[Graph]
On 2412 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #14114
All Time Rank: #4104

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

Duan Ling, the son of a righteous sect leader, was forcibly taken into an evil cult at a young age. Despite his circumstances, he grew up exceptionally handsome and held deep values of relationships and righteousness.

Lu Xiuwen, a young master of the cult, was naturally arrogant and bossy. He relished in bullying Duan Ling, always displaying spitefulness and capriciousness.

When they meet again, despite the latter’s loss of martial arts and limited time, he still maintains that tormenting and reckless personality. What’s more, even those enchanting eyes carry an unfathomable mystery…

The unsettled remnants in the martial world are still filled with danger, and Duan Ling begins to feel that perhaps he never truly understood Lu Xiuwen. Lu Xiuwen speaks vexing words, wears an annoying smile, and doesn’t care about other people’s lives or even his own, but why does he still risk everything just to… protect him?

Associated Names
One entry per line
Chiết Chi
เงาใจในกิ่งท้อ
折枝
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Sect Master and Psycho (2)
Where is Our Agreement to be Each Other’s Arch-Rivals? (2)
A World where Mercenary Men are Called Goddesses (1)
Record of the Missing Sect Master (1)
The Blood Crown (1)
After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. some good short stories
  2. Novels I've Read (with my personal ratings)
  3. TBR (GL/BL) 5
  4. historical danmei ; read
  5. Reading

Latest Release

Date Group Release
07/26/24 Foxaholic c40 part3
07/26/24 Foxaholic c40 part2
07/26/24 Foxaholic c40 part1
07/26/24 Foxaholic c39 part4
07/26/24 Foxaholic c39 part3
07/26/24 Foxaholic c39 part2
07/26/24 Foxaholic c39 part1
07/16/24 Foxaholic c38 part4
07/16/24 Foxaholic c38 part3
07/06/24 Foxaholic c38 part2
07/06/24 Foxaholic c38 part1
07/06/24 Foxaholic c37
06/18/24 Foxaholic c36 part2
06/18/24 Foxaholic c36 part1
06/13/24 Foxaholic c35 part2
123…6
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Write a Review
17 Reviews sorted by


stressyjesse
New stressyjesse rated it
June 1, 2025
Status: Completed
This was just beautiful.

A rollecoaster of emotions paired with compelling characters and a dramatic plot. I loved each and every charcter, for such a short text each charcter was lovable in their own way, all their quirks and personalities were brought out.

I cried early on. I cried later on. My heart swelled even later and was full to the brim with sweetness by the end. Loved every part of this. The extras were sweet as well.

Some insert of spices here and they hehe. Would 100% reccomend.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
abhi_2296
New abhi_2296 rated it
May 25, 2025
Status: Completed
I really loved both the MC and the ML.

The MC, Duan Ling, was such a pleasant surprise. I expected him to be uptight and self-righteous, but he turned out to be genuinely endearing. It’s so fun how he grumbles about everything, yet still does whatever his shixiong, Lu Xiuwen, asks.

And Lu Xiuwen, his love for Duan Ling is fierce and protective, but don’t mistake him for soft. When the time comes, that cunning mind shows up, and he’s an absolute badass, with or without his powers.

He really squeezes your heart.... more>> Stubborn, loyal, and intense. Around the halfway mark, the story shifts into thriller territory, and I was hooked.

These two are wildly in love.

“He loved him too early.”

“He loved him too late.”

But both loved with everything they had.

This is one of the rare stories where the shou is the fiercely protective one, and I adored it. I have such a soft spot for cunning, badass shous, and this hit the spot. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
SophieLovenOr
SophieLovenOr rated it
September 2, 2023
Status: Completed
At first, when I read the summary I didn't pay attention to the words so I didn't have any idea of what I was going to read.

Then I get attached to Lu Xiuwen. It was the beginning of all my tears. I suffered but I wanted to see his story until the end. So I kept reading and I was happy that I didn't drop it midway.

The love story was really heartfelt the plot was way less interesting but since it has made me emotional I can only recommend you... more>> to read. <<less
20 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Dooshik kitty
Dooshik kitty rated it
November 16, 2023
Status: --
I wanted to give it 5 stars⭐💀I accidentally pressed 4

So lemme start by saying just as expected from this author the twists in this story was amazing!! There were many many memorable moments in this story, nd it had such a lovable shou, I almost thought it was BE and was heart broken thankfully it was not
11 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
damnmei
damnmei rated it
September 8, 2024
Status: Completed
First 20 chapters made me cry so hard that I regretted reading it so late at night as my nose was stuffed too hard to breathe LOL this is a pretty gripping story and I binge read it all in maybe 2 hours without stop. Though it's not a long read, it definitely stirred up more emotions in me than some other 100+ chapter novels.

The novel has a beautiful emotional arc, though it's definitely on the shorter side plotwise. It could have used some more world building or fleshing out... more>> of the characters, but I was satisfied by the plot progression & plot twists, and the character emotions were well conveyed. Definitely recommend if you want something to pull at your heartstrings, but with an overall happy ending!

My only one main gripe with the novel is that MC was in the evil cult from ages 9-16, so the ML falling in love with him is a bit suspicious given that he's 10 years older. Nothing romantic happens between them in the past though so it's easy enough to overlook. <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Lara Night
Lara Night rated it
April 7, 2025
Status: Completed
I should have discovered this gem earlier. This is a decent novel. Good plot, good narration. Nice character builds and well played drama/ emotions. I'm not even halfway but I already in love with ml. I think he's a heavily misunderstood guy, but he's really honest (playfully) about his wishes to have the shidi likes him back. Go for it, boyyy fightinggg

*Edited

good ride, good read. Nice plot and definitely a smart plot and twist. Deserved a good review
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Xae
Xae rated it
February 13, 2025
Status: Completed
Simple, neat and heartbreaking.

I love this set-up and dynamic (misunderstood, self-sacrificing character with a dash of crematorium) and it did not disappoint. Author goes right into the action. Despite ML's sickness, he once was a prodigious disciple, and he definitely makes up for it with his smarts. Both MC and ML are loyal and will do anything for the person they love. I also appreciate that the author did not do an "everyone is gay" trope and let there be an important BG relationship too.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ricoerrr
ricoerrr rated it
November 9, 2024
Status: c40 part3
characters

mc: duan ling

ml: lu xiuwen

... more>> summary:

MC and ML used to be martial brothers in a cult, but MC escaped. 10 years later, MC returns and is shocked to find ML fatally poisoned and stripped of all his martial arts. MC, a virtuous and noble youth, begrudgingly takes ML in. All this time, MC was riding off an assumption that ML hated him and they are destined to be mortal enemies. But ml's mannerism and his coy affections tells a different story.

ml's illness takes a turn for the worse and MC goes on to find a miracle doctor who can save ml's life. But to mc's despair, ML all but embraces a death that awaits him, determined to take his secrets to his grave.

thoughts:

so I thought duan ling was the bottom but hes actually a maiden himbo top ;laughcry;

lu xiuwen is cute! He gives rascal brat energy and I love him for that, especially the bits where he lost his memories 'reverting' back to his childhood self and became a teasing goading unbridled menace to society

the author tried to squeeze in a whole wuxia plotline from start to finish in 40 chapters so unfortunately it gave unfinished unpolished yet overly ambitious

the story was overall enjoyable, but good god the plot was so mid lol. Climax was ridiculous. Plot twists popping out the rear end. Plot armor everywhere. Of course the main protagonist's machinations conveniently falls in place perfectly. Then the non stop evil gloating after the villain gets caught. Nothing was done in moderation everything was just face slapping to the extreme

but it has its charms, so 4/5

Spoiler

the part where lu xiuwen made a new cult right under duan lings nose and then fought each other publicly to establish dominance only to f*ck each other after the battle was hilarious like they are really THAT annoying couple, but cute alliance leader and evil cult leader secret romance in the extras is mmmmm delicious

+ the wedding kidnapping was so unserious lmfao

[collapse]
<<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
yukicchi
yukicchi rated it
March 20, 2025
Status: Completed
Now I understand why a lot of people love the ML. He is indeed admirable.

... more>>
Spoiler

The good thing about this novel is the fact that the author didn't prolong the story. The plot was straightforward so the conflicts were resolved earlier than others.

Personally, I love the story when the ML died but after he was revived, I feel like the story becomes uninteresting.

When the ML was suffering, I have this constant ache in my heart everytime the past was revealed and MC seems clueless about the ML's sacrifices. So, after he died, my heart hurts when the MC realized what the ML has done for him.

After that tho, it just becomes draggy. I was kinda confused how the MC and ML just had s*x when in fact, the ML's memories were sealed at that time. It actually makes me feel weird and less interested with their romance. I still prefer the ML's character when he was suppressing his feelings towards the MC. Yknow, I love that tug and pull on your heartsrings when they try to conceal their feelings towards each other.

[collapse]

Anyway, I'll still rate it to 5 since I quite enjoyed it. The latter chapters were actually fluff and more smut.

PS: The last extra was a bittersweet end, I wonder how the right cult leader actually feels towards the left cult leader. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ancanary
ancanary rated it
March 12, 2025
Status: Completed
Look. This is no literary masterpiece. What it IS, though, is juicy drama, emotional damage, and mind-melting romance. The first half of this is SO GOOD. It wrecked me. The second half became much more plot-heavy, which is fine, but I missed soft Lu Xiuwen and wish there was more of that at the end. It's really short, with a tiny cast, but honestly I liked that. I liked that it doesn't go on for too long but still wraps up decently satisfyingly. My heart could take like 50 (thousand)... more>> more pages of the romantic stuff though. I love Lu Xiuwen <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Lost_Crane
Lost_Crane rated it
January 23, 2025
Status: Completed
Don't be misled by the lower rating! I was SO GLAD I gave this a chance. If you desperately search for something really really good, but not being overly complicated and long, focusing on the main plot and romance instead of 3 Trillion side stories/characters, then you found it here. I will show you the positive aspects of the novel right away in short:

- strong focus on the main characters and not too many side characters that distract from the main plot

- focus on 3 places in the whole novel,... more>> no sudden confusing skips or huge area travels

- MANY plottwists from start to the last chapters, keeps you on a emotional ride (i cried 3-4 times - in positive and sad ways both)

- an enemy to lovers plot without ab*se in the present and if there is a time, then for a reason, you have to finish the book for an explanation, but it will be there, I promise you

- great balance of teasing and loving relationship between the 2 leads

- very well written in terms of word and sentence use, not overly discribing and exaggeration of explanations

What would it be similar to, you probably ask yourself? I would set it as a short, tiny brother of MDZS where Wei Wuxian is in Lan Zhans position and a wanna-be villain and they leave cloud recesses for a cure for Lan Zhan then? Like with a bit of Golden Stage influence?

And a tip: if you already read until 60-70 percent or so, don't think this is now bad and stop reading - you will get various plottwists and be satisfied at the end of the day. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Evisiony
Evisiony rated it
December 28, 2024
Status: Completed
I had known about this novel for a while before I decided to read it. Since it is so short I finished it in a day. Multiple times throughout the first half I was questioning whether this isn't a tragedy novel but it all turned out well.

I'm giving this a 5 stars because I did like this, although it could have been longer by maybe five chapters or so to see the dynamic between MC and ML at the end. You'll understand what I'm talking about once you finish reading... more>> it, I am quite a fan of how it turned out so I'm a bit sad there wasn't more.

The plot twists were unexpected and the story doesn't hit you with a ton of cultivation jargon every chapter so if you want to read xianxia but are afraid of all the terms that come with it, Zhe Zhi is a pretty good starting point in my humble opinion. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
MangaNoob1995
MangaNoob1995 rated it
December 22, 2024
Status: Completed
'One of the stories which made me cry the hardest', I think I will remember this story that way. It was short, yes but the author did an awesome job wrapping it up.

I have been hesitant to read for quite some time, thinking that it might be another steamy scene oriented no plot story, but god could I have been more wrong? It was worth all my time, my snot and tears as I cried so hard in the first half of the story like there's no tomorrow.

I love the... more>> characters, both of them. I might be a bit more biased towards Lu Xiuwen though because he was a darling in my eyes. Anyways please don't miss this great story because you are hesitant like me. It's a short read but trust me it will be a time well spent. The only downside was that it was short, but at least we got extras.

Happy reading everyone!!! <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
MyAuroraBorealis
MyAuroraBorealis rated it
September 15, 2024
Status: Completed
I love the dynamic duo. The first 20 chapters are really tears jerker. And then the twisted plots came along, before finally settled down in a happy & steamy notes. Worthy to read!
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
sbob
sbob rated it
September 6, 2024
Status: Completed
Good, solid plot and plot twists with just enough world building for such a short novel.

I wish it was twice as long so that it's fleshed out better, getting deeper into the emotions, so that it feels a bit less touch and go. I also think at certain points our MC gong is quite an idiot which disrupts my enjoyment (almost wished it was predominantly from ML shou's POV, but the revelations wouldn't work as well).

Overall, solid plot, decent smut, great ML shou character, but is too short that it... more>> reads a bit like a fever dream.

Would read other works from the same author! (Edit: ah they're all short stories...) <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
midnightspring
midnightspring rated it
August 7, 2024
Status: Completed
(thank you to the translator!)

this is one of the very few historical novels i've read which finishes within 50 chaps or so and I'm so happy with it!

i did have some reservations on the presentation and wrapping up of the story within a short span, but the author does this beautifully leaving no lose ends. The story is presented in a concise yet descriptive way and the plot also keeps one engaged throughout.

there are many scenes which are really emotional and hard-hitting, especially between the ML and MC.... more>> Their relationship is bittersweet, emotional yet so beautiful that it will make one want more.

overall, a very pleasant and satisfying read, totally underrated, so a big recommend to anyone who is planning to read it. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Tilbar
Tilbar rated it
January 5, 2025
Status: Completed
I despise sad stories, so thankfully this one turned around and became an HE. But it was only after chapters that made me sob in despair. As mentioned before, there are twists that repeatedly change the dynamic. And they made the story worth reading.

I enjoyed the main story and somewhat enjoyed the extras. Just my personal preference that I don't appreciate extras as much as others. Wish, instead, that they would be woven into the main part of the novel. There's quite a bit of smut in those extras, so... more>> I suppose it's also a good way to give people a chance to avoid that if they wish.

Thanks to the author as well as Foxaholic, the translator. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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