Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi

This review of Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu was published on August 20th, 2025 and is based on the English translated version published by Seven Seas Entertainment in 5 volumes. Please note, this review may contain spoilers.

Story & Plot
9.5/10 · Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is a carefully thought through piece centered around ancient Chinese spiritual cultivation themes that manages to tie in many plots with characters committed to various agendas. Despite the many subplots, mysteries, and seemingly unresolved loose ends, Mo Xiang Tong Xiu ultimately brings it back to the core storyline in a considerate and planned way. At times, I do find myself going back to previous chapters to review minor details about certain characters and situations, but I believe this shows how much effort was put into forming such a complex, yet approachable work that reveals how essential all details are to form the larger picture. Generally, the story surrounds the political and martial environment formed around the Lan, Jin, Jiang, and Nie clans, but manages to incorporate a touching and invigorating love story between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Despite holding opposing beliefs at times, their relationship provides a sweet relief as the story touches on betrayal, abuse of power, and other deep subjects.

Characters
10/10 · Overall, each of the characters had a thorough backstory with surprising connections intertwined between clans, families, and events. With a wide range of personalities, experiences, and principles held by all, clashes in ideologies were apparent, while showing hypocrisy and unreasonable compromise that are relatable to present day.

• Wei Wuxian · Wei Wuxian appears to be arrogant, stubborn, and flamboyant with his actions and words, yet not unreasonably so because he indeed possesses great power and talent that proves his worth. Throughout Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, he is faced with many unfortunate circumstances, but still serves as a leading force for unconventional demonic cultivation methods.
• Lan Wangji · Lan Wangji is often portrayed as concealed, humble, and heavily guided by his conservative principles. Over time however, he becomes deeply engrossed by Wei Wuxian, eventually loosening his self-restraint in order to show affection towards him.

Art & Visuals
9.5/10 · In the English Translated version published by Seven Seas Entertainment, each volume included a cover by Jin Fang featuring a scene from the work, a colored illustration by various artists before the table of contents, and uncolored interior illustrations by Marina Privalova throughout the work, adding lovely imagery that aided readers in imagining scenes as they played out.

Enjoyment
10/10 · Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is a great series of a reasonable length with characters that have depth to their history and personalities while also being enjoyable and fun to engage with. With many shocking plot twists, I could never predict what may occur no matter how much I analyzed what I've read, making this a page-turner fueled by turmoil and longing—in more ways than love.

Recommendation
I recommend Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation to readers who enjoy danmei with cultivation themes and characters that have wide ranging emotions and history. I also believe this work is great for those looking for shocking discoveries and a moderately explicit romance.

Thank you for reading my review!