It's a gem. A very well paced revenge story.. With good plot and hidden charectors. This story is around MC.. He is strong and clever. A real powerful one. Good mutual and seemingly healthy relationship btw MC and Ml

ML is really supportive of MC. The supportive aids of MC are also best. I love how author although good plot oriented gives some breath in the chapters

It's good worth time investing ❤️

The MC is the best of all time.

The characteristic of this novel is that the protagonists are always one step ahead of the villains, so there isn't much impact or surprise. But what made me like it were the characters, both the main and the secondary ones. The secondary characters brought comic relief, and the protagonist, especially the MC, brought genius to everything he did, and that's what pleased me, as I'm tired of reading about naive, slow, and weak mcs. But not this one, he is clever, ... more>>

Spoiler

even with amnesia

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, he is strong and decisive. So for me, the story is perfect because of him.

As for the Ml, he didn't have much presence in the story, he just helped the MC and was strong. <<less

I really enjoyed this story! It was well-paced, well-written, and well thought out. Characters had depth and nuance to their actions, villains had all kinds of motivations behind their plots, and the side characters left me laughing out loud at their antics. The romance plot didn't have too many ups and downs, but was heartwarming and playful -- the mystery/revenge plot on the other hand was full of thrilling ups and downs, with some genuine surprises along the way

It was a very good read and the mystery element was superbly crafted.

i Wish there was more info on their romance, but it was very ‘fade to black’ all the time and that was very frustrating. I would still recommend this book and will probably reread a few chapters from time to time. Thank you to the author and translator.

Second re-read!

Honestly somewhat confusing the first time, and less confusing the second (but still a bit, lol). The Shrimp translations were very good though. It's just that the underlying plot has a lot of twist and turns, all plotted out by our beloved MC.

Despite that (and surprisingly how I managed to forget who the main villains were in the second read), the main draw of this novel is the MC, or as the ML lovingly calls him "the disaster". Quick witted, sassy, intelligent, powerful, and paired with funny and dynamic... more>> side characters who might seem a bit like caricatures but are perfect bits of comic relief makes the novel such a joy to read.

ML had a bit of depth vs. The usual stone-faced gong, and I liked their chemistry and suggestive (lol) interactions (no smut ;_;). Most (if not all?) of what was revealed of his character was in relation to MC, kind of wish there was more there.

What I also wish could have been better, on my second read. Being picky here:

• My personal ick, I strongly remember even during my first read. The black piece, white piece thing. It's so cringey to me HAHA. Also the jianghu grapevine is really fantastic how everyone unequivocally knows what a black/white piece is referring to. I get that it's an easier reference with all the complicated things happening but it just made me laugh and cringe at the same time every time it appears.
  Spoiler

  Especially after ML buys in and goes 'WE are the black piece.' AHHH is this supposed to be romantic LOL

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• Mostly dumb sheep 'righteous faction' that were led around by the nose.
  There were some attempts to question but they were mostly conveniently dumb.
• Considering how 'smart' the villains are to set up this whole thing, I would have hoped they would be 1) more developed
  Spoiler

  Other than being prolific fathers whose weaknesses are somehow always their SONS who are never in on the plot. Like, get them in on the plot too! Make them also evil!

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  and 2) fight back more; it seemed like quite a cruise for MC throughout the entire story, which is odd.
• Spoiler

  And lol I swear I remember the sons becoming MC's disciples but I must have dreamt that up

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Despite all that, it's still a very smart novel with great enjoyable characters beyond the two leads. Would re-read again in due time, haha. <<less

Really interesting novel, good chuckles along the way and the storyline is different and unexpected. Love all the characters and wished there was more to read.

4.6-4.7 stars. Minor spoilers.

This is a pretty good book. The plot and mystery were executed beautifully. The novel focuses on this one big revenge mystery from 20 years ago, a go game between black (Ye You and Wenren Heng) and white (the 3 righteous leaders). Aparently there were a lot of clues throughout the novel for the final reveal of who the white pieces are and the plot twist. I was not attentive enough and honestly, I couldn't tell all the way until the actual reveal. One of the best... more>> things about this novel, beside the plot and mystery that I just mentioned, is the characters— especially the supporting characters. They are hilarious! The author did a good job to portray so many quirky characters that just brought joy whenever I read about them. The Demonic Sect Elders are priceless! They are a rowdy bunch that I would love to read about their stories if there's a side nove/spinoff about them. Wei Jiangyue and Ding Xilai are also very good characters. Ding Xilai is just a precious baby that I was hoping that there is a better wrap-up for him or more screen time for him toward the end. He a very pure boy, but because of his dad that he lost very good relationship with some awesome people, for example Ye You and Ren Shaotian. As for Wei Jiangyue, I felt bad for him about his unrequited love for Ye You and honestly, I don't know how I feel about him. He is very righteous and willing to compensate for his dad mistakes. He brought out evidence of his dad wrongdoings. In a sense, that is good but sometimes, I felt he is too cold when he did that. That reminded me of a question in Way of Choices (Ze Tian Ji) : if your family/lover/close friend do evil, what will you do? Would you stop that person at all costs and try to make that person go back to the right way or would you follow that person?

Ok, onto the 2 main leads. Wenren Heng, the ML, is portrayed as handsome and smart, and very capable. He demonstrated that throughout the novel, but his presence has been eclipsed by Ye You. In a sense, I felt he is perhaps a bit too lacking in presence. I was hoping for more dynamics between the 2. Instead, he just had his kind and gentleman persona while his somewhat domineering side when he is alone with Ye You, but that's it. It seems somewhat lacking, even more than the elders. Finally, best for last: our MC, Ye You. He is quirky with a poisonous mouth, quick and clever, lazy but sharp, and very beautiful. He's the kind of person who will wrong others before wronging himself, unless it's people he really care for. He has to have amazing fortitude and endurance and a lot of kindness in order to go through what he went through (the massacre of his whole family and master) and turn out to be such a fantastic person, seeking revenge only on those 3 and not involve innocent people, not putting his hatred on the white pieces' families. I'm glad he didn't let revenge get to himself. Amazing patience and really smart because that boardgame that he setup to trap the white pieces is amazing, 8 years of planning. He is flawed too as he can be emotional when it's about people he cares about. Overall, he is like this one cool and amazing person with high EQ and high IQ, who make all his antagonists want to beat him up and shut that mouth of his, haha. Only thing, I hope he can rely more on our ML, instead of taking on all the burden by himself. He rather die by himself than die together with our ML.

One thing I felt the novel is lacking is the romance. I'm glad they got together half way through the book and resolve all the misunderstanding, but I was hoping for more dynamics between them and sweet moments. <<less

Entertaining and humorous novel. The plot is surprising. There are some stories that you can guess most of the plot early on but this isn't one of them. A good read.

This novel was amazing. 5/5. When I first read it I was in the mood for amnesia Danmei, so it seemed fun to read but it just got better and better. The main couple are smart and they love each other and none try to "fix" the other. The main character is extremely smart and the twists and turns of the novel kept me hooked the whole time. The side characters each had personality and the elders were so much fun to read. The shamelessness of both of them was... more>> phenomenal to read. <<less

Loved it, tho there was smth that just didn't allow me to give it 5*. Idk what.... I do actually, it's that the relationship was sorta, just very much not as good as the rest of it. The romantic aspect of it. It felt somewhat like reading fanservice.... it just felt to me like it was weakening the whole thing. I would definitely recommend it. If you're a ship chaser it's a gold mine, there is no other confirmed couple in the story but there is a lot of potential... more>> there.

Gender fluid inters*x character being very nicely written in was great to see.

I think everything was tied together nicely, the characters were truly well written. Because things were good there's not much to say.... The s*xual dynamic was sorta a pity tho, could've made it reversible.

There actually could've been more to write but I am somewhat insomniac lately so I can't really put together opinions coherent enough to type. <<less

I am glad I picked this book up, the overall story did not disappoint, the humor, wit and suspense had me locked in. I kept guessing all through, and best of all even the stern characters had moments of humor that are still stuck in my mind. Kudos to the translator for a great job translating.

I really enjoyed it. Its the kind of novel which is perfectly balanced- not too heavy, not too boring, not too overdramatic, actually funny jokes. It was truly a refreshing read and I seriously laughed a lot.

The mystery and problem solving plot is also pretty cool where we feel like we are part of the gang trying to find that culprit lolol. Tbh the plot is pretty similar to our usual wuxia plots but what makes it interesting is that even though it has some heavy feels, it still feels... more>> light and easy to read and will make you laugh a lot throughout and maybe shed some tears at few scenes... ofcourse most of the tears will be cause of laughing too hard. The final villian is predictable yet not predictable, i.e. the author actually lays down the options for us at the very start but will try to confuse so much on the way that you will keep doubting your predictions haha...

Now the best part of this novel is its characters---trust me, you will love almost all the characters so so much. Its not that they have great character development or something.... its just that they are just too damn adorable, funny and a little crazy lol especially the demonic sect elders, MCs and MLs subordinates/friends and the young master gang and bodyguards.I think I have around 10-13 characters apart from the MC/ML that I really love so much, that I would love to see an anime/live action of this just to see these characters and their silly antics. Even the ones who come way later in the novel will gain your love.

This is the kind of novel where you wont mind MC and ML not being able to have their alone times instead you would like to see all these characters in one place like a theatre play. hahha of course MC and ML still manage to get a lot of alone flirting time here heheehee. Talking about MC/ML----I really loved their romance/flirting and that sense of 'I want to protect the other... and that fear of losing other' feels. Its not the biggest focus here but is still a central part of the story too. Its not too cliche or overdramatic but just mellow and lovable.

I must give a shout out to translator too... its very neat and good quality work which makes you enjoy it even better.

Cons: hmmm I actually dint find any as I was just reading it for the little joys- it is also dialogue heavy rather than action. If you are looking for crazy twist and turns (although there are some crazy revelations), then you may not like it to the extreme cause as I said above its predictable yet not predictable- the villains' are great yet pretty bland at the same time. I did wish to read more about the other characters though cause everyone seems so interesting

Nevertheless, in short---its a big picnic where everyone is playing chess and other games and some are busy flirting and doing their own thing.. read it to know what I mean. lololol.

PS: This is a shipping heaven ok, except for the MC/ML pair (cause they are canon of course) I think I shipped almost everyone with everyone else (not the serious way of course- everyone's interaction is just so cute-villains too lol) I would say my rating is actually 4.4/4.5 story wise but ahhhh its defo a 5 for the characters.. <<less

REVENGE IS THE BEST COLD DISH SERVED !!

This story is really good as it falls under revenge as its main focus. A little kid who had everything in his life, until he is 5 years old, everything disappeared in an instant and his life turned upside down. When he went to his master, he once again faced disaster after some 10 years. Leaving his love beside, he went to become strong and came back to take revenge. Reuniting with his love, both together set traps for revenge. The little kid... more>> is our MC Ye You.

Some may think MC is a bit overpowered, actually he really isn't. We can describe it as patience and enduring. He waited for nearly 20 years for his power to increase, and spent 7 years conspiring this revenge. So he knows the target, knows their nature, and he is intelligent, so he can be able to tell many possibilities, so his entire chess board game, from the start, he will be in upper hand. Besides ML is also smart and indulgent, making them perfect match.

The story of MC is sad, and makes us want to enter the story and give him a big hug. At the same time, hating those villains to the core. I wished to hear the individual stories of those demonic sect elders, but the author didn't say much. But it's alright. The story came into a full circle at the end with main leads.

And MC and ML 's love for each other is quite pleasing and heart warming.

At last I only have you <<less

Props to the translator for giving us such a wonderful novel to read. I really liked the characters, including the side characters. It was quite enjoyable to see them each have their own personality and the author managing to balance them while still making the MC stand out. In terms of mystery and plot though, the novel doesn't really stand up to my 5 star rating (but I'm still leaving it since, as I said, I did enjoy reading it because of all the characters). I feel like many things... more>> were revealed too soon so the overall excitement was lowered. And despite there being some decent plot twists, they didn't manage to make much of an impact because the other mystery points were already revealed. Moreover, there were a few of the so called 'logic' the author tried to use to justify for certain actions of the character but that didn't manage to convince me and I still found several plot holes

Despite all of that, the author did very smartly plan out the story. I totally recommend it! <<less

Very well written, the mystery aspect isnt too complicated if youre not skim reading it you'll probably work out each plot point and relevant answers before they're explicitly revealed (I'm saying this as a good thing. Imo a well written mystery just has to satisfy the reader not constantly throw out shocking plot twists but allow the reader to draw their own conclusions).

The MC is very satisfying to follow as he's not an idiot or constantly needing saving. In fact every character has depth and is interesting to follow (screw... more>> the villains tho). I actually read this a while ago so I can't remember the romance aspect that well but I remember it evolving quite naturally but it's not the main focus.

Spoiler for one aspect of the couple (but I may be remembering wrong)

Spoiler

I don't know if I'm remembering right but I think the offscreen papapa had slightly suspicious consent but I don't remember exactly. It could just have been me interpreting it wrong. Idk at this point I've gotten into the sad habit of giving novels I like a bit of leeway when it comes to small (only small) mildly dubious consent issues

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First and foremost, Shrimp Chips is an amazing translator so many kudos to her/him.

Secondly, this novel is a great read, with intricate plot and a great cast of characters.

As many comments have already mentioned, the plot does require a lot of brain juice (IMO) if you try to guess and predict alongside the characters within this huge, entangling web of a plan/plot line. But if you're like me and just enjoy things as they unfold, that's fine also and the journey all the while is still immensely enjoyable.

For the cast,... more>> MC is a smart guy with outstanding qualities as well as human flaws. And though ML exists as a silent supporter beside MC's side most of the time, he certainly helps balance out MC's tenacity and keep the other grounded, in a way also making MC more real and relatable.

The rest of the cast is lively and adorkable, especially those Demonic Sect Elders who have definitely 'suffered' much under their Sect Master (aka MC) 's hand. Though only appearing in a few scenes, I still feel like each and every one of them deserve a back story because they are just that interesting!

Overall, a MUST-READ.

And finally: screw prestigeous sects, I'd sign up for the Demonic Sects at the drop of the hat! <<less

1. 1. This review is for the Shrimp Chips translation, which is incredible.
   2. I was actually sad when I knew I was reaching the final chapters because I didn't want it to end even though the plot was neatly wrapped up. This is not a thing that usually happens to me.
   3. The plot is like a huge Rube-Goldberg machine, where each action perfectly keys the next action, and you're too busy watching the piece that's in motion to try and figure out what it'll do next.. You're always one step behind the ML and two steps behind the MC, and it's fun. Don't try to keep up, just enjoy the ride.
   4. The ML and MC are extremely cute. Their relationship has depth
      Spoiler

      (although I will say the dub-con in the backstory is totally unnecessary and I wish the author had found another way to accomplish that plot goal)

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      and it's nice to see a CP that actually like each other as people in a regular, everyday kind of way. The ML also unreservedly goes to absolute mush over the MC at all times and I am here for it.
   5. The Demonic Sect Elders are hilarious and if there was an entire novel just about them I would absolutely read it. Blessings upon Xiao-Mei.

Yey! I finally finished reading this. It was a good read. The beginning was good but then as I continued reading I felt like the plot was dragged and I was about to drop it. But then, the story got interesting again with many revelations so I was able to finish it.

The MC is so clever that it can also cause readers to have nosebleed. I just can't keep up with his cleverness. He is full of tricks that sometimes I think his brain was engineered differently.

The ML is always... more>> true to his character. Even at the beginning it was showed that he truly cared about the MC. The fact that the ML is called the wife still makes me want to laugh my head off.

The side characters are not bad especially the demonic sect elders. I also like the young Wei. <<less

I really like this novel. The author has added comedy in the serious plot which has made it unique. Really liked this novel!! ^_^

I really enjoyed this novel, it's entirely based on the revenge of the MC and the world is about martial arts without the cultivation realms I had read so far.

The story is relatively simple and very new to me, but very well written and with so many twists that never get bored.

The relationship between MC and ML is also very sweet and develops gradually from the beginning of the story. It is worth it!