v5c62: The Heavens Converge
Added 2024-10-30 03:34:31 +0000 UTCThe Lord Magistrate took a moment, in the sanctity of his own mind, to vent all of his frustrations. The Cloudy Sword Sect arriving in an official capacity, along with Soaring Heaven’s Isle, and one of His Imperial Majesty’s direct retainers?
Ah, his life was flashing before his eyes. He could feel his soul start to leave his body.
The feeling lasted for far shorter a time than he had hoped. It was rather nice to have his mind go blank so he could stop thinking about the coming guests. But alas, his senses returned, and he had to actually think about this.
He could understand why they were coming. Jin had fully explained everything that had happened. An Imperial Realm demonic cultivator, along with a massive base. How utterly horrifying. He had no idea Jin’s grandfather was that strong either!
The Lord Magistrate could not even begin to imagine the kind of power such monsters had— he couldn’t comprehend it. Those in the Initiate’s Realm had looked like unstoppable monsters, when they had hurt his lady.
Jin had been hundreds of Li away and they had heard him fighting over the hills and trees, and seen the glow from techniques. The earth had rumbled and the heavens had shaken, and if the battle had happened in Verdant Hill there would have been nothing left.
It was a wonder that the dance had distracted everyone else from that. The Lord Magistrate’s mind had been near numb, gibbering with terror. He could barely remember the dance, the night passing by in moments.
It….it was a good thing these people were coming. They would clear out the nest of monsters he had no idea had even existed, and keep him and his wife safe. As well as everyone else.
He pondered briefly about retiring from his post and leaving for somewhere else…but realistically, where would he be safer? Here, at least, would be under the aegis of two of the most powerful sects in the Empire.
Still, that didn’t mean he wanted to deal with the stress of actually meeting these people. He was a mortal, for the Heavens’ sake. He would have to watch his words and pray that they didn’t ask him any questions.
Actually…that was rather a good point. Why exactly should he be here? They were cultivators, and they did cultivator things. Surely, these powerful experts did not want an ant like him around?
Yes! He could go about his business, and Jin could tell him later if anything happened! A brilliant idea!
The Lord Magistrate uncupped his hands from where he had been holding them in front of his face.
“Is my presence necessary?” he asked. “I will of course arrange everything you require, but I do not believe I can contribute anything meaningful to the coming discussion. Additionally, I am a mortal. The coming experts should be able to discuss their plans freely, without a weak link such as myself intruding.”
Jin’s grandfather raised an eyebrow. “Most mortals would be quite enthusiastic to be included in such a meeting.”
“I know my capabilities, and this is beyond them,” the Lord Magistrate answered. “What would I even do? Curry favour? Arrange drinks? I am unqualified to take part in such a discussion.”
The old man considered the Lord Magistrate’s words, his sharp eyes upon him.
“And yet I believe you are qualified. My grandson and Lu Ri both speak highly of you. What do you know of the teachings of the Cloudy Sword Sect?”
The Lord Magistrate blinked at the words. Where exactly was he going with this…?
“Enough. Lu Ri gave me…” he trailed off as he remembered a particular passage…and then felt a coldness settle upon him. “Kowtow to the mortal that enlightens you; disdain the barbarian that knows only the strength of his arm?”
The old man smiled and nodded. “Indeed, it is for that reason why you will be here. My grandson calls you Teacher. Lu Ri calls you his friend and equal. I myself have taken your measure, and I do not find you lacking. Know this, Lord Magistrate, that you are one of the few mortals in all of existence that could dare say they possess the qualifications to be present for this meeting.”
Within the Lord Magistrate, an internal conflict raged. One part was the fear of cultivators. The other part was a man saying that the Lord Magistrate was impressive to the Cloudy Sword Sect. That he was the one man who could sit in on the meeting because his skills had drawn the praise and admiration of those on the path of immortality.
Never before had his capabilities been praised so highly.
He stroked his mustache to hide the trembling of his lips, a smile threatening to break out before he calmed it. He coughed into his closed fist.
“Very well. With that said…I would have appreciated more warning. This is cutting it very close, Jin.”
The young man bowed apologetically. “I didn’t think they would be here this fast either…” he muttered.
“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.
Jin’s grandfather grinned.
“Indeed, it will more than suffice.”
=====================
Thousands of Li away, a fleet of flying swords crossed the sky. They moved impossibly quickly, cutting through the air swifter than the fastest arrow.
Cultivators stood upon them, their hands clasped behind their backs as they travelled upon the weapons of the Cloudy Sword Sect, unsealed for war. Their bearing was one of complete focus. Their eyes gleamed like stars.
One Imperial Realm Cultivator, two of the Fifth stage of the Sky Realm, and twelve within the Earth Realm.
Enough strength to bring all but the most powerful sects in the Empire to ruin. Enough power to obliterate entire provinces.
And this was but the vanguard.
Back at the sect, Elder Ran oversaw the disciples. They toiled, cultivating, forging, training and meditating, awaiting the moment they would be called to battle. Great scrolls were unfurled, records of every tactic and stratagem used against the Great Enemy recorded in exacting detail.
The spirits created by the founders drifted through the sect, reciting the names of the Martyrs against the demonic. In the amphitheaters they extolled the actions of the great heroes of ages past and their meritorious deeds.
The rot that had infected the sect had been purged. The ways of the Honoured Founders ascended to their rightful place.
The unflinching warrior-philosophers of the Cloudy Sword stood ready.
In Crimson Crucible City, sergeants bellowed, and men lined up for inspection. Weapons were cleaned. Jade Armours put into their maintenance rites. It had been many, many years since they had done anything but guard duty—yet this was no sedentary, fat, weak army.
This was the Army Forged in the Crucible.
It was they who, along with the Cloudy Sword Sect, were the first line against the demons that spilled out from Demon’s Grave Ravine, a third of the army dedicated to regular purge expeditions at a time.
Each man was a veteran of the claustrophobic, twisting corridors of that hellish place, where the air was poison and the terrain defied all logic.
All leave was canceled. All passes recalled. The men murmured, wondering what could call them away—especially when cold-weather gear started being handed out.
Something big had come.
===========================
“Seiyu. Drop altitude to four Li, and adjust heading to port two notches. Bailu. Make ready the ship for a Qi Void,” Tianzhe Minyan commanded from her place seated upon the Windward Blade’s deck. Her personal ship was relatively small, with only two ballistae, and fifteen crew. A small force, if one discounted Minyan herself. She had almost come alone…but if Shen Yu was actually asking for help, taking a combat-capable vessel was more appropriate. It was the biggest ship she could bring without informing her fellow Elders of what was really going on.
It would not do to seem like a pining girl who jumped at somebody else's command. And it was faster this way. They had set out within the hour.
The wind had been favourable thus far, the sky-current taking them up across Phoenix Rest Plains and through the Howling Fang Mountains—but now they would be leaving that sky-current, and dropping back down to altitude to get their bearings.
“Aye, Aye Elder Minyan! Dropping altitude to four Li, and adjusting heading—port two notches!” Wakokukin Seiyu repeated her orders and set about them, turning the wheel the desired two notches as they dropped out of the sky-current.
“Qi Void approaching! Qi Void approaching! Batten the hatches! Seal the ports! Stow the ammunition!” Lanlong Bailu bellowed out, and the midship disciples—the Outer Sect of Soaring Heaven’s Isle—hastened to obey, performing their final checks.
Then, they felt it. The ship shuddered, its floatstone groaning. The midship crew groaned with it, some of the girls looking decidedly ill. Both Bailu and Seiyu grunted, and shook their heads.
The skyships of Soaring Heaven’s Isle normally avoided these places. They put too much strain on the floatstone that kept the ship aloft, and drained power from the formations that powered the weapons and defences…as well as slowing the ship down.
Minyan paused, as they crossed through a subtle trail of Qi. The Cloudy Sword Sect. They were perhaps an hour behind them.
“Elder Minyan, Pale Moon Lake below. Shall I continue on this course?” Seiyu asked. The tribal woman from Wa, always precise, was one of the best navigators they had.
“Yes. Stay the course,” Minyan said. “I will be taking over powering the sails. Bailu, Seiyu, escort formation.”
Her disciples nodded, obeying. Minyan took over the wheel, while the girls jumped off the side of the ship and took up positions flying beside it.
Minyan made no gesture. She called no technique.
But the ship leapt forwards as a gale blew in behind it, roaring its fury across the sky.
=====================================
In Pale Moon Lake City, Biyu of Mengde’s Crystal Emporium, frowned as she walked beside her master, following the journeyman in charge into the main manufacturing building.
“We isolated everything, Master Feng! I swear it! All of them, every one of them. They all just shattered at the same time! And not just the talismans. One of the bigger chunks went straight past Profound to a reading I've never even seen before!”
Her master stroked his chin. He picked up one of the disks they used to detect cultivators—they vibrated when they detected Qi. The refined Heavenly Ascension Stone disk was half powder.
“This is indeed troubling,” Master Feng stated, a frown on his face. “And this comes after most of the talismans were damaged on the solstice.Two events that pass the Qi threshold? So close together? It bodes ill.”
“I can see if any of my friends could take a look?” Biyu offered. Yun Ren was in the Howling Fang Mountains, but his little brother had said she could ask for help anytime. Or maybe Miss Cai would be able to help?
Master Feng nodded. “I’ll arrange a guard, Biyu. Please. Even if it is nothing, it would be better to have peace of mind.”
To Biyu’s luck, there were guards available. Two familiar guards who were headed up that way anyway.
It was good to see Mister Rags and Mister Loud Boy again.
=======================================
The sun dipped below the horizon. The Lord Magistrate, who had just finally felt at peace, a pot of tea before him, tensed up when Jin’s grandfather suddenly looked up at the sky.
“They’re here,” Jin’s grandfather said, and led the way out to the balcony.
The Lord Magistrate followed along behind Jin and the new woman, Shenhe. He tried to keep his knees from knocking together, as he turned his gaze to look up at the night sky.
Twelve swords hovered like executioners around a ship that was floating in the sky—
No, thirteen swords. Another one suddenly just seemed to appear, zipping into view. The man atop it was shrouded in shadow. He took out a large scroll, and unfurled it, revealing an emblem.
“Oh? An Imperial Herald? That boy isn’t messing around,” Jin’s grandfather mused, sounding utterly blase.
A low, piteous whine escaped the Lord Magistrate’s throat. An Imperial Herald?! That wasn’t one of the Emperor’s men. That was The Emperor’s Man!
The Lord Magistrate felt like he was going to faint. The only thing that kept him upright was the fact that his muscles had seized.
=============================
============================
CARRIER HAS ARRIVED
Comments
pray this gets updates in the coming months(reads this), or noted down & remembered for the book version.
Aune
2024-11-10 08:51:30 +0000 UTCI just noticed a big error in the skyship's course. First they were flying over the Howling Fang Mountains, which are East of the Azure Hills, past Grass Sea City. Then they flew over Pale Moon Lake City, which is in the South of the Azure. As they flew over PMLC they continued going straight (west?), while Verdant Hill is in the distant North. I think this needs to be changed. If the ship is coming from the south, heading more or less straight north, then it should fly over Yellow Rock Platue, which wraps around the South East of the Azure Hills.
Truedragon5374
2024-11-06 06:11:30 +0000 UTCThank you!!
Jazer Andrew Sotomayor
2024-11-03 02:14:43 +0000 UTCTry Heretical Fishing... so funny as well
Bridgett McCain
2024-11-02 04:26:50 +0000 UTCShen Yu casually referring to The Emperor as “that boy” 🤣
Cranky Otter
2024-11-01 07:52:09 +0000 UTCSomeone called him the Dish Dragon, tho he is sometimes the Dish Fish, and I enjoy that title a little too much.
Cranky Otter
2024-11-01 07:05:51 +0000 UTCThanks for this. I was able to search with your comment and get the audio link.
Cranky Otter
2024-11-01 06:59:02 +0000 UTCCF tends to post 3 times a week for 3 weeks in a row and then takes one week off. He aims to post late on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays but he’ll regularly take more time to get the chapter more polished, rather than post something on time that he’s not happy with.
D J Meigs
2024-10-31 17:20:13 +0000 UTC😱 better go to sleep now and hope the little ones won’t wake me up before that then
Idan tal
2024-10-31 16:40:57 +0000 UTCOh, that would be wonderful. Hope he is.
Michael Fannon
2024-10-31 16:39:34 +0000 UTCWe know the dums dums are horrible with alcohol. So of course that has to happen.
Michael Fannon
2024-10-31 16:38:37 +0000 UTCMy best guess in 10.5-12.5 hours
Cinnamon Toast
2024-10-31 16:38:20 +0000 UTC@Ender419 Tao the Traveler will have a field day.
Old Dog
2024-10-31 15:18:00 +0000 UTCLOL. Yes!
Old Dog
2024-10-31 15:16:47 +0000 UTCNext chapter when? Starting to show addiction symptoms and need to know how long I need to hold it till next dose
Idan tal
2024-10-31 14:49:56 +0000 UTCTLM: I apologize to the Masters of the CSS and SHI sects as well as to the Emperor's Herald for the meal. We only had time to throw together whatever was lying around. All: You dare! This was delicious!
John D Jones
2024-10-31 14:10:41 +0000 UTCI love the qi explanation, but about the emperor- if he was at imperial realm he wouldn’t need to do all the dirty things that he lamented about while talking with Shen Yu.
Idan tal
2024-10-31 13:44:09 +0000 UTCHype train just left the station with this chapter! There are so many possibilities cooking with all of these masters showing up plus Rags, Loud Boy & Bi Yu in route then add in Shenhe with her path to penances. Hot damn this will truly be an amazing meeting with a possibility that the Azure Hills Coalition may spread beyond their current borders!! I can see the major sects setup branch locations in this Qi desert.
Ender419
2024-10-31 12:39:28 +0000 UTCA fleet of bards that use the mail routes to spread the tale far & wide.
Ender419
2024-10-31 12:35:36 +0000 UTCIt would be hilarious if the SHI brough all the mail intended for the azure hill for the last century with them and dumped them at the post office in verdant hill
Isak Mark
2024-10-31 12:06:47 +0000 UTCI feel like he must have figured it out at some point though I don’t remember it. I mean Yun Ren’s encountered them too and I think he figured them out eventually. Not sure if they broke for anyone other than Lu Ri though.
D J Meigs
2024-10-31 02:26:54 +0000 UTCI agree but I also was really looking forward to lu ri mail system going empire wide and xiulan finally getting a letter
Mr Fox
2024-10-31 02:25:00 +0000 UTCI forgot about that! HOW DID I FORGET ABOUT THIS???
D J Meigs
2024-10-31 02:21:31 +0000 UTCI think TLM might have done the impossible. His mental voice has gotten hoarse from all the internal screaming he's done. :p
ENK
2024-10-31 01:52:39 +0000 UTCI think the ride-sharing was a necessity at the time because only Shen Yu had anywhere near the power to fly a sword among all the people there. Shenhe was quite broken down, and no one else were even close to earth realm which seems to be the necessary level for it.
ENK
2024-10-31 01:49:21 +0000 UTCJin introduces trolling to CPE when he uses his crystal to record it
Rake1810
2024-10-31 01:41:47 +0000 UTCLord Magistrate !!!!
Golden monkey
2024-10-30 23:09:58 +0000 UTCCarrier has arrived? They need warpgates!
Vladerag
2024-10-30 22:09:17 +0000 UTCYes, Divine Peaches. From "v3c47: Jin Rou's grandfather p2", Nov 6, 2022: "It was utterly absurd, and twice as amusing. He even had what Shen Yu was quite confident were Divine Peach saplings— that were growing. Apparently the dragon had brought them back from one of his adventures."
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 21:25:23 +0000 UTC1) Qi has a sort of critical mass where it becomes self-replicating and violates conservation of energy; this is what 'igniting the dantian' is all about. Everybody has a little pool of Qi in them, but you need to reach a threshold where your Qi becomes self-sustaining. In theory cultivators shouldn't need to drain the world, but they do because they want to use more Qi than their dantian naturally produces. The role Earth Spirits play in ambient Qi levels hasn't been fully described. We know they're very important, and we know a Qi desert will form if they're killed or severely damaged; my guess is that the Earth Spirits essentially treat the world as their dantian - if there's enough Qi in their Dragon Veins they produce a self-sustaining reaction that keeps the environment rich in Qi, but if you draw too severely from their Dragon Veins you'll start depleting the environment since as the Qi levels drop below their self-sustaining critical mass threshold. 2) The Emperor is at LEAST in the Sky Realm. I would be INCREDIBLY surprised if he wasn't in the Imperial Realm. He says that he's bottlenecked and there are cultivators who are more powerful than him, but the list of people in that category is pretty short - I think he names Shen Yu and Xiao Ge specifically. It's pretty strongly implied that Shen Yu was at the fifth stage of the Imperial Realm before this whole debacle, since he says he's been delaying his Ascension for centuries in hopes of finding a disciple to carry on his legacy. The Emperor being less powerful than the strongest person in the current setting doesn't make him weak. 3) Shen Bu was definitely in the Imperial Realm. The details about him are scarce, but one of the things we do know is that part of the Empire is uninhabitable because of him. Making provinces uninhabitable is the sort of thing that only an Imperial Realm cultivator could do.
Alex
2024-10-30 21:03:41 +0000 UTCNo kidding!! I expect a fight between Meiling and Minyan for Ri Zu, lol! No one is taking the Great Healing Sage's apprentice!
Samantha Kuhn
2024-10-30 20:46:46 +0000 UTCI want one about the Lord Magistrate's son and his cray-cray adventures! I mean, he's been living a perpetual adventure (which is causing him HORRIBLE stomach problems, b/c he is the LM's son, after all!) with cultivator women and Lao were throwing themselves at his feet BEFORE Grass sea City slavers because of all his good deeds! And I wonder what he thought about those cultivator women at first? I mean, he had NO exposure to cultivators before leaving home except to hear about the ones who destroyed his mom's health. But it's understandable he's not thinking about personal things when he's the Acting Lord Magistrate at MAYBE 21 and has to worry about being poisoned, and it's the cultivators protecting him!
Samantha Kuhn
2024-10-30 20:43:47 +0000 UTCI might be missing something about cultivation, but it feels like this wouldn’t necessarily work out great for him. Unless his foundation turns out to be something like Pi Pa’s (in the sense that it’s fundamentally pathological) and is based on his stress and anxiety, like something around control. But idk what that would mean for him as a person. But I could be missing something about what these things mean.
Nik
2024-10-30 20:36:06 +0000 UTCOkay, who else is totally looking forward to Meiling meeting the Soaring Heaven's Island Healers?? I mean Meiling and Minyan together?!??! It will be love at first sight or a constant barrage of insults, lol!!
Samantha Kuhn
2024-10-30 20:35:24 +0000 UTCAnother Super Mailman!
Philip Hunt-Bull
2024-10-30 20:22:51 +0000 UTCCarrier has arrived!
Huseyin Yagli
2024-10-30 20:02:26 +0000 UTCMORE!!!!!
Scholar of Endless Knowledge
2024-10-30 19:59:39 +0000 UTCMe too
Idan tal
2024-10-30 19:10:01 +0000 UTCI'm convinced that the weird root thing is the seed for the Golden Tree we see in the unbroken timeline. Maybe it's a world tree seed that'll allow Jin to fulfill his dream of creating a true heaven on earth. It'll definitely end up being super important by the end of the series.
Alex
2024-10-30 18:36:20 +0000 UTCI think my fondest hope is that Lan-Lan's mom is onboard the skyship.
Enochi
2024-10-30 18:23:37 +0000 UTCI just realised Torrent Rider will finally meet some storybook 'Old Masters'. True, he has met Gramps, but he doesn't really follow the Old Master archetype rules either.
Simon Andriessen
2024-10-30 17:35:09 +0000 UTCThere needs to be a wandering orchestra of cultivators that habitually show up to play dramatic and inspiring music.
Brian C
2024-10-30 17:20:05 +0000 UTCThey do consume Qi, but what I mean is that the amount of Qi consumed is not the same as the amount of Qi they get. It's not a finite resource that would get depleted if multiple people were to cultivate in a place. If someone breaks through to the next cultivation realm, it does not cause a loss in ambient Qi for others to cultivate. A cultivator doesn't suck the Qi of the environment to power their breakthrough (though they CAN), and a cultivator's breakthrough doesn't deplete the ambient's Qi. If anything, we have seen that it's the opposite, and a Cultivator having a breakthrough actually releases more Qi into the surrounding area. A cultivator consumes Qi-rich things to help them along, and serve as fuel for them, but when the moment comes for a breakthrough - a time when the amount of Qi inside them grows exponentially - they don't take that from the outside, but rather the Qi inside them grows without taking from the environment. They don't even strictly need to absorb energy for a breakthrough, as a change in perspective, development of insight, and enlightenment help to get a breakthrough much better than directly consuming Qi. However, many cultivators, especially those with low talent or who want to make a fast breakthrough, rely on resources to help them along and consume Qi-rich pills and so on to fuel their development. Fa Ram's situation proves that steady and sustainable development is possible and much more beneficial in the long run. Jin is not taking Qi from the surroundings to develop Fa Ram, and now the levels of ambient Qi inside the farm are higher than in the rest of the province. He didn't take it from them, just make the Qi within his farm grow, which helped Tianlan recover and once the Dragon Veins are repaired it will help the ambient Qi of the rest of the province grow too. TL: DR: Basically it comes down to how you use it. If you take the resources and ambient Qi and just absorb it for yourself, you can deplete it, but if you help it grow then you can get an infinite resource.
Caoimhín
2024-10-30 16:45:08 +0000 UTCThat space duck is back.
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 16:27:13 +0000 UTCYou guys are painfully cynical!
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 16:24:29 +0000 UTCI NEED MORE
Palmer Evans
2024-10-30 16:20:21 +0000 UTC* Phew *
Aune
2024-10-30 16:18:28 +0000 UTCWould love the author to just.. If the author just.. collected every piece of Lord magistrate written so far, and let him just read it. Then take a 2-3 week 'vacation' from writing the main, and rite a 5- part Lord Magistrate mini series. a little like.. Verdant' hill's Ruler is now in his year two of the arrival of Jin. how has his law & rule as magistraten the city changed compared to the past. You know, our guy never stopped improving the hills, we now only see his long years of results as 'we' arrived with hin. . but the guy never stopped, like his plan on the road being disrupted. stuff like that, being influenced & re-written by him as he views the world quite differently then the past.(even living it?)
Aune
2024-10-30 16:18:22 +0000 UTCProbablement jeudi, tard dans la soirée.
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 16:16:34 +0000 UTCThat suggested menu will absolutely blow their minds! CF, I hope you're reading, because I honestly can't think of another perfect menu item to add!! 🤣🤣
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 16:13:31 +0000 UTCAlso, I think a comment elsewhere mentioned the letters she wrote were collected until someone happened to go to the Azure Hills. Again given the personal connection we may get a mail delivery.
Mitch McNair
2024-10-30 16:12:02 +0000 UTCShe still might be, I believe she is a midshipman. As such she could easily be part of the 15 women crew, especially given she’d be familiar with the area and the storm wings know her by name so could have come to mind instantly when quickly assembling a crew (Bailu asked about her letters/daughter I believe).
Mitch McNair
2024-10-30 16:09:51 +0000 UTCHow do you join the Discord? The Quick link doesn't work 😥
Judi Tidwell
2024-10-30 16:06:52 +0000 UTCWhat @Truedragon5374 said.
Old Dog
2024-10-30 15:53:59 +0000 UTCOur boy Lu Ri called dibs on the first 2 decades
matthew gilley
2024-10-30 15:36:31 +0000 UTCBrilliant reply, thank you! Although I think the fact that cultivation is limited by the amount of qi around and excess to resources + the fact they have to conserve their qi cause it’s so hard (usually, when you aren’t bff with the local land spirit) to accumulate qi once used indicate they do need to consume qi from outside.
Idan tal
2024-10-30 15:28:09 +0000 UTCTheme from Battlestar Galactica for the win: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzyHxYxc-Mo
John D Jones
2024-10-30 15:25:51 +0000 UTCOmg the thought of these mighty cultivators getting super drunk on Vajra booze is great, and battling it out to see who else gets to join the guard squad haha. Although I have a suspicion that it will be Lu Ri and his fiancé who remain in the end! Will she battle Yuanlin her foxy rival in love, or join powers to overwhelm our favorite post master?!
Jo
2024-10-30 15:23:03 +0000 UTCWhile I kinda of doubt it, I REALLY hope Xiulan's mom is on the SHI ship! Tftc!
BlueMage Theneras
2024-10-30 15:19:01 +0000 UTC1) We do not know for certain, but from the growth that Fa Ram experienced, and the result of connecting the Dragon Veins, then it seems that Qi produces more Qi if properly harnessed. Indeed, cultivators don't seem to take the Qi from the environment and leave it less in order for them to advance, but rather reach a breakthrough and the Qi inside them massively multiplies. So I would guess it is a renewable energy that violates the laws of physics. Growing endlessly if meeting the proper conditions. The problem with Qi Voids and corrupted places is that they are places where all Qi is sucked out of the world. To heal them, you have to close the gap and stop the Qi from leaving the world, and then restore the Dragon Veins to kickstart Qi production again. But people are not usually able to contact the Earth Spirits when they are conscious and it's even worse when they are damaged, so that's why it's nearly impossible to repair those places, as it requires efforts into fixing the Dragon Veins. 2) Nothing specified, but he should be Sky Realm. Being Earth Realm seems way too low, given the exponential gap between cultivation realms. As stated in "Interlude: Heavy Is The Head" the formations let him fight at the level of Imperial, so he should be Sky Realm. From the info we got from that interlude, we know that Binding Oaths (Like the one Shen Yu had that forced him to obey three commands of the Emperor) are a burden on the souls of those who take them (including the person to whom they are sworn), and we also know that the Emperor has many of those Binding Oaths sworn to him by subjects, vassals, and family members, so maybe that is a factor that harms his cultivation advancement? I mean, I don't think it can be healthy for his cultivation to have so much pressure on his very soul. No wonder he hit a bottleneck. 3) Nothing confirmed, because we don't really know how long ago it was that Shen Bu became a criminal. It could be so long ago that Shen Yu at the time was not yet Imperial Realm, or he could have been Imperial Realm already. We do not really know of his power beyond the damage he caused: "Nearly a million subjects dead, five cities sacked, three sects destroyed, four more crippled, and enough cultivation resources wasted that it had set the Empire back centuries" Which honestly could be either Sky or Imperial, depending on where in the Empire he was attacking. And I really doubt Shen Bu was alone. It's more likely he became a rebel and had many followers that helped him wage war against the Empire until he was put down by Shen Yu. Another factor that makes it hard to know if he was Sky or Imperial is that the top fighters of the Empire might have been hesitant to take immediate action due to Shen Yu, even if they might have killed Shen Bu easily they knew that Shen Yu is not someone entirely reasonable and he's someone prone to disproportionate retribution, so even if they had good reason to kill his son, he would have gotten enraged. That, to me, seems like the main factor of why the situation got so bad until Shen Yu himself had to intervene. Because even if they would have been right to do so, nobody on that level was willing to make an eternal enemy out of Shen Yu by killing his son. That said, given that Shen Yu was forced to kill him rather than just suppress him, I would think either he was low Imperial or was using demonic techniques to jump in power to the Imperial. Then again, it might be that after all the damage he had done, it was already an unforgivable point, and Shen Bu HAD to die, and it fell on Shen Yu to do it, and it wasn't really that much of a fight between equals but rather Shen Yu hesitating to do what he had to do.
Caoimhín
2024-10-30 15:04:18 +0000 UTCExactly. Also have to agree with @Kourtney Viles.
Old Dog
2024-10-30 14:59:02 +0000 UTCSo good. I love calling the banners scenes.
Enochi
2024-10-30 14:50:22 +0000 UTCI can feel ya and even reach you on this one.
Old Dog
2024-10-30 14:44:39 +0000 UTCIf you read my post I left out the spicy fire root as I wasn't sure how Jin would prepare it.
Old Dog
2024-10-30 14:41:33 +0000 UTCAs always, thank you for the chapter. Nice to see TLM's view on things. Let's see, the "simple" welcoming meal for the CSS, SHI and the Imperial Herald: Gold grade rice, stir fry with the 7 Fragrance Jewel herbs (AKA lowly spiritual herbs), pancakes with maple syrup, tea made from the dew of the Silver Yin Lotus, and Vajra booze. Probably get CSS disciples to spare over who gets the honor of "guarding" Fa Ram and Hong Yao Wu. EDIT: As mentioned by someone else; And having a dragon serve them and/or wash their dishes.
Old Dog
2024-10-30 14:37:23 +0000 UTCYes, but can the planet/territories recover over time with help? Or do they need to get this/similar amount of energy back actively before their world will become too weak (what the “divine demon” indicated)?
Idan tal
2024-10-30 14:36:46 +0000 UTCHyper Hype!
C
2024-10-30 14:20:01 +0000 UTCIt was talked about that qi desserts or at least some were from demonic invasion so probably at lot of the wi was transformed into demonic energies and taken back through a portal
Brayden
2024-10-30 13:51:28 +0000 UTCDon't know about this Empire, but I think you would call that a Minister Without Portfolio. Basically a state leader picks whatever civilian post he needs, and gives someone that rank but without the normally associated duties. Like a Provincial Governor without Portfolio would be have the rank of Provincial Governor, but no Province of his own. Then they are sent out to a trouble spot to throw their new rank around to get things done.
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 13:44:02 +0000 UTCEnviron 2 jours
Old Dog
2024-10-30 13:38:02 +0000 UTCHe might not have known them when he saw them, but high level cultivators tend to have amazing memories, if Jin showed him pictures of the pods and plants Ge might remember something. Plus, both plants are medicinal and Ge might have observed the locals using them. Ge is a Warrior Scholar after all. Who knows what lore might have caught his interest.
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 13:36:38 +0000 UTCOmg but TLM never knew it was the Emperor because he had to attend in secret for safety sake n TLM always wondered what became of his buddy that vanished after school and TLM recognizes him when they meet and just faints on the spot as his brain short circuits trying to connect those dots in a way that makes sense. Some anime trope BS but id love it lol
Emily Gurnavage
2024-10-30 13:27:07 +0000 UTCFluffy iirc I think part of that was also because Shen Yu's legends span multiple thousands of years and some are insanely outlandish. Combined, people stop believeing its possible to be 1 man and it must be multiple cultivators being confused for Shen Yu. Pretty sure that was some of what the gang said when Jin was telling them about him. That they believed he wasn't real, or that he was multiple people, or long dead, etc etc.
Emily Gurnavage
2024-10-30 13:24:29 +0000 UTCWho called out the fleet?
Andrew Denton
2024-10-30 13:13:40 +0000 UTCCue Lu Ri in the background: "See? See?"
Andrew Denton
2024-10-30 13:12:11 +0000 UTCHype!
John Koor
2024-10-30 13:09:23 +0000 UTCIt begins~ I can't wait for surprised Pikachu faces when they the cultivators enter Jin Farm.
Duke of Coffee
2024-10-30 13:08:24 +0000 UTCLu Ri knows about them, if that matters.
Andrew Denton
2024-10-30 13:05:54 +0000 UTCI'm pretty sure Shen Yu recognized them as such when he first arrived.
Andrew Denton
2024-10-30 12:59:28 +0000 UTCHoly smokes, they're going to meet Jin in this universe too. Also, Minyan gonna be upset someone damn near killed her old flame. Not that she needed any extra reasons to go demon hunting, but there it is.
ekwood
2024-10-30 12:30:13 +0000 UTCAhh the majestic space duck...
ThatsTypicalTy
2024-10-30 12:28:50 +0000 UTCA sign that your browser is trying to interpret it as a URL
Peter Gerganov
2024-10-30 12:25:14 +0000 UTCGet that space duck out of here, this is no place for endangered species.
ekwood
2024-10-30 12:23:38 +0000 UTCQuack
Winston Smith
2024-10-30 11:37:08 +0000 UTCKind bummed that Xiu Mom didn’t come with the SHI crew, but ah well. At least she’s likely to hear back that her daughter is doing well.
Ichypa
2024-10-30 11:34:02 +0000 UTCPatreon thinks they're a URL because of the periods with no space after them.
Just A Dude
2024-10-30 11:31:16 +0000 UTCOne of my favorite moments with TLM is when he's keeping his back straight to avoid aggravating his lashing wounds from the earlier night and everyone is mistakingly admiring his noble pressence.
Isak Mark
2024-10-30 11:27:49 +0000 UTCPatreon does that when it thinks it detected a link. Anything with a . in the middle and no spaces can set it off.
Nim
2024-10-30 11:26:26 +0000 UTCI'm sure the TLM will somehow find a way despite his best efforts
Randall Norman Pick
2024-10-30 11:26:05 +0000 UTCThe disaster wings know her and minyan commanded them to pick the crew so it's likely.
Isak Mark
2024-10-30 11:25:02 +0000 UTCC'est quand le prochain chapitre?
Net
2024-10-30 11:15:05 +0000 UTCThere has been no indication that the Divine Peaches are Peaches of Immortality (other than a lot of reader speculation).
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 11:11:53 +0000 UTCRide-sharing. Remember how many people Shen Yu's sword carried to Fa Ram? They all could have come on one sword if they were sure they weren't arriving at a battleground.
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 11:00:28 +0000 UTCYESSSSSSS! TLM! TLM!
Kali Smith
2024-10-30 10:41:32 +0000 UTCThis whole chapter felt like leading me to a cliff I couldn't jump into
litalmexy
2024-10-30 10:28:07 +0000 UTCYou have plenty of stories where the mana is running out and the magic civilisation got completely collapsed. And the fact in the story is that due to the demons and the destruction of the spirits of the lands the world have several qi deserts and getting weaker in general, so the conversion from normal energy sources to qi can’t be easy/simple as the opposite.
Idan tal
2024-10-30 10:22:52 +0000 UTCI don't think any stories really get into qi or things like mana. If it still follows the laws of conservation, then it can nether be created nor destroyed just converted. And seeing the steam battle engine that was created all those chapters back, my money is on things able to be converted into qi and vice versa.
Longhaul
2024-10-30 10:16:53 +0000 UTC"It….it was a good thing these people were coming" The first two words are a slightly different colour. Editing mishap or signs that the LM is starting to become a cultivator
Alex Bennett
2024-10-30 10:14:45 +0000 UTCMaybe the CSS big 3 and the fairies big 3 already landed? Otherwise you would have also 2 flying ladies mentioned.
Idan tal
2024-10-30 10:03:39 +0000 UTCI'm guessing the elders of the CSS are on Minyans ship.
Isak Mark
2024-10-30 10:01:51 +0000 UTCamazing chappy
STORRM
2024-10-30 09:56:59 +0000 UTCofc, but at first he says 12, then corrects to 13, but it should have been 15, corrected to 16 as the herald arrives.
ENK
2024-10-30 09:51:25 +0000 UTCBATTLECRUISER OPERATIONAL!
Armo
2024-10-30 09:44:39 +0000 UTCDon't forget Jin is also growing Peaches of Immortality from the pits that Wa Shi brought back from his time with the turtle.
Mark Greenberg
2024-10-30 09:40:26 +0000 UTCI mean Jin already produces chi infused maple syrups. What's stopping him from producing chi infused version of those plants?
Havencross3093
2024-10-30 09:34:49 +0000 UTCTOO SHORT!! MOOAAAR!!!
Raraki Kraken
2024-10-30 09:26:41 +0000 UTC1 Imperial, 2 Sky, 12 Earth Realm from the Cloudy Sword. 1 Imperial Herald. That should indeed be 16 flying swords. Yes, the Storm Wings fly without swords. If they did it should have been 18 flying swords.
Drakenclaw
2024-10-30 09:20:06 +0000 UTCWith the curse on the province broken, the detection crystals would not have lasted for much longer anyway, as the local cultivators are suddenly capable of growing in power.
valinorhelena
2024-10-30 09:01:38 +0000 UTCGreat chapter. I do wonder if the Auditor General is still around? I think witnessing all of this is going to give him the rest.
Drakenclaw
2024-10-30 08:58:15 +0000 UTCNo, I think the Storm Wings fly without the aid of swords
Angua de Blubb
2024-10-30 08:56:01 +0000 UTCDivines bless your kind heart!
Beggar of Freedom
2024-10-30 08:50:52 +0000 UTCWhile she'd be fun to see, I'm personally hoping for Xiulan's mom. Now that'd be some spicy drama
Cindermoth
2024-10-30 08:49:06 +0000 UTCWell, that is going to be awkward, if she is there and decides to visit her daughter and husband. I can already see her going to ask why they never answered her letters, only for them to blink and ask her what letters she means, as they have never gotten any.
Silvris
2024-10-30 08:43:28 +0000 UTCI thought it was 16 swords? 15 for the Cloudy Sword Sect and 1 for the Herald.
Akki
2024-10-30 08:42:54 +0000 UTCBiyu turns up to ask Jin to help her figure out what happened to all the Heavenly Ascension Stone Pendants and meanwhile Elder Ge is looking super awkward and shifty on the other side of the room. … also, does Jin even *know* about the Pendants? Last we saw he kept thinking they were door buzzers or use to tell the guards that they were slacking off…
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 08:41:01 +0000 UTCFlasher-chan might be there too. 😅
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 08:38:24 +0000 UTCOr he makes it though and when everyone is getting up to leave he keeps sitting there, so Jin asks if he’s going with them and TLM just straight up says “yes, just as soon as I calm down enough to be able to move my legs again.”
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 08:37:46 +0000 UTCEspecially since Verdant Hill should be right around the area where Jin’s has managed to fully repair Tianlan’s dragon veins soon, if it isn’t already.
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 08:35:35 +0000 UTCFucking *praise kink*!? I mean you’re not wrong but that broke me. 🤣
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 08:33:56 +0000 UTCOh gods, the Baka twins when they find Vajra’s special mead. Bailu is going to *beg* to stay.
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 08:30:46 +0000 UTCWouldn't it be 15, not 12, swords at the end? Assuming all three parties arrived at the same time in that scene?
ENK
2024-10-30 08:28:24 +0000 UTCWe found out what the root is on the discord if you want spoilers. Go into the world of BOC channel and search for “the root is” and you’ll find it.
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 08:27:50 +0000 UTCAnd now that the herald is showing up and making the emperor relevant to the story (if it’s discussed somewhere before pls pls link it) : 1) do we know if qi is a renewable energy (something like solar wind hitting the planet and the earth spirits converting it to different elements) or finite (the world was formed with a limited, although vast, amount)? Cause now they can talk about the qi deserts and how to try and stop them from sucking up all the qi from everything. If it’s renewable them it won’t be impossible to revive the territories over a very long period, but if it’s finite the world is doomed in a few millennia unless they go with the plan from Doom. 2) is the emperor earth or sky realm? 3) from all the information we got, do we know if Bu was high sky or an emperor realm? He fought Shen Yu, and we saw that other sky realm (the SMS patriarch) couldn’t lift a finger. I’m just trying to understand the power scale we are seeing here
Idan tal
2024-10-30 08:26:05 +0000 UTC*unfurls scroll* “And before we start, a quick word from our sponsor: NordVPN!”
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 08:25:39 +0000 UTCYou've got mail!
Stark Trist
2024-10-30 07:38:54 +0000 UTCShe's from Yellow Rock Plateau but is probably the only SHI member who has spent any time in the Azure Hills. (Lore: Liusei was in a fight and was sent flying over the border, crashing into the Azure Hills. Dad of Grass found her and committed to help her recover. Xiulan resulted. Liusei went back toward Yellow Rock Plateau to resume her path of cultivation. She's been writing letters, but none have made it to the Azure Hills.)
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 07:29:35 +0000 UTCThe CSS Elders are probably just having tea with Minyan on her ship. There were twelve CSS Inner Sect members.
Brian P.
2024-10-30 07:25:27 +0000 UTCSooooo next chapter in a few hours right? Right!?! God damn that was a good one and that was without anything actually happening.. hilarious and amazing 😆. Thank you for the chapter CF.
Idan tal
2024-10-30 07:22:14 +0000 UTCRofl
Stark Trist
2024-10-30 07:16:00 +0000 UTCChyou and Wa Shi can at least confirm geographic and political features, to update the information they have.
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 07:15:01 +0000 UTC"I am hosting an urgent meeting of cultivators which includes Shen Yu, strike teams from the Cloudy Sword and Soaring Heaven's Isle, and the Imperial Herald. By all means, interrupt and call attention to yourself. I shall have a whisk and dustpan prepared."
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 07:10:45 +0000 UTC*The Imperial Herald unfurls the scroll* "We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warrantee..."
Basil
2024-10-30 07:08:01 +0000 UTCAh, thanks. Sometimes the acronyms & shortcuts around here are very confusing.
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 06:42:22 +0000 UTCSame! All of the above withbated breath! I hope Elder Yukong and her herbalist husband are along for the mission, so She can peer into Xiaoshi's province-wide formation, and Shou can be all agog at everything Jin's pulled off
Ormus Von Orbulon
2024-10-30 06:42:09 +0000 UTCIf the Lord Magistrate's reaction is like this, imagine how badly the Auditor will take it when the dude he is supposed to be ruining has Imperial Realm cultivators of two of the most powerful sects in the world alongside the Voice of the Son of Heaven at his table.
PickledTink
2024-10-30 06:41:29 +0000 UTC"CARRIER HAS ARRIVED" StarCraft unit soundbyte.
Ormus Von Orbulon
2024-10-30 06:37:33 +0000 UTCYessssssss... I need the auditor to burst in on the TLM and everyone else!! OH! The fallout for the auditor and the Wu clan will be SPECTACULAR!!
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 06:24:36 +0000 UTCIt's already a pretty established subplot being the main reason TLM is in Verdant Hill and not in a central city or a higher function of government.
Arnon Parenti
2024-10-30 06:22:04 +0000 UTC"they have arrived" *exits*. a piece of paper is lying on the ground. "we are sorry, but your order of a demon destroying army could not be delivered, please pick it up at the nearest plum blossom facility between the hours or 13 and 16."
Nicolas Symeou
2024-10-30 06:20:28 +0000 UTCThat horrible moment when you find yourself thinking, "Surely there's been a BOC update! *check BOC patreon and realize it's only been 16 hours!!! 😱😱😱*
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 06:19:40 +0000 UTCThat it, I’m listening to the sky shanty again!
Steven.Riske
2024-10-30 06:16:02 +0000 UTCAhhhh... CLASSIC Ciaphis Cain Syndrome! An impossibly competent and brave man, with a horrific case of imposter syndrome lol
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 06:14:47 +0000 UTCit hurts
Thomas Hendrix
2024-10-30 06:12:49 +0000 UTC@Baldanders It's heavily implied that Lady Wu is greatly amused by both her boys lol
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 06:11:46 +0000 UTCQuack!
John Brady Anderson
2024-10-30 06:08:30 +0000 UTCNo, seriously! Mortal hearts can't take this kinda stress forever. And, if you squint cross-eyed at them, diantian and diamond kinda look the same... and TLM is clenching SOMETHING super hard lol
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 06:05:46 +0000 UTCI AM SO EXCITED. CSS prepare to spit blood when you eat the best food of your life. Wouldn’t it be funny to see the Heavenly Isle and CSS battle over the amazing potential protégés to be gained at the Fa Ram? I was wondering when Biyu would make an appearance again! Glad she and Yun Ren will reunite (and see her reaction to his ears and tail!). I hope she somehow becomes a cultivator as well so she and Yun can be happy forever! On a side note, I wonder if the Emporium will be compensated for their damaged goods. Will we ever find out about the spicy fire root?! Will the Emperor’s Herald have an issue with Meiling’s bloodline?!
Jo
2024-10-30 06:04:18 +0000 UTCI'm actually almost expecting Jin to suddenly notice TLM and Lady Wu are close to a breakthrough just based on all the Qi they're eating lol.
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 06:02:42 +0000 UTCPerfect. No notes.
Cyrus McEnnis
2024-10-30 06:00:48 +0000 UTC"This chapter TLM's inner screaming* meets his glee at being praised**, while still trying to remind himself to stay (outwardly) calm and serene***. *sounds like TFS Krillin screaming while shit is going down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfdyHdrkHP0. Specifically, 0:16-0:41. **sounds like TFS Goku getting excited about Frieza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lDVOLEhtgI. ***King Kai telling Goku to stop getting excited at the end of the latter clip. Sorry, I'm rewatching TFS' DBZA again and it's fresh on the brain 😅😓" Also, sorry for doing this copy and paste thing for two chapters in a row, but it's just so damn accurate in my head... 😅😓😅😓😅😓😅😓
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 05:59:30 +0000 UTC@StarBat Spits blood... from both ends 😏😈🤣
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 05:55:40 +0000 UTCI kinda hope this turns into it's own subplot, because you can't punch bureaucratic nonsense into oblivion, but you can sure as shit cut a lot of red tape when you are THE unconquered blade. Unless the Wu are blindingly incompetent they'll at the very least know to sit down and shut up until the storm has passed. Though the sister strikes me as exactly the type to slap the bear and ask why it dares enter her abode, much less poke it.
jord
2024-10-30 05:54:34 +0000 UTCEh?
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 05:53:48 +0000 UTCI don't think he would have appreciated it for what it was; cocoa and vanilla are mortal plants, and Ge's an Imperial Realm cultivator, so their significance probably flew straight over his head. It'll blow Ge's mind when he sees Jin has silver yin lotus growing in his bathtub, then he'll lose what little shit he has remaining when Jin proceeds to ask him if he's come across a completely mundane plant at some point.
Alex
2024-10-30 05:53:31 +0000 UTC"[H]e'd own stock in Pepto-Bismol truly" LMAO! He'd OWN the company and be a major share-holder in omeprazole paid in XR pills 😂
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 05:51:49 +0000 UTCTHE WAIT
WolfKnight22
2024-10-30 05:50:24 +0000 UTCThis chapter TLM's inner screaming* meets his glee at being praised**, while still trying to remind himself to stay (outwardly) calm and serene***. *sounds like TFS Krillin screaming while shit is going down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfdyHdrkHP0. Specifically, 0:16-0:41. **sounds like TFS Goku getting excited about Frieza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lDVOLEhtgI. ***King Kai telling Goku to stop getting excited at the end of the latter clip. Sorry, I'm rewatching TFS' DBZA again and it's fresh on the brain 😅😓
Alex Ingraham
2024-10-30 05:41:52 +0000 UTCI imagine the scene alternating between the SHI ship soaring through the sky to a heavy metal Ride of the Valkyries, then to the philosopher-warriors of the CSS standing calmly with their hands clasped behind their backs to some classical Beethoven.
M e
2024-10-30 05:41:49 +0000 UTCThanks!
Trevor Mergen
2024-10-30 05:39:01 +0000 UTCKinda random, but i was rereading the archive and it hit me, Elder Ge recently spent 20 years in the South Lands. If anyone can tell Jin and Chyou where to find cocoa and vanilla its Elder Ge!
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 05:35:48 +0000 UTCFrankly I'm hoping the Army gets deployed to the Hill just so I can see Bowu freak out over the Jade Armors... and then go "Hey, that joint is stuck? Easy fix, let this Young Master show you how..."
Insertnamehereokokipressedokok
2024-10-30 05:33:55 +0000 UTCI'm pretty sure they thought she was from yellow rock plateau.
Moonspike
2024-10-30 05:30:39 +0000 UTCHOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO MEEEE. THE CLIFF... THE CLIIIIFFFFF
giann flroesca
2024-10-30 05:29:39 +0000 UTCDad of Grass is still the sect head. Xuilan didn't take over. That was Xianghua with her sect.
Fluffy druid
2024-10-30 05:29:31 +0000 UTCShen Yu isn't exactly known in the Azure Hills. See the chapter where Uncle Fox tried to explain, how famous he was and everybody was like "No, that was some other guy."
Fluffy druid
2024-10-30 05:28:01 +0000 UTCEventually. Doesn't it take a week even for Initiate/Profound cultivators to make it there from the capital?
Brian P.
2024-10-30 05:25:24 +0000 UTC"Only be competent as one-offs" is basically Wa Shi's philosophy. He had that whole thought process when the brother and sister from the Azure Trading Company visited. That you go everyone else's speed most of the time, so that in an emergency you go your real speed and everyone thinks you exceeded your limits. I'd say the Lord Magistrate should spend some time with Wa Shi, but I think he'd have a more positive impact on Wa Shi than the other way around.
M e
2024-10-30 05:23:26 +0000 UTC"CARRIER HAS ARRIVED" FUCK YES!!!!!
Logan
2024-10-30 05:22:29 +0000 UTCMars, Bringer of War for classical. Remember to Breathe by Sturgill Simpson for modern?
Desert Yeti
2024-10-30 05:21:51 +0000 UTCI had to scroll through the comments so I could join the excitement about this chapter! TLM is one of my fav characters in a series chick full of favs! Poor guy. I mean, he's really not but he gets so stressed (he'd own stock in Pepto-Bismol truly). And the but about all the qi sensing artifacts breaking, perfection. I'm so hyped and now I have to wait?! Arrggh!
Angela Roberts
2024-10-30 05:20:24 +0000 UTCYes, it is. We know from the main story that her name is Liusei, when Dad of Grass compares Xiulan's state of peace to her mother's (V2c93.1: Change Part 1). We got her whole name from the SHI AU (BOC AU: Soaring Heaven's Isle 13).
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 05:18:03 +0000 UTCWu will most likely change some faces, they won't fall, their daughter is still filial and keeps their name as lady Wu, her sisters are about to lose face, and maybe even a slap in their future.
Arnon Parenti
2024-10-30 05:15:16 +0000 UTCMy boy the Lord Magistrate having resting chad face will never not be funny
Peter Gerganov
2024-10-30 05:12:53 +0000 UTCNot sure but wouldn't it depend on if she were close friends with Elder Minyan? Since she didn't make it an official sect matter?
Angela Roberts
2024-10-30 05:12:45 +0000 UTCYeah, that has me cracking up! Shen Yu does long term petty so well!
Angela Roberts
2024-10-30 05:11:19 +0000 UTCIts going to kill Rags and Loudboy that Handsome Man helped the Tiger in the Grass defend her how from an army of demon instead of them. They have truly lost the race to her heart.
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 05:09:26 +0000 UTCIs that Mom of Grass??
Desert Yeti
2024-10-30 05:08:44 +0000 UTCOkay, that cracked me up! And yeah, Jun is so getting that weird root out!
Angela Roberts
2024-10-30 05:07:37 +0000 UTCWe'll know for sure as soon as Jin breaks out the Spiritual Honey Vodka ;)
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 05:06:28 +0000 UTCIt was Elder Chen but Ge liked the idea. But I totally agree, the Wu family is headed towards irrelevance!
Angela Roberts
2024-10-30 05:06:14 +0000 UTCHmm, But they don't come from the land of the ice and snow, Jin does. OOOHH! The scene starts with the flyers and Rider of the Valkaries, then smash cut to Jin standing on TLM's palace in the snow wathcing them approach with Immigrant Song!
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 05:04:57 +0000 UTC*spits blood*
StarBat
2024-10-30 05:04:32 +0000 UTCFlasher-Chan's name is Shilong Seireishang, nicknamed "Rei" by the Young Master.
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 05:04:29 +0000 UTCI feel the same, man I look forward to your story so much that I nearly check every hour for an update of a new chapter... By the way Wa Shi is my favorite character, so cute!!! But I like so many of your characters and their interactions that it drives me crazy waiting for the next chapter. And it's not like I can just find a similar book with interesting characters in the mean time, like how would you even search for that? It's not like searching for a genre. I can't wait for your next chapter, I'm so excited!!!
Kourtney Viles
2024-10-30 05:02:36 +0000 UTCNo idea... I mean, it'd make sense to grab someone who'd been in the Azure Hills before. Wouldn't it?
Oni
2024-10-30 04:56:54 +0000 UTCWe didn’t get names on the midships girls so Flasher-Chan remains a possibility.
Consumer of litrpg
2024-10-30 04:54:01 +0000 UTCTftc
Nick
2024-10-30 04:51:44 +0000 UTCIs there any precedent for someone to be promoted to report directly to the Imperial Government, but control less than a province?
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 04:51:30 +0000 UTCAVENGERS! ASSEMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tim Johnson
2024-10-30 04:49:53 +0000 UTCSharing swords? 🤷
Justin
2024-10-30 04:49:26 +0000 UTCI read all the comments because there could never be enough of this chapter. The convergence of super powers has me fired up.
zdm
2024-10-30 04:49:19 +0000 UTCYeah it should be fifteen swords not twelve
Tiger88
2024-10-30 04:48:43 +0000 UTCI have 2 theories. First one is Sky level and above are too powerful to be seen by mortals like TLM unless they purposefully show them self. That's why the herald seemed to just appear to TLM. Second one is the Elder are on the ship with Shen Yu's girlfriend.
mag28
2024-10-30 04:48:15 +0000 UTCRemember that Elder Ge is the one who forwarded the suggestion that sufficiently wise/intelligent/sagely mortals should be allowed to joint the Cloudy Sword Sect again? And now he's going to the city of THE LORD MAGISTRATE and meeting him, and probably getting praise about the man from Lu Ri, who's star is rising so quickly that Elder Ge snapped him up and betrothed him to his granddaughter? Elder Ge is probably going to offer the man an invitation. Suck on that, Wu family!
Baldanders
2024-10-30 04:45:38 +0000 UTCHahah
Patanahi
2024-10-30 04:45:10 +0000 UTCHis Qi may be more contaminated now.
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 04:45:00 +0000 UTCSomeone has to take responsibility for the reconstruction of the Azure hills
Arnon Parenti
2024-10-30 04:44:56 +0000 UTCHahaha! I read that in a protoss voice as well! Dang it
Lonnie
2024-10-30 04:44:37 +0000 UTCI burst out laughing at your Protoss Ship jab!
Ormus Von Orbulon
2024-10-30 04:44:25 +0000 UTCEither that, or he's forming a diamond in there.
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 04:43:44 +0000 UTCI bet they met in school and the Emperor has fond memories of tlm
Arnon Parenti
2024-10-30 04:43:12 +0000 UTCThere must be some ride-sharing going on.
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 04:42:57 +0000 UTCAnd I'm pretty sure that our Lady Wu, who knows both men very well, will be entirely aware of the similarities and very amused.
Baldanders
2024-10-30 04:42:52 +0000 UTCYesss 😂
Patanahi
2024-10-30 04:42:38 +0000 UTCI needed CF to release a double. This is wayyyy to hype!
Ibuks5
2024-10-30 04:41:27 +0000 UTCShe will ask to meet the head of the sect thinking it's her husband only to be turned down saying the head is busy uniting [conquering] the Azure hills sects.
Arnon Parenti
2024-10-30 04:40:55 +0000 UTCPraise be!
Patanahi
2024-10-30 04:39:52 +0000 UTCIt will be a tight race, but the praise kink is probably stronger than the fear.
Randall Brynsvold
2024-10-30 04:39:50 +0000 UTCDamn , ain’t nothing better than a dragon maid who love food 😭
Patanahi
2024-10-30 04:38:46 +0000 UTCSomebody called for a Cruiser?
Arnon Parenti
2024-10-30 04:38:31 +0000 UTCMagistrate's son is going to hear abt this and feel pride even more of his father. Thanks for the chapter CF!
Kasinki
2024-10-30 04:37:53 +0000 UTCOoh, that Led Zeppelin choice would also be good!
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 04:37:42 +0000 UTCOmg that would actually be hilarious 😂😂😂
Patanahi
2024-10-30 04:37:18 +0000 UTCThe Herald isn't second in command, he is the commander, Emperor only smiles and waves because he is literally holding the seams of reality from falling apart, The Herald is who 99.999% of the Empire will ever meet.
Arnon Parenti
2024-10-30 04:37:02 +0000 UTCI’m laughing hysterically reading this chapter !! Love it haha. Thanks for the chapter CF
Patanahi
2024-10-30 04:36:48 +0000 UTCGreat chapter, now I' m here wondering how all the rival factions are reacting to this. A move of this size is bound to cause a lot of waves, and I'm sure that a lot of Qi reading devices followed the equivalent to an invasion force suddenly moving to what everyone considers the boondocks.
Tony
2024-10-30 04:36:22 +0000 UTCAnd, @Truedragon, that curse had to start somewhere -- I think we're looking at its creation!
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 04:36:05 +0000 UTCMaster Shou veins popping seeing stir fry “lowly spiritual herbs” THEN going to the farm, volcano beans in the fireplace… nose bleeding, shen yu “just take a bath to cool off man”, ginseng in the bath tub used as scrubbing soap… actually thriving…” Shen yu f*k you, your grandson will be my disciple forever”. Jin: I’m good man but thanks, btw have you seen this weird root no one knows about?
Osvaldo Antonio Carmona Calderón
2024-10-30 04:35:48 +0000 UTCI only wish CF took commissions on what to write! But fortunately, however he resolves the cliff with be better than anything we can dream up!
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 04:34:14 +0000 UTCStarcraft. CARRIER HAS ARRIVED
Adam
2024-10-30 04:34:09 +0000 UTCI think one of the the big things that makes TLM so awesome is that he pursues excellence for petty yet very relatable reasons. He works hard at everything he does just so he can hide behind a paper wall to listen to his subordinates praise him and to be warmly greeted on the street by strangers. Which is fine, I don't care Why someone is a good leader so long as they keep doing it. And now he is being praised by people who, in any other world, would be kings in their own right. Sure he is crapping himself now, but once everything settles he is going to carry that glowing pride for the rest of his life.
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 04:33:35 +0000 UTCI think I missed something or the swords don’t add up “One Imperial Realm Cultivator, two of the Fifth stage of the Sky Realm, and twelve within the Earth Realm.”
Alan Williams
2024-10-30 04:33:15 +0000 UTCBrutal cliff haha. How am I supposed to wait?
Weebeedee
2024-10-30 04:32:26 +0000 UTCThe next Province? Biyu's squeeze will cross time and space to our modern world where we'll ALL be able to hear it!
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 04:32:20 +0000 UTCThis chapter is damn near perfect. As much as I like Shemhe, since. We found out who was coming this meeting is all I've cared about.
mag28
2024-10-30 04:30:20 +0000 UTCLord Magistrate better start cultivating. A mortal can't handle this kind of stress.
StarBat
2024-10-30 04:30:01 +0000 UTCI never thought that characters from the alternate series would actually meet again in this one
mhaj58
2024-10-30 04:29:01 +0000 UTCSC?
Laura Hemly
2024-10-30 04:27:17 +0000 UTCThe Magistrate reminds me so much of Ciaphas Cain in this scene. Sure buddy, it's totally your legs locking up. You're not extremely brave, nope so siree.
RedFaux
2024-10-30 04:27:16 +0000 UTCI wonder if someone can ignite their Dantian through sheer stomach clenching stress…Let’s find out.
Daniel Jungbluth
2024-10-30 04:24:16 +0000 UTCBut the son also thinks his father is stoic and brave 🤣
D J Meigs
2024-10-30 04:23:23 +0000 UTCAfter fending off that zergling rush, they have achieved tech supremacy!
Gibborim
2024-10-30 04:16:41 +0000 UTCHaha excellent point!
Angel
2024-10-30 04:16:37 +0000 UTC>"I wonder if TLM will be able to truly take in that unprecedented compliment from the normally stingy-with-praise Shen Yu, and find himself some confidence?" He still doesn't know that its Shen Yu lol. The name still hasn't come up, and in TLM's thoughts even this chapter he only thinks of Shen Yu as Jin's grandfather. He was surprised how strong he was. He wouldn't be if he knew he was Shen Fucking Yu, lol.
Emily Gurnavage
2024-10-30 04:12:55 +0000 UTCPoor lord magistrate Jin should lend Washi to help with the catering that would be a fun dinner topic
Michael Wheaton
2024-10-30 04:12:42 +0000 UTCI kind of want a scene where the Lord Magistrate appears to be perfectly seated during the meeting, but is in fact just passed out from terror.
Pope Yoda I
2024-10-30 04:12:20 +0000 UTCAaaaaaahhhh!! What a treacherous cliff. Hopefully in his broken state Shen Yu would finally be able to give back to the Land and help boost the repairs of the leylines.
Zatarii
2024-10-30 04:12:06 +0000 UTCIts only a matter of time before he meets the Emperor in person >.< perhaps still years, but I'm convinced it'll happen.
Emily Gurnavage
2024-10-30 04:10:09 +0000 UTCShame we didn’t see Yangtze Liusei’s name but it doesn’t mean she’s not there
Cinnamon Toast
2024-10-30 04:09:08 +0000 UTCAwwwwwww I need MOAR!
H
2024-10-30 04:08:35 +0000 UTCALL HAIL OUR GLORIOUS LORD MAGISTRATE!
Loah
2024-10-30 04:07:51 +0000 UTCCompetency always leads to more and more work. Only be competent as one-offs folks. Interesting that Biyu is also going to show up, but it’s good that Rags and Loudboy are also coming. I’m really looking forward to the whole province-wide reactions.
Aki_Iokua18
2024-10-30 04:07:48 +0000 UTCi love the SC reference at the end.
Richard Merlin
2024-10-30 04:07:00 +0000 UTCThunder struck by ac/dc or hmm led zeppelin's immigrant song....
Len
2024-10-30 04:06:54 +0000 UTCOh dear they didn’t have Lu Ri to remind them to reign in their auras. I hope someone reminds them to pay for the damages 😄. TLM you can do it! You’re the best mortal out there!
D J Meigs
2024-10-30 04:06:51 +0000 UTCHonestly, now I *really* want to see Elder Ge meet TLM, go “wow, this mortal is amazing” and then make him a cultivator using his own resources. That’d just be perfect and his stress levels would be beautiful to watch.
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 04:04:39 +0000 UTCI hope the cloudy sword sect checks up on how the gifted herbs are doing
Eli Pomerantz
2024-10-30 04:03:51 +0000 UTCI've said it before and I'll say it again; the fact that TLM's panic reaction is to freeze in a stoic pose is a GIFT. FROM. THE. GODS!!
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 04:03:46 +0000 UTCCongratulations THE LORD MAGISTRATE, on your Solstice Gift. That was quite the praise.
The GrandMage
2024-10-30 04:03:13 +0000 UTCHahaha, go read the SHI AU then. The entire sect is basically sky pirates, except without the piracy and all women. It’s amazing.
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 04:03:11 +0000 UTCOh gods yes. The imperial auditor, who was literally bribed to cause trouble, turns up and causes trouble when the literal emperor’s second in command is in the room. Priceless.
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 04:01:55 +0000 UTCGod I can't wait for the next chapter 🤤
Nathaniel Jacob moore
2024-10-30 04:01:33 +0000 UTCOh TLM... The very definition of suffering from success. Haha.
Npad11111
2024-10-30 04:00:59 +0000 UTCShen Yu has invented trolling. Jin can never fully explain it to him. Thanks for the chapter. Part of me is sad for the cliffhanger but on the other hand a full chapter of interaction next
Rake1810
2024-10-30 04:00:38 +0000 UTCThe girl is a Furry for sure
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 04:00:31 +0000 UTCYou think the Chief Auditor of the Azure Hills is going to storm in on TLM while he is entertaining his guests?
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 03:59:29 +0000 UTCAhhhh! Cliffhanger'd right before we get the meeting! Your so cruel lmao.
jordan coli
2024-10-30 03:59:27 +0000 UTCOhh, I like that even better!
nogare321
2024-10-30 03:58:56 +0000 UTCIf the Lord Magistrate manages to not get promoted straight to the imperial capital after this, it will be his greatest accomplishment by far.
Randall Norman Pick
2024-10-30 03:58:53 +0000 UTCAnd she doesn’t know about his furry gains… we’re gonna be able to hear the *squee* from the next Province over.
KnightRider007
2024-10-30 03:58:10 +0000 UTC6 stars (out of 5) chapter. Beyond delightful!
Kreylix
2024-10-30 03:57:26 +0000 UTCGods I hope so!
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 03:57:22 +0000 UTCI vote Ride of the Valkyries!
The butler did it
2024-10-30 03:57:03 +0000 UTCAncient Chinese Curse: May you live in interesting times.
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 03:56:31 +0000 UTCIn the Soaring Heavens Isle alternate timeline Seiyu and Bailu knew Xiulan’s mom, and they spoke to her about sending a message to her daughter, so they know she’s from the Azure Hills. I imagine they’d bring her along to play local tour guide, especially since it says the ship has some of the midships girls on it.
Alex
2024-10-30 03:56:07 +0000 UTCAnd I love that his son is exactly the same way! 😂
Angel
2024-10-30 03:56:06 +0000 UTCPoor bloke
Thomas Brusilovsky
2024-10-30 03:55:40 +0000 UTC“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. Jin’s grandfather grinned. “Indeed, it will more than suffice.” Aw, leave Ran alone, Shen Yu. It's been YEARS since he went on and on about the seven jewel fragrance herbs.
Andrew Denton
2024-10-30 03:54:46 +0000 UTCYes, I never would’ve thought of that detail, so cool!!
Angel
2024-10-30 03:53:42 +0000 UTCI wonder if Xiulan’s mom is on the ship?
Justin Barnett
2024-10-30 03:53:06 +0000 UTCPoor Lord Magistrate! That last line harks right back to his very earliest introspection chapter, when everyone was describing his stoicism and courage in the face of danger, when he was actually just too terrified to move 😁
KnightRider007
2024-10-30 03:51:54 +0000 UTCOf course THE GREAT LORD MAGISTRATE would get such praise for his greatness! One could not expect less! And now his great deeds and his skill shall be witnessed by the Emperor's Voice itself! ALL PRAISE THE GREAT LORD MAGISTRATE!!!
Guber
2024-10-30 03:51:53 +0000 UTCMe too!!
Angel
2024-10-30 03:51:53 +0000 UTCThe last line had me laughing out loud, so great!! 😆 I wonder if TLM will be able to truly take in that unprecedented compliment from the normally stingy-with-praise Shen Yu, and find himself some confidence? I also think it’s hilarious that even in his own mind The Lord Magistrate manages to pretend he only cares about himself and his wife, but can’t help throwing ‘everyone else’ into the bucket of people he hopes to protect. It’s always a good day when we get his perspective, thanks CF!!!
Angel
2024-10-30 03:51:22 +0000 UTCReally hope Cai’s mother found a reason to join Minyan
Objective_Campaign82
2024-10-30 03:51:10 +0000 UTCOr, they don't realize what is happening and try causing trouble for TLM with the Emperor's Man there as witness.
Seaspike
2024-10-30 03:50:50 +0000 UTCThank you for the chapter!!
Jon Dough
2024-10-30 03:49:54 +0000 UTCBiyu! OMG ~ the ears and tails… Also happy to see Rags and Loud Boy en route. They’re getting the band back together, but now it’s like the solid little local band at a giant festival with epic level headliners. It’s going to be an adjustment.
Often Irrelephant
2024-10-30 03:49:18 +0000 UTCYour story's so good but your cliffhangers so brutal. Honestly your story is something I look forward to every chapter can't wait for more.
rock_on_5002
2024-10-30 03:49:04 +0000 UTCThe cavalry is here
Deiskos
2024-10-30 03:49:00 +0000 UTCOh wow, I know we expected a lot of people but for some reason I completely forgot about Biyu, Rags and Loud Boy. This is gonna be entertaining. EDIT: Oh god, I just realized Biyu doesn't even realize that Yun is back. Yay for more reunions!
Ttran2323
2024-10-30 03:47:52 +0000 UTCHonestly… not sure he can. He’s been regularly dining on one of the most potent healing herbs available. It’s gotta help with blood pressure.
Sean Ulrich
2024-10-30 03:47:28 +0000 UTCIt starts
NightmareChild92
2024-10-30 03:47:11 +0000 UTCYou've got mail!
Story Time Compass
2024-10-30 03:47:06 +0000 UTCNeed More...
Seaspike
2024-10-30 03:47:05 +0000 UTCNoooo...
Seaspike
2024-10-30 03:46:51 +0000 UTC3rd
NightmareChild92
2024-10-30 03:46:48 +0000 UTCPoor LM
Eli Loeb
2024-10-30 03:46:38 +0000 UTCThanks, I needed this.
vetsin
2024-10-30 03:45:17 +0000 UTCHAHAHAHAHA, THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL "SUFFERING FROM SUCCESS"! Yep! Our Lord Magistrate is great enough to be included! You can do it! 😆 Thanks for the chapter!
Lanter
2024-10-30 03:44:25 +0000 UTCI am so looking forward to the day that Lady Wu's "family" realize how well known and regarded the Lord Magistrate is.
nogare321
2024-10-30 03:44:19 +0000 UTCThank you for the chapter!
Veltlore
2024-10-30 03:44:16 +0000 UTCThis is amazing. Can't wait for the next chapter, and the reactions to the farm, dishes, etc.
MockingBird
2024-10-30 03:43:39 +0000 UTCI hope the Lord Magistrate doesn’t die from all the stress. Anyway, the gang is all here with Rags and Loud Boy coming along and the alternative universe characters have arrived! Good thing we got a stir fry feast ready for them.
WarStrider72
2024-10-30 03:43:27 +0000 UTCThey need more pylons lol
Vasius
2024-10-30 03:43:17 +0000 UTCI *love* the little details in this story. All the Heavenly Ascension Stone pendants shattering simultaneously? Beautiful. I wonder if Mum of Grass is with the SHI group this time? Thanks for the chapter!
CringeWorthyStudios
2024-10-30 03:43:04 +0000 UTCPOWER OVERWHELMING
N U
2024-10-30 03:42:39 +0000 UTCSomehow I was not expecting the cultivators of the Soaring Heaven's Isle to talk like sailors lmao
Cuticle
2024-10-30 03:42:23 +0000 UTCRIP AND TEAR UNTIL IT IS DONE! Then, there shall be tea.
TwoRavens
2024-10-30 03:42:12 +0000 UTCLord Magistrate… I personally believe you have been cursed. Too much ability, being in the right place at the right time, unflappable poker face, powerful allies… cursed to never live a slow life.
Sean Ulrich
2024-10-30 03:42:09 +0000 UTCLETS GOOOOOOO
James Faulkner
2024-10-30 03:42:06 +0000 UTCI am so looking forward to this
Antonio Valentino
2024-10-30 03:41:37 +0000 UTCI just heard an eagle cry overhead at the arrival of force
WirelessGrapes
2024-10-30 03:41:18 +0000 UTCAvengers. Assembled.
SarcasticDonkey
2024-10-30 03:39:34 +0000 UTCThis is awesome. I can't decide if the background music should be Fortunate Son or Ride of the Valkyries. Also i love how the Cloud Sword has what i guess you would call Memory Spirits from the time of the Founders. A sort of Living Memory that the students could talk to. Reading history can be boring, image being told what really happed millennia ago by a spirit that was there to see it.
Truedragon5374
2024-10-30 03:35:20 +0000 UTCthanks for the chapter!
WarStrider72
2024-10-30 03:35:06 +0000 UTC1st
WarStrider72
2024-10-30 03:34:59 +0000 UTC
