u/PresentationProud829

My last APTE post got quite a bit of love, so I thought I should properly introduce myself this time. I’m Jaye, the translator behind APTE, and I also co-translate another novel: https://www.wuxiaworld.com/novel/top-tier-perception 

Tbh both are interesting in their own way, but TTP is harder to put together mainly because of the writing and structuring. It's not even the plot, but it's how the author play with words. Honestly, when I look at the final version, I'm kinda amazed we managed to make it work.

I’m not surprised that people are willing to try APTE more. It has a more mainstream cultivation story, and I totally get why that draws people in. But personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for more indie works too. I’m the type who can get interested in something just because of the craft behind it. Not sure if you guys are familiar with Black Myth: Wukong, but it made me want to check it out not only because of the game itself but also because of the naming choices and all the little creative decisions (also could just be 职业病 lol). One small example I really liked is the frog named Baw-Li-Guhh-Lang that was translated from 波里个浪. Instead of translating it or doing a transliteration, they made it sound playful while also connecting it to the actual Baw Baw Frog irl!

So I’m curious. Would you guys actually pick up a novel because the translation is good, or is it all about the plot, etc? For me, I think the story pulls me in first, but the thought into it is what makes me respect the novel more.

*If you guys end up checking out either TTP or APTE do comment a ;) so I can say hi 😗

View Poll

I'll be upfront, I translated this novel. But that's exactly why I wanted to write this post, because I think it deserves more eyes.

APTE was actually my first ever xianxia/cultivation novel. I didn't pick it up because I was a wx/xx veteran. I picked it up because it was slow. I needed something I could sit with and actually understand as I went. And this novel gave me that.

What I didn’t expect was that the more I read and translated, the more I realized how good the author actually is. And after reading more of the wx and xx, I can really say the author's storytelling put APTE in a different league.

TL;DR: It starts slow and hooks you with its progression. It’s not hacked, and it actually takes its time building things up.

My take:

Characters (8.5/10):

Early on, the characters feel really solid. Side characters actually matter, have roles, and don’t just disappear after one arc. Relationships build naturally, and the MC isn’t doing everything alone, which is honestly refreshing. Later on though, this starts to fall off a bit. As the MC gets stronger, a lot of side characters become less relevant, and it starts feeling more centered around him alone.

Romance (6.5/10):

Romance isn’t a big focus for most of the story, but it did get me super worked up at one point. Honestly, certain MC choices feel forced.

World-building (9.5/10):

This is one of the APTE's biggest strengths; it's insane! It’s not just sects and fights; you actually see how cultivators live, trade, build forces, and survive. It can also make things feel dragged out, but it's perfect for me!

Plot (8/10):

The plot is very steady and focused on long-term progression. One of the best parts is the continuity where things set up early actually come back later and matter, which isn’t always common.

Overall (8.5/10): If you’re into slow-burning stories with real progression and worldbuilding, this is definitely worth picking up. The chapters are up til C924 now on Wuxiaworld: https://www.wuxiaworld.com/novel/alchemists-path-to-eternity

LMK what you think! And whatever it is, I hope to see you guys in the comments section on WW!