Torsten Hewson

v5c63: The Meeting Commences

Added 2024-10-31 23:00:22 +0000 UTC

Shen Yu’s message had truly been troubling for Xiao Ge. The message had been sparse in detail but to have that man ask for aid was a message unto itself.

His fears had increased when he sensed Tianzhe Minyan on their tail, burning her own Qi to send the Windward Blade forth like a heavenly gale.

There had been another presence, lagging behind. One in the Sky Realm, whose Qi flared in a pattern that all people of importance knew—that of an Imperial Herald.

They had all arrived quite close to one another. The Imperial Herald too had arrived, but before any special proceedings could commence…he laid eyes upon Shen Yu.

The Imperial Herald unveiled his seal of office…but that was secondary to all of them, as Ge finally saw his sworn brother, and exactly why Shen Yu had called for help.

Never before had Ge seen Shen Yu in such a state. Not after the most cataclysmic of their battles, not even after Bu.

His heart lurched as he beheld the Unconquered Blade, a work of art cracked, rent. It was like finding a beautiful sword that had been carelessly tossed into a river and left to rust.

None that beheld him, who had known the heights he had reached, could remain unmoved. Yukong’s Qi sharpened. Shou’s fist clenched. Minyan had the biggest reaction. Her Qi lurched. Her brow was furrowed mightily and her eyes, sharp and furious, flicked all over Shen Yu’s form. Her aura began to form about her, oppressive and furious. Snow began to fall.

His body was a wreck—Ge’s sharp eyes cataloged every minute difference in his stance and pinpointed a litany of injuries. The gaping holes in his chest and limbs, the barely-fused bones, the peeling, blackened skin—and these were the most superficial of his injuries. The true damage was deeper.

Shen Yu’s majestic aura, the unstoppable feeling of power, was gone.

Shen Yu had been deep into the Imperial Realm. While there were stages to it, the divisions got indistinct as one approached ascension, formless and unable to be quantified properly. His Sworn Brother had hundreds of years of cultivation savaged and destroyed, placing him back into the Sky Realm. His meridians were perforated and leaking slightly, disrupting his control.

If his foundation had been any less solid, if his enemy had been a slight bit stronger, if he had taken but one blow more…

It was the closest to death that Ge had ever seen the Unconquered Blade.

And yet, as Ge dragged his eyes away from the damage…he could feel and see Shen Yu’s pure joy. His grin was broad, as he stepped forward, and clasped his fist in the gesture of respect.

“My friends, I appreciate your fast assembly. It humbles me that my message commands such speed,” Shen Yu intoned. ”Though I would ask that you restrain yourself, Divine Falcon. Your might is a bit too much for some people.” His own battered aura pressed against Minyan’s, and the feeling of icy dread that had been building retreated.

A piece of Ge that had been clenched in fear relaxed at Shen Yu’s calming words. It was then that Ge noticed the others. One woman, who was wearing a rather battered robe. Ge searched his memories for the symbol upon it, before he recognised the Shrouded Mountain Sect. He knew little about her, but she obviously had a reason for being here.

A big, tall, freckly lad stood with them that could only be Shen Yu’s grandson. He was just as Shen Yu and Lu Ri had described. Slabs of muscle filled out his form. He was covered by bandages and obviously seen heavy combat. His Qi was, as Lu Ri described, diffuse and hard to quantify. He had weathered the weight of Minyan’s intent admirably. Ge had not missed that in the face of danger he had stepped in front of another man, a mortal, wearing the sash of a Lord Magistrate.

Ge paused, impressed despite himself.

The mortal was standing and conscious. He had barely reacted, other than a slight stiffening of his body. He was tense, but his breathing was deep and even. His muscles were defined, and his eyes were sharp. A single vein pulsed in his head.

Then the man took another deep breath, and very clearly forced himself to move, stepping forward and dropping to his knees, the formal measure of respect for the Imperial Herald.

“This Humble Servant of His Imperial Majesty greets the Voice of the Son of Heaven, the experts of the Cloudy Sword Sect, and the experts of the Soaring Heaven’s Isle Sect. Everything this one has is at your disposal.”

The mortal’s words broke some of the tension.

“Indeed, let us proceed. The letter sent by His Majesty's servant was concerning to the Son of Heaven,” the Imperial Herald intoned. He was covered as much as possible. Not a single patch of skin showed from robes of red and gold, styled like flames. Atop his head he wore a phoenix crown, and over his face was a smooth, white porcelain mask without any eye holes—it simply had the Imperial Seal emblazoned upon it. He looked more like a spirit than a man, which was appropriate—this was no man at the moment, but the voice of the Emperor cast across the world.

With the introduction complete they moved to hear from Shen Yu what had really happened.

==========================

The group dispersed to deal with necessities. The flying swords shrunk and were stowed away. The fairies of Soaring Heaven’s Isle took the Windward Blade to a nearby hill, where it was secured to the ground, and the floatstone sheathed in a protective coating.

“Where is Lu Ri?” Ge asked Shen Yu quietly while they waited.

“Performing his duties. You truly have a good egg there, Brother.” Shen Yu replied.

Ge was very pleased at his brother’s approval. When the disciples returned, they entered the tiny provincial palace.

The disciples were attended to by the Lord Magistrate’s wife. The man looked decidedly nervous, when the mortal woman had bowed politely and offered the disciples refreshment, but he kept his back straight as he led them into a meeting room that had already been prepared.

The room was neither grand nor spartan, but relatively comfortable, especially for a place so far out on the frontier. There were warm tones and colours upon the walls. The small tables had already been set.

The Imperial Herald, as tradition and etiquette dictated, took position at the head seat. Shen Yu took position in the row to the right, along with his grandson and the woman from the Shrouded Mountain Sect. The Lord Magistrate took his own position, behind this line. Ge was rather surprised the man was allowed to stay. Shen Yu disagreed with the Honoured Founders normally on involving mortal bureaucrats—it was one of the systems that he found produced too much paperwork and slowed things down unacceptably, so the man’s inclusion was a statement, if nothing else.

Ge took up his position on the left. There was a brief moment where he and Minyan eyes each other, before she gracefully ceded the first seat to him,, taking the second. Next came Shou, and then Yukong.

“My friends, I say again, it humbles me that you have arrived so swiftly. As you can well see, the matter is vast, and it concerns a conspiracy hundreds of years in the making, orchestrated by a peer foe.” Shen Yu was calm, and even though he was…leaking, his Qi held no strain, and no sense of defeat within. Indeed, his speech was not particularly formal, and he was downright jovial. “I will begin, if it pleases the Herald.”

Ge let a bit of breath out of his nose as Shen Yu teased the Imperial Herald. He had already broken protocol by speaking before the man, and was needling him.

The Imperial Herald inclined his head.

“The Son of Heaven has dispatched His Voice to show the seriousness with which His Imperial Majesty is taking this matter. The plotting of a Demonic Cultivator in the Imperial Realm is concerning to Him. This one is here to listen and report, not interfere with the actions or words of His Imperial Majesty's Sects. Thus, this one cedes the floor.” The man’s voice was neutral and nondescript, clearly unbothered by the minor needling of Shen Yu.

Shen Yu chuckled. He always did like pushing his limits…and was one of the few people who could get away with it.

“Then I shall. But before that, there are certain matters that must be attended to. First, introductions. Allow me to introduce my grandson—he has been recorded in the Cloudy Sword Sect under the name Jin Rou…though these days goes by the name Rou Jin,” Shen Yu said, obvious pride in his voice.

Ge looked again to the young man. He bowed at his introduction, dipping low.

“Rou Jin greets his Seniors,” he intoned, his voice polite. Ge nodded, glad to finally meet the boy, but before he could offer his own greeting, again Minyan’s Qi shuddered.

“Grandson?” she asked, her voice low and cold. Minyan was glaring at Shen Yu. Ge very carefully closed his mouth.

“Indeed. He is not of my blood, as I have sworn off siring children of my own. Eleven years ago, I found him as an orphan shoveling dung from the streets of Crimson Crucible City, saving so that he could pay a man to teach him how to read. His skill in shoveling impressed me, and reminded me of myself, so I took him in. ”

His words made Minyan click her tongue, but some of the icy aura receded again, the woman crossing her arms. Ge sighed internally. He had known both of them for centuries, but they still acted like children towards each other at times.

“So, you are the one who ventured with Shen Yu to confront this foe?” Ge asked, redirecting the conversation.

“He was not. Instead he was at his home, which was attacked by our foe. There he defeated three cultivators of the Earth Realm, and one who reached that of the First Stage of the Sky Realm,” Shen Yu reported. Sheer smug pride radiated off him in waves.

Ge’s jaw dropped. Shou raised an eyebrow. Yukong blinked. Minyan leaned back slightly, her eyes going from unamused to wide and shocked. Even the Herald was obviously affected.

The young man scratched the back of his head with a bit of embarrassment. Shen Yu’s words were absurd. Jin Rou had been in the Initiate’s Realm three years ago when he had left the sect, and here, in the Azure Hills, he had risen high enough to do that?!

Were it anyone else, Ge would have scoffed and dismissed the words. But Shen Yu would never lie about such things. His words were nothing but truth.

And they made Ge want to spit blood that such a talent had been driven from their sect. Chen Li was already dead…but Ge wished to find a way to rip the brat’s spirit back just so that he could kill him again.

The only saving grace was that the young man seemed to hold little ill will to the sect itself, which was a miracle.

Ge let out a breath. “And her? Is she another peerless prodigy?” The blonde woman stiffened at the attention, but Shen Yu waved his hand negligently.

“That one is Zang Shenhe, Elder of the Shrouded Mountain Sect. She performed acceptably, so I allowed her to sit in on this meeting,” he said.

The woman bowed deeply as well, clearly not trusting her words.

Ge nodded. “Xiao Ge, Elder of the Cloudy Sword Sect, greets his juniors,” he said formally, an act followed by Shou, Yukong, and Minyan.

“Secondly, we must partake of the Lord Magistrate’s - and my grandson’s - hospitality,” Shen Yu said, his smile still bright.

The Lord Magistrate bowed and disappeared, before returning with a cart. A cart whose dishes were Gold-Grade rice and a stir-fry containing Seven Fragrance Jewel Herbs of high quality.

“The bounty of this one’s commandery…or rather, one place in this one’s commandery,” the Lord Magistrate said, as he served them. “Forgive this one, but the late hour he learned of your arrival only afforded time for one dish for the Honoured Cultivators and their disciples.”

It was a bounty among bounties.

“The Lowly Spiritual Herbs do indeed make wonderful seasoning,” Shen Yu said. Shou’s brows lowered at the statement. “I’m quite particular to the newest shoots. I also have something else from my grandson’s garden. It makes a fine drink.”

Shou looked annoyed at the words, but as he started to say something, Shen Yu pulled out two Silver Yin Lotuses. They were quite small, and obviously not at their full power—but within the center of their petals they had a swirling ball of slightly silvery dew. He poured the dew into cups…cups that the Lord Magistrate took and served to them.

“You grew them,” Shou’s voice was tight and strained. His eyebrow was actually twitching as he beheld the Silver Yin Lotuses. “You managed to grow them? How did you—no, how many of the seeds I sent have you managed…?” he trailed off, his voice faint.

“All of them except the ones that need high altitudes…so, every one of them but six?” Shen Yu’s grandson answered, his gaze pure.

Shou froze. Yukong grabbed his hand under the table.

Spiritual Herbs that they had never been able to grow before, and he said he had cultivated all of them.

For a brief moment, Ge wondered if Shen Yu had asked them to come just to brag about his Grandson.

Shen Yu’s smug aura mocked them for a moment more, before the man let out a chuckle.

“Well, now that we are fed and watered, let us begin. Grandson, begin with your portion, please.”

The young man nodded. “Everything started three years ago, just after the harvest…” he began.

==========================

“What do you mean, the Lord Magistrate is busy?” the Lord Auditor asked the guard, irritated.

==========================

Happy Halloween!

Edited by: BargleNawdleZouss, Plasma Regulators, Oshi

Comments

At this point I think it's obvious the Cloud Swords do Not have much spirit herb gardening experts at all. Shou is the master of their medical core, and knows alot about using herbs, but not as much about growing them. They have newbie outer sect disciples growing "wonderous herbs that work with any cultivation". There is another cultivator series called "A Thousand Li" were a big powerful sect has a senior elder who is in charge of growing spiritual herbs and nothing else. And she is Very important, even if she only has 30 subordinates in a Sect of 5,000.

Truedragon5374

2024-12-01 02:35:38 +0000 UTC

For reference, the Cloudy Sword sent him either fifty or sixty seeds/cuttings. So “all but six” means he’s successfully cultivated either 44 or 54 herbs they’ve never managed before

KnightRider007

2024-11-12 09:06:39 +0000 UTC

kinda like the man, hope he gets more screentime down the line

Aune

2024-11-10 09:56:31 +0000 UTC

The way they played it up, there is only one man who is not regarded as a person at all because of his role as Voice of the Emperor. So he is singular in that respect.

Phallusar

2024-11-09 13:06:50 +0000 UTC

And lo did the Unconquered Blade's Cock aid him in delivering the final blow the great enemy falling before him giving his head in defeat. >_>

Thomas Axtell

2024-11-05 22:01:38 +0000 UTC

Yes, and apparently, in the bathhouse it is as invasive as kudzu.

Seaspike

2024-11-05 01:40:05 +0000 UTC

It would be awesome if that auditor breaks into the meeting talking obscenities only realize who and how many people are present.

Ender419

2024-11-04 18:29:52 +0000 UTC

Upon further reflection after reading the last chapter, I think you're more thank likely correct the emperor himself isn't physically there. Which makes sense, however I can't get past the herald's seeming familiarity with Shen Yu and... leniency with SH's obvious trolling. Yes, SH is hero's hero who get's all the deference from everyone, but (and perhaps I'm projecting) CF has written the Herald in such a way that an old friend would react who's still trying to remain professional. So, I've come up with a pet theory: if the emperor can't really be there in person, then the Herald could be some type of clone of the emperor or a puppet the emperor can project his consciousness into. Either option is quite possible in Xianxia stories. And both seem more likely to me than the emperor sending a subordinate, who could have this sort of rapport/familiarity with SH, that SH would play along with in this way... Of course the latter option is always possible. One has to assume anyone that would become the Voice of the Son of Heaven (or whatever the Herald's full title is) would need legendary people skills. Other options include: they could have met SH before in an official capacity, the emperor could have prepped them for dealing with SH, they could be a former companion of the emperor and SH who got raised to the position, etc.. Or you could also argue that SH wouldn't care who the Herald is and/or that he's he's a cunning old monster who knows what he can get away with, blah blah blah. Thoughts?

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-04 16:27:02 +0000 UTC

Thanks, will do that today.

Vasius

2024-11-04 11:39:23 +0000 UTC

Not in the story, but the author did tell us about the root in on Discord. Search for "legendary root" to find the post.

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-04 09:00:39 +0000 UTC

No way in hell. There is no way a serving head of state can go off to what might become a warzone for a month. The Herald is a plenipotentiary, meaning that his words have to same weight as the Emperor's and only the Emperor can countermand the Herald's commands. The Herald isn't some great general either, he is a guy who can order generals around. The Herald is absolutely trusted by the Emperor, and he goes where the Emperor won't. The Emperor probably has half a dozen Heralds. And besides the practical, this is pseudo China, the Emperor doesn't go to you, you go to the Emperor.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-04 07:36:48 +0000 UTC

Was Silver yin lotus grown in the bath house?

Denielle Restauro

2024-11-04 06:36:01 +0000 UTC

I'm a little confused by the timeline of 11 years from Jin's adoption by Shen Yu. Back in book 3/4 in 2022 when Gramps first shows up to the farm, he says that he adopted Jin when he was less than 8 and was with him 10 years before leaving to go fight the demons. But it's been 3ish years since Jin left the sect at the beginning of book 1.

Megan

2024-11-03 22:10:49 +0000 UTC

Could be a body double after all when you need to hear it yourself (or don't want to play telephone even with a guy you trust) so I'm with you could be

ItWasIDIO!!

2024-11-03 04:14:48 +0000 UTC

Nope & probably hopefully

ItWasIDIO!!

2024-11-03 04:12:22 +0000 UTC

Did the root Jin has and gramps didn't know ever get ID? Or is the CSS going to help, since the plant masters are now here?

Vasius

2024-11-03 03:10:26 +0000 UTC

Thank you!!

Jazer Andrew Sotomayor

2024-11-03 02:23:49 +0000 UTC

Oh wow 50+ is a shit-ton considering they are all ungrowable for the CSS. I wonder what they will do with the plants. Some must be truly magical from what we have seen. And the best prolly still will take a long long time to grow properly even on Fa Ram. So hopefully they get kept and used for them rather than sold. At least until they have plenty stocked.

Emily Gurnavage

2024-11-03 01:06:22 +0000 UTC

Or these guys trying to rob a cop bar.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GAgIBgOA3M

Mark Greenberg

2024-11-03 00:51:38 +0000 UTC

@Stuffed Duck: Even if that's true, Ge & Minyan should both be in roughly the same condition Shen Yu was in when he first came to Fa Ram since they were all similarly injured in the same battle. Ge might be in better shape since he's had access to Meimei's demon-siphoning formation. I remember thinking at the time that it was a shame Shen Yu didn't share the formation w/ Minyan.

Mark Greenberg

2024-11-03 00:43:26 +0000 UTC

that's Big D's crystal so I don't see Jin handing it over.

Modesty Goose

2024-11-02 23:27:12 +0000 UTC

What If? like the alternative world where Meiling is the young mistress of a medicine sect, while also having the 'norm' of living a doble life as a teacher. what if The Herald is his other identity ? and the conversation, was just for the 'show' as they say

Aune

2024-11-02 23:05:18 +0000 UTC

My own suspicion is that the Emperor is connected to his Herald the same way Vajra is connected to her bees, so that the Emperor is literally seeing through his eyes, hearing through his ears, and speaking through his mouth. Hopefully I’ll get to find out if I’m right or not at some point.

Barry Morgan

2024-11-02 22:03:57 +0000 UTC

We also had a scene where the Emperor tasked his herald with this mission. As in, one distinct person talked to another. There's not much point having a Herald if you're gonna go out and speak for yourself, is there?

Peter Gerganov

2024-11-02 16:28:16 +0000 UTC

The "Herald" is the Emperor, we all agree on that, right? (Edit: I would still like it to be true, but now that I think about it - a bit risky and probably unrealistic for the Emperor to just take off like that)

Mark

2024-11-02 14:31:23 +0000 UTC

Agreed. It IS a nice bit of fun and levity to throw in here, but even a buffoon like him should feel their auras and make himself scarce.

Mark

2024-11-02 14:27:20 +0000 UTC

🤣🤣🤣 Probably not but you nailed Vajra! That is exactly what she'd do.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-02 12:47:48 +0000 UTC

@Idan tal: https://discord.com/channels/799119283653312523/818247535189295114/1173423363406958592

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-02 08:46:14 +0000 UTC

Tell the Auditor that TLM has been commanded to host a meeting of high-level cultivators. When he sneers, tell him the skyship from Soaring Heaven's Isle is just outside, and he can go see it, but the flying swords that the rest of them arrived on have been put away.

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-02 08:36:01 +0000 UTC

Oh! Now that would be a drink for the ages. Nice idea

Harish

2024-11-02 07:32:36 +0000 UTC

One possible outcome is that the guards do stop the Auditor from barging into the room. What instead happens is that half a day later, the meeting is adjourned. So they leave the room, and are met with the auditor screaming at them from outside the entrance on just what is so important that this backwater hick can simply ignore a servant of his Imperial Majesty. Right in front of the Herald themselves.

Rakkis157

2024-11-02 07:28:50 +0000 UTC

I think the closest you can get is if the Herald has some formations that let the Emperor tap into his senses and speak out of his mouth.

Rakkis157

2024-11-02 07:22:05 +0000 UTC

I saved it for reference 😊

Cranky Otter

2024-11-02 03:33:15 +0000 UTC

I had Thanksgiving with family - specifically the family of my grandmother’s lover’s adopted son’s grandson - several years running. It’s not that hard to enlarge a family.

Cranky Otter

2024-11-02 03:30:18 +0000 UTC

For anyone else like me who missed this detail, a quick search brought up Sidestory 9413 https://www.patreon.com/posts/sidestory-9413-62870114

Cranky Otter

2024-11-02 03:23:23 +0000 UTC

The Herald will need some maple syrup for the road before he stops in Pale Moon Lake city.

Old Dog

2024-11-02 02:39:16 +0000 UTC

Hopefully he'll stomp over when one of the cultivators has unconsciously flared their aura or something, and then turn and run away from that explosive situation.

Lanter

2024-11-02 02:16:06 +0000 UTC

---- There was a brief moment where he and Minyan eyes each other ---- Typo. Should be "Eyed"

PickledTink

2024-11-02 01:50:49 +0000 UTC

Or it just turns out that it was the pollen. A petty sabotage by Vajra

Timothy Dana

2024-11-02 01:18:57 +0000 UTC

What about her little brother who is just getting the talent? He should feel like someone hit him in the nose with a baseball bat!

Wyatt

2024-11-02 00:52:29 +0000 UTC

Totally agree Blue mage. The Inquisitor keeps making bad decisions so reaping the FO is just desserts.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-02 00:05:21 +0000 UTC

Im not gonna lie, I honestly hope the Auditor doesn’t interrupt the meeting. I would just feel too bad for the poor guy. Antagonist or not, no mortal deserves to accidentally piss off a room full of Cultivators of that level.

SuperiorFreak

2024-11-01 23:35:25 +0000 UTC

Just realized something. A few chapters back, Vajra was drinking the dew from the lotuses in the bathhouse. These would be the silver yin lotuses. So, can honey be made from them? And if so, can mead be made from that honey? Might have just found Gramps new favorite drink.

Michael Fannon

2024-11-01 23:26:16 +0000 UTC

Considering this is the crew of the personal skyship of the 2nd most powerful elder of what might be the 2nd most powerful sect in the Empire, I doubt any of the crew (except for maybe the cabin girl) are as low as the Profound realm. But otherwise I accept you math.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 21:37:12 +0000 UTC

There's something going on under that mask and outfit, though.

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-01 20:42:23 +0000 UTC

Specially since the greenhouse is profiling itself to become a hidden realm.

Marian Ch

2024-11-01 20:40:27 +0000 UTC

It can be called: From Egg to Ascension, Journey of the Celestial Cock. And it becomes on par with the writings of the honored elders.

Gwyn

2024-11-01 19:34:04 +0000 UTC

Hahahaha, if you're going to write an epic song you've got to do it right!

The butler did it

2024-11-01 19:11:10 +0000 UTC

No, Jin would just be the grandson of her lover. She has no relationship with Jin beyond that. But who knows?

Pat Sprehe

2024-11-01 19:03:08 +0000 UTC

The poor auditor's going to be cooked when he finds out TLM has already been audited by Lu Ri senior disciple of the cloudy sword sect.

Isak Mark

2024-11-01 18:45:29 +0000 UTC

The guy who is fighting demons non stop as punishment is Tang Shuren aka Yun Shu. He was the senior desciple in charge of managing the outer sect. He got into a cultivation bottleneck and started slacking off his duties. Eventually he even started falsifying reports, so that the elders had no idea of the bullying that was going on.

Abhimanyu Susobhanan

2024-11-01 18:29:47 +0000 UTC

Ah! The good old "Why use 1 word when 15 words work" writing trick

Harish

2024-11-01 17:09:08 +0000 UTC

It wasn't his Imperial qi, but the demonic one that she "couldn't" smell/stand.

Stuffed Duck

2024-11-01 15:55:17 +0000 UTC

Storm Wings Express!

BlueMage Theneras

2024-11-01 15:38:35 +0000 UTC

Agreed! Although, it's more likely in this timeline Jin is viewed as her grandson and Zhuye her great-grandson. Because, in this AU, they don't have to pretend he's her and Shen Yu's son. Jin is openly Shen Yu's adopted grandson.

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 15:36:06 +0000 UTC

"And over here we have the bath house, where those Silver Yin Lotuses are growing like weeds"

BlueMage Theneras

2024-11-01 15:26:52 +0000 UTC

I mean, the man is a rat (metaphorically, no offense to Ri Zu), he probably just racks up the bad karma

BlueMage Theneras

2024-11-01 15:24:58 +0000 UTC

"The Patriarch of Verdant Hill! Who spoke directly with the Voice of the Son of Heaven! What a guy! Cheers! To the Patriarch!"

BlueMage Theneras

2024-11-01 15:24:13 +0000 UTC

The midshipwomen of the Windward Blade are outer sect members, so it's more like 2 imperial, 3 sky, 12 earth In total, and the rest between profound and spiritual rank. But No, I don't imagine she's gonna be weathering terribly well. She might've built up a tolerance with the SMS and Shen Yu hanging around, but considering she can smell Verdant Hill from Fa Ram, which is still a 3-hour run for Jin at full speed and hundreds of kilometers -- she's gonna be going thru it while she patches up the SMS and more when they visit.

Ormus Von Orbulon

2024-11-01 15:20:57 +0000 UTC

I have a feeling that the Imperial Herald is more than he appears, because Shen Yu went out of his way to tease him. So we might have the current Emperor essentially being handed a job advertisement for his own job. Hilarity ensues.

Paul Birchenough

2024-11-01 15:11:45 +0000 UTC

I can't help but think he was a bit higher than that. His power level is a little unclear, given Summer's Sky, even if I'm reasonably sure he's profound now -- Rags and LB likely have surpassed him as he was at that time, but it won't be by a meaningful amount, I think. Even if they kept to slightly less than a week, maybe roughly 4-5 days of straight running -- it would still need to be a straight shot overland. No regular wagon's gonna survive that without Jin's heavy-duty modifications, so if they make it before SMS leave, it won't be by much.

Ormus Von Orbulon

2024-11-01 15:10:03 +0000 UTC

"In the darkest hour did the Unconquered Blade's cunning apprentice strike; a blow most skillfully timed--not to defeat, but to distract. A most dangerous and valorous deed, throwing himself into the grasp of a demonic foe worthy of challenging his dread master. The evil master did pause, struck dumb by the majestic form of his young but powerful assailant. "A chicken?" were the last words he spake, as the Unconquered Blade did strike him down."

The butler did it

2024-11-01 14:57:49 +0000 UTC

Agreed.

Old Dog

2024-11-01 14:37:20 +0000 UTC

If I recall correctly, Pale Moon Lake City is actually pretty close to Verdant Hill, no? I think it took Yun Ren one week traveling when he was first stage initiate realm? Either way, it's likely that Rags and Loud Boy can cross that distance faster now, if they pull Biyu's cart instead of letting a horse do it.

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 14:32:37 +0000 UTC

He won't touch the ground until the moment he skips off the lake's surface and impacts the docks.

Ormus Von Orbulon

2024-11-01 14:11:51 +0000 UTC

Oh did I say carp? I meant dragon.

ENK

2024-11-01 14:08:51 +0000 UTC

Only for the herald to meet Big D. He's going to return with quite a tale -- and Hope for his lord, who could really, really use an Heir.

Ormus Von Orbulon

2024-11-01 14:08:47 +0000 UTC

No, Chen Li was sentenced to death for his crimes of abusing his Sect mates, including killing one of his juniors in a pointer duel. Wayward Cloud, who undertook repentance through nine dies one lives, is a different person entirely. Edit: It's actually Yun Shu, the virtuous stray cloud, not Wayward Cloud. Thanks to Cranky Otter for providing the link.

Alex

2024-11-01 14:06:01 +0000 UTC

!!!

Kreylix

2024-11-01 14:04:27 +0000 UTC

I would put more stock In all that if the alliance had existed for more than two seasons or so. Roadworks have been repeatedly described as horrendous outside the area of the big cities and verdant Hill, and I'm reasonably sure nothing has been done on that front quite yet since other cultivators are still coming around to the very idea of cooperating at all. Still, they might make it, just barely -- if our smol owl girl rides on Rag's back. I hadn't anticipated Yushang agreeing to return with SMS, and it throws my predictions out of wack...

Ormus Von Orbulon

2024-11-01 14:03:07 +0000 UTC

Isn't Chen Li the guy who beat up Jin in the beginning? I thought he had repented and been sent of to fight demons. Did he get killed off screen? If so, that's a bummer. I had hopes for him.

Nolan Bowling

2024-11-01 14:02:58 +0000 UTC

I just remembered something; when Gramps arrived at Fa Ram, Meiling almost sneezed herself unconscious with the scent of his monstrous chi. Now 2 more Imperial level, and over 40 Sky and Earth level cultivators are about to show up at her door. Poor woman is not going to be happy.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 13:48:19 +0000 UTC

Divines bless your kind heart!

Beggar of Freedom

2024-11-01 13:32:56 +0000 UTC

All of Shen Yu bodies are at the imperial realm.

Idan tal

2024-11-01 13:32:45 +0000 UTC

Need the link pls

Idan tal

2024-11-01 13:31:18 +0000 UTC

I really love this chapter, as I imagine gramps looking more dead than alive but with a stupid wide grinn at the table.

Stuffed Duck

2024-11-01 13:28:42 +0000 UTC

@ M e I'm recalling this from the previous post: [quote] “Well, we can do something quick, and hope our guests are not insulted. Is a stir fry with the Seven Fragrance Jewel Herbs an acceptable dish?” the Lord Magistrate asked. [/quote]

John D Jones

2024-11-01 13:26:08 +0000 UTC

So excited for Minyan to meet her new son and grandchild lol.

Gwyn

2024-11-01 13:19:49 +0000 UTC

I absolutely view him as Frank Reynolds now, at least physically.

Gwyn

2024-11-01 13:17:56 +0000 UTC

I can't wait to see how the regular CSS cultivators view Big D. He struck the critical blow at just the right second to save Shen Yus life, against an imperial demon. There's no way stories aren't getting told about him.

Gwyn

2024-11-01 13:16:45 +0000 UTC

Don't you mean "that supper was super good."?

Mark Greenberg

2024-11-01 13:16:05 +0000 UTC

On an off topic note, I wonder if Jin might hand over the crystal with the mad spirit looking for a new azure king to the imperial herald for the current emperor. It feels like a nice solution to that little loose end.

D J Meigs

2024-11-01 13:15:59 +0000 UTC

Yeah their reactions are great, I’m really looking forward to all the “A chicken???!” reactions too 😆

D J Meigs

2024-11-01 13:06:09 +0000 UTC

Ah... Greetings future corps. Please, barge into this meeting. I would love for the Imperial Harald to pay pale moon lake a visit.

SoralTheSol

2024-11-01 13:03:31 +0000 UTC

while the cultivators arrival was a bit flashy, they didn’t linger outside and only introduced themselves once the meeting started. The guards might be able to say TLM is in a meeting with cultivators, but nothing about who or why. The auditor has been looking for something fishy the whole time and this “secretive” meeting with supposed cultivators would feel like a jackpot. He wouldn’t assume that the cultivators are in any way important people even if he believes the guards. I can see him trying to brush off the guards and try to barge in, or at least get into a yelling match, but even if the guards stop him the cultivators would hear all of it and that would satisfy me. 😈

D J Meigs

2024-11-01 13:02:01 +0000 UTC

Obviously lady Wu would never raise her voice and disturb a meeting TLM is a part of, but the cultivators inside have such high abilities they would overhear even a quiet argument she will absolutely try her best to prevent any barging in, but who could blame her if she failed? He might push her to the side and she might fall dramatically hard onto the ground her fan might spin into the room emphatically demonstrating how much strength the lout used. Until recently she was but a frail ailing woman it’s admirable enough that she would make the attempt… yeah the auditor would be so dead 💀

D J Meigs

2024-11-01 12:48:06 +0000 UTC

Keep in mind that Rags and Loud Boy are presumably both getting stronger and faster. Also, the project to pave roads has presumably continued and expanded, now that the Alliance is a thing. Lastly, given the importance of it, I assume the Azure Trading Company puts a lot of care into maintaining the supply routes to Fa Ram from their major centers. Basically, I wouldn’t rule out almost any speed, so long as the start and end points are within the Azure Hills.

Spencer Miller

2024-11-01 12:48:05 +0000 UTC

I think Shen Yu has been itching for an excuse to brag about Jin for a while, the fact that he got a really solid excuse to call his friends to do so is a lucky coincidence 😆

D J Meigs

2024-11-01 12:36:16 +0000 UTC

All of the above. Also TLM’s natural reaction to extreme situations is to freeze solid, I don’t think he can faint until he’s out of danger and back in his private rooms where he can cry in his wife’s arms. He’s a real man that one, and I say it without irony. TLM is the best!

D J Meigs

2024-11-01 12:31:33 +0000 UTC

Not to mention my cat, my ox, my two pigs and my carp, they did well too.

D J Meigs

2024-11-01 12:27:26 +0000 UTC

Oh please auditor try and barge into that meeting I’m begging! Also yes Elder Ge, Shen Yu absolutely called upon all of you to brag about his grandson. There’s other things too, but the bragging is the most urgent.

D J Meigs

2024-11-01 12:19:07 +0000 UTC

Solid gold Minyan getting possessive of her man the only way she knows how Shou getting the first taste of impending mind-blown state he's gonna be in for a while. I was fully expecting the auditor to be tucked away in the archives during the whole solstice thing, while the dancing went on, and the battle happed -- and have no bloody clue about any of this. I await the "oh gods, who have I fucked with" moment. I doubt Biyu Rags and LB are gonna be able to cross the province from the capital to the farm before Shenhue and SMS leave unless they F'ing book it the whole way, though. Looking forward to the next chapters sooooo much... Honestly, the populace of Verdant Hill, who already venerate their lord, are gonna be really, really impressed by the flying ship anchored overhead, and the various maximum-level amazingwas that their lord ALONE among mortals is permitted to interact with... Like, "oh, of course we got a bunch of really, really powerful and important figures in town; they must all be here to speak with the Lord Magistrate"

Ormus Von Orbulon

2024-11-01 12:13:22 +0000 UTC

Ran is Imperial as well.

Stuffed Duck

2024-11-01 12:12:25 +0000 UTC

That auditor is cursed. Has to be. No other explanation.

Red Viking

2024-11-01 11:37:39 +0000 UTC

That is a fantastic idea! (I, unlike so many fans do not love TB's voice, and would also leap at the chance to hear this as a dramatized radio play!)

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 11:31:41 +0000 UTC

Right! The levels of disbelief, anger at the now dead kid, and interest in Jin & Mei will skyrocket.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 11:27:02 +0000 UTC

So..is he going to go throw the full story? This is going to be nuts especially for the shredded Mountain sect Elder!

BigBro Bluesman

2024-11-01 11:11:57 +0000 UTC

I'm content to wait for the reveal.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 11:08:32 +0000 UTC

I thought all knew that TLM has balls of higher realm spirit steel

TDMC

2024-11-01 10:23:04 +0000 UTC

He's not just getting kicked out, i bet they'll airmail him straight back to Pale Moon Lake City

Hasenearl

2024-11-01 10:20:08 +0000 UTC

Auditor: hey, I'm important! Several imperial/sky realm cultivators and a herald of the emperor: who's this clown

Zygardegodslayer

2024-11-01 09:45:22 +0000 UTC

Thanks for that. I just reread it and shou might die from seeing the farm now

mag28

2024-11-01 09:32:08 +0000 UTC

Jin:” so this little prick try to rape my future wife’s friend out of no where, but he is nothing so I put him in his place, sure that he is an imposter, and let the TLM send him to be dealt with at the SMS. Next thing I know this bastard of a 3 fathers is sending underlings to attack and kidnap my family and when I confront him he shows he is a demonic cultivator! So I punched him to the next province, and after calming everything sent the underlings to collect the shithead remains and take it to their sect, telling them to no longer get anywhere close to here as they are corrupted and the CSS is in the area, and hoping they will clean their house. Got some news about gramps looking for them in the north a few months ago, And now the bastard’s friends from his demonic sect came to visit with the body’s I smashed father, a frucking SMS elder! Charging ahead with his entourage, all brainwashed, and tons of extra demons, to again! Trying to kidnap my family. It would have been easier if gramps hadn’t took my chicken with him as a disciple to hunt the demons in the north.. your turn gramps 👍🏻”

Idan tal

2024-11-01 09:18:31 +0000 UTC

We get the info in v4 c44: Jin got "over 50" types of seeds!

T. Lewison

2024-11-01 09:09:31 +0000 UTC

In "v4c11: The Senior Disciple", May 18 2023: "When Lu Ri, Senior Disciple of the Cloudy Sword Sect, gave his report, he had been expecting Elders Ge, Ran, and Chen. He had not been expecting Elder Yukong of the Artifact Pavilion and Elder Shou of the Medicine Pavilion to also be in attendance."

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-01 09:08:37 +0000 UTC

The reminder that cultivators who usually heal within moments are still visibly & invisibly damaged nicely sets the tone for shock and grimdark only for Shen Yu to be giddy & gloating made the flow of emotion of this chapter keep rising and rising. I grinned more & more as is went on, then burst out a true LOL with the pesky auditor challenging a guard.

Cranky Otter

2024-11-01 09:06:13 +0000 UTC

They are in the edge of nowhere, at the most northern town of the empire, and there where no “believable” indications for cultivators activity in the area beside the flashing lights from the previous fight, so why would he believe a guard telling him about a meeting with several cultivators? He will believe the guard is helping TLM to hide something. If you believe everyone is corrupted, a good assumption when you are an imperial auditor, that’s a far more logical conclusion.

Idan tal

2024-11-01 09:02:53 +0000 UTC

This made me laugh out loud multiple times. I can't possibly explain myself to the people around me. Thank you CF

Nemoboi

2024-11-01 09:01:16 +0000 UTC

Yeah, the Auditor is probably at peak frustration and an unscheduled closed-door meeting will be like catnip to a very desperate cat.

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-01 08:59:30 +0000 UTC

In the Discord discussions, the author confirmed that Ge and Ran are Imperial.

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-01 08:45:36 +0000 UTC

With regard to the fiery root, the author has put up a "spoiler" explanation in the Discord discussions. Search for "legendary root" to find it.

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-01 08:44:04 +0000 UTC

I think Jin protected TLM by diverting most of the intent. Remember, in his fight with Shen Yu, he blocked and diverted energy that would have damaged the landscape, up until the final blow.

Randall Brynsvold

2024-11-01 08:33:54 +0000 UTC

T: I completely missed the relevance of Vajra the Boozemaster sipping on the bath house lotus, thanks for correcting that oversight!

Cranky Otter

2024-11-01 08:26:31 +0000 UTC

Can’t wait for the elders to see the greenhouses. Hadn’t realized the seeds Jin got were so tricky to grow! So they’re already verklempt before seeing the fireplace weed.

Cranky Otter

2024-11-01 08:11:35 +0000 UTC

Robocop 3 actually. Auditor comes in trying to pull weight and meets the disapproval of some of the highest authorities around. TLM: What's it like being a (insert blank here)

Michael Foat

2024-11-01 07:58:51 +0000 UTC

I thought she was the formation master

Catherine

2024-11-01 07:56:30 +0000 UTC

The Herald sees it and accepts the spirit's offer on behalf of the emperor. And far away the Son of Heaven feels the terrible weight of yet more responsibility falling on his shoulders.

Anzer'ke

2024-11-01 07:44:31 +0000 UTC

"Oh I didn’t do it alone, my wife helped. How long has she been cultivating? Three years." Minyan urge to steal rises

Anzer'ke

2024-11-01 07:40:33 +0000 UTC

We have a Mulan? Maybe??

MasterKronus

2024-11-01 07:37:48 +0000 UTC

Teehee! Who can't wait to see the Imperial Auditor get kicked out of Verdant Hill? With SO many important people around, almost anyone (perhaps the Imperial Herald?) can tell him to get lost!

Samantha Kuhn

2024-11-01 07:34:27 +0000 UTC

I wonder if one of the reasons TLM is still conscious in the presence if Minyan's Killing Intent, is because his a cursed Azure Hills native. Like his affinity for Chi is so low he can barely feel her pressure.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:32:32 +0000 UTC

Under standard symbolism, yes. However, this empire is specifically named “The Crimson Phoenix Empire”, so they have probably shifted the order of primacy.

KnightRider007

2024-11-01 07:31:46 +0000 UTC

I know they have a flying ship, but PLEASE let them come in by the front gate. I want to see another Imperial cultivator pull the "who would be afraid of a chicken" bit.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:26:00 +0000 UTC

The guy was bribed to fuck around and make trouble. He is officially at the "Find Out" portion.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:22:49 +0000 UTC

Jin: this is my grandfather, he does my bragging for me.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:20:42 +0000 UTC

Interesting that this will mean Shenhe gets the full story.

Anzer'ke

2024-11-01 07:20:13 +0000 UTC

I doubt he will stay but knowing Jin, Shou will have an open invitation to come watch the spring planting and fall harvest. Plus notes on Jin's chi infusion trick.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:15:35 +0000 UTC

He would need to commune with the Great Deer's spirit to get the plans, then build his cultivation around the techniques. So not happening. That said, if thier sect ever does rediscover them, them Fa Ram would be the perfect place to grow such a boat.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:12:22 +0000 UTC

I think Shou's wife is the doctor

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:10:21 +0000 UTC

No joke, this is like having the entire NATO council over for dinner and only offering them burritos. Except they are make out of edible gold and diamonds.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:09:04 +0000 UTC

A dozen Sky level "You Dare's" to the face!

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 07:00:37 +0000 UTC

Worse (for Jin), its going to become one of those sacred places cultivators make pilgrimage to.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 06:59:41 +0000 UTC

Yes! Gramps is weak now. The perfect time for her to make an honest man out of him Jin will definitely help.

Truedragon5374

2024-11-01 06:57:53 +0000 UTC

@Redfaux That's my take too. There might be something off or different, but that can be blamed on his death.

Fluffy druid

2024-11-01 06:27:31 +0000 UTC

I really hope he brings it up to shou and he faints

Lochlan Yone

2024-11-01 06:19:36 +0000 UTC

Hey, Ri Zu has experience with something kind of similar!

V01D

2024-11-01 06:06:17 +0000 UTC

“Just to brag about his grandson” - technically, no… it’s just a bonus

V01D

2024-11-01 06:03:08 +0000 UTC

I think it's more like with his body, that he is healed, but still has golden scars where Jin and Jin fused

Tsorov

2024-11-01 06:02:12 +0000 UTC

No kidding! I come from a long line of trolls, but even they rarely bring props.

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 06:01:39 +0000 UTC

"His smug aura mocks me" - Elder Mantis Toboggan, of the Tu Ra Shu Men

Purple Floof

2024-11-01 05:43:58 +0000 UTC

I have 100% been wondering this! Though the carp/dragon thing seems special, aren't there dragon dragons (like Loud Boy's patron) and ascended carp dragons? Are phoenixes their own thing? Though tbf Bi Di (like the foxes) seems to consider his natural form the very best.

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 05:42:03 +0000 UTC

Jin is long fully merged. There should be nothing about his soul or cultivation that would be different than a local soul

RedFaux

2024-11-01 05:36:32 +0000 UTC

OMG ENK, don't make me laugh that hard! You could have made me choke to death! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

The butler did it

2024-11-01 05:32:52 +0000 UTC

I remember that; it's what I've been thinking, that if/when Jin tells gramps about where he's from gramps won't be all that shocked.

The butler did it

2024-11-01 05:27:09 +0000 UTC

For real, this all done in the style of a radio play would be amazing but probably way to much trouble to actually record.

Z H

2024-11-01 05:25:18 +0000 UTC

Isn't the auditor under orders from the Wu's to find SOMETHING they can use against TLM after the original audit failed to turn anything up? I'd think that would change his mindset. On a normal audit he'd probably be reasonable enough to ask questions and find out what's going on, but he's under pressure to catch TLM doing something wrong, even if he has to fabricate a problem, which is not a recipe for good judgement.

The butler did it

2024-11-01 05:25:18 +0000 UTC

Nah, the "jade grade" rice was a non-canon side story over on SB/SV. Jin had the gold grade rice sold locally as silver so that people in Verdant Hills would be able to afford some of it.

Z H

2024-11-01 05:24:21 +0000 UTC

The auditor charging to his death at the speed of sound when trying to go in would be interesting. Also love the moments when shen yu just brags about jin

Will Iam

2024-11-01 05:21:24 +0000 UTC

But it's such sweet torture!

The butler did it

2024-11-01 05:19:11 +0000 UTC

Ah, but imagine the dishonor to your household: to be hosting such august guests and allow their meeting to be interrupted without doing your absolute best to prevent it? No, that just won't do. If Lady Wu is able to step away from the disciples I expect her to try to stop him--and for him to force his way past her, possibly with violence. I do not expect it to go well for him.

The butler did it

2024-11-01 05:17:34 +0000 UTC

hahahahaha, loved it! Very appropriate

The butler did it

2024-11-01 05:14:20 +0000 UTC

@ Alex That’s fair. I’m not really very familiar with xianxia tropes. The auditor is a terrible person and I do hope he gets his comeuppance! It just would have made more sense to me if it came from TLM himself at some point. Especially given how much he likes to get credit for things.

Nik

2024-11-01 05:03:41 +0000 UTC

@Peter Gerganov evil cackling laughter intensifies 😈

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 04:59:33 +0000 UTC

I mean... he can. What are we gonna do, stop reading? 😅

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 04:53:05 +0000 UTC

Yeah, that's fair. My "theory" doesn't make sense if we're treating the setting seriously. Oh well, it seemed like a fun idea at the time.

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 04:51:45 +0000 UTC

The hope is that he doesn't give the guard a chance to tell him WHO TLM is meeting and so barges in expecting it to be a bunch of hicks.

Mark Greenberg

2024-11-01 04:49:59 +0000 UTC

@Nik Ok, you're right and I might be projecting a bit of my own desires here lol. But others (far less petty and cruel individuals than I), have made good points that it isn't an unreasonable Xianxia expectation that the auditor just ignores the guards. CF usually makes a point of not making even bad characters one dimensional stereotypes and leaning into the usual face-slapping BS, but I wouldn't mind in this case.

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 04:46:35 +0000 UTC

LMAO

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 04:45:45 +0000 UTC

No, I don't believe that. For one thing we SAW the Emperor charging the Herald with his mission. For another it's unnecessary and dangerous for the Emperor to go off BY HIMSELF to the back end of nowhere. And that's not counting the fact that an Imperial Realm demonic cultivator was in the area recently. I believe it's as it seems with the Emperor in the capital running the Empire, maybe having some strategy sessions about possible further mobilization, while the Herald is here getting a first-hand report of what happened and what the sects plan to do about it.

Mark Greenberg

2024-11-01 04:35:28 +0000 UTC

Elder Ran may also be Imperial realm. Knowing the Cloudy Sword Sect the cultivation level may not be a source of rank or authority among Elders, but it must matter even if only instinctually.

Pat Sprehe

2024-11-01 04:32:31 +0000 UTC

Hm, just noticed something. "Atop his head he wore a phoenix crown" But here's the thing, the Fengguan or "Phoenix crown" is a traditional headgear for women. Specifically, it's worn by noblewomen for ceremonies or official occasions. And the Herald is said to be a man, even by the Emperor himself, so it would be weird for him to be wearing a noblewoman's headgear. I think the proper headgear would be the "mianguan" which was worn by the emperor, his ministers, and aristocrats in antiquity.

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 04:32:26 +0000 UTC

Also, who thinks the herald is the emperor in disguise??? The herald is Sky Realm and we know the emperor needs to be in his seat of power to match Imperial Realm cultivators. He might have come to check up on his friend Shen Yu (and the situation) in person. The herald's... nondescript outfit is sus as hell...

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 04:30:31 +0000 UTC

He can't keep getting away with it!

Peter Gerganov

2024-11-01 04:30:28 +0000 UTC

It was when he ran into Zang li in Verdent Hill

2024-11-01 04:30:24 +0000 UTC

Or he may just brush off the guard without listening and barge in.

Pat Sprehe

2024-11-01 04:29:43 +0000 UTC

I think that was the first encounter with Lu Ban. When he tried to take away Meihua.

Pat Sprehe

2024-11-01 04:27:59 +0000 UTC

That's when Jin first met Zang Li (Lu Ban) and defended Meihua from him. Lu Ban (possessing Zang Li's body) had demanded that Meihua had sex with him, and attacked Jin when he interfered, breaking his own hand against Jin's chest. Then Jin handed him over to the authorities (Lord Magistrate) saying that he was an imposter due to being too weak (Jin believed himself to still be in the Initiate Realm) and Lu Ban was then retrieved by the Shrouded Mountain Sect and imprisoned for shaming the Sect. This was the first time that Jin interacted with demons and is what set the course of events that followed, hence it is the proper place to start the report.

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 04:23:01 +0000 UTC

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhQwQ1mr/ The auditor barging in.

Bruno Vieira

2024-11-01 04:21:55 +0000 UTC

That was when Jin ran into Zang Li/Lu Ban for the first time.

Grim Heathwine

2024-11-01 04:18:35 +0000 UTC

No? I’m assuming the guards are loyal and competent and would choose professionalism over spite because that’s what TLM would expect of them.

Nik

2024-11-01 04:16:30 +0000 UTC

Nope, Zhuge is the family name of Meihua's husband, Zhuge Tingfeng. Their household is unrelated to the Lord Magistrate, as in Volume 1 he comments about how the Zhuge Family is one of the oldest in the region (later we found out they are descendants of the Prime Minister who served Tianlan's previous Contractor).

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 04:14:04 +0000 UTC

Nah, if he survives he's organizing his own impromptu exploration of Mexico.

Peter Gerganov

2024-11-01 04:12:25 +0000 UTC

@Nik You're assuming that the Auditor has endeared himself in anyway to the guards (who love TLM). If they know he's there to f*ck over their beloved TLM and treated them like garbage (which I'm presuming he has), then, just out of spite, they'd let him barge in after putting up a token resistance lol

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 04:12:00 +0000 UTC

It would be a clever way to get rid of him. "What's that? You demand to see TLM right now? I don't know. . . Ok if you insist, walk through that door!

Zachariah Daugherty

2024-11-01 04:11:56 +0000 UTC

Yeah, no wonder Elder Ge basically has control of the sect if he's the only Imperial Realm there.

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 04:09:02 +0000 UTC

"It all started 3 years ago after the harvest". Can someone please refresh me what major event happened at the harvest?

Hieu Le

2024-11-01 04:08:39 +0000 UTC

you cant keep dong this to me T.T

giann flroesca

2024-11-01 04:07:14 +0000 UTC

Wait until they learn that Shen Yu's personal disciple started cultivating three years ago... as a young chicken. In which time he's risen to the Spirit realm and delivered a blow to a Demonic Imperial real cultivator which likely saved Shen Yu's life.

Peter Gerganov

2024-11-01 04:06:03 +0000 UTC

Holy fuck I dare the Auditor to try and barge in on TLM. It would be so funny

Thomas Brusilovsky

2024-11-01 04:05:25 +0000 UTC

“'What do you mean, the Lord Magistrate is busy?' the Lord Auditor asked the guard, irritated." CF... why do you hurt us so? Such a cruel cliffhanger, after such an IMMENSELY emotionally satisfying chapter... This is going to be a lonngggggg two days wait 😭😭😭

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 04:04:04 +0000 UTC

I fully expect Jin to straight up bonk his grandpa over the head and tell him off for keeping his lover away. "You dirty old geezer, you've got a beautiful woman who loves you and here you are gallivanting about like a tramp!"

Peter Gerganov

2024-11-01 04:01:38 +0000 UTC

"Ge very carefully closed his mouth." I feel like very should be italicized lol

Alex Ingraham

2024-11-01 03:46:38 +0000 UTC

Survives to tell the Wu family they f*cked up of the HIGHEST order. 🤣😈

Kirivina

2024-11-01 03:38:48 +0000 UTC

I think you mean Team Rocket episode. “ We’re blasting off again!”

Logan

2024-11-01 03:31:55 +0000 UTC

Man I can’t wait to see Shen Yu recover much faster than anyone thinks possible all while Jin pushes him and the other heads of the Sect up in power with food by complete accident. Also hope we get too see TLM loose it in as professional a way as possible on the auditor that keeps bugging him during an important meeting and making him excuse himself . Only to get back to the meeting and to have the Heads of the Sects and the IH all congratulating him on his handling of the situation.

daniel koval

2024-11-01 03:25:30 +0000 UTC

Shou is the plant guy from the CSS. If anyone knows it, it'll be him.

Baldanders

2024-11-01 03:22:19 +0000 UTC

That could be why She Yu spoke before him. He's probably guessed and it teasing him haha

Tom

2024-11-01 03:19:21 +0000 UTC

IIRC one of the first drafts for an interlude back in the first two volumes also had Shen Yu not battling demons in the Phoenix Empire, but instead sailing on a ship on the Sea Between Worlds and battling demons there, together with legends from other worlds/cultures (I remember Valkyries at least). That interlude had been declared non-canon. Not sure if it's still available somewhere.

Qahlz

2024-11-01 03:16:09 +0000 UTC

"for the low, low price of being their loving grandma". ;) ;) I would just love to see the Icy Tsundere's reaction to the members of Fa Ram and Shen Yu's care for them all. Also, I think it would be fucking hilarious and adorable if Jin and Meiling can get Minyan and Shen Yu together by simply being an awesome couple.

Harish

2024-11-01 03:09:26 +0000 UTC

Nah, the Lord Magistrate knew exactly what he was doing. Remember, he and Lady Wu are the ones who have been teaching Jin and Meiling how to play politics.

M e

2024-11-01 03:09:24 +0000 UTC

Isn’t the rice technically the next tier up but Jin had it labeled & sold at gold rate so the merchants in the AH could afford it

Cinnamon Toast

2024-11-01 03:06:21 +0000 UTC

He does, though I'm not sure we've seen his full name. But his family name is Zhuge. Yes, that Zhuge.

ROBERT MAXTON

2024-11-01 02:56:13 +0000 UTC

In one of the older chapters, Xiulan mentions to Meiling of the possibility of other worlds in the "Sea Between Worlds" and how if any cultivators become strong enough to journey past this world, they have not yet shared any details. So, it is more that only a few people have any idea of other words/realities

Harish

2024-11-01 02:53:47 +0000 UTC

Jin showed it to Shen Yu and Shen Yu had no idea what it was.

BlueMage Theneras

2024-11-01 02:52:30 +0000 UTC

Bruh, the auditor appearing was the last thing I expected 😂😂😂

Ibuks5

2024-11-01 02:52:26 +0000 UTC

Probably a communication thing. Not sure many people would be advertising the identities of the powerful VIPs in the meeting, and the arrogant "Lord Auditor of his Imperial Majesty" might not believe the claims of who is beyond the door anyway. Also, because it would be funny

BlueMage Theneras

2024-11-01 02:51:25 +0000 UTC

Exactly.

Harish

2024-11-01 02:49:58 +0000 UTC

@ Laura Hemly He knows how special that dish is to himself and to most people, but these are Super-Cultivators. TLM probably assumes that they eat Super-Jade-Rice and Earth-level rare herbs on a daily basis. Still, he's hoping that the "humble" rice and herbs will seem impressive since it's the Azure Hills.

John D Jones

2024-11-01 02:49:29 +0000 UTC

yeah, his luck is something else.

Xegzy

2024-11-01 02:41:58 +0000 UTC

Because it would provide a nice source of comic relief without pulling down the story or needlessly delaying it.

Comeback Kid

2024-11-01 02:41:49 +0000 UTC

@ Alex Shen Yu knows that something is up. He likened the gold repairs in Jin cultivation/soul to an ancestor spirit. He just doesn't grasp that Jin was repaired/blended with a Jin from a different dimension. While there's a lot of Cultivator power/etc., wide dimensional travel doesn't really seem to b a thing on this world.

John D Jones

2024-11-01 02:40:32 +0000 UTC

"You need the context of how awesome my grandson is to fully understand the demon threat. Now, have I mentioned he's growing volcanic ginseng in his fireplace?"

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 02:40:21 +0000 UTC

What am I missing? Why does everyone think the auditor would barge in? He might be an unpleasant man, but he doesn’t seem like a stupid one, and he said how much he was frightened by the cultivators at the Duelling Peaks. I don’t see him just busting in to a meeting with cultivators, and don’t see why the guards wouldn’t just tell him “TLM is in an urgent meeting with sect leaders” or something as it’s a really good reason for him to be busy. Is it some xianxia reason I don’t get?

Nik

2024-11-01 02:38:02 +0000 UTC

I know Jin had some seeds growing in the tunnels Huo Ten dug out, and I believe a few other varieties were mentioned. And the there's whatever he and Meimei have growing in the greenhouse -- which is going to. amaze Shen and Yukong, too, I suspect.

Laura Hemly

2024-11-01 02:37:19 +0000 UTC

The gloat really could be rubbing it in for not protecting Jin in the first place. "This is why you can't have nice things - now weep as I show you all the nice things that could have been yours!"

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 02:34:54 +0000 UTC

If Shen Yu hasn't figured that out yet the others aren't going to.

Alex

2024-11-01 02:34:10 +0000 UTC

And Ri Zu, too -- she was creating herbal medicines while traveling, from plants she found, and she's learned how to treat cultivators far more that Meiling was able to teach her.

Laura Hemly

2024-11-01 02:32:26 +0000 UTC

I'm not sure he's going to recognize the herald...

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 02:31:43 +0000 UTC

I’ve been wondering if one of these elite newcomers will detect that Jin is an OFF-WORLDER. This doesn’t seem unreasonable. Perhaps Minyan?

Kreylix

2024-11-01 02:31:30 +0000 UTC

I'm still waiting for him to drop, "Epic grandson removed puppet worm without killing a dude" and "Epic granddaughter kept him (and a small army) knocked out for the fight and then brought him back around."

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 02:29:19 +0000 UTC

I don't think he was apologizing -- even he would know how special that single dish is. He can humble brag all he likes; he knows he's exceeded the bounds of "only" one dish!

Laura Hemly

2024-11-01 02:28:42 +0000 UTC

Here I am waiting for someone to finally identify that root, we forgot about since the first chapters. I love that even as hurt as Shen Yu is, he keeps using and abusing this opportunity to brag to his friends.

Tony

2024-11-01 02:28:24 +0000 UTC

If the auditor is favored by the Heavens, a heart attack is all he will receive. If the heavens are frowning, well, him, his entire line and his backers are about to get very, very F****D.

Harish

2024-11-01 02:27:57 +0000 UTC

Some creatures aren’t born, they come about through magical means, like a carp jumping over the dragon gate to become a dragon. If Phoenixes come into existence when a chicken reaches enlightenment, and if that fact has been lost to time so that nobody remembers it until Bi De does it I’m gonna lose it.

Alex

2024-11-01 02:27:53 +0000 UTC

I'm not sure anyone but a Shennong practioner could grow some of those. My garden-fu is weak, but even I know some things (like certain mushrooms) can't be cultivated no matter what your skill level; you just have to hunt for them in the wild. Others are just really, really fiddly and tricky. OTOH, Jin does seem to have mad teaching skills, so maybe he could teach someone as high level at Shou what his habitat reproduction and growing cues look like. Or just give him a copy of his notes - Jin is all about reproducible results.

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 02:27:44 +0000 UTC

Here is why I like the combat chapters so much. Chapters like these just hit different when it follows a harrowing battle.

Moonspike

2024-11-01 02:27:04 +0000 UTC

Gets dropped off in the middle of Pale Moon Lake, would be more appropriate!

Laura Hemly

2024-11-01 02:25:36 +0000 UTC

The emperor used to be Shen Yu's junior at the Cloudy Sword Sect, and they've bee friends for centuries, apparently.

Laura Hemly

2024-11-01 02:24:22 +0000 UTC

As always, thank you for the chapter and the good laugh. All the reactions for the CSS people was great and the topper (ender?) of the Auditor being so clueless was just the icing on the proverbial cake.

Old Dog

2024-11-01 02:23:00 +0000 UTC

You mean buzzzzzzzed.

Justin

2024-11-01 02:21:30 +0000 UTC

Huh. I was under the impression, that all the Elders of the CSS were in the Imperial realm. I stand corrected.

Fluffy druid

2024-11-01 02:20:53 +0000 UTC

He really is twleve flavors of clueless. No idea what he was doing when he tried to push his way into the elders' meeting at Dueling Peaks and they told him not to let the door hit him on his way out. But this? Abusing his imperial credentials in front of the herald? Using it to harass their very honored host? Ruining Shen Yu's humble brag party?! He'll be lucky if he gets sent back to the Wu family impaled on one those flying message knives.

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 02:16:59 +0000 UTC

Ahhhhhh need more

Austin Thomas

2024-11-01 02:15:35 +0000 UTC

And get's dropped off in Pale Moon Lake City by the Imperial Herald.

Old Dog

2024-11-01 02:13:27 +0000 UTC

Any bets on which one says ‘A Chicken!?’ when they get to Fa Ram? I hope it’s the Herald.

Daniel Jungbluth

2024-11-01 02:06:57 +0000 UTC

I totally forgot about the auditor lmao

Elijah Overland

2024-11-01 02:06:49 +0000 UTC

The auditor, those that sent him and seven generations down the line of everyone involved, I bet.

Daimah

2024-11-01 02:01:14 +0000 UTC

"But I am an IMPERIAL - eep!"

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 02:00:56 +0000 UTC

Yeah - after reading the alt universe with Minyan (and the sweet relationship she developed with Jin) I'm kinda like, "Adoption? Can I tempt ya?" Cute grandson and badass granddaughter! Epic spirit animal great-grandchildren - one's a cuddle cat! Adorable human baby, also available for the low, low, price of being their loving grandma. (Because unless I'm counting wrong, Aunty Hu Li and Lady Wu are about it for maternal figures. They are awesome, but not cultivators. And won't talk back to gramps.)

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 01:59:42 +0000 UTC

I really, really want to see him stumble.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 01:59:23 +0000 UTC

I really feel like the Lord Magistrate should have a name by now.

WyrdWizard

2024-11-01 01:55:52 +0000 UTC

Yep, when he sees Fa Ram he may just go back and strangle Elder Chen for producing the son who injured/killed Jin.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 01:54:07 +0000 UTC

Plot twist I hadn't considered but yeah, that totally fits.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 01:51:44 +0000 UTC

Right? Like, "Hon, I know you want to go back and beat the dead boy,then kill his father, and all living relatives back ten generations, but what's done is done," she says through gritted teeth.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 01:50:11 +0000 UTC

Yes! I really want him to barge in ranting only to see the Herald and freeze, mind, body, soul-frozen.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 01:47:00 +0000 UTC

The auditor deciding to burst into that meeting is going to be the worst decision ever.

CUI13

2024-11-01 01:46:45 +0000 UTC

Oh, you just had to leave us with that last image! (I might stop laughing tomorrow!) Shen Yu is magnificently petty. Cracked, broken, reduced in power but happier than a pig in sh*t. Great image. Jin, "All but six?" Shou, "WTF!!" I'm so loving this.

Angela Roberts

2024-11-01 01:44:51 +0000 UTC

I burst out laughing when I read this. Well done Casualfarmer, excellent as usual.

nogare321

2024-11-01 01:43:53 +0000 UTC

Yup. Pretty sure he's going to crap out his own heart when he sees who he's barging in on.

Just A Dude

2024-11-01 01:41:05 +0000 UTC

I’m looking forward that folk will finally understand how important the earth spirits are.

2024-11-01 01:39:44 +0000 UTC

THIS CHAPTER? Depending on what the auditor does next chapter might be a rocket scientist episode

Michael Foat

2024-11-01 01:35:21 +0000 UTC

I think it's like, "my grandson created a Sect in the Azure Hills and that Sect, under his guidance, curb-stomped what should have been an overwhelming force. In the Azure Hills. Did I mention he's a farmer-scholar, not a warrior? In these Azure Hills." lol

T. Lewison

2024-11-01 01:33:57 +0000 UTC

More like Schrodinger's Auditor... but once the box opens, this cat is totally DOA lol

T. Lewison

2024-11-01 01:31:52 +0000 UTC

Oh the auditor is gonna make the worst decision of his life soon isn't he. Probably the last decision too.

Nalhcal

2024-11-01 01:30:41 +0000 UTC

She did! In the bath chapter, we saw her sipping at one of the lotuses. Hmmm!

T. Lewison

2024-11-01 01:28:49 +0000 UTC

Idk. I thought it was only a handful but the way he said it had me second guessing. If the number was small you wouldn't say all but six. Does that make sense?

mag28

2024-11-01 01:19:08 +0000 UTC

And his assault on death will lead to the Wu family getting knocked off too. Or at the very least extremely diminished. Even a probing from an Imperial Herald would spell doom on all their connections. Who would want to associate with someone the Emperor’s eye and ears dont like

Moatdog

2024-11-01 01:17:00 +0000 UTC

This chapter is AMAZING slightly crazy cackle of laughter

Kat

2024-11-01 01:08:43 +0000 UTC

I envision an auditor shaped stain on the wall, all that will be left of the man after he tries to poke his nose into this. And that's the good ending, the one he gets only if he's lucky and that Imperial Herald is not (as I suspect) actually the emperor himself in disguise as one of His Voices.

Alex

2024-11-01 01:08:39 +0000 UTC

Yes! I think it’s smart to have the voice of heaven masked simply so they can’t be targeted later, but it does also give the opportunity for the emperor himself to quietly travel if he wants! (Plus, he does seem to be personally acquainted with Shen Yu…)

Kat

2024-11-01 01:08:06 +0000 UTC

Let them walk out of the room that the Lord Magistrate is in past the auditor :D

Corwin Amber

2024-11-01 01:02:43 +0000 UTC

ooo I'd forgotten about the peach seeds!!! wonder if they would notice the difference? either way should be interesting. wonder at what point they will figure out he's tied to the Land?

Cymi

2024-11-01 00:59:19 +0000 UTC

We're all just waiting with our popcorns like MJ in the cinema

Kasinki

2024-11-01 00:57:17 +0000 UTC

me too!!!!!!

Cymi

2024-11-01 00:57:12 +0000 UTC

Resting Chad Face for the win. All hail The Lord Magistrate!

jord

2024-11-01 00:55:55 +0000 UTC

Awesome chapter. It will be great to see them visit the farm and see their reactions, then Operation Wingman for Grandpa can begin and Jin can ensure Minyan gets her wish granted. It would objectively be hilarious if the Auditor barged in and suffered the consequences of his hubris, but I don't think the guards will let him pass. More likely, he will be throwing a tantrum outside when the meeting ends and start yelling at the Lord Magistrate when he exits the room, and then suffer once he realizes with whom the meeting was.

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 00:53:01 +0000 UTC

I suspect he's gonna sneak up on death and grope her. Courting is too mild a statement for the blunder he's about to commit.

ENK

2024-11-01 00:52:41 +0000 UTC

The Imperial Herald alone is to kick the auditors ass metaphorically if not literally to shit shoveller.

amin johari

2024-11-01 00:51:19 +0000 UTC

I dont think its necessarily a loooot more but more so the fact that Ge did not honestly expect any of them to grow when he gave him those seeds. It was a hope, but not a belief at all I dont think. I could be wrong though ofc.

Emily Gurnavage

2024-11-01 00:50:59 +0000 UTC

Shenhe also just learned that eleven years ago Jin was a mortal.

Eric Hicks

2024-11-01 00:49:55 +0000 UTC

Oh hells. That might even get Gramps buzzed.

Desert Yeti

2024-11-01 00:49:46 +0000 UTC

He was ofc locked up in the archives doin his job. How dare you disparage an agent of His Imperial Majesty, The Son of Heaven, long may He reign.

Emily Gurnavage

2024-11-01 00:48:49 +0000 UTC

I think that, among certain high-level people, Verdant Hill is going to become considered the northern capitol.

Andrew Denton

2024-11-01 00:48:39 +0000 UTC

It sounds like forcing his way in is exactly what he intends to do

Blake N.

2024-11-01 00:47:17 +0000 UTC

He's a corrupt little weasel, but he's not truly evil. He's also been getting his ass handed to him daily by TLM and Bao. This could be his redemption arc if he survives the massive coronary coming his way.

Desert Yeti

2024-11-01 00:46:45 +0000 UTC

I suppose the rules for fancy noble/cultivator dinners usually involves like 16 courses of small but super fancy food like real life ultra-rich. Prolly a lot of fanfare to it as well. If they weren't so remote, I bet each cultivator would have a personal servant and everyone fed at once etc etc. Hopefully consuming some of the best rice in the entire Kingdom mixed with rare herbs makes up for the lack of appetizers and deserts.

Emily Gurnavage

2024-11-01 00:45:45 +0000 UTC

I just hopes he makes the attempt, bursting in demanding to know who the hell thinks they're more important than him. And of course I want him to live, after all, we can't have the 'offical' matriarch of the Wu going ignorant of how utterly screwed she is if her sister takes umbrige from her son being put in the 'Special Investigator' position in an attempt to get him killed. Because once she knows, she's absolutely going to do something terminally stupid. And I love me some fireworks.

jord

2024-11-01 00:44:56 +0000 UTC

Since this is a report for all the relevant parties (including the emperor), it is better to go chronologically from the beginning and give full context for everything, rather than going back and forth in time to explain the context of something. A linear retelling of the events is much preferable for this, as it is concise and more professional.

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 00:43:00 +0000 UTC

Frickin auditor is still there lol. Do you think he will believe it if a guard tells him who TLM is busy with that outranks an Imperial Auditor? The truth is pretty outlandish.

Emily Gurnavage

2024-11-01 00:42:10 +0000 UTC

Auditor is courting death.

Duke of Coffee

2024-11-01 00:41:43 +0000 UTC

It really is no wonder that he got along with Nezin.

Andrew Denton

2024-11-01 00:40:48 +0000 UTC

Oh yes please let the Auditor burst in on this meeting, i wanna see what happens

Michael Zalesny

2024-11-01 00:40:17 +0000 UTC

Oh I just had the funniest thought Shenhe is going to learn all about how Jin views the actions of the shrouded mountain sect and finally find out all the misunderstandings that took place

NightmareChild92

2024-11-01 00:40:01 +0000 UTC

I really how the auditor barges in lol Thanks for the chapter!

Trevor Mergen

2024-11-01 00:39:55 +0000 UTC

This is how the Lord Auditor switches sides and becomes TLM's loyal dog ... if he knows what's good for him.

Desert Yeti

2024-11-01 00:39:04 +0000 UTC

Nah, Shen Yu is an equal-oppourtunity needler.

Andrew Denton

2024-11-01 00:38:12 +0000 UTC

He's their botany specialist, which is why ANYTHING that Jin grew that he's seen thus far makes him want to scream, "He should have been MINE!!" I believe he even said, "Screw Shen! I would have taken him!" after seeing the "lowly Spiritual Herbs." (he's the Elder the rest of them were trying to annoy when they named them that, lol)

Samantha Kuhn

2024-11-01 00:36:51 +0000 UTC

He's going to barge in. I feel it.

Desert Yeti

2024-11-01 00:35:12 +0000 UTC

Pretty sure minyan will thaw after meeting (and attempting to poach) Tigu, Yin, xiulan, and Xianghua. And probably Meimei and Rizu too tbh

Jessica Emerson

2024-11-01 00:34:37 +0000 UTC

Jin himself is probably going to clarify it during his portion of the report, no worries.

Caoimhín

2024-11-01 00:33:50 +0000 UTC

Oh, I SO want the auditor to burst in!

Andrew Denton

2024-11-01 00:32:36 +0000 UTC

I'd laugh my ass off if the auditor managed to bulldoze his way into THIS meeting. Talk about damned by victory.

Jarrik32

2024-11-01 00:31:55 +0000 UTC

Folks, FOLKS! We're about to witness a perfect, full damage, speedrun of getting your ass fired and your family black listed for seven generations. Grab the popcorn!

Alexis Lionel

2024-11-01 00:31:46 +0000 UTC

Thanks for the chapter CF

Patanahi

2024-11-01 00:31:37 +0000 UTC

Minyan is such a Tsunderes. I love it.

leopard eye

2024-11-01 00:31:23 +0000 UTC

A spiritual cock that will challenge the heavens.

Ivy Maturin

2024-11-01 00:30:35 +0000 UTC

Hahaahha neal Callahan’s comment had me rolling hahahah

Patanahi

2024-11-01 00:29:28 +0000 UTC

Only to immediately collapse in shock from seeing the herald

James A. Glier

2024-11-01 00:27:50 +0000 UTC

All hail Shen Yu, the Troll King, and his honored grandson, master of looking clueless and/innocent! Which is really about all you can do when your troll ancestors decide to kick off. Also loving that Yukong is holding on tight to keep Shou from hopping right back on that sword to go beat Chen to death with silver yin blossoms.

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 00:26:09 +0000 UTC

"I didn't manage to JUST grow them. I FERMENTED them. This drink is going to be Off. The. Hook." I imagine if bee hoochie got her hands on any divine liquid, she'd be able to make it that much better.

Pope Yoda I

2024-11-01 00:24:36 +0000 UTC

That's so funny. I'd forgotten all about the auditor. The real big question is, who's under the mask? It would be very funny to find out it's the emporer himself. Haha

Tom

2024-11-01 00:24:22 +0000 UTC

I really hope the auditer forces his way into the meeting and somehow survives

2024-11-01 00:23:23 +0000 UTC

Yeeees that would be amazing !

Patanahi

2024-11-01 00:22:06 +0000 UTC

We're not doing phrasing anymore? Ohhhhhh wait. I see it now.

Paul Boros

2024-11-01 00:19:29 +0000 UTC

Me too !! Hahahahah

Patanahi

2024-11-01 00:19:02 +0000 UTC

Damn it. This series is teaching me what familial pride is!

StarBat

2024-11-01 00:19:00 +0000 UTC

While Shen Yu is absolutely (and hilariously) humble-bragging about Jin, The Lord Magistrate wasn't. His apology for the "limited" food was genuine. TLM is another person who has gotten so used to the insane bounty of Fa Ram that he assumes these powerful cultivators have this sort of thing all the time.

John D Jones

2024-11-01 00:18:04 +0000 UTC

Ohhhhh noooooo…

Auralia

2024-11-01 00:16:46 +0000 UTC

Maybe a cutting from the peach tree when it’s older?

Timothy Dana

2024-11-01 00:14:24 +0000 UTC

If I remember right Shou is the head of the CSS medical pavilion? If so I hope he and MeiMei and rizu get to talk

Catherine

2024-11-01 00:12:55 +0000 UTC

I jumped into a new cliff, the talent for always making the last paragraph or sentence into a cliff I can't be patient for is a deadly doa indeed CF.

litalmexy

2024-11-01 00:12:42 +0000 UTC

Do you think he might be inspired to grow his own sky ship or show the fairies what they need to do to grow their own?

NightmareChild92

2024-11-01 00:12:30 +0000 UTC

The real question is whether he barges in while announcing that HE is an IMPERIAL AUDITOR! TLM's intent may well kill him on the spot.

Often Irrelephant

2024-11-01 00:12:06 +0000 UTC

True

Supernova Wizard

2024-11-01 00:10:27 +0000 UTC

It's possible he's got the coveted "be in two places at once" technique, if anyone would have it it'd be the Emperor.

Daniel Ryan

2024-11-01 00:06:39 +0000 UTC

I now picture Elder Shou as Frank Reynolds lol. Mocked by Shen Yu's smug aura.

Gwyn

2024-11-01 00:05:06 +0000 UTC

Yes! I was just thinking that! Lmfao!

Kirivina

2024-11-01 00:04:34 +0000 UTC

The last portion gave me so much joy ^^

Bruno Vieira

2024-11-01 00:03:18 +0000 UTC

Sorry the Goat spirit beast slot is already taken. The live as a gnat option is open tho. 🤣

Zatarii

2024-11-01 00:01:52 +0000 UTC

THE LORD AUDITOR'S LUCK I SWEAR HAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAH ohman I do not envy that guy. Thank you for the chapter CF!

Kasinki

2024-11-01 00:01:13 +0000 UTC

Pour one out for the Auditor, who somehow didn't notice the flying ship and dozen flying swords arriving at the Palace.

Adam

2024-10-31 23:59:31 +0000 UTC

Oh, that last line with the auditor! This is going to be so much FUN! 😹

Antony Claughton

2024-10-31 23:58:01 +0000 UTC

So Jin is telling a tale to everyone in charge what is up and Auditor is gonna FAFO.

Will Gossage

2024-10-31 23:56:40 +0000 UTC

Oh man, I completely forgot about that thing. Good call.

Ed S.

2024-10-31 23:53:02 +0000 UTC

I mean yes, but also he uplifted 7? spirit beasts, 2 direct disciples and 1 indirect while also assisting/accelerating several others and some more spirit beats? I'm sure I'm missing some lol but all this while he's only been gone from the sect he left as an initiate for a VERY brief time in cultivator terms (and in general lol)

Scruffleupagas

2024-10-31 23:52:56 +0000 UTC

Also Jin needs to show Shou the fire root too. If he doesn't know nobody will know.

mag28

2024-10-31 23:52:12 +0000 UTC

I need to see Shou's reaction to the farm now. I think there is a chance Shou might stay at Fa Ram to learn how to farm m now. Also CF I think you should let us know how many seeds were sent to Fa Ram. We know of 2 of them but that reaction makes me think its a lot more.

mag28

2024-10-31 23:50:46 +0000 UTC

Chekhov's auditor!

Halldor Jonsson

2024-10-31 23:47:29 +0000 UTC

I love Shen Yu being a giant troll. Needling Shou over the "lowly spiritual herbs," just tossing out there that Jin defeated all those high level cultivators, bringing out the lotuses that he had to have known Shou was never able to grow. He's going to be practically cackling the whole way to Fa Ram. And his new disciple... the chicken.

M e

2024-10-31 23:47:21 +0000 UTC

Minyan and Shen's bickering is as great here as her reactions were in the AU.

Randall Norman Pick

2024-10-31 23:47:17 +0000 UTC

I hope Tigu asks them all for pointers :)

Catherine

2024-10-31 23:46:36 +0000 UTC

Shen Yu absolutely is taking it as a bonus to rub everyone's face in how awesome his grandson is.

Randall Norman Pick

2024-10-31 23:46:30 +0000 UTC

Yeah no this is all a thinly veiled bragging session about Jin lmao🤣 He's cultivated rare spiritual herbs and Gold Grade Rice! ✨️ In 3 years, he's strong enough to fight several seasoned demonic cultivators! 💪 He's found an amazing magistrate! 🧐 His Wife is a peerless intellectual! 🧠 He has several spirit beasts and a Dragon under his command! 🐉 He has the world's greatest Cock 🐓

Lanter

2024-10-31 23:46:08 +0000 UTC

Well it isn't exactly urgent and these are all centuries old cultivators. They all have the time and patience for a full accounting.

Lizard Wizard

2024-10-31 23:45:09 +0000 UTC

Ohhhhh I really hope the auditor barges in on them!

Cam

2024-10-31 23:44:22 +0000 UTC

They're going to want to visit the farm. There's no way they leave without visiting the farm first, not after they learned of what Jin grows. Thanks for the chapter.

NameGame

2024-10-31 23:43:38 +0000 UTC

I was also thinking that the Voice was the emperor. Especially with the needling

Scruffleupagas

2024-10-31 23:43:07 +0000 UTC

Shen Yu is inflating Jin's achievement in the "beat three earth realm and 1 sky realm cultivators" cause the way he said it implies Jin did it on his own but we know Jin had a lot of help.....I'm sure it'll be clarified in a funny manner or something but Shen Yu is padding it a little bit.

Kai

2024-10-31 23:42:45 +0000 UTC

I re read c55, I do not think the Voice is the Emperor in disguise.

Seaspike

2024-10-31 23:42:45 +0000 UTC

Such a fun chapter! The Lord Magistrate apologizing for only being able to make one dish ..of gold grade rice and a spiritual herbs stir-fry, with silver yin lotus tea on the side! Hee! Such a TOTAL humble brag, and it was the mortal, not Shen Yu, who got to make that one! And, like everyone else, I am anxiously awaiting the auditor to barge in on the Imperial realm cultivators and the Imperial Herald -- and I still snicker with evil anticipation at the thought! 🤣🤣

Laura Hemly

2024-10-31 23:42:17 +0000 UTC

This chapter was abolute 🔥... And then CF casually dropped the auditor back into the forefront of consciousness and it became 💰 Omfg, the audiobook needs special effects sounds. I absolutely cannot wait to listen to so many scenes....

Anthony

2024-10-31 23:41:45 +0000 UTC

It's likely not the Emperor. Previously it was made clear that he isn't sufficiently powerful to properly be Emperor so he uses a formation at the palace to fake it. I doubt even for this he'd risk that secret getting out. Especially when he can just send a Herald in his name and everyone will treat the Herald as if he were the Emperor in truth.

David Brewer

2024-10-31 23:41:02 +0000 UTC

I forget everyone's age lol

Zax

2024-10-31 23:38:27 +0000 UTC

Xiulan isn’t lost, her mother left her and joined the SHI Sect after she was already born.

KnightRider007

2024-10-31 23:37:40 +0000 UTC

Bonus points for him being annoyed because the plants are growing too well and taking over the bath house.

KnightRider007

2024-10-31 23:36:15 +0000 UTC

What about these suspicious characters you're hosting huh? And this masked guy pretending to be the Emperor is the worst of this bunch.

Arnon Parenti

2024-10-31 23:35:36 +0000 UTC

Shen Yu would die a happy man seeing those faces.

michael shafer

2024-10-31 23:35:25 +0000 UTC

Well what else are they good for according to him?

Cindermoth

2024-10-31 23:35:04 +0000 UTC

The hype, the hyyyyyypeeeeeeeee

Osvaldo Antonio Carmona Calderón

2024-10-31 23:34:58 +0000 UTC

Awesome chapter. By three years ago, I'm assuming Jin is starting off with his encounter with the young master of the SMS in Verdant Hill... while that is the start of things it would seem to make more sense to discuss more recent events first, then bring up relevant details as needed.

Supernova Wizard

2024-10-31 23:34:02 +0000 UTC

The Emperor takes his duty too seriously to jount away, he is literally holding the seams of reality together, he wouldn't just walk away right? Right?

Arnon Parenti

2024-10-31 23:33:37 +0000 UTC

So this is how the Lord Auditor dies. From sheer dread and instant regret.

Rorschach SK

2024-10-31 23:33:12 +0000 UTC

It's so perfectly in Character for Shen Yu to use an emergency gathering to brag about his grandson. As he should, Jin's amazing And that "poor" Auditor. He's about to see first hand what the Lord Magistrate deals with on the regular.

Zeromaru2

2024-10-31 23:32:05 +0000 UTC

Wait till the SHS find their missing daughter Xiulan, and then she tells them no when they invite her. Veins are going to pop.

Arnon Parenti

2024-10-31 23:32:01 +0000 UTC

YYYAAAYYY! Chapter notification made my day! THANK YOU!

Jon Dough

2024-10-31 23:31:59 +0000 UTC

I can’t wait to check back tomorrow and see all the comments!

Jared Pincus

2024-10-31 23:31:22 +0000 UTC

Imagine him seeing the damn Herald. It'd be an accomplishment if he doesn't die on the spot.

Simon Andriessen

2024-10-31 23:29:58 +0000 UTC

May the light of heaven shine on Lord Auditor's face and let him see mount Tai before he stumbles.

Arnon Parenti

2024-10-31 23:28:39 +0000 UTC

I kind of want to see Shou asking more about why Jin decided to make the herbs into a seasoning of all things after this, especially since he'll probably notice how much gentler they are in being cultivated. We know that SHou is pretty much going to DEMAND to see the farm after this meeting. And I'm honestly looking forward to Minyan just melting at Zhuye. Along with probably a bunch of other SHI ladies that accompany her. The Auditor is about to get the humbling of a lifetime I think. Well past deserved as well. And I really do wonder if the Voice of the Emperor may actually be the man himself, and only Shen Yu actually knows it because of his friendship with said man.

TempestK

2024-10-31 23:28:24 +0000 UTC

I thank the noble author for their benevolence in granting this lowly one such a treat. Absolutely loved this chapter, and the ending killed me. The auditor is living on borrowed time keeping up that attitude. Hope your night goes well.

Aki_Iokua18

2024-10-31 23:28:05 +0000 UTC

The short reminder about the auditor is hilarious, imagine if he barges in

Ford-Thomas Frank Loveland

2024-10-31 23:26:29 +0000 UTC

Oh boy! I hope that auditor uses his station to barge in. Hahaha

Echo Sparksong

2024-10-31 23:25:52 +0000 UTC

ME I WANT THIS POOR MAN TO GET WRECKED

Justus Saucedo

2024-10-31 23:25:16 +0000 UTC

How evil ending the chapter leaving us hang on the smack down about to occur to that "poor" Lord Auditor.

Caleb Reusser

2024-10-31 23:22:48 +0000 UTC

Aaaah! I can't wait for Jin to show off how he's growing spiritual herbs in his bath house and fireplace. And how Meimei uses dragon lightning to enrich them to make medicine. And the Disciples of Fa Ram. This is going to be SO GOOD.

M e

2024-10-31 23:22:41 +0000 UTC

Oh, please barge in, Lord Auditor. I dare you.

Daniel Mountain

2024-10-31 23:21:48 +0000 UTC

I want more how dare you!! ,😁

Theonewhospeaks (WRC)

2024-10-31 23:21:33 +0000 UTC

I hope the lord auditor barges in the meeting.

Palakol

2024-10-31 23:20:50 +0000 UTC

i have been laughing for a few min at this as well

Levi

2024-10-31 23:19:39 +0000 UTC

Of course not Ge. That's half the reason. Lol

Story Time Compass

2024-10-31 23:19:15 +0000 UTC

No ,not really, he's really over his head but he's a horrible person so it evens out.

Vicente Huerta

2024-10-31 23:19:14 +0000 UTC

Such a deliciously evil cliffhanger as always can't wait to the next chapter I loved the reveal and Grandpa's gloating

Rune Shadow

2024-10-31 23:18:47 +0000 UTC

.... I forgot that bit is more effectively literal in that environment. That's, wow. The tool deserves a smacking, but the sort of punishment that the local magistrate can dish ouout with a little help with his friends. The whole province is going to feel the hurt from this screw up.

Seadrake

2024-10-31 23:17:50 +0000 UTC

I'm giggling. That Auditor is going to do a spit take with his own blood.

Brandon

2024-10-31 23:17:39 +0000 UTC

I spent this entire chapter cackling in glee at the humble brags xD

Nathaniel Jacob moore

2024-10-31 23:17:29 +0000 UTC

Shao: YOU GREW ALL OF THEM!!! Shen Yu: the plants? Oh yeah they’re great anyway, introducing my newest disciple: my grandson‘s giant cock!!

Aaron Schwartz

2024-10-31 23:17:27 +0000 UTC

Lmao oh god the auditor is bouta have a heart attack

Zero Wrath

2024-10-31 23:17:16 +0000 UTC

Oh this is gonna be fun

leopard eye

2024-10-31 23:17:03 +0000 UTC

Agreed you’re a bastard farmer

frankie doerr

2024-10-31 23:16:25 +0000 UTC

So short, but so sweet. Also, I will totally believe that Shen Yu brought them all there just to brag about and be smug about his grandson.

Kai

2024-10-31 23:16:15 +0000 UTC

Tftc

Nick

2024-10-31 23:16:01 +0000 UTC

Hello I am the imperial auditor. I wish to leave this room immediately to depart for Tibet, where I will live as a goat.

Neal Callahan

2024-10-31 23:15:49 +0000 UTC

The auditor cough cough you're killing me (👈🏾literally me) He arrives now now my god he bout to shit himself right before the CSS shits themselves when they learn how he grew those

ItWasIDIO!!

2024-10-31 23:15:46 +0000 UTC

Shen Yu: BEHOLD! MY GRANDSON!

WarStrider72

2024-10-31 23:15:23 +0000 UTC

We CALLED IT! The Auditor is there...

Seaspike

2024-10-31 23:15:17 +0000 UTC

Shen yu: let me tell you about my grandson. The rest: arent we here for demon? Shen yu: bah, we can leave that for later

octav

2024-10-31 23:14:48 +0000 UTC

I'm laughing, the auditor is about to become a smear on the walls and I'm Laughing!

Homeless One

2024-10-31 23:14:41 +0000 UTC

Forget the cultivator levels imagine if he barged in and saw the IMPERIAL HERALD, he would have essentially barged in on the Emperor himself

asdo

2024-10-31 23:13:49 +0000 UTC

I really hope your assumption and mine are right; the audit thinks he's the most important person around....

Randall C

2024-10-31 23:13:48 +0000 UTC

That auditor has an epic beat down coming up in his near future

John Doe

2024-10-31 23:13:41 +0000 UTC

So good haha

James Faulkner

2024-10-31 23:13:40 +0000 UTC

The auditor is gonna have EXACTLY the day that he deserves lol

Seiden Kyoukai

2024-10-31 23:13:28 +0000 UTC

Thank you for the Chapter and Happy Halloween.

Demian Buckle

2024-10-31 23:13:22 +0000 UTC

I was thinking the exact same thing.

Rake1810

2024-10-31 23:13:14 +0000 UTC

Hahaha I sense the smugness radiating if Shen Yu when he introduces Jin! Minoan had an icy glare at first but hopefully Jin will be able to melt some of her ocy demeanor. And Elder Shou going crazy at Jin for growing the lotuses was exactly what the doctor ordered! Happy Halloween to everyone! And don't forget that Day Light Savings time is this weekend for USA and Canada!

WarStrider72

2024-10-31 23:13:13 +0000 UTC

Ugh that was supper good

Thatguyuknow

2024-10-31 23:13:04 +0000 UTC

“For a brief moment, Ge wondered if Shen Yu had asked them to come just to brag about his Grandson. “ Yes?

KnightRider007

2024-10-31 23:10:49 +0000 UTC

Oh, oh this poor poor crooked auditor, you have no idea what you are about to get hit by

bob50000

2024-10-31 23:10:28 +0000 UTC

Lmao forgot about the poor auditor

2024-10-31 23:10:12 +0000 UTC

I am an Imperial Auditor. I must be allowed inside to audit those unbridled sects and bring them to heel.

Zatarii

2024-10-31 23:09:37 +0000 UTC

Oh, oh gods. By Talos and the Divines, this is everything I’d ever hoped for and somehow even better. 😅 Thanks for the chapter!

CringeWorthyStudios

2024-10-31 23:09:34 +0000 UTC

He absolutely called them to brag, the demonic cultivator was just a convenient excuse lol

Matthias Theisen

2024-10-31 23:09:16 +0000 UTC

Lol, Shen Yu totally would summon all the sects just to brag about Jin

Cuticle

2024-10-31 23:09:12 +0000 UTC

Man I really want to auditor to burst into the room and every one to stare him down.

Nick gerhold

2024-10-31 23:08:57 +0000 UTC

Everything I hoped for! And can tell next chapter will be another banger.

Mitchell Calhoun

2024-10-31 23:07:50 +0000 UTC

Somehow, after everything in the past couple of months, that is the cruelest cliff...

Consumer of litrpg

2024-10-31 23:07:15 +0000 UTC

That's a great line to tease us with, there at the end.

Cole Deucalion

2024-10-31 23:06:47 +0000 UTC

Ohh, that poor poor auditor. He is a tool, but he doesn't deserve barging into a meeting with 4 imperial cultivators.

Seadrake

2024-10-31 23:06:44 +0000 UTC

Is it bad that I almost feel sorry for the Auditor?

Chakfor

2024-10-31 23:05:49 +0000 UTC

Hahahaha this auditor is not going to have a pleasant day

Nicholas Roberts

2024-10-31 23:05:45 +0000 UTC

I would say that poor poor Auditor. But this idiot deserves everything that is about to happen to him.

Starfall20

2024-10-31 23:04:27 +0000 UTC

Thanks for the chapter! And happy Halloween!!

John DeLuca

2024-10-31 23:04:01 +0000 UTC

Auditorial BSOD, incoming!

BargleNawdleZouss

2024-10-31 23:01:49 +0000 UTC

thanks for the chapter boss!

WarStrider72

2024-10-31 23:00:39 +0000 UTC

1st

WarStrider72

2024-10-31 23:00:33 +0000 UTC

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v5c63: The Meeting Commences

Comments

For reference, the Cloudy Sword sent him either fifty or sixty seeds/cuttings. So “all but six” means he’s successfully cultivated either 44 or 54 herbs they’ve *never managed before*

kinda like the man, hope he gets more screentime down the line

The way they played it up, there is only one man who is not regarded as a person at all because of his role as Voice of the Emperor. So he is singular in that respect.

And lo did the Unconquered Blade's Cock aid him in delivering the final blow the great enemy falling before him giving his head in defeat. >_>

Yes, and apparently, in the bathhouse it is as invasive as kudzu.

It would be awesome if that auditor breaks into the meeting talking obscenities only realize who and how many people are present.

Thanks, will do that today.

Not in the story, but the author did tell us about the root in on Discord. Search for "legendary root" to find the post.

Was Silver yin lotus grown in the bath house?

Could be a body double after all when you need to hear it yourself (or don't want to play telephone even with a guy you trust) so I'm with you could be

Nope & probably hopefully

Did the root Jin has and gramps didn't know ever get ID? Or is the CSS going to help, since the plant masters are now here?

Thank you!!

Or these guys trying to rob a cop bar.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GAgIBgOA3M

that's Big D's crystal so I don't see Jin handing it over.

What If? like the alternative world where Meiling is the young mistress of a medicine sect, while also having the 'norm' of living a doble life as a teacher. what if The Herald is his other identity ? and the conversation, was just for the 'show' as they say

My own suspicion is that the Emperor is connected to his Herald the same way Vajra is connected to her bees, so that the Emperor is literally seeing through his eyes, hearing through his ears, and speaking through his mouth. Hopefully I’ll get to find out if I’m right or not at some point.

We also had a scene where the Emperor tasked his herald with this mission. As in, one distinct person talked to another. There's not much point having a Herald if you're gonna go out and speak for yourself, is there?

The "Herald" is the Emperor, we all agree on that, right? (Edit: I would still like it to be true, but now that I think about it - a bit risky and probably unrealistic for the Emperor to just take off like that)

Agreed. It IS a nice bit of fun and levity to throw in here, but even a buffoon like him should feel their auras and make himself scarce.

🤣🤣🤣 Probably not but you nailed Vajra! That is exactly what she'd do.

@Idan tal: https://discord.com/channels/799119283653312523/818247535189295114/1173423363406958592

Tell the Auditor that TLM has been commanded to host a meeting of high-level cultivators. When he sneers, tell him the skyship from Soaring Heaven's Isle is just outside, and he can go see it, but the flying swords that the rest of them arrived on have been put away.

Oh! Now that would be a drink for the ages. Nice idea

I think the closest you can get is if the Herald has some formations that let the Emperor tap into his senses and speak out of his mouth.

I saved it for reference 😊

I had Thanksgiving with family - specifically the family of my grandmother’s lover’s adopted son’s grandson - several years running. It’s not that hard to enlarge a family.

For anyone else like me who missed this detail, a quick search brought up Sidestory 9413 https://www.patreon.com/posts/sidestory-9413-62870114

The Herald will need some maple syrup for the road before he stops in Pale Moon Lake city.

Hopefully he'll stomp over when one of the cultivators has unconsciously flared their aura or something, and then turn and run away from that explosive situation.

---- There was a brief moment where he and Minyan eyes each other ---- Typo. Should be "Eyed"

Or it just turns out that it was the pollen. A petty sabotage by Vajra

What about her little brother who is just getting the talent? He should feel like someone hit him in the nose with a baseball bat!

Totally agree Blue mage. The Inquisitor keeps making bad decisions so reaping the FO is just desserts.

Im not gonna lie, I honestly hope the Auditor doesn’t interrupt the meeting. I would just feel too bad for the poor guy. Antagonist or not, no mortal deserves to accidentally piss off a room full of Cultivators of that level.

Just realized something. A few chapters back, Vajra was drinking the dew from the lotuses in the bathhouse. These would be the silver yin lotuses. So, can honey be made from them? And if so, can mead be made from that honey? Might have just found Gramps new favorite drink.

Considering this is the crew of the personal skyship of the 2nd most powerful elder of what might be the 2nd most powerful sect in the Empire, I doubt any of the crew (except for maybe the cabin girl) are as low as the Profound realm. But otherwise I accept you math.

There's *something* going on under that mask and outfit, though.

Specially since the greenhouse is profiling itself to become a hidden realm.

It can be called: From Egg to Ascension, Journey of the Celestial Cock. And it becomes on par with the writings of the honored elders.

Hahahaha, if you're going to write an epic song you've got to do it right!

No, Jin would just be the grandson of her lover. She has no relationship with Jin beyond that. But who knows?

The poor auditor's going to be cooked when he finds out TLM has already been audited by Lu Ri senior disciple of the cloudy sword sect.

Ah! The good old "Why use 1 word when 15 words work" writing trick

It wasn't his Imperial qi, but the demonic one that she "couldn't" smell/stand.

Storm Wings Express!

Agreed! Although, it's more likely in this timeline Jin is viewed as her grandson and Zhuye her great-grandson. Because, in this AU, they don't have to pretend he's her and Shen Yu's son. Jin is openly Shen Yu's adopted grandson.

"And over here we have the bath house, where those Silver Yin Lotuses are growing like weeds"

I mean, the man is a rat (metaphorically, no offense to Ri Zu), he probably just racks up the bad karma

"The Patriarch of Verdant Hill! Who spoke directly with the Voice of the Son of Heaven! What a guy! Cheers! To the Patriarch!"

I have a feeling that the Imperial Herald is more than he appears, because Shen Yu went out of his way to tease him. So we might have the current Emperor essentially being handed a job advertisement for his own job. Hilarity ensues.

Agreed.

He won't touch the ground until the moment he skips off the lake's surface and impacts the docks.

Oh did I say carp? I meant dragon.

Only for the herald to meet Big D. He's going to return with quite a tale -- and Hope for his lord, who could really, really use an Heir.

!!!

Isn't Chen Li the guy who beat up Jin in the beginning? I thought he had repented and been sent of to fight demons. Did he get killed off screen? If so, that's a bummer. I had hopes for him.

I just remembered something; when Gramps arrived at Fa Ram, Meiling almost sneezed herself unconscious with the scent of his monstrous chi. Now 2 more Imperial level, and over 40 Sky and Earth level cultivators are about to show up at her door. Poor woman is not going to be happy.

Divines bless your kind heart!

All of Shen Yu bodies are at the imperial realm.

Need the link pls

I really love this chapter, as I imagine gramps looking more dead than alive but with a stupid wide grinn at the table.

@ M e I'm recalling this from the previous post: [quote] “Well, we can do something quick, and hope our guests are not insulted. Is a stir fry with the Seven Fragrance Jewel Herbs an acceptable dish?” the Lord Magistrate asked. [/quote]

So excited for Minyan to meet her new son and grandchild lol.

I absolutely view him as Frank Reynolds now, at least physically.

I can't wait to see how the regular CSS cultivators view Big D. He struck the critical blow at just the right second to save Shen Yus life, against an imperial demon. There's no way stories aren't getting told about him.

Don't you mean "that supper was super good."?

On an off topic note, I wonder if Jin might hand over the crystal with the mad spirit looking for a new azure king to the imperial herald for the current emperor. It feels like a nice solution to that little loose end.

Yeah their reactions are great, I’m really looking forward to all the “A chicken???!” reactions too 😆

Ah... Greetings future corps. Please, barge into this meeting. I would love for the Imperial Harald to pay pale moon lake a visit.

I think Shen Yu has been itching for an excuse to brag about Jin for a while, the fact that he got a really solid excuse to call his friends to do so is a lucky coincidence 😆

All of the above. Also TLM’s natural reaction to extreme situations is to freeze solid, I don’t think he can faint until he’s out of danger and back in his private rooms where he can cry in his wife’s arms. He’s a real man that one, and I say it without irony. TLM is the best!

Not to mention my cat, my ox, my two pigs and my carp, they did well too.

Oh please auditor try and barge into that meeting I’m begging! Also yes Elder Ge, Shen Yu absolutely called upon all of you to brag about his grandson. There’s other things too, but the bragging is the most urgent.

Ran is Imperial as well.

That auditor is cursed. Has to be. No other explanation.

That is a fantastic idea! (I, unlike so many fans do not love TB's voice, and would also leap at the chance to hear this as a dramatized radio play!)

Right! The levels of disbelief, anger at the now dead kid, and interest in Jin & Mei will skyrocket.

For reference, the Cloudy Sword sent him either fifty or sixty seeds/cuttings. So “all but six” means he’s successfully cultivated either 44 or 54 herbs they’ve never managed before

There's something going on under that mask and outfit, though.

"Oh I didn’t do it alone, my wife helped. How long has she been cultivating? Three years." Minyan urge to steal rises

Under standard symbolism, yes. However, this empire is specifically named “The Crimson Phoenix Empire”, so they have probably shifted the order of primacy.