Old Fogey Goes Down The Mountain

• Author: Yuán Hégù
• Genres: Đam Mỹ, Urban, Hài Hước
• Status: Ongoing
• Chapters: 229
• Rating: ★ 4.2 / 5
• Published: 2026-10-03

The Ancient Ancestor Meets 21st-Century Culture Shock

Our story kicks off when a long-lived cultivation elder from the mountains rebirths into the body of the eldest son of the Wei family. He figured that with his earth-shattering power, restoring his sect would be a walk in the park—but boy, was he wrong! The old ancestor quickly finds himself trapped in a bureaucratic labyrinth of the modern world, where high-tier martial arts are useless for buying land or filing insurance claims.

Duyên Hà Cố really shines here by creating a sharp contrast between archaic mindsets and our high-tech society. Our protagonist hits the streets with a pocketful of ancient currency, only to realize they’re just antiques now, and getting a construction permit for his sect is harder than achieving a cultivation breakthrough. The adorable naivety of such a powerhouse being a fish out of water in the 21st century is a total riot.

Overpowered Might and a Unique Way to Survive

Despite being totally clueless about daily life, the main character is a true "big boss" wielding supreme martial arts. Instead of relying on the city's thin spiritual energy, he sustains himself by absorbing wandering souls and wild ghosts. This adds a fascinating xuanhuan spiritual flavor that keeps the story from feeling like just another generic urban novel.

His involvement in activities usually dismissed as superstition—which actually turn out to be effective—leaves everyone around him in a mix of awe and terror. He never hides his innate dominance, handling modern problems with the dignified air of a grand master. This over-the-top confidence occasionally leads to disastrous but incredibly funny misunderstandings with Wei Tianyi’s relatives.

A Hilarious Cast of Supporting Characters

You can’t talk about this book without mentioning Tuan Jieye, a beggar who originally tried to mug our lead but ended up as his first disciple instead. The dynamic between a "fallen from the sky" master and his shamelessly quirky disciple breathes fresh life into the plot. Their constant banter is a definite highlight, making the journey to restore the sect way more engaging.

Furthermore, his relationship with his former master, Wei Daodao, is depicted with great depth and affection. Even though this is a danmei novel, the bond between the members of this "new sect" feels as warm and tight-knit as a real family. Every character has a distinct personality, ensuring no one gets lost in the shadow of the protagonist's overwhelming aura.

A Unique Blend of Martial Arts and Daily Life

The novel doesn't just focus on the action; it spends plenty of time on the protagonist's struggle to adapt. Having a world-class master stress over real estate prices and building codes is a brilliant, subversive idea. It reflects the harsh reality that no matter how strong you are, you still have to follow the law and societal rules.

The pacing is just right, alternating between displays of power and hilarious slices of life. The author masterfully weaves supernatural elements into the bustling city backdrop. This keeps the 229-chapter journey feeling fresh and addictive right until the very end.

Pros

• The concept of contrasting the ancient and modern worlds is executed with charm and humor.
• The protagonist has a consistent, strong personality that never feels grating.
• A well-developed supporting cast that plays a vital role in driving the plot forward.
• A seamless blend of xuanhuan elements and realistic urban life.

Cons

• The story is still ongoing, so readers might feel a bit of a cliffhanger reaching the latest chapter.
• Some details regarding administrative procedures might feel a bit slow for action junkies.
• The male-male romance develops quite slowly for some danmei fans' expectations.

Community Feedback

• Novel Updates: 4.1/5 (1,744 ratings, 13 reviews, as of 03/10/2026). Readers highly praise the humor and the author's signature "grumpy old man" character building. Many recommend it as the perfect stress-reliever after a long day.

Final Verdict

This is an absolute must-read if you're looking for pure entertainment with an overpowered lead who keeps running into hilarious "real-world" struggles. It avoids the typical face-slapping tropes and instead focuses on the fascinating journey of an ancient master rebuilding his legacy.

In short: A refreshing and funny urban novel featuring a badass protagonist who is completely clueless about the modern world—it's guaranteed to keep you hooked!

Tags: ancient powerhouse, sect restoration, comedy