Permanent Martial Arts

My Thoughts on Permanent Martial Arts

"Permanent Martial Arts" is a novel that I approached with a healthy dose of skepticism, given its mixed reception. It's a blend of comedy, martial arts, romance, shounen, and xuanhuan, which is a lot to juggle. Did it manage to pull it off? Well, buckle up, because it's a bit of a rollercoaster.

First Impressions

Initially, I found myself struggling. Some readers have noted the early chapters can be rough, and I have to agree. The plot felt a bit generic, reminiscent of other genetic martial arts stories, but with some glaring plot holes that were hard to ignore. It felt like the protagonist, Lin Feng, was getting an unreasonable amount of plot armor, which definitely took me out of the experience.

What Works Well

Despite my initial reservations, I found myself surprisingly drawn into the world. Many readers praised the unique cultivation system, where characters physically grow larger with each realm, becoming colossal beings. This concept, coupled with the emphasis on understanding laws to amplify combat power, created a fascinating power scaling system. I also really appreciated the fast-paced nature of the story. It kept me engaged, and I never felt bogged down by drawn-out plotlines. The author's vision of different scales and layers of existence was compelling and provided a sense of cohesion to the narrative.

Areas of Concern

While the pacing is generally good, some of the fight scenes felt repetitive and uninspired. At times, it seemed like the author glossed over the details, simply stating that Lin Feng was stronger and won. This could be disappointing for readers who enjoy intricate and detailed fight sequences. Another issue that came up was the character of Lin Feng himself. While some found him coherent, others described him as impatient and arrogant, often rushing into situations without proper planning. This inconsistency in character portrayal could be jarring for some readers.

Final Verdict

"Permanent Martial Arts" is a flawed but ultimately entertaining read. If you're willing to overlook some early stumbles and generic tropes, you might find yourself enjoying its unique cultivation system, fast-paced plot, and grand scale. However, be prepared for some inconsistencies in character development and a potentially disappointing ending. I'd say it's worth a shot if you're looking for a lighthearted and engaging xuanhuan novel, but keep your expectations in check.