First Immortal of the Sword

My Thoughts on First Immortal of the Sword

"First Immortal of the Sword" promised a compelling cultivation journey, and while it delivered in some aspects, it ultimately fell short of being a truly memorable read for me. It's a novel with definite strengths, but also some glaring weaknesses that I couldn't ignore.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a powerful cultivator reincarnating. The early chapters had a certain charm, especially the MC's decisive actions and the way he dealt with early antagonists. There's a certain satisfaction in seeing a protagonist who doesn't drag out conflicts unnecessarily. The translation quality is solid, which definitely enhanced my reading experience.

What Works Well

The MC's power and experience are a major draw. He doesn't need to re-cultivate past skills, which sets him apart from many reincarnation stories. Some readers have pointed out that his lazy, contemptuous attitude is fitting for someone who has reached the apex in a past life, and I found that to be a unique and interesting character trait. Also the fact that he is not terrified to share his past life knowledge with others is also a plus.

Areas of Concern

However, as the story progressed, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated. The initial appeal wore off, replaced by a sense of repetition. The formulaic nature of the plot – MC encounters young master, young master underestimates him, young master dies – became tiresome. The endless stream of "young masters" and the MC's sycophants became grating.

The world-hopping aspect, introduced later in the story, was a major turning point for the worse. It made the story monotonous. I also found the MC's interactions with his love interests problematic, to the point where I started disliking him.

Final Verdict

"First Immortal of the Sword" is a mixed bag. It has moments of brilliance, particularly in the early stages, but ultimately succumbs to generic tropes and repetitive plotlines. While the overpowered MC and decisive action might appeal to some, the problematic elements and lack of substantial plot development make it difficult for me to recommend wholeheartedly. I'd say it's a decent time-killer if you're looking for pure wish fulfillment, but don't expect a groundbreaking or thought-provoking read. I'm giving it a 3/5.