#heaven's official blessing volume one

[wutheringskies]

finished volume 1 of tgcf (seven seas) I first watched the donghua, and found the plot to be pretty much the same, so there wasn't much of a surprise factor. my opinions are:

easy to read; I am unsure if it's a chinese thing, or an MXTX thing but I find her books don't have much word vomit? the descriptions are few; there's not much self introspection other than what's necessary, the plot progresses further easily by dialogues and actions; and everything happens one after the other. so it's not like a block of heavy information in your face.

just a little boring: perhaps because I've watched the donghua s1 or because they're 800 years old; it's a little lacking in soul for me; I feel like the utter dilemma that the arcs were trying to present forth just didn't appear; perhaps, it was a little too dialogue-heavy, exposition-reliant, and the stakes were pretty low; we already have two overpowered characters plus two more gods and uhm idk, it felt a bit muddled; the side characters also felt really cheap for me.

sort of comforting: so the reasons why I find it boring is also why I find it comforting; trust-worthy characters in their developed stage; though the other characters feel cheap, it drives the point that these people are 800 years old; and all human-ness comes as childish from the minor characters.

very theme centred: I feel like the author tried just a little too hard to drive all these themes home idk; i guess, it's like similar to the vibe of fable stories? i don't think it's a bad thing. I'll have to finish the entire series to make conclusive points about the themes but I do wish to write my first interpretations so that I can reflect and compare upon them later (I'm not trying to judge the whole series on the basis of the first book.)

Do I want to pick up the second book? Well, not as much as I thought. But at the same time, the first book has one string I'm really invested in - the boy with the face disease.

About characterizations: idk I'm not a massive fan of Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, but however saying I'm NOT a fan will also be incorrect. There were many bits I did enjoy.

But I am unsure why the whole series has this sort of vibe for me where it looks like you're pulling an ox-cart through muddled water; some things feel too well done, and some feel not well done at all.

but what I do like about the characterization of Xie Lian and Hua Cheng is that, personal preference and opinions and tastes all aside, I can firmly believe that yes, this character is 800 years old. So, all the evidence in the story does point towards how they're supposed to be? If that makes sense. Like there's not an issue of suspension of disbelief. There's an issue of interest, which I believe is subjective. So, objectively, I think it's good and i should pick up the next book right now.

[rockingrobin69]

hua cheng really told xie lian, self-proclaimed biggest loser to ever live, you can't lose with me and i just think it's so neat

[rirants]

how are you guys finishing tgcf? like genuinely?

i got 1/4 of the way through the first book and I lost my page, i gave up immediately...

today im starting again and ill update how far i get, new post series i guess, yall are going to have to keep me accountable though since I get lazy

[just-a-little-kreature]

my housemate and sibling have both finished book 6, u know what that means!!! (HEAVY TGCF VOLUME 6 SPOILERS!!!!!)

[goatpunches]

hua cheng gets to be a little feral .. as a treat

[yumemiruuuu]

Not once, since I finished TGCF, did I ever stop thinking about Xie Lian’s ultimate technique:

Shattering boulders on one’s chest

[emotionaldisaster909]

second season is ruining me.

every day i think about how adorable xie lian and hua cheng are.

who allowed them.

why are they so precious.

why are they so tiny.

they are baby.

i want to wrap them in a blanket and hold closer to my heart

protect from the world and give them million kisses

they are my babies

u will not get them putin

[schrodingers-hoarding-problem]

guess who now owns 6/8 of the english heaven official's blessing volumes? me!!

im so excited to start my reread (first one since i read the fan translation oh so long ago and im so excited)

[lttawnymadison]

TGCF Revised Version Afterword by MXTX

Since I kept seeing snippets of this, I wanted to read the whole thing for myself. I'd already bought the book on JJWXC and did an MTL for this. It's so wonderful that she's back and sharing new things and that the revised is finally done! - Tawny --------------------------------------------- The author has something to say:

Seeing the small red clay stove again.

———— Afterword of "Heaven Official's Blessing" 2022

■ Finally done!

Long time no see! It's another afterword starting with "finally." Without further ado, seasoned readers would know that I make substantial revisions. For instance, scenes like the Bai Feng Mountain Hunt and the ending recognition of Sizhui in the serial version of "Mo Dao Zu Shi" were not originally there.

The revisions in "Heaven Official's Blessing" are the most extensive of all my works. It was a huge project, as it is also the longest in terms of length, serialized over eight months. Due to poor health and other reasons, the revision process was interrupted for a long time before I picked it up again, and it sporadically took about five to six months over several years.

In the era of web novels, there are endless new entertainments, and honestly, not many people re-read a story. Plus, some problems in the serialized version are structural and can't be changed, but I still tried my best to address my regrets. After all, when I was serializing it, I was almost always in a feverish and sick state, barely pushing through. Additionally, I often enjoy comparing different versions of my favorite authors' works back and forth, finding pleasure in the process. So, for readers, discovering "Wow, this part has changed!" is like starting a new journey with Easter eggs in a second round.

■ The new revised version includes about 100,000 words of new content!

These 100k words are mainly concentrated in the latter half of Volume 1 and Volume 3, but there are plenty scattered throughout the text. For example, I fulfilled a promise to A-Hua, giving him several new outfits. Seeing A-Hua dressed beautifully in a new hairstyle to meet his gege made me happy.

In terms of the intensity of revisions, personally, I feel it goes like this:

Volume 1 and Volume 2 > Volume 3 > Volume 5 > Volume 4.

Additionally, the new version cuts some redundant words and plots that weren't very meaningful. However, I tried to keep all the original interactions between Hua Lian as complete as possible. If some minor interactions are missing, they weren't deleted but moved around.

■ One day, I suddenly dug out something.

An antique from 2017, a folder called "Heaven Official's Blessing Setting Collection."

Curiously, I opened it and read with interest.

● Comparing the original setting outline and the main text, the highest fidelity is in the main storyline between Hua Cheng and Xie Lian.

A-Hua, restored at a ratio of 1:100.

Hua's character setting is the most detailed, and virtually every point made it into the main text, including details like "ghosts don't like the sun, so Hua Cheng sometimes drapes a red cloth over his head"...

Points not used, listed a few:

As a child:

· After being saved from falling off a city wall, he foolishly followed a parade over and over again, grabbing people to ask, "Who is that? Who is that person?" People told him, "That's the royal son, the future Celestial God, the most outstanding Crown Prince of Xianle Nation ever!"

(This point couldn't be used because in the text A-Hua was held in the Crown Prince's arms after being saved)

· At home, he was often punished to stand or kneel, not given food, and wore old clothes, accused of stealing money. Whenever he argued with his family, he would stubbornly sleep in the Prince's temple overnight.

· Went to Mount Tai Cang to volunteer sweeping red leaves at Huangji Observatory, just to sneak peeks at his future wife happily swinging.

After becoming the ghost king:

· One of his hobbies is buying and building houses everywhere.

· Very protective of his leather boots, would (badly) polish them until they shone.

· To other devout followers of Xie Lian, he said: "You have good taste."

· Secretly prepared many betrothal gifts for his beloved god, wanting to marry him!

The character setting of Xie Lian as a teacher in the serialized version compared to the initial draft, the serialized text subtly differs. The initial draft was more... exquisite and elegant, very serious. The serialized text is more... humorous. I think perhaps because some plot points were tragic, Xie Lian thought he should be happier to make the readers more relaxed, so he drove me to adjust his mental state! But due to the spiritual oppression at that time, the character's depth was not enough, while in the new revised version, I hope he can show a more self-content state on the same core basis.

Excerpts from the unused original setting:

· Super easy-going. Easy-going means: if given fifty bucks, he would happily dress in drag and dance. Accepts haggling. Thirty bucks works. Twenty bucks too!

· The observatory is small, the house is broken, wants to grow flowers. Leaks during rain, so he uses a bucket to catch rainwater.

· Because he can't afford a caretaker, he cleans himself, and also feeds chickens. Chickens eat flowers. Keeps a cat.

· Completely engrossed in discussing serious matters, he unknowingly finished all the broken sweet dumplings!

● Water, Earth, Wind original setting:

The highest fidelity is the main line between Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, followed by the Water, Earth, Wind subplot.

The main conflict hasn't changed. Just... how could the original setting of Water, Earth, Wind be so dark and terrifying!

The character morals in the main text improved a lot, otherwise, the original Black Water would be sheer scheming + murderous! The ending for the Wind Master would have been more tragic.

The Venerable of Empty Words suddenly became an improvised character. It seemed like an ancient fable-like monster, making the main text more interesting than the original setting.

Overall, the formal version is a bit better written than the original draft.

● The unfortunate life of Lang Ying:

Lang Ying? Is there such a character? I don't remember!

Ah? It seems there was such a person, but I don't remember any of his plotlines.

This is most people's feeling towards the character of Lang Ying. It's not a delusion because he barely had any significant plot. In fact, any valuable scenes could have been replaced equivalently, so in the new revised version, I deleted this character.

But, in the 2017 setting collection, I suddenly found that I had actually opened a separate document for Lang Ying, and his role was defined as a "growing-type BOSS!"

I was silent.

And immediately opened the document, curious about my initial setting. A "growing-type BOSS," how did he become someone whose deletion went unnoticed...? (I even don't know how to address him!)

Who knows, perhaps out of excitement, I accidentally pressed the wrong shortcut, and somehow it became irreversible, leaving only an empty document for me to stare in disbelief. The once "growing-type BOSS" has now forever become a mystery!

This is the unfortunate life of the deleted Lang Ying.

· There was another document in the setting collection called "Swordsmith." I opened the document and read it with interest.

I was shocked. Because I completely forgot I had conceived this story. Why didn't I write it?!

Darn.

I know why I didn't write it. This story... it had no ending!

——————— Thus, the magical glimpse into the "Heaven Official's Blessing Setting Collection" concludes!

■ I like men with stories!

Maybe because I watched an outstanding work as a child. It was a memoir, the protagonist in the biography was gentle and affable, and the protagonist in the memories was cold and ruthless. The story was scattered with the poignant fragrance of white plum blossoms amidst bloody and stormy circumstances.

This almost perfect work deeply influenced my aesthetics, leading me to be most interested in the memory parts of characters in various works. Although many viewers prefer the present scenes, often asking when the memories will end, I actually find these intense and painful memories to be the most fascinating!

A story is the history of a character, as well as the key to their personality. A person with a story stands before me like a puzzle. The way to solve this puzzle is to understand their story. Because the biography makes one curious to know more about a character they like, loving them more now because of their past. When serializing "Heaven Official," my greatest pain initially was telling myself, "This time I don't want to write a memory slaughter," deliberately trying to avoid a structure similar to previous works, yet I still hadn't found a better way to express it, resulting in my deep dissatisfaction with the later part of Volume 1. I was also hesitant to fully commit to the memory scenes in Volume 2, and with the heavy mental burden, this part was very painful to write. When revising, looking at Volume 2 was almost unbearable, because I'm the type of person who, as a child, would immediately switch channels when a TV show's protagonist was about to be wrongfully accused or embarrassed. I couldn't help but knock on a friend's door and ask:

Me: Was the author suffering some kind of mental trauma at the time? This negative energy is too horrifying, the protagonist is so pitiful, I really admire anyone who could read through Volume 2 completely.

Friend: Do you even have the right to say that?

But the memory slaughter in Volume 4 was much freer, written in one breath, so the revisions for this volume were also the least.

So, will you still write large segments of memory slaughter?

Um, well, we'll see, haha, hehe...

■ Closing Remarks:

Lastly, I'll address the question some asked me, "Will the new revised 'Heaven Official's Blessing' be more torturous?"

Me: You're talking nonsense. 'Heaven Official's Blessing' is a sweet pampering story, thank you!

Acknowledgments:

Shi Nai'an wrote in the preface to "Water Margin": "On snowy nights, about five or six people listen to my storytelling; on rainy days, about seven or eight; on bright and sunny days, about ten. I read, everyone listens, and we are all happy, with no other thoughts." When I read this as a young person, I was delighted. What divine days! Writing first to entertain oneself, then to entertain others. Self-expression and self-acceptance are certainly primary, but the affection of others is also a significant positive feedback. Thus, first, I thank the steadfast readers who have accompanied me all this time. I've thought about just walking away amidst the noisy disputes; abandoning the account amidst the tumultuous world! It seems not bad. But looking back, I can't bear to leave some truly sincere readers.

I've had authors I liked disappear from the internet, and I always feel like a part of my youth has vanished, a feeling quite distressing, reminiscent of overly grand and harsh things like the tears of the era or the torrent of history. So, I want to accompany my readers as long as possible, hoping that the day of parting comes later. Perhaps I'm not good enough now, but I will strive to be better in the future. Or perhaps you've never truly understood what kind of person I am, or even completely misunderstood me, but as long as you genuinely like my stories, we can sit down and chat.

And, I must mention my friends, who can be described as having the courage of a hero. Long time no see, Teacher Changyang's illustrations are still as beautiful as those of a celestial being, I hope Teacher CAS can go to bed earlier and worry less, and Teacher Kuohao, who despite a heavy workload, still fully honored our agreement. The "Heaven Official's Blessing" radio drama is really fantastic! It reminded me of the original intention of writing this story, and I was very moved. If it weren't for the silent companionship and efforts of these old friends, Mo Xiang Tong Xiu might have stopped writing back in 2016, disappearing from the world of martial arts, and thus, "Heaven Official's Blessing" would not have been born. I look forward to retracing the paths we once walked together when gathering ideas. And many friends who reached out to help and encourage me, thank you for accompanying me through the snowy nights.

[web-novel-polls]

Best Hater Upper Bracket

Please vote for whoever’s best at being a hater, not who you like the most. If unfamiliar with a character, check out the propaganda below the cut! 

Hua Cheng from Heaven Official’s Blessing (TGCF)

Submission: Treats nearly everyone that isn't Xie Lian with derision

Wiki Link

Additional Propaganda: 

bro challenged 35 gods and killed 33 of them because they spoke ill of the guy he loves he held onto a grudge against one dude for not letting him join the army for over 800 years he ascended to heaven as a god, looked around at the other gods, went "ew" and JUMPED BACK DOWN

Shen Jiu / Original Shen Qingqiu from The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving 

"Even if all of this could be redone from the beginning, in the end, the conclusion would remain the same. My heart is full of malice, my insides hatred and resentment. Today, Luo Binghe wishes for me to die horribly, and I only have myself to blame." - Shen Jiu, The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System, Volume 4: Chapter 24 (Reddit 1, 2)

Submission: Both the Shen Qingqius are haters just in very different ways 

Mod Propaganda: The Scum Villain that beefed with a 14-year-old out of jealousy & tried to kill him. 

Wiki Link

[siilverwiitch]

"Was that really Crimson Rain Sought Flower? Was that his true form?" Xie Lian didn't even have time to open his mouth before Shi Qingxuan piped up. "How could it be his true form? Hua Cheng has thousands of disguises, and no one knows what his true form looks like. Last time when I was at banyue Pass, he looked similar to his appearance today, so this must be a fake skin too. It's fake, all fake." Yet Xe Lian could still remember that night at Puqi Shrine, when Hua Cheng had told him, "The next time we meet, I'll greet you in my true form." He thought to himself, It's real. But of course, he didn't say that out loud. Everyone was so sure that Hua Cheng must be wearing a fake skin. Being the only one who knew it was Crimson Rain Sought Flower's true form was like learning an extraordinary little secret. Then he thought, San Lang's appearance doesn't look that much different from before, only a bit older and taller. That means he was pretty much in his true form the first time he met me. Strangely, that made Xie Lian Feel a little happy.

(Heaven Official's Blessing Volume 2, pg. 90-91)

[robsterskellington]

This is different from what I'd usually ask, it's just a new interest of mine lol. So, my cousin and co-writer, got me into a certain series which got me invested in other things, so I'd like to ask:

If you'd like to say why, please feel free!

Mini ramble about my own interest under read more lol

(Minor spoiler for the Heaven Official's Blessing donghua)

Okay, so my cousin gets me interested in stuff by talking about them, because due to personal issues, I have problems taking recommendations from people. He needed to show someone something that made him laugh, and I was the first one who came to mind as he knew that even without context, it would make me laugh:

It was a clip of Qi Rong in the English dub shouting: "I should've hunted down those rent boy fucks and chopped off their nasty, diseased twat spears!!"

From that clip alone, I ended up watching the entire dubbed donghua and reading all eight novels within 4 months. I was absolutely in love the entire time. Recently, I binge watched the donghua and read volume one of Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, and again, I'm in love. I haven't started reading or watching The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System just yet, but I do have volume one and intend to read it as soon as I've finished MDZS.

The characters are all interesting in their own ways, and I honestly just feel happy to be motivated enough to read again. Ever have that feeling where you want to read but just can't be bothered? I read volumes four and five of TGCF on my days off from work, a full novel one day and the other the next. I just didn't want to put the books down, and I was glad that my cousin could talk to me about it and I could completely understand.

Anyway, I'll shut up now haha. Thanks for those who read!

[kittybobitty]

Ranking the Danmei I Read this Year

I got into Danmei this February, and wanted to do a top 5, but then realized I'd only read 5 this year lol, so instead I'm going to rank them from least favorite to most. So without further ado:

5. The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish

I picked this one up just because it sounded so ridiculous and funny, and never expected it to be so sweet! It's pure fluff and love. I've only ranked it low because it's just very low stakes compared to the rest of the series on the list. It's a great read in between much higher stakes series that constantly feel like they're ripping my heart out. I love Li Yu's character and how in love with him Prince Jing is. I'm looking forward tk getting the final volume next year!

4. Heaven Official's Blessing

We all know it and love it for a reason. I was absolutely enamored by hualian's love story. I love the lack of relationship drama because they trust eachother so completely, and I think it has one of the best confession scenes of any media ever. However, I did rank it lower because I didn't find the ending completely fulfilling. I know MXTX is doing an amended version and I'm anxious about her removing some characters but I am curious to see if I find the ending any better.

3. The Scum Villain's Self Saving System

It made me laugh so much, and then volume 3 broke my heart. I really love how related Shen Yuan is. It is MXTX's first series and it does feel like it is her first in a lot of ways, but this series has so much heart. I honestly would love to see more of the world explored, because I think it's so vast and interesting.

2. The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

I LOVE this series. I love our himbo protag living in the regret of his previous life, I love how much of a hopeless romantic CWN is behind his cold exterior and damn, it's good spice. I am spoiler free and have not even read volume 7 yet (it arrives tomorrow!) But it's definitely the longest series I've read, I belive it will have 11 volumes in total. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it turns out, but until then, I will keep all the related tags blocked haha

1. The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

Anyone who follows my blog probably wouldn't be surprised by this. The series with too many titles, MDZS, was my first danmei and still sits atop as my favorite. I see a lot of myself in Wei Ying. His story breaks my heart, but his love story with Lan Wanji heals me. I love their dynamic, their relationship to the juniors, and their devotion to each other. I was to keep experiencing this series in new ways; I already am collecting the webcomic, I've started watching the donghua (and I'd like to buy it) and I will eventually watch The Untamed. Theres also the new stage play happening soon (no idea how I'll see that) and me hoping and praying for someone to pick up the manga for publication in the west. I love Wangxian so much!

And that's all I've read thus far. I know it's kinda basic as far as danmei go, but everyone has to start somewhere! I would love recommendations for what to read next. I do prefer the cultivation storyline, but I'm also open to Palace Dramas. I'm not particularly interested in Modern stories.

I'm likely to pick up Thousand Autumns soon, and I've heard Remnants of Filth is in the same universe as Erha, so I may also check it out. Feel free to leave other recommendations (please also note I'm currently only interested in series that have been published as books in the US, and not interested in reading fan-translations)

Happy new year everyone!

[penelopegarciasapprentice]

I am on the waiting list for Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Volume one through my library and the wait is agonizing

[yumemiruuuu]

Xie Lian: — and there were silver butterflies!

The Entirety of the Heavenly Realm: (in collective horror) Oh my god… there were silver butterflies….

[wangxian-everyday]

Heaven Official’s Blessing sixth volume cover reveal!

I’ve been waiting for this reveal as it’s one of my favorite TGCF covers. ❤️Volume 6 will be released on May 30th!