The Whole World is My Crematorium Review
Web Novel: The Whole World is My Crematorium by Bikabi
The story opens with seventeen year old Xiao YuAn stuck in a weird situation. He has 100 days left until he’s free from the system that has ruled his entire life. Orphaned at an early age he was adopted by a mysterious master and then raised by this man along with another young disciple. Unfortunately, for as long as he’s known himself there’s been a voice in his head telling him what to do. It’s a system that controls his actions and he longs to be free of it.
Things get worse when Xiao Du, the Lord of the demonic Xingtian sect shows up claiming to be his older brother. He has no memory of his previous family and he doesn’t want to go with this supposed elder brother. However, his master and the system both insist that he go with the man.
Everything is fine for awhile, beyond fine actually as this new brother treats him very well. The system also encourages him to get close to Xiao Du. Then just as he starts to get comfortable and believe that this is where he belongs a young man shows up claiming to be Xiao Du’s younger brother. This boy has memories of events which the main character doesn’t have and a token that belongs to Xiao Du’s younger brother. So now Xiao YuAn’s trapped in the Xingtian sect being treated as an impostor.
When he asks to be sent home to his master Xiao Du refuses and tells him that he needs him to complete a task first. He wants Xiao YuAn to seduce the young heir of the Yunjian Pavilion sect, Gu Louyin. He wants to enter their secret storeroom. Since only family members can enter the storeroom Xiao Du wants him to marry/ become Dao companions with Gu Louyin. Trapped by the system and the demon Lord Xiao YuAn has to put on an act until he can break free from his restrictions.
Who’s it for?
It’s a cultivation novel so its set in a fantastical world with exceptionally gorgeous characters. There is some drama, mystery and tension in this story. For example, will Xiao YuAn ever be free of the system? What does the demon Lord want? What is the Yunjian pavilion actually up to, because they’re acting suspicious? Those little mysteries and the setting are probably the novel’s strongest point.
The Downsides
There’s a twisted sort of harem. Several characters are attracted to Xiao YuAn, who’s described as being very beautiful. However, they all use him or treat him terribly because they like him. I’m not a fan of this dynamic. Xiao YuAn doesn’t see himself as a victim and that’s great, but he still has no control over his own life for large chucks of this story. His determination to escape from the obsessive men around him is admirable. However, some of his behavior makes him come off as cruel.
Next is the romance section. Gu Louyin is the only one of the men pursuing Xiao YuAn who’s actions are somewhat understandable to me. I wouldn’t necessarily forgive him either, but then where does that leave the romance. Gu Louyin is in a one-sided love affair with someone who's never cared for him.
Then there’s the gross demon lord who can’t decide if he wants to be Xiao YuAn’s brother, pimp or lover. No, just no. Between him and the consent issues cause by the aphrodisiac he had Xiao YuAn infected with I felt like I wanted to wash my brain out after reading.
I dropped the novel after reading 74 chapters. I could go no further. If anyone out there is fine with the problems I mentioned, or doesn’t see them as problems, then go right ahead. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it.