The First Ascended After the Founding of New China

My Thoughts on The First Ascended After the Founding of New China

First Impressions

"The First Ascended After the Founding of New China" immediately grabbed my attention with its unusual title. It hints at a blend of modern history and classic cultivation fantasy, a combination that I found intriguing. Diving in, I was curious to see how the author would navigate such a unique premise.

What Works Well

One of the strongest aspects of this novel, in my opinion, is its portrayal of cultivation. The story seems to deliberately subvert common tropes found in xianxia novels. Instead of the typical arrogant Buddhist cultivators and Taoists who ignore their own values, the novel presents a different, perhaps more realistic, interpretation. I appreciated this fresh perspective and found it to be a thought-provoking element.

Another aspect I enjoyed was the protagonist's approach to cultivation and the mortal world. Unlike many cultivation novel leads who become arrogant, constantly fight, and build harems, this protagonist largely focuses on his own cultivation and doesn't get bogged down in mortal affairs. I found this refreshing; it allowed the story to focus on the core aspects of cultivation and personal growth without unnecessary distractions.

Areas of Concern

While I found the protagonist's dedication to cultivation admirable, I can imagine that some readers might find him a bit detached or even selfish. His lack of engagement with the mortal world could be seen as a drawback for those who prefer a more involved and proactive main character.

Final Verdict

Overall, I found "The First Ascended After the Founding of New China" to be a unique and engaging novel. Its fresh take on cultivation tropes and the protagonist's focused approach set it apart from many other works in the genre. While some may find the protagonist's detachment a bit off-putting, I believe that it ultimately contributes to the novel's distinctive character. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a cultivation story that deviates from the norm and offers a thoughtful exploration of its themes.