I’ve Been Reading Novels for Years. Here Are Some I Think Are Worth Reading and Enjoyable 看小说也有好些年了，推荐些我觉得能看、好看的文

1. 1 升 Climbing the Ranks and Proving the Way 升官证道 Bao Erri鲍尔日Urban2.1M WordsCompleted Synopsis: Lu Haoming's son-in-law said, “At government offices in the city, reaching director-general level is already the ceiling for people from farming families like us.” Lu Haoming refuses to believe it. The road to office is beset by countless obstacles. He's too handsome, attracting one beauty after another, and his outspoken nature brings him repeated setbacks. Watch how he breaks through and rises straight to the top. 90.2kReads9.5Score10.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   Among the many novels depicting the intrigues of officialdom, Bao Erzhi's *The Path to Officialdom* presents a unique world with its distinctive perspective and profound insights into human nature. This novel is not merely a portrayal of power and desire, but also an exploration of humanity, morality, and ideals. Bao Erzhi's protagonist, Lu Haoming, is a farmer's son who, through his own efforts and wisdom, climbs the ranks of a municipal government unit to the level of a department head. His experience undoubtedly best exemplifies the saying, "Heaven will entrust great responsibilities to those who are first tested with hardship and toil." He faces not only external challenges but also internal struggles. Every choice Lu Haoming makes reflects his moral and value system, prompting us to reflect on power, morality, and humanity. In the unique environment of officialdom, the trust of superiors is paramount. Without the support of superiors, it is difficult for an individual to have the opportunity to display their talents, let alone allocate human, material, and financial resources. This is precisely why Lu Haoming constantly strives to gain the trust of his superiors. Gaining trust is no easy feat; it requires a broad vision, a grand perspective, a deep understanding of the rules, and the ability to apply them. Lu Haoming excels in this regard; he possesses not only lofty ideals but also the practical ability to achieve them. He understands that uniting all forces that can be united to reach higher levels generates greater, more direct, and more practical influence. However, officialdom is not simply a power struggle; it involves complex and subtle interpersonal relationships, human struggles, and moral choices. The novel repeatedly mentions "the fear of gossip," which is not only a warning against rumors but also a revelation of the complexities of human nature. In his pursuit of power, Lu Haoming suffers repeated setbacks, and his upright personality leads him to many difficulties. Yet, he always adheres to his principles and bottom line, which is precisely why he is able to rise rapidly in officialdom. It is worth mentioning that some plot points and character portrayals in the novel are full of symbolic meaning. For example, Lu Haoming's son-in-law's words, "In municipal units, for a farmer's son like us, reaching the level of a division chief is already the ceiling for officials," not only reveal the realities of officialdom but also reflect the differences and contradictions between social classes. Lu Haoming, a farmer's son, broke through this glass ceiling and became a top figure in officialdom. Bao Erzhi's *The Path to Officialdom* is not merely a novel about officialdom, but also an exploration of humanity, morality, and ideals. It shows us the complexity and struggles behind power and prompts us to reflect on the relationship between morality and humanity. In this world full of temptations and challenges, how to uphold principles and how to make the right choices are questions everyone must face. Lu Haoming's experience may offer us some insights and food for thought.

2. 2 起 Getting to the Bottom of Mind-Reading 起底观心术 Bao Erri鲍尔日Urban1.5M WordsCompleted When I was five, a fortune-teller said I’d be able to read people’s minds when I grew up. My parents thought I was a genius and spent the whole family’s savings to send me to school. But I failed the college entrance exam and became a fried-noodle vendor. That vendor later became a “Walking Encyclopedia,” all thanks to the saying, “In books, there are houses of gold.” You are not just who you are. You can become a different kind of dazzling light. Read a comment on the first page, and you’ll get 230.7kReads9.6Score66.9k14d adds

   Reader note

   Written in a light and humorous style, this book presents traditional Chinese culture to readers in a simple and clear way. While reading, you can also learn a great deal. One listen and one read isn't enough; you can listen and read repeatedly, and it can guide your life and future! This book is like a lighthouse.

3. 3 山 Chronicles of Mountains and Rivers 山河志 A Dao阿刀Urban1.9M WordsCompleted His beautiful mother was nearly assaulted by a village lout, but she tearfully begged the man who rescued her not to call the police. Young Gao Yuan couldn’t understand why at the time. Only when he reached his thirties and looked back on the past, with those scenes flashing through his mind, did he realize that the lives of countless rural people together form a chronicle of the mountains and rivers of China! 84.3kReads9.6Score9.1k14d adds

   Reader note

   This is a book that I've read patiently and that will leave a lasting impression and inspire me. After reading for so many years, this is the first book I want to recommend to everyone.

4. 4 凡EN Mortal Bones, Immortal Destiny 凡骨 Master of One Update壹更大师Eastern Fantasy8.3M WordsCompleted (The print edition is now available to buy online) The world's spiritual bones are divided into four grades. First grade: Heavenly Spiritual Bones. Second grade: Golden Spiritual Bones. Third grade: Mystic Spiritual Bones. Fourth grade: White Spiritual Bones. All the rest are ordinary bones, unfit for cultivation. Xu Taiping is an ordinary man with ordinary bones, yet he swears to prove to the cultivation world that ordinary bones can slay demons, ordinary bones can vanquish evil, and ordinary b 557.8kReads9.3Score70.2k14d adds

   Reader note

   Master Yi Geng's *Mortal Bones* is a novel brimming with the spirit of Xianxia (fantasy martial arts), telling the story of Xu Taiping, a mortal with ordinary bones, embarking on an extraordinary path of cultivation. This work excels in its plot, character development, and thematic depth, making it well worth reading. The protagonist, Xu Taiping, is an ordinary cultivator, possessing only common mortal bones, lacking the noble spiritual bones like Heavenly Spirit Bones, Golden Spirit Bones, Profound Spirit Bones, or White Spirit Bones. However, this does not deter his determination to pursue cultivation; he firmly believes that every bone can slay demons, exorcise evil, and ascend to immortality. This unwavering belief and relentless effort allow Xu Taiping to gradually distinguish himself on his cultivation journey. Master Yi Geng brings Xu Taiping's character to life. He possesses boundless perseverance and resilience, as well as the pain and struggle he faces in adversity. His path to growth is not smooth sailing, but rather a constant tempering through challenges and difficulties. This characterization makes the character more three-dimensional and allows readers to easily empathize with him. Besides the protagonist, the supporting characters in the novel are also unique and distinctive. Their personalities, motivations, and actions greatly enrich the story. Their presence adds depth to the narrative and provides multiple perspectives on the protagonist's growth. Thematically, *Mortal Bones* delves into the relationship between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Although Xu Taiping possesses ordinary talents, through tireless effort and unwavering faith, he ultimately embarks on an extraordinary path. This exploration of the ordinary and the extraordinary makes the work more than just a fantasy story; it's a life allegory about growth, courage, and perseverance. Furthermore, the work is brimming with rich imagination and creativity. Master Yi Geng has created a unique and fantastical fantasy world filled with various mysterious immortal arts, demons, and magical treasures. These elements not only enhance the work's appeal but also make the story more captivating. Overall, *Mortal Bones* is a worthwhile fantasy novel to read. It not only provides a captivating fantasy story but also delves into the relationship between the ordinary and the extraordinary, as well as the meaning of courage, perseverance, and growth. For readers who enjoy the fantasy genre, this is definitely a must-read.

5. 5 第 First Rate! 第一流！ Zhong Jiuling钟九陵Eastern Fantasy3.0M WordsCompleted [No female lead, no formulaic tropes, not a power fantasy. Excellent writing and a first-rate plot. If that’s not your thing, don’t read.] Year thirty-one of the New Era. Snow fell in the bitter cold of winter. Many things happened that year. The Divine Church gained a new Divine Son, the Buddhist faith saw thirty-six golden lotuses bloom, and a madman emerged from a crumbling Taoist temple. The North Sea churned, threatening to swallow heaven and earth. A tiny blade of grass grew in the De 39.6kReads8.5Score3.5k14d adds
6. 6 十EN Ten Days to the End 十日终焉 Pest Control Team Member杀虫队队员Mystery3.2M WordsCompleted 2024 Tomato Novel Annual Peak Rankings TOP 1 | 2024 China Online Literature Influence List | 2024 China Good Novel Award | Over 2 million copies sold (No harem, no formulaic tropes, no invincibility, no System, no mindless antics, no wish fulfillment. Read with caution if these bother you.) Just when I thought it was an ordinary day, I discovered I had been captured and taken to the End. Just when I thought I could escape by continually taking part in death games, people began awakening supernat 1.7MReads9.9Score206.4k14d adds
7. 7 我 I'm Not a Rat 我不是老鼠 Backstabbed Simp背刺的舔狗Urban1.0M WordsCompleted 7.9kReads8.2Score70914d adds
8. 8 仙 Above the Immortals 仙人之上 The Cat from the Xu Family徐二家的猫Urban1.5M WordsCompleted (No harem, no formulaic plot, no invincible protagonist, no System, no brainless characters, and no wish-fulfillment. Read at your own discretion.) The ancient Immortal Court had crumbled into ruins, and the immortals of old had fallen into slumber. The world changed with every passing day, and seas became fields. All that remained of ancient times existed only in myths. Thousands of years later, the ruins of the Immortal Court once more rose above the nine heavens, and the sleeping immortals be 60.3kReads9.3Score5.6k14d adds
9. 9 师EN My Junior Disciples Are All Overpowered, So I Have to Cheat! 师弟们都是大佬，那我只能开挂了 Rain Falls from South of the City to the West城南有雨落城西Eastern Fantasy1.6M WordsCompleted The second junior brother is the chosen one of the plane. The third junior brother is reborn. The fourth junior brother is an ancient Sword Immortal reincarnated. The junior sister is the future Demon Empress. Everyone from top to bottom is a hidden powerhouse! Ouyang, the eldest senior brother, gives a crooked grin. “Well, then I guess I'll have to use cheats!” 124.5kReads9.4Score12.5k14d adds
10. 10 天 Fish of the World 天下游鱼 Happy Acorn开心橡果Eastern Fantasy7.5M WordsCompleted By the Canglan River, a young man wears a straw raincoat and bamboo hat, holding wine in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. His heart has no place in the world, yet he finds himself in the jianghu... I come from a place beyond knowing. I want to see this world, just as unknown to me... 91.4kReads9.0Score8.9k14d adds
11. 11 大 Snow Blankets the World, the Wind Carries the Blade 大雪满风刀 An Ren Dao Ruo Shan安仁道若山Historical3.3M WordsCompleted [No System, alternate history, political intrigue, a touch of cultivation, no mindless characters, no invincible heroes] A mysterious woman is imprisoned in the depths of the imperial jail. The first time jailer Yang Zhan met her, he cursed her, calling her shameless! From then on, she had a name... Bilian! 23.6kReads9.0Score2.3k14d adds
12. 12 那 That Year, That Cicada, That Sword 那年那蝉那把剑 Mo Yu默煜Eastern Fantasy3.1M WordsCompleted Holding a cicada from summer doesn’t necessarily mean holding the whole summer in your hand. But grasp that sword, and you hold an entire world of martial arts. Wield a three-foot blade of gleaming steel. Dream of becoming a revered Sword God, if only for a day. Be an invincible Sword Immortal, if only for a moment. Sever the headmaster’s treasured pagoda and knock the emperor’s crown from his head. He laughs aloud: “Eight kings with zithers, lutes, harps, and pipes; four imps with grotesque fac 82.2kReads9.3Score8.2k14d adds
13. 13 仙 Two Companions on the Immortal Path 仙途双侣 Yun Zi Tong运自通Eastern Fantasy1.6M WordsCompleted “A sword may lack an edge, yet its intent knows no end. So long as love endures, the Dao is never lonely. Let the heart be the blade, And love the flame...” After his mother passed away, Ling Yunzhi embarked on the path of cultivation. While searching for a chance to break through, he met Huang Xiaolei, a young woman gathering medicinal herbs. As they spent time together, they gradually fell in love, but the gulf between them, one a cultivator and the other a mortal, stood in their way. For the 459Reads—Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    I recommend a unique take on the mortal cultivation journey. It offers profound insights into life, involves cultivating alongside a beautiful concubine, and gets even more engaging later on.

14. 14 敖 Ao Guang's Tale: The Love Tribulation of the Rainmaking Sea God 敖光传：司雨镇海之神的情劫 Armor and Fish铠甲和鱼Ancient Romance159k WordsCompleted [Not a Nezha story + set after the War of the Witches and Demons + love tribulation + divided divine soul + vast difference in status + bittersweet romance + joy after hardship + rekindled love] Dragon King Ao Guang rules over the Four Seas and the Eight Wastelands, commanding the Four Seas and earning the respect of the Three Realms. Ao Guang's love is the love of a god: powerful, domineering, and eternal. But he always looks down at her from on high, never truly entering her world to understan 89Reads9.4Score—14d adds

    Reader note

    A 20-year veteran bookworm sincerely recommends this book; feel free to criticize if you don't like it.

15. 15 对 Sorry, She Wants to Be the Heavenly Emperor Too Much 对不起，她太想做天帝了 Armor and Fish铠甲和鱼Ancient Romance2.0M WordsOngoing [No rivalry between women + punishing scumbags + satisfying revenge + unconventional heroine undergoing tribulations + ensemble cast + strong female lead] Content warning: The heroine is not a qualified heir to the Celestial Court from the start. She faces trials and setbacks, yet steadily strives for the highest position. This is not a mindless power fantasy. Also, she is not the kind of character who gives her whole heart to one person. She may have lovers, but none will ever have her complete 1.5kReads8.7Score—14d adds
16. 16 姜 Dr. Jiang, I'm Willing to Be Your Lover 姜医生，我愿意做你的情人 Wu Miao巫喵Two Male Leads246k WordsCompleted [Dual male leads + yandere + rekindled love + bittersweet and delicious + both pure, 1v1] [Spoiled, pampered yandere bottom × cold, abstinent, devoted top] The first time Si Junnian saw Jiang Xia, he thought he had to make him his. He pursued him relentlessly, played the victim, acted sweet and obedient, and tried everything he could until he finally won Jiang Xia over. But once he had him, he grew cold and moody, trampling all over Jiang Xia's sincere feelings. Before long, Jiang Xia accidenta 1.6kReads9.0Score11514d adds
17. 17 惜 Cherishing Flowers 惜花芷 Kong Liu空留Ancient Romance1.5M WordsCompleted [The original novel behind the TV adaptation starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi] After keeping her talents hidden for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could spend her life as a proper aristocratic young lady, living in peace. But when the Hua family’s fortunes collapse, she has no choice but to reveal her sharp edge and hold the storm-tossed household together. Being out in public becomes the norm, and so does galloping through the streets. When all else fails, she even carries a coffin on he 18.2kReads9.6Score4.2k14d adds
18. 18 本 This King's Sleeve Is Thoroughly Severed 本王这袖，断的彻底 Born Under a Lucky Star八字过硬Two Male Leads562k WordsCompleted [Preorders for The World Cannot Keep What It Loves Most open at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. For the first 15 minutes, signed copies are available with no quantity limit; from 16 to 30 minutes, copies personally signed by the author are available with no quantity limit!] [Two male leads + The prince has a bit of a sense of humor] Everyone knew Prince Pu was gay. Even the man on the imperial throne turned a blind eye. Prince Pu had loved many people in his life. A horseman from the frontier 34.7kReads9.6Score5k14d adds
19. 19 谢 No One Knows the Xie Family Has a Talented Daughter 谢家有个才女都不知 Xiao Junzi萧君子Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Mutual exclusivity, equally matched leads, playing the pig to eat the tiger, a scheming heroine, pure historical romance. The cold, calculating Third Master VS the scheming, talented beauty The Xie family had many sons but few daughters, so they were willing to take in and adopt children from distant relatives. Feng Zhuohua was one of them, raised in a courtyard alongside several other adopted daughters. The Xie family of Qinghe was a prosperous clan with a history spanning centuries. For genera 7.1kReads9.0Score92514d adds
20. 20 黑 The Black Lotus Male Lead Keeps Trying to Win Me Over 黑莲花男主总想攻略我 Singing Beneath The Bright Moon明月行歌Ancient Romance304k WordsCompleted [A super-powerful, no-nonsense heroine who pretends to be an aloof beauty x a male lead who pretends to be a beacon of righteousness but is really a corrupted, unhinged, self-deluding obsessive] After entering a xianxia novel, Xie Yun becomes the villainous senior sister who does nothing but make life difficult for the male and female leads. The moment she opens her eyes, she sees her aloof, red-faced master lying beside her and making strange noises. Startled, Xie Yun kicks him off the bed and 16Reads8.4Score—14d adds
21. 21 女 A Female Doctor’s Murder Diary 女医生谋杀日记 20/100 Vision视力零点二一Mystery565k WordsCompleted The print edition has been published. Search for A Female Doctor's Diary. I'm a doctor, an obstetrician and gynecologist. I have only two goals: Make someone disappear, And have a child. But he reeks of medicine And stands in my way! 13.3kReads9.5Score2k14d adds
22. 22 异 A Life of Turmoil in Another World 异世风云人生 Quietly Laughing and Crying安静哭笑Eastern Fantasy705k WordsOngoing A shut-in's soul is transported to the Great Wilderness, where he begins his own glorious life! No System! He bleeds, and he fails, just like you and me. He, too, works his way up from the bottom, step by step! (Newbie on the road, honk honk!) —Reads—Score114d adds

    Reader note

    My first attempt at writing a fantasy novel in the martial arts genre, where the protagonist's soul transmigrates to another world. Please feel free to offer your valuable feedback.

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