The Healer Demands Payment!

My opinion about this novel is that I adore the female lead (FL), but I generally dislike the male leads (MLs). The FL has a distinct personality and a compelling backstory, with well-developed motivations that make her character engaging. She adds depth and interest to the story, making it tolerable, though others might not share the sentiment. I understand that the novel follows the common trope of Chinese cultivation stories, with the FL consuming numerous pills daily, engaging in illegal pill sales, and indulging in a cycle of spending all her money and then buying ingredients to create more. This portrayal might send mixed messages to young readers about drugs.

The initial introduction of the MLs struck me as unsettling due to their obsessive behavior towards the FL, physically manipulating her and desperately seeking her control or servitude. The forced soul oaths and lack of consent for the lifelong servitude contract were particularly disturbing, especially when the first ML persisted despite her clear disapproval.

What pushed me over the edge was around chapter 26, revealing that the MLs' actions were driven by their past memories, not genuine love or respect. They were essentially chasing her as an apology for their past wrongdoings, undermining the novel's focus on the FL's impact on the world. It became absurd to see multiple attractive characters constantly surveilling her and assisting her without proper reasons, especially given their questionable morality.

I decided to drop the novel after chapter 99, primarily due to the contrived event in chapter 96, where the author felt the "main ML" needed more attention. The author introduced a catastrophic event that transported the FL to a location accessible only to him, seemingly just to give him more screen time. Despite the story having an abundance of plot armor, this particular twist felt excessive and unrealistic.

I absolutely adore this novel. The female lead's character is incredibly distinctive, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the world of cultivation it presents. I am eagerly anticipating the growth and development of the FL's relationship with the ML.

I typically don't have much interest in overly virtuous main characters, but Meng Qi holds a unique place in my heart. She embodies the genuine, straightforward nature of a medical cultivator, healing others purely out of the compassion in her heart and the inherent Dao that cannot bear to witness death. In her past life, she saved numerous influential figures, yet her anonymity often left her unacknowledged, with the credit often attributed to a "world-saving heroine," which Meng Qi attributes to the stereotype of a flawless main character.

What sets Meng Qi apart from typical overpowered女主角 in cultivation stories is her dedication to medicine. In this world, cultivation and medical practices are distinct paths. While some cultivators excel in their chosen discipline, Meng Qi possesses average spiritual cultivation abilities but an exceptional aptitude and passion for healing. This balance between her outer cultivation and inner strength adds depth to her character, as her focus on healing not only helps her survive but also enhances her cultivation through practice.

Moreover, Meng Qi's desire to heal stems from both personal growth and a genuine love for understanding and resolving illnesses. The author effectively develops this trait as a consistent aspect of her character, rather than solely relying on it as a plot device.

The romance in the story is well-executed. As I mentioned earlier, Meng Qi's primary passion is medicine, and even the male lead struggles to compete with it. Without giving away too much, there was a scene where the ML tried to express affection, but Meng Qi rejected it as not romantic. While the novel hasn't progressed beyond Arc 2 in my reading, I appreciate the slower burn approach to the relationship, particularly since it's a case where the love interest falls for her first.

Although the novel doesn't entirely escape common tropes found in cultivation romance, it handles them in a way that resonates better with readers, avoiding the instant and superficial connections often seen in such narratives.

The primary issue with this novel lies in the main character's portrayal. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains alarmingly innocent and lacks resilience. Each new storyline only adds to the frustration, as she consistently reacts passively to threats, whether it's being bullied, slandered, or framed. She consistently relies on others, particularly those she initially tried to distance herself from, to rescue her and rectify the situation, which becomes increasingly exasperating for the reader.

So, I absolutely adore the main character. She's incredibly composed and unbothered, showing enthusiasm only when it comes to medical cultivation. I appreciate her ability to look beyond appearances and her conscientious pursuit of her path. She's intelligent and doesn't come across as arrogant. Her temper is displayed sparingly, making her a perfect embodiment of a healer. I also love how obsessed she is with the male lead acknowledging her as his disciple, even though he prefers a Taoist companion. The MC is oblivious to romantic cues, mistaking them for something else, due to their vast cultivation difference, which causes her to view the ML as an elevated figure.

In the story, when faced with a choice between friends and the ML, she struggles internally but ultimately chooses to save him, even defying fate. The ML is equally endearing, doing everything possible to support her journey without interfering. He quietly protects her from danger, even when injured himself, and collects spirit points for her through simple acts like moving books.

I'm curious about Lin Yan's character – why does her jade slip enter the MC's spiritual sea? What's their connection, and will Lin Yan's fate hold a clue for the MC and ML's story? Will there be a similar choice for her? What did Lin Yan say when reviving her lover? Also, what about the MC's mother? Is she part of a special lineage? What conditions must be met to regain memories – is it through the MC's treatment or intense suffering? Why was the MC reincarnated? Does it relate to the ML or some divine purpose?

The female devil cultivator left in the mansion is intriguing, especially given her broken Nidan. Does she need sustenance? Has she starved to death? It's a pity she's often overlooked. Speaking of which, I really admire Third Sister Xue for her strength in breaking free from her past and choosing her own path, despite her difficult experiences.

Now, regarding the original female lead, I don't particularly like her character. She focuses more on crying than healing, holds stubborn beliefs, and has a self-righteous attitude, putting her fellow disciples in danger. She's selfish and expects others to cater to her, especially the MC. Her jealousy over the attention towards the MC is off-putting, and she lacks self-awareness. The MC's decision to distance herself from her is understandable.

Overall, while there's still much to explore, the MC's journey resonates with me. If I were in her shoes, I'd protect myself from threats, but I'd definitely be more assertive than her current approach.

From the 45th episode onwards, the "angelic girl chosen by the world" takes center stage, traveling back in time. However, the book fails to impress, with secondary characters in the second installment having monotonous dialogue, suggesting a lack of individuality. In story three, the male characters come across as self-imposed suffering, romantically pursuing the protagonist only when she doesn't desire them. Unlike McMize, there's no forced narrative or manipulation involved.