Hey all! I am layercupcake, translator of Immortal of the Nine Realms. Drew a short meme with my trusty iPad during my translation break. Hope you like it! :)
If you’re a fan of Unsheathed, you know how hard it is to find a novel that actually respects its own world-building and doesn’t rush the MC into godhood by chapter 50. I’ve found that in Immortal of the Nine Realms and been hooked on reading it.
What connects these two for me is the deliberate pacing. In Unsheathed, you feel every step Chen Pingan takes. In Nine Realms, you feel the five years of silence Fang Chen endured while his soul roamed the world. He doesn’t come back as a shouting protagonist but returns with the calm, terrifying patient discipline of a General.
If you enjoy stories where the inner world of the MC is just as important as the external fights, both novels mentioned hit that same spot. Does anyone have similar novels to recommend me?
My latest 2 reads have been Divine Throne of Primordial Blood and Immortal of the Nine Realms.
Divine Throne of Primordial Blood has a "blinded genius" start, but the MC focuses on researching the mechanics of cultivation to overcome his handicap. A very interesting read where MC actually researches magic like a scientist instead of relying on pure plot armor.
Immortal of the Nine Realms focuses more on intelligence over mindless face-slapping imo. What I appreciate most is that MC doesn't act like a typical teenager with a superpower. Because he was a top-tier general before his fall, he actually has a tactical brain. Most MCs just charge in and scream about defying the heavens, but MC feels like he’s playing a long-term game of chess. Even when he’s being underestimated as a blind cripple, you get this sense of calm menace because he’s already three steps ahead of his enemies. It’s less about brute force and more about inevitable consequences, which is a refreshing change of pace for the genre.
Have any of you guys read these novels? If so, what are your thoughts on them?
Reading the ongoing Immortal of the Nine Realms. It’s a refreshing read and the “fallen genius” trope here actually feels earned. The MC was a top-tier general who lost his eyes, cultivation and army in a massive betrayal. He goes about as a “blind cripple” being mocked by everyone, but in fact, his soul has been roaming free in the Nine Realms. He’s been watching his enemies and gathering enlightenment in secret while everyone thought he was just a broken man. I love how he is literally seeing the world haha.
First Immortal of the Sword also has similar vibes where the MC is an underdog rising to power, when everyone looked down on him.
What do you guys think of underdog rising plots? :)