The Story in 3 Sentences
A timid modern teen is thrust into the perilous, Qi-infused court of the decaying Grand Xia Empire, forced to survive by posing as a eunuch amidst imperial intrigue.
His journey shifts from palace survival to epic warfare and cosmic battles, wielding mysterious Heavenly Scrolls to defy fate, conquer hells, and ultimately challenge the god who shattered immortality.
He ascends from a powerless imposter to the awe-inspiring Marquis of Grand Xia, his innocence eroded by relentless tragedy, leaving behind a legacy forged in sacrifice and defiance against the heavens.
Why It Stands Out
1. The Anti-Cheat Protagonist’s Grind
Ning Chen possesses no hidden grandmaster in a ring or inherited divine bloodline; his power is earned through sheer, brutal perseverance despite possessing pathetic innate talent, making every victory feel genuinely hard-won against brilliantly ruthless foes who often outshine him.
2. A Symphony of Sorrow
Romance is not a reward but a requiem; love interests like Mu Chengxue sacrifice everything, including their very memories or emotions, wandering the world lost, turning the narrative into a poignant, tear-jerking masterpiece where triumph is inextricably linked with profound, personal loss.
3. From Courtroom Farce to Cosmic Tragedy
The tone masterfully pivots from darkly comedic palace antics, teasing concubines and flirting with princesses, into a grim, epic saga battling Mongol hordes, navigating the depths of hell, and confronting divinity itself, reflecting the protagonist’s own shattered innocence.
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Empress Zhangsun – the formidable imperial figure whose initial command forces Ning Chen into his eunuch disguise, setting the entire tragic chain of events into motion with her political maneuvering.
You’ll meet Prince Yan, the seemingly carefree Third Prince whose gallivanting hides deeper layers; his alliance with Ning Chen is marked by both humorous camaraderie and profound, life-altering sacrifices that reshape the protagonist’s path.
And Mu Chengxue? They’re the one who, as a top disciple of the Night Spirit Palace, chooses to erase her own memories to save Ning Chen, becoming a poignant symbol of love’s ultimate, devastating cost as she wanders the world, forever lost to herself.
The Flaws Fans Debate
The tonal whiplash is jarring, as the early, genuinely funny palace comedy vanishes entirely, replaced by unrelenting grimness that alienates readers who loved the initial levity.
The narrative ambition falters in the later stages, with some fans finding the protagonist’s actions confusing and the plot developments increasingly illogical, undermining the strong foundation built earlier.
What begins as a uniquely grounded, hard-grind story eventually succumbs to familiar, over-the-top xianxia tropes and pacing issues, transforming from a potential masterpiece into a more conventional, albeit still epic, tale.
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–50: The Eunuch Gambit – Ning Chen navigates the lethal politics of the Grand Xia court, his survival hinging on his fake identity, establishing key relationships and the empire’s fragile, decaying state.
Ch. 200–600: The Hellfire Crucible – The Marquis battles the Mongol Horde and descends into the underworld, his power and resolve forged in the fires of war and loss, marking his transition from courtier to legendary warrior.
Ch. 1000–1655: The Godslayer’s Requiem – Armed with the Heavenly Scrolls, Ning Chen confronts Pluto, the god who destroyed the path to immortality, in a final, universe-shaking conflict that demands the ultimate sacrifices from him and his few remaining allies.
Killer Quotes
“The palace doors are like an endless abyss, once through the barrier between that life and this, I can be nothing more but a stranger.”
Cultural Impact
Fans passionately debate its tonal shift, with “started as 5-star comedy, became 3-star tragedy” being a common, bittersweet refrain across forums.
It carved a niche for readers seeking male protagonists whose victories are earned through sweat and tears, not cheat systems, becoming a cult favorite for its “no harem, all hardship” approach.
Its reputation for emotional devastation is legendary, with readers often warning newcomers to “bring tissues” and prepare for a story where beloved characters, even the cute horse, meet tragic ends.
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A protagonist who triumphs through grit, not gifts, making his ascent deeply satisfying.
A story that isn’t afraid to break your heart, where love and loyalty come with devastating, unforgettable costs.
An epic that spans from intimate palace intrigue to universe-threatening divine warfare, offering incredible scale and variety.
Study If You Love:
Deconstructions of xianxia tropes, particularly the “cheat system” and effortless cultivation.
Complex narratives where character development is driven by trauma and impossible choices.
Stories that explore the heavy burden of power and the true cost of defying fate and the heavens.
Avoid If You Prefer:
Lighthearted adventures or consistent comedic tones throughout the entire narrative.
Stories with clear-cut happy endings or romantic subplots that culminate in traditional fulfillment.
Plots that avoid major character deaths or where the protagonist’s journey is free from profound, soul-crushing loss.
