I will answer your questions from the perspective of a Chinese reader:

1. Why the fondness for killing?

In China, there has long been an emphasis on the swift settling of scores—avenging wrongs immediately. From the perspective of cultivation, it is about keeping one's mind unencumbered and thoughts flowing freely. Furthermore, this also reflects the mindset of the authors themselves.

1. Views on family

In modern China, clan-based structures still exist in the south (the kind you see in novels, featuring extended families with elders and clan heads), whereas in the north, such structures have largely vanished or disappeared entirely (they no longer exist in the Northeast, where I live; one could say the region has transitioned from an agrarian civilization to an industrial one). Thus, the clan-based portrayal is one perspective, but there is also the upbringing we receive—emphasizing filial piety and fraternal love. Consequently, we tend to treat family members (not just parents and spouses) with goodwill, believing that sticking together brings mutual benefit.

1. Selfishness

This is a product of the times; modern Chinese society can be indifferent in certain respects, and this is reflected in literature. There is also a desire to avoid trouble: when cultivating, one prioritizes self-interest—if seizing an item might invite retaliation, it is better to simply kill the rival; if helping someone else might lead to complications, it is better not to help at all.

1. Death

In Chinese web novels, the protagonist's death is often considered a "poison point" (a major turn-off for readers). If the protagonist dies (even if it is a fake death), readers might simply feel the author is just dragging out the word count.

1. *A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality* vs. *Top-Tier Providence*

The former retains some characteristics of classic cultivation novels, whereas the latter is purely about the discussion of concepts and showcasing the author's writing prowess.