March 3, 2026
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 13
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Still heavily edited, but still plenty of cutsey scenes even in the midst of all the chaos - watch for the hearts around Wuxian. It's also rather adorable to see Wuxian's concern for Jin Ling and the struggle Jiang Cheng goes through with his anger and the realizations from Wuxian's history that turned the tides against them previously. Lan Wangji seems pleased with the overall outcome of events though, especially as he's able to protect Wuxian and basically gets him to himself after. The Ghost General has a very small spotlight in this volume solely for the final battle and A-Yuan's memories at the very end. A good deal of the story actually focuses on Wuxian's own inner musings as he pieces together regarding Nie Huaisang's part in everything, though without any definitive proof, it's all just speculation. There is also a lot less regarding any of their adventures together after this battle as Wuxian and Wangji travel together, though it does make it clear that they remain together and most definitely a couple at this point. Just took a very long time for them to get there and stay on the same page. A bit sad to realize that this is the end of the series as it's truly been enjoyable to see these characters come to life again through the artwork.
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December 27, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 12
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I lucked out finding this a little earlier than the expected release date, which saves me a trip next week. This volume is heavily edited from the novel given the explicit content, however, readers who pay attention should still be able to pick up the hints from what little is shown, especially given the discussion later on in the temple. We're coming close to the end of the current arc with all of the main characters gathered in the temple, but it's still early in events where this volume leaves off, meaning there's still plenty of content for the next volume, even without considering the side stories at the end of the series. Wuxian's expressions are especially hilarious in this volume as he finally makes a few realizations of this own, as well as learning just what he has forgotten from their shared past and how it has influenced their interactions today.
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December 20, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 5
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It's clear the donghua was very heavily censored and edited compared to the original tale as we get a significant amount of detail and some very steamy scenes in this volume. We also see the end of the current main story about halfway through, including a sort of uneasy truce once most of the misunderstandings of the past are made clear, though it appears there's at least one more Jiang Cheng is holding at the moment. There may be more to the Nie clan as well, but it seems that may be a different story for another time. Even though the main story ends halfway through, there is a good amount of more material given. The rest of the volume is made up of short stories, ranging from the past when Wuxian, Cheng, Wangji and the others were all still students, to events following the current story as Wuxian and Wangji continue their life together. In general, it seems things have largely fallen back into a sort of pattern, though Jin Lin has his own challenges now as a youth himself and holding the head of the clan. Though he is quick to escape Wuxian when he is uneasy, there seems to be a wary sort of curiosity and respect as he also equally seeks him out with the other boys during Night Hunts and does listen to his advice, even if it may be a coin toss if he believes it or not. Truly, for all of the challenges and misconceptions, it seems to have been in Wuxian's favor to be able to gain this new life and understanding with Wangji and the other clans.
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December 19, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 4
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is so much to unpack in this volume. We see the story of the burial mound both the past and the present, which takes us entirely through Wuzian's how Wuxian split from Jiang Cheng originally and through his death. We see Wangji a lot as well, and it's clear that he's not as antagonistic as he was in their youth, though also not as accepting as he seems to be when it comes to Wuxian now in the present. The events with the blood pool and finding A-Yuan are just as fascinating, though it seemed like A-Yuan remembered more in the donghua than he does in this version. Jiang Cheng finally learns the truth about his olden core, though he is unable to accept it through his own rage and indignation. Wanji seems uncertain himself with Wuxian following the evens at Lotus Pier, leading to an awkward combination of sweet and even steamy moments mixed with confusion and withdrawal. We can see the turmoil in Wuxian's head first hand, but it would be interesting to get a sneak peek into Wanji's thought process throughout everything, especially given his usual stoic disposition.
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December 17, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 3
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We're getting into the area where there is a more significant difference in the variations of the story telling and how events unfold. As with the first two volume, there's a great deal more detail in this original version, which does slow the pace down a bit while also adding more color and scenes to the story sequence that are otherwise missed. We learn a lot more about Lotus Pier and Wuxian's history with the Yunmeng siblings. When you combine these memories with how their father took him in, it makes sense beyond just being in the same clan why he's been so close to these two, even when Jiang Cheng always seems to be so serious and angry. The anger seems misdirected a lot and has a lot of roots in jealousy. Truthfully, Cheng could do with some emotional regulation therapy. Jingli, on the other hand, seems all to pleased to have another little brother to dote on and is very comfortable taking care of the boys, even when her mother seems rather displeased by her attention to Wuxian.
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December 14, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 2
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This volume takes us through about volume 8 of the manhua, and not yet to the end of the donghua. We see the interactions with the paper spirit and things start to unravel as Wei Wuxian is outed to the rest of the spiritual clans rather than their goal of revealing the captured heads location. Wuxian's memories start to resurface as well during his escape with Lan Wangji, making his comment about wondering how Wuxian's memory can be so horrible make more sense. We also learn the real importance of the Lan Clan's forehead ribbons, though it's a little late and after the fact with everything. Wangji's brother is also now involved in everything, though he remains skeptical as he hasn't been directly involved putting the pieces together and this does involve his sworn brothers (a different bond than with his blood brother, but still a strong one).
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December 13, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 1
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story is familiar as I've seen the donghua and read the manhua up to the current release volume (it's not finished yet). As expected, there are some differences in the story as different media types require different adaptations to make the story work in the style and timing that variation allows. Given this is also the original version of the story, and it's in novel format, there are also a number of additional details that are easier to follow along. This story is rather complex given the combination of past and current events with Wei Wuxian's resurrection, although not everyone knows of his return. At least two people have confirmed his identity at this point, though his brother seems to be the most angry with him of all his past acqaintances. On the other hand, he didn't expect to find himself working so closely with the Lan clan, especially given the avoidance and disappointment present in their past relationship when they were both students in Gusu. There's a significant amount of progress made in this volume of the story, though there are several pieces still missing that we have to look forward to.
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November 14, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 11
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pieces are falling into place as a large group of cultivators are trapped inside the demon quelling cave. We even learn how Jin Ling became an orphan, and the origin of the silver bell he carries, though it's unclear how it came to be in his position given the ambush and following sequence of events. There are hints of further connections with the Ghost General, though oddly it feels like it was confirmed more in the anime than it is in this manhua. That doesn't mean that the boat ride isn't still rather dramatic, with even more amusing scenes. Really, it's no small wonder everyone is getting ideas about Wuxian and Wangli with the scenes they keep peeking in on. Things seem to be spiraling out of control again though. It's rather odd that Wangli and the younger generation are oddly more willing to listen to Wuxian and even help plead his cases. The older generation seems unwilling to admit to incorrect assumptions and hatred from the past, even if it's becoming more and more clear that someone else was pulling the strings all along to make Wuxian seem like the perfect villain.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 10
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The timeline seems to be slightly different and far more detailed in this version than in the anime, though this is also a fairly common impression given the limited air time compared to print. Turns out it isn't just current Wangli that shows an interest in Wuxian, just Wuxian had no idea it was him at the time. Honestly, at one point I wondered if Wuxian would attempt to propose to his foster sister, but this game he has going on with Wangli is far more entertaining. It doesn't seem like others have picked up on Wangli's soft spot just yet, though he's hinted at a few oddities without names that have made other cultivators wonder. Now that we have the ghost general in the picture with both past and present stories, fear is going to rocket with all the assumptions given Wuxian's power. It's no surprise then that he arranged things to be on his own rather than affiliated with his clan given the alternating hero and monster stigma of his demonic cultivation depending on how it helped the other clan's narratives.
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November 13, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 9
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The memories turn to focus on Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng at Lotus Pier and the events following the Wen's takeover. The escape and details around Lotus Pier differ a bit from the anime, but make more sense given the searches, though the lack of confirmation or any resolution regarding their parents is a tad strange in the midst of all the other details. Wuxian and Wangji seem to be putting a lot of pieces together and fortunately have been safe so far, though it looks like time may be running out with this latest visit. Truly, it's amazing how calm Wangli remains in this new older version when dealing with Wuxian's antics and whims. We should be catching up to a rather large part of their history, though the raids seem to have been glossed over in comparison to the details in the anime - another arc that has a lot more variation, though it works well between the different medias.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 8
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The interactions with the little paper spirit symbol are adorable, but it seems that both gave them the information they needed and basically alerted the enemy. A little confused with the sword given the information in the anime regarding why Wei Wuxian only carried a flute and no longer carried a cultivation sword at the end, but it seems the cat is out of the bag now. Things take a turn at the Fragrance Palace and we are plunged back into the past as Wuxian remembers more of his previous encounters with Wangji. We're left on a rather tense note with the Wen clan and more than a little uncertainty hanging over everyone.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 7
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We learn more of Mo Xuanya's experience with the cultivation clans in this volume, as well as why he has such issues with Jin Ling and his uncle, let alone why Ling suspects he is not Xuanya at the very least. Not sure Wuxian could have chosen a more hilarious way to try and put old rumors and infatuations to rest, let alone how Wangji takes it in stride. That doesn't count for finally learning what the forehead ribbon actually represents; no wonder Wuxian panics! It seems that something is amiss with Wuxian during this recon as well given his body's reaction and the thought that he couldn't evade empathy with this new spirit he encounters.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 6
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh my, Wei Wuxian either should never get Lan Wangji drunk or be okay with the way things are going. It'll be interesting if he ever remembers what that time. It's still confusing what the true meaning of the forehead ribbons are, but it is clear they are considered something significant within the clan. We also learn the rest of Xue Yang's story, as well as several other cultivators that disappeared or died around the same time. Wuxian's nephew seems to be getting suspicious as well, but also oddly seems somewhat more mellow towards Wuxian now than when they first met on the mountain. What does not seem to be changing though, is Wangji's possessive nature and Wuxian's fear of dogs. It's rather hilarious whenever Fairy comes on the scene, even if he's helping.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 5
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This Xue Yang character seems to be even more trouble than expected as they slowly piece together what happened in the past. It seems that Wuxian's nephew may be holding onto a token from him before his death, though it's unclear if he knows where the gift came from or how. At least for now, it's been confirmed the younger cultivators are unaware of Wuxian's current identity, though they have acknowledged he has a unique relationship with Wangji and seem to be more at ease when one of them are in the area to give directions. Wonder if it's something about their experience and knowledge, even though Xuanya would be around their same age and clearly is lacking in power comparatively speaking. Truthfully, it makes it more impressive that Wuxian is able to do as much as he can just based on his own memories and experience given the lack of additional resources in his new life. Wuxian takes a rather big chance with this empathy technique, but we learn a rather significant amount of information through this new type of flashback.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 4
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian are on an adventure together trying to solve the issue of this demonic arm. This time, they're lead to a desolate city where the Chang family were exterminated. The story doesn't directly relate to Wuxian, but he's attributed to it thanks to family connections and the use of the Yin Tiger Tally, a demonic artifact Wuxian had created when he was still alive, and destroyed at least half of before his death. Seems someone else has been dabbling in demonic cultivation, even though Wuxian is held up as the patriarch and example of why cultivators should never go down that path. Regardless of these warnings and the past overlapping, Wangji seems to be content so long as Wuxian stays by his side. We get more hilarious scenes backfiring on Wuxian when he accidentally gets Wangji drunk, not that he seems to have any regrets.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 3
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This volume ends the previous flashback when Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were both students in Gusu. Wuxian is learning more about how Wangji has changed, and also figured out Wangji knows who he is - though he's stumped as to exactly how and when that happened. Wangji isn't the only one who's figured it out either given Jian Cheng's reaction and line of questioning. Some of the disciples may still call Wuxian by Mo Xuanya, but those who were around for the past seem to recognize him rather easily. Wangji doesn't seem to like the idea of anyone taking Wuxian away from him, which basically means all of Wuxian's joking around with him backfires in hilarious and unexpected ways.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 2
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The transition from present to the past is still vague but slightly more noticeable if you really pay attention here, especially as the characters look noticeably younger in addition to the main group changing slightly and Wei Wuxian using his original name himself in introduction rather than his new identity from the Mo house. There are more questions than answers as Wei Wuxian notices how different Lan Wangji is now from his memories of the past. From the beginning though, it seems even in their youth, Lan Wangji had a soft spot for Wei Wuxian given the amount of leeway he's given in Guso, even when it often means breaking the many rules they live by.
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November 12, 2025
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 1
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wei Ying (or Wei Wuxian) was the grandmaster of demonic cultivation, hated for his terrifying power by the same people he fought alongside. The last thing he suspected was to be revived from death in the body of a young man who was desperate enough to barter his body and soul to fulfill his request and escape the hatred of the family who "took care of him." Despite not having any direction to end the curse from his revival, Wei Wuxian manages to move on quickly, though perhaps not quickly enough given the number of familiar faces he soon runs into, all while struggling with just how much he must interfere to help while attempting to keep his own identity a secret. His disguise gets more than a few comments as well, but makes much more sense in this context than it did in the donghua. I'm going backwards a bit here, starting with the donghua, then the manhua, and eventually hopefully the novels. Can't resist the artwork, though sometimes it's challenging to tell where we're looking at flashbacks and where we see current events with the overlapping names and characters.
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October 7, 2025
Mo Dao Zu Shi: The Founder of Diabolism
Mo Dao Zu Shi: The Founder of Diabolism (2018)
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
I remember starting this series several years ago, but am unable to recall if I ever finished it, and doubtful I had watched the following seasons continuing the story. It has since been recommended multiple times in the original light normal format, and now has a color manhua release as well, lending to the series popularity. With all of this combined, and my daughter's own interest, it seemed time to pick this story back up again. The story itself is a little difficult to follow as it is very complex and pulls many clans together. In reality, the story mostly follows Wei Wuxian as he rediscovers life and the new trials of the cultivation clans. Perhaps reading the novels would give a clearer understanding, especially as the start of season 2 appears to take us back to the beginning of the original series, so it is difficult to tell if it is truly a continuation, a different point of view, or something else entirely at this stage.