Torsten Hewson
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v5c74: The Cycle Continues—End of Book 5
🕑 Added 2024-11-26 05:26:39 +0000 UTCOn the tenth day since the battle, Shen Yu returned to his grandson’s home. He descended from his flying sword onto the ground beside the great snow golem. The amusing thing was tall and proud as ever, with a great many birds in his jaunty hat.
There, he was awaited.
His grandson, granddaughter, and all the rest had stepped outside to greet him.
“Welcome home, Grandfather…” Jin trailed off as he got a good look at Shen Yu. His expression became worried, as did the others. “Are you alright? Did you get injured again?”
Ah, to be somewhat expected. Shen Yu was definitely feeling his still-present injuries. Minute trembles shook his limbs, and sweat beaded upon his brow from the strain of controlling his Qi. In front of the others, he had kept up his mask, as unflappable as always, but his body was… unhappy at what he had put it through so soon.
However, it had been necessary. Shen Yu would rather have turmoil of the body, than turmoil of the soul.
“It is done,” Shen Yu declared, a small smile coming to his face. “Every base in the north has been destroyed.”
The relief was palpable among the assembly. His soul pulsed with the acknowledgement.
It was the providence of the heavens that Lu Ri had captured that base. Without Yukong’s artifacts? They would have been up there for centuries. The distances in the Sea of Snow were immense. Three Imperial Realm cultivators working without rest, and several Earth Realm strike teams, while travelling at their maximum velocity and knowing exactly where their enemies were, had still taken five days… and would likely take longer still.
But for now, every base connected to the transport network, and as many others as they could find had been obliterated. Those that had tried to fight had been slain. Those that had tried to run were driven into the cold, and had fallen prey to the dangers of the Sea of Snow.
Doom had come for the Demonic Sect. And while there was still much work to do, to make completely sure that the north was free of these vermin, his cultivation and oath had been soothed with this decisive action. The north was clear.
Now, he just needed to scour the Empire for this Yulong. There hadn’t been a corpse, which meant he was still alive—but his instincts told him the boy was no longer in the Sea of Snow.
He would be found. Him and his Master both. But now, Shen Yu could truly rest and recover, instead of his cultivation constantly urging him northwards.
His grandson let out a breath. He looked at Shen Yu… and he did not ask why Shen Yu went out to do battle while he had been in the state he was still in.
Jin knew. There were some things that men must do.
Instead, he simply lowered his eyes, and bowed his head in thanks.
“Again. Welcome home, grandfather,” Jin said—while little Mei looked at his injuries like they personally offended her.
Ah, her expression was most amusing.
“Indeed. Welcome home, Master,” Bi De intoned, and that was the catalyst. The rest of them paid their respects, greeting him warmly.
It had been some time since so many greeted him like this. Warmly, rather than with sycophantic humbleness. Tigu begged him for tales of their hunt, the little one as all over him as she could be whilst being mindful of his injuries.
It was most pleasant.
And doubly pleasant, when he was able to sit on the couch. He got to hold Zhuye, the babe giggling at his arrival, and a dragon made him tea.
Shen Yu sighed, the burden on his soul light.
“So, the Shrouded Mountain Sect have departed?” he asked.
“Yes. They left yesterday. Nezan went with them,” Jin replied. Shen Yu nodded. He wished the fox luck. “Though speaking of guests, will we be having any soon?”
“Not for a while yet,” Shen Yu replied. “They have to consolidate, and take stock of everything they captured. Ge, Minyan, and the Herald will all be quite busy for a while.”
Jin nodded. “Well. it's nice to have things just with the family, for the moment.”
Shen Yu nodded, a small smile on his face. “What were your plans for today, grandson?”
“First? The funeral for Vajra’s soldiers. Give them a proper send off. Then tonight, we’re going to open the gifts we were going to give each other on the solstice,” Jin replied.
Shen Yu paused.
“Then, I shall change into appropriate garments.. The Honoured Martyrs must be given their proper respects.”
Some might find it silly, to thank insects. But they had given their lives in defense of his Grandson’s home.
They were worthier than most—but more, it was a reflection of Jin’s values.
Even the smallest of things that had aided him had their kindness returned tenfold.
=======================================
Vajra the Boozemaster, honoured of his Imperial Majesty's servants, stood tall in the cold air. Her Immortals were arranged around her, their ranks bold and gleaming. Chief among them the Bane of the Black Lances. New scars adorned the honoured warrior’s carapace, making her appearance even fiercer. Their podium was draped with little droplets of sunlight, warding away the cold.
The air was solemn, and only the true Servants of the Emperor were in attendance. Their clothes were dark, and none bore a smile. The filthy beggars from the Shrouded Mountain Sect had been rightfully cast out, their presence intolerable for such a ceremony of reverence. Truly, they were miserable wretches, living only through the largesse and eternal benevolence of her lord.
She was most glad to be rid of them, especially after having to watch over them for a full seven days. It had been most stressful, and had driven Vajra half mad being so alert for so long, cataloguing every minute movement in case they even twitched towards her lord’s home.
The only mark in their favour was that the beaten dogs were not also perfidious—but such creatures hardly deserved her attention, when something more important should occupy her time.
“We are gathered here today to give thanks to the brave souls who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our home,” His Majesty began, his voice soft.
Before them all was a raised table, and upon it were one thousand, eight hundred, and thirty-eight small boxes. One for each of the fallen, confirmed by Vajra’s ledgers. They were crafted of rice stalks and wax, each and every one hand made by the Emperor himself, an honour beyond all honours, while Vajra had commissioned tapestries from her hive depicting the deeds of each fallen, the finest of burial shrouds. Some were empty of a body, the honoured dead lacking a corpse, but most were full—and each one had a flowering plant seed within. The Empress had even deigned to use her power to remove the poisons that tainted them, consecrating their once-desecrated bodies.
The honour and favour bestowed upon her and her hive was enough to have some amount of emotion. How long had it been since she had mourned losses? In her war against the flying lesser demons, millions had perished every day without fanfare.
Yet here, these small numbers were considered a loss, and given accolades.
Truly, this was paradise.
“They were the smallest of us. But each one had the heart of a tiger. It is thanks to them, these scouts, and those who threw themselves without flinching upon the enemy, that we still stand today. They were, one and all, heroes.”
His Majesty paused for a moment. The only sound was a sniff, as Duke Chun Ke dried his wet eyes. He was in his natural form today, but both suited him—he was unbearably handsome in both forms.
“I wish none had to make such a sacrifice. Yet they rose without hesitation. So we shall honour them by holding dear what they gave everything to defend. Our home. Our little slice of heaven.”
“And so we return them to the earth. To the embrace of their home. May the flowers grow above them and bloom, and become a part of this land forever more. When the bounty of spring comes, we will all know whom to thank.”
Vajra and the rest of her hive froze at the heartfelt declaration. She could feel her servants’ emotions. The love, the respect, the honour they felt at the Emperor’s words surged through her so much that the collective feelings were nearly overwhelming.
This? This was where they wanted to be. This is who they wanted to serve.
His Majesty picked up the first of the boxes, and gently placed it into a small hole dug into the snow, and down into the earth. With his hands, he took the earth, and buried the box.
Then he took another.
The first to step forward was Bi De. The rooster was even more stunning than normal. Like Chun Ke, both forms were utterly delectable.
He too took a box, and planted it.
Then, the others stepped forwards. One by one, the little boxes were placed into the earth and buried. By the hands of humans. By the paws of a monkey. By the gentlest bite of a dog, and by Vajra’s own legs, until all one thousand, eight hundred, and thirty-eight small boxes were buried in the field beside the house.
His Majesty bowed, and the others followed suit, paying their respects.
Then, His Majesty rose, and picked up the barrel. The barrel of mead, the finest creation of her hive, and the thing that had earned her her title.
His Majesty had asked earlier whether the soldiers preferred a solemn period of mourning, or a celebration of their lives.
The soldiers had all chosen the latter.
His Majesty lifted the mead, and poured out the cups.
“To the fallen,” he toasted.
“To the fallen,” his words were echoed by all.
=========================
Together, they moved to the greenhouse, where Vajra—or rather Chun Ke translating for Vajra—regaled them with stories of her valiant warriors while they sipped the golden drink.
It was warm and delicious—but all of them took care not to overindulge. Instead, it was simply warm and mood-lifting as they relaxed within the greenhouse. It never got rowdy, as they paid their respects.
In the end… the little bees weren’t much different than the rest of them. All of them had fought the Demons now. All of them knew their vile ways, and all of them had shed blood in the defence of their home. It was something intangible… but Bi De felt a bit closer to all of his family because of it.
Soon, the sky darkened, and they returned to the warmth of the house. It was dark, with only the glass orbs and the fire for light.
There, they exchanged gifts, as had become tradition.
“The people from Underbridge taught me how to make these,” Yin said, as Bi De looked intently at his gift. It looked to be a kind of wind-chime. Bi De tapped it, and it produced pleasing notes. “They put them on the outside of the bridges, so when the wind blows they jangle in sequence—I made this one out of bits of a door I bashed in, the remelted bits of one of the foundries we raided, and the glass beads a nice lady gave me!”
“That is beautiful, Yin,” Bi De said, smiling at it. “I shall put it under my perch that our Master has graciously made for me.”
“Yeah! It can go next to Big Sis Mei’s gift!” Yin declared, pointing at the fabric fish that also worked as a wind sock. Yin’s gifts were an eclectic mix of things she had been taught how to make on her own journey, from people she had befriended, and each one was beautiful.
The other gifts Bi De received were no less interesting and thoughtful.
He had of course received a human-sized Gi of his own, with their symbol on it, courtesy of the Healing Sage. Tigu had added Bi De’s sculpture to her collection, though in granite. He was posed triumphantly on a rock, his chest bared. The composition was spectacular.
As for himself? “This one is for you,” Bi De said, handing over a package. Yin eagerly opened it, and her eyes widened at what was within. It was a spool of thread the colour of fire, that crackled and shone with an inner glow. “One of the aggressive Spirit Beasts in the Sea of Snow produced this thread to line its ice tunnels and keep them from freezing. It would go well with your own pendant, I think.”
“That is gloriously incandescent,” Yin murmured, before she turned back to Bi De. “Was it tough?”
“It ate me whole, and I had to kick my way out,” Bi De confirmed.
Yin laughed, and Bi De sat back to watch the other gift givers. Tigu had put away his charcoal reliefs of the Thunderhooves carved designs, intent on perusing them later, and Miantiao was examining several minerals Bi De had brought from the north of the Howling Fang Mountains that Old Ling had mentioned were used in glassmaking. Bi De hoped the old groundskeeper from the Shrouded Mountain Sect was alright.
Bi De shook his head, and instead simply... relaxed, soaking in the enjoyable activity.
Wa Shi gushed over his new hat, exulting in his recognition as a Master Chef. Spooks’ eyes bugged out at the giant jug of maple syrup that had been placed before him, the Thunderhoof looking like he was about to faint. Chun Ke’s assortment of extremely cute pottery had improved vastly in quality this year, and the rooster-shaped mug would be Bi De’s go-to drinking vessel.
Bowu had made a miniature version of his Azure Express, the little contraption currently huffing and puffing around the room on a set of circular tracks that had caught the attention of Shen Yu, the old man looking incredibly intrigued. Grandfather was wearing a hat that the Healing Sage had an exact replica of—one with two deer having… relations. The man had laughed uproariously when he had received it.
Xiulan and Xianghua had both gotten everyone things from their homes. Xianghua gifted river hats, and woven tapestries of Koi and scenes of the Misty Lake, while Xiulan gave masterfully made fans and lanterns, as well as some of the finest paper Bi De had laid eyes on.
On one of the walls, all the images Yun Ren had recorded were playing, his favourite works transferred to slate and hung already upon the walls.
A great many gifts were handed out. A great many thanks were had, over the thought given to each one.
It was one of Bi De’s favourite traditions, handing out each gift, and seeing how the recipient reacted.
All too soon, the final gift of the night was unveiled.
“Aw, you guys…” Bi De’s Master said, as he smiled at his repaired shovel.
“Uncle Che busted his ass to make that steel!” Bowu declared. “Yin and Miantiao helped too!”
“I repaired the damage to the carvings,” Tigu said.
“And Han used his formation on it,” the Healing Sage declared. “Hopefully this time, it won’t chip.”
His Master reverently took the tool. “Welcome back, buddy,” he said to it.
============================
After the gift giving was done, and the cookies had been consumed, Bi De found himself on the roof in his natural form, sitting beside his Great Master. Both of them looked up at the dark sky.
“One hell of a year, eh?” his Master asked, after a companionable silence.
Bi De reflected on his year. His year spent infiltrating the Shrouded Mountain Sect, and learning more about the world of cultivation.
There were some good parts, like the courage of those who challenged the greatest odds.
There were bad parts too: the suppression of others—the way people murdered and stole to keep their secrets secure and their face intact.
It was a mess of contradictions. He knew well why his Master had abandoned that path.
But... there was something exhilarating about it, too. Exploring and adventuring had its appeal… and it suited his goals.
Bi De knew that he would continue on this path. He would once more go and venture out into the world. He would be a cultivator—so that he could preserve his home. He could preserve those warm feelings for this wonderful place.
“Hell of a year,” he agreed.
The silence returned. Warm, and comfortable, under a light dusting of falling snow.
Then the clouds broke, and the moon shone through. The wonderful moon, that had protected and cared for him.
Bi De paid it his respects, his voice rising in greeting.
His Master laughed.
“I really missed that,” he said, his voice full of mirth. “You tell ‘em, Bi De.”
=========================
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Only the Epilouge left.
Edited by: BargleNawdleZouss
Comments
Chuck Haeberle
Assuming you're current on the story: seeing this comment a year later as I reread vol 5 made my heart glow. Xia Vatoh, the Divine Shovel indeed!
Aesoir
So starts the legend of Xia Vatoh (Excavator), the Divine Shovel.
Idan tal
Like the dude that Ri Zu snuffed his cultivation, repeating the steps is way easier.. so the blade will be reforge again, and probably stronger, but it will take a lot of time.. if the first time from sky to emperor was century+, than now a bit less. And From what he thinks, it appears the funders of the CSS already did things like this wayyyyyyy before. It’s just work better for mortal, as cultivators don’t see the appeal.
Z H
Xiannada over all, particularly in the sticks, might be lower on the tech tree but Bowu's workshop could hardly be considered such.
Meredith McDaniel
I hope the next book tells about the other earth spirits but this going great for an ending I think
D J Meigs
Thanks for all the info!
Peter Gerganov
There's a YouTube channel called BlondiHacks that has a long running series on building a model (working) steam locomotive. Though she has a pretty well appointed machinist shop, I imagine Xiannada is quite a bit lower on the tech tree atm
Alan McBrayer
It’s got a formation on it from Han so it could “awake”. As I understand it most sentient weapons were given a formation then many years of battle later they gained sentience.
Idan tal
Jin talked with him about it.. until Tigu will show some romantic interest in him, it’s pointless to push. He is there, strengthening the base of their relationship waiting for her to develop a bit more.
Idan tal
On one side, yes, it would be great, as it’s always amazing to see the interaction with other people with the MC, but on the other, it’s just putting more responsibility and demands on the shoulders of a dude who just want to farm and enjoy a relaxing life with his family and friends. he isn’t Shenong, he isn’t a cultivator and he is preferring to Lanlan to let deal with all the leadership. and Tainlan definitely said repeatedly she doesn’t want to be involved again with the rest of the province. So a bit more active is great but don’t go ruining his life and hopes for changing the world, that’s the chicken and other members of the farm role.
Caoimhín
Yeah, it doesn't seem like the army will be deployed. They were put on standby just in case they needed it like in the previous Demon Incursion, where mortal armies are needed to fight the hordes of demons while the top cultivators take care of the demon commanders. In this case, they didn't end up being needed, but it was wise to have put them in standby and be ready for deployment.
Caoimhín
Yeah, mourning clothes in China are white, not black.
Caoimhín
The almighty shovel, Bu Di
Cranky Otter
The way my page was loaded, when I expanded this it looked like it was only the first paragraph then *done*. Thought it was a bit abrupt but hey, the birds are back on the 🎩
octav
Weapons gaining sentience is a staple of xianxia. It would fit boc if the heirloom of the family becomes a talking shovel.
Laura Hemly
But she didn't regain her full sapience until Jin fed her some Nectar of the Gods (i.e. maple syrup).
Laura Hemly
I love maps! I can't remember how many hours I spent exploring the map of Middle Earth when I was about 13 and the trilogy was released in paperback for the first time in the U.S. (Yes, that was in the Sixties. It was a while ago. I'm old.)
Laura Hemly
Ba Be's plow (not hoe) is awake because it was made from a sword that already had a spirit in it. So Ba Be didn't have to help the pliw wake, he just has to use it. Somehow. I get the impression that the pair are doing some strange things with their ability to CUT CUT CUT!! 😅
Truedragon5374
My grandfather had a steam powered toy boat that was powered by a freaking candle. Not much horsepower, but yeah, it worked.
John Pratt
Steam engines can be scaled way down. They stop being useful as they get smaller because you're limited in a lot of ways by the size of the steam vessel, but a toy only running for a few minutes before you need to put more water in it is fine. A heat source is tricky, but Jin has hot water from fire crystals so they're an option.
D J Meigs
Lovely chapter! I just have one question. How is the miniature train running on its own? The original train is steam powered, but steam wouldn’t work on a miniature scale, and I don’t think they’ve harnessed electricity yet. Unless I missed something.
BNR
I really hope Jin gets more involved and goes on vacations. Also hope the fish goes south next book. Hopefully they all get lots of training for gramp and the rest.
NameGame
A great ending to the year, and a good funeral. I liked that everyone heard stories of the bees from Vajra. Thanks for the chapter.
Nalhcal
If that shovel doesn't become 'awake' like babes hoe by the very end of the story I'm gonna be very surprised.
Mark Greenberg
Shen Yu didn't include Shou and Yukong in the attack forces. It should have been three Imperial Realm, two Sky Realm and several Earth Realm strike teams. And that's only if we consider Shen Yu an Imperial Realm cultivator (injured and diminished) rather than in the Sky Realm, which is where everyone has considered his cultivation set back to. In reality the attackers were two Imperial Realm, three Sky Realm and several Earth Realm teams.
Javier Hernandez
This, a thousand times this.
Timothy Dana
Is Tianlan referring to “Blue Mighty Eternal Heaven” from Tengrism?
Stuffed Duck
Tigu and Handsome aren't even dating, and you're expecting anybody to talk about their wedding?
Stuffed Duck
Vajra was well sapient and without a hive at her introduction.
Emily Gurnavage
Wait was gramps clothes described? I think we just got the everyone wearin black description. Dont think they were. Ah well, a lot crammed into the chapter. After he mentioned changing into more appropriate attire for mourning martys to the cause I got excited to see what he wore but then I dont think it was described. I bet it was super simple visually but made of something wild like cloth spun from a special line of bugs only a family loyal to the emperor knows how to breed or somethin.
Ally KK
“Their clothes were dark” This may be nitpicking, but shouldn’t they be wearing white for mourning in Xianxia-land? Unless Jin told them all to wear black, but I think Gramps would have questioned that.
Angela Roberts
@Emily Gurnavage, I have to agree. Vajra gets enhanced by her subjects thoughts and emotions, not the other way round. Definitely a hive mind, and she's the mind. I could see the "Immortals" having some agency but those hives are Vajra's body and spirit.
Angela Roberts
Definitely not on my bingo card and my roommates were looking at me like I'd gone crazy. "It's the book" did not diminish those looks. Oh well. As Emily says, the mark of a good book!
Anime Problem
Even then he still knows already the path to the peak rewalking a path is never as hard as forging one
Angela Roberts
Ohh. Perfect ending. Just family at home celebrating life and mourning the fallen. I'm all warm and fuzzy! Enjoy your break!!
Angela Roberts
Me too. I'd rather read a thousand pages!
Emily Gurnavage
From the sound of things, even once fully 110% healed from all his injuries and demonic taint, he will *still* be put back multiple centuries worth of strength unless CF writes in a McGuffin to power him back up. Like maybe that mystery plant that took like 2 years just to sprout or whatever. But anyway, Shen Yu isn't "just" hurt, it was mentioned that he literally dropped down an entire cultivation stage and then some. He is no longer whatever insane rank/tier people would whisper about. Hes the one below that again now and will need centuries of cultivation and meditation just to get back to where he was before.
Emily Gurnavage
Oh God, you are right! Theres so many of them. The only saving grace might be that Vajra, as the Queen, is a bit special. We see that her "Immortals" are also smarter and more individualistic than the workers/drones. So maybe we will only see Vajra and maaaybe her guard get human forms. Otherwise I think theyd need to make their own town, lol.
Emily Gurnavage
Pretty much the comment I was gonna make, lol. Was still tryna finish my morning coffee while also having to put my phone down to wipe my eyes enough to see the words. Went through way too many tissues for some fictional bees, but thats how you know the story is top notch lol.
Emily Gurnavage
Yea I don't think they intended to send the mortal army *into* the Sea of Snow. The conditions we saw and had explained when Bi De and them originally traversed it made it very clear that mortals *will* die there, full stop, lol. I imagined more so that the army was going to head towards the Northern borders more-so in case there was a tide coming or something. But the cultivators determined there isn't currently anymore danger from the north, but they do know that Yulong and his Master are still at large and his master not being in the north to begin with implies to the cultivators that the demon threat is on the rise. So it would make some sense for the mortal army to still keep working on mobilizing (shit takes *time*) and spread out a bit for now with more of an active presence to hopefully find where the demons are hiding or be able to respond faster. Guess we shall see though.
Kirivina
I'm not crying. There's just dust in my eyes.
Jenn Teagarden
Wow, I had no idea that colony insects other than queens were even capable of reproducing, that's fascinating! Thanks for the suggestion, now I'm going down a rabbit hole of bee biology. 😅
JC Weiss
A map would be great!
Old Dog
As always, thank you for the chapter. Awesome ending. While I am not looking forward to your break, I do hope it is a pleasant and soul refreshing one for you. I do hope this book doesn't get "broken into two parts" like book 2 did.
Old Dog
Well said.
Harish
Must have missed his mention in the last chapter but he definitely needs a bigger presence because he defended Fa Ram, helped with the clean up, brought Solstice gifts and wishes to court Tigu. Hell, the Auditor got more words than him.
Blake N.
I kinda doubt they’ll see any use in the north just cause of the distances involved and the conditions there, plus it seems everything up there is wrapped up but the paperwork. Maybe they’ll make some rounds in the nearby regions so the emperor’s presence is felt but other than that I’m guessing they go home
Andrew Denton
That wasn't fun at all!
Tasha D. Young
Not really...just move already and it doesn't sound repetitious
WarStrider72
Some things changed over the year, but others stay the same. Glad to have closed out the volume with the annual exchange of gifts! Hope the Epilogue is where we see the cultivator elders spit blood at the glory of Fa Ram
Duke of Coffee
Hmmmmm I wonder if the mortal army that was on standby would be used for the clean-up since they are on hold for action. 🫡 to the Bees.
Anime Problem
The Methodology is what's most important not what they did with it
Geoffrey Sullivan
I know, right?! But it was so *beautifully* done . . .
Randall Norman Pick
That really hit hard
Kt-x
Thanks for th chapter!
Aaron
May want to make a slight change to this sentence. Sounds a bit weird to me to both start and end the sentence by saying they are on the walls. "On one of the walls, all the images Yun Ren had recorded were playing, his favourite works transferred to slate and hung already upon the walls."
Mark Greenberg
In v5c48, when Yulong escapes, Shen Yu thinks about how his cultivation is uncompromising, it doesn't like to accept anything less than a total victory and how he'll need to meditate to be able to stabilize it. A xianxia trope is that as cultivators reach higher levels they focus their soul on their Dao, their raison d'etre, and that focus gives them power. It also gives them requirements and if they fail to uphold their self-imposed standard it can cause qi-deviation and damage their cultivation's foundation. Shen Yu had vowed to investigate and eradicate the demons of the North who were being hunted by the SMS. Failure to follow through on that oath could have caused further damage to his cultivation. In Shen Yu's case he was able to stop himself from following through and destroying Yulong (which would have been difficult) because he ALSO needed to deal with the attack on Fa Ram. Even so, his cultivation standard required him to do all he could to stamp out all the demons in the North, so he participated as best he could in the follow-up attacks. This soothed his inner soul and prevented further damage to his core.
ChaosAndBunnies
For the different mixes of qi, that was for getting rid of leftover demonic qi in an area, so it's application is more like cleaning up a chemical spill than anything combat viable. To that end, I think the main benefit to him having this info is that hopefully it will lead to Crimson Crucible city starting to clean up the demon graveyard next door. Likewise, I wonder if it'll make it possible for master Forest Sweeper to deal with the that mass of demonic qi within his lifetime so he can visit Fa Ram in person.
Just A Dude
It's because it's not an ending. It's an "until next time."
Shawn Banks
Oh, are we making Xmas wishes? I would love a holiday with everyone in it, and an updated map I can download and see where everything is in this world.
Shawn Banks
Did not have “wake up and cry about a funeral for fictional bees” on my bingo card today, and yet…
David Murphy
For a fun read google "Worker policing".
K
Well, for the next book, I hope for three things. First, that Jin and Xiulan will keep their siblings/close friends dynamic and it WON'T turn into three-side relationship, there is Bi De for that. And second, that Jin will finally be more proactive, instead of just letting world move around him. Maybe on that visit to Grand Ravine he could teach them to help Tianlan and generally take more of leadership role in the Azure Hills. After all, Shennong was an emperor and True Path of the Shenong is probably not about just farming and ignoring rest of the world. Third, hopefully Tianlan will finally start to care about people and Spirit Beasts outside of Fa Ram and become more of 'Spirit of Azure Hills' instead of just 'Spirit of Fa Ram'.
ronin
I feel like it would more benefit the sect members or those of lower cultivation levels (peak condition) than him specifically just because he’s simply so focused on being shen yu, like yes he now knows lunar qi + some other things are effective but sharp blade go swoosh . It’ll definitely be a boon against the demons overall.
Clifton Thrasher
I retract my earlier idea Bi Di should get a crescent staff or shovel staff
James C
That part of the chapter is written from Bi De's perspective: he, like every character other than Chun Ke, has always heard the 'Xianxiafied' version of the names, no matter which form Jin actually says.
Yanni
It seems Jin is finally calling him Bi Di instead of Big D.
PickledTink
I am concerned that at some point in the future the Azure Hills will be drowning in Bee Girls as members of Vajra's hive grow to become full spirit beasts and take on human forms thanks to Jin's kindness. Ah well, at least it will be funny.
Beggar of Freedom
Divines bless your kind heart!
Justin
Great chapter and a great end to the book.
John Brady Anderson
His cultivation was badly damaged; I think he is more referring to how he did not lose anyone this time, everyone who came north to see him noticed how horribly beat up both his body and his cultivation were how overjoyed he was.
Caoimhín
Indeed. I'm thinking next book will include Jin and Mei traveling towards a few of the Sects to tour the home of their friends, visit Tie Delun's family (and show they are ok with them marrying) and also visit the Grand Ravine as promised. Since the visit to Grand Ravine is scheduled to be at the end of summer but they have to be back for the harvest in Autumn, I think the tour would be starting at the beginning of summer, once all the planting work is completed.
jord
A fine ending to a great novel, can't wait for the epilog. To a happy new year
BigBro Bluesman
IDK this end feels weird
T. Lewison
He was in last chapter, playing peek-a-boo with Zhuye & Tigu.
Caoimhín
Agreed. It's weird how even though we know for a fact that he's there, sometimes there's no mention of him. Last Delun was mentioned was sitting with Tigu in Hong Yaowu as he spoke excitedly about something and she smiled warmly at him. Also Jin keeps procrastinating on addressing formally accepting Delun's courting of Tigu. Time to meet the in-laws!
mhaj58
The previous volume was a build up to a war against demons, I hope the next one will be a much needed R & R. With everyone home again there are but a few loose ends. Yulong and his master obviously, but the hints towards Xiulan making a ménage a trios with Jin and Mei needs to come to a conclusion. Additionally, we need to see some of the other characters that have fallen through the cracks since the volume. Tingfeng and Meihua haven’t been seen in a year, Chun Ke and Pe Pa need to revisit their conversation about having children, and Shen Yu needs to throw Minyan into a mud pit.
Caoimhín
Awesome chapter. I wasn't expecting onion ninjas while reading about a funeral of bees, but here we are. Weird how there was no mention of Tie Delun this chapter. "Shen Yu would rather have turmoil of the body, than turmoil of the soul." Ah, his cultivation is truly an uncompromising thing, eh? He literally COULDN'T sit that out. He couldn't NOT be part of the operation. His cultivation would not allow it. He really should be more careful about making any threats when bantering with his foes.
Anime Problem
Shen Yu fully healed is gonna be a monster for he had leaned the secret of rigorous scientific experimentation and shall use this to hone his blade further.
Idan tal
Amazing chapter! But as mentioned before, I think handsome man was forgotten, his whereabouts unknown and his gifts unmentioned.
M e
I absolutely love Shen Yu's reactions to things at Fa Ram every time. This ancient, powerful, worldly cultivator who has traveled the Empire, fought historic battles, seen so much of what the world has to offer. And he's just like "Yep, let me go put on my good clothes for the bee funeral." And the way he's so freaking proud of Jin, exactly as he is. Not the way he was before when he was just a boy with potential that he planned to mold. But the person he became on his own. I might go back a couple chapters to reread him bragging at the meeting with Cloudy Sword Sect and Minyan.
Nemoboi
Chunky making BoC Merch is so in character it's my favourite fourth wall break (yes, the argument could be made that the merch is made after chunkys Christmas gift, idc the merch came first in my brain. chunky saw it and thought it was cool.)
Zero Wrath
Oh true. Ngl I forgot about him 😅
Anzer'ke
I love Vajra's absolute contempt towards the SMS. Making the true Xianxia trope character a literal insect was such an awesome idea.
Michael Beard
I was really hoping for something from Handsome Man ... Or Gramps's reaction to Chunky's human form Alas... Next book hopefully
Kat
I think that will probably be next book…
Harish
Tie Delun has been missing these past few chapters. He was part of the defence but there has been no mention of him. Especially during the gift-giving since he arrived with this purpose in mind
Harish
I PAY MY RESPECTS TO THE HONORED MARTYRS OF FA RAM! MAY THEIR DEEDS SERVE AS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL
Laura Hemly
What a lovely chapter! A perfect end to the year. The funeral for the bees was as incredibly touching as I expected. To have them all buried with a flower seed...sniff! Spring is going to be even more beautiful at Fa Ram now. And all the rest was gentle and calming and now the whole family can rest and heal, as will Fa Ram. And as will you, CF, now that this book is all wrapped up (except for the epilogue). We'll have a new book to look forward to in the new year. It will be tough to go so long without new chapters, but you need a good rest so your endless creativity is refreshed! So thanks very much for this story. How did I not realize there was such a chicken-sized hole in my spirit?
Trevor Mergen
Thanks!
Chase Northcutt
Why am I crying over BEES?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MEEEEE?!
Will Gossage
Where's Biyu, Loud boy and Rags, we need also a surprise from The General winking at every one and Jin goes, You Get Used To It
Mark Greenberg
I was pleased to see Shen Yu's reaction to the bee's memorial service. Vajra's too, since she's used to sacrificing many times that number of warriors for the hive's survival. Seeing both of those hardened individuals moved by the ceremony made it mean even more to us readers.
Synova Vitale
But besides that this chapter is one of my top favorites
Synova Vitale
I am curious to know what handsome man give tiger and the gang as gifts. Because if I remember correctly he had a pack of gifts when he first showed up before the big battle.
EqualPhysics
Welp. I cried.
Kreylix
Definitely the most epic book yet.
James Faulkner
Tftc!!
Kasinki
Wholesome and warming. Thank you for the chapter!!!
Angel
Good catch!
Alice Blake
Return of the shovel!
Jazer Andrew Sotomayor
Thank you!! Happy Tidings
Godzilla511
I admire the editor's reference to Weird Al in their title.
taukid
Awesome! That might've been the best book yet! I wonder what the main plotlines of the next book will be? Jin needs to visit the Grand Ravine and Gou Ren and Xianghua's wedding should be soon.
Aki_Iokua18
Here’s to the fallen, to the survivors, and the ones still fighting. May all of them rest easier now that the Enemy has been so thoroughly repulsed. I look forward to what new tales are in store.
Dennis Ngawhare
First for the last chapter.Thanx Casual for the story.
leopard eye
Have a great rest casual farmer thanks for your hard work andI hope you stay healthy.
Sean Ulrich
I’m not crying over bees. Nope. Definitely not…. I’m crying over the passing of warriors
Zero Wrath
Think this is 74 not 73 right? Last one says 73
BargleNawdleZouss
The solstice is for giving! For which I'm thankful.
