#someone give me a life outside of fengqing

[hwabin-6]

FENGQING modern au

Feng Xin was in Mu Qing’s kitchen. Not a very rare sight but certainly not a common one. He wasn’t alone, Mu Qing was right beside him, hands moving methodically as he stirred the batter. 

Really what was a rare sight was them being so amiable while together. It usually took one exasperated Xie Lian and two separate ranting sessions before they could get along on a good day. On a bad day…well that was something else altogether. 

But they couldn't have Xie Lian with them today, after all, the whole reason they were here in the first place was to make a cake for Xie Lian’s homecoming party. Xie Lian did not know about this party, if he did he would try to cook something too and no one wanted that, except maybe his deranged boyfriend. Thus Mu Qing suggested they make it a surprise, so here they were.

“Get me the measuring cup from the bottom drawer,” Mu Qing said as he leaned over the edge of the counter, his right hand mixing the batter while his left moved the empty bowls to make more room.

“Please,” Feng Xin muttered. Really, it was a simple word, not that hard to say. Feng Xin stood in the middle for a second before turning on his heel to stare at Mu Qing wordlessly.

“Ugh, the bottom drawer to my right.”

Feng Xin nodded and did as told. He handed Mu Qing the cup before going back to skimming through his playlist for a good song. He wasn’t being lazy. He already did his part. They were making a double layered cake and Feng Xin had the honours of making the first batter. Which was done and ready to be put in the oven with Mu Qing’s. 

“Pick something else this time, I’ve gotten bored of your taste in music.”

“Liar, heard you humming under your breath at the last song. Bet you’re going to search it up later and dance to it as you finish up your skincare routine.”

“Say something as stupid as that again and you can walk your ass out the door.” 

Feng Xin laughed but decided on a more bubblegum pop song. Mu Qing raised a brow at his choice.

“It’s Cuo Cuo’s favourite.” 

Mu Qing just sighed but his lips tiled at the side.

It was pleasant. Feng Xin hadn’t ever really thought about it, but despite their many disagreements, Mu Qing was a constant in his life. 

He had that crushing realisation that he had always expected Mu Qing to stay beside them when Mu Qing had left back in their first year of university.

The many days when he’d turned to the side, expecting to see that swish of ponytail, only to be met by the chilling silence of…loneliness, was when he realised.

Mu Qing was a constant in his mind…in his heart. No matter what Feng Xin did, no matter how hard he tried to move on. No one gave him that same feeling of exhilarating relief that Mu Qing did.

There were many times when they’d met again that their hostility reached out of bounds. But never had Feng Xin wished to go back to those days where he’d stare blankly at life.

Feng Xin was just an idiot for having realised a lot later. Now, he could only hope that maybe these feelings could be returned. Even just a little.

“Done.” 

Mu Qing closed the oven before turning to clean up the dishes in the sink.

Feng Xin grabbed his shoulders, fingers tangling in the soft material of Mu Qing’s shirt. Mu Qing’s dangling earring on his left ear brushed against his knuckles.

“Nope, you sit, I’ll do the dishes,” Mu Qing sat down, his face blank but his eyes lit up just the slightest.

Feng Xin rolled the sleeves of shirt up, his face scrunched as he tried to wipe the residue of cake batter from the bowl. Mu Qing was humming, although he didn't look like he was aware of it. He was leaning on his elbow, fingers drumming against the counter top, the slush of water drowning out his little sighs. 

Feng Xin was mesmerised. He supposed that God took his fair time when it came to sculpting Mu Qing. The man was impeccably perfect. It left this stinging feeling to rush inside Feng Xin, like those little electric shocks that run through the body on cold frigid days. 

Mu Qing tilted his head towards him, his lashes fluttering, the light from the window panning on his face. His eyes stayed locked with Feng Xin’s and the two stayed there staring.

“Shut the tap, it’s wasting water,” Mu Qing jerked his head towards the sink. 

Feng Xin looked at the dish in hand and winced. He really is bad at multitasking. Feng Xin sighed and quickly finished up before shutting the tap as instructed. 

“When will it be done?” Feng Xin asked, pulling at the stools near the counter and joining Mu Qing.

“Still another 20 minutes.” 

Feng Xin nodded. 

Mu Qing was quiet, listening to the tinkling sounds of voices that skipped out of Feng Xin’s phone. 

Feng Xin had never felt so at peace. The cooking had initially scared him. He’d thought they’d be halfway into an argument right now. Or that he’d even be pushed to leave. But neither happened. 

It was pleasant. 

He didn’t want this to end. 

“You have anything else planned today?” Feng Xin asked.

“No, why?” Mu Qing shifted, his shirt dragging against the marble countertop as he lay his head on his arms.

“Want to watch a movie?”

“I don’t have any snacks,” Mu Qing glanced up at him, his eyes fluttering, “unless you’d be willing to run to the convenience store to buy some.”

Feng Xin raised a brow, “are the snacks needed?”

“Yes.”

Letting out a low whistle Feng Xin nodded, “fine, but then you get everything here ready. I’m talking like the whole thing.”

“Deal.”

Feng Xin wanted to reach out and run his fingers through Mu Qing’s hair, he could almost feel those silk strands wrap around his fingers as he gave them a light tug in jest. 

He pushed off the stool and turned to leave, grabbing his jacket, he turned towards the door. His heart dancing in his chest. He’d almost reached the door when he heard his name leave Mu Qing’s lips.

Confused, he looked back, only to reflexively catch what had been thrown at him.

“Don’t forget your phone dumbass.” 

“Oh right,” Feng Xin grinned at Mu Qing, his eyes trained on Mu Qing’s face, and he was glad it was because right then Mu Qing’s face bloomed the most beautiful scarlet.

Red had never been Feng Xin’s colour but it suit Mu Qing so well.

That blush left Feng Xin’s erratic heart jumping up his throat, like it wanted to present itself to Mu Qing. 

Feng Xin unlocked the door, glancing over his shoulder he called out to Mu Qing.

“Wait for me okay?”

Just as he was closing the door, he heard a reply. One that left him unreasonably giddy all the way down the steps.

“Of course. Where else would I go.”

[beautifulsnake2162020]

We have it all (Hualian adopted daughter fanfic) Chapter 9

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. I only do this for fun.

Premise: Not long after comforting a bullied girl named Meng Ai, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian find themselves adopting her and together they form a family they didn't know they had needed for awhile.

Story/Genre tags: Slice of life-ish (mainly), Family focused, Hua Cheng's houses finally become homes, there may be an overarching story but that's not the focus, Hualian being parents, Fengqing being uncles, Lang Qianqiu falling in love with someone who was raised by the Xianle squad, technically post-canon (though I haven't read the books so if there are some ooc moments please forgive me).

AO3 Link

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 , Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8

Follower tags: @anonimgato1507

AN: I finally read the entire TGCF/HOB book series (including the extras) during my post midterm academic break - I'm still crying right now at how good it is (Also I can't believe how a certain heavenly rockery was defiled hahaha).

CW: There will be a blood draining scene in this chapter and it involves the inflicting of wounds and drawing out blood. I personally don't think that it's too graphic but I'm putting this up just to be safe. If it makes you uncomfortable it is a skippable scene (just go to the next scene i.e. the next scene after my line barrier).

Chapter 9

"Happy 14th Birthday Guzi. It's quite exciting having your growth spurt begin isn't it?" Xie Lian says as he gives him a recipe book on various meat dishes. It was going to be winter in a few weeks and this was one of the last few chances that Guzi could spend outside before snow began to cover the lands. His last visit with Guzi was during the weeks leading up to Meng Ai's birthday when he was at most just above Lang Qianqiu's waist, and now Guzi had grown taller by several cun.

"Thank You Scrap Collector Gege. Will you give me martial lessons soon?" Xie Lian and Lang Qianqiu have been talking of arrangements on giving martial arts lessons to Guzi.

"If you'd like, I'll come here three times every week after every a couple of days for your training." The room lightens up at Guzi's smile. He had been seen admiring Lang Qianqiu's martial arts practices whenever it was by himself or when it was sparring with others. While some would argue that Pei Xiu was stronger and more powerful than Lang Qianqiu, there was no question that Lang Qianqiu had the skills that showed everyone why he was even considered as the martial God of the East. When it was revealed that Xie Lian himself had trained him, there were now less questions among the heavens on Lang Qianqiu's skills in martial arts. It was when Guzi had asked him to teach him the martial ways that he found himself not only praising his Guoshi but also reflect on what has happened between them.

"When do we start Scrap Collector Gege?"

"You'll begin after the winter." Lang Qianqiu says before Guzi runs of to take his culinary lessons. An unusual choice of education to any outsider. But this allowed Guzi to mitigate his taste for human flesh while slowly coming to terms with his previously abusive life. And this became beneficial for everyone and Guzi enthusiastically prepared many of the dishes served for his modest birthday celebration. All under the supervision of his chef turned mentor who had a wide and deep experience in handling various meats and protein.

"I've heard you've taken another in - is that true?" Lang Qianqiu asks once they were alone.

He remains silent but his expression confirmed Lang Qianqiu's question.

"Hm? How did that happen?"

"I didn't say anything."

"If there's nothing wrong then why can't you tell me?" Lang Qianqiu asks earnestly.

"Not here Qianqiu. Please."

There was silence - neither a denial or an admission.

"You really can't say anything to me now?"

"Not here Qianqiu, that's all I can say for now."

He could tell that his Guoshi wanted to say more but he can't. And so he decides to drop the issue for now. They bid farewell to each other. Closer than they were last time but not close enough for Lang Qianqiu to comfortably give him a hug. It was still too awkward and no matter how much he wants to, Guzi has become his priority right now.

"Did I hear right? Hua Cheng and Xie Lian has a daughter now?"

"General Pei."

Pei Ming emerges from his spot just around the corner.

"Perhaps I should stop by personally."

"She's too young for you."

"I wasn't going to do anything to her."

"Then why do you want to see her?"

"No need for that suspicious tone Tai Hua, I'm just curious that's all. It seems Qi Ying and I are the only ones who aren't informed of this news."

Lang Qianqiu became concerned that he might have accidentally shared what was supposed to be a secret. Throughout all these years he could admit to himself that he wondered how he managed to rule Yong'an and get around in the Upper Court on his own. He may not be good in politics but he will do what he knows is right. And right now that is to try to persuade the more popular General Pei from spreading the implied secret around.

"And if you know what's good for you, you won't spread it around."

"Oh? Why not?"

"It involves some of Jun Wu's worshippers."

Lang Qianqiu and Pei Ming turn around at the new voice that had startled them.

"General Xuan Zhen, I was wondering when either you or General Nan Yang would join us."

"And if you know what's good for you then you wouldn't say anything to anyone here. It's a delicate situation which dated back to the days of Wuyong." At this Pei Ming became serious and Lang Qianqiu was stunned.

"Let me guess - it's not safe to discuss the details here because of Ling Wen? I could take care of that."

"It's too big of a risk, you'll understand why when we see you both to discuss this." Pei Ming raises his eyebrow and Lang Qianqiu couldn't help but be suspicious.

"How come Guoshi didn't say anything to me earlier while he was here?"

"There were eyes and ears on him. He couldn't be as detailed as he wants. And Guzi was still within hearing shot, we couldn't take any chances." He tosses a pair of dice to them.

"He made an exception for now. Wait a couple hours after I leave. The third toss will bring you to where we are. You know what to do."

______________________________________________________________

"Hmm."

"Is it bad?"

"It's clumsy." Ji Huifan says as he looks at the latest translation attempt of the Butterfly Lovers Meng Ai made. Once again they were speaking in the Daxian language to help her practice it. In the study room Hua Cheng had gone tired practicing his calligraphy and with Xie Lian's permission had began painting an image instead. A skill which was far better than any character that would come from his calligraphy. Xie Lian was by his side reading Ji Huifan's notes on the Daxian language for beginners who were learning from the Han tongue.

"What do you mean? I translated every word and made sure it's in the correct grammar and syntax."

"Yes, you did a direct translation which is still good. But it is still clumsy." He takes a seat beside her as he points out lines in her work.

"This is a good direct translation of a Han figure of speech."

"Thank you Baba. But why is it clumsy?"

"Imagine yourself as someone born and raised in Daxia or within Daxian culture. Do you remember the various stories and myths they like to tell and spread?" She nods as she recalls everything she could about Daxian culture.

"Now with that in mind, do you think anyone would understand this saying?" Her face shifts once she realizes this.

"Oh."

"Exactly."

"Then what do I do?"

"Use something from their culture that is the closest to what this Han saying wants to convey. That is how you elevate a translation away from simply translating words."

"But wouldn't that remove what makes it beautiful in the Han language?"

"It's inevitable that it would happen, which is why translations also include notes providing context for certain sayings. This is why translators are still prized along the silk road since they have a hard task of connecting two different types of cultures into understanding each other. The best translations convey the intended meaning while also retaining the beauty of it's context in it's own original culture as much as it could. Isn't that right Dianxia?"

"Certainly Ji Huifan."

"Did you translate things too Baba Lian?"

"A little bit, not to the same degree that your Baba is teaching you now, but I used to be fluent in the language of the Banyue kingdom."

"The kingdom who kept fighting with Yong'an?"

"Yes, I used to be a soldier for Yong'an and would sometimes translate their language to Han. I'm not as fluent in it now since I haven't practiced speaking or reading it in awhile I'm not as good as I was back then."

"Still Gege you were able to get an idea of the cultural differences between the two kingdoms."

"Honestly, it's part of the reason I believe that the negotiations were going nowhere. Neither side was willing to listen and consider why the opposing side held the perspectives they had."

"It could be, or they simply didn't want to understand each other."

"So as you can see Aiai, translation is more than just simply saying the same words in another language: it's about doing your best to translate the meaning from one culture to another."

Ji Huifan sets aside her work and opens his notebook in a section which showed figures of speech from both Han and Daxian.

"While these aren't all figures of speech of either language this is a good starting point for you to understand how Han and Daxian expresses love between star-crossed lovers. Study them, read the stories from both cultures. Afterwards you'll make your next translation attempt."

"Yes Baba. Just wondering when can I translate a story into Han?"

"Which story did you have in mind?"

"The story of King Midas and his golden curse."

"Hmm not bad, alright I'll let you translate that into Han once I'm satisfied with your translation of the Butterfly lovers."

"Oh? What's this story Xiao Ai?"

"It's about a King named Midas who wished that everything he touched would turn into gold. At first he was glad because he became wealthier the more things turned into gold. But then he realized that he couldn't drink water and became thirsty, he couldn't eat because when he touched his food it would also become gold and he became hungry. Then finally his little daughter reached up to hug him and to his horror she also turned to gold. Afterwards it depends on the story teller Baba Lang."

"Hmm why?"

"Some versions let him live out the rest of his cursed wish till he dies. Other versions makes him do some sort of sacrifice or an act of humility to remove the curse. The only thing that all versions agree on is that he made the wish to turn everything he touched into gold and he later regretted it when he couldn't drink, eat, or embrace his daughter. Which version do you want me to translate Baba?"

"Since you want to translate it from Daxian, then we'll do the version wherein Dionysus, the God who granted him his wish undoes it in the end after he shows him that he now understands the consequences of his wish."

"Alright Baba."

"Xiao Ai, would you like to take a break and visit Qiandeng Temple? We haven't shown you what it was like on the inside."

"But isn't that where you and Baba Lang do the married couple thing?"

"Ma-married couple thing?"

"That's what Baba Lang said."

At this Hua Cheng couldn't help but laugh as Xie Lian blushes with embarassment.

"She asked and I didn't want to lie to our daughter."

"Why is Baba Lian becoming red?"

"San Lang please tell me you didn't actually tell her what it is."

"Huh? What's the big deal?"

"We'll tell you when you're older little one."

The new family of three headed out, each father holding one hand of their daughter as they head to Qiandeng Temple. The crowds parted and lingered for awhile before Hua Cheng told them to mind their own business.

"Why do they do that?"

"They admire your Baba Lang, he's the one who made and runs this City."

"Ignore them little one, if it makes you uncomfortable I'll tell them to stop doing it."

"I was just asking Baba Lang! Hehehe."

He smiles at her when he is assured that she doesn't mind the attention the ghosts were giving them. She never had this treatment before being just so used to fleeing from one place to another when there was any sign of danger to her or her family.

She's curious about them, don't worry San Lang.

All she needs to do is ask Gege.

We both know that, but she's fine, she's just curious about the ghosts who live here. This is her first time seeing them since you had Yin Yu escort her and her parents by using the dice whenever they travel around. They don't mean her harm.

Even without their private channel Xie Lian knew what to say to get him to relax a little bit. Xie Lian had a strong instinct in detecting killing instinct towards either himself or to the people he loves. As much as the citizen ghosts could be annoying at times, his beloved was right in saying that he can relax a bit more lest he might alarm Xiao Ai.

Once they were inside the temple Xie Lian notices some prayers that he needs to address.

"Hmm this is a strange one."

"What is it Gege?"

"This prayer is from a new family. They recently were given a new house by a rich merchant. But there seems to be sentient objects that would harm anyone who entered. There's no Daoist priest nearby and so they sent a prayer to me."

"May I come?"

"Xiao Ai it could be dangerous."

"I promise I'll behave Baba Lian, I want to go somewhere new."

"We can go somewhere new later."

"But how can I exercise my powers in talking to different ghosts if you won't let me?"

"This isn't a game Meng Ai, I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Gege let's go together, that way one of us will be with her."

"Please Baba Lian. I promise I'll be good. I want to know what you do as a God."

"...Very well. But stay close to us alright."

"Yes Baba."

He didn't know whether to laugh or cry when she takes his hand and Hua Cheng throws a dice. A part of him couldn't believe he had let her join them but a part of him had a feeling that she might try to find a way to sneak herself to watch this new mission. At least if he and Hua Cheng are there he could at least be comforted that she will have supervision and protection should anything happen.

They arrive at the outskirts of a city and Hua Cheng puts a disguise on himself and Meng Ai. He shapeshifts into his San Lang appearance while he gave Meng Ai violet eyes upon her request and a glamour to make her blend in with them.

You made them similar to Banyue's

She's curious about her. When things are a little more secure perhaps you could invite Banyue so that she could ask her things only she could answer.

And I thought you knew everything San Lang.

He couldn't help but chuckle mentally as he feels Hua Cheng mentally stick his tongue out to him.

There are some things that only Banyue could answer - such as what does she see in Pei Xiu.

Point taken.

"Stay close to us."

"Yes Baba Lian."

Holding tightly to both of her fathers they go into the city and were lead into a modest house in a dense area nearby the impoverished areas of the city.

"Maybe it's a scam! A scam I tell you! Those Wu bastards just wants to kill you two!"

"Mama please, it's still a good price! We just need to find someone who could cleanse the space."

"You and your wife are better off here! It may not be much compared to what the Wu gave you but you grew up here, we could make a new room for my grandchild. This place isn't cursed like what the Wu gave you."

"Mother perhaps they didn't know that it was cursed."

"My dear trust me those Wu have it out for everyone who is better than they are and they know it! Your husband had beaten their son in the recent civil exams and this is how they are taking their revenge!"

Xie Lian takes this chance to knock on their door. A young scholar with a short beard opened the door, his look was exasperated from the argument they heard from outside.

"Hello there, we came to help with the cursed house?"

"Oh Daozhang, thank goodness come in! Mama! See someone came to help with cleansing our new house."

Later just after sunset, the three of them find themselves in a grand house in one of the more affluent part of the city. It was both accessible enough to anyone and yet because of the energy surrounding it, the house became isolated with it's nearest neighbors being at least half a kilometer away on both sides. From what the young scholar said, he was able to buy this house from the Wu family who offered it to him at an affordable price. He couldn't waste such an opportunity to provide better living for his wife and mother with more space than their current house. When he and his wife inspected the house to see if it needed any repairs or if things needed to be bought before they moved in to it, objects would move out of their place. It was benign at first but then it's as if the objects were forcibly putting themselves on front of them on their own.

And then when they turned their backs on them after not using them the objects hurled themselves at them which chased them out of the house. They made several attempts but the last attempt nearly lead into a miscarraige of their unborn child in the early stages of his wife's pregnancy.

"Xiao Ai, stay close to Baba Lang okay?"

"Yes Baba Lian."

They enter the premises, the rooms were filled with ghostly qi. Not necessarily so malevolent as a savage, but it was more dangerous than a simple malice.

"It's everywhere Baba Lang."

"I know, what do you see?"

"It's as if everything is cloaked in it's presence. It's everywhere all at once."

A Menace then?

Yes, it's not powerful enough to kill an entire city. But the ghostly qi is powerful enough that I could detect it everywhere in this house.

Enough that Xiao Ai could see it everywhere.

Just then they heard a movement. A vase meant to hold flowers moved closer towards them from it's previous spot at the center of the table.

"Hmph at least it's not shy."

"Babas, is it me or do you hear something like wind chimes? It sounds like something from a hair stick with those long fancy tassels."

Then they hear it. It was soft but once they both listened closely there was the soft sounds of metal bumping into metal. It was so soft that it wasn't noticeable beneath the sounds of other objects moving towards them. But now that Meng Ai mentioned it, the soft ringing was present all over.

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian shared a look.

"Xiao Ai go to Baba Lian and duck."

She ducks as she scurries to Xie Lian's side as Hua Cheng catches an incense burner that was aimed at her head. The once soft sounds of metal tassels now noticeably louder.

"We want to talk, whomever you are please come out."

A lifted teapot in one corner and in another an ink stone. Both objects were prepared to be hurled towards them.

And yet Xie Lian did not feel any killing intent.

"We prefer not to force you, we know you don't want to harm us. You just want to drive us away. Right?"

The teapot and the inkstone were still hurled towards them but at a far enough spot that didn't actually hurt them.

"Let us help you, please let's talk."

Suddenly a lot of ghostly qi was focused on one object, the sound of metal ringing accumulated there. Xie Lian bends down and carries Meng Ai to prevent her from stepping on any of the broken objects on the floor. Hua Cheng lights up the room as they go towards the ghostly qi.

It was focused on a blank paper on the wall, but as they go nearer and the metal ringing became louder, the paper slowly shows a painting of a teenage girl wearing a half bun secured by a hairstick with metal tassels. She was dressed in wedding robes with the veil on her hands. Her expression upon first glance was stoic, but her eyes showed a mix of fury and frustration.

"Who are you?"

"Who are you?! How dare you come to my sanctuary?"

"Sanctuary?"

"It had been mine for the last three years."

"Is this where you died?"

"No! I would never violate this place with a rotting corpse. Not even my own."

"But this is where your ashes are."

Hua Cheng says and the ghost girl's mood shifts to one of fright.

"Cooperate with us if you don't want them destroyed. Go ahead Gege."

The ghost girl let's out a sigh as she gazes at them in frustration.

"Let's start again. Who are you and why are you here?"

"My name is Chen Bingxue, this place used to be my private garden before my husband Wu Shuai stole it from me after I died."

"He killed you?"

"Yes Daozhang, he only married me and gave a high bridal gift to my father just to get his hands on this land. When I went here to dwell in it for the last time, do you know what I found? Wu Shuai destroying everything I cultivated and gave life to just to build this structure over everything I had worked hard for."

"There's more isn't there."

Hua Cheng says in a tone that left no room for disobedience. Chen Bingxue looks down, forcing herself to not shed tears as she continues.

"I'll admit, it pained me that he was destroying my garden. But I already expected it when my mother told me that I was to be betrothed to him."

She takes a breath before she meets their gazes.

"What hurt me the most was seeing my father give him the very tools he needed to destroy the garden. The very garden that he had given me...I...I knew that I was nothing more than a tool for him. My mother was his concubine after all...but I had thought...I had thought that he loved me enough to not destroy the only place where I felt needed as a person."

"Your sanctuary."

On Meng Ai's words and hearing the sincerity in them, Chen Bingxue could no longer hold back her tears.

"Yes, this was the only place where I didn't feel like I was less than human. Nature may not care who cultivates it, but it always made me feel at peace...only for it to be destroyed by everyone who saw me as nothing more than an obstacle to get this land."

"Is that why you keep throwing objects at everyone? So that you'll be alone here while you also destroy everything here?"

"Other people destroyed my sanctuary first, why shouldn't I destroy everything here so that nature could claim this land once again?"

Her response was daring Meng Ai to answer. But both Xie Lian and Hua Cheng knew that Chen Bingxue was not in a state to listen.

"Little one she's not in the mood to listen."

"Baba may I try? Please."

After exchanging a look with Xie Lian he nods reluctantly. She turns to the Chen Bingxue.

"Because even when it was your private garden and sanctuary it didn't belong to you."

"How dare you! You little -"

"It didn't belong to you because you and your family were borrowing from nature!"

When she got her attention and that she was now listening to her Meng Ai continued.

"You are still want to be here because it was your sanctuary. It was your sanctuary because you cared and loved everything that grew in it and those memories made you happy. But before it became your sanctuary it first belonged to nature. And it continues to belong to nature even now. A house on this land does not make that false. It's not the place itself that made you happy, it's because you cared and nurtured what you love that made you happy."

"You sound so sure little girl."

"I'm sure because up until a few months ago my family and I had to keep moving from place to place just to survive."

Chen Bingxue looks at her in shock.

"We lived in plenty of interesting places, and there were some when I had so many happy memories. But I was happy because of what I was doing with the people I love. It's not the place that matters but what you do in it that matters."

Out of her sight Hua Cheng and Xie Lian shared a smile.

"You don't have to stay here just to be happy again."

"I...I'm not sure I'm...I don't think I could move on."

"You don't have to. You're a ghost now so you can take as much time as you want. I'm still mortal and I sometimes wish I had as much time as you do now."

"Yes...you're right...I do have time."

Chen Bingxue fades away from the paper leaving it blank again. The paper fell and behind it was a shelf that contained a jewelry box with floral embellishments and motifs.

"Baba Lang is that..."

"Yes little one."

He picks up the jewelry box and brings it to them.

"These are her ashes."

______________________________________________________________

On the docks by the ports in Panyu the group of mage mercenaries had an undercurrent of confidence. After years of searching, their leader Ji Lihua finally found a bloodmatch. External reports confirmed that their target in question was now dwelling in Panyu. Together with him was a woman and a little girl who shared his blood.

It was them, finally they could get the rest of their reward once they deliver to King Ji Huifan their heads and the little girl who will now finally be within their group.

"Baba there's a pretty hairstick with pearls -"

"It's too expensive Aiai, and you haven't beaten anyone in Go yet."

"I didn't say I want to buy it!"

"We know you Aiai." The woman chastizes the little girl.

"Once something pretty catches your eye you want to know if we'll buy it for you. The answer is still no."

Ji Lihua chuckles.

"Finally we found them. All these years of being away from Fu Dao will finally end."

"Is it really them?"

"It's him, my pathetic brother."

"They're not clones your highness?"

"No, they're not. That's why I'm finally glad that this will be over soon."

"Do we attack them now?"

"No, but have the assassins tail them and keep them in their sights. And when the time is right we'll corner them."

Ji Lihua then turns to her subordinates.

"Start summoning your creatures now. They shouldn't escape us this time."

For four weeks they observed the trio, their routines, habits, and interests. They resided in Xiwangmu's temple not far from the port but it was located in a secluded enough spot that would offer peace and tranquility to anyone seeking refuge in her holy grounds.

As the sun set on the tenth day of the fourth week Ji Lihua gave the signal to begin the attack. Her assassins begin to go to any expected route that they could possibly escape to. The only way the three of them could possibly escape them now is if Ji Huifan opened a portal going elsewhere. And the spells used to open such a portal could be manipulated to be kept open for them to follow wherever they fled.

There was a high chance of success.

And to ensure that her mission would finally end she'll finally stop being lazy and follow them through the portal once it opens. Her mage of a brother may put up a fight but now that he is mortal it's quite clear that he would be no match against a mediocre fighter like her. She admits reluctantly that her advisers were right in saying that she needs to get involved to finally end their years long pursuit. And she could go back to sleeping in silk sheets and eating Anxian dishes from Fu Dao's royal kitchens.

The family of three made their way back to the temple of Xiwangmu as the sun sets and darkness begin to emerge. As per their usual routine they took the route that was more crowded. Possibly thinking that the likelihood of a magical attack or a kill by either assassins or mercenaries would be unlikely in a crowded area that cloaked their targets. A commotion suddenly happened. What it was, none of them wanted to know. Making sure that no one was missing, they hastened their steps toward the temple.

And in the semi-secluded route emerged the assassins and some mage mercenaries with their creatures.

"Surrender her to us now and you will live."

"Never."

"Are you sure about that A-fan?"

Her voice scratches his ear as they turned around to face her.

"Lihua."

"Have I finally impressed you A-fan? You are surrounded. If you'll hand the little thing for the sacrifice then I'll let you and your bitch free to make another. You're capable of making one, there's no reason why you can't make another."

"She is your niece!"

"You of all people should know that blood alone does not make one family."

Tension arises in the air.

"Still blind as ever."

"I could say the same about you. You claim to be the enlightened one after A-jie and yet you are the one who flees and evade. You can't outrun the inevitable brother."

"And what makes you think you are inevitable?"

"Aren't you a priestess? A bitch who could see the future."

"Even I know that no paths are bound."

Ji Lihua gives a hand signal and both assassins and the mage mercenaries prepare to attack.

"Last chance, give the girl to me now!"

"No, dear sister."

With her free hand Jing Mei throws a smoke bomb as Ji Huifan quickly opens a portal and the three of them flee inside it. Before the portal could close several mages uses spells to keep it open as assassins, mages, and the creatures they controlled follow inside. When she deemed that the number of mages and assassins were sufficient she herself enters the portal before closing.

Upon entering the sight before her makes her shocked and confused.

The portal opened to a beach, but it had an air of isolation. The waters were dark and it seemed only half of those who entered the portal had their corpses on the beach. And as the water reaches the shore she noticed just how dark it really was.

"Where the fuck did you escape to A-fan? Are you this desperate now?"

She closes her eyes and hones in on his blood, they weren't far from here and were in the midst of running somewhere in this island with his bitch and his spawn.

"You can't escape me now."

She uses her inhuman speed to go to where they are and appears on front of them.

"Think it would be that easy? Hahaha!"

"Lihua, please, it's not too late."

"Save your breath brother, you are mortal now. Better think of what's more important. Your life? Or the spawn's?"

"Mama -"

"No - don't listen to her Meng Ai. How dare you?!"

"Because I can Mei. Do you know how you have kept me from the joys of life back in Fu Dao just to be able to bring this little brat to Ji Bocheng?"

Ji Huifan's hands begin glowing.

"Lihua, don't make me do this."

"Really? When you know that you are weaker than me now?"

"If that's what it takes. Meng Ai don't let go of your mother! Run."

"Ah ah ah not so fast."

With ease she appears before them as Ji Huifan manages to blast energy her way. Successfully pre-empting where she would go.

"Just because I'm mortal now doesn't mean that you will win."

"And I want to go home now!"

Thus begins their fight. Or rather Jing Mei and the little girl finding anywhere to flee to while Ji Huifan keeps Ji Lihua distracted. What he lacks in strength and power compared to his sister, he makes up for in knowing how predictable she could be with new room to adjust to any new movements.

But even he knew that he could only have enough stamina for so long.

"Tired A-fan?"

"You haven't seen anything yet."

"You're right, I'll finish you later. I've got a brat to capture."

"You won't get her."

"Oh?"

She gives him a sarcastic look.

"Then how come I could sense three things?"

"What?"

"One, she's still wherever this shithole is; two, she and your bitch ran but got separated; and three, she's over -"

She quickly runs to a spot behind Ji Huifan as she now carries a struggling little girl.

"Baba!"

"Here."

"NO - Lihua, please - it's not too late."

"Fuck your bitch and make a new one. It won't be a big loss."

She was about to make a teleportation array when suddenly everything went dark in her vision. And before she knew it she was unconscious.

When she awakened she finds herself chained to a wall in a filthy dungeon. That's not the part that alarmed her. What alarmed her was the presence of multiple deities.

And a familiar face.

"What the fuck - you're a God?"

"So you do remember me."

General Pei crosses his arms as he raises an eyebrow at her.

"What - but how? She could detect divine aura and when it's a clone."

"Which is why we were lovers in her dreams. Give me more credit Nan Yang even I wouldn't take that risk."

"At this point who haven't you slept with."

Mu Qing says rolling his eyes as he turned to face Ji Lihua.

"No matter - I can't be killed. I'm immortal!"

"Good, we're not trying to kill you - should I do it or would you like to do the honors?"

"She's your former lover you do it."

Feng Xin quickly says as he gives Pei Ming a knife as Mu Qing reinforces her restraints.

"Just know - this is for your own good."

______________________________________________________________

Meanwhile in Paradise Manor, Chenxi and Shi Qingxuan were helping Meng Ai with the seamstress that happily served Shi Qingxuan for the past years. They were a good assistant and because of their personality, she was able to have more customers and was able to give back to Shi Qingxuan for their good eye in trends and design. In exchange she happily mended or redesigned their robes to keep up with the times.

"Are you sure it's okay for me to wear these colors A-xuan?"

"As long as it's not yellow or anywhere near the Emperor's embroidery designs on his robe you should be fine."

"But how come I see other people wear yellow?"

"Because they are part of a group - and that group has special permission to wear yellow. Now young lady let's show your elders." Xiang Li the seamstress says as she steps back and go beside Shi Qingxuan and Chenxi.

Meng Ai was wearing a rich dark blue dress with a crimson red outer robe that matched Hua Cheng's crimson red. It was still a basic fitting since white or cream embroidery will still be added to add harmony to two bright bold colors.

"What do you think Meng Ai?"

"I like the colors but I feel my sleeves are too big and the skirt is too long."

"Wouldn't you like to have more space for the embroidery?"

"But I also want to move around. I want to dance with my Babas for their wedding anniversary."

"You're in luck, their incoming wedding anniversary will be in the same week as the Shangyuan Festival this year."

Chenxi says as she holds up a few hair accessories against the dress.

"Yu Yingtai?"

"Yes Meng Ai?"

"Do you think Chen Bingxue will be okay? She still doesn't want to emerge from her ashes and she keeps telling me to not waste my time on her."

Chenxi sighs as she gives Shi Qingxuan the hair accessories she was contemplating on which suited Meng Ai better.

"Give her time Meng Ai, she's reflecting right now and you can't force someone to rush through that. Alright?"

"Yes Yu Yingtai."

"Good, now let me check your wound."

Meng Ai sits down and lifts the deep blue fabric enough to show her lower leg. What used to be a large gash because she tripped over a rock when she got a little too excited to arrive home in their cottage; was now reduced to scarring. That incident while painful was a blessing in disguise since her mother needed a sample of Meng Ai's blood in order to recreate its unique signature with the blood Ji Huifan and Jing Mei have been donating for this project. Once she finished her work she gave the vial of the recreated blood mixed with a potion for He Xuan (or one of his clones) to drink. This is one of the few crucial steps in order for their deception to work. The potion retained the reconstructed blood in the body for a week. In order to keep the blood and Meng Ai's blood signature in He Xuan, the same potion needs to be ingested regularly per week. So her mother gave six batches of the potion disguised as medicine that He Xuan acting as Meng Ai needed to drink.

"It's going to scar - which means it's healing. I'll give you something to reduce the scar leaving a mark."

"Thank you. By the way, do you know where my parents are?"

"Which ones?"

"All four of them. Did something happen to Baba and Mama? How about Baba Lang and Baba Lian?"

"Oh they're just busy doing something."

"Adult things?"

"Don't phrase it like that!"

"Huh?"

"Ignore them Meng Ai. Yes, they are doing adult things. You're not yet ready to know what yet."

"Is it married couple things?"

"Think more along the lines of getting rid of a pest."

______________________________________________________________

"How much blood does she have?"

Mu Qing asks as he restrains Ji Lihua's left arm while Feng Xin does the same with her right. Lang Qianqiu has recently joined in to restrain her legs while Pei Ming restrains her torso while silver butterflies continues to draw blood out of her body.

"This is barely a dent. Ji Huifan! How long did yours take?"

Feng Xin cries out as he was able to dodge a scratch from her nails which he holds against the wall and reinforces the energy in her bindings. Black water's chains while strong enough to keep her on the wall, its length still allowed her movement which she used to inflict any injury she could while she was currently bled out.

"Hold still Lihua, this is for your own good."

Pei Ming says as he makes another clean cut to an area that would allow her to still live but will have a large amount of blood poured out.

"Fuck you!"

"You already did. But if you want to try again outside of your dreams once this is over -"

"Really Pei? Right now?!"

"You're one to talk Nan Yang. We have had to endure you and Xuan Zhen flirting."

"Tai Hua I didn't say I minded it. As the God of Love I think it's refreshing for these two."

Even more silver butterflies enters the dungeon as Ji Huifan makes his appearance.

"My bloodletting took the entire night and I fell asleep at dawn. Brace yourselves, this isn't even much blood."

"How do we know when it's over?"

"When she starts experiencing grief. Or when her energy is so depleted that her body has no choice but to become unconscious. At that point the body will cure itself and will restore her mortality."

"How dare you do this to me!? A-fan do you hate me this much that you would deprive me of my power!"

He doesn't respond but instead casts a spell to help keep her wounds open so that more blood could be drawn out. Her spiritual energy was still high and they have only made a surface level dent to the energy she has. If she allows herself to grieve then it would make this faster. But his dear sister is too stubborn for that.

This was going to be a long night.

_____________________________________________________________

"Baba Lian! Mama!"

Meng Ai runs to the entrance of Paradise Manor greeting them with a hug.

"Wheres Baba and Baba Lang?"

"They are still doing their work. Now have you been a good girl to Yu Yingtai and A-xuan?"

"Yes Baba Lian. They are still here because they want Mama's opinion on the embroidery of my new clothes."

"Speaking of embroidery, would you like to practice tomorrow? Since Li Shuyue won't be coming tomorrow."

"Okay Mama. I'll do my best not to get pricked this time!"

"That's the spirit, now wash up for dinner."

As they get themselves ready for dinner, this time prepared by the Chef ghost of Paradise Manor who has become good friends with Jing Mei. He finally allows himself time to contemplate what the future might hold for Meng Ai.

Or to be more specific, what the future holds for Meng Ai and either Lang Qianqiu or Guzi.

After Pei Ming and Lang Qianqiu finally arrive at their location for their meeting on how to deal with the cursed immortal family of Fu Dao, Xie Lian finally starts feeling the weight he didn't know he was carrying lift a little bit.

"To answer your question." He feels himself relieved that he can finally speak in confidence to his former pupil.

"I can't tell you all the details out of respect for her parents but let's just say we did it to save her life."

"Is that why you're not in heaven as often?" He nods at his former student.

"Let's just say this involves a group of Jun Wu's worshippers hunting her down." He sees his eyes widen in concern.

"Guoshi, if you need any assistance please let me know - wait is she the six year old whom you wanted to introduce to Guzi?"

"She's seven now." He says with a smile.

"Perhaps they aren't exactly peers and I was being a little to generous."

"You were, friendship is not something you can force Guoshi."

"Not force but merely an introduction. Her true personality came out once she knew she was safe with us."

"Hmm I think Guzi hasn't come out of his shell yet. He's just starting to, but he's not there yet."

"Still if you ever change your mind or if you just want to speak to me..."

"I know Guoshi."

"Speaking of her parents, here they are right now. Lang Qianqiu, Pei Ming, this is Ji Huifan and Jing Mei. Huifan, Mei, these are Generals Ming Guang and Tai Hua."

After bowing before Lang Qianqiu Jing Mei's eyes begin glowing and suddenly had a rather lengthy vision. Once it was over she takes another look at his former student, this time discerning him for awhile.

"Hmm...you'll do."

"May I ask for what?"

"I sadly cannot tell you since I don't mind these visions of mine coming true. If I tell you, there is a high chance it won't come true."

"Wait visions?"

"I get them every now and then Dianxia Xie Lian. It's not always a singular vision."

She clearly wouldn't say more than that but it didn't escape his notice that she was observing Lang Qianqiu. Not with suspicion but more with discernment and consideration. What she saw must be something fortunate or at least something she wouldn't mind happening.

"May I ask what you saw which involved Lang Qianqiu?"

"You've been slowly telling him about Meng Ai?"

"Every now and then. Sometimes I worry if he might be jealous of the difference between how I mentored him and how I'm treating her."

"You know him better than I, but I will say to remove any doubts and show that you still care for him and that there is no reason to be jealous of her. He still calls you Guoshi and it seems your relationship is slowly being repaired. From what I understand you two are now talking more than before, yes?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with what you saw?"

All she offers is a smile.

"Normally I wouldn't mind telling those not directly shown in the vision but considering what I saw I'm afraid I also couldn't tell you."

"It involves Meng Ai?"

"Let's just say, you'll know why I can't exactly tell you directly once you notice some things."

"Notice what? Is it because of San Lang's reaction?"

"Perhaps. That's all I could tell you Dianxia."

"Very well."

Xie Lian says with resignation.

"Should I introduce them?"

"Wait until she's older. That's the only clue I'm giving you."

______________________________________________________________

Lihua awakens after a tumultous ordeal. This time she was in a bed, but still in some other part of the dungeon she was in. A little bit more pleasant than where she was last time. She sits up and immediately she feels it.

She's mortal again.

No longer invincible.

No longer constantly thirsty for blood.

And she doesn't know how to feel about it.

"It takes awhile to get used to. During my early days I also sometimes missed a few things about being an immortal."

"Am I really that obvious A-fan?"

He stays where he is on the doorway. He has lived long enough to know that grief is expressed differently to many others and his sister is no different.

"Lihua, just because I don't find value in what interests you, does not mean I look down on you."

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"I've been a horrible brother to you."

Silence ensues as he now settles himself beside her bed. She keeps her head down as she takes the cup of water he gives.

"I didn't check up on you and disregarded the impact of my opinion on you."

"You left me when you are the last person - my last reminder of our mother before she died centuries before. Our father quickly moved on but neither of us did. And yet the moment the opportunity to leave arrived, you took it. Left me in the place wherein no matter what I did, no matter where I went to, it was never enough."

"What made tracking us and giving your niece to him any different?"

"...He said that if I did it will be my greatest achievement."

"...You are more than that."

"Easy for you to say. The bright star among the spawn of our father."

Her sarcastic tone was like a stab to him. He was used to it, but it didn't mean that it hurt any less.

"You don't need his or my opinion on what your achievements are. You are smart enough on your own to know them."

He stands up and make his way out.

"This may be obvious, but now that you are mortal spend the rest of your mortal life on what you actually want to do."

"And what if that means still pursuing her?"

"Then you shall suffer the consequences. Simple as that. But do you really want to spend your remaining mortal days simply chasing after her?"

"..."

"That's what I thought."

______________________________________________________________

The day was bright, and outside of their cottage just after her calligraphy and philosophy lessons with Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, Meng Ai eagerly searched for her hiding spot. She wanted to climb the trees but the bamboo stick that her Baba Lian would use to practice his forms, might probably be broken or hinder her climb. And she didn't want to get wounded again so soon.

They were playing hide and seek. But to make things more interesting if she could defend herself or do something to evade their grasp then as long as they didn't catch her she could still hide.

"Go anywhere in Mt. Taicang. It's within the wards so don't limit yourself."

Baba Lang tells her cheekily before they start their game. He and Baba Lian equipped with their own bamboo sticks. E-ming and Ruoye will not be used in today's game much to their mutual disappointment.

"Behave you two, this is also training for her."

Baba Lian says appeasing the two sentient weapons. And so the sword and the silk band became markers for their starting point. Baba Lian begins counting as the seeker for this round.

She decides to hide in the bushes. And keep still, ease her breathing.

Meanwhile Xie Lian and Hua Cheng were watching her from afar.

"Should I give her a few more moments?"

"Hmph she could handle it."

"Maybe a little bit more San Lang. Now go back to hiding."

"What if I don't want to hide?"

Xie Lian chuckles as he pulls him down for a chaste kiss.

"Keep yourself hidden from her sight then."

Xie Lian makes his way to her and raised his stick with ease in quick defense.

"Good."

"Thank you Baba."

He let's her run before pursuing her chuckling.

Looking back from now it was as if time flew fast.

As she grew and under their guidance she was able to excel.

One opponent gradually became two.

Bamboo sticks became practice swords.

Practice swords were supplemented by Ruoye and Eming.

He shares a smile with Hua Cheng before they both move in. He commands Ruoye to put her in a blindfold.

She evaded by dodging and stabbing Ruoye with a stick.

Hua Cheng then made his move and made a crimson mist surrounding her. He enters the mist and she dodges his attack by a hair and quickly engages.

"Mind your feet - you wouldn't want to be late for your performance later."

"Oh stop it Baba!"

She advances and their practice swords dance for awhile before he disarms her and E-ming enters from her blind side. She ducks and quickly gets her twin Sais out. Hua Cheng attacks with a practice sword since E-ming refuses to be used to spar against her no matter how much Xie Lian and Meng Ai ask. A compromise was that E-ming will be limited to distractions while Hua Cheng uses a practice sword.

She finds herself crossing her Tie Chis stopping Hua Cheng's sword from hitting.

"I think she should mind her fingers not her feet."

"Baba Lang you just don't want to see me dance with anyone!"

Hua Cheng smirks.

"You don't need to dance with anyone just to enjoy dancing."

"Really? Is that why for the past few years I've never had any suitors ask for me?"

"You're acting as if your life is over at sixteen."

She pushes against him and quickly evades an incoming attack from Xie Lian. Simultaneously she blocks Hua Cheng's attack, then twisting to the side and clashed with Xie Lian's sword. One Tie Chi was disarmed and she quickly thrusted her other Tie Chi which was quickly dodged by Xie Lian.

"Can you blame me?"

"Focus Xiao Ai. Don't worry you have time."

"Says my Baba who ascended at seventeen."

"The key is timing."

She twists then jumps to the side. She jumps from the swing of Hua Cheng's sword and evades him.

But she twists right into Xie Lian's arms as he held his practice sword against her neck.

"See, do you yield?"

"...Yes Baba. Happy Anniversary to you and Baba Lang."

They both chuckles as she lets out a whine, the Crimson mist disappears and Xie Lian lets her go. He removes the stick that pinned Ruoye in place and E-ming goes back in it's sheath by Hua Cheng's waist. Hua Cheng bends down and hands Meng Ai back her disarmed Tie Chi. The family of three make their way down Mt. Taicang.

"Thank you, Xiao Ai you don't need to stay for the entire celebration. Whatever you have composed on the Guzheng we'll love it."

"If you want I could make them cheer for you no matter what happens."

It was her turn to laugh.

"Baba Lang what would be the point of that? If they don't like it then I'll study why. But I can't do that if it's not a genuine reaction."

"And just who would dare critique your work?"

"Li Shuyue my music teacher, Mama, General Xuan Zhen -"

"Just say the word -"

"Baba!" "San Lang."

"Just teasing."

They reach the bottom and Hua Cheng throws his dice in the air and a door opens transporting them to Paradise Manor.

"Qing Jinjing! You need to get dressed." Li Shuyue says as she clacks her tongue disapprovingly.

"Shuyue-laoshi, you can still call me Meng Ai."

"You chose Qing Jinjing as your courtesy name and in a few moments you will be publicly performing. Unless we are in our lessons I'll be using your courtesy name. Now go wash up and get changed."

"Yes Shuyue-Laoshi, I'll see you later Babas!"

AN:

Sixteen year old Meng Ai/Qing Jinjing finally arrives! There may be some flashbacks to kiddie/pre-pubescent Meng Ai. I think this is my most random assortment chapter to try to makeup for the more late updates. And also I was trying to think of a way to transition from kiddie Meng Ai to teenage Meng Ai who was whining in my head how it seems that she will have to wait forever before making an appearance and so this is me appeasing her.

I made Guzi have his 14th birthday since I realized that since he was already quite young in their wedding (which is more or less when the canon story takes place) and I realized I accidentally placed "Little boy" when I intended to place "Young boy" since he is in his teens now. I'll probably fix it once I finish the story in it's entirety. Having him at around 7 years of age when he attends the Hualian wedding on the 1st Chapter I think is a good compromise on his canon age of being 10 and him having a growth spurt at that age.

Cun is an ancient Chinese measurement and is more or less about 1.3 inches or 3 and 1/3 cms.

Ancient china had a ten day week before adopting the seven week based on the Gregorian Calendar.

I'm basing their appearances from the donghua since that was my main obsession with tgcf/heaven official's blessing.

As confirmed in the footnote number 8 of Book 1 in Chapter 9: Dallying Hualian - the main language spoken by most of the characters is the Han language which is the dominant language of China.

Chen - To spread, Bingxue - Ice and Snow

Xiang - Towards, Li - Beautiful or graceful

Laoshi - Teacher. This is what my college mandarin teacher told us to address him as (I'm sorry Laoshi but I have already forgotten a lot of what you've taught us.). I used it just to be safe because "Shifu" seems to be more specific to martial arts in the Wanxia/Xianxia setting.

Qing - Blue/Green/Black (In this context it means Blue), JĪn - Gold/Money/Metal (In this context it means Gold), JĪng - clear/crystal. Jinjing (On its own) - Golden bell/Bright and Shining/Sparkling spirit. Altogether I was trying to make a name which means "Sparkling Lapis Lazuli" or "Bright Lapis Lazuli" since Qingjinshi is the mandarin term for Lapis Lazuli.

While canonically it's never mentioned when Hualian got married, based on the last chapter of the main story and their reunion in the Shanyue festival, my headcanon is that they got married shortly after. Within the same week if not within the same month that the Shanyue festival seems to fall into. Since they first met in the Shanyue festival, and their reunion was in the Shanyue festival I think they would want to also have their wedding close to it because of what it signifies to both of them.

EDIT: (I forgot to add this)

I know that the Sais are a Japanese weapon, but I also recall reading somewhere that Ancient China had a similar weapon. I'll edit this chapter later when I find the Mandarin term for it (I was more focused on the story part)

EDIT 2:

I finally found the term it's Tie Chi (铁尺) or "Iron Ruler". If you are reading this after my edits this is a similar weapon to the Japanese Sai wherein it is a weapon that is made for defense and disabling weapons and not made for killing.

Source:

https://swordis.com/blog/chinese-weapons/

As confirmed by wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai_(weapon)

Don't worry she will have a Duan cha in the next chapter. But the Tie Chi is more practical for her since it doesn't have the three pronged style and is still mainly a defensive weapon.

[mousehole5000]

tgcf again chapters 174-191. im now midway through book 4. pain and suffering. and yet also.... this is really good.... but also.... pain...

okay cave of ten thousand gods everythings coming out into the light.... xie lian pretending not to hear fengqing drop their act im emotional..... fengqing silently working together to separate xie lian and hua cheng im emotional..... every word that comes out of mu qing’s mouth im emotional....

honestly reading the xianle trio discussing hua cheng.. its very hard for me NOT to project all the times ive been in a friendship trio and someone got a boyfriend the other two didnt like (which was every time. theres never been a bf everyone liked. sometimes i was the one who had the bf. there were no winners then and tbh i predict there will be no real winners here as far as this friendship goes but such is life)

mu qing is so smart he’s clever he’s tricksy i love it i love him ugh

“A pair of arms had circled around him from behind, and hugged him with force all of a sudden. Xie Lian had buried his face in his back, and also didn’t speak. Though nothing was said, it was enough.” okay i cant get into every different way im feeling about whats going down bc it would get Too Personal but this..... im emo. also xie lian saying “something like this has to be said clearly“ and then proceeding to not say a word just going in for a hug is a mood

“He heard Hua Cheng’s staggering voice coming from above. “...Your Highness. You really…will be the death of me.” - ok well DONT SAY THAT!! now im worried!!!

“Hua Cheng, however, only snorted, appearing as if his eyes could see through the thick rocky walls. He said darkly, “Don’t worry. If he kills one, I’ll make ten more. Fast and furious like the storms, I will never back down. Let’s see who’s the one left standing in the end.” Xie Lian’s heart skipped a beat for some reason, and he mumbled inwardly, “... Oh no, this is bad.” Even though Hua Cheng’s expression was subconsciously displayed, Xie Lian really was quite weak to this aggressive and rebellious confidence of his.” - fjadskfajsl its okay xie lian honey you never know whats going to do it for you

okay so are the murals and statues are only from the xianle era? im hoping hua cheng didnt secretly follow xie lian during his time as a mortal during the entire 800 years and then pretend to a total stranger that would be too much imo lets see. i still really do get why feng xin and mu qing are like “...dude wtf lets get out of here stay away from that guy” (also tbh probably if theyd all managed to stay close... this probably wouldnt be happening which isnt a judgement im just saying bc thats definitely how ive felt about friendships) although this whole thing IS indeed tinged with homophobia which i still dont think makes sense in this setting but whatever i guess.

BOOK 4!!!! im scared

“A few days ago he nearly fainted, and it was only after that did he realize it was because he hadn’t had anything to eat for several days.” - unfortunately relatable but :(

“Ever since Xie Lian was young, he had never had to consider these kinds of affairs, and this was truly the first time in decades that this problem gripped him. However, if gods didn’t even know what starvation felt like, how could they possibly understand the feelings of a starving worshipper? How could they possibly empathize? At this point, he could only take this experience as a form of training.” - TRUE THO!!!!!!!! i like seeing this even tho the circumstances are sad

wait does xie lian get his bad cooking skills from him mom? im gonna cry...

“After returning to the city, Mu Qing’s stomach was still turning. He said as he stumbled, “I thought…that porridge, it smelled like bran water, but I hadn’t thought it’d taste like it too!” Feng Xin gritted his teeth. “Shut up! Don’t force people to remember that pot of stuff! The queen is…body of ten thousand gold after all…never cooked…this is already…UGH!…” Mu Qing humphed. “Did I say something wrong? If you didn’t think it was like bran water, why don’t you…go ask the queen to grant you another bowl! UGH!…” The two were heaving back and forth, and Xie Lian grabbed hold of the both of them, patting their backs.” - xianle trio.... including simply because it made me do the pleading emoji in real life..... also the way the queen wanted to feed all of them... weeping

i didnt realize that mu qing would still be around during this time.... god the fact that i know theyre all going to split......

“It’s precisely because it’s a time like this that money has to be brought up!” Mu Qing countered. “A time like this? What time is it? Time when we’re starving! It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to admit it, but nothing can be done without money! Can you both not just suck it up a little bit?” - mu qing i love you. god.... for real the fact that he comes from a completely different background than the other two is so important to his character and i think it shows so much in the way he continues to be in the present. he gives me the vibe of someone who is smart and hardworking but is bitter about it and tbh!!!! i get why he is!!! he’s very aware of these kinds of concerns bc he’s had to be, while the other two kind of think theyre above it and its a big difference between them. he’s still separated by the circumstances of his birth despite how much harder he’s worked to get to where he is.... ugh painful and delicious

i really am enjoying the xianle story tbh. xie lian going from his highness, favored by heaven, well-intentioned but lacking in experience and understanding to living in poverty and fighting with mortals who disrespect him. fucking delicious i mean this sincerely and respectfully im sad but i really like his character arc. and then to how he is in the present....

“Mu Qing looked at him, speaking not a word. Then he bowed deeply and really turned around to walk away.” - OH NO ITS HAPPENING AHHHHH ;_; honestly all of this hurts but it feels real like i think mu qing has every right to want to leave honestly and he DOES have other family and other ambitions outside of the trio... and i get why feng xin is mad about him wanting to leave when theyre suffering!! and i get why xie lian lets him go.... friendships are hard man and the pain of them splitting is rough!!!!

“Mu Qing’s departure had really shocked him to the core. First, he had never thought that someone so close would just up and leave. Second, Xie Lian had always believed in “forever”. For example, friends would always be friends forever; no betrayal, no deception, no breaking up. Perhaps there’d be times when they’d part, but it for sure wouldn’t be over reasons like “life is too horrible” - pain. just pain. same as above i get it but it hurts

“Xie Lian didn’t know too well just how much money would be considered normal when buying over ten lanterns, and he never looked at the price tag when he purchased things in the past.” - i feel bad kicking him while he’s down and he’s still trying to be kind even when it costs him but this is the first thing that came into my mind

but also oh?? spirits of soldiers from the battlefield you say?? hmmm i wonder... who.... could possibly be among them....

“If you remain forcibly, you won’t be able to rest in peace,” Xie Lian said. The nameless ghost didn’t seem to care. “I pray to never rest in peace.” -  i cant lie this legit gave me goosebumps lol

“Xie Lian himself was alright in suffering through it, since there were far too many other things to worry about. But his mother, who had lived a comfortable, luxurious life, when had she ever done such crude labour? But if the queen didn’t do this work herself, who else could take over?” - hmmmm!!! housekeeping!!!! it matters!!!! rich people dont appreciate how much until they have to do it themselves!!! but this still makes me sad

oh god THATS when they pawned hongjing?? with the king sick and mu qing leaving?? :(((( even more emotional about its appearances in the present day

“That passerby chuckled. “You don’t know? This is too exciting! The servant is beating the master!” - oh god the dramatic and ironic timing of it all

god..... this is just... a sad time....

“MU QING ISN’T LIKE YOU ALL. HE’S MY FRIEND, HE WOULD NEVER HELP YOU!!!” [cut to] “Those were the only words echoing in Xie Lian’s mind, but he couldn’t utter a single sound, and could only crazily grab at anything at his disposal to throw. He didn’t care who he was hurling at, either. Finally, Mu Qing couldn’t take this anymore, and he steeled his face as he swept his sleeves and left. Xie Lian panted harshly for a bit and fell back down, spacing out again.”- IM SAD!!!!!! tbh i wonder if on some level xie lian kind of felt like mu qing owed him? i know he said to forget about that stuff to both of them but its one thinig to say it and think you mean it and another to have to deal with it

white no-face what is your DEAL!! also all the little fire ghost bits im...

“After having exchanged so many words, Feng Xin finally got the gist of what had transpired. He widened his eyes and pointed at Mu Qing, unable to speak. A moment later, he bent down and grabbed a sack and flung it over, roaring. “SCRAM! SCRAM SCRAM SCRAM!” Mu Qing was hit in the face by the sacks of rice he brought and backed two steps away. All three of them in the house were panting harshly.” - this is it this is the part where i closed my laptop and said “noOOooOOOoooo” out loud to my room im so upset... and mu qing still tried to leave the rice even after the broom thing im ;_;

“Feng Xin was completely convinced that he would never do such a thing, but that was precisely why this had become the worst-case scenario!” - pain, suffering, dismay, etc

“Feng Xin continued, “If Your Highness thinks your life might be in danger, I can finish this for you, I won’t tell Her Majesty, haha.” - bless your heart for trying feng xin

“But it shouldn’t be like this. The Feng Xin of the past would have absolute faith in him no matter what! Even if there was only twenty percent doubt, it was still unbearable!” - AHHHHHHH okay idk if i really have much to say about their relationship other than im sad but IM SAD!!!!

the differences between feng xin and mu qing’s relationship with xie lian are so interesting. feng xin has clearly always idolized xie lian a lot while mu qing hasnt at least not in the same way and he seems like he has some resentment towards xie lian (thats how i read it anyway thats what i said about it at the beginning of book 2 and i think its understandable and can be a very real part of friendships) that feng xin doesnt and i just think thats neat!!

“He was firmly tied down upon the altar, that broken base of the statue under his body. There were many people squeezed below the altar, and pair after pair of round, unblinking eyes were watching him.” - hmmm dont think i like where this is going

“Yet, before he could finish, he realized that the white silk that he used to cover his face had been undone. In this moment, the thing that had him completely tied down was that exact white silk.” oh my god wait is this ruoye?? is ruoye that same ribbon???? ill cry

“The hand stained with blood, the one that ended a life, was immune to the Face Disease.” - ohhh shit okay. okay okay. okay. shit okay. i See now.... so if youre an innocent civilian the only way to escape this fate (and the faces are actually the souls of other innocent civilians) is to get rid of your innocence... and doesnt this disease not actually hurt its just horrific? god.............

“White No-Face pitied, “You think they don’t want to do it? Wrong, it’s not that they don’t want to, it’s solely because no one wants to be the first, that’s all.” - shut up!!! youre the one who created this situation dont fucking preach about the way you think the world is

“He forced down the mouthful of blood and hissed, “What are you laughing at? You think that you got what you wanted? This was all forced by you!” The ghost fire within the ghost’s hand flickered even more fiercely.” - yes exactly!!! you put people in extreme circumstances sometimes they do extreme things!! youve proved nothing!! god i do love when characters say exactly what im thinking. plus the first ones who caved were trying to save their child

“He felt that, if he was to let them do what they wanted, there was something in his heart that would never return to its original state.” - :( also i kind of feel that in my life sometimes and i just hope xie lian’s heart ends up in a state he’s happy with

“He didn’t dare to look at what had become of the person lying on the altar, because what laid there didn’t look human anymore.” AHHHHHH!!! :(((( i mean i get why this event is what made hc... level up??? thats not a good way to describe it fjasldkfjaslk but you know what i mean... that line about being powerless to help your beloved OOOOOOF

okay well finished that chapter im. pain. hmmm. pain. i dont know if i actually have any words rn lol but im gonna stop here for now

[peerless-soshi]

Hello from ao3!!! There's so many prompts and I can't decide what to choose haha I feel that your last chapt left me thirsty so maybe fengqing and 75/92???? And if you don't like writing this kind of stuff maybe xuexiao and 40/96? I'm so happy that you're still accepting those requests :) And good luck with your long stories!

Rules: Send me two (2) tropes from this list + a ship and I’ll describe how I’d combine them in the same story.  

XueXiao: Almost kiss +Scars 

A/N: Yes, I'm coming back to life after the long break (caused mostly by my new job). Although I have less time now, I'm really determined to go back to writing and post more frequently. Big thanks to Anon who was waiting... months... for this chapter :)

Trigger warnings: Xue Yang being a killer and a creep (he was), some disturbing imagination, death mentions

Xue Yang tiled the window. Yi City broke in; fresh wafts of morning flowed through the coffin house, dust piles falling from the windowsill and flitting in the somber daylight, then fading. Xue Yang forced himself to draw a breath. Finally. The air reeked of wet that was neither dew nor rain, but it felt clean, and swept away the stinky dead smell skulking in the corners. Xiao Xingcheng liked the coffin house to be tidy, even if taking care of it was an idle job, so Xue Yang decided to grab a cloth and dust a little more before daozhang’s waking up.

Really, he wasn’t good at this – at playing house, playing nice – but he followed Xiao Xingcheng’s advises like a good guy. A good listener, and a better liar. You raise early, prepare water to wash your face, then put on clothes and smiles, take a knife – to chop meat in dices, just like Little Blindy liked. Xue Yang lived a quiet life, a fox holed up in his burrow, but he couldn’t complain. His patience was sharpening claws, curled up in the winter sleep. And it was getting hungry.

Leaving the window wide open to let the air in, Xue Yang leaned against the frame to rest. There was no sound but the wind. Then his eyes narrowed: he could barely see the buildings, the mist like a curtain over them. Recently, it was becoming thicker and whiter, he noticed, as if snow fell in blinding flakes, swallowing Yi City whole. Xue Yang could almost imagine them catching in his eyelashes, blinding him. Why? The mist was everywhere, the cold was unbearable, and he was in the middle of it. A cold chill run through his spine; Xue Yang blinked, shivered, and stepped away from the window. It should’ve been warm, spring was almost there, but no, it was cold. Too cold. The fox slept for too long, the winter was so close. Goose-flesh covered his still bare arms and his fingers, hidden in glovers and now cracked with cold, clenched on his wrists.

Waiting made him uneasy: he was waiting for warm, waiting for revenge, waiting all the time, waiting for Xiao Xingcheng, waiting…

Suddenly, someone shifted behind him.

"Who?” Xue Yang glanced back with some caution, but his face revealed nothing. The next moment, his heartbeat slowed down. “Daozhang. Did I wake you up?”

Xiao Xingchen slowly rose, sitting straight in the provisional bed made out of the coffin. His blindfold was awry in a morning disarray. “Don’t worry about it.” A smile. “It’s morning already?” A laugh.

A life.

Xue Yang remained silent. He was struck by how white Xiao Xingcheng looked in the morning: pale like rice paper, as easy to rip up, with just a few soft strokes of black hair and a thin line of a smile. His skin seemed to glow against the dark coffin wood and it was nothing like snow. More like a painting. Drop by drop, the snow melted and gave way to the warmth of Xiao Xingcheng’s voice.

“Hello?” he said,“What is going on?”

“It’s nothing.”

“What time is it?” Xiao Xingcheng repeated.

“Quite early.” Xue Yang finally said. He tried for a normal tone, a careless tone, not sure if it worked. “Sorry for the noise, daozhang, I only wanted to air the room. The hinges squeak, we should get new ones. Maybe we’ll go to the town later?”  

Xiao Xingcheng nodded but said nothing, then turned his non-existing eyes to Xue Yang. “Is everything all right, my friend?

“Of course,” he replied fast. Too fast? Clearing his throat, he realized how stiff he was. “Why does daozhang ask?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“It’s quiet outside,” Xiao Xingcheng said.“Nobody’s there?”

Xue Yang shrugged, then remembering that daozhang couldn’t see it added, “Maybe they’re afraid after that fierce corpses’ attacks. Who can understand stupid villagers…? Uneducated villagers,” he corrected himself. “They have their own superstitions, I won’t keep up with them.”

The whole city lived on things that Xiao Xingcheng didn’t know. But maybe he didn’t want to know. And fine, him and Xue Yang could be alone, and feared. It’s much better to be hated for what you are than loved for what’re not, Xue Yang lied to himself.

Xiao Xingcheng seemed to look at him through the bandage. “Where is A-Qing? She’s not there?”

“I don’t know,” Xue Yang whispered. “I think she’s playing with the boys again. So ungraceful. But everything’s fine. Can’t you see it, daozhang?” he asked. A little of the laughter rang in his breath. “Stupid question. I guess you can’t.”

As he grinned roguishly, he was rewarded by a gale of laugh. “You devilish friend.” Xiao Xingcheng gave him a face of good-natured scorn, checking the blindfold. “One day I’ll have enough of your jokes, so watch out.”

“Perhaps, but today is not that day.”

With a quick flick, Xue Yang closed the window and turned again to Xiao Xingcheng. Gray light deepened to darkness. He reached for a candle; the fire grew up on the cusp of wax and the air warmed, and became dense. Outside the cold was rising; inside the scent of death, sickening and old, wrapped around Xue Yang like a balm. He walked to Xiao Xingcheng, black shadows on all sides. 

“It’s still early. Go back to sleep.” His quiet voice dropped lower and his smile drained out of it like wine from a bottle. “You don't have to worry, daozhang. I'll take care of it, you just rest.”

But Xiao Xingcheng would not listen. He raised his head, higher, thinking about something Xue Yang couldn’t see. At least he stood up, letting his long sleeves to flutter like wings.

“Daozhang!”

“I don’t like it. Stay here, please,” Xiao Xingcheng said, more gently then he should. “Something must have happened in the city. I’ll go and check.”

“Stop it.You stay here, I’ll go and see if everything’s fine.”

“Thank you, my friend, but are you able to do it?” Xiao Xingcheng whispered a question. “Those villagers are counting on me, I can’t leave them alone.”And he read the answer in Xue Yang’s trembling hands. “You wouldn’t go, but it doesn’t matter. This is why I need to. Take care of yourself.”

The sudden realization stabbed, sharp. Xiao Xingcheng would never have come back if he had left now. He’d never have come back to Xue Yang if he had heard stories of fierce corpses… and if he had seen the truth… or half-the-truth… or Song Lan… and if…

Noticing that Xiao Xingcheng was holding his hand, Xue Yang pushed him, but almost immediately grabbed his arm and forcibly seat him in the coffin. He didn’t understand it, but daozhang’s voice sounded different than it did before. Somebody had lit a flame between sentences, started a fire. All of sudden, a smell of thousand dead bodies enveloped the room. It was strong. How many people had died here? The candle flame quivered, and Xue Yang’s heart became heavy. His grip strengthened.

“Just sleep, daozhang,” he said, his lips by Xiao Xingcheng’s ear. “Why won’t you sleep? I don’t want you to go.”

“Didn’t you ask me to wake up?” he replied. “What are you going to do now?”

Xue Yang stopped. He felt stupid. He wanted to tell Xiao Xingcheng to be silent, but instead he thought “stay”. Xue Yang craved Xiao Xingcheng to stay; to lie, to fill him with words and never speak again. To be here, and to die, but not really, just a little. He could do it, have Xiao Xingcheng all to himself.

Xue Yang’s body was very close to his now, almost too close, and his hands weren’t gentle, weren’t careful. Xue Yang was still holding Xiao Xingcheng and before he knew, he used all his strength to push him down. The wood under them cracked. This picture – Xiao Xingcheng sleeping in the coffin, cladded from head to toe in washed white like in a funeral robe – it seemed familiar, and Xue Yang knew it was wrong. In another world, he would relive the scene again and again and again: laying daozhang down, washing his face, brushing his hair. The air reeked of wet that was neither dew nor rain. It wasn’t water, it was blood. But the picture turned watercolor hazy, the borders blurred. Maybe Yi City has really made him blind?

It wasn’t time for this. Not now. Xue Yang released Xiao Xingcheng’s shoulders and moved to his hair, then neck, to the soft skin he was still afraid to explore. The light of the candle painted strange patterns on Xiao Xingcheng’s face – he was the work of art, white paper instead of white mist. Xue Yang’s breathing, close to daozhang’s ear, was strangely irregular. He smiled at that. This breathing was out of rhythm, strained, as if he was holding something back, something violent. What a lovely feeling it was.

And then, there was something like a click. Like a flash of light. Xue Yang’s lips were so close to his that he brushed them while speaking. “I just want you to belong to me.”

Somewhere in his head a tiny voice said, what are you doing? Get hold of yourself. Xue Yang ignored that voice, but before they locked in a kiss, daozhang stopped him.

“No, Xue Yang. You can’t do that,” he said, his voice veiled in a quiet reprimand.

“Why?” Xue Yang’s fingers once again tightened on the edges of the coffin. “Can you stop me? Can you forbid me? Can you push me away? I’ll tell you: you are not strong enough to take care of yourself, Xiao Xingcheng, and you’re dreaming of giving orders to me?”

He bent down again, tried to swallow. For a moment, each breathed the other’s breath. But the instant was over and Xue Yang realized he didn’t have a taste of daozhang’s breathing: there were no leaves and trees and no cold frost on his tongue. There was nothing. Because daozhang wasn’t breathing.

A line like spider-silk showed between Xiao Xingcheng’s brows. “I’m not the one who’s dreaming.” He shook his head slowly. “You should wake up, Xue Yang. I’m dead.”

Yes, his mind yelled, That’s right.

“No,” his lips whispered. “It's not true!”

Xiao Xingcheng was talking to him again, as if from behind a wall, words Xue Yang didn’t grasp the meaning of. He just stepped away, tripping over his own feet, and falling. That was the moment he knew, there is no going back. Everything had been lost. Xue Yang was nothing but a bundle of stupid, helpless despair, kneeling on the floor of the empty coffin house like in an absurd prayer. Everything had happened so quickly, much too quickly. He had no control. And he remembered, of course.

“Xiao Xingcheng! Xiao Xingcheng!” Xue Yang called, reaching for the hands that were too cold. “Come back, Xiao Xingcheng! Can you hear me? XIAO XINGCHENG!”

It wasn’t meant to be like this. Did it have to be like that? It didn’t. It should. Those thoughts were weighing on his mind.

Xue Yang wasn’t sure how long he’d been cowering on the floor. A long time. He heard the wailing wind again. Apart of that, he heard nothing. There was nobody in the coffin house. He was alone. No Xiao Xingcheng’s voice. Just himself… and the memory of what had happened.

When Xue Yang lifted his head, everything was almost dark. The candle burned out. But even now, his eyes fell on the long scar crossing Xiao Xingcheng’s neck – deep, irregular, and buried under the clean bandages. He had exposed it earlier, as he had been running his hand through Xiao Xingcheng’s hair. Once again, he was struck by how white Xiao Xingcheng looked: pale like a corpse, and nothing like snow.  

Of course.

Finally, he got up and walked over to the coffin. This time, he ignored the lips and kissed only the ugly, ugly scar.

 I am no longer here.

However, the body lying in the wooden coffin was the greatest evidence that Xiao Xingcheng was lying. Oh no, he was still there. Xue Yang grabbed a cloth to dust a little more before daozhang’s waking up. Xiao Xingcheng liked the coffin house to be tidy, even if taking care of it was an idle job.

[mousehole5000]

 this is it... the final post.... 226 through THE END!!!!!

this shit with mu qing and the river of lava is SOOOO dramatic im loving it

oh my god theyre on a FUCKING bridge of course they are okay let’s go boys

“You’re right. We’re alike. You think me odd, I think you to be rather weird too.” - so what im getting from this is that xie lian and mu qing are the only characters in this book with working gaydar okay yup got it this checks out

god... the fact that xie lian is ready to be like “look mu qing we can just forget about the past it doesnt matter we dont have to be friends i know you dont like me but im not gonna let you die over it” and then mu qing is like “.... god i really do admire you huh”

“You...certainly...are rather amazing. You’re...also...a better person...than me. Long story short, I...very much wanted...to become your f-f-friend.”  - going to think about this for the rest of all time im about to become utterly unintelligible im overcome with emotions

“And, at the end of the white silk band, Feng Xin was gripping Ruoye with one hand while the other was holding on to a steel-faced Mu Qing, and he shouted towards him.” - the fucking IMAGE of this im gonna cry this is everything i could have asked for im so happy also mu qing dangling there like “ welp. guess ill live“

“Feng Xin was almost burnt by that pillar of fire, and he shouted in outrage. “WHAT’S WITH THIS BAND OF DOG SHITS, ATTACKING PEOPLE WHILE THEY’RE DOWN, SO VILE! FUCK YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY!” Xie Lian responded, “IF THEIR ENTIRE FAMILIES ALL LOOK LIKE THAT, YOU SURE YOU WANT TO FUCK THEM??” - theyre so funny!!! and theyre best friends!!! theyre joking together now in the middle of all this i could cry theyre back!!!

“Using sticks as arrows, he held the bow with one hand and used his teeth to bite back the bowstring.” - no clue how practical this is but okay archer boy. hot

i actually have so many little quips between the three of them highlighted but we’d be here all night if i included them all. im literally so delighted by this omg worth the wait

“Each sabre strike slashed to the bone. It wasn’t like Xie Lian had never seen Hua Cheng use the sabre before in the past, but his style had always been easy and leisurely, nonchalant and casual. Rather than say he was handling a weapon, it was more like he was toying with a small knife. Yet those blade marks were filled with killing intent. It was easy to imagine just how skilled the one exchanging blows with him was, and how perilous this battle.” you have no idea how mad i was when i read this and thought we missed witnessing the fight between hc and jw omg

“Behind him, Feng Xin muttered, “Dear fucking god, may all the gods and buddhas grant their blessings, that better absolutely be Crimson Rain Sought Flower, otherwise he’s gonna go mad!” “Stop your rubbish,” Mu Qing berated. “We’re all the gods and buddhas ourselves and we can’t grant shit, just keep up with him! Look at the stumbling way he’s running, he’s gonna trip and fall to his bloody death before he even sees the man!” - okay i know i said no more quips but this is literally too funny i just wanted to read it again

“ However, for whatever reason, that vicious ghost, in its muddled state, took that large group of live mortals under its wing and fled for many days. In the end, they were still surrounded by millions of ghosts, trapped in a dead end, and it was going to be eaten along with those humans.” [...] “That vicious ghost almost made a move against those humans, but for some reason, in the end, it didn’t. It instead used one of its own eyes as the price to forge a blood weapon. That vicious ghost was already forcibly hanging on with its last breath; after digging out its eye it should’ve broken apart completely. Yet somehow something had shocked it, and it instead woke to its senses completely. “ - THIS IS AMAZING ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? IS THIS ALL WE GET ABOUT HIS GHOSTLY LORE?????? HUA CHENGGGGGGGG

“What a terrible offence, his old habit had come out, and he quickly apologized. “I’m sorry! You don’t have to listen to me!” Hua Cheng, however, only smiled happily. “Everything gege tells me is the best advice, so why wouldn’t I listen?” - this isnt the fucking time afjdkfjsdkl they really never stop

“So you can hold the illusion of a perfect Crown Prince of Wuyong to face and dismiss the Jun Wu now. Isn’t that your objective? Did you think I don’t know what you’re thinking?” “THAT’S NOT IT!” Guoshi cried. “Stop getting tied up in right and wrong, victories and defeat, I’VE NEVER THOUGHT THAT WAY BEFORE!” - jun wu only being able to see xie lian as his successor and believing that thats all anyone else sees too... okay

honestly this whole final showdown was a blast i cant put everything in but it was so much fun to read. the DRAMA the LAVA the SHOUTING t

“Hua Cheng had poured too much spiritual power into him. There really was too much, so much that it was completely outside the amount the cursed shackle could withstand.” - okay.... okay... the love you give will set you free... okay....

“With Jun Wu in his grip, he carried both their bodies and forcefully slammed into the incomparably-solid rock wall! He used all of his power in this smash, and in the rumbling and crashing of rocks, he also heard the sound of something breaking.” [...] “A moment later, Jun Wu suddenly asked, “That move. What is it called?” “...” Xie Lian raised his sleeve and wiped away the blood on the side of his face. “Shattering boulders on the chest.” YES!!!!! YES!!!!! xie lian actually lived that life!!!!!! i loved this detail so much

“After a moment of silence, Xie Lian took off the bamboo hat carried on his back, took it in his hand, and covered it over Jun Wu’s face.” - xie lian... good... another detail i love. a hat that protects from the rain, given in a moment of need, even to someone who has caused you hardship... we do not forget the kindness granted to us

“There was gratefulness, there was shame, there was heartache, there was wild joy, but above all else, there was incurable love.” - :pleading: i wish it was just that easy tbh. “i have to tell you about the worst parts of myself” “ive already seen them and i dont care i still love you“ truly the dream

“ It’s been so long since anyone listened to me talk, won’t you stay? Don’t...actually do this. I won’t be able to take it. Twice, it’s been twice already! I really don’t want there to be a third time!!!” - the bit about just wanting someone to listen to him talk... xie lian... :(

emily corpse bride moment.... i knew it had to happen.... butterflies.... death and rebirth.... inevitable

xianle trio bickering about ruoye..... mu qing complaining but not letting anyone else fix it... im so happy

“The Rain Master sat down on the spot, looking like she was going to perform a passing service for her. After all, Xuan Ji was the only one left of the Kingdom of Yushi besides herself.”  - xuan ji you sure the hell were... a character. this little moment tho..... yushi huang... many thoughts

“ Who hasn’t made promises, or swore to the mountains and the seas when they were young? Talking of affection, of love, of forevers. But, the longer I hang around in the world, the more I understand, something like ‘forever’ is impossible. It’s never going to be possible. Having it once was already good enough. No one can truly achieve it. I don’t believe in it anymore.” - jian lan im happy for you bummer it didnt work out with feng xin but yeah that was looooong ago. also this quote me same mood kin but its chill. having it once was already good enough

although yeah tbh if theres anyone who can have a forever like that... it would be a ghost and a god

fasdfjadklfj GOD... pour one out for ling wen.. but is that not the truth of this world? the one can be pardoned for being good at paperwork that no one else wants to do? isnt that the plot of the shawshank redemption?

okay but the fact that all xie lian’s friends come to visit him while he waits for hua cheng is making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.... fengqing coming together to try to get him out of the house but get scared off by his cooking... amazing

“Last time, they spent eight hundred years running towards each other. This time, it only took an instant to fall into each other’s embrace.” - im completely unaffected by this. im not lying i swear (i am lying im very emotionally affected)

okay i love this final wrap up chapter party its so fun. mu qing moving on from the broom thing!!! good for him!! the beggars get their reward!!! the fun ghost city chefs!! SQX!!!! and he xuan is?? here too??? he’s hungry??? fjadlkfjsdl

“The grounds that Feng Xin and Mu Qing had just swept were once again filthy from that giant crowd of muddy feet. Mu Qing gripped his broom, looking like he felt someone had infected him with fleas, and his eyes were wide.” - me when my dad comes into the kitchen when ive just finished washing dishes i get it king

the little folklore bit... fun!!! oh my god its over..... :(

that was really fun i had a blast reading it and on the whole really liked it i WISH soo badly that hua cheng had gotten more outside of being cunty and devoted even tho those are both important i just wish there was more about like how he got by during those 800 years and like did he ever have doubts? what shaped his worldview was it all xie lian or was it his experience as a mortal as well? why is he so mean to e’ming? theres bits and pieces here and there and i know it was already SO long but that really would have been great if there was more about hc cuz tbh by the end, at least for me, the hualian relationship didnt actually feel as fleshed out as the xianle trio relationship like i still liked hualian’s dynamic and it was really sweet how much they clearly really liked each other and  everything but i kind of wish some of the other subplots had been dropped or diminished in favor of more hc development i think that would have been cool

but anyway thats some of my thoughts and i really did enjoy the hell out of book 5 that was a riot and uhhh thanks to everyone who read these or commented *lends you spiritual energy through a high five*

[peerless-soshi]

Oh that's great, thanks for the reply :) Btw I'm that xiyao enthusiast from ao3 and I was wondering if you'd like to write something for my other less popular ships. So maybe 70/76 with fengqing or 41/94 for quanyin?

Rules: Send me two (2) tropes from this list + a ship and I’ll describe how I’d combine them in the same story.   

QuanYin: First kiss +  Hair Brushing/Braiding 

Quan Yi Zhen hesitated, eyes dropping. Weird. He wasn’t sure what to do. Weird. He wasn’t sure what to do when shixong screamed at him, circled the room few times like a wind-up toy with no will in its moves, then sat down to get up again, cradling head in his hands. It was all too weird. He wasn’t used to seeing shixong lost, and the rareness of this situation made Quan Yi Zhen even more confused.  

“Shixiong?”

“Why?” Yin Yu snapped. “Why did you save me? Why are you so stubborn?!”

Quan Yi Zhen understood one thing. Shixiong wasn’t happy about awakening in the Martial Palace of the West at all.

He was, in fact, angry. Very angry. His crossed arms and frown lines were giving a message: stay away from me.

It was like this: after he saved Yin Yu’s soul, Quan Yi Zhen lived on efforts, for years probably, to preserve his shixiong’s last breath and bring him back to life. None of gods knew why, or how, he was trying but who cares as long as shixiong came back.

Then it was like this: he made a choice to watch over Yin Yu’s body by himself. That demon – Red Rain Demon or something, he didn’t bother to remember stupid things – offered to help, but Quan Yi Zhen refused. No, it couldn’t be. He wouldn’t give up on Yin Yu, even if Yin Yu wished to hate him in return. It was fine. And for once, Quan Yi Zhen was patient. So patient. There had to be something, one thing, anything he could do to reward shixiong for all the moments when he had been irritating, disappointing, troublesome, himself…

And finally, it was like this: the Red Demon gave Quan Yi Zhen some advice as the nice prince followed them, an indulgent smile on his lips. Quan Yi Zhen liked him – sometimes the prince smiled just like shixiong. One of the things the Red Demon recommended was infusions, the other was pills bracing the spiritual energy, and then energy transmission… Quan Yi Zhen listened, and memorized. He could say that the prince was worried, but the vision of saving Yin Yu stole his attention away. Besides, could it be important?

“Yi Zhen?”

He bounced back to reality really fast. Yin Yu straightened, and Quan Yi Zhen saw him clearly. His face was exhausted and red, and his dark hair stuck to his brow in a sweat-damp strands. He looked a good deal older than before.

“Why?” Yin Yu repeated, slower this time. “You shouldn’t…” He cleared his throat. “I said what I had to say, and I did what I had to do. Things between us were over. But as usual, you had to interfere and…” His voice was hoarse with indignation, but not yet stripped of… gratitude, was it? Or shame?

Quan Yi Zhen was out of sorts. Their last conversation didn’t end well, this one was also swinging over a cliff. The art of speaking was one of many things shixiong had attempted to teach him, and had failed miserably. He couldn’t look into shixiong’s eyes, so he glimpsed the ajar window, and espied the darkening sky, dense and gravid with rain. It made him feel they were inside of storm even before the first drop burst forth. Thunders afar off, shixiong’s calm yet thunderous words in the room. After the battle with Jun Wu, they had taken the occasional black sky for a coincidence, because why wouldn’t they? Later they realized that without the emperor, the heaven was crumbling. Sometimes there were rain clouds, humid and lazy, and sometimes airy tufts of white snow shifting into flurries.  

“Shixiong…” Quan Yi Zhen started, uncertain. And paused.

He felt a sudden stab of doubt: he couldn’t do it alone. What? What should he say for shixiong to stay? In the back of his head, his brain stopped and declined. Stupid brain. Stupid him. But he bit his lip and said what first came to his mind, “Shidi likes.”

Yin Yu’s eyes narrowed now, and a question reflected in them. “What do you like?”

“Shixiong!” Quan Yi Zhen responded. Is there any sense to ask such question? It sounded like there was something else worth liking beside shixiong.  

Yin Yu stared at him. He shook his head in disbelief. “What did you just say?”

“Shixiong.”

“No, before that!”

“Shidi!” he said. And suddenly, it was as though his entire head was filled with emotions, all fear and blame, and if he didn’t shout it out he would explode. “Shidi likes shixiong! So shixiong, don’t be mad at me! Your shidi knows he’s incompetent and stupid, but without you, everything is even more stupid. Everyone else is stupid, heaven is stupid, your shidi is stupid, even fighting is stupid! Shidi is sorry, shixiong…” He turned to take a bow on the ground so violently that he hit his head, saw a burst of colorful sparks, left a crack on the floor and gave shixiong a little heart attack. The floor can be repaired. Then he folded his hands and went on, “Shixiong, please come back to your shidi. I can’t do anything without you. They make me do a lot of things that I don’t understand!”

If Yin Yu was shaking his head before, now his head looked like a windmill blow away in a storm; moving so fast it was one step away from breaking. Quickly, he ran to Quan Yi Zhen and knelt down beside him, putting hand on his shoulder. “What are you doing!? Get up now!”

“Shidi is sorry.”

There was a twist of uncontrolled worry on Yin Yu’s face, and when he realized it, his previous anger trailed off, then disappeared. He put Quan Yi Zhen on his feet, tenderly – he couldn’t help himself – and checked the scratch on his forehead. His finger was familiar, the pinching wound as well. So much like an older brother in cultivation, Quan Yi Zhen thought. As thought this gesture withdrew time, Quan Yi Zhen raised his head obediently, smiled, and he was a disciple again. And he was happier.

Yin Yu looked less happy. When he made sure Quan Yi Zhen was fine, his eyes flickered towards his clothes. He let out a huff of resignation. “Do you know how do you look like?”

Quan Yi Zhen knew what his shixiong saw: messy hair, dirty inner robes, the armor abandoned… somewhere. Quan Yi Zhen wasn’t sure where he had left it. His mind had been wrought with more important matters, so he couldn’t even recall the last time he had brushed his hair. As if to confirm his thoughts, Yin Yu reached out and picked a dry leaf out of a thicket of Quan Yi Zhen’s curls.

“You didn’t notice it?” he said, holding it up to show off its withered colors.

Truthfully, Quan Yi Zhen shrugged.

Yin Yu’s mouth actually fell open when he saw his shidi’s answer, but then his head hung. Impossible. It was impossible to expect more from Quan Yi Zhen. He was honest, and he was hated for it. He felt too free with himself to let others control him. And he was a little puppy lost in a big forest: he had his own world, so every step deeper into the brake of heavenly requirements made him undaunted, wilder, astray, and added more leaves to his hair.

“Sit down,” Yin Yu said, pointing slowly to the empty chair standing in the corner. His eyes stayed on it. The chair was brought here for Quan Yi Zhen to watch over him at nights. “Give me a comb. I can’t leave you like that.”

Quan Yi Zhen followed his instructions happily, fire in his soul; when he rushed out the room, he didn’t bother with opening the door but kicked it instead. It was so swift – a whistle of air and the hinges swayed and squeaked like black trees dancing outside. He made it in a second and he was back, sitting in an overly upright pose. Yin Yu walked up with a comb in his hair.

“You’re still such a child, Yi Zhen,” he said. It seemed as if he wanted to stroked Quan Yi Zhen’s head, a force of habit, but hesitated. There was his secret shame, and it has kept him away from shidi. “Do you even understand what you said earlier?” A small sigh escaped him. “Why do I ask? Of course you don’t understand. Talking about liking like a child… You must grow up and represent the heaven with dignity. It’s… your role now.”

“I don’t want it. And I like you.”

“Stop it,” Yin Yu said.

His tone was blunt, but it didn’t go hand in hand with his gestures. Quan Yi Zhen let his hair grow even longer once he had been left surrounded by worries, and it was wild and heavy now. Yin Yu gave it a little thought before he split his hair into thinner strands. The comb in his hand wailed, resisting.

They sank into silence filled by only comb strokes. There were so many things Quan Yi Zhen wanted to say, but even someone like him felt the weight of this moment and held his tongue. He only thought it was pleasant. A second or two it rested there: shixiong’s gentle hands, the feeling of being both seen and cherished. He had people who would help him. Sort of. But he didn’t want them, and they didn’t want him. Now his mouth curled with relief.

Yin Yu broke the silence first. “Again, I owe you something.”

“Me?” Quan Yi Zhen asked. “It is shidi who pays his debt. You saved my life. But even if you hadn’t saved me, shidi would have still tried to help shixiong.”

“Have you ever thought that I don’t want your help?”

“No?” Quan Yi Zhen said, sincerity in his voice.

Yin Yu didn’t answer, so he continued.

“Shixiong always said that shidi is irresponsible. Now I understand it and I’m taking responsibility for my actions. I brought shixiong back.”

“If you understood anything, you would take care of heaven’s issues, not me.”

“Shixiong is more important.”

“And that is why you’re such a child! Nothing can be more important than heaven to you!” Yin Yu growled in quiet ire.

He pulled too hard, and a small curl of hair stayed on the comb. Quan Yi Zhen hissed, unintentionally, and turned, rubbing his head. It wasn’t mean to be like this. No. He didn’t want to upset shixiong right after his awakening.

Yin Yu froze. There was an irritated sign, and a blush crossing his face. “You have no idea how many thoughts can appear in your head before… leaving. I don’t want to blame you, so…”

As he said it, Yin Yu’s eyes fell on Quan Yi Zhen’s face. What he found was, just like on that memorable day, the taste of tears and panic dancing on the surface of his gaze. Quan Yi Zhen looked terrible – thought, this “terrible” was still on the line of a childish call, so innocent, so colliding with their situation. Then a lightning struck, shaking the palace walls.

Yin Yu gestured to the window. “What’s going on here?”

“Everything goes bad without the emperor. The power in heaven is not stable,” Quan Yi Zhen explained, not hiding the bored tone of repeating after someone.

“And you decided to waste your time on me?”

Yin Yu laughed bitterly, but he bent over Quan Yi Zhen’s hair again, now combing it gently with his fingers. Quan Yi Zhen could feel him combing out knots when the teeth of the comb refused to cooperate, stuck between the curls like in a crown of tree. He was slow; one hair after the another, patiently, with care…

Quan Yi Zhen closed his eyes. “Wasted? What are you talking about? Shixiong knows best what to do. Who is as responsible as you?”

Yin Yu shook his head. He tried to stay teacher-patient, but it wasn’t easy. “I am a fallen god. I can’t help you. Just leave me alone and focus on your duties.”

“I don’t want duties. I want to be with you!”

Yin Yu let out a small breath. “Not everyone deserves what they want. Time to understand it.”

A chill snacked up Quan Yi Zhen’s spine. Piercing, so reminding. He thought again of the day shixiong was exiled, of laughs, and nights spent on empty sleeping. “No,” he said simply. “Nobody deserves this position more than shixiong.”

Yin Yu ignored him completely. He weighed Quan Yi Zhen’s hair in his hands and let it go. More pleased with his work, he wove a single long braid.  

“Old days are gone. Nothing will change that. Besides, how do you imagine it? I am banished.”

Quan Yi Zhen’s eyes finally sparkled. “There is no emperor! Nobody can tell you to leave!”

He turned to face Yin Yu, his shoulders straight and hands clasped in his lap. His whole figure seemed to vibrate, like ignited, and Yin Yu looked dazzled by his smile. This enthusiasm was catching. It passed from his skin to Yin Yu’s when he grabbed shixiong’s wrist and stood up.

“You can stay here. That prince is here too, right?”

Yin Yu just looked at him blankly. “He worked for it. I don’t even have spiritual power.”

“I can help!”

The chain of events that followed that confession appeared to go together with the storm that surprised them. It was as strong, it was like bathing in icy rain: brought a shiver, quickened breathing. Quan Yi Zhen seized Yin Yu by his collar and yanked his face towards his. He struggled, but Quan Yi Zhen hold on, mashing their lips together in what looked less like kissing and more like… punching teeth.

Though shock should hit like a blow, in this case it crept over Yin Yu slowly as he made sense of what happened. Then he gasped and staggered back, glaring and weeping his month.

“What is… you…” he stutterer. “No! What was that?”

Oh. Quan Yi Zhen’s face heated. He guessed that shixiong was mad again, and he made a vague gesture, something on the verge of shrugging. “The transmission of spiritual energy.”

“This? This was just- Who told you that nonsense?!” Yin Yu shouted, clearly lost for his words.

Quan Yi Zhen’s brow creased. “That red demon and the prince. No, wait. Was it Old Pei?”

The Red Demon had recommended transmitting spiritual energy as one of the most reliable methods. Quan Yi Zhen put much effort in it and felt pretty proud. All of the times to fail, did he make a mistake now?

Yin Yu made a noise that sounded like the verbal equivalent of dying. “Chengzhu. Why?” he cried and looked at Quan Yi Zhen. “Just… don’t do it again.”

“Why?” Quan Yi Zhen wrinkled his nose. “I did something wrong?”

“You didn’t even put spiritual energy into it.”

But the rest of his words drowned in the sounds of attempted not-kisses, raindrops, thunders and screams I can help you.