Tattered Robe

I've always considered being an editor a tremendous blessing from heaven. I get to read so many books every day, earn money on the side, and can legitimately linger on excellent works for a longer period. However, this happiness isn't without its minor flaws. For example, the helplessness of being forced to read low-quality manuscripts because of my editorial role, and the anxiety and frustration of actively following updates as a reader. Not many people experience the former frustration, so I won't discuss it further. Many readers have their own ways of dealing with the second frustration, often reading several books simultaneously. Stripped of my editorial role and focusing purely on the reader's perspective, my limit is seven books at a time. On the main site, I'm currently following three books: Principal's *The Commoner's Counterattack*, Jiu Tu's *Where the Smoke of War Ends*, and Jiu Qiu's *The Broken Robe*. I also read many other excellent works, but I don't follow them closely. I usually accumulate a certain number of manuscripts for bulk reading, or simply skim through them from an editor's perspective. Here, I'll analyze from my personal perspective what makes *The Broken Robe* so captivating. First of all, *The Broken Robe* is a work brimming with emotion. There are many touching moments; the scene of Wu Xinyu and Yu Fu leaving is heart-wrenching for the reader, and I managed to get through it. However, the part where Tie Xie is crippled, regains his senses, and bids farewell to Zuo Dengfeng is truly unbearable for me. "Our fate has run its course, so hurry up and go." Iron Shoes waved to the eldest brother and turned to walk towards the backyard. "Let's go." Zuo Dengfeng sighed and walked towards the temple gate. The eldest brother could understand human speech and knew that Iron Shoes wanted it to leave, so it followed Zuo Dengfeng outside. However, it walked very slowly, turning back every few steps, its eyes full of reluctance. Although the eldest brother was cunning by nature and good at flattery, it knew very well who was truly good to it. Just as Zuo Dengfeng was about to walk out of the temple gate, Tiexie ran over quickly, took out a few walnuts from his pocket and stuffed them into Zuo Dengfeng's pocket. He glanced at his boss again, then turned and left. Seeing the above passage really made me lose my composure, and I believe many readers feel the same way... Secondly, *The Broken Robe* is a work that vividly portrays human nature. The five great masters of the Xuanmen sect each possess distinct characteristics: some are narrow-minded, unable to uphold righteousness while sacrificing personal interests; some are despicable and vile, inspiring intense hatred; some are kind and composed, offering a gentle and comforting presence; some are devoted and resolute, willing to bear burdens beyond their capacity; some are mad and eccentric, eliciting both amusement and amusement. These characters are pitiful, hateful, respectable, lamentable, and endearing, depicting the myriad aspects of the Jianghu (, the martial arts world) during the Republic of China era. Most novels tell human stories, with events revolving around the characters, and character portrayal largely determines the quality of the work. *The Broken Robe* excels in character portrayal. Aside from the protagonist's obsessive-compulsive cold-bloodedness, the characters—Golden Needle Silver Crown, Copper Armor, Jade Flipper, Iron Shoes—along with Wu Xinyu, Ji Sha, Yu Hengzi, Fujisaki, Sakura, Ye Feihong, Wan Xiaotang… Finally, "The Broken Robe" is both logically rigorous and boldly innovative. Did anyone not feel moved when they read Zuo Dengfeng's interpretation of Yuan Tiangang's verse, "Of the five elements, three should be avoided," which refers to Du Qiuting? I, for one, felt a chill run down my spine when I read that part; it's a devilish concept. Volume Six, "Shifting Stars," kept me so nervous I couldn't sleep. I was worried it would fall apart. Nine out of ten authors would choose the safer approach, like Zuo Dengfeng painstakingly gathering the inner core to save one person while betraying another—that's already the ultimate goal, what more could you ask for? But Jiu Qiu managed to give it a completely different direction. In hindsight, Volume 6, "Shifting Stars," was within Jiu Qiu's control. The Arctic adventure began, and we had absolutely no idea what kind of story would unfold in this unfamiliar world. Having said all that, it's all good. I've always advocated "seeking thorough understanding in reading and not being bothered by trivialities in doing things." If I had to nitpick at "The Broken Robe," I'd say that Zuo Dengfeng sometimes transcends the plot. His analyses and judgments often stem from the author's God-like perspective, but it's just a feeling. If you really want to find fault, you might not be able to. So sometimes I think, in terms of genre, "The Broken Robe" is a thriller/supernatural, a Taoist magic/superpower, an adventure/mystery, and can also be considered a Xianxia/cultivation story. Volume 6 can even be rightfully classified as a post-apocalyptic science fiction. All these elements are combined quite tightly, and there's absolutely no loophole... One should have compassion, Lao Qiu, keep it slow and steady.

In those barren and desolate years, when people's greatest pursuit was simply to live, how could he not be extreme, persistent, or hateful when his only true lover died in such a tragic way! Revenge became his sole purpose in life. But living is so difficult, especially for a man whose heart has already died. In the days that followed, he tasted the coldness and hardship of the world more deeply each time, and felt more and more disappointed and desperate each time. With his mastery of Taoist arts, his situation could have gradually improved, but it didn't. When he uttered, "A scholar dies for one who understands him, a woman adorns herself for one who appreciates her, and vice versa," I instantly fell in love with this man who was the only one who was mad amidst a world of enlightened wisdom. He wanted her to see that the clean and tidy person he once was was gone; what did it matter whether he was beautiful or ugly, clean or dirty on the outside? He had countless options to make things easier, if only he could let go. But he was too ruthless to himself, or rather, Jiuqiu was too ruthless to himself. As I read through each chapter, word by word, I always understood that he would eventually fulfill his original intention and return to Wu Xinyu's side, whether in death or in life. This clearly wasn't blind; rather, it stemmed from his purpose in studying Taoist practices, from his stubborn and ruthless personality, and even earlier, from the book's title. It was precisely because of this clarity that I became convinced of Wu Xinyu's identity. Therefore, when reading the later parts of the story, my subjective feelings towards Yu Fu became quite biased. The word "ruthless" isn't just a figure of speech. Zuo Dengfeng's feelings for Yu Fu were no less than for Wu Xinyu, especially considering the life-and-death struggles they had shared. Yet, he ultimately wouldn't allow his actions to deviate even slightly, choosing to dissipate his own power to be with Wu Xinyu. This is the true nature of a good man, the decisiveness and integrity a man should possess. As he journeyed toward a goal from which there seemed to be no hope, he was surrounded by so many beautiful temptations. Especially Yu Fu, a woman whose importance was no less than that of his beloved. Compared to her, one was right beside him, while the other was elusive and hopeless. How could he not waver? Regarding the question, "What if we can't save her?" Asked twice. The first time, he said firmly, "If I can't have her with me, then I'll be with her." But the second time, he said, "If even finding all six Yin inner elixirs still can't save her, then the rest of my time belongs to you." As a perfectionist, how could I not feel heartbroken and disappointed after reading this? He finally wavered. But, but as I said before, he was ruthless enough—ruthless to others, and even more ruthless to himself. So what if he wavered? In the end, he did not let the deceased down. Even now, I still don't believe Yu Fu can successfully win over the female lead. Although it's obvious that Zuo Dengfeng would have a much easier time if he chose to spend the rest of his life with her. She deserves his love, and he also has deep feelings for her. However, a person can be moved many times, but true love is only once. Unable to reciprocate Yu Fu's love, he left behind a five-colored pill to save her, and died alongside Wu Xinyu. We shared the same bed in life, and the same grave in death. It was only then that I realized what was truly moving was not that he remained steadfast, but that even when he wavered, he managed to pull himself back to his original stance! He didn't die. After freezing himself for ninety years, he miraculously saw the light of day again. Upon seeing the jade Buddha again, he felt a great sense of panic. What if he finally saw Wu Xinyu, but she had already gotten used to life without him? What if she is no longer the person she used to be? He doesn't care what the world thinks of him, nor does he care about anyone's thoughts, but what if she stops standing by his side? In this world, only he remains, stubbornly waiting on that snowy night many years ago. What to do? Fortunately, he found a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming despair and returned to ninety years ago! I think he was simply too shy to express his feelings. Ninety years have passed, and Wu Xinyu may have changed, but he has certainly not remained entirely the same. Yet, to each other, they are still the same couple who held hands warmly in poverty back then. His death brought peace to the world. The Three Pure Ones granted his wish, allowing him to return to his former life. A love that transcends lifetimes, a life of tranquility. Through life's ups and downs, my faith has remained steadfast, my love for you unwavering. Without seeing Wu Xinyu, he could never truly find peace. Until I saw the smoke rising from the Qingshui Temple, the overwhelming joy of finding what I had lost, the grievances and heartache of finally being able to see my beloved... I almost burst into tears along with him. Everyone had their own thoughts about what he would do after he went back, and Jiuqiu said, "Yes, that's right, that's exactly what he would do!" He went back, and everything started anew, but the story will definitely unfold differently. This time, he will still save Thirteen, but he will absolutely not let Wu Xinyu die. The only one I'm worried about is Yu Fu. He said he would go find her, but will he really go find her now that everything is starting over? He already has Wu Xinyu, and he truly loves Wu Xinyu. Even if he finds her, what then? How will he face her? How will she cope? And Wu Xinyu, she will inevitably be the one with the least say. Helplessness is the most bitter thing. In the years without her, it was Yu Fu who stayed by his side and supported him. She had no right or qualification to stand between them. But could she accept that her husband had another woman by his side? She couldn't. Neither could Yu Fu. And he certainly couldn't. (I can't accept the idea of ​​having multiple wives, so I'm not considering it.) Therefore, in my heart, I think it's best not to go looking for her. Without seeing her, there will be no feelings; without feelings, there will be no hurt. They, husband and wife, walked hand in hand for a hundred years; she, with unwavering mortal desires, deserved to ascend to immortality. Let Yu Fu occupy the most special and precious corner in Zuo Dengfeng's heart—that is the best ending. That's another story.

Literature conveys the Way, and poetry expresses aspirations; good literary works should spread positive energy silently. While "Qi Yu Qian Nian" (气御千年) still showed signs of polishing in its positive energy transmission, "Can Pao" (残袍) has achieved a completely seamless connection. Especially the recent chapters, which resonate deeply with readers through their quiet power. Congratulations, Jiu Qiu, on breaking through your writing bottleneck and reaching a new level. Although I know you've worked very hard, the road ahead is wide open for you to roam freely. I look forward to the release of your new works.

Just one word: "Awesome!"

I'm a female reader of "The Broken Robe." I started reading this book on a friend's recommendation, intending to learn from the author's writing style and techniques. Unexpectedly, I became a die-hard fan. The reason? In three words: "captivating." Strictly speaking, adventure and cultivation novels like "The Broken Robe" aren't typically appealing to female readers. However, Jiu Qiu skillfully captures one of the most attractive elements for female readers: love. Moreover, this element serves as the central thread throughout the story, creating a devoted, single-minded, and even almost obsessive male character—Zuo Dengfeng. His adventure in search of the six Earthly Branch Inner Elixirs in an attempt to revive his lover successfully transforms female readers' focus from the fate of the love story into sympathy, concern, and affection for this man. Just as Zuo Dengfeng easily captured the hearts of several female characters in the book with this single obsession, he also successfully revived the hearts of female readers with this same trait. Jiu Qiu put a lot of effort into this aspect. This profound and sophisticated love story also destined "The Broken Robe" to be no ordinary romance novel. After finishing all the updates so far, I looked back at the beginning of the novel. The difference between a frail, powerless clerk and the unrestrained, domineering master of the martial arts world is beyond description. This shows how arduous the journey of growth Jiu Qiu has led us through. Even now, every detail is still vivid in my mind, neither abrupt nor illogical. Zuo Dengfeng experienced joy and sorrow, warmth and coldness of human relationships along the way, and we, the readers, couldn't help but shed tears, sweat, and feel a pang of sympathy for him. For the one he loved, he overcame all obstacles, solely to save her life. What could be more worthy of criticism in such a man? He was seeking love, and he was also repaying a debt of gratitude. Thousands of years of traditional Chinese virtues were fully embodied in his actions, even making people overlook his indiscriminate killing, his obsession, and his madness. He was not perfect, but at this moment, he was the most perfect man! As for character portrayal, there's practically nothing to criticize. Jiuqiu's profound literary foundation allows him to depict characters with almost effortless ease, often bringing them vividly to life with just a few strokes. For example, the money he clings to even in death, the evasive words when guilty—one glance is enough to make you understand the face of a greedy and treacherous person. Even minor characters are given limited attention, but even passersby are imbued with their own personality under Jiuqiu's pen. Often, just a few words are enough to leave the reader in awe, making one admire Jiuqiu's masterful use of language. If even minor characters are like this, the main characters are even more so. It should be said that in Jiu Qiu's book, the female lead is clearly defined, yet also somewhat vague. While Wu Xinyu is the central figure throughout the entire text, her actual description only extends to chapter twenty before abruptly ending, yet no one doubts that Wu Xinyu is the female lead. This is the effect of the main plot. As for Wu Xinyu, there's not much to say; her simple environment shaped her simple personality, and this simple personality drove her to perform a great act. She shed her last drop of blood for love, forever locking Zuo Dengfeng's heart to her, thus sealing Zuo Dengfeng's fate. The plot setting determines the characters' personalities, and the character portrayals propel the plot forward. To combine these two so skillfully—what else could it be but a masterpiece? In Jiu Qiu's works, there are even more women than men. Aside from a few important female characters such as Ji Sha, Yu Fu, Fujisaki Sakurako, and Ye Feihong, Jiu Qiu doesn't even gloss over minor characters. For example, the prostitute who helped Zuo Dengfeng, the female beggar who received his favor, the proprietress who betrayed Ye Feihong, the Japanese female ninjas, the old woman who travels among the dead, the big-nosed Taoist nun… Most of these characters appear only briefly, but Jiu Qiu's characterization and description are far from superficial. Such a meticulous approach deserves the respect of all readers. I personally really like Thirteen in the story. It's not easy to evoke respect in readers after feeling the kingly aura of an animal that can't speak. But Jiu Qiu's creation of Thirteen as a spiritual being that can understand human speech and even nod and shake its head solves this problem. Thus, this character who isn't really a human comes alive in the reader's mind, vividly and realistically. It's often said that writing a novel is a process of digging plot holes, planting foreshadowing, and then filling them in to reveal the answers. Jiuqiu is a master in this regard. The plot itself is full of twists and turns, yet he subtly weaves clues and foreshadowing throughout, keeping the reader unaware and simply following the path Jiuqiu has laid out. This approach is similar to many male-oriented novels, but in another book review, Jiuqiu said that a true master takes the reader there and then brings them back, which raises even greater expectations. I'm eager to see how he brings us back to the beginning. I've pondered why Jiuqiu set this story in such an era. If it were merely a coincidence or simply because he was familiar with the time, there's not much to comment on. I've always thought that heroes emerge in chaotic times. While Zuo Dengfeng's story isn't necessarily connected to that era—even in a fictional one, his tale would hold water—Jiuqiu's placement of him in that period makes the story more believable and adds a wealth of material to the novel's plot. Another crucial point is that in an era where everyone carries the weight of national and personal grievances, from a moral standpoint, the nation should come before family. Yet, Jiuqiu didn't portray Zuo Dengfeng as a savior of the nation; instead, he confines him to personal emotions, even to the point of betraying all moral principles for these emotions. I believe he had his reasons. As he himself said, "Don't rush to love your country, don't rush to love society, love those who are good to you first!" I completely agree with this. Human nature is inherently selfish; first love oneself, then others, then family, and finally, love one's country. Zuo Dengfeng has only reached the second stage. He is not perfect, but only imperfection makes him real, isn't it? As for the gloomy tone, the lack of positivity, and the punctuation and paragraphs, just ignore them!

"The Ragged Robe" is a book worth buying and collecting.

There are many female characters in "The Broken Robe," and they are portrayed quite vividly. However, I always feel that compared to Jiu Qiu's portrayal of Zuo Dengfeng, his depiction of women is somewhat weaker. The reason for this may be related to Jiu Qiu's own gender; ultimately, the one who understands women best cannot be a man. Although, judging from their closeness to the main characters, Wu Xinyu, Yu Fu, and Ye Feihong are the most intimately connected in Jiu Qiu's writing, the others can be considered minor supporting characters. Jiu Qiu's portrayal of women is very straightforward. These three women differ in personality, status, background, and education, but they share several common traits: they are not pretentious, not affected, know their limits, and understand when to advance and retreat. They all have backgrounds in martial arts or spiritual cultivation, so they possess a certain boldness in their personalities. They express their love openly, without making men guess. Even if their feelings are not reciprocated, they remain true to themselves and treat each other with honesty. This makes men feel neither bothered nor annoyed when interacting with them. Why do the women Jiuqiu arranges around the male protagonist all have this kind of personality? Does this reflect Jiuqiu's judgment and preferences regarding women? I think it does to some extent. Wu Xinyu is an extremely selfless woman and my favorite female character in "The Broken Robe." She appears perfectly and disappears perfectly; the overall somber tone of the work doesn't affect her, making her a striking bright spot and becoming Zuo Dengfeng's obsession. She didn't turn bad, or rather, fate didn't give her the chance to. This very fact makes her a perfectly justifiable goal for Zuo Dengfeng throughout his life. Her love is pure love—simply being moved and then entrusting herself to him wholeheartedly, clean and beautiful without any conditions or worldly prejudices. She loves Zuo Dengfeng as a person, not anything external to him, because when they met, he had nothing. And because of her perfection, many of Zuo Dengfeng's evil deeds are forgiven by the readers, because his ultimate goal is good. Yu Fu's feelings were slightly different. She went through a process from indifference to sympathy, from surprise to admiration, and from friend to lover. This change was natural, but it also destined her not to become the only woman in Zuo Dengfeng's heart. She entrusted her life to him, but ultimately needed Zuo Dengfeng's protection. She did everything she could and earned his genuine affection in return. Many people, seeing Yu Fu's ending, might speculate about who Zuo Dengfeng would save after finding the six inner cores. I have no doubt that he would save Yu Fu. He would leave her in the mortal world while he stayed with Wu Xinyu. In the end, Zuo Dengfeng and Yu Fu were not from the same social class; it was just a coincidence that brought them together. Yu Fu's choice of a partner was definitely based on social class (of course, she had other requirements as well), so she was not as simple as Wu Xinyu, and her love was not as pure. I really like Ye Feihong. She has the characteristics of a strong woman, but Jiuqiu cleverly imposed a tragic fate on her and then made her pretend to be indifferent. Reading this, one can't help but feel a pang of sadness. A weak woman, doing her best to hide her fragility, neither pitying nor grieving for herself, swallowing her tears, while the reader sheds tears for her. Frankly, I'm rarely moved by books, but while reading *The Broken Robe*, I only shed tears for Ye Feihong. That smile through her tears struck me directly, leaving me defenseless. She also loved Zuo Dengfeng, a humble, selfless love. To be precise, it was gratitude, a repayment, simply because Zuo Dengfeng was good to her. In this respect, she and Zuo Dengfeng are very similar: you saved my life, I'll do anything for you. Ye Feihong is a pitiful woman; I truly hope Jiuqiu gives her a good ending. In conclusion, Jiuqiu's likes and dislikes regarding women should be quite clear. First and foremost, they are beautiful. Excluding Ye Feihong (and even if we disregard her, she wouldn't be ugly without that scar), all the female characters are beautiful. This is understandable; everyone has a love of beauty. Secondly, it's kindness. All the women that Zuo Dengfeng treated kindly were either kind-hearted or had performed good deeds. Thirdly, of course, is to be natural, forthright, and unpretentious. In fact, men are all afraid of women causing trouble, and Jiuqiu is certainly no exception. Fourth, be strong. A little bit of a tomboy is just right. As for anything else, we haven't seen it yet. Actually, studying the characters in a work is like analyzing the author; all of the above is just lighthearted banter. In truth, the female characteristics aren't fully represented in this work. All the delicate, somewhat affected women are ultimately eliminated by Zuo Dengfeng at Jiu Qiu's behest, leaving only a few with common traits. This is somewhat regrettable. However, this flaw doesn't detract from the overall quality. The author didn't intend to write a story about women, and readers aren't looking for melodramatic, sentimental stories. Let's just enjoy this lighthearted discussion and move on.

My favorite book by Jiu Qiu is *The Broken Robe*, which I reread every year. In it, Jiu Qiu gave Zuo Dengfeng the ending he wanted. If he hadn't self-destructed, Zuo would most likely have gone to the Purple Qi Blessed Land and met Wu Xinyu. But so much time had passed; Yu Fu had changed, and Wu Xinyu must have changed too. This wasn't what Zuo wanted. He always missed the days at Qingshui Temple and the wife he remembered. This ending is the best; everything is as it was at the beginning. This time, he will live a good life with his mother and wife.

True, great, and successful love should never bring pain, regret, entanglement, or unbearable debts of gratitude; rather, it should bring peace, joy, lasting beauty, and spiritual elevation. Therefore, there is a deeper kind of love called "not loving". Strictly speaking, Zuo Dengfeng wasn't someone "worthy of love": he had a deeply loved wife, he was obsessive, and while his Taoist skills were high, he teetered on the edge of demonic possession. Such a mind desperately needed wise comfort and peaceful listening, not ambiguity, flirtation, passion, or obsessive love. In fact, judging by success or failure, Yu Fu's love brought negative effects to both of them. For Yu Fu, it meant 90 years of lonely waiting; for Zuo Dengfeng, it meant a lifetime of unease and contradiction (I truly fear he would remain the same even after returning to the past). Some say Yu Fu prevented Zuo Dengfeng from going mad. I disagree. I can only say that this was simply the author's "intention" to write it this way. In fact, Yu Fu did nothing to alleviate the life-shortening karma and killing caused by Zuo Dengfeng's obsessive nature, demonstrating that Yu Fu's love had little effect. A truly wise woman, if she truly loves, would restrain her passion in this situation, offering timely companionship and quiet listening. She would be a confidante and a friend, but never cross the line, much less, like Yu Fu, repeatedly and actively flirt. It could be said that Yu Fu's fate was a consequence of her own actions. Sadly, while she found peace and letting go of the past after her death, she inflicted deeper emotional wounds on Zuo. In reality, some truly fortunate men enjoy happiness and bliss, unaware that in their darkest moments, love quietly came and went. They merely perceive the supportive woman as a "buddy." Furthermore, no matter how you try to persuade her, Yu Fu is a practitioner of Taoism. As a practitioner, she should "not waver in her own will, nor disturb the minds of others." As a member of the Taoist community, Yu Fu is unqualified; as a woman, Yu Fu's love is superficial and vulgar. Of all the characters in the book, 13 Cat is number one, and Iron Shoes is number two. The entire book is filled with positive warmth, and no amount of words can express my affection for 13. She is undoubtedly the most successful character in the book. I saw Zuo Dengfeng's inner conflict regarding Yu Fu, but I also saw that no matter how genuinely Iron Shoes loved 13, 13 stood firmly and without hesitation on her master's shoulders. Zuo Dengfeng often felt he had wronged Yu Fu; if faced with the same situation, would 13 feel he had wronged Iron Shoes? —Love is always two-way; if it's one-sided, how can there be any sense of indebtedness? Seeing 13's loyalty, I couldn't help but scoff at Zuo Dengfeng: Was his love for Wu Xinyu merely a manifestation of his own arrogant and resentful obsession? Or was it genuine and passionate love? If it was true love, how could he see anyone else? Five years of abstinence is nothing to a cultivator. Once one's inner energy is full, how can lustful thoughts arise? —Of course, I'm being harsh on Zuo; I don't actually demand much of him. It's just that comparing the two, I find myself liking 13 even more. It seems that only a simple and pure heart is the true weapon against temptation.

Thank you all for your support, I've finally gotten back into the swing of things!!! Thanks to all the authors too! I'm short on cash right now, but I'll get my stamps on every single piece when I have the money!