This Hedonistic Young Master [Cultivation|Progression|Comedy]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

[Participant in the Royal Road 2024 Fall Writathon]

"A man who gains power through pleasure, reborn in a life where pleasure is a sin."

Yu Cheng didn’t sign up for this—a life of noodles, endless shifts, and envy was all he knew. But one cosmic fluke later, he’s reborn as Tian Hao 2.0, the spoiled young master of the Skyward Lotus Sect, expected to uphold honor and cultivate to greatness.

There’s just one snag: the old Tian Hao was infamous for his lack of discipline, and the new one's path to power isn’t exactly orthodox. Thanks to a Heaven-tier technique, Tian Hao can ascend to power by enjoying life—good food, drink, and… well, the finer things. But in a world where pleasure seeking is seen as practically demonic, he’ll have to navigate scheming elders, puritanical sects, and a Celestial Overseer who might just be having too much fun watching him break every rule.

Skyward Lotus Sect was all about discipline—until Tian Hao arrived.

What to Expect:

- Weak-to-Strong MC- Vibrant Xianxia World- Many Characters- A Cute Fox- Cultivation, Progression and Quests (with minor LitRPG elements)- Face Slapping- Hijinks- No "Harem" (Though there will be manypleasurableadventures, and more than one long-term love interest; these characters have their own lives, their own goals, and their own paths to follow, which only sometimes include the MC)

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2024
Author: Narrin Dawa

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 3.6/ 5.0
Followers: 956
Views: 354,959

Chapters(118 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

longwindedone1Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This review comes after reading through chapter 7 of This Hedonistic Young Master. I apologize for the many spoilers.
Story:
This story follows Yu Cheng after he is suddenly killed by a stray neutrino (I think that beats getting killed by a truck). He is offered a second chance as Tian Hao. He is given the ability to cultivate power through pleasure. The MC must navigate his new role while exploring indulgence as a path to strength. I have loved most stories that I've read on Royal Road, but every once in a while you come across a story that checks all of the boxes. I dig this story for its Neil Gaimanesque storytelling. It's got great world building and an almost cheeky concept of cultivation.
Style:
The tone of the story is irreverently funny. It manages to balance humor and the complexities of this genre very well. It is written in the third person, but follows Yu Cheng (now Tian Hao). There is a depth to the story and the MC that sets it apart as he reflects on both his old and new lives.
Grammar:
As I've said many times in reviews, I listen to all of my RR content using the audio functions of the app. Therefore, I'm not the best one to comment on this category. For my part, I didn't notice anything off-putting.
Characters:
Yu Cheng, now Tian Hao, is likable MC. The Celestial Guidance Overseer add more levity to the story as she tries to guide him through his bizarre cultivation path. The only secondary characters through chapter seven are Tian Hao's father and various other sect members.
This story has something special. I liked it from the very beginning when the cosmic "truck" killed the main character. Hat's off to the author for creating something special here on Royal Road. 5/5
TheBBBRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
In this the story, I think the author successfully immerses me in the intricate dynamics of the Skyward Lotus Sect, highlighting the weight of expectations placed upon Tian Hao. The pacing is well executed, skillfully blending internal conflict & external tension as Tian Hao grapples with his new identity and the scrutiny from his father, Tian Shou, and the elders.
It also shows in the vivid descriptions of the grand hall, filled with the scent of sandalwood & adorned with elaborate tapestries, create a rich backdrop that enhances the story's atmosphere. The author’s ability to convey the emotions of the characters through nuanced dialogue & detailed body language adds depth to the narrative. For instance, the contrast between Elder Hua's stern demeanor & Elder Han's calm presence effectively illustrates the varying approaches to authority within the sect.
Character: Tian Hao as a shines ones here is depicted as a multifaceted individual, balancing bravado with vulnerability. His internal thoughts reveal a relatable struggle for acceptance & the desire to prove himself. The dialogue is well-crafted, with Elder Hua's sharp words & Tian Shou's measured tone effectively conveying their personalities & the stakes at play.
Grammar & style are also commendable, with fluid prose & minimal errors. The author’s use of metaphor & simile, such as comparing Tian Shou to an ancient pine tree, adds a poetic touch that elevates the writing. Overall, the story is engaging. Especially when setting the stage for Tian Hao’s journey of self-discovery & growth, making me eager to see how he navigates the challenges ahead.
BlueShearRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I was immediately drawn in by the intriguing concept. The idea of a hedonistic young master is nothing new in this genre, but the idea of gaining strength through that hedonism is such a brilliant and innovative idea that I was honestly floored. The fact that this is also an reincarnation story is just the cherry on top of an already well rounded cake.
The way this story is told is very visually engaging. Using impeccable vocabulary fo set the scene with almost hypnotic detail, and depict events that should have otherwise been difficult to picture. Instead of being esoteric and unclear, it’s as if everything is brought into sharp clarity, which ultimately makes it a treat to read.
The story, in so far as I’ve read, is extremely promising, with subtle hints of what’s to come that leave me wanting more. The weight of expectations from the sect and family he now finds himself apart of, set against the newfound aspects of his pleasure cultivation leaves room for so much more exploration and comedic scenes that it has me on the edge of my seat!
Meanwhile the main character is not only super relatable, plagued with the ever present curse that is fomo, but it also sets up his main motivation for the rest of the series, which I thought was a nice touch. He’s funny, quick witted, and knows how to haggle for the worth of his soul with an extra-planar which takes guts. Over all I enjoyed his antics and sense of humor very much.
Grammar is immaculate. Not really much to say there.
All in all, I’d say this is an amazing start to what sure to be an incredible series.
GarlathRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Enjoying this story a lot so far. System is not top contrived which is always a pleasant surprise.
Slightly wondering about the lack of reaction his peers have to his sudden progress, but holding judgement so far as it is still early.
Also appreciate the slow dawning of realisation that hedonism doesn't equal 100% indulgence, though he has been told several times now! Just needs to actually engage brain.
Look forward to seeing where this one goes!
J. G. SadsquatchRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I absolutely love Narrin Dawn's take on this genre, blending the whole reincarnation trope with some clever humor and self-aware commentary. Yu Cheng’s journey as Tian Hao feels fresh since he’s navigating cultivation through pleasure, which is a wild and fun spin on everything.
The writing does a fantastic job of immersing us in Tian Hao’s lavish yet suffocating world. His reactions to everything—from the opulence of his new life to the weird, strict rules of cultivation—keep things grounded and relatable. You feel his awkwardness, disbelief, and that “fish-out-of-water” vibe, which adds some good laughs along the way.
The character development is also on point. Yu Cheng’s struggle with his old self slipping away, and his journey to make sense of Tian Hao’s spoiled reputation and legacy, give the story a solid emotional core. Plus, the Celestial Guidance Overseer brings in that mysterious, all-knowing guide energy without taking herself too seriously—she’s got depth, but she’s still entertaining, keeping things interesting without dragging down the tone.
Only minor thing? The pacing’s a bit slow here and there with all the introspection and world-building (and the inner monologues can feel a little heavy). However, this is totally ok with me since I write very similarly. I say this as a perspective from what a majority of RR reads want sometimes. But honestly, the chill vibes, humor, and detailed setup make it worth it. With Yu Cheng’s new cultivation journey just kicking off, it’s lining up to be a funny, adventurous, and surprisingly deep take on fantasy reincarnation. Can't wait to see where Tian Hao’s pleasure-fueled path goes from here!
I am only on chapter 7 but I am hooked. I especially love Narrin Dawn's prose. The writing here is superb. I saw no errors in grammar. I am excited to read more. I have become an instant fan of this Author!
KuraokamiRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
As the title states, this story is truly a gem. The writing is beautiful, with prose that flows effortlessly, drawing readers into the world with each line. The descriptions are vivid and well-crafted, bringing the setting to life in a way that feels immersive. Every scene is rich with detail, yet it never feels overwhelming; instead, it enhances the atmosphere and mood perfectly. You can tell the author has poured so much into building this world, creating an environment that feels both unique and alive.
Tian, the protagonist, is an incredibly lovable character. His charm and wit make him instantly endearing, and you can’t help but root for him. The author has done a fantastic job layering his personality with a mix of humor and subtle hints of a deeper, more complex nature. It’s clear that Tian has a story waiting to be uncovered, and I’m genuinely excited to see how his character will develop as the plot progresses. His journey promises to be an exciting one, filled with growth and those highly anticipated "badass" moments that readers like me are looking forward to.
This story truly excels in its balance of character depth, and world-building, making it a captivating read from the start. The pacing feels just right, and each chapter leaves you wanting more. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this story trending or on the Rising Stars list soon. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an engaging and well-written adventure!
LokiTheQuickRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Just read the first page, let alone the first chapter. That's my challenge to you, because the writing is so out-of-this-world good you won't believe it.
In some ways it's tough seeing someone so incredible at exactly the things I'm mediocre at, but I respect the hell out of it. The metaphors, the comparisons, the descriptions, this story really does read like poetry.
If it were just that, maybe it would struggle, but the concept is so, so fun. Without spoiling too much, it takes a lot of solid LitRPG tropes, and uses them to create an extremely compelling setup for the MC. He's an indulgent man who's given a second chance, and rather than having to mend his ways, he's actually put into a situation where those indulgences will grant him power.
That lone is fun and quirky, but the author specifically puts him in a scenario where indulging in that pleasure is taboo. There's an immediate, and clear tension between gaining personal power, and political power, and it leads to all sorts of fun and wild situations.
Here's my criticism: trim back your synopsis immediately! I guarantee you're scaring people away. Give a couple of tight paragraphs, drawing people in. "A man who gains power through pleasure, reborn in a life where pleasure is a sin." That's basically all you need. This book deserves to explode, you just need people to read a few paragraphs to see why. Good luck!
PalamedesRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The LitRPG/Cultivation genres are often plagued with Gary Stu’s that get overpowered greatness handed to them, and it always makes me groan and roll my eyes… but this MC takes that trope to 110% and somehow makes it something special. Overall I give it 5/5 because I can’t help but love this posh witty playboy, when normally I’d find this trope and archetype insufferable.
For style i had to go 4.5/5 because while the bells and whistles of this beauty aren’t revolutionary, it’s certainly not lacking any flair either.
Ok so to be honest I’m not the biggest fan of Eastern Cultivation stories in general, so the 3/5 on that front is absolutely biased. But hey I’m definitely enjoying reading it thus far, so maybe this might be the story to change that.
Another perfect 5/5 for the grammar because I haven’t really noticed much if any of the spelling and grammar mistakes that riddle other self-published works I’ve read and enjoyed. Thanks for that, Mr. Author.
Im absolutely loving this character so far, the wit is strong with this one. His ability to infuriate anyone he talks to for more than thirty seconds is truly commendable, and his banter makes me smile and wish he were my friend too. I did have to take off half a star for him pulling the old pump and dump scheme on that poor Misty Sect girl, if you know what I mean. Shame on you MC, shame😂😉. 4.5/5 for this dazzling hedonistic main character.
DaddykazzooRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Chapter 5 kicks off the journey of Tian Hao who finds himself in the luxurious yet daunting world of the Skyward Lotus Sect after a cosmic twist of fate. Now living as the infamous young master, he’s surrounded by opulence and expectations that couldn’t be further from the mundane grind of his old life. Readers are quickly introduced to the stark contrast between his past; a life of late shifts and instant noodles and his new reality, where power is earned through cultivation and strict discipline.
One of the chapter’s strengths is the way it portrays Tian Hao’s awkward attempts to navigate this new world. His dry wit and self-awareness provide a fresh take on the typical “fish-out-of-water” narrative. He’s trying to project the confidence of a young master, but the internal monologue reveals a character who feels like he’s still playing catch-up in a story that isn’t quite his. This makes Tian Hao both relatable and compelling, especially as he tries to make sense of a new life built on status and expectations.
The chapter introduces an unusual twist: the Pleasure-Induced Nirvana Ascension method. It’s a rare technique that lets Tian Hao cultivate by indulging in the finer things like meals, wine, and rest offering a humorous contrast to the traditional training methods of the sect. The setup hints at a story that will blend moments of self-reflection and indulgence with action and growth, promising a unique take on the journey to power.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a story that mixes humor with the traditional elements of cultivation fantasy, this chapter delivers. It sets up an intriguing narrative with a reluctant protagonist, adding a twist to the usual path of power and mastery. While the chapter is introspective, it’s layered with enough humor and tension to keep readers engaged, making it a promising start to Tian Hao’s journey in the Skyward Lotus Sect.
4.5 stars
Overall, this chapter has a strong foundation, intriguing narrative elements, and goo
jadecriminalRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
It's too early to tell but I did enjoy reading this.
The protagonist... I can't tell if he's that dumb or a genius. Time will tell.
Silly things he did so far:
-Partake in restricted, stolen cultivation materials that are basically mild drugs. Not entirely sure if the risk on this one is worth the benefit.
-Interfere with the feast of a make or break diplomatic event by changing dishes to effectively drugged ones and setting up a mind altering formation.
-Was asked to just not fuck up and keep quiet. Goes off anyways.
We'll see if his actions blow up in his face or if he pulls through and then know where the story is heading.
There wasn't too much world building so far. Sects exist, cultivation tradition s one of discipline and hard work to the point of excess. Common cultivation bottleneck seems to be working too hard.
Some interesting cast, narration reads and flows well. The Chinese idioms with translation are nice. In a book they'd be footnotes but I can't complain. Somehow they don't seem jarring.
Will try t come back in a month or three and update this based on how things flow.