Learning God in Hand, I Have the World

I read 18 and I can tell you, it's not proper cultivation novel, more like a setting, it is not main focus. Scheming and political bullshit is main fucus and harem. Novel writing is good. Best described as slice of life with base biulding and mini adventures with with very distant cultivation setting in background.

Zhuang Li is a brilliant individual who has mastered dimensional theory, but his journey takes an unexpected turn. After being pursued, his consciousness is transferred to a parallel dimension where he becomes trapped within a system. Surprisingly, the system initially underestimates him, inadvertently turning into his hostage. Despite its attempts to hinder him, the system reluctantly aids Zhuang Li in navigating different dimensions while secretly plotting to break free.

Zhuang Li's extensive knowledge allows him to overcome challenges and protect his loved one, who becomes a target of the system's deity. His character stands out for his imperfections, making him relatable – despite being skilled in science and technology, he lacks physical prowess but compensates with strategic thinking.

However, the story loses points due to excessive reliance on racism and nationalism, which can be off-putting, even for those who appreciate Chinese culture. The constant portrayal of a rivalry between China and the US, driven by technology and war, feels exaggerated and bordering on paranoid. Although this theme appears in many Chinese translations, it becomes tiresome in this particular work.

Despite this issue, the engaging interactions between Zhuang Li and the system, as well as his relationship with Ming, keep readers invested. The scientific focus might not appeal to everyone, but it adds an intriguing aspect. While the story could have benefited from a more balanced approach, the ending ultimately delivers a satisfying conclusion without the persistent nationality focus.

In the final arc, the narrative shifts away from national tensions, which greatly improves the storytelling. Even without deep scientific background, the concepts were accessible and logical. Zhuang Li's resourcefulness in each arc kept the reader engaged, although some might argue the ending lacked additional depth.

While I cannot give it a higher rating due to the prevalence of China-US conflict, I enjoyed the story overall and look forward to revisiting parts of it. The dynamics between characters, especially Zhuang, the system, and Ming, are captivating, leaving room for curiosity about their future adventures.

In summary, while the story's focus on nationality detracts from its potential, the strong character development and engaging plot make it a worthwhile read. I appreciate the ending's departure from these themes and hope for a more balanced exploration of culture and relationships in future works.

Honestly, I'm quite accepting of nationalism, except when it comes to American or European varieties, which often sound somewhat racist to me. But this particular instance was truly unbearable. Initially, I didn't mind, but there were six chapters solely dedicated to praising the supposed genius of the lone Chinese character and emphasizing the superiority of the Chinese race. Three entire chapters were filled with unnecessary padding, while the protagonist triumphed over the system and揭露其弊端, leaving the male lead (ML) and the system rather bewildered. The other characters were conveniently ignored, as if they never existed. As for character development, I didn't anticipate much from six chapters, but what could have been resolved in three dragged on tediously. It's disheartening because I adore Chinese novels, enjoyBL, and find zombie settings intriguing. The initial吸引我的描述最终让我失望透顶, so I decided to stop reading.

I'm currently re-reading it, and it's always a delightful experience. Although I didn't finish it, I did get to the final storyline. I won't spoil it here, though (laughs). I can understand why some might feel uneasy about the portrayal of Chinese nationalism, but it's not overly excessive. It's natural for someone to take pride in their homeland, especially when the story starts with the protagonist feeling like China was unfairly taken advantage of.

The main character's perspective is biased, which I can empathize with – he's a ruthless figure who initially had no belief or emotions. His life changed when he met the love interest (ML) in the First World, and the ML became his saving grace. To truly grasp the depth of their bond, you'd need to read the story.

In the narrative, the once cruel world he didn't care about has transformed into something he wants to protect, because it holds meaning for his beloved partner. They are incredibly adorable together. Despite his aloofness and coldness towards enemies, he fiercely defends those he cares about – mostly the ML – and there aren't many instances of family manipulation in these arcs. In fact, I only recall one instance where it came up.

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

My review is 4.5 stars out of 5. If you enjoy a cunning (Overpowered Protagonist/OP) character with plenty of face-slapping scenes, I'd definitely suggest giving the novel a read. However, be prepared for a slow start; it's essential to progress through at least the second arc to form a proper opinion. As a non-Chinese reader, I don't appreciate the theme of supremacy, which can be off-putting, but for a great story, I can overlook it. The MC's quirks, particularly the system aspect, are well-developed and provide a coherent reason for their journey across different worlds, similar to another work by the author (FOD).

While the novel shares similarities with FOD, the improvement lies in the character dynamics. Here, the MC has limited physical prowess, contrasting with the ML's average intelligence, whereas in FOD, both characters excelled in everything. The romance in this one feels slightly more genuine and emotionally evolved, with a smoother progression than in the beginning of FOD.

In summary, it's a solid read with some minor drawbacks, but the compelling protagonist and engaging narrative make up for it. Give it a try if you're looking for a unique and improved take on the genre.

"Finally, the translation is underway ?... It's unfortunate that I had to read it three times already ?. In essence, this novel is both intriguing and exceptional. Definitely worth a read!"