As an avid listener and reader this book and possibly series is going to be difficult to create a connection with any of the characters in the book.
This is entirely due to the hardcore mode level/approach the author takes towards the naming schema of the ancient Chinese culture.
the characters themselves are rather interesting in there actions. but you won’t remember the characters name or how to pronounce it. even after finishing the book I am not 100% sure I can recite the MC’s name. although I thoroughly enjoyed his adventure.
the culture and naming goes beyond the characters and gets implemented into the weapons used and the food eaten. making it even more difficult to relate or understand wtf is happening sometimes.
even those who live in China aren’t versed in ancient Chinese. doesn’t make sense to use this type of jargon in a fantasy book.