The Scattered Immortal

The Scattered Immortal is a typical 'old-school power fantasy' and a rather tightly wound one. Author Jiu Heng turns the identity of 'scattered immortal' into a constant source of pressure: while other cultivators seek ascension, Tang Qing must be ready at any moment to be struck by lightning, never knowing when the next tribulation will fall. This setup keeps the protagonist perpetually chased by the world, and elevates the 'scattered immortal' from a side character or passerby role into the core world rule of the entire book. The author has put considerable thought into the cultivation system: after Foundation Establishment comes the Qi Realm (Small Vehicle, Great Vehicle, Post-Heaven, Pre-Heaven, Three Flowers Gather at the Crown, Five Qi Return to the Origin), followed by the Yuan Realm and ten kinds of Ultimate Yuan Seeds. Terms like Heavenly Gang Qi Flame and Heaven-and-Earth Treasure Body immediately evoke that 'ancient Eastern fantasy' flavor. As for characters, Tang Qing is sharp-tongued and even sharper-handed, and paired with figures like the witch Shangguan Ling and cold, aloof fairies, the rhythm of face-slapping and banter is dense. The book is short, wrapping up at just over 1.1 million characters, and the author himself admits in the ending that it was 'tiring and tangled to write, but though short, it is a complete story.' If you enjoy fast-paced cultivation novels with easily recognizable side characters and a protagonist who barrels through everything while running his mouth, this one deserves a place on your shelf.