Torsten Hewson
patreon
v5c60: The Sparks of Lightning
🕑 Added 2024-10-25 05:52:35 +0000 UTCChe Han had, over this past month, completely given up on what he had previously considered common sense. Clearly, his knowledge had all been wrong, and so now whenever anything new happened he found himself just nodding along.
It was an easier way to view the world and not get so worked up about the little things. It was better to “roll with it”, as Yun Ren liked to say, and so instead of being shocked and confused he could just be happy when Nezan revealed that he was alive and Master Jin had called for a celebration.
He was currently having snacks with a dragon, a boar, and a very pretty woman with plum blossom hair—who was also apparently a pig and the wife of said boar—discussing the food of the Howling Fang Mountains.
“Bi De spoke fondly of the blueberries; are they normally just eaten as is?” the dragon asked, his eyes focused… despite the fact that he looked absolutely exhausted. His long, sinuous body was covered in bandages.
Che Han was acting like it was all perfectly normal.
“We normally render the blueberries into a sauce, or add them to our ration bars. It's dried meat and blueberries mixed together with rendered fat. It is long lasting and a good meal up in the mountains,” Han said, pulling out one of said ration bars. “We either eat them as is or make them into a soup with mountain bread.”
The dragon paused his writing in his ‘food log’ and took the bar with a dainty claw, examining it with a keen eye. He glanced at the boar, who shook his head, then broke off a piece for himself and Pi Pa before taking a bite. His eyes closed as he considered it at length… even as he put on a kettle so he could try making it into soup, streams of water twisting slowly moving through the air at his command—his grand power used for tasks as mundane as cooking and cleaning.
Bi De had told the truth, the dragon had done the dishes. And he had poured Han a cup of water when he went to get some refreshments for himself and his friends earlier today.
“A most choice flavour. I can’t wait until the bushes are fully grown!” the dragon exclaimed. “What do you think, Pi Pa?”
“...I can’t taste this very much,” the woman admitted, looking sad.
“I’ll make a syrup out of them then; that shall concentrate the flavour—a jam or a jelly, yes, for the lovely you and my most Handsome Brother Chun Ke,” the dragon stated, idly waving his claw. “It is good that you both force me to think of these things!”
The boar chuffed happily while the woman smiled, her lips slightly wobbly.
Han felt a little like he was intruding on a private moment before the dragon turned to Han again.
“It does this one’s heart good to know a gentleman like yourself was among my friends’ number, Che Han. Bi De and Ri Zu are both mediocre at cooking, and Yun Ren is little better. They would have been deprived of good food without your skill—and Fa Ram would be lesser for it!” Wa Shi declared, and Han blushed at the praise. All he had done was give them several pages of recipes he liked cooking, yet the dragon was treating it like a precious scroll.
Wa Shi set about making the soup while Han leaned back, nursing some of the ‘vodka’ Master Jin had given them, the drink mixed with berry juice from berries grown inside that wondrous glass house outside.
Han had heard quite a few stories from Bi De, Ri Zu, and Yun Ren of their home, but even with the recording crystal’s images, for some reason he struggled to truly understand it. What his friends described… it sounded so alien to him. Surely, there was no place like this Fa Ram? Surely, the love of their home was so great it colored their descriptions and made for a fairer image than Fa Ram actually was?
Then they had arrived, and Han swiftly realized that they had been underselling the place they had come from.
Sure, it had no grand floating spires, no awe-inspiring arenas, or even obvious artifacts of cultivation. It was a simple noble’s manor on a plot of farmland.
Yet somehow it was all the more profound for it. It was the energy in the air… and it was those who lived within.
He understood now why his friends were the way that they were.
They cared little for treasures because they were surrounded by them. They gave freely because their Master gave freely. They did not mind working in the fields because they produced a bounty so vast it boggled the mind.
And when Han came, a nobody compared to the likes of his comrades… he was greeted warmly and freely offered what they had.
Indeed, it was a beautiful place.
It felt like a home.
The warmth here… it reminded Han of his own family, of their kindness despite the losses and the poor state of their clan compound compared to others, with its gentle mists and tranquil ponds.
A bittersweet memory, for all Han knew he could be the last of his family if things hadn’t gone as the others predicted.
Han was the only one who felt any real urgency to return to the Sect. He had talked earlier to the others. Yingwen and Fenxian were demoralized and uncertain; the institution they had served had seemingly collapsed. Shao Heng would do his duty with or without the Sect. Yushang had been the one with the least connection in the first place, but bless her soul she had promised to come with him when he did return. Spooks had shrugged and just said, “It's on the way back north.”
He hadn’t broached the topic with Bi De, Ri Zu, or Yun Ren yet. He sighed, wondering just what the future would hold, his mood starting to darken as he worried.
Han nearly jumped when a warm nose pressed into his side. Chun Ke smiled up at him.
‘Friend Han, don’t worry about what you can’t change,’ the boar said, his voice deep and calming. ‘Whatever may come, simply remember… you are not alone.’
Han paused at the statement, then Chun Ke tilted his head to the side, where Wa Shi held out a char-grilled rice ball with red flakes on it. It smelled spicy.
“And for everything else, there's food,” the dragon said cheerily.
“Those in tandem seem to fix many problems,” Pi Pa mused, her eyes distant.
Han smiled and took the rice ball.
It was very tasty, and really, Chun Ke was right. There was no point in worrying at the moment. He had to heal first. And then… then he could go and see his family. And he could return to the Sect with his head held high due to their actions.
He was most of the way through the new, delicious offering when a small commotion caught his eye. Lady Meiling was holding a needle up in wonder.
“These are really good!” Lady Meiling exclaimed. “They hold Qi so well! I didn’t notice before how much my other needles fought me—Han made these?”
Her eyes turned to him.
Han paused, taken aback. “Ah… yes?”
“Do you take commissions?” she asked.
Han paused to savor the moment of acknowledgment, the first member of his family to have earned such praise in centuries.
What else could he say but yes?
===================
“And then I swung around to the side, under the monstrous paw, and pierced the beast through its black heart,” Shao Heng finished his tale for the young man in front of him. Bi De’s disciple had stars in his eyes as Shao Heng recounted one of his missions to protect a village in the Fangs.
“Uncle is so cool!” Zhang Fei said, a big grin on his face. Shao Heng smiled. It was nice to have such an enthusiastic audience.
“Shao Heng is the most skilled of us all in the arts of hunting and tracking. We are lucky to have his skill and expertise,” Bi De explained, and the young man’s smile only grew.
“That's amazing! I was starting to wonder if every story that gets told was fake!” Zhang Fei, the Torrent Rider, said.
“Fake?” Shao Heng asked, amused.
“Yeah, in all the stories the Spirit Beasts are all mean, which I’m glad is fake… But I really liked the stories about strong Masters—and, well, Xiulan and Xianghua kept beating all the cool-looking old men up,” he trailed off, looking sheepish.
Shao Heng raised a brow. “The ladies are that strong, to be suppressing their Masters?”
“Yeah. Big Sis Xiulan, Big Sis Tigu, Big Sis Xianghua, and Big Sis Yin are all really strong,” the young man before him stated guilessly. “I’m not as strong as them yet… but I’m helping them out the best I can! I help the Azure Alliance with hunting and tracking! Do you have any tips?”
Shao Heng smiled. “I do indeed have a few,” he agreed.
The Torrent Rider immediately snapped to attention, as did the shaggy dog beside him.
The boy was an able learner… though he did get distracted when Yushang started juggling for everyone else’s entertainment, throwing a multitude of bowls, plates, chopsticks, knives, and even pieces of glowstone into the air with a smile on her face. She was soon joined by Yin and the monkey, Huo Ten.
She, at least, seemed to fit in just fine. But there was a small gap in their numbers. A couple of people were missing.
========================
“And then, well, that about sums it up,” Fenxian said as he stared out over the snow drifts. He was sitting on the roof with Rou Tigu, Gou Ren, Xianghua, and Yingwen; the orange haired woman had asked them all up here to talk to them.
Fenxian had been expecting some kind of dressing down. He would have been satisfied being a punching bag, if that's what she wanted.
Instead, she had asked them about their lives, what had led them to join the Sect—and what had ultimately led them to being in the Young Master’s entourage and fighting against them.
Fenxian knew neither of their stories were particularly unique. Yingwen was an orphan, picked up and given a chance. The Sect was his family, as far as he was concerned.
Fenxian? Fenxian had dreamed of glory. He had dreamed of power, of heroism… and had fallen in love with the brotherhood of being in an Outrider Squad. His had been a good one, going on long patrols away from the Sect and fighting the good fight. He got to save villages, then booze and boast while pretty girls had thrown themselves at him.
His record had been good. He had been considered trustworthy by the Elders… and neither of them had seen anything that pointed towards anything Demonic. The Young Master had just been the Young Master. Tigu had insulted them, and the Young Master had ordered them to make her pay for her defiance.
You didn’t have to like your orders. Fenxian hated going on patrol when it was pissing rain horizontally up in the mountains, but you did it. So the Young Master commanded, and they had to obey.
It was just what cultivators did.
Or at least… that's what Fenxian had thought. They sat in silence after they had both finished.
The Xianghua woman considered their words for a moment, before shrugging.
“You saved my Honoured Brother’s life. Liu Xianghua has no quarrel with you,” she informed them both. “Many grudges in the Azure Hills have had to be put aside recently. This is just one more to add to that tally.”
Gou Ren pondered for a moment more, before sighing. “What Xianghua said,” he finally settled on.
Tigu’s eyes ghosted over Yingwen, and then they settled on Fenxian.
“You were the one who knocked me out.”
“Yes, I was,” he admitted.
“You were the one who broke Loud Boy’s dantian,” she continued.
Fenxian grimaced. That one actually hadn’t been intentional, not like Shi, who had just cut down the ragged-looking man, angry that they had dared to fight them. The kid had swung with a move that had made every one of Fenxian’s senses scream that it was dangerous, so he had just reacted, nailing him in the gut with way more force than he had intended. He had obviously vastly overreacted, and losing control like that was shameful.
“I was.”
“...what would you say if I said I still wanted your life?”
Yingwen stiffened, Fenxian shrugged.
“I would accept it,” Fenxian stated simply. “Honestly, I never expected to come back alive from this mission. I rescued my comrades and my Elder. If I die here… I guess I’m satisfied.”
Rou Tigu looked into his eyes. “...Xianghua is right. We cannot talk about ending grudges, if we refuse to let them go ourselves. Once, you fought against us. Once with us, with your life on the line. Then… we shall wipe the slate clean.”
The woman sucked in a breath and stood. She clasped her fist in martial salute.
“This one is Rou Tigu, Young Mistress of Fa Ram, Commander of the White Tigers of the Azure Alliance. Might she have the names of the men before her?”
Fenxian’s eyes widened. He saw the opportunity… and he took it.
“This one is Gen Fenxian, Disciple of the Shrouded Mountain Sect. He greets Rou Tigu.”
From the depths of Hell, back to solid earth, he and Yingwen had ventured.
He wondered if the Sect could do the same.
===========================
Zang Shenhe stood a polite distance from the house. Laughter and amusement echoed out from it, lit by the afternoon sun. She flared her Qi, a polite knock.
A few moments passed before a voice entered her ear.
“My grandson has given you leave to enter, Zang Shenhe,” Shen Yu’s voice echoed in her ear. “Enter through the front.”
Shenhe approached the manor and the front door opened automatically, shadowy rats operating the handle.
She took off her shoes in the indicated spot and entered the house proper. Abruptly, the sounds of amusement stopped and all eyes locked on her.
“What brings you here, Zang Shenhe?” Shen Yu asked.
“I’ve come to return Summer’s Sky… and I must speak with Nezan about the future of the Shrouded Mountain Sect.”
She met his gaze unflinchingly, her back straight, and head held high.
Shen Yu smiled.
“Those eyes aren’t bad, girl,” the old man said, his tone approving.
“Not bad at all,” Nezan agreed.
=======================
======================
Insight into the SMS members. Shenhe's desicsion is...?
Edited by: Brandon “Philosophysics” Zhang-Leong, Oshi, Plasma Regulators, BargleNawdleZouss, Massgamer,
Comments
Samantha Kuhn
Yeah, there will be a TON of spitting blood, let me tell you! I think Elder Shou might have a breakdown when he sees the bathhouse!!
Almer Reyhan
ARGHH CANT WAIT TILL SHEN YU'S WHOLE SQUAD GAWK AT FA RAM!!
Allen
Good luck with therapy! Sending hugs!
Allen
Jin pulling out the Canadian Tuxedo would be next level.
Often Irrelephant
It is funny we see him with such a strong sense of the cultivator mythos - possibly because such a remote area of AH, in a chi starved, remote area of the empire, all he's had are stories? I think the farm animals mostly grew up free of those prejudices because why would Jin share any cultivator nonsense while he's busy inventing his own?Xiulan probably suffered from the stereotypes the most, but was successfully deprogrammed. And Xianghua, autistic queen that she is, just mostly disregarded anything she didn't like and continued on with her "no fox given" badge. It makes for an interesting contrast, for sure. Right now Rooster boy is also giving me Spooks vibes - that he thinks he's solidly mid by comparison, when at his current level, he would have been a real contender at Dual Peaks the year before.
Aune
Edit* potential of future might was not the reason I wanted to write, no what sadly was placed on the line was the magnitude of hilarious possible misconceptions this guy has about what going on cultivation related happenings, and their meaning for the 'normal' looking from the outside would be.
Aune
Salute you, sir ! Was about scrolling down, and begin the search.
Angela Roberts
You're probably right. It's fun to speculate alternatives though. And good insight on Zeng. He's enough of a politician to lay low for now and wait on a later opportunity. He sees nothing wrong with Strength only so is expect his actions to be dictated by that. Shenshe will know that too though so she can contain his influence.
Aesoir
Ultimately, as far as broader scope of the phoenix empire. Fa Ram’s biggest impact will be the exposure of the fact that the earth spirits are the linchpin of Qi growth and depletion in any land or province. That the path of shennong is something to be venerated and celebrated rather than derided. Ultimately that something like the post of “Emperor” should be a contractor to the land spirit of the phoenix empire.
Old Man Henderson
Yeah, it's mentioned during the celebration at Hong Yaowu before the demon attack.
Evander
Has Jin introduced caramel yet?
Mark Greenberg
It's already been shown that Xiulan's dancing ability allows her to get a hint of what Vajra is saying. I'd like that ability to grow so that someone besides Chun Ke can understand her directly. It'd also be helpful if Vajra learned to use the qi-speach of spirit beasts, but then she'd probably lose her very unique take on the world, and as you said those are hilarious.
Mark Greenberg
True, the HFM extend well to the north, but the dot representing the SMS itself is almost due east of Fa Ram.
Mark Greenberg
Han is definitely going back to the SMS as soon as he can, probably with Shenhe when she goes back and takes all her people and Zang Zeng's too. I assume he'll return as well, and be politician enough to see the way the wind blows and support Shenhe (at least in public). Noone is going to be happy to see someone from the Patriarch's lineage (even if they don't know he knew the true history) so siding with her connects him to Zang Yong. Yushang has already said she'll accompany Han when he returns. It'd be nice for her to become Shenhe's disciple, but I could also see her returning to Fa Ram after the SMS is put back on track. Spooks has also promised to go with him. Shao Heng will probably go with them too. While he went with Ri Zu to help her, she's now home and he can return to his desired path of protecting the people of the HFM. If Shenhe is going to restore the sect, that will give him a platform from which to do that. Yingwen & Fenxian will also return. They've made peace with Fa Ram but the sect is their home and they'll want to see it set to rights. Basically, I expect all the visitors to leave (from CF's hints, probably before Gramps' guests show up so no temptations from the SHIS or CSS). The only question is if Bi De or any of his companions will go with them to help, or if they'll be asked to stay behind, allow the SMS to fix themselves, and then they'll invite the group over for a celebration.
Mark Greenberg
If that were true the fighting wouldn't have lasted three days. If the Patriarch was dead and the inquisitors restrained, who was fighting on their side against Elder Chongyun? I believe the patriarch was just injured by Shen Yu and the mountain spirits, but he was still in the Sky realm (or close to it) and so was able to free at least some of the inquisitors, and everything went from there. I also hope that Zang Sheng joins Chongyun and fights against the Patriarch (his great-uncle?) and his people. Sheng was an ass but he was also a paragon of the "virtues" espoused by the SMS and was disgusted by what he saw of the ancestor he was named after. I'd like to see him learn better from his once despised relative, Zang Shenhe, and attempt to mold himself after Zang Yong instead.
Randall Brynsvold
Everyone's coming at Shen Yu's request to meet with him, so my current thinking is that they have been directed to come to Verdant Hill the commandery, not specifically Verdant Hill the town, and Shen Yu is staying at Fa Ram. When they get close to the commandery, they'll ping Shen Yu and he'll ping them back. TLM may get reports of sky ship or flying sword sightings, but may get no visitors until after the meeting at Fa Ram.
Desert Yeti
Shenhe is going to learn a very rare martial technique known as a "Glasgow Kiss." (headbutt)
Randall Brynsvold
I think they should go back to the name Su Nezuha used, Misty Fang. If foxes come back, isn't it eventually going to be misty again?
Desert Yeti
Spirit cotton! Jin will get Meiling and Xiulan in true red flannel. And be so so comfy. Can you imagine just how soft and warm supernatural flannel would be?
Randall Brynsvold
I'm still hoping that Lu Ri crosses her path with Honored Founder pamphlets.
Cranky Otter
I’m thinking tropical latex for elastic.
Brendan
Nezen is going to eventually show Shenhe where her aunt was buried at some point in a private moment I will assume.
Joshua Roberts
v4c57: The Shadows and the Stone
Aune
anyone remember which chapter Ri Zu materialized her shadowy rats?, and her choice of how their relationship would be defined ?
Aune
damn great reminder! The Boy actually had one of the more intriguing character traits then the rest, just by damn potential of his future might by fighting realms above himself. sadly he has been has been placed on the side, collecting dust since that reveal.
John D Jones
@ Arnon Pareti Letter? What letter? Shen Yu sent a sword-scroll to his good friend, the Emperor and the Emperor immediately sent his trusted Herald. The only warning TLM will get is if Jin thinks to tell him that Gramps's "buddies" are incoming ASAP.
John D Jones
@ Cranky Otter During the incident, Yingwen objected (at least internally) to the idea of kidnapping Tigu for punishment. The thing to recall is that the SMS was organized in a very "top-down" paramilitary way. The Young Master was their "superior officer" so unless they had a very clear reason that what he was doing was against the SMS, they had to obey him
Evander
True. I'm thinking using spider silk or something else that doesn't have to make sense since the laws of physics are a polite suggestions in this world.
Charlie
This is an interesting one because it's something Earth Jin wouldn't have any real insight into. He'd have to grow what? Flax? Cotton? Things that typically aren't grown in Canada, for sure.
Angel
I hope you’ve found a wonderful, empathetic and supportive therapist and you begin to pull yourself out of the place you’ve been in. Big hugs! (You’re not alone, my friend.)
Angela Roberts
Good point!
Laura Hemly
I see Han sticking pretty close to Fa Ram, at least until his self-confidence is restored. He is somewhat overwhelmed at first, but he's going to discover quickly, I suspect, how much the trust and support of all the folks at Fa Ram makes a difference for himself. I can see him inviting Chunky to visit his family compound, too, he's so emblematic of all the Fa Ram folks. Although obviously Pi Pa would have to go with Chunky since absolutely nothing will ever separate those two!
Laura Hemly
Well, i certainly can't disagree with you about what would happen if the emperor visited! He might have a word or two for the auditor and, by extension, the Wu clan...while praising TLM for his SUPERB governance of Verdant Hill and declare him a true Scholar of the Empire!
Often Irrelephant
*Dying* over Rooster Boy wondering if all the old stories were fake because 1) 9 out of 10 spirit beasts he encountered were heroes, scholars, and makers rather than slaughter monsters 2) the legendary hidden master was a cool, bro farmer with awesome food and a sweet x-games side hustle and 3) because his goofball big sisters (his perspective) were utterly dismantling all the powerful looking old dudes. Perspective - and people letting you see behind the mask - is everything.
Angela Roberts
Okay, I had not considered that but I could see it IF Shenshe loosens up a ton. (Which could happen if the Soaring Isles gang interacts with her much!) Yeah, Han and Bowu would be great! It's just that Han seems to have a lot of emotion/heart/pride wrapped up in his family. Unless they're all gone I can't see him spending more time away from them. But perhaps Bowu will light a fire and his family will send him back? Shenshe as matriarch makes the most sense but she'll have to deal (kill) Zeng I think.
V01D
“Grown WITHIN the wondrous glass house outside” (works/flows better than using ‘inside’)
V01D
I wonder how long it will take for Wa Shi to meet the Kitchen Master - the guy upstairs who is the boss of various Monkeys (I only know about him due to Ryuugi’s story ‘Sect’) Lishu definitely would also recognize just how useful Han’s formation is for medicine, and I could see Ri Zu bringing their analysis of Demon Qi Decomposition to share with him. It would be VERY interesting if Mei joined that visit. Bi De going back is a bit of a middle ground between Shen Yu’s point about not taking care of their issues FOR them, and Jin’s ‘if you break it, fix it’ - returning to check on them after giving them the ability to address their issues internally (which lets them save Face) furthermore, this would mesh with helping Reintegrating the Foxes into the Sect.
Desert Yeti
I think that Yushan will become Shenhe's disciple if they both don't get snatched up by Soaring Heavens Isle. I think Han might start working with Bowu. And this chapter makes me think that Shenhe will become the Mountain's matriarch.
Marcaeus
Oh, it mentioned the representative. I was just posing the hypothetical if the big man himself decided to go out and about
Patanahi
TFTC CASUAL FARMER !
Patanahi
I hope therapy helps you in all the ways you need it to !
Desert Yeti
I keep putting it off, so you're a step ahead of me. You're not alone and you can get through this.
Desert Yeti
I think he'll wind up working with Bowu.
Laura Hemly
Thanks for an interesting chapter. Like everyone else, I really enjoyed the various perspectives. I was glad to see Shao Heng entertaining the Torrent Rider with his true tales of protecting Howling Fang villages -- Zhanf Fei will use the added training to continue with his current work of protecting his village and all the villages on the Gutter, I'm sure, and continue to expand his role. He's an outstanding young cultivator -- but how could he be anything else with Bi De as his master? And while Han may go see his family and their compound, I'll bet he's back at Fa Ram as much and as often as he can, and bring other Che family members to benefit from the support of Fa Ram. Everyone who visits there benefits! And even though Washi is recovering from the fight, he clearly enjoys the varied food education from their guests and isn't hesitating to learn as much as he can while he can. And last but not least and best of all: the end to more grudges! Which isn't just a Fa Ram thing but an Azure Alliance thing. Now for the visiting cultivators, and how TLM holds up as his area is "invaded"! And maybe an update on his son eventually? After seeing the auditor's shock at learning the full extent of what he's gotten himself (and, by extension, the Wu clan) into!
Laura Hemly
But I'll bet Shenhe can learn a lot about how to run a strong but more healthy sect from Minyan and her ladies.
Alan McBrayer
It seems like Han might have the temperament to become a contracted one like Jin.
Laura Hemly
You realize that just by telling all the good people here, you're not really alone. We're all sending our good thoughts (and hopes for it going well) to you!
Laura Hemly
Is the emperor himself coming? I thought he only sent a representative.
Alan McBrayer
The howling fang mountains are to the east but if you look at the map on the wiki they go a lot further north than the azure hills.
Ender419
I hope the Azure Alliance extends in the Howling Fangs mountains as a unity pack and the members of Fa Ram teach the primary members of the sect the ways of giving back to the land to truly awaken the Earth spirit digging to Tianlain.
Alan McBrayer
I believe “food log” was what Wa Shi called his journal of different foods rather than what he named the pemmican.
Angela Roberts
Well, I think in the case of Y & F, it'd be more of a life change from choosing to remain with SMS or join the Azure Alliance and by extension, the farm. Shenshe may benefit from visits, I can see that but I'm betting she gets advice and a form of mentorship from some of the Cloudy Sword folk and doesn't visit the farm that much, if ever. But that sparks the thought that RiZu's teacher at SMS may visit. That I could see. Yushan on the other hand, she has that ability to sense who's trustworthy and I'm pretty sure she's found her tribe. Han is going back to his home and family and might visit. Shao may visit too Those two already have roots at SMS they intend to maintain.
Evander
We spend a lot of time covering food. Any chance we will see different material for stronger clothes
John Brady Anderson
I think partly it is that there are only a few good paths that way, and partly this may just be him choosing a path that might be longer but allows him to travel with companions.
John Brady Anderson
Much like how many of the outside people have other responsibilities, leading the entire Azure hills or leading their sect, or even Tigger leading the white tigers, I think maybe they can come and go? Go back and get things moving in the right direction, come back to the farm for a bit to visit and help out with the harvest or whatever, etc.
Duke of Coffee
Relaxing arc continues soon they will arrive. 😜
Paul Boros
She would definitely prefer the right hand side of the bottles... More scoville units the more she can taste
TempestK
Excellent chapter, seeing Chun Ke able to properly articulate his words is a joy to see because it helps underscore that yes, he *has* gotten better and recovered from the strike made by Chow Ji. I'm hoping that Han will be pleasantly surprised by what the results of the conflict were. The Inquisitors had all been trussed up and were helpless to resist, and the Patriarch was killed by the last dregs of the Older Brother and the mistress of the mountain. The Young Master of the sect is the type of person who, given this new input and the truth being revealed, will likely be able to weather the storm and come out the other side all the better for it.
Marcaeus
Also, if the emperor meets with the different clans at the dueling peaks it would cement Xiulan's position, and hit home that the Azure hills is playing in the big leagues now.
Marcaeus
It would be funny if when gramps' "guests" show up, the emporer and entourage show up as well. Maybe then we'd finally see the magistrate's 'mask' slip in public, get the auditor to TRULY understand the brown he's in, and get to see the memory crystal's ghost just lose it under the emporer's review. "You, you could be emp...buh..uh..nevermind, I'll just be over here..."
amin johari
A pemmican that looks like a biltong, if Wa Shi is referring to it as a food log.
Drewbrewich
I feel like Che Han is referencing pemmican?
Desy
“Whatever may come, simply remember… you are not alone.” “And for everything else, there's food,” the dragon said cheerily. 😭 brought me to tears. I’m starting up therapy again this morning and feeling very alone and a little scared. This was something I needed to read. And as Washi says, there’s food. Time for breakfast. Thank you for the chapter.
Angela Roberts
The Han perspective I never knew I needed but so appreciate! I somehow don't see anyone staying or returning except for Yushan. She totally fits in and she wasn't too thrilled with SMS anyway. Wait, I forgot about Y & F. Hmm, Shenshe may persuade them to go back or they may join Tigu. Love that Washy is keeping the food vibe alive! Ok, now what we need is TLM to get the herald's scroll and for him to freak out while the Inquisitor sees an opportunity that backfires, yes?
Mark Greenberg
When asked about going to the SMS, Spooks said "It's on the way back north" but it isn't. The map we were given of the Crimson Phoenix Empire (or at least this region of it) shows the SMS basically due east from Fa Ram. Now, that could just be Spooks' way of saying he'll go where ever he needs to in order to help his friend (in other words even if he needed to go due south he'd say it was on his way home), but I'd like something that shows Han is aware he's sacrificing the shortest way home so he can accompany them to the SMS.
Old Dog
As always, thank you for the chapter. Han's interaction with the gourmand Wa Shi was great, along with Chun Ke's words of wisdom. It will be interesting to see how well Mei Ling's Han made needles do to remove demonic taint if at all. I do hope that Shenhe does get to meet the storm wings, that should be interesting.
Gwyn
I hope we get a Vajra Interlude soon. Her POV is always hilarious.
WarStrider72
I wonder how Peppa would fare doing a Hot Ones challenge?
Just A Dude
I've mused that the idea of "nothing" as a concept to cultivate leads to some interesting implications, with "Nothing is indestructible," being just one of them.
WarStrider72
A nice chapter with everyone getting along and finding their place in the world. I guess MeiMei is now Cinderella with RI Zu's magical rats opening doors lol
Just A Dude
More like someone with combat training having a pool cue swung at their head during the brawl, so they instinctively punch the guy in the throat because they were startled.
Caoimhín
They had actually mentioned that already during those chapters back then. It was said that because of the difference in cultivation realm between them (profound to initiate) what was a knockout strike became a crippling blow.
LockNesTom
When do the Gramps allies arrive? Those guys and gals hunting down the demons will be an eminently satisfying side adventure to Jin getting back to normal life. Not to mention Gramps rebuilding his lost cultivation faster wall on the farm lol
Kali Smith
Thank you! I really enjoyed Han’s POV especially. I loved the interaction with Wa Shi as he’s shown how valuable food and cooking is. In addition to his formation ofc. He has always had value, even if the SMS took pains to say he had none.
Jan Reese
Han needs to sit down with bowu, i would love to see what those two can create
Caithdean SValerient
Thanks for the update!
Cranky Otter
Enjoyed this perspective, and seeing how Han groks the vibe while F & Y don’t but are willing to start over, even if they still don’t get why what they did was out of proportion to the (supposed) insult. Would be neat to have Han do a formations tutorial at Fa Ram and see what sticks & with who(m?), after he makes MeiMei some new accupuncture needles. Also thanks for the heads up about who wants to stay and who wants to go. My prediction wheel of “who will join Chyou and Wa Shi on the food trip” keeps spinning.
Veltlore
Do you think he'll die from his stomach exploding? Man I'm concerned and I'm not even there.
ItWasIDIO!!
Pi pa noooo!! The void be's a b**ch
Dirk Gent Lee
That’s a neat idea
Arnon Parenti
TLM has to get the letter thar The Voice of the Emperor is on his way, if he survives this then comes the letter of a hundred earth realm and 3 masters from the CSS coming too.
Arnon Parenti
I don't think Zang Shenhe is ready for her tutelage at the Storm Sisters' hands.
Alex Ingraham
Anyone else hoping for a check-in with TLM and Lady Wu before the heavies arrive? Has the auditor been reduced to sobbing in a corner yet? 😈
Harish
Can't be much of a Shrouded Mountain without the Mist. Considering Shenhe's future discussion with Nezan, perhaps some fusion. Misty Mountain? A combo of Misty Fang and Shrouded Mountain. And a bit of easter egg for LotR
Red Viking
Awww, sucks. Now I'll never be able to think of them as anything but SMS. Good chappy though. Cheers! =)
John Pratt
I want Jin to create better windows, I feel like that process contains a lot of Profound knowledge for his squad. Noodle can already create good window panes, it's not a huge jump for him to create shatterproof glass by painting window panes with clarified tree-sap. With shatterproof glass we can talk to Pi Pa about creating a vacuum between two panes of shatterproof glass to create insulated glass. That's a Profound insight for Pi Pa into the absolute defense potential of void qi.
Baldanders
Hell yeah, the Howling Fang Mountains have pemmican! I hope Wa Shi gets to try biltong some time.
Eddy G
The cultivator equivalent of knocking someone out in a drunken brawl and them hitting their head/neck in just the wrong spot.
Rune Shadow
Pretty sure Casual mentioned Gramps friends are stopping by next chapter
Trevor Mergen
Thank you!
John Pratt
Honestly, for most of these fools I hope to see them at the next Dueling Peaks and not before. Yushang, Blue Eyed Storm Mama and Old Man Outrider can hang out, but the rest of them can fuck all the way off. It's clear to me that, with a few exceptions, these people have not yet quite figured out the difference between 'fighting' and 'fighting the good fight.' Blue Eyed Storm Mama has been put on the right path and given the mission to clean house, but I don't need to see it beyond a check in at a later date.
Lonnie
Some good closure in the chapter. Thanks!
leopard eye
Hoping Fat Han uses his formation on Jin shovel after its been repaired.
Brendan
Well it’s getting a new name for starters
Adam
I was rereading the tournament arc the other day, and that matches perfectly with how in every match he fought there he kept getting the crap beaten out of him and then would win in a sudden reversal with a single superpunch. Kid's always been a glass cannon, very cool to see that detail kept consistent like this.
Adam
I really enjoyed this one. Checking in on all of the outside viewpoints that we haven't seen yet at Fa Ram. Exactly what I wanted, and an interesting scene for each of them. Also, I always love the mundane uses that people find for their qi abilities. Shadow rat automatic door is great.
Katharine Gould
Thanks for the chapter!
Eric Hicks
Thanks for the chapter it was great. I enjoyed the different perspectives.
Thatguyuknow
Great chapter looking forward to more
Aki_Iokua18
Well, it looks like everyone (not of Fa Ram) including Spooks are going to be heading out to knock the no longer Shrouded Mountain into shape. Hope it doesn’t take till the next Dueling Peaks tournament for them to drop by.
CringeWorthyStudios
Huh, very interesting to know that breaking Loud Boy’s cultivation wasn’t actually deliberate. Even back at the time it seemed extreme for how few deaths there were during the big fight, so I’m kinda glad to know that I was right. Also, how long till we get to see all Gramp’s friends and especially the Baka twins, huh!? Thanks for the chapter!
magobaltasar
The grudge is ending and the Mountain has an actually useful function protecting the people in their territory. There is an obvious choice there.
Amirul Lokman Hakim
Thanks for the chapter
Jon Dough
Thanks for the chapter!!!
Jazer Andrew Sotomayor
Thank you
Nick
Tftc
