The Story in 3 Sentences
Zhou Wen is a gaming-obsessed student in a world transformed by dimensional storms, where reality is now filled with dangerous zones and mythical creatures.
He discovers his phone can transform these real-world dungeons into playable instances, allowing him to grind for power, collect companion beasts, and gain strength without the immediate life-or-death risks others face.
His journey evolves from simple survival and personal advancement into a complex web of conspiracies, multidimensional conflicts, and a revelation that challenges the very nature of his existence .
Why It Stands Out
1. The Grind is Real, But So Are The Rewards
The novel’s core premise of using a gaming interface to navigate a cultivation-based apocalyptic setting is brilliantly executed. The mechanic of spending blood for extra lives and restarts turns a simple concept into a high-stakes strategy, creating a unique blend of LitRPG and Xuanhuan elements that feels fresh and engaging .
2. A Protagonist Who Masters Systems, Not Just Smashing
Zhou Wen stands out for his intelligence and pragmatic focus. He is not a typical bloodthirsty cultivator but a strategist who uses his wits and the game’s mechanics to overcome challenges. His low emotional intelligence leads to hilarious social misunderstandings, providing consistent comedy without undermining the plot’s seriousness .
3. World-Building That Peels Back Like an Onion
What begins as a simple monster-battling academy story slowly unravels into a deep and intricate narrative filled with political power plays, ancient conspiracies, and a well-explained power system. The story masterfully introduces twists that recontextualize everything that came before, keeping readers constantly on their toes .
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Li Xuan – Zhou Wen’s loyal and capable friend, who provides a necessary emotional anchor and camaraderie amidst the chaos, often being the voice of reason and a steadfast ally.
You’ll meet Sweetie, a mysterious and powerful companion beast whose cute demeanor belies incredible strength and who became a massive fan favorite, inspiring countless memes and discussions within the community.
And the enigmatic Old Antelope? He’s the mentor figure whose vast knowledge and hidden agendas guide Zhou Wen while representing the deeper, ancient mysteries of the world’s new laws .
The Flaws Fans Debate
The protagonist’s passivity and lack of ambition in the early-to-mid story arcs frustrate some readers who prefer more driven MCs.
The large cast of side characters sometimes pops in and out of the narrative, making it difficult to track everyone’s significance.
The ending, while resolving major plots, opens up a larger multiverse and feels slightly rushed, leaving many questions unanswered and fueling intense desire for a sequel .
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–100: The Phone of Wonders – The thrilling discovery of the game phone’s powers, establishing the rules, and the first forays into dungeon grinding, setting the tone for the entire series.
Ch. 500–700: The Academy Conspiracy – A complex plot within the academy that reveals deeper factions at play and forces Zhou Wen to confront adversaries far more cunning than mere beasts.
Ch. 1800–1905: The Multiverse Revelation – The mind-bending final act that redefines the entire conflict, introducing higher dimensions and the true nature of the dimensional storms, culminating in an open-ended finale that promises more .
Killer Quotes
“Other people game overnight, I game overnight and bleed.”
“Without that ‘two ounces of meat’ down there, shouldn’t I keep a low profile?”
“Sweetie is life Sweetie is hype Sweetie is cute Sweetie is truth” .
Cultural Impact
The novel developed a cult following for its unique blend of genres, often being compared favorably to the author’s previous work, the massive hit Super Gene.
The character Sweetie inspired a dedicated fanbase, spawning a meme culture where fans would post variations of “Sweetie is…” followed by hyperbolic praise.
It maintained a high rating on major platforms like Webnovel and NovelUpdates throughout its long run, with readers passionately debating its twists and turns .
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A power progression system that feels earned through clever strategy rather than random cheat codes.
A story that masterfully balances intense action with laugh-out-loud social humor.
A world that continuously expands its scope, rewarding long-term investment with shocking and satisfying revelations.
Study If You Love:
Intricate power systems where abilities have defined limitations and costs, creating tension and requiring smart application.
Stories where the main character’s growth is measured not just in strength but in their understanding of a complex and hidden world order.
Narratives that explore the blending of technology and cultivation, questioning the very nature of reality and simulation.
Avoid If You Prefer:
A fast-paced romantic subplot; this story has minimal focus on romance.
A traditionally ambitious and charismatic hero; the MC is often reactive and pragmatically focused.
A story with a perfectly wrapped, conclusive ending; this novel concludes its main arc but deliberately sets up a larger narrative universe
