Soaring the Heavens

A striking man of mysterious origin and peerless talent, he looks back at the world, in all its entirety, with utter disdain. And yet, in the treacherous and unpredictable ultimate formation of the Boundless Secular World, he guards a breathtaking ancient qin with broken strings, waiting silently for the destined one to arrive! A boy encounters him, and knows for the first time that the world beneath the Heavens is a fickle place. Not even demons, devils, ghosts and monsters can match the frivolity of human nature! A slender physique, and jade-like beauty, but the sword that strikes between heaven and earth is not unlike a streaming rainbow! The vastness of the starry sky, the seven emotions and six desires! Greed, anger and ignorance! The teachings of Buddha will grant you boundless strength! A sea of blood will come, at the cost of all mortal beings full of honest hope! The ghosts wail as the gods roar, but the sea of blood has no end! Where, pray tell, is the path I should take? Since there is no path, no matter how bitter and bloody the sea, even if my boat is made out of bones, I will soar to the heavens above!

Original Publisher

qidian

English Publisher

webnovel

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Soaring the Heavens "Soaring the Heavens" is a novel that's been quite the rollercoaster for me. It's a xianxia story with a lot of promise, but also some significant drawbacks that kept me from fully embracing it. It's one of those stories that I both want to recommend and caution people against. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the world-building and the premise of a cultivation world that felt different from the norm. The early chapters hooked me with their action and intrigue. I was particularly impressed by the author's ability to create characters with distinct personalities and motivations, something that's often lacking in similar novels. ### What Works Well One of the strongest aspects of "Soaring the Heavens" is its deviation from typical xianxia tropes. The story doesn't solely focus on the protagonist's relentless pursuit of power. Instead, it delves into territory management, political schemes, and the complex relationships between cultivators. This blend of RPG and RTS elements is unique and, at times, incredibly engaging. I also found the protagonist to be a refreshing change from the often-overpowered and flawless characters in this genre. He's portrayed as someone who is brave but not always wise, and his inexperience often leads him into precarious situations. This makes him relatable and allows for genuine character growth throughout the story. ### Areas of Concern Despite its strengths, "Soaring the Heavens" has its fair share of flaws. I found the pacing to be inconsistent, with long stretches dedicated to territory management that, while unique, often felt tedious and detracted from the core cultivation and adventure aspects. Another issue that arose for me was the protagonist's character development, or lack thereof, as the story progressed. While he starts as a compelling character, I felt that he became less likable and more frustrating as the story went on, particularly in his interactions with other characters. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers have expressed concerns about the potential for "netorare" (NTR) elements in the story, which is a significant turn-off for many. Others have mentioned that certain romantic developments and harem dynamics felt forced or poorly executed. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Soaring the Heavens" is a mixed bag. It has moments of brilliance, with its unique blend of genres and well-developed characters. However, it's also plagued by pacing issues, frustrating character arcs, and potentially problematic romantic elements. I'd recommend giving it a try if you're looking for something different in the xianxia genre, but be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride. My final rating is a hesitant 3/5.