#took the ride or die seriously LMAOOOOO

[goldenfoxthe1st]

do you think wukong killed macaque not because he tortured tripitaka (though that plays a factor) but because he never came to try to rescue or even see him in the 500 years he was under the mountain and considered it a betrayal?

[sunshinexlollipops]

This might be a quick little ask about ACW but I was wondering-- when did Wolf and Arthur fall in love with each other? Like it took them a while to realize/accept/voice what they felt and they did this for most of the fic, but I was specifically wanting to know (pre-Fleur//Joseph) at what point they fell in love with each other time wise? I’m dying to know when they caught feelings!!!! Thx!

Oh anon. You’re after my heart with this question. Seriously vying for my affections. Stop being a tease!

Still, I adore this question because ohmygodness this leads to some quality content right here.

So, I’ll break it down into two parts: one for Wolf and the other for Arthur, so you can see at what point they started to really feel what they do for each other (whether they realized or not).

Wolf

I really feel like Wolf started to fall in love with Arthur in Colter. She had some attraction to him at first (can you blame her?), but there’s a difference between that and affection. You can ride a horse, but can you cherish it? 🥺

While they had their hiccups over Wolf’s intent to do more than wash laundry in camp, Arthur truly solidified himself by her side whenever Wolf wanted to confront Francis in Blackwater, right before the ferry job went south. Particularly after Wolf shoots Francis dead and gets stabbed in the thigh by him, and Arthur has to get her out of town on D’or after he tragically loses Boadicea.

Wolf realizes then that his commitment to help her with Francis after discovering what he did to her father, and then getting her out of town safely with her injuries that Arthur cares about her as more than just a damsel in distress he spared some kindness for. He wanted to make sure she was safe and that she wasn’t going to end up regretting what she did or that she would die for her decisions.

Specifically, though, to pinpoint the exact moment that Wolf begins to feel more than just a spark between them, I focus on the moment in which Arthur is getting up onto his Walker in Colter, and Wolf looks up at him.

The sun is shining, catching on the outlaw and framing him in golden light. And Wolf just stops and her breath catches and all she can do is go “oh.”

I think that’s the exact moment that Wolf realized: huh... this guy... there’s something to him yet.

But I also love their conversation after the ferry job in Blackwater when they’re sitting on the bed and Wolf talks to Arthur about killing Francis. Despite knowing he deserved it, Wolf still feels some guilt, and mostly because she put Arthur in a tight spot and harms way, and also caused him to lose Boadicea (in her mind).

I also think of when the gang first arrives in Horseshoe, and Arthur brings Wolf a beer to share with him as they sit on the back of a wagon right after they get there. I really enjoyed the optimism and hope they shared then. So tender!

Arthur

Arthur is a bit trickier (just because we don’t have his POV— I say this, but just wait till the next update!), but I would say that his in a way has been gradual in some and instant in others.

Arthur has always been trying to shield Wolf from the world, or sometimes herself, because he knows what it’s like to have someone take everything you love away from you and being so blind with rage that you will ruin what’s left to try and get even.

He’s always attempted to ground Wolf and give her something to hold onto after what little life she had was taken from her, and she was thrown into a world she had no experience with and didn’t understand.

So really, he always been soft for Wolf. Always.

However, to pinpoint the moment he feels something more for her?

My gut tells me that Arthur probably felt something with Wolf the moment he saw her in front of her cabin, right in front of her father’s freshly dug grave.

He’s found her at her lowest, and he was expected to take her even lower still. Apart from having some heart, I think that Arthur’s main reason for being unable to do anything other than offer Wolf a second chance within the gang is that he could never bring himself to hurt her or do so wrong by her. He just isn’t capable.

I think a seed was planted then, but it sprouted over time.

The exact moment something broke the soil was when Wolf went after Benedict Albright upon finding his bounty in Valentine. He could see the hurt in her, the one that still lingered after her father, and of course, he couldn’t let her go on her own without making sure she was safe and that her grief didn’t consume her.

However, I truly think of when Albright grabs ahold of Wolf and pulls her over the cliff’s edge to fall into the river.

Arthur. Lost. His. Shit.

I’m talking this is one of the few times Arthur loses his cool and he panics.

He literally jumps onto Albright’s horse and immediately begins to give chase to try and save Wolf. Blackwater doesn’t come close to how she could’ve easily died, and Arthur couldn’t process that.

But it was after pulling her from the water, tending to her and keeping Wolf warm that I think Arthur probably started to truly feel something (without realizing).

Especially when he comes up behind Wolf and braces her back, and lets her fall asleep in his arms.

But when his love blossomed for me is narrowing down to their drunken night with Lenny. More so, when he lays under that tree outside Valentine with Wolf after their night of drunken shenanigans.

Arthur may not “remember” it, but it’s when he looks to Wolf and asks why she isn’t married and he doesn’t understand anything about someone not wanting her.

Because he does. Oh he does. And he’s drunk and he’s trying to figure out what that means but right now he just wants to know if there’s a possibility she could want him too.

And they almost kiss for the first time (pre-Fleur and Joseph ofc) and Arthur is just like: oh shit, this is something, isn’t it?

I think it sunk in for him after he sobered up, but didn’t begin to realize what he felt until Wolf found the necklace (edit: wtf I put broach I’m so sorry I was typing this at work and I’m exhausted lmaooooo) in the fence outside Rhodes, and then it was just confirmed.

I love her, and I always have.

And now here we are!

God. Love these two idiots pining for each other. God damn. My jam!

Thanks so much for this ask, anon! Was a fun one to answer! :)

[honghuas]

thoughts on 211-216 . it’s a super long post because i was pretty behind ! 

“Wait!” Shi Qing Xuan called out, “Hua Chengzhu says you tell those usel… those martial gods to hide themselves and heal on their own; you’d be seeking your own deaths if you try to break out under Jun Wu’s hands.”

ADGSG SQX ALMOST SAYING VERBATIM ‘USELESS GODS’ oh HC you really hate them hahahahaha

Shi Qing Xuan replied, “Uuhh, umm, that San Lang of yours looks really scary right now…

h- i’m slightly spooked that xl is crawling in this underground tunnel and notices he’s not alone no wonder hc is reaaaally concerned fdhhdh

No wonder RuoYe couldn’t fight back; it was scared of being tied into a dead knot the most. In the past, before it wised up it liked to wrap itself around mindlessly to play, and as it played it’d pile itself into a mess of dead knots, and it was Xie Lian who’d exasperatedly untie him every time. Later, it learned to be good, smarter, and had never knotted itself dead again.

oh..... 😔 haha when ur suici.de cloth is afraid of deathknots....i’m emo

Jun Wu continued, “You’ve come from a renowned household, an orthodox clan that never traversed the path of evil, raised and grew up in the sect, and was influenced since young that to ascend was the ultimate goal in life. A pursuit such as this is very difficult to give up. To fall to the ghost realm could only said to be a forced situation, an act borne of helplessness. Of course you’re not able to say you’re satisfied with the current position in the ghost realm, because it wasn’t what you wanted in the first place.” 

Indeed Yin Yu didn’t have enough confidence, and said weakly, “Chengzhu has shown me grace, he saved me…” 

“I know.” Jun Wu said, “He even helped you pacify and send off the resentful spirit of Jian Yu who died during banishment, am I right?” 

“...Yes.” Yin Yu said, “So whether I’m satisfied with the current position, it’s all…”

aaaaaaaaaa the lore but yy bbaby don’t be tricked !!!! 

Then, Yin Yu continued, “...BUT… But I only… I only wanted to just hate him, it doesn’t mean I have to hurt him. What’s that “should’ve been mine”? Other than natural talent, there is nothing that belonged to anyone from birth. OTHER PEOPLE’S POSSESSIONS, I DON’T WANT THEM!!”

Xie Lian’s eyes lit up and shouted, “WELL SAID!” 

Yin Yu continued, “I do want to return to the heavens, I do want to be ranked in the top ten! BUT! If I didn’t manage all that on my own then it’s completely meaningless! I’m unlucky, I accept it! If I’m not as powerful as him, then at the very least I can admit I’m not as powerful as him!”

“ADMITTING THAT I CAN’T COMPARE IS NOT THAT HARD!” 

oh god yy we don’t deserve you and you don’t deserve this 😔😔😔😔😔

“But… in the end, I… still think… it’s so unfair.” Yin Yu sobbed, “If I was already destined to be no one remarkable, then at the very least, I… wanted to be a kind and perfect person. But… I couldn’t even do that. It’s really… so unfair. And truth to be told, even in this moment, just thinking that I’m dying for Yi Zhen, this little dummy, I still can’t get over it. I can’t even let go and die with a heart with no resentment and no regrets, what is that.” 

Xie Lian comforted softly, “Your highness, you’ve already worked really hard. And, you’ve done very well. You’re already much, much better than most people.”

Yin Yu finally gave a small chuckle arduously, “Better than most people, huh?”

After he stopped, he sighed, and the sound of his last regret passed along with his soul as he mumbled, “But, I wanted to be a god…”

Xie Lian bowed his head deeply, “But, your highness Yin Yu, there is actually no god in this world…”

that shit hit different ,,,

He was gasping harshly, subconsciously covering his own neck and feeling that cursed shackle. A touch, and other than the cursed shackle, Xie Lian also felt something else.

It was a very thin, silver chain. It used to be cold, but because he’s worn it for so long, his body had already warmed it through. Hanging on the silver chain was a crystal clear ring.

After having felt it, Xie Lian’s shoulders immediately stiffened, and he gripped that ring tight. For some reason, his heart was pounding faster and faster, as if he had learned an incredible secret.

oh no did he figure out those are hc’s ashes ??? and right in front of the villain, what a dangerous situation... 😔

After two incense time later, before the Great Martial Hall, several figures finally appeared. They saw a lady cultivator in verdant robes riding a burly black ox, a sacred sword hanging on her waist, approaching languidly with several farmers following behind, each varying in sizes.

It was actually the Rain Master who had come!

MY QUEEN! SHE’S HERE! SHE’S HERE!

Hua Cheng hadn’t even walked over before Xie Lian had already forcefully glomped over.

This was a powerful glomp, and Hua Cheng actually wasn’t pushed back for a few steps by the force, not even a wobble. He only placed his hands on Xie Lian’s back, chuckling lightly without speaking.

DBFGMHM !? GLOMPED ????? ARE YOU FIVE ??? ;;; he’s just happy to see his mans after all this shit !

As they went, Hua Cheng’s vambraces shimmered silver, transforming into silver butterflies, and they gradually lost colour, hiding into the air. There were probably hundreds of thousands of wraith butterflies by now that were dispersed throughout the Heavenly Capital. Along the way, they’d suddenly go up or go down, abruptly hide or appear, perfectly dodging every patrolling guard.

ugh. kingue. perfection. you. UGH.

A short while later, Xie Lian dropped onto the edge of an eave and abruptly stopped, looking back at Hua Cheng seeming to be pensive. Seeing him stilled, Hua Cheng also stopped, “What is it? Have you noticed something?” 

Xie Lian frowned slightly and nodded, and said pensively, “No. It’s just, it feels like this scene had played somewhere else before…”

oh my god. omh ym god mohmyohdojsohgs. HE FELT IT WAS FAMILIAR BECAUSE HE DOESN’T REALIZE HC IS WUMING AND THEY DID THE SAME THING ONCE IN YONG AN AAAAAAaaaaAAAAaaa

“Okay, you can now give me an order.”

Hua Cheng’s right hand was holding his left elbow while his left hand supported his chin, and he looked at Xie Lian, seeming to be thinking very seriously for a moment before he said, “Then, ge ge, my order is--”

A moment later came the anticipated command. Hua Cheng smiled happily, “--Let’s borrow some spiritual powers.” 

Of course Xie Lian understood what he meant by “Borrow spiritual powers” and his head almost smoked. He quickly took off the robe and said, “It’s, it’s not this one!” 

“Ah, what a shame. It’s not this one.” Hua Cheng lamented.

Xie Lian schooled his expression, “San Lang, you… this isn’t right. You have to be more serious, don’t give orders like these.” 

LKHSAKJAJFSA I can’t believe hc is using the brocade immortal to get his dose of kisses out of xl LMAOOOOO

Then, he handed Xie Lian another set of robes. Xie Lian swiftly put it on and looked up again at Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng watched him for a moment, “Ge ge…”

A short moment later, he smiled widely, “Don’t borrow spiritual powers from me.” 

“...”

He’s been careless! How could Hua Cheng do this!

Xie Lian hastily removed that robe, “OKAY! It’s not this one eith…” But Hua Cheng stopped him, “Wait, ge ge, who says it’s not this one? You haven’t proven it yet.” 

“Don’t borrow spiritual powers from me” was Hua Cheng’s order. If Xie Lian was to prove the robe he was wearing right now wasn’t the Brocade Immortal then he must not obey Hua Cheng’s order. Which meant, he had to do the opposite thing -- “Borrow spiritual powers from Hua Cheng”.

Going around in circles and they came back to the same starting point! Xie Lian was shaken while staring at Hua Cheng’s serious face, “...That’s, you’re too cunning, you can’t do that.”

DALHJAKFGHSGKFKA ??!? WHA T A BRAT  SHGSJGKS hc really, you’re in a hostile situation and trying to get attention--

Xie Lian didn’t know what to say to retaliate at all, and he raised his finger to point at him for a moment, “You... you, ah, I can’t win with you, stop playing around!” Then without any delay, he rushed up and “chu”-ed. Even though he knew there was clearly no one around, but after he’d done the deed he still looked around, as if cautious of anyone who might be peeping.

-ah!!! xl is so easily won over GOD SGSGSdfs soooo cute tho

Jun Wu could establish a ward within the Heavenly Capital, isolating everyone within the ward from the outside world, then naturally Hua Cheng could also create an even smaller ward, sealing the spiritual powers of those within and prevent them from communicating spiritually. A small ward within a larger war, in this moment, this side chamber had become a chest within a chest.

a dream, with a dream, within a -

“You had a chance to remove those cursed shackles.” Hua Cheng said, “Why did you keep those things to bind you?” 

Xie Lian hadn’t expected he’d ask that question and was taken aback, “Maybe… it was to remind myself of some things.” He then said, “San Lang, don’t… don’t change the subject. What kind of bad habit is this? The situation just now, it’d be fine if you’d just hold me own, why did you have to take the blow yourself?” 

However, Hua Cheng replied, “Ge ge, you knew this is a bad habit too? When it comes to taking a beating, you have no right to lecture me, you know.” 

oh goodness this scene , though playful ,really hurts knowing hc is referencing all the shit xl went through in book 4 including being stabbed 100 times but xl thinks he’s referring to something more recent and purely theoretical 😔😔 xl really has no clue he is wuming....

whew, that was a LOT to get through and i’m terribly depressed now but at least there was some cute moments with hualian being stronger together and sillier too 😔😔😔

[cao-tick]

God, dont do this to me–

do you think wukong killed macaque not because he tortured tripitaka (though that plays a factor) but because he never came to try to rescue or even see him in the 500 years he was under the mountain and considered it a betrayal?