love love love it. Cannot recommend it enough, especially if you've read enough transmigration/rebirth novels and/or harem cultivation settings. It's a genuinely though provoking and enjoyable read. AND one of the most feminist texts i've ever read esp in danmei.

the relationship is absolutely gorgeous and well written, both the MC and ML grow and develop over the course of the story, the side characters are incredibly fleshed out, the plot is amazing.

it's suuuuch a breath of fresh air. I can keep reading it again and again. Hope there's more danmei... more>> like this. <<less

This was novel was great. It was more plot oriented and the plot itself was not slow-placed, it would've been better if certain chapters went on for another chapter or two but I really love this novel so it's still a 5 star (in my opinion). For people wanting romance... it isn't until half way through the novel that one of them realises their feelings, and even more later before the other also realises their feelings. But this is still a good story, even without realising their feelings they still... more>> act like an already married couple. There's great character development and depth with a lot of the improvement in terms of relationships and it's somewhat realistic in regards to the thought process towards leaving a toxic relationship.

Honestly, my favourite characters (that are not the main couple), that are extremely well written are Zhongli Qian, Shu Yanyan and Baili Qingmiao. So much so, that at the end of the novel I wanted to see more of them, it was actually great to see how far they had come and how they had grown as well as their own thought process (I mean all the characters had their own improvement, except for Hè Wenzhao, he'll forever be tr*sh).

There isn't any R18+ scenes but it is implied a few times at the end of the novel for our main couple. This was a pretty comedic novel especially since you could see the comments from the og (revised) novel and the interactions between characters more specifically scenes that have Qiu Congxue.

I really recommend it, it took me to 1-2 days to finish it and it only has 82 chapters so it isn't that long. Hè Wenzhao and his relationships are just prime example of how relationships shouldn't be but it also helped in comparing that piece of tr*sh with Wenren È and his relationship with Yin Hanjiang. Our main characters both grow a lot in terms of strength and as a character along with their relationship which seemed to improve with every chapter.

Seriously though, please read this. <<less

I freaking binged read this for days and nights cuz I can't stop myself from reading it. Now that I finished this, I feel so lost cuz I know that when I read an amazing novel, the next novel that I will read should definitely be amazing too or they would feel kinda lackluster compared to the previous. 😭😭😭 This novel is so fire. Definitely 10000000000/100 recommended!!! There's never a dull moment in here. Every character has their own set of quirks that they feel so alive in my heart. I... more>> will definitely remember this story for as long as my brain can. <<less

One of the best danmei and novels in general I have ever read. Each character is exceptionally written with their own motivations (even the braindead harem protagonist) and it manages to be funny while delving into genuinely deep topics like the nature of love, existence, life and death. Even on my second reading I was completely engrossed by the characters and plot, and the love between the two protagonists. This novel is a truly unique experience that I highly recommend to anyone who loves cnovels.

The translator did an excellent job... more>> bringing this story to life for the western audience and every 5 star review of this story is 100% deserved <<less

Excellently written, pokes fun at sappy love stories, harem protagonists, and brain hole plots. Extremely funny, clever - plot is tight! But also easy to read.

What I loved:

• intriguing premise - MC happens upon a cheesy novel describing himself as a romantic lead and plans accordingly
• Really colourful characters, and plenty of great female characters! No misogyny. Really likeable female characters, including orig female protagonist BL
• Great exploration of the cultivation genre
• MC the devil venerable is not evil, nor is he good. He’s fair, pragmatic and focused. Really like how he adapts and knows when to reward loyalty, has good EQ, etc and his relationship with ML!
• Plot twists are great! Layers of twists
  Spoiler

  turns out the original male protagonist WC is possessed by a great blood demon... and MC discovers another novel but written from WC’s perspective not the original female BL.

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• One of the funniest scenes imo:
  Spoiler

  MC tries to get BL to fall in love with QLQ. He reads about how love makes you always see someone in the crowd, or you feel inexplicably connected to their emotions. To emulate this... he plants curses in their eyes so their vision is helplessly drawn to each other, and infect them with gu worms to connect their emotions... the result being that ZLQ must wear a blindfold and BL an eyepatch to avoid dizzy and uncomfortable closeups/cross eyes of each other even penetrating walls. This emotional bond actually helps BL calm her emotions and stay mentally strong... hilarious and oh so clever

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Delicious. Absolute fav. Rare gong protag even if novel never goes anywhere beyond spicy touches and no descriptions.

I don’t know how to review this without spoiling but I absolutely loved the supporting cast too, the novel wouldn’t be the same without them and its such a great ride, hilarious, heartfelt, plenty doses of reality trying to snap heroine out of her brainwash.

Great read, 1000/10 will recommend it forever.

• Interesting plot
• Good character development
• Can see myself rereading

This is one of the few novels that I wouldn't mind if it's longer. The story plays with overused transmigration-into-a-novel plot but then added an interesting twist ... more>>

Spoiler

of having multiple novels with multiple potential MC if they obtained the novel

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. Ridiculous character actions has a good explanation and things make sense.

I appreciate the minimal lovey-dovey moments for MC and ML until the very, very end since it'll be out of character base on their development. I thoroughly enjoyed the side-characters and support shu Yanyan and zhongli quian!!! <<less

Come back here to re-read this masterpiece again.

MC is gong (the shou is ml/the ponytail one).

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Spoiler

The first book that mc/gong get is actually filled with misunderstanding. The MLs there actually didn't like the FL but feel pity for her. The FL is a love fool for the tr*sh main ML (not our mc/ml), you may see her as annoying but she'll wake up to reality.

The ML (shou/bottom) always like MC but he get jealous of FL (he thought that MC who like FL sacrifice his life to save her) and shown in the book as a hidden villain.

When ML die (actually not, only invisible), MC see ML as his heart demon so when he see real ML, MC think that it's another illusion.

MC and ML already know each other from before MC is still a human and ML is a kid, MC later realize ML feelings and answer it with another love.

At the ending, MC (gong) and ML (shou) went to a closed cultivatiom together (dual cultivation 🌚)

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1. The story also very good at showing the side characters and how the develop. The funniest one is the white hair guy (the only sane one 🤣) that keep loosing his hair

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This novel definitely had a lot of potential. I'd rate the first 57 chapters a 5/5, but after that, it all goes downhill slowly but surely until reaching a 4/5.

The plot, worldbuilding, and characters were all very solid. However, after chapter 57 the novel abruptly remembers it needs to speed up the romance development between the main couple so that they can be together by the time the plot reaches its conclusion, so it honestly feels very rushed on MC's end. He kind of just spontaneously realizes he's been in... more>> love with the LI all along. Additionally, the flashback of MC's past at the end was very juvenile and out of place.

Most of the romance plot after chapter 57 was too immature and rushed compared to the earlier chapters, so it didn't satisfy me on that front tbh. <<less

X-Posting my short review from somewhere else. It focuses on themes found in this magnificent novel.

Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know has hands down (imo ofc) the most fascinating look at the nature of cultivation and one's Dao. It's a core topic examined in this novel, through the eyes of a demonic sect's Sect Master Wenren E, his right hand man Yin Hanjiang as well as many richly written, non-standard secondary (and tertiary!) characters. It also draws heavily on the themes of destiny, good and evil, balance of nature and... more>> what they mean in practice. In a way, you could say this novel is a somewhat brilliant deconstruction of the xianxia genre, while at the same time being effortlessly entertaining, full of feeling, smart and just so damned well written (and translated thanks to the wonderful mourningcrow <3) ! <<less

Damn, this was great!! I binged this in two days... No regrets. The relationship between the two characters is beautifully written, and I love how equitable it is. It's so hard to find danmei novels without the "top" character being domineering, or the s*xual dynamics being a big part of the story. (Like, come on, is this really what we want to focus on? It's so frustrating sometimes... And really reduces the story to being two dimensional and unrealistic.) This story was truly refreshing. All the characters were impeccably written... more>> and complex, and I really loved that this applied to all side-characters as well. Especially the female characters - it's rare for them to be fleshed out and three dimensional in danmei novels, so I really appreciated that. One of my favorite parts was seeing the "comment section" in the book Wenren E was reading. It was so amusing. I highly recommend this novel! <<less

If you've been thinking about reading this book and you're not sure. This is your sign to read it!!

It's a wonderful xanxia novel and the romance isn't overwhelming

It's also hilarious how they change the fate of the FL

Give it a try, it's worth it!

• • first of all so far this novel has one of the best reasons For why this unnatural thing happened

there is actually nothing I can complain about

What I really LIKED about this is that even though they are master and subordinate their relationship is balanced and respectful spoiler is about their dynamic

• the relationship is healthy which is such a fresh air

CHARACTERS (FOR development, thought process, being interesting and lovely) :A BIG 10/10

MC : despite being a very serious guy MC is really likable he is rational steadfast and surprisingly moral and fair

Ml: he is really loyal he has some psychological issues but they don't get really bad as MC will find out and helps him to solve them what is really interesting is how Author explore his psychological issues and how MC someone who is pretty much unfamiliar with feelings learn about them and try to solve them

STORY PLOT (FOR going according to logic, being interesting and having good ideas, lack of loop holes, not being boring or giving useless info,) :

10/10

If I could I would give a 50

SIDE CHARACTERS (back storys, having a good reason for being there, not just vanishing because Author doesn't want them anymore, having a rational behavior and not just because there is a need for a bad/good guy.) :10/10

Side characters are so good so realistic they might even surprise you with their intelligence and teach you something

Villains: not just being bad because there is need for bad guys, not just drop dead because mc/ML has first role halo:10/10

I think this one deserves so much more recognition it's one of the best yaoi novels ever

I left a really long meandering note on my recommendations list praising this story to high heaven only to now realize that I never left a review for it, so here it is, half-copied from my long note.

This is quite possibly the best xianxia I've ever read, maybe only second to Liu Yao (we'll see once I finish it). It's so incredibly good.

I feel like the summary makes this story sound like more of a comedy than it actually is, when it's actually super plot focused. It's definitely an incisive... more>> critique of typical BG xianxia romances and stallion harem novels, which isn't really a unique take, but Cyan Wings absolutely elevates it with really fantastic writing.

I think what sets this story apart from so many others is that the readers can really see how much Cyan Wings actually loves xianxia. Because underneath it all, this novel is a really good xianxia novel! It reminds me of all the reasons I love xianxia, and even my usual critiques of the genre (e.g. random acts of violence) is actually explained here. The whole "life/death is cyclical and cultivators are humans trying to defy the heavens" is done so well and really informs the story, instead of just serving as background noise for the protagonists. Honestly, I don't think I can even read most other xianxia after this because they're going to pale in comparison.

Another thing is that the characters are also well-developed, and none of them are there just for the sake or it, or to act as random cannon fodder. Even though it's really easy to slip into a character assassination of the original female lead with this kind of story, this series never does this! In fact, the female lead, Baili Qingmiao, is given a lot of help, and even when the other characters disagree with her actions, it never feels malicious. And even as Wenren E follows his path of slaughter (and tries to get Baili Qingmiao to turn to a path of indifference), none of his philosophy feels particularly preachy, as if the author was trying to convince you of the their views (hoo boy, how many webnovels have you read where the MC was just the author's mouthpiece? too much) ; all of his thoughts/ideologies feel suitable for his character, just like most of the other characters' thoughts/ideologies feel suitable for theirs. Even when I disagreed with Wenren E, I could understand why he acted the way he did -- and he's certainly a fun MC to root for! Always sure in his ways, but still baffled by most human emotions (and not afraid to admit it either). He's exactly the kind of character I like -- cool and confident but still open to the advice and opinions of others.

Oh, and while my main love is the plot (ah, xianxia <3), I also like that the relationships doesn't take a backseat and is always present, even if its not the focus, because the chemistry between the two is sooo good. Usually with these types of emotionless characters, it feels awkward if they get into a relationship, but here the author manages to write the slow moving towards that relationship so naturally! Wenren E really, really values Yin Hanjiang, and the fact that he wants Yin Hanjiang to stand by his side instead of below him is just... wow, true love, right there. Honestly, my fatal weakness is open and honest communication in a relationship, which fits this to a T. Like, wow, did the author reach into my brain and just pull out everything I want to see in a relationship right here??

My only criticism is regarding the flashback sequence near the end, which I felt was clunky in execution and really disrupted the flow of the story, though I understand its narrative necessity. It seems this is a common theme with this author, though, since they also use a similar trick in Mr. Melancholy Wants a Peaceful Life (which I read after this), and I have similar criticisms there about its use. Just not a fan of flashbacks, especially when they're being used as deus ex machinas. Very minor blip, though, in the grand scheme of things.

Anyway TLDR; this story is amazing. I reread it all the damn time. Every character is just so darn fun to spend time with, and all of them have their own strong voices/desires. Ugh, just thinking of this story makes me want to reread it again!! <<less

The very first danmei I read when I stumbled over this novel right after reading Can Lang Jue. I didn't know about danmei at that time and was just researching cultivation stages due to curiosity and somehow my research recommends me this novel. This novel explains cultivation stages in more details than any other cultivation novels I've read so far. The theory of cultivation and world building is also very interesting and makes sense a lot. Cultivators are basically thiefs hahaha.

This is a gem and I wonder why this novel... more>> is not adapted to either donghua or manhua. It's shounen ai anyway really so even if they make a drama out of this there won't be a loss even if they cut the kissy scenes. <<less

1000/10

You know sometimes you come on here on NU and see novels withhigh ratings (4.3-4.9) , and then when u read the novel u wonder if u were reading the same book.

But not this book, it really deserves it's high rating of 4.8.

... more>> Where do I even begin? Words fail me!

Devil venerable also wants to know is not your typical cultivation xianxia novel. In fact one must say it even critiques the usual tropes in cultivation novels.

The MC, the devil venerable, really deserves that title! I've read many danmei where that title is really misused undeservedly (mo ran I'm looking at you) .

He is a great leader of his sect, level headed and not too overbearing, can be merciful or cruel, divine or diabolical sometimes, neither good nor evil nor neutral either, he's simply HUman. And I really loved him for it also started calling him venerable myself.

ML is loyalty and devotion personified. Like his world it's divided into MC or not MC, and he doesn't give a sh*t about anything in this world but the MC. A not so fool in love if I may say (felt bad for him atp)

The side characters were the best part of this novel, the HUMOUR, you will laugh at some moments but you'll choke in sobs too.. The demonic sect members were soo fleshed out and not one dimensional

Strong female characters too, with their dreams and ambitions, and not just plot devices.

Anyway just go and read the novel if you haven't, u are missing out.

Almost forgot, the translator (mourning crow) really did a great job translating, managed to capture the spirit and humor of the author. Thanks to them. <<less

What a wonderful gem of a story. Solid Plot, World Building, Well rounded Side characters. I could write 5000 words of praise for it, but all I really wanna says is READ! IT! GUYS!

Ofc, though, if you wanted a fluffy romance this isn't really the novel for you. The romance is very subtle and sprinkled in tiny ammounts throughout. It's primarily an action XuanHuan novel

Wasn't a fan of Xianxia genre before but I actually enjoy reading this one! The translators and the author was very kind in explaining terms that shy me away from this genre. For that, I appreciate it so much.

The story really is nice to read. The comedy was just right and it still stirr up your emotions. Reading this made me absolutely proud for the character developments, especially BQM.

I love how the author tied everything up together. It's nice and doesn't leave us hanging on things. It even touch a... more>> parallel world story in it! I'm absolutely surprise, actually!

I can understand why this story got such a high rating. It truly was worth it! <<less

Rating: 4.8

Solid story and characters.

I love how MC/ML are both relatively evil; it's great. The MC is unapologetically apathetic and logical but blunt manner of speaking the truth is endearing. The MC is the top, which is never explicitly shown but you can tell by the way the author describes the 'after' scenes, although there is a chance they could be a switch couple. There is no smut besides kissing. The story didn't need it. The ML is likable as well. He's the loyal will-kill-for-you kind of guy who is... more>> very protective and respectful of MC.

The plot is well thought out and ties up perfectly at the end, with a length of 80 chapters that lets you enjoy the story without becoming overly convoluted. No annoyingly long flashbacks, just enough to get an idea how the MC and ML grew up. Rare BL story with two complex characters that stayed green flag romance-wise all the way.

There is also enjoyment in the side characters. It was somehow cathartic to see how the female lead chose to live her life at the end. The other female characters in this story were legit too. One kept a harem of men and was power hunger while one was a brainless skeleton. I actually wish they got more attention and agreed with the 'comment section' of the novels within the story on them. Like if the story was 20 chapters longer just to give them tiny character arcs I would've read that sh*t in an instant.

A couple minor quips:

Yes the entire premise is that the MC has the books and can see what happened and I like how it's explained as alternate worlds, but sometimes I felt like the story focused too much on explaining what happened before and how the female lead reacted, what the male did etc. I wanted a tad more focus on what the MC and ML were doing. You know, 'show not tell'. This is why I can easily get bored with transmigration/second chance after dying stories, they usually rely too heavily on summarizing what already happened and what will happen, nevertheless this is probably one of the best I've read. MC was certainly a great mastermind for it all, but he also felt a little untouchable. I didn't feel that he was in any real danger with all the knowledge he possessed except once or twice in the story.

Second quip is the relationship progression. I loved them both overall, but I felt like the final confession/they are a real couple now scene was a little too fast. It felt like once the ML got over a major hurdle of accepting the MC's feelings, the story was kind of done and they got together instantly without any last difficulties or trials. Throughout the story ML got way more attention on how he was feeling and was way more emotionally vulnerable than the MC. I would have liked to see a bit more drama in the last part with the MC's feelings. The ML has been head over heels for the MC for countless chapters but I didn't feel like the MC had an iota of issues with his own feelings. He got kissed by the ML and was like 'Oh. Yep. I'm 100% on board with this.' Which DOES fit his personality, he's a very rational guy, but I wished he acted a bit more I don't know... uncertain or at least flustered about it since he'd never been in love before and hated the idea of falling for someone early on in the novel. Still---it's just a minor complaint.

I hadn't read a BL novel in a long while and I made a good choice binging this one.

Damn, this is not something I usually say with light novels but I think this one could've been extended 20 chapters or so just to flesh out the side characters a bit more and to give a bit time with MC and ML as official partners. It was that good. <<less

This novel is a must read.

I was honestly scared because I read some reviews that said the romance was slow or barely existent and I don't usually read that kind of novels but I decided to give it a try since I wanted to read about a strong and cool shou.. And god.. Im so glad I picked it up !!

This novel was just so refreshing. And in my opinion it showed what real love is all about.

I applaud the author for being able to show how the MC and... more>> ML love each other in very subtle way without needing to be so obvious about it? To me that was even more romantic than other "romantic" novels I've read. I don't know how to explain it.

Yes, unfortunately it does not have smut (is shounen ai) but it so good you don't need it and we can always resort to fics ;)

To finish it off, this is one of my favorite parts in the novel:

Spoiler

"Protector Yin, would you believe something like this? Can love really make people so brainless?" Wenren È really didn't get it, and couldn't help transmitting this question to the only other person there.

"This subordinate believes anything the Venerable says, and hears not a word of anything anyone else says, " Yin Hanjiang answered.

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