This is a novel about daoism, not the typical xuanhuan. The difference between them is understanding and mastering laws vs straight up cultivation. Daoist novels typically follow ancient chinese myths - nuwa, houyi, Tathagata and the like. The MC here gains cultivation by engaging in artistic pursuits which baffles and/or enrages everyone else who think he's wasting his "talent". The MC is unable to cultivate the normal way and unable to absorb pills or other cultivation resources. We have from a family to empire dealings to leaving the world to a bigger plane. Enemies include the beasts, demons, disciples of other realms, and even Saints.
MC is OP for his cultivation level, no love interests or harem. The novel reads like a slice of life/xianxia cross with the MC constantly cultivating by playing chess, carving, painting, ect told in a story of the plot. The fight scenes are generally unremarkable, this is more of a plot story than an action. Still, an enjoyable read.