The translation of this novel is well-done, clearly conveying the story to readers. However, the novel itself follows a familiar and predictable pattern found in most cultivation novels: A modern person transmigrates into the body of an unfortunate youth, their plot armor "golden finger" system activates to justify the protagonists abilities, and then they begin their cultivation journey.

While this formulaic approach would typically warrant a mediocre rating of 2.5/5, there are a few redeeming qualities that set this novel apart from others in the genre. Notably, the protagonist is not... more>> immediately portrayed as a sociopathic killer, which is a refreshing change from the typical cultivation novel protagonist. Additionally, the author makes at least a token effort to create a system that doesn't feel like it's simply handing the protagonist convenient plot devices on a silver platter.

Unfortunately, the protagonist's character falls flat, with a personality, moral compass, and goals that are intentionally designed to be inoffensively "righteous" while still being a moneygrubber with a thinly veiled superiority complex. The protagonist is unlikable because you can predict every action he'll take, which makes it difficult to become invested in the protagonist's journey. Though, this is somewhat compensated for by the fact that the protagonist is not a munchkin that instantly masters techniques or powerups.

The setting, on the other hand, is pretty much the only highlight of the novel. Its water-themed world-building offering a unique twist on the typical xianxia genre, even if it seems like the author is just rolling RNG on an encounter table most of the time. <<less