My Master Wants To Fish Again

In the vast landscape of Wuxia and Xianxia novels, it is rare to find a story that subverts the genre's typical "hero’s journey" so effectively. My Master Wants To Fish Again by Meng Gu is a refreshing, witty, and surprisingly grounded take on cultivation tropes. Instead of following the standard path of a disciple struggling to reach the pinnacle of power, this novel explores the life of a protagonist who has already seen it all—and realized the entire pursuit of absolute strength might be a farce.

The premise is immediately compelling: after two exhausting lifetimes spent trying to be the world’s savior, Yunfan returns with a newfound, cynical perspective. He has watched his own master deal with world-ending threats with the casual indifference of someone weeding a garden. This realization—that his immense struggle was unnecessary because his mentor was already effortlessly powerful—is the heart of the story. It shifts the narrative focus from the tiresome grind of leveling up to the hilarious, laid-back life of a man who just wants to retire.

What makes this story unique is the dynamic between the jaded, "done with it all" disciple and his effortlessly overpowered master. The humor is sharp, providing a much-needed levity that contrasts beautifully with the high-stakes world of demonic cultivators and heavenly soldiers. While many novels focus on the tension of life-or-death battles, this book finds its charm in Yunfan’s attempts to avoid those very same conflicts.

If you are tired of protagonists who scream their way through every trial, this novel is a perfect escape. It is a masterful blend of character-driven comedy and cultivation fantasy that proves you don’t need to save the world to lead an interesting life. Dive in if you want a laugh and a fresh perspective on the Wuxia genre.