When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses! Novel Review

My Thoughts on When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!

First Impressions

"When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!" certainly has a title that grabs your attention. Diving in, I found a xianxia novel that leans heavily into the slice-of-life genre. We're talking about a protagonist, Gu An, who's more interested in cultivating herbs and managing his garden than conquering the cultivation world. This already sets it apart from many other novels in the genre. It's a slow burn, focusing on steady accumulation and the affairs of the cultivation world around the MC, rather than constant action.

What Works Well

The world-building seems well done, with distinct support characters who have their own personalities. The plot, while not action-packed, keeps things moving with subplots that prevent it from becoming stagnant. Many readers praised the relaxing nature of the story and its departure from typical xianxia tropes like face-slapping and one-dimensional characters. The humor, when it hits, is enjoyable, and the premise of an overpowered but overly cautious MC has potential for comedic gold. I can definitely see the appeal for readers who are looking for something different within the xianxia genre.

Areas of Concern

However, I also see some significant issues. The main criticism seems to center around the protagonist's extreme cowardice and paranoia. While a cautious MC can be appealing, some readers feel that Gu An takes it too far, becoming a "paranoid loser" who hides his power to an almost absurd degree. The formulaic nature of the plot – cultivate, encounter a weaker enemy, one-shot them, remain cowardly – could also become repetitive and boring over time.

Final Verdict

"When I Achieved Sainthood, the Immortal Official Actually Called Me to Raise Horses!" is a polarizing novel. If you're looking for a relaxing, low-stakes cultivation story with a focus on world-building and a cautious protagonist, this might be right up your alley. However, if you prefer a more proactive and heroic MC, or if you're easily turned off by extreme cowardice and potentially questionable moral choices, you might want to proceed with caution. I'd recommend giving it a try to see if the unique premise and slice-of-life elements outweigh the potential drawbacks for you. I'm giving it a tentative 3/5.