Easy to visualize and emotionally satisfying. I’m this end to the first arc of Long Wu Ying’s path to immortality, Tao Wong juggles the ongoing war and interpersonal relationship development, and begins to untangle the nuances of trying to be a protector of others at wartime and as a cultivator.
Really loving the conflicted but mutual understanding between old rivals and that we’ve still got some meaty plot hooks tantalizingly dangling ahead of us regarding little mysteries among the supporting cast. I was especially pleased by the handling of Li Yao and Long Wu Ying’s relationship at the end, and am looking forward to book 4 and yet more excellent development of the cast and their dynamics.