The Old Demon of the Black Mountain

• Author: Meng Ru Shen Ji
• Genres: Xianxia, Xuyên Không
• Status: Completed
• Chapters: 297
• Rating: ★ 4.5 / 5
• Published: 2026-09-21

First Impressions of Immortals

Just looking at the title, I used to think this was one of those Immortals stories where some big Yaoguai sits on a mountain waiting to get beaten up. But once you dive in, you'll see it's not just a simple monster-slaying story—it uses transmigration, Cultivation, and deep philosophy as its backbone.

Our protagonist, Wang Zhong, was originally a modern-day student who spent years training hard in Iron Sand Palm. After a crazy event involving the Seven Kill Stele, he ends up in a historical world blended with mythical Demons, where humans, Yaoguai, and various cultivation factions coexist.

Plot and Pacing

The coolest part is that the story doesn't turn transmigration into some cheat code like 'I know history beforehand, so I win.' Wang Zhong wants to rebel against the so-called Heavenly Dao, alter the course of history, and walk a path entirely of his own choosing.

The pacing is generally slow and steady, especially in the beginning. The author takes quite a bit of time to build up the martial arts, spells, factions, and concepts like True Heart and Humanity before throwing us into heavy conflicts. If you're used to fast-paced wish-fulfillment stories, it might feel a bit slow to warm up, but if you read closely, you'll see these early details lay a great foundation.

The Protagonist

Wang Zhong is a very different kind of MC compared to the usual 'righteous hero' trope. He's extreme, stubborn, and puts his True Heart above all else, refusing to let pre-existing standards dictate how he should live.

• Background: A modern student with a martial arts background who trained hard in Iron Sand Palm
• Personality: Determined, fierce, and won't easily submit to destiny
• Path: Blends Demonic Dao, Martial Dao, and personal willpower
• Unique trait: Not your typical traditional righteous hero

What I love most about Wang Zhong is that he’s not the type who screams 'I will protect justice!' the moment trouble hits. Many of his choices will make you wonder where right and wrong truly lie, rather than just watching the MC aura do all the work.

Worldbuilding and Philosophy

This is where the story truly stands out. While the world features Immortals, Demons, Yaoguai, Daoist arts, Magic Treasures, Formation Arrays, and the Demon Clan, beneath the surface of this Xianxia fantasy lies a deep clash between Daoism, Buddhism, and Demonic Dao.

The Late Ming And Early Qing setting is also used to create a real historical and political vibe rather than just serving as a backdrop. The novel constantly revolves around True Heart, Heavenly Dao, and Humanity. So, if you just want to see the MC level up and smash enemies, it might get a bit exhausting; but if you love diving deep into worldviews and lore, there's plenty of food for thought.

Pros

• The world is vast and deep, not just revolving around fights and leveling up
• Wang Zhong has a strong, distinct personality that doesn't follow the usual righteous trope
• A unique blend of Cultivation, Martial Dao, history, and deep philosophy
• The dark, mysterious atmosphere offers a refreshing break from typical fast-paced Immortals novels
• Concepts like True Heart and the Heavenly Dao give the story an extra layer of depth

Cons

• The starting pace is quite slow, so newcomers to Immortals fantasy might need some patience
• Lots of philosophical, religious concepts and cultivation jargon, making it a bit heavy to digest at times
• The heavily philosophical storytelling means some parts don't deliver that instant gratification
• The MC is so extreme that he might be hard for some readers to relate to
• If you prefer simple plots, clear goals, and constant level-ups, this story might leave you feeling frustrated

The Verdict

Reading The Old Demon of the Black Mountain feels like walking down a misty mountain path: it's a bit hard to see at first, but the further you go, the more you realize the world behind the story is way bigger than you imagined. What I appreciate most is how the author turns a typical transmigration tale into a debate about selfhood, history, and the path one chooses to carve out for himself.

In short: This is an Immortals fantasy for readers who love vast worldbuilding, a distinct MC, and deep philosophical layers rather than just mindless, fast-paced action. If you have the patience for a slower pace, the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Tags: xianxia, philosophical, demons