Yuan’s Ascension

My Thoughts on Yuan’s Ascension

"Yuan's Ascension" definitely grabbed my attention with its blend of martial arts, xuanhuan, and a protagonist who's more about self-interest than saving the world. It's a journey that starts small, but quickly expands into something much grander, and that's where the experience gets interesting.

First Impressions

The initial chapters really set the stage as a martial arts-focused story, which I found appealing. It felt grounded, with the cultivators being almost legendary figures. However, the story does shift gears, morphing into more traditional cultivation with increasingly powerful abilities and a much larger scope. If you're expecting a purely martial arts-driven narrative, be prepared for a change.

What Works Well

I appreciated the slow-burn approach to the story. Watching Wu Yuan gradually climb the ranks, starting from his small world, was satisfying. The world-building is decent, and the power scaling, while sometimes a bit much, generally keeps you engaged. I also liked the protagonist's pragmatic nature. He prioritizes his family and isn't afraid to act in his own self-interest, which makes him a refreshing change from the typical heroic archetype. The fight scenes are also well done.

Areas of Concern

One area that gave me pause was the ever-increasing scale of things. At times, it felt like the story was trying too hard to be epic, with descriptions of ridiculously large objects that didn't really add anything to the narrative. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Yuan's Ascension" is an entertaining read with a unique blend of genres and a protagonist who isn't afraid to be selfish. While the scale of the story can get a bit out of hand and the ending feels rushed, the journey itself is engaging and satisfying. If you're looking for a cultivation story with a grounded start and a protagonist who marches to the beat of his own drum, this might be worth your time.