The Story in 3 Sentences
Ling Chuxi, a destitute and bullied young miss deemed weak and ugly, meets a tragic end in a freezing river only to awaken with a cold, captivating gaze and the memories of a modern reincarnated soul .
Her rebirth triggers a stunning metamorphosis where her ugliness fades to reveal peerless beauty, and her hidden talents in cultivation and alchemy explode forth, allowing her to dominate those who once scorned her with a venomous tongue and formidable power .
Her journey escalates from personal vengeance to encompassing grand battles that determine the fate of her family and the entire cultivation world, all while navigating the complex attentions of powerful men, particularly the enigmatic Huangfu Qingjue .
Why It Stands Out
1. The Unforgettable Foodie Protagonist
Ling Chuxi breaks the mold of the aloof, unfeeling female lead by being a self-proclaimed and proud foodie, whose love for food is seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding a layer of relatable humor and warmth to her character that fans adore .
2. A Masterclass in Cathartic Payoff
The novel executes the ugly-duckling-to-swan trope with masterful precision, meticulously building the protagonist’s humiliation and pain to make her subsequent transformation and vengeance feel incredibly earned and satisfying, delivering a power fantasy that resonates deeply with readers .
3. A Balancing Act of Power and Growth
Despite featuring an overpowered protagonist, the narrative avoids stagnation by consistently introducing stronger adversaries and more complex challenges in alchemy and cultivation, ensuring Ling Chuxi’s growth feels continuous, engaging, and never boring .
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Huangfu Qingjue – the enigmatic and handsome male lead whose early presence as a fox companion adds a layer of delightful irony and anticipation, later evolving into a deeply loyal and supportive partner who respects Ling Chuxi’s independence .
You’ll meet Mu Liufeng, Ling Chuxi’s shameless and hilariously funny master, whose comedic antics and unwavering support provide consistent levity, yet whose own romantic subplot with Dongfang Yunhui adds surprising emotional depth to the story .
The Flaws Fans Debate
The translation quality is a significant point of contention, with many readers noting a sharp decline post-hiatus into near MTL (machine translation) levels, which significantly hampers the enjoyment of the otherwise compelling story for non-native speakers .
The story’s immense length, while a positive for some, leads to stretches that some readers find repetitive or formulaic, following a pattern of confrontation and victory that can feel predictable within the genre’s tropes .
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–100: The Rebirth and Initial Revenge – The foundational arc where Ling Chuxi awakens, begins her transformation, and systematically humiliates her initial tormentors, establishing the core themes of vengeance and power .
Ch. 2900–3000: The High-Stakes Alchemy Conference – A thrilling competition arc where Ling Chuxi’s skills are tested against another genius alchemist, Zhi Han, showcasing intense intellectual rivalry and strategic depth beyond brute force .
Ch. 4900–5876: The Final Familial Confrontation – The epic conclusion where the conflicts with the Shangguan and Yuwen families culminate in a grand battle for the Ling family’s survival, drawing in allies from across the world for a satisfying narrative climax .
Killer Quotes
“I’m a foodie and I’m proud of it. I have a venomous tongue to infuriate people to death, but I won’t compensate with my life.”
“Go on, devour me.”
“You rejected me. Remember that.”
Cultural Impact
The novel has sparked a dedicated fanbase on Webnovel, with readers passionately debating theories, particularly about the true identity of the male lead and the nature of Ling Chuxi’s relationship with her fox companion long before it was revealed .
It is frequently recommended in online forums and communities dedicated to the transformation and rejected mate tropes, often praised for the satisfying depth of its protagonist’s comeback and the balance of humor and action .
The character of Ling Chuxi herself has become a benchmark for well-executed “ugly duckling” transformations within the webnovel community, with her specific blend of power, humor, and strategic intelligence being held up as an example .
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A supremely satisfying and lengthy power fantasy with a focus on deserved vengeance and glorious personal transformation from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs.
A female lead who is fiercely independent, hilariously sharp-tongued, and unapologetically herself, balancing immense power with relatable quirks like her love for food.
A story that masterfully blends action-packed cultivation with high-level alchemy competitions and a slow-burn romance that supports rather than overshadows the protagonist’s journey.
Study If You Love:
Stories that explore the intricate mechanics of cultivation and alchemy systems, treating them as deep, explorable fields of study and innovation.
Narratives with a large cast of characters where even side plots and supporting figures are given time to develop and endear themselves to the reader.
A healthy dose of humor woven into the narrative, provided by a protagonist who doesn’t take herself too seriously even when conquering the world.
Avoid If You Prefer:
Tight, concise plots without any filler; this is an epic-scale story that luxuriates in its world and character interactions across thousands of chapters.
Stories with minimal romantic elements; while the romance is not the sole focus, it is a significant and ongoing subplot.
A consistently high translation quality throughout; the latter parts of the novel are known to suffer from a noticeable drop in translation standard.
