#and then mq and fx are screaming about it

[unreliable-narratoe]

Thinking about how mu qing and feng xin were ready to square up to CRIMSON RAIN SOUGHT FLOWER they refused to fight previously because they thought hua cheng was xie lian's creepy stalker??? Insane.

These are the guys you are slandering when you say "they clearly didn't care about xie lian" btw.

[notyixiangs]

i’m thinking about mu qing saving feng xin from the fire all the time. do you think mu qing runs through the heavenly capital frantic and desperate, heart caught in his throat and burning coil in his stomach, all whilst the buildings are writhing like broiled liquid around him but he’s simultaneously confused as to why he even *cares* so much about a man who’s been nothing but bigoted and cruel and suspecting of all his intentions. but he cares—with spite, and in spite of everything—and inordinately so, thus he searches every palace anyway to find feng xin and cuocuo and he thinks, maybe just maybe if he saved feng xin this once feng xin would finally be able to forgive him for leaving and to understand he’d never truly meant harm even though he does have a sharp exterior that makes him almost intolerable.

do you think he sees feng xin in the fire and notices the scorched holes in his robes and the singed tips of his hair and his half-torn ribbon and immediately feels his chest lurch & he’s half-ready to let all his feelings & vulnerabilities climb up his throat & pour out of his mouth only for it to get stuck at the back of his teeth because he’s lived so long without voicing his thoughts that it’s thoroughly unnatural, so instead he just tugs at feng xin’s sleeve & clutches at the fabric & hopes the crazed look in his own eyes is enough to convey that he doesn’t want fx to die but fx just slaps him away with the most furious look on his face and mq’s eyes are just. wide. bare and open and glittering and aching.

so then he tries a few more times and screams at fx to get out but every time fx only gets more incensed and in the end slaps mq across the face, fingernails grazing his ear, and mq’s earring falls out with blood dripping from the lobe and he is stunned silent. fx carves a path further into the crashing debris & the ultraviolet sun & he thinks he’s lost mq but mq still doesnt give up and keeps chasing after him but this time he has no choice but to just sneak up from behind and pray that fx forgives him for this and strikes him unconscious

only for fx to say, later on, that he recognizes mq’s shadow and that mq is working for jun wu because he ambushed him. even though it’s literally one of mq’s only acts of kindness (at least thats what mq thinks bc he doesn’t think he’s ever been “good” many instances in his lifetime), let alone an act of kindness directed towards fx

sorry this is wall of text

[bafvkun]

I just wanna talk about how they decided to design Fu Yao and Nan Feng in the anime based off Mu Qing and Feng Xin for a bit.

When I started the anime and then read the books before restarting the anime yet again I got quite confused for some time as of who is who. In my mind Fu Yao was Feng Xin and Nan Feng was Mu Qing.

When you’re not very familiar with their personalities and overall physical particularities the anime is quite confusing.

I don’t know why they decided to give Fu Yao FX’s hair color and Nan Feng MQ’s one. This created so much confusion in me whenever I watched the anime and even when I read the first book for the first time.

But when you take a closer look you realize how much the deputy generals look like their heavenly official. First their bangs are the exact same, if not a bit longer, and they also truly have the same eyes, FY has sharp and very pretty eyes when NF has thicker brows and more charisma in them.

To take Xie Lian’s words in the first book during their first meeting he says « The one on the left side was taller, with deep brows and handsome features, and his eyes carried a sort of unbridled wildness. » this obviously talks about Nan Feng so indirectly Feng Xin.

He then says « The one on the right was extremely fair, elegant, and poised. His expression was a bit overly distant and cold, making him look as if he was extremely displeased. » and this screams Fu Yao so Mu Qing.

At first it’s rather confusing in the anime to be fair but when you get to know them and their temperament as well as get used to their features it becomes so obvious, and once again I’m wondering HOW THE FUCK did Xie Lian not find them out right away. They’re perfect copies of their true self, some details put aside they really are just a slightly different version, like they’re cousins or even brothers to themselves.

Also to talk about he manwha version, they’re total look alike. They just look fairly younger and a bit wilder/more reckless, they look like if they had a kid and he turned out to look so much like them.

[blogauroragloryme]

It's just a headcanon ,but just imagining a scenario where MQ takes on a mission and after completing it he's drained and only has energy to call FX in his communication array to help him. Twist comes here that due to high levels of Yin,MQ against his will transforms into his female form (please don't ask for the details,it's just a rough sketched scenario,I'm not a fic writer 🤣) and cannot return to his male form because of his low energy. In the distance FX descends with a lightning strike and from a distance his grumbling is heard and as FX approaches near he actually screams like a maiden when from the fog emerges a cold beauty he wasn't expecting.MQ albeit embarrassed just smirks seeing FX's reaction.While ascending back FX has to hold MQ by the waist ,but he's so nervous and on the verge of passing out. Somehow they manage to ascend to heaven without any mishap ,but MQ has already a mischief planned on his mind.

A few days later MQ and FX decide to have a friendly sparring match in FX's training ground. While they're fighting FX kicks MQ and he falls on the ground and just as FX is about to touch MQ ,MQ grins and transforms into his female form and FX ends up squishing his boob (or wait a moment ,it would be more hilarious that MQ kicks him on his ankle and FX actually falls face first on MQ's chest and gets a face full of boobs🤣,but yah he will pass out if that happens). A horrifying scream rings across the palace of Nan Yang as FX screams and runs to the nearby fountain to wash his hand and curse MQ loudly and MQ is still sprawled on the ground laughing like a maniac.

Another scene that I imagine is based on this fanart. Again the credit goes to the ORIGINAL ARTIST (whom idk otherwise definitely would have tagged them)

(Credit:ORIGINAL ARTIST)

FX barges into MQ's palace as usual without knocking so MQ decides to teach FX a lesson 😂.

This keeps on repeating. MQ deliberately changes into his female form from time to time to scare FX away. To add more fun to that he keeps on changing his attire which accentuates his figure even more.One time he even calls him ,"Feng Xin Gege(⁠＾⁠∇⁠＾⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠♪and this time FX finally passes out. It takes a whole day for FX to regain his conscious lol.

(I think it's a funny idea that post canon rather then fighting with insults and violence,they use such methods to tease the other)

[mqfx]

can I scream about something. I am so SO tired of people misinterpreting jian lan and feng xin's relationship yes they were in love. no it wasn't because she reminded him of mu qing. I still think he resented him at the time because mu qing had just abandoned them (I don't blame mu qing at all for it but from feng xin's POV it makes sense he'd be irrational and angry and hateful from stress) and jian lan has a very different character. people saying she's a jealous crazy ex or hating on her because feng xin was in love with her makes me want to tear my hair out so bad their PAST relationship also doesn't have an effect on fengqing's relationship!!!!!!!! you can be in love with two people of different gender in your 800 year life (shocking). bisexual people exist y'all!!!!!!! they both moved on [feng xin maybe just a little less] and they are not married and never were. the lack of reading comprehension and biphobia in this fandom kills me tl;dr: stop hating on my girl jian lan and google what bisexuality is please [spent too much time on the tiktok side of the fandom]

my lamb, the lord ordains you to stay away from tiktok fandom. and ten hail marys

in any case, yeah i think feng xin most likely in love with jian lan for reasons unrelated to mu qing. like why not? i mean it IS funny to be like "ahaha fx has a type! mq and jian lan have similarities" sure i won't say no to that but jian lan IS also her own character and it's a disservice to her when people act like the ONLY reason fx might fall in love with her is bc she reminds him of this specific guy. like. pls don't treat women as setups for yaoi indulgence she also had her own life and things to deal with and merits etc etc

the wildest part of this ask is that i didn't even know ppl say that jian lan is a crazy jealous ex. i simply never come across this bc i only follow ppl who were brought up properly or smth

[old-danmei-fan]

Just finished volume 3 of Heaven Official's Blessing and even though the first half was a little hard to read for me, I Ioved it. There's such a great mix of humor, trauma, fighting, and love.

I'm going to post my notes/ all the random shit that popped into my head as I read from volume 3 below the cut so don't read below if you don't want spoilers.

Also, before my notes, I know who Jun Wu is and more or less his roll in XL's journey so I make references to him in my notes when I shouldn't know what's going on with him at this point.

I would try to block out the whole your country dying and literally nothing you do helps thing too XL

Xianle state preceptor really got to the point with the whole you "ascended too soon because all your people are still alive" bit. I get it where he's coming from, but damn that was a lil harsh.

I love that XL is of the mind set of "what the fuck is the point of being a god if I don't help my people?" I was kinda wondering the same thing my dude.

This is the first series where I am having to put the book down and walk away after every 10 pages. Poor XL is making every possible bad decision he can even with everyone screaming at him not to.

JFC the land of tenders was NOT what I was expecting 😬

I understand why HC is such a snarky prick to FX and MQ lol they were always such assholes to the poor lil guy. He just wanted to make heart eye and protect his crown prince.

Ok so Lang Ying is obviously working with white no face (jun wu), but he's obviously gotta be someone in present day right? I feel like he's too prominent at the moment to not come back in the present.

I'm fucking stupid lol Lang Ying -> Lang Qingqiu. Lang Ying is obviously going to be the first king of Yong'an

Lil soldier kinda disappeared?

Man body horror is gonna be an ongoing theme throughout this huh?

XL is really too pure for this world.

Damnit Qi rong. You and your big mouth

FX - "that brat will definitely grow up to be a good man" bro aren't you the one that kicked him out of the army lol

Oh it's because he's just happy not everyone hates XL 🤣

Hoo boy. 1st half of volume 3 is a doozy. Everyone is getting a big ol helping of trauma and suffering. Hong'er/ Lil soldier breaks my heart when he's telling XL he won't forget him.

Lmfao XL threatening QR with siccing HC on him

I do not like Shi Wudu 😡

Lmfao HC being so extra for his man at the festival he wrote a play and sent up 3k lanterns. Pei ming being all I told you guys HC didn't take XL to be mean 😏

Pei Ming is like that himbo that everyone doesn't like cause he's fucks around, but then you talk to him and he's kinda funny.

Hahahahahaha HC and XLs "first kiss" is killing me. XL pretty much saying he'd stab anyone who did that to him but HC and he's confused about why. Hmm I wonder why XL?

Oh this poor boy lol getting so flustered he's trying to run away only to be caught because he's bleeding from his foot. Poor guy is panicking over his cursed shackle on his ankle isn't he 🥺

I'm so glad the second half of volume 3 is not quite as traumatic as the first.

Dying at everyone thinking that ghost baby is Pei Ming's

I don't like Jun Wu's sword. That's icky

☹️

And then on the flip side, Rouye and E-Ming fighting for XLs attention is adorable lol

Poor Qi Rong being subjected to the torture of watching XL and HC flirt. Maybe if they laid it on a little thicker they could get him to leave the body he's in.

[hualianff]

Bonding Trip

Post-canon Xianle trio take on kayaking: MQ in the front, XL in the middle (not paddling), and FX in the back. 

Except they keep going in circles. 

XL is supposed to be giving orders but fengqing keep clashing 😭

MQ: “Fengxin, I swear to god you better stop telling me what to do - I’m literally in the front and have the best view of where we’re going”

FX: “ok but just because you’re in the front doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t see, idiot. I’m doing my part so I don’t know why the fucking kayak isn’t turning LEFT for some goddamn reason-“

MQ: “oh, so we’re doing the blame game now?”

FX: “does blaming have to be inherently wrong? WE’RE NOT MOVING-“

Meanwhile, XL is staring down the stream and thinking to himself:  “hmm, the water is moving faster that way hmm”

It’s a waterfall.

Fengqing: [still arguing]

XL: “waiT gUYS”

Fengqing: [not even listening, not even rowing at this point]

XL whips out the backup paddle and accidentally thwacks both MQ and FX on the head.

XL: “GUYS WE HAVE TO TURN AROUND NOW”

MQ and FX finally seeing their impending doom: “…shit”

Fortunately, all three martial gods manage to row against the current and end back up on calm waters. That is when they finally capsize the kayak because MQ and FX try to take a swing at each other and XL ducks right in time to dodge-

SPLASH! They tip over in a fit of shouts, the last thing heard being: “I hate you SO MUCH!”

It was MQ.

MQ who pops up from the water like a wet cat - NOT a happy camper at all - glaring daggers at FX who bobs up and down a few feet away. 

XL is just chilling. At first, he made sure he still had on the necklace with HC’s ashes, but other than that, he didn’t particularly care about what state his clothes or appearance was in.  

In fact, as XL is treading the river, he thinks the water is actually kind of refreshing. 

MQ: *COMPLAINING AND SCREAMING IN THE BACKGROUND*

FX: *occasionally screaming something back when he’s mentioned*

XL, absentmindedly: “Honestly, the river is kinda refreshing.” 😇

Suddenly, the silence is deafening. 

MQ: “the fuck did you just say?”

XL: “I-i just said that it’s not so bad, isn’t it? It was too hot today-”

MQ, popping a vein: “YOU- YOU- Y-“ 

MQ can’t even collect himself enough to speak. He’s visibly trying not to choke on angry tears, just seriously regretting even agreeing to this so-called bonding activity. (Not really though.)

Minutes later, FX and MQ are still arguing - trying to strangle each other at this point - while XL is floating on his back behind them. 

None of them notice how far away their kayak is drifting.

Also, where did their paddles go?

When they finally agree to swim to the shore, MQ is left behind as he isn’t the best swimmer compared to FX and XL. 

It’s only after telling FX, “At least we’re still together, which equals good memories,” that XL looks back-

Right as MQ’s head goes underwater.

“Motherfuc-“

XL gasps in shock. 

“GAHH MU QING JUST DISAPPEARED-“ XL exclaims, doggy-paddling in place as he points to where MQ was just seconds ago.

FX also turns around.

“Let’s leave him.”

XL: 😠

FX: “oKAY oKAY LETS GET HIM”

***

So something dragged MQ under.

Merpeople? Water dragons ? Human-like sea creatures? Who knows. But there’s a whole underwater civilization that Xianle trio find themselves in. 

The creatures that pulled MQ under were just babies and thought he was pretty, so they kidnapped him. XL manages to communicate through body language and is welcomed enthusiastically - somehow he makes friends everywhere he goes!

And then one of the sea creatures tries to wife FX up. FX is hell-bent on swimming tf out of there, has wanted to leave the moment he was approached. 

World’s away, HX feels it in his bones that XL is getting into some shit: “Someone go collect this man.”

It’s him. HX is the one who ends up finding Xianle trio, tracking XL down to say, “Xie Lian, get your ass back to Hua Cheng, he’s worried about you.”

Because the spiritual energy doesn’t work in the underwater kingdom, XL couldn’t inform his husband of his whereabouts. The Xianle tiro + HX begin to leave, but the creatures apparently want them to stay and try trapping them.

HX is not having it.

HX: “not on my watch- or else that one-eyed freak will have my head”

HX effortlessly helps the Xianle trio escape. As they break the surface of the unsuspecting lake, HC is already waiting above shore as he had received a signal from HX hours earlier.

HC sweeps XL up from the water and immediately dries XL’s clothes and body. 

“Gege seems to have had quite the adventure today.”

XL smiles up at his husband, leaning in for a warm hug.

“A true bonding experience, haha.”

FX, MQ, and HX: 💀💀💀

HC pulls seaweed from XL’s hair: “I’m glad Gege had fun then.”

MQ pointing at XL: “I’m never letting you plan a trip again”

XL: “ok, then Fengxin can plan the next one! 🥰🥰”

MQ: “absolutely NOT”

FX: “HA, HE GOT YOU GOOOOOD”

HC to XL: “invite me next time too”

XL: “of course, my love” :) 

FX: …

MQ: “who’s laughing now”

[themolluscasometimes]

PROVIDED loss of cultivation means xl become mortal and without power, the result would be the loss of his followers and reputation but something like this would dramatically change his dynamic with his parents and fx. I love mq as la character but at this stage like. Hes Not sticking around lol. But the other three i can only see becoming even more attached and protective. Lets say his parents still hang themselves after some time.

What does fx do? Does he leave eventually too or is he now Too Protective over Helples Mortal xl? If he leaves, does he pursue ascension knowing that xl is mortal??

Whats the plan for mortal xl now? Bc there is no way xl being mortal is an acceptable long term outcome for bwx?

So in this scenario he gets the goal of xl experiencing betrayal and abandonment and humiliation but mortality diesnt serve his goals so how does he deal with that?

IF it doesnt cause mortality then I suppose it makes more sense? But then. What DOES it do. I can only imagine it'd be functionally the same as the shackles, just being introduced earlier in the timeline in the midst of war. But then what happens after? Is there a point or a need for jun wu to shackle him in the name of banishment or punishment when hes already lost his cultivation? ?????

I have so many questiona but none of them will ever be answered bc we dont know shit about cultivation and divinity in tgcf im screaming

(Tgcf spoilers ahead) Does anyone ever wonder wtf bwx's plan was with the land of tenders??? Like, to destroy xl's cultivation, sure, but like.

Why?

How does that serve his long term goal of turning xl into his successor? What are the consequences of 'destroying' his cultivation? Mortality? Loss of divinity? Neither, both? What specifically would this have achieved had he succeeded?

Everything else he does has clear reasoning: to show xl the ugly side of humanity and encourage him to think that people are inherently unworthy, selfish and greedy, and not worth xl's time or effort unlike bwx/jw who understands him and cares about him and blah blah blah. It's why he uses other people to hurt xl rather than do so directly himself.

The only way destroying xl's cultivation woukd really serve that purpose is by hopefully causing ppl to abandon him and like yeah. His followers would, but his parents and fx wouldnt. If anything theyd close ranks around him and become unbearably overprotective. Dunno what mq would do tbh.

But like. Making xl mortal would kinda prevent xl from becoming his successor in the heavens wouldnt it? So, like, did he want xl to become a ghost maybe?? What was the long term goal here?

[fullmetalpotterhead]

Hello, I'm back with another ask P

I was having thoughts...

So, when Hua Cheng changed into San Lang to meet Xie Lian on the ox cart, I think it was also because he didn't want to frighten the cart-rider if he appeared in his true form (and also so that Xie Lian wouldn't be fully on guard if he seemed to just be a little teenager). It just makes me feel so soft.

Also, when he said that he was "running away" from home (if I remember correctly), I think it's kind of a low-effort "lie" because otherwise, he'd have to come up with a whole story not just about his family but also a fake identity and a destination. It's just easier to say he's just wandering/running away because, tbh, his destination is wherever Xie Lian wants to go. (And also, it's not much of a lie because he didn't really have a home when he was actually mortal)

And he wasn't really trying to seem human with his mannerisms. I think in front of Xie Lian, he can't help but let his true self slip because otherwise, he's actually a very good liar.

And when they reach the destination, Hua Cheng is prepared to part, hoping to meet him again. But when Xie Lian asks him where he'd go, he told another low-effort lie. I think, here, he probably got hopeful that Xie Lian would invite him to stay?

I actually wrote a thing awhile ago screaming about the lie he tells on the ox cart but more thoughts on ox cart in general below

I’m personally of the opinion HC never actually made a real attempt to pretend to be human. His idea of disguises throughout the book seem to be a very blatant “Oh yeah I’m not [insert excuse here]? Prove it.” While doing absolutely nothing to hide the obvious clues as to who he is.

HC is a shapeshifter, he’s rarely in his true form (Ghost City called it new), he just chose the best form for the occasion like he always does. This form is nonthreatening, handsome, and just enough of his actual looks to be the same energy as getting very dolled up for a first date.

More than it was ever intended to pretend to be human, I think HC was giving XL an excuse, giving them both an excuse. And it’s one XL readily uses when FX and MQ show up.

HC wanted an excuse to talk to his god and even if XL suspects him, it’s much easier to approach him as ‘normal human kid’ than ‘hey just the ghost king stopping in to chat’. It also lets XL have plausible deniability about the invasiveness of the questions he’s asking about HC.

And then HC intends to leave. He had a chat with his god and it was confirmed XL will talk to him like this, he was probably planning his next time he could come play. But XL invites him to stay and yes that’s the effect his comment about being homeless last time got him but I don’t think he really expected it to work like that again? Hopeful, maybe, but in the same way of like “oh it sure would be nice to, haha that’ll never happen though”. Because HC knows his disguise was the equivalent of a fake moustache and sunglasses.

HC is fully aware XL is testing him. XL is pretty much sure of who HC is from the first moment they talk and every test he’s doing that should confirm HC passes very well as human seems to actually only further solidify XL’s belief it just means he’s powerful enough that he must be a Supreme.

HC doesn’t really care to do more than the bear minimum to hide it in the same way XL doesn’t actually do a lot to hide that he’s a god. They’re both playing a game so that they have to excuse to hang out (HC out of love, XL out of I think curiosity, loneliness, and eventually genuine enjoyment of his company).

[folkinsomnia]

ship bingo: fx/mq, xl/mq, xl/mq/fx

Oooo a spicy take on things

FX/MQ: they make me want to die. They are so important. The rage, the history, the healing and journey of forgiveness, the miscommunications!! EVERYTHING IS IN THERE I want to scream into a canyon about it

XL/MQ: I'm iffier here because it makes me Quite Sad and I am not one for tragic endings like this where it's like...I don't even KNOW but the inferiority complex on Mu Qing's end makes it SO UNHAPPY like I'll absolutely read a compellingly summarized/tagged thing about them because there is room for some really rich analysis but just....THE TRAGEDY I'm throwing up. I think I'm more about it than I realized lmao whoops

Xianle Trio: I don't consume much about it because I'm picky about a throuple situation lolol this one suffers for me for the same reasons as XL/MQ - it's REALLY SAD even when there's a happy resolution!!! Or a hopeful one! Maybe I'm consuming the wrong media if I don't want constant emotional gutpunches that are inherent to TGCF, and yet here I am. Sobbing, moaning, hitting the ground, having the time of my life!! I think the "I'm conflicted about it" is because they're all sooo fucked up and I just haven't yet read something where all three of them individually and collectively figure their shit out and get through the literal centuries of ugliness and misunderstandings. And I often avoid fics like that because they're so emotionally taxing! But I'm sure that one day I'll come across a long one that hooks me enough to read pst the "ow ow ow my EMOTIONS" bit!

[fullmetalpotterhead]

It’s like a super minor thing I mention in chapter 15 of Sugar Sugar, I don’t watch enough horror (read: any) to make references XD.

I also have one sentence about slashers and action being the main genres Hualian watch in my ace danmei week fic (not posted yet, that’s at end of October but it’ll be chapter 3) but again it’s just a minor thing.

Current fic is not modern so I cannot push my agenda fuelled by spite but I promise to continue to do it for you as I write more modern fics.

Aaaaand once again, my biggest pet peeve in fics is the trope of damsel-in-distress Xie Lian, who jumps at any sound, is scared of everything, and must rely on big, strong Hua Cheng for help.

Good lord, poor Xie Lian! What did he DO, to be so mischaracterized in fic???

[mqfx]

for the record this is how I think martial gods ass ranking goes

xl (OBVIOUS clear winner self-explanatory)

qyz (heart of gold, fat of ass. effortless)

pm (I'm sorry I had to say it . this is such a fucking crime tbh it makes me sick to say it. this cake is WASTED on a misogynist I'm gonna cry. he cries about it too and that's my only consolation)

jw (it's an ass that screams......well. it screams. mostly agonized wailing though. only here on a technicality bc the faces add to the circumference)

mq (tasteful, perpetually clenched, and if you ever told anyone about it nobody would believe you)

fx (mid. archery makes for fine tits but not much ass i speak from experience. but thats ok nobody remembers feng xin for his ass anyway I mean look at his massive c-)

yy (so mid people forgot he's on the list. but it's a hardworking ass so fuck you guys)

lqq (it's all tailbone)

[paradife-loft]

A Smattering of More TGCF Thoughts, Having Finished Book 3

*not exhaustive, because that would be way too much; but still apparently enough rambling to need a cut for length

EVERYTHING IS METAPHYSICAL WORLDBUILDING...... I don’t even know if I have a specific place I’d want to start with this, bc it’s all just deeply fascinating trying to tease out how it all works, but. mmmm delicious crunchy worldbuilding on what heavenly officials (of each court) and ghosts even are, and how spiritual power works! what exactly ascending is, and what role “fate” plays in that, and what even is fate really? what relationship does fate have to social standing in one’s mortal life?

this is my shit. I love to know how it all works. I will poke at all the things.

BLACK. WATER. XUAN. it is probably obvious by now that I am in massive hearteyes with He Xuan?? just. the dramatic flair! the extent of being SO wronged! intense murder aesthetic!  d e d i c a t i o n. power and planning and being utterly terrifying as a trap closing in when the time comes - and an absolute Weirdo antisocial half-person Mess the rest of the time! “I am going to give you all these tests as opportunities to show that you see me, the person your successes came at the very literal physical cost of, and CARE to rectify that horrible injustice. show me that you give a fuck! show me that you’re not just stuck in your pampered myopic little heavenly heads!”

I am a little disturbed by how quickly I’ve built up a whole headcanon persona and POV for He Xuan already despite. not having finished the book yet. :’D what can I say though, intense capacity for violence, plus messy depression/depersonalisation badbrains, plus unstable identity and literally subsuming other beings into yourself, plus hella fucked up relationship with food... This Is Coming For Me Where I Live rn <33

(nom nom transmisogynists make a delicious crunchy snack~)

honestly it’s kind of like, the more intense my feelings & thoughts about a character are, the harder it is for me to really ramble properly about them without more specific prompts.... oops. but just know, I have many He Xuan thoughts. hot damn.

Yin Yu and Quan Yizhen ;____; god, I just have.... a lot of feelings about the way in which Status Issues Fuck Them Up. and about how Yin Yu ends up taking all this blame not because he’s A Bad Person, but also not because he’s Framed Horribly and Is Totally Innocent? he’s just very real, and imperfect, and his personal shortcomings combine with events to create a complete and utter clusterfuck :(

CORPSE RATS CORPSE RATS :D I am enjoying literally everything that’s eaten other spirits in this book honestly. delightfully fucked up favourite “taking on traits of a thing you consume” trope :D

Mount Tong’lu especially, but also just a certain amount of the aesthetic of this book in general, is once again Reminding Me Of Dark Souls. it’s the combo “gain more power by murdering other entities and consuming their souls” / “transformational Final Level specifically called a kiln” thing, I think.

so I guess it’s canon that the Supremes are a “mentally unstable obsessives only” club??? :’D I have a lot of feelings about much-younger-ghost!Hua Cheng just kind of. spending ten years alternately nerding out over trying to learn to read a dead language, and trying to... depict his devotion and somehow express/externalise the very story of who he even is into this empty underground series of caverns? trying to pound it into his head to, like, remember who he is and make SOME part of the world witness to what’s made him, even though (and because) he can’t actually open up about any of that to any other people?

like hmm, certainly I don’t think he’s losing it during the Mount Tong’lu experience as much as, say, certain other individuals might have (*cough*), because he’s not literally taking the essences of other beings into himself, just getting a power-up - but that alone, killing so much and experiencing that kind of metaphysical change, must already be kind of disorienting and weird? especially if you’re functionally alone the whole time?? which is to say, sure, the thousand gods and all the murals might have been a little bit of a monument to Hua Cheng being batshit crazypants for a while, but given the material circumstances of 10 years of isolation/ling nerding/murder, I really cannot blame him. (I would also rather not have other people, certainly not the object of my affection & obsession, get to see those things! that is entirely relatable, not sinister!)

(obligatory “what would a centuries-old sourdough starter from Mount Tong’lu be like“ joke....)

although. that said. I continue! to be not okay! with the extent of Literal Hero Worship happening in this relationship! “if you don’t have anything else to live for, then live for me!” like ok ok it is all very well and good that you said that as a dumbass naive teenage god, and clearly don’t believe in any such thing anymore, but. Hua Cheng! has not gotten over that! he is still very much in that headspace! “oh don’t worry my ashes are in a totally safe place bc if the place where I hid them was destroyed then I would have no reason to live either ~<3″ NO. NO BAD. EXTREMELY BAD, HUA CHENG SIT DOWN RIGHT THIS INSTANT UNTIL I FIND YOU SOMEONE TO TALK YOU THROUGH THIS SHIT.

I just. mmmmmmmnnn. I really enjoy how they interact with one another most of the time! I’m also just... not cool with the level of power disparity in terms of psychological vulnerability to one another, that seems pretty fundamentally baked into the dynamic :/

(it’s funny bc this is the opposite of the panic Mu Qing & Feng Xin were having over Hualian, oops)

actually while I’m being a whole-ass Downer about ships, I will also mention that I do Not get shipping those two..... like “excessive bickering” has never appealed to me in the first place but also. FX seems to genuinely think MQ is a bad person?? and doesn’t understand what his perspective is like in general? perhaps I am simply A Bit Sensitive to people misunderstanding someone and thinking they’re a bad person bc they’re not Nice And Cheerful And Personable, but. eugh, no thank you.

miscellaneous thoughts....

Ling Wen can honestly do as many murders as she feels like, I’m not too broken up about this ultimately :////

Xie Lian’s trauma response panic mode whenever he sees White No-Face! it’s upsetting!

White No-Face is not valid specifically for the reason that I wanted the next ghost king to come out of the kiln to add something cool to the Calamities’ color scheme >:( Give Me A Purple Ghost You Dumb Motherfucker >:(

(actually in part I make fun of him because I am otherwise also terrified of him! he is creepy and horrifying! he seems like substantially less of a Person and more like a Horrible Force of Nature than the other calamities!! also HE WAS LIVING IN THEIR HOUSE *screams*)

(you may notice there is approximately no book 2 content on here and that is.... largely bc I found book 2 very upsetting and unpleasant to read, as “overwhelming futility in the face of world affairs and mass suffering” is in fact my Least favourite emotion to have evoked in fiction. or in real life for that matter. “biological phenomenon wherein foreign entities grow in or on your body” is ALSO a least favourite thing in both fiction & real life too, funnily enough! not actually to the same extent as Futility Forever, but. no thank you.)

there’s definitely more I wanted to talk about at one point or another and then forgot, so, if there’s something you want to hear about in particular, ask me questions!

[hualianff]

In Which Xie Lian Courts Hua Cheng

Omegaverse AU with head pack alpha’s heir, XL, going into his third mating season where a wolf from a different pack finally catches his eye. More specifically, the young and legendary leader of the Red Fang pack: Hua Cheng.

HC is known to be an intimidating and commanding alpha. His stature is tall and broad in both human and wolf form. XL distinctly remembers the welcoming ceremony for all the traveling packs, and the enormous gray wolf leading the procession. HC had clearly been keeping guard in the front while his packmates followed behind.

At the introduction ceremony the next day—XL and his parents sitting on display—HC’s human form was no less enrapturing. His dark furs made his appearance even more dominating, and his long, black hair tumbled down in curtains of silk. The right side of his face bears a gnarled scar, an eyepatch always covering the right socket where many wonder if his eye remains. 

When XL had locked gazes with him multiple times, something dangerous curled at the base of his spine. Dangerously enticing as the alpha’s eye regarded XL with an intensity of respect.

Unfortunately, HC himself is not participating in the mating festivities XL’s pack is holding. This doesn’t completely deter XL, he can still choose to court HC if he wishes; however, the prospect of rejection still forms a knot in XL’s stomach.

Oh, and one last thing: While HC may not look like it, he is nearing his thirtieth winter cycle. XL is merely in his twenty-second. Heir to his pack of not, XL has to find ways to ensure he’ll be taken seriously!

The ritualistic bows between pack leaders proved to be just a taste of what XL and his wolf craved. After bowing his head to XL’s parents, HC turned to acknowledge XL who stood to his right. In XL’s unbiased opinion, their height difference was to die for! The omega, even in his wedged boots, only came up to the alpha’s lower sternum.

As XL internally screamed at how warm and safe it must feel to be pressed against that broad chest and muscled arms wrapping around him, HC holds his hand out while murmuring, “Lovely to meet your acquaintance, Omega Xie Lian.”

XL visibly shudders at how authoritative HC’s tone is, but not inappropriately so. The alpha just seems to speak with profound power in the first place. XL somehow remembers to offer his hand to the alpha’s outstretched one, choking out, “Likewise, Alpha Hua Cheng.”

HC makes a low, confirming sound in the back of his throat—almost like a rumble—as he leans down to touch his forehead to the top of the omega’s hand. XL’s inner omega positively preens at the contact. In an effort to get the alpha closer, XL has the urge to turn his hand so his wrist is exposed for the alpha to inspect-

Except HC pulls away too quickly for XL’s liking. The alpha maintains eye contact with him for a fleeting moment. XL feels heat rise to his cheeks. He dips his head as he babbles out, “I hope you and your pack enjoy your stay to the fullest. If there is anything you guys need, please don’t hesitate to consult me.”

When XL peeks up HC through his eyelashes, HC holds a pleased look in his eye. His lips lift into an amused smile.

“That is wonderful to hear. Your hospitality is appreciated.”

HC nods his head at XL and XL’s parents before walking away to let the other pack leaders have a turn in greeting. XL watches him go with a curious expression. Ah, he really must find a chance to talk with the alpha in a less formal setting. 

And without the presence of his parents, of course!

XL’s closest friends are all too aware of his growing infatuation with HC. MQ and FX actively try to dissuade XL from pursuing HC on multiple feats because “you don’t even know what he’s like!” and “he’s a head alpha of another fucking pack!” 

SQX, on the other hand, is surprisingly supportive? Or at least she indulges XL in his research about HC’s reputation and character.

“I actually know someone close to Hua Cheng! He-Xiong said something along the lines of ‘he’s gruff and crude on the outside, but an absolute idiot on the inside,’” SQX says as she and XL collude by a river to carry back freshwater. “Ah, forgive He-Xiong’s words, he can be a bit blunt.”

“I’m sure Hua Cheng is many things, but I doubt being an idiot is one of them,” XL ponders out loud. SQX hums as she fills up both buckets, then effortlessly places the rod connecting them on her shoulders.

“Certainly. Though He-Xiong insists they aren’t close, I have a feeling he only speaks about Hua Cheng that way because they are,” SQX says. The two omegas begin walking back to the pack houses. “Oh, also, apparently Hua Cheng has been single for as long as He-Xiong has known him.”

XL scrunches his nose at that. “I don’t know whether I should be relieved or more worried.”

“Xie Lian, you’re a bright, kind, and compassionate person. Everyone in our pack adores you. There’s no way Hua Cheng could resist the incredible heir of the Xianle pack,” SQX declares. “I’m calling it. When Hua Cheng realizes he’s being courted by the most sought-after omega in the eastern lands, he’ll mate you by the time winter arrives.”

“Shi Qingxuan, don’t tease me,” XL complains.

Mated by the end of the year? Oh. XL really likes the sound of that. The pull he has to HC is undeniable. XL can only hope his efforts are returned with as much enthusiasm.

***

XL not so subtly asking his parents which housing lodge HC is in…

“Why does our little flower want to know this, hmm?” XL’s alpha mother, Li Mei, asks, raising a brow as she washes out the dishes from making a late breakfast. XL shuffles from his spot near the doorway, a little basket of flowers hidden behind his back.

“Um, I simply wish to know… for the sake of knowing! No big deal,” XL says, attempting and utterly failing to brush his curiosity off. A rush of a blueberry scent whisks past him. XL’s omega mother, Lu Qing clicks her tongue as she goes to put the pots and cooking utensils away.

“What’s in your hands that you’re hiding behind your back, my love?” She asks through a smirk. XL wants to both hide away and cry. 

“Maaaa, just tell me which color lodge it is,” XL insists. If he knows which section of the housing HC is in—categorized by colors—then XL can surely figure out HC is staying in the biggest and best-furnished one as he is a pack leader.

XL’s parents give each other a look, Lu Qing shaking her head fondly while Li Mei puts a hand underneath her chin.

“If I remember correctly, Hua Cheng is in the red housing. Which is funny because it fits his pack name-“ Li Mei is cut off by the sound of the front door shutting and her son yelling out a quick “thank you, Maaa!”

“Goodness, what has gotten into him?” Li Mei murmurs as an afterthought. She finishes rinsing out the dishes, pulling off her rubber gloves. Her mate chuckles lightly beside her.

“Our little boy seems to have his eyes on someone, my dear,” Lu Qing answers. She tips her head onto the alpha’s shoulder.

After two previous mating seasons with little to no interest, XL’s behavior is made even more intriguing. This is the first time he seems eager to court another wolf.

“Oh god,” Li Mei sighs. “Please tell me it’s not-“

Lu Qing nods. The movement disrupts Li Mei’s stiffening when she realizes just who XL has his eye on.

“We should talk to him about this.”

Li Mei crosses her arms, slender brows furrowing. She tends to worry about every aspect of XL’s life, but how could she not? Even if XL is all grown up, she still considers him her precious pup. 

“No, darling. Not yet. He’ll come to us when he wants to talk. Or when he has questions on how to court an alpha nearly ten winters his senior,” Lu Qing says. 

Pressing a kiss to her mate’s neck, Lu Qing pulls Li Mei to head back into their room to get dressed for the day and prepare for the first round of courting events.

***

XL leaves the basket of flowers right outside HC’s doorstep. It’s a simple and meaningful gesture for the first gift, XL had decided. All of them were personally picked and arranged by XL himself.

Additionally, the omega faintly scented the ribbon tying together all the stems. A mix of jasmine and pear linger on the fabric. XL wonders if HC had gotten a good enough sense of XL’s scent when they had first met to be able to decipher who the flowers are from.

XL takes a couple of deep breaths before knocking thrice on the door. He then flees to hide behind a large tree next door, waiting. Shortly after, the door opens to reveal the alpha that has occupied most of XL’s thoughts for the past few days. 

HC is dressed in proper head alpha attire, in the rich tone of maroon and midnight black. However, the furs he wears this time are white as bone. XL watches as HC looks down to notice the basket of flowers. The alpha looks around in an attempt to discern who could have left them but finds no one.

XL’s heart rabbits as HC reaches down to grab the basket. The Red Fang leader leans down to smell each and every flowers. XL is not close enough to clearly gauge HC’s reaction, however, it appears the alpha startles a bit upon sniffing the ribbon. XL internally cheers as HC swiftly goes back inside while clutching the basket of flowers.

He misses the way the alpha’s eye shifts to locate the omega peeking out from behind the tree.

***

It was only a matter of time that SQX brought over HX to sit with XL in the dining hall for dinner, exclaiming, “This is He-Xiong! Leader of Black Water Pack! He-Xiong, Xie Lian; Xie Lian, He-Xiong-“

“Qingxuan, I know who Xie Lian is,” HX dryly remarks. There’s an unspoken “everyone does” somewhere there.

“It’s an honor to meet you again,” XL greets, referring back to the greeting ritual. So this was the supposed friend of HC that SQX knew. “I hope you’ve been comfortable in your stay thus far?”

HX nods with a grunt. The alpha expertly cuts through the meat to evenly distribute among the vegetables. “I must say it’s quite warm here compared to where I’m from. Having the sun always out is…an interesting change.”

It doesn’t take a genius to notice the alarmingly pale complexion of the Black Water leader. XL revels in this difference, however, because it proves just how well diplomatic relations are going for packs to travel from so far away to meet for mating season.

Before anyone else can respond, a sharp voice cuts in—one that makes all the hairs on the back of XL’s neck stand at attention.

“‘Interesting’ is certainly a word to describe it. Perhaps you’ll join the shade of the living for once,” HC’s voice rings clear through the air. HX openly scoffs at the other alpha, shooting back a passive-aggressive insult in return. SQX is waving HC over to sit with them while white noise consumes XL’s mind.

HC wears casual clothes for dinner. Simple black pants that accentuate his long legs, and a tight long-sleeved shirt with a red coat draped over his frame. 

XL panics as he realizes there’s an open spot right next to him. 

“Hua Cheng, come sit! Right over here,” SQX continues signaling, which should be inappropriate because HC is one, their senior, and two, a whole pack leader. HX seems resigned to his seat next to SQX though.

HC cocks his head to the side. 

“Black Water doesn’t seem to agree,” he muses. His long hair is pulled back into one, thick braid. XL notices his right ear and right ear alone is pierced.

“Ignore He-Xiong! Both Xie Lian-“ XL almost drops the cup he sips from. “-and I want you to.”

XL places his cup down with a weak heart. He shoots SQX a quick glare before turning to HC, who already has his gaze on the omega. 

XL nods in a belated agreement, lowing his eyes as he shakily adds, “You can sit next to me…if you’d like.”

HC doesn’t say anything. For a dreadful moment, XL wonders if he’ll pass up the offer. It wouldn’t be an official rejection, nor would it be personal in any way if HC truly had somewhere else to be. But XL’s ego would still be wounded. It would probably need between one to three business days to recover. 

Luckily, from where XL stares at HC’s toned thighs, HC begins making his way around the table to XL’s side. XL immediately perks up when the alpha approaches. XL even tries to make more room for HC but ultimately fails because he’s right next to the wall and cannot scoot over further.

HC promptly swings his long legs over the bench. He spares HX, who sits across from him, a half-assed glare to which HX rolls his eyes. XL takes a careful bite of his food, trying to communicate with SQX through eye contact that “ohmygod, he’s right next to me” and “his scent is heavenly” and “hold on, he’s left-dominant-!?”

HC’s arm brushes up against XL’s as they both place their chopsticks to the side to chew.

“Sorry,” XL says out of habit. The direct contact had sent a shock through his system; XL thinks there’s something wrong with him. His parents never described having a crush to be so physically responsive, damn it.

“Me too,” HC responds, turning his head to gaze at XL. Fighting the whipped urge to blush an embarrassing hue, the omega stares back.

“Ah, you have nothing to be sorry for, Hua Cheng.”

“Neither do you, Xie Lian.”

XL feels his eyes crinkle as he cracks a smile. Cheeky. 

“Fair enough.”

“Hn.”

SQX pinches HX’s side in excitement, the Black Water leader startled out of his gagging session to twitch in discomfort. SQX is seriously like a thorn in his side! 

HC clears his throat as he returns to his food. But he angles his body towards XL as he asks, “How was His Highness’ day?”

XL jerks up at the nickname coming from HC’s lips. The alpha must have heard it from members of the Xianle pack who insist on addressing XL as if he were royalty. Which, he’s not!

“I-I’m- it was fine,” XL manages to get out. Good lord, his heartbeat would not settle down. Surely HC could sense it, or at least notice the confusing jump in XL’s scent. 

“Ah, forgive me if I have offended you. I merely heard others refer to you as His Highness,” HC quickly backtracks. His right eye is piercing into XL’s soul. XL wants nothing more than to shy away from it. On the bright side, that means HC’s attention is nowhere but on XL. “I thought it was fitting.”

XL scrunches his nose. “I am of no royalty though. Besides, I don’t believe princely is a word that quite fits me.”

“I see,” HC says, chuckling. “Any alternatives you can think of?”

XL successfully pushes down the shiver that racks his body when their arms touch again. He’s close enough now to take in HC’s calm, minty scent. It’s very subtle, possibly because the Red Fang pack leader is used to concealing it by default. XL wants nothing more than to wiggle his way under HC’s arm and dig his nose into the alpha’s neck.

“Nothing particularly special. Driven, perhaps. Ambitious.” XL replies as he tucks a long strand of hair behind his ear. He’s stuck between “don’t perceive me” and “please, for the love of god, perceive me so this yearning can end.”

“Mature,” XL adds quickly. 

“Hmm, all good traits,” HC praises. He’s somehow passed XL in finishing his meal, catching up to HX who has one, two bites left. “And I’m sure someone as young and vibrant as yourself will have no trouble finding a mate this season.”

XL’s inner omega threatens to whine at that, but XL refuses to humiliate himself like that. Instead, he sits up tall, lifting his chin slightly as he regards HC head-on.

“For the past two years, this has not been the case. However, this year, I am hopeful. Though the trouble will come not with who I choose, but if they accept,” XL boldly states. HC pauses eating. His chest expands as he inhales deeply, then exhales heavily.

“And if they don’t accept?”

XL pretends this outcome doesn’t bother him as much as it does. 

“I would ask why,” the omega answers. “If I am the problem, then I will back off, as one should. If it’s something not to do with me, I’d suggest we could work it out.”

HC nods in approval. XL notices the alpha’s scent has thickened, mint churning into something sweeter…was that chocolate? 

“And you are willing to mate that person for life? Just like that? What if they turn out to be someone you cannot love in the end?” HC questions, getting closer, a bit more in XL’s space. Not that XL minds one bit.

“That’s the whole point of courting ceremonies. To accept courtship is the first step to getting to know a potential mate,” XL rationalizes. Now that he is speaking about a topic he is very knowledgeable and confident about, he feels like he can reel his emotions in so as to not embarrass himself early on in his conquest.

A series of thumps sound from underneath the table. HC lets out a low growl in warning, startling XL out of his speech. HC isn’t looking at him, however. The warning seemed to be aimed at HX, who XL looks over at just in time to see HX lowering his hand from his forehead that was shaped in the form of an L.

SQX taps XL’s foot with her own as if to say “I told you they were close.”

HC straightens up his back, his plate completely cleared. He gathers his cup and chopsticks onto the plate, movements implying his preparation to leave. 

Slowly, HC looks at XL, a look in his eye that the omega can’t decipher. 

“You speak the truth, Omega Xie Lian. Pardon my distasteful questions. I have never been to seasonal mating gatherings such as this,” HC reveals quietly. XL’s eyes widen as he makes out a tinge of pink blooming at the tips of the alpha’s ears.

“This is your first time?” XL can’t stop himself from asking. HC nods, holding himself back from kicking a provoking HX in the knees again.

“I’m not even participating in the public events. I only came because my pack requested we join the ceremonies per the invitation of Xianle pack, something the previous pack leader always refused,” HC says. 

XL’s mouth forms an O in understanding. No wonder HC never had a partner, it seems his loyalty lies with his pack. He probably doesn’t have time to find a mate.

This is why the mating season is the perfect opportunity, even for a head alpha! Though XL vaguely wonders if HC had accepted those flowers by accident after all. Ahh, what is XL getting himself into by following his heart?

“However, it’s the utmost honor to be here,” HC finishes before clamming up. He appears to wait intently for XL’s response. Suddenly, the Red Fang head alpha looks like a giant, harmless puppy. Not that that is the case, even XL is not dumb to think this. 

“It’s lovely having you here as well, Hua Cheng,” XL says simply. He mindlessly places his hand on top of the alpha’s, squeezing lightly.

A spike of mint chocolate fills XL’s nose.

[chibimuiwritesstuff]

Ex-MMA Fighter Xie Lian AU

A super random AU I thought up in the shower (because that’s where all our best thoughts come from). Essentially borne from my amusement at how Xie Lian, in his youth, was super obsessed with really good fighters (a tidbit that I feel goes woefully unmentioned in fandom and even by the author later in the novel). Posting because I need to get the idea out of my head and possibly actually start writing it.

(Also I don’t actually know anything about the MMA world, especially competitively - I just dabbled in Judo/Karate in my late teens, but that’s about it).

So basically. Imagine, XL is a super sweet but clumsy department head at Heavenly Officials Ltd. (I have no idea what kind of company this actually is, ideas are welcome), whom his staff all adore but also kind of worry for cuz omg is he super air headed and clutzy and fucking hopeless. Just the other week he managed to spill coffee all over his laptop--his third one of the year and it’s only March! But he is literally so nice, and despite his clumsiness is actually super competent at his job and his department always gets stellar results (what department are they? I have no clue, I know nothing about the corporate world).

What none of his staff/coworkers know is that their ridiculously clumsy boss used to be a champion mixed martial arts fighter in his university days. Or that he would even be interested in something as brutal as MMA cage matches since XL is a known pacifist who will go out of his way to catch bugs and place them safely outside when he has the time. But then one of the IT guys - in the process of fixing his laptop and restoring his hard drive finds a folder filled with videos and pictures of MMA cage matches all featuring the same fighter... you guessed it, Hua Cheng (I know MMA is not wrestling, but let’s pretend stage names are a thing in the competitive MMA world as well so HC is his fighter name in the arena)! The gossip spreads like wildfire, but everyone just thinks XL is just a fan of this ridiculously attractive fighter and don’t really think beyond that (although they do think it’s kind of adorable that XL  seems to be such a huge fanboy of this gorgeous, gorgeous man).

And the thing is - the staff have heard vague snippets from XL himself about his husband, “San Lang” who they have yet to meet because apparently he is often busy in the evenings and is therefore unable to attend corporate events. But they don’t make the connection that the adorable San Lang who cooks and pampers their boss could be the incredibly brutal and violent HC (his staff all decided to review some videos just to see who has captured their bosses interest and most of them are erm... quite surprised).

Then of course, someone does find out that SL and HC are the same person and this is when shit really hits the fan because the thing is - the staff generally knew that XL and his partner could be quite *ahem* adventurous and coupled with XL’s inherent clumsiness they had gotten used to seeing random marks and bruises on their boss that they probably shouldn’t be witness too, but whom he always insists are ‘nothing’. But when they learn that his partner is a potentially super violent MMA fighter his staff get awfully protective and worried because... could their boss be in an abusive relationship that they aren’t aware of???? This opinion is not helped by the fact that when they try to discretely ask FX and MQ about HC they ofc give some pretty bad impressions (because both of them can’t stand HC--but the feelings are pretty mutual).

So of course, they must staff an intervention! And a perfect opportunity comes up--as part of some charity event their company is partnering with the local MMA organization to hold a friendly exhibition charity match and surprise-surprise, they’re bringing in their big gun, HC and he’s apparently going to fight some old veteran whose fighter name is “His Royal Highness”. (google reveals a fighter who constantly wore a mask to hide his identity). This is their chance to meet the bosses partner and maybe subtle-y threaten him enough to let him know that their boss is cared for and they will protect him at all costs if necessary.

(side note: Feng Xin and Mu Qing don’t bother to correct anyone because a) they generally stay out of gossip surrounding XL because b) they respect Xie Lian’s privacy c) they hate talking about HC in any capacity and d) they have an on-going bet to see when ppl will learn their ‘adorable clumsy boss’ could theoretically take out an entire swat team without batting an eyelash if he really wanted to--he was nearly recruited to be a special ops agent, but anyway)

So. The day of the charity match arrives and XL is... nowhere to be found??? Perhaps he’s somewhere else, VIP seating with the CEO (Jun Wu) or something since HC is his partner after all. Anyway, they watch the fight and it’s... Wow. But also a bit different? HC doesn’t seem as wild or brutal as he seems from online videos, although there is still this energy that everyone can feel in the fight that they can’t really place. But wow is it a fight and in the end HC surprisingly loses????

Ref blows the whistle and the staff all clamber down hoping to get in a word with HC when they all stop short because “His Royal Highness” suddenly rips his mask off and flies into HC’s arm and... and is that THEIR BOSS???

Minds are blown. Jaws are dropped. The two of them are practically three seconds away from full-on making out on the cage floor before FX/MQ yell at them to “stop being fucking gross, you’re in public damn it” and then XL snaps out of it and remembers, oh right, his entire staff team from work is here and they all just scream at him and he’s just like ???? because... well...

He hadn’t been trying to keep this a secret at all?

But now that the cat is out of the bag he is super happy to introduce HC to everyone, and then hopefully drag his partner off to the nearest secluded space because half the reason XL retired was a) he was done uni and was offered a nice position by Jun Wu (CEO of HO Ltd) - who was also an ex-fighter and trained under the same master as XL so they know each other pretty well - so he had less time and b) he felt he had found his match with HC and so the thrill of fighting others wasn’t as big anymore and c) ...after getting together cage matches were just another form of foreplay and it made things rather... ah... difficult to say the least. So XL bowed out without any issue. HC stayed in the profession because he knows XL likes watching him fight :)

Also just because XL doesn’t compete anymore doesn’t mean they don’t still spar on the regular in private. There is just something about the atmosphere of competitive cage matches that just got their blood flowing more than just sparring on the side for fun (although that would often lead to sex afterwards too, but at least in that case there wasn’t an audience).

So. There you have it.

[wei-suibian]

So, tgcf au time

While i wait to take a shower, am gonna write this thing that has been rounding my head for a while, so:

Xie lian is a nurse that works in a really small, really run down hospital that mantains itself through donations. The boss is Jun Wu and other workers are MQ, FX, SQX, LW and some others.

XL used to study to be a doctor, his family was well off, but stuff happened and they died, and since he had no family who wanted to take care of him and he was +18, he dropped out and worked as whatever came his way to survive.

He lives in a crappy appartment with his Persian cat RuoYe, who lives better than him, honestly.

So, one day after work he wanders through some alleys and, by chance, finds a guy that has been stabbed, and because he has no sense of self-preservation, he brings him home.

In the light of his crappy lamps, he sees that the guy is actually a handsome man, and proceeds to treat his wound and take care of him.

The dude, called Hua Cheng, thanks him and stuff and tells him he was just careless this time, then leaves.

Turns out HC is a 'good' mafia boss who had been tricked by a double agent, HX, causing him to be mad for a while and not pay attention, thus getting stabbed.

After XL took care of him he couldn't stop thinking about him, and asked for advice on how to approach him. The ideas given where useless and so he thought 'i guess I'll go get stabbed again'.

Cue HC getting hurt on purpose in the most stupid of ways only to get close to XL, who is as oblivious as a brick and only thinks HC works in something really dangerous.

HC said he was a stuntman with many enemies.

XL didn't pry.

So XL and HC met more and more to the point xl considered him a friend, and so at one point hc knew of his job.

The next day soemone had donated a good amount of money to the hospital under the name sang lang.

For once, xl one brain cell worked, and he knew it was hc, so he, flustered but happy, ran away to thank him in person. Hc had fiven him the adress of the bulding in which he 'made business', so he went there.

When he arrives there are people making trouble at the door, and he's gonna ignore them and go in but then hears a voice from long ago.

His cousin Qi Rong is there, being a little bitch, and xl, who had been searching 4 him 4 a long time cracks his knuckles and calls his name.

Turns out that when younger, his cousin had run amok with bad crowds, and because he made trouble with a local mafia and his life was in danger, he sold xl's family while he ran away with his, thus stripping him from his parents, money , properties and everything.

When qr sees him he's seething and sneering, ready to pound him to death while justifying himself that it was not his fault. Turns out that they'd run to another country for a while and didn't keep contact, so qr didn't know abour their deaths, only thought they would get robbed or something.

Meanwhile hc is going down in the transparent elevator when he sees xl surrounded by 30 thugs, and begins to sweat like his life is on the line, worried beyond belief.

Cue xl dropping a flying kick and doing a backflip, and hc is just frozen. Xl fights and spins like he's dancing and kicks everyone's asses and hc is so horny he's about to die.

When he gets down his men clean up the mess and xl is just shaking qr and lowkey screaming at him while the other cries.

He asks hc to take him to prison so he can reform, and then xl goes to thank him like nothings happened but hc is so in love he can hardly contain himself.

I've got nothing after this but maybe hc tries to court xl but he's dense and doesn't notice although he gets gifts on a daily basis and the hospital now looks so high class thanks to his donations.

Eventually, thanks to sqx maybe, xl realizes he likes hc and he kind of confesses in a moment of passion (a kiss).

Also it turns out that when xl family got killed, hc had been there, forced by the boss to 'train', that had been before hc overthrew him and became the new boss, and it had been him who hid xl away and saved his life, but he was too late to save his parents.

Xl didn't remember because after that he ws in a bad place, and it took some time for him to recuperate, but he was grateful anyway.

They married someday and hc and his dog e-ming lived with xl and his cat in a wondeful mansion. The end.

This was mostly based on the concept of hc being hurt on purpose just to continue meeting xl, it was supposed to be funny.