I'll just copy my comment from Vagabond
May the opinion will differ among the readers, I will still say that this manga is one of the masterpiece that I found during my journey in life. Hahaha... well, I guess a bit exaggeration will bring no harm, especially for this manga... Okay let's start reviewing...
The story is magnificent overall (truly...), yet may some readers can not tolerate the slowing pace in some arc. As for me, this slowing pace is quite understandable and necessary. It's necessary because with the slowing pace, I could relate more with the "enlightened" process that Li got during some arc. And somehow, I get "enlightened" too...
The art... is magnificent (truly...),
The romance, comedy, saddening event, etc. is composed magnificently (truly)... no too much, not too little, all is put with the right amount (so far)
I mus say I learn a lot by reading manga... it forms my perspective in seeing life and, I can say, it forms my personality as well. This one... is the one who taught me a lot... once again... a lot.
Thanks for the author of the manga and the novel (and of course, the scanlators)... Hope the God will repay you somehow... Now I understand why my oldman often says, "Learn, even if you must go to China"