I initially read the translated version, but grew impatient and decided to check the original. This series is quite peculiar, attempting to portray the main character (MC) as logically functioning without any cheat or unfair advantages, despite being connected to a system. However, when she gains abilities, it quickly devolves into an overly-powered setup. For instance, acupuncture, while potentially harmful, is depicted as normal practice, yet modern medicine inexplicably fails to detect its effects. This inconsistency bothers me since acupuncture is presented as authentic. It's one thing if modern medicine detects nerve damage but won't treat it due to severity; but complete invisibility is illogical. Normally, I'd overlook such discrepancies, but the author emphasizes logic and realistic consequences, making the mystical elements stand out as glaring.
The author also commits a common mistake in underestimating the time and effort required to acquire certain skills. Many transmigration stories make this assumption, which I find frustratingly unrealistic. The author seems unaware of this flaw, as Ning Shu encounters characters bringing modern skills to a prehistoric setting without questioning it. For example, Ning Shu effortlessly recites entire novels to compete with a character with a system granting them instant access to all written texts. While the setting permits some leeway, memorizing such vast amounts of content is implausible, even for someone like a fan of Harry Potter.
Additionally, the novel struggles with a conflicting theme of female empowerment and traditional Chinese values. Despite promoting independence, stories where requesters escape abusive partners typically don't result in new relationships. Meanwhile, the MC often criticizes others for not adhering to Confucian principles, which creates an awkward balance. It's possible to be a strong, independent woman while respecting tradition, but the series fails to harmoniously blend these aspects.
There are instances where the narrative suggests "Eastern magic" surpasses Western magic, especially as Ning Shu's abilities grow. While she may be more skilled, the Taoist exorcism techniques and martial arts techniques she employs seem to overpower the Western-style magic in the story's universe, creating an imbalance. Eventually, the MC's logic gives way to an overpowered, unapologetic Mary Sue archetype, with her morality conveniently disappearing as she uses her powers to destroy entire towns for personal gain, justified by labelling the victims as "evil." This clichéd trope feels poorly executed.
While I understand webnovels often lack editing, the MC's constant critique of other transmigration stories becomes grating when her own work exhibits similar flaws. The hypocrisy is hard to ignore.