Stellar Transformation [Trans]
Original: 星辰变
Other: Xing Chen Bian, Legend of Immortal
Author: I Eat Tomatoes (我吃西红柿)
Summary: Qin Yu, the third prince of the Eastern Suppression King in the Qianlong Continent, is born with a defective dantian, rendering him unable to cultivate internal techniques like others. Determined to prove himself and protect his family, he embarks on the grueling path of external martial arts. One day, Qin Yu accidentally absorbs the “Meteor Tear”—a mysterious extraterrestrial stone—and learns the Stellar Transformations technique left by Lei Wei. With the aid of Uncle Lan (his beloved’s uncle) and the Inverse Yang Immortal Emperor, he ascends from the mortal realm to the Immortal, Demon, and Monster Realm, and eventually to the Divine Realm. In the Divine Realm, Qin Yu confronts the Thunder Punishment City’s godkings and even the Thunder Punishment Exalted Celestial, aided by Lei Meng (his second senior brother, also Linley from Coiling Dragon). Ultimately, he creates the “Qinmeng Universe,” becoming a supreme Universe Controller. His journey is a tale of perseverance against adversity, love with Jiang Li, and the ambition to conquer the heavens.
Cultivation Realms: Mortal (Acquired, Innate), Tribulation Crossing, Grand Completion, Immortal (Loose Immortal, Golden Immortal, Mysterious Immortal), Divine Human (Low-Level, Mid-Level, High-Level), Heavenly Deity (Lower Tier, Middle Tier, Upper Tier), Godking, Exalted Celestial, Universe Controller.
Main Character
Qin Yu: A resilient, intelligent youth who refuses to bow to adversity, achieving greatness through external arts and Stellar Transformations.
Jiang Li: Qin Yu’s soulmate, daughter of Godking Jiang Fan, a driving force of love and motivation
Review: Stellar Transformations is a masterpiece of xianxia by I Eat Tomatoes, marking a career milestone after Coiling Dragon. It captivates with its groundbreaking cultivation system—from mortal external arts to the universe-creating Stellar Transformations—setting it apart from contemporaries. Qin Yu exemplifies an ideal protagonist: unyielding willpower, deep emotions, and a logical rise from weakness to dominance, resonating deeply with readers. I Eat Tomatoes’ style blends fast pacing, epic battles, and tender romance with Jiang Li, striking a balance between thrill and heart. The multi-tiered setting, from mortal lands to mythic realms, and its connection to Coiling Dragon via Lei Meng, showcase the author’s grand vision for a cohesive literary universe. Another strength is the innovative Stellar Transformations technique, evolving from personal cultivation to cosmic creation, embedding a philosophical depth about human potential. However, weaknesses include underdeveloped side characters like Qin De (Qin Yu’s father) or Hou Fei (sworn brother), often overshadowed by Qin Yu’s journey. Some readers note the Divine Realm arc drags with repetitive battles, slowing the momentum from earlier stages. Nevertheless, with its tight structure, satisfying conclusion as Qin Yu becomes a Universe Controller, and far-reaching influence through its animated adaptation, Stellar Transformations stands as both a stellar entertainment piece and a symbol of overcoming adversity, the pursuit of greatness, and boundless creativity in xianxia literature.