Torsten Hewson
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v2c91: Regrow
🕑 Added 2022-01-21 02:10:03 +0000 UTC[Break the Rocks]
The words echoed in the air. The world shuddered. And then, it was over.
Master Jin turned to Xiulan and Bi De. His eyes were calm and serene.
Xiulan coughed. Fire erupted out of her mouth. The burning in her chest tore the breath from her lungs, she collapsed. Master Jin’s eyes widened and he hurried forward to catch her.
He slung one of her arms over his shoulder, and carried her with him, Then she felt him move as he sped back to the town. Xiulan could barely breathe, the burning was getting worse by the moment. The firebreaks, the cracks she had made in her own cultivation to stop the spread of the flames, were overwhelmed.
The last thing she saw before everything went dark was Tigu’s face, safe and sound. It was worth it.
The darkness claimed her.
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It was almost abstract, watching the destruction of herself.
To stand on that grassy field, and observe the flames rage, closer and closer.
There was a sort of resignation to the inevitability of it all. A sort of grief came over her, as everything she had ever worked for in her life was consumed by the ravenous orange maws of fire.
It was, however, mixed with righteous conviction. This was the price she had to pay. The cost of challenging a cultivator in the fourth stage of the Profound Realm, of fighting him to a standstill. This was what it took to uphold her oath to Master Jin and rescue Tigu. If this was what it had cost, so be it, she would pay it.
The fires were getting ever closer to her dantian. She could barely breathe for all the acrid smoke, the sky looked like the maw of some angry hell beast. She was barely upright, forced to lean against a rock in a field of grass littered with gold cracks.
Until, suddenly, her salvation came. From the heavens came a torrential downpour, a cush of water and mist that swept across the plains. It was Qi, Qi that felt familiar. Half concerned, half boasting that the fire was nothing, even as the water disappeared into gouts of steam from the force of the raging inferno. It didn’t let up, relentless in its headlong drive to the core of the fire.
The fire tried to burn her. It tried to drag more of her Qi from her, but she was so spent, all it could do was gutter and die.
And then she was alone. Alone, in a field of desolation. All that was left was ash, and puddles of water.
Reduced to the third stage of the Initiate’s realm. She knew that such a thing would be irreversible. The grass was dead. Her cultivation had been mostly destroyed. What was left of her life’s work. A lifetime of spending every waking moment pursuing cultivation and she had arrived at the third stage of the Initiate’s realm. She was back. Back to what she was before meeting Master Jin.
A bitter victory, but a worthy sacrifice.
She crouched down, and placed her hand against the ash and heated earth. She took a handful, and let it fall down through her fingers. A memory rose up whispering in her ear. The scent of rain, as she sat beside Master Jin.
After the fire burns through, the grass comes back, stronger than ever.
Xiulan froze.
Could this be fixed? Could she fix it? Could the grass grow again?
Or could she accept this. To be forever stuck at this level, a permanent scar from Zang Li?
No. No, she would not abide by it. Not when she finally found purpose. Not when she finally had a real goal to strive towards.
The dregs of Xiulan’s Qi churned. She staggered to her feet. She raised her hands, clapping them together, as the Earth Spirit had taught her.
Shoulders set. Eyes forward. Plant that lead foot.
Xiulan’s feet moved into position.
She felt the extent of the damage. The ravaged destruction of her cultivation.
But for all the fire’s ferocity, it could not reach beneath the earth. It could not burn out everything. It could not destroy her completely.
Her first steps were halting. Slow and not at all sturdy. But as she moved, she picked up speed. She picked up strength. The uncertain stumbling became graceful. The sound of drums thundered in her head. The memories of a life she had fallen in love with.
An earth spirit's lessons. A farm full of warmth.
Her feet tapped out the rhythm. Her body moved with a dance that was ancient beyond all reckoning..
A goal. Purpose. Something to strive for, to achieve, to have as her own, borne from her own ideals. The Azure Hills were all just tiny blades of grass. Alone, they were nothing. Alone, atrocities festered and mortals lived in fear of them.
No more.
Now it was time for the future. Xiulan kept her eyes closed as she completed the first act. Her feet moved into position for the second set, a loud stomp in time with the drums—
And a second foot planted itself into the ground, thumping loudly.
Xiulan didn’t dare open her eyes. She didn’t dare falter as her Qi spun and surged.
Fire from Zang Li, burning away impurities to birth Earth.
Earth From Master Jin, setting foundation for new growth, hardening into Metal.
Metal from a soft, whispering touch, condensed and formed to collect Water.
Water from Xianghua, cooling and nourishing, all helping to give rise…
To Wood.
The acrid smell of corrupted ash faded. A warm summer breeze flowed through her soul.
Xiulan opened her eyes. There was a little girl beside her. A bright, sunny summer’s day and a pure breeze flowed through her core. Her feet no longer stomped into acid dust, alight with foul Qi: but instead, soft, loamy soil and green shoots.
Xiulan’s body moved through the final forms. Her partner did the same, mirroring her movements. They moved as one, in perfect harmony. There were no corrections, there was no mocking laughter.
The final beat sounded. They both stopped in the position Xiulan had started in. Her hands clasped together like she was praying.
Xiulan bowed to her partner, signaling the end of the song, and the earth spirit did the same.
They rose as one, and Xiulan finally beheld the spirit.
She was in better and worse shape than Xiulan had seen her last. The gold plate that once covered a full third of her face was gone, returning the use of both of her eyes.
But while that piece of damage had been repaired, the gold itself was… dull. As if it had been drained of vitality. The earth spirit was drooping and had bags under her eyes. She seemed completely and utterly exhausted.
“Are you well, little one?” Xiulan asked the earth spirit.
The earth spirit startled at her question. Her eyes narrowed with anger and fear… before that drained away.
The little one beckoned Xiulan over.
Xiulan complied, kneeling down to be at eye level with the earth spirit. Her exhaustion could not be from the dance. It looked bone deep, and painful. Xiulan wondered how she could aid the little one—
The earth spirit grasped either side of Xiulan’s face and brought her down.
Xiulan reflexively flinched, expecting a headbutt.
A pair of lips pressed against her forehead instead.
Xiulan woke up.
Ri Zu, whose paws had been on her neck, jumped a foot in the air.
==================================
Ri Zu’s paw was on Xiulan’s wrist, checking her pulse. The little rat tapped out a rhythm, and nodded in satisfaction.
‘Qi is…stable. Heartbeat normal.’ Ri Zu recited as Xiulan spooned some cold broth into her mouth. She could have asked for something freshly made from the kitchens, but Master Jin’s food was better, even if it was cold. Ri Zu sighed, finished with her examination. ‘You gave Ri Zu a scare when your Qi started doing that!’ The rat scolded. ‘And when you started sweating out that filth!’
Ri Zu gestured to the dark spots on Xiulan’s covers. Impurities. They smelled disgusting, the dark, sludgy spots that had ruined both the covers and the sleeping robe.
“My apologies.” Xiulan whispered,her voice was a bit raw, but she could feel her strength returning. “Do I have a clean bill of health?”
Ri Zu glared at her. ‘No. Your Qi is still diminished. Your nerves are damaged in your hands. Your muscles will be sore… but you can get out of bed if you do not overexert yourself! Understood? ’ Ri Zu sternly commanded.
Xiulan nodded. She had awoken restless, and on learning that everybody was already out and working to restore the town from the damage done… well. She couldn’t be absent from everything that was happening!
“I shall be careful, Ri Zu,” she said, only to get a glare in return—before Ri Zu sighed.
‘Take care of yourself, Xiulan. None of us wish for you to be hurt further.’ She said before scampering out of the room to give her some privacy.
One of the maids had drawn her a bath, but Xiulan declined her offer of assistance. The woman looked ill from the stench of the impurities, and Xiulan had no desire to inflict it upon the poor woman.
Xiulan changed out of the stinking, sweat stained sleeping clothes she had been changed into while she recovered, rolling them up, and putting them on top of a wooden tray. They would have to be burned.
After washing her body, some of the sweat disgustingly sludgy, she intended to get dressed.
Only to realize her normal dress was completely beyond repair. It was torched and torn to pieces. As ruined as her body had been, before Ri Zu had worked her potent healing arts. So she chose another one. Slightly less flowy than her previous garment. Less embellishments. A simpler robe, with wider sleeves and a belt, in light hues of green. She briefly considered wearing the clothes Senior Sister had made for her… but she eventually decided against it. She would be going out into a destroyed town, and hopefully helping to clean up a bit. It wouldn’t be in defiance of Ri Zu’s orders. A bit of lifting wasn’t stressful.
Xiulan looked in the mirror. She ran her finger down the small crack of gold in the center of her chest. A crack in porcelain skin, filled in with metal.
One of the blows Zang Li had dealt her was filled with gold. An imperfect blemish on her otherwise perfect skin.
Xiulan instantly liked it, that tiny blemish, even as she bound her chest. Little white lines, already fading, criss-crossed her arms and legs. They were hidden by her dress.
The burns on her face had peeled off, with only slightly pinker patches to show where they had ever been. A brief brush of makeup and they disappeared completely. Her hair ties had been burned and her normal hair pieces had been damaged beyond repair. One melted and the other shattered.
So she tied her hair into a single thick braid.
She looked at herself in the mirror. Not a single trace of the damage looked to remain from that night. It was just her. It was just Cai Xiulan.
Satisfied, she closed her eyes and reached within herself. Her Qi rose to meet her.
Xiulan was at the third stage of the Initiate’s Realm. Her cultivation had been burned straight out of her… but it was not destroyed.
She felt those eager tendrils, excited to grow, and smiled. It would be hard… but she would return to her former strength one day and then grow beyond it as well, her grass growing stronger after the flame.
She met Ri Zu outside her door when she was ready. The rat sighed, and raised an eyebrow at her.
‘Really?’ She asked. Xiulan bent down, so that Ri Zu could climb onto her shoulder. Ri Zu, recognising that Xiulan probably wouldn’t listen to any command to rest, scampered up her arm, and cuffed her ear.
Xiulan smiled, as she descended the stairs. Where the mortal servants were all waiting for her. She knew each one by name. Xiping was wringing his hands, nervous. Liuan was brewing them tea.
“Young Mistress…are you sure you are well?” Xiping asked as she approached them, full of concern.
“Yes. I’m alright, Xiping. Thank you, all of you, for your concern.” She smiled at Xiping.
The tension dropped at her smile, the servants smiling with relief.
“That's our Young Mistress!” one of the old grandmothers said approvingly.
“I—it was our pleasure, Young Mistress.” Xiping said, his face flushed as he looked at her smile. He shook his head, and rapidly made the gesture of respect, the rest of them following through. “Do you require anything else…?”
“If you can, see about aiding the rest of the town, and be sure to pick up extra food. Everybody will be hungry tonight.”
“Yes, Young Mistress!”
Xiulan nodded to them all and walked out into the courtyard to the gates. She took a breath, and opened the gates, stepping out onto the street.
She only made it a block before she paused.
A mortal foreman was directing the Young Master of the Rumbling Earth Sect who was placing cobble into the roads. The young man nodded at the old mortal’s words, as the foreman rapidly filled in a section of the road, the Young Master looking almost impressed at the skill borne of age.
Xiulan forced herself to stop staring and kept walking. As she passed by more streets she needed an iron will to keep her mouth from opening in astonishment.
Cultivators were repairing roofs. Cultivators hauled water. Cultivators were having a contest to see who could split logs the fastest.
The mortals with them appeared bemused, or at least slightly less fearful.
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. She was fairly certain she knew who had prompted all this.
Ri Zu just nodded approvingly at the sights, as if this was something normal. Xiulan supposed for Ri Zu, it was.
She walked on, observing the work being done all the while. Ri Zu sniffed at the air and pointed the way to their true destination.
Those who noticed her paused in their duties. The cultivators began to whisper while the mortals just stopped and stared.
“Fought a man in the fourth stage of the Profound Realm…”
“Fought off ten disciples of the Shrouded Mountain Sect…”
“Barely even injured…”
The whispers followed her, carried on the wind.
She paid them little mind, simply continuing forward to her destination. She passed by Guo Daxian, weaving together ropes. He paused and gave her a nod, a measure of respect in the normally surly man’s eyes. Xiulan nodded in turn to the man who had aided them against the Shrouded Mountain.
She continued on until she found her destination.
A group of familiar friends sitting together. Xianghua was hanging off Gou Ren’s shoulder while she smirked at An Ran. In turn Xiulan’s Junior Sister was rolling her eyes at whatever Xianghua was saying. She noticed Huyi, Xi Bu, and Li cheering on a dancing rabbit while Yun Ren stood nearby with hands pressed to a wall, a mural of Yin’s dance flowing out from him.
Xianghua’s little brother, his eyes wide and shining, was pointing at a scroll and eagerly explaining something on it to Master Jin. The man looked intensely interested, and said something to the boy, who flushed and bounced excitedly. Tigu was curled up in Master Jin’s lap while Bi De was beside them both. Tigu’s fingers weaved through his feathers, as the rooster rested, his eyes closed.
Xiulan paused to admire it all for a moment. It had all been worth it.
Tigu was the one to notice her first. Her yellow eyes widened.
“Lanlan!” The girl shouted, bursting up from her seat. “Ri Zu!”
“Young Mistress?!” An Ran responded in shock.
Tigu’s dash sent her rocketing towards Xiulan, but instead of a tackling hug that Xiulan was braced for the girl skidded to a stop before her as Ri Zu squeaked out a warning. Tigu’s wide eyes searched her up and down, checking her over for injuries.
Xiulan opened her arms.
Tigu jumped the last part of the distance, clamping on to her and sniffling loudly, trying to hold back tears.
The rest of them followed soon after. .
“Young Mistress!” Li wailed, looking like he wanted to join in on Tigu’s hug.
“Up already?! Our Young Mistress is the best!” Huyi declared, his cynicism on hold as he grinned. Even his eyes were less fish-like.
“Ha! As if even twenty Young Masters could keep Cai Xiulan down! I shall have to challenge thirty cultivators superior in cultivation to me this year and defeat them!” Xianghua bellowed.
“Please don’t do that.” Gou Ren and her little brother said in unison.
“Junior Sister, your exploits were most magnificent!” Bi De praised, and Ri Zu squealed happily.
‘She beat the shit outta them!’ Yin enthused, bouncing up and down.
Xiulan felt the last of the tension drain away as she was welcomed back. As she was clapped on the back and hugged. As her friends swarmed around her.
All but one.
Master Jin watched on with a smile waiting patiently for them to greet her.
He made a gesture that he wanted to talk privately after she was finished.
Xiulan basked in the glory for a moment longer before she excused herself to hear what Master Jin had to say.
===========================
“I’m getting a lot of practice doing these,” Master Jin said with amusement as he knowtowed before her, even as Xiulan held her head in her hands.
“Master Jin, please.” Xiulan muttered, her face flushed. “You didn't need to lower your head so far to me. I only did as my oaths demanded—”
“And I appreciate that, and I owe you a debt,” Master Jin cut in, firm. “Thank you, Xiulan.” He said with conviction.
Xiulan took in a breath as the words struck her, earnest thanks from Master Jin.
He rose from his bow to take the seat next to her. They were seated together in a quiet spot of the town, a space with a bench that looked over the plains to the south. It was quiet and few people came here..
She stared out at the plains, still a bit embarrassed after Master Jin kowtowed to her.
It was horrifying that such an expert would lower himself so far to her after only fulfilling her expected duties…
Especially after what had happened.
Xiulan let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “What happens now?” She asked.
Master Jin turned to her and raised an eyebrow.
Xiulan chewed her lip. “I attacked the Shrouded Mountain Sect. I could not stand by and do nothing. There will be consequences…”
Master Jin turned away from her to look out at the plains as well.
After a moment, he spoke in a tone that brooked no argument.”I don’t know exactly what will happen but I’m not going to let them take you. Besides, I don’t think the Shrouded Mountain Sect will be too keen on trying to force the issue.” He said as he reached into his pack and pulled out a scroll.
Xiulan was stunned. She knew Master Jin was powerful, but what threat could he offer to deter the Shrouded Mountain Sect—!
Xiulan was confused as he handed over the scroll to her. It was a rather simple, unadorned document. She glanced at him for permission before unrolling it, and he nodded. Curious, Xiulan opened it up.
She stared at the impossible symbol emblazoned on it.
For a full minute, she just stared at it, her mind frozen.
As calmly as she could, she rolled it back up again. With a slight tremor in her hands, she handed it back.
Master Jin took back the scroll and stared at the sky before sighing and turning to her.
“I don't know if this is the best time for it… but… you deserve to know this story. I probably should have told you sooner really.” His face twisted into a sad crooked smile.
“There once was a man who joined the Cloudy Sword Sect…” Master Jin began.
======================================
Xiulan was silent as Master Jin finished his story.
She stared at him.
A man who had abandoned the great Cloudy Sword Sect. Left it all behind to come to pitiful Azure Hills. Not for any cultivation gain. Not to defy the heavens, or for any kind of secret method. But to farm. And in the end, he was stronger for it.
All of which was beyond her ability to absorb in this moment. All she could focus on was one little fact.
“You’re younger than I am?” she eventually said, disbelief coloring her words, and her hands raised in confusion.
“Yeah.” He said, smirking at her. “Maybe I should start calling you Senior Sister, eh?”
He sighed. The smile faded from his face.
“I feel like I’ve led you on.”
Really, it was obvious now. But she had just assumed, like an idiot. No wonder he kept just telling her to call him just by his name. If anything, it was beyond impressive. In any sect he would be an unparalleled genius. A man who would forge a new age.
And he had given all of it up. Or, if his words were true… He became powerful because he had given it all up.
Xiulan’s mind whirled. She leaned back in her seat and looked to the sky.
His story was absurd. And yet, it made so much sense.
In the past she would have scoffed. To give up on the path of defiance, to choose to be mortal?. Was not their goal in life to ascend? To strive for the Heavens?
And yet…
What was the point of striving to reach the Heavens when instead you could make one upon the earth?
His words… they resonated with her. They were her own half-formed ideas, after her battle with Sun Ken, her time at Fa Ram, and her conviction after her victory at the tournament.
What was the point of bettering a world you would leave behind? What was the point, if not to become immortal? In the end that was the question, what was the purpose of it all?
Did it really change the respect she had for him? Master Jin and Senior Sister Meiling had saved her life. They had saved her soul by helping her lay her demons to rest. Fa Ram and it’s people had given to her without restraint, aided her because they could.
She was better now in ways she didn’t even know she could become better in.
And he had done it all, not out of a desire for anything from her. Not as a Master training her for his own amusement or pride.
But simply because he thought it was the right thing to do.
Create his own heaven.
Xiulan felt her heart beat faster. She closed her eyes, remembering his look of conviction.
A goal that she could only declare was something worthy.
A goal that she hadn’t truly realized she was already following. That already the sects were following; cleaning up a shattered town, coming to each other’s defense.
Something gentler. Something kinder than this brutal world.
Xiulan turned to look at him. He looked nervous. Young. Even knowing it now it didn’t seem real.
She took a breath and stood up walking so that she was in front of him. She clasped her hands together in a gesture of respect.
“I do not regret a moment I have spent with you and Senior Sister Meiling,” she said, looking him directly in the eyes. “You do not wish for it, but what Bi De calls you, what I call you… I think you deserve that title. I would be honoured if you would allow me to call you my Master.” His face flushed crimson with embarrassment and he looked away, scratching at his chin. “And I would be twice as honoured to call you my friend, Jin.” She bowed to him.
His face screwed up, she could see him flashing through several emotions, before he sighed. “Is what I’ve done truly that worthy of respect?” he asked, uncertain.
“Yes.” She stated simply, rising up and looking at him.
He took a breath and stood. He bowed back to her. “Then…. I swear this on the trust you have for me. On my family that you’ve saved. I would be honoured to call you my friend, and sworn sister.”
He offered her his arm in the traditional warrior’s clasp.
Xiulan took it without hesitation.
“Please take care of me, Senior Sister.” His voice had a hint of teasing in it.
“Please take care of me, Master,” she returned, playing their game.
He glared at her. “So. We’re as good as family now, right?” He asked.
Xiulan nodded firmly.
The grip on her wrist tightened. She was pulled into his chest as his arms wrapped around her shoulders and held her tight.
Her own arms were frozen in shock for a moment.
And then she relaxed, leaning into his embrace.
“Thank you, Xiulan, for everything,” he whispered to her.
He pulled back slightly so she could see his warm smile.
In the end… it was all worth it.
He sighed. “Thanks for listening, Lanlan. I’m gonna go get back to work. The houses won’t build themselves.”
She nodded, stepping back. “I’ll join you soon. I just… need a moment.”
Jin nodded to her. He turned and left, walking back to the street where the rest of her friends waited.
Xiulan hummed to herself as she watched him go. A man who cared nothing for the Heavens, for actively defying them…There was probably a song there. A legend that in time would be told for a thousand years.
She sat back down on the bench.
He thought he was a farmer. She thought he was a Hidden Master.
Both of them were right.
In the end… she couldn’t help but think it fitting.
It was so… Jin.
Xiulan’s shoulders began to shake.
A little giggle slipped out of her throat.
She hugged herself, clutching at her sides, then laughed until she started crying.
=================
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I loathed every single second i worked on this chapter. But in the end it turned out great.
lol.
Comments
Richard McGowen Jr
One of the best you have written. Well worth the cost of admission!
V01D
an appropriate theme: https://youtu.be/05V4CgSL0lw (Minus romantic love theme, probably. I can see Jin & Xulian having gained Familial Love.)
Quentin Long
Not real sure Xiulan is <i>connected</i> in the same way Jin is. The Earth-chan/Xiulan relationship has improved over what it once was, for sure. But improved <i>that</i> much?
She has the extremely overpowered Cultivation Method of Fluffness. None dare stand in its way!
Chad Hagner
Holy hell that was a good chapter! So much Feels! 😭
riseris
When Jin and Meiling got married, Earth spirit brought Meiling into the connection too. Also maybe I’m missing something but I don’t see anything about Xiulan having a connection like Jin does.
rebοrn
That was for a different chapter, not this one.
Len
Earth chan has chosen another "linked " one. Jin was the first, now xuilan.
Starting by saying I'm not attacking you, just talking. But I believe the author did post earlier this week that he was going to be delayed due to the dialog in these chapters, and the work on an actual book. I believe the people in discord just happen to know more specific details because they can directly talk to the author in a less formal manor.
Sebastian Osterbrink
Tigu has secret cat magic that makes humans do things that the cat wants without those humans noticing that they do strange things. Like all cats have IRL. And Tigu wants people to get along outside of fights that are strictly for fun.
Will Iam
Agreed, the Azure cultivators also have the “follow the strong” so if a master says to do something they’ll do it.
John Koor
I don't mind the delay, but I definitely mind the lack of update through Patreon. We're all supporting the author with money through Patreon, only a fraction of the supporters use the story's Discord. By what logic would you make announcements on a platform that less than 25% of your supporters use instead of the one that 100% use? I shouldn't have to waste my time going to a third party site when I'm checking email/Patreon for the update.
Jan Alexander
Finally Xiulan knew Jin a bit more. Earth chan showed up again, really thought he would headbutt Xiulan. Hahaha
PaulRovinsky
... the only bit of the story he left out (I assume) is the part about Jin Rou dying and Rou Jin transmigrating into his body. I bet that'll come out eventually, but not until gramps shows up. Super powerful cultivator, bet you money he recognizes that the person he's speaking to isn't Jin Rou. Which should be interesting.
Thanks!
Kaladin
To update those that don't discord, today's chapter will be tomorrow. I think there's more dialog that casual farmer has a harder time writing in a way that makes sense for the characters and for plot progression.
Alimaeus
I would say that you need to remember that the azure hills sects are basically the least cultivator like cultivators because they are the weakest of them all and treasure the low quality scrap that all the other sects wouldn't even touch. They are the least removed from mortality and they still enforce a strong separation between mortal and cultivator. The truly strong and powerful from other sects likely have much different mindsets and we already see that the cloudy sword sect is unusual for its relative even handedness and even they are constantly fighting against the xianxia mindset and tropes that keep sneaking into the sect when the elders aren't paying attention.
Heidao
Heavenly tribulations don't always come in the form of a thousand lightning bolts, sometimes it comes in the form of fated encounters against foes 'directed' in their direction. Like Basil Brush and then Chow Ji for Bi De. He sought strength, almost got eaten and enslaved from either encounter. So sure, as long as Xiulan doesn't have reason to rush, then she'd probably get to Jin's current level in a few seasons or couple years.
Crazynorse
Jin probably expected/hoped the reveal of his age would make him seem less impressive, when it ofc would have the opposite effect. Also for the people worried about the cultivators being humble/peaceful i want to remind that a)These are Azure cultivators which in this world are barely considered better then mortals b)They are extremely hierarchically minded, but without any elders availabel and Jin being the only one there to order them around atm.
Juli Freixi
AMAZING CHAPTER!! ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
BZD
I loved the reveal to Lanlan. And I loved how she instantly knew who was responsible for the cultivators helping the “mortals”. I really enjoyed her dance with the earth spirit. I hope Loud Boy can also regain his cultivation in a similar aspect to her.
Quentin Long
"stronger heavenly tribulations"? Hmmm… dunno about that. Tribulation doesn't really seem like part of Jin's style of cultivation. Washy's waterfall-based tribulation, and Tigger's lightning, both strike me as being largely outside of, and unrelated to, the Fa Ram. So <i>if</i> Xiulan goes all-in on Jin-style cultivation, she might just avoid tribulation altogether. On t'other hand, Washy and Tigger both indicate that Fa Ram's disciples aren't immune to tribulation <i>when they make a point of looking for it</i>. So maybe Xiulan <i>will</i> suffer tribulation, I dunno? Just have to wait and see. Looking forward to whatever the future brings…
Heidao
In the more... advanced(?) cultivator stories I've read, MC's and others in their worlds use spirits they captured and tamed of their respective elements to aid in the higher levels cultivation, luckily for Xiulan, Earth-chan is always there to help. Back to the third step, though if considering the impurities she expelled isn't just the leftovers of Lu Ban's hostile qi, but also the impurities from the pills of her original cultivation, we can assume what was burned away wasn't the foundations while at the Fa Ram but from the original base. Now she is "Clean" and sturdier than before, meaning her foundation is larger and her ascent will bring more power but with stronger heavenly tribulations. She now knows Jin is around her age, did this tickle a certain fancy to try and pursue him?
Calico C
I definitely agree with Doctor Zero. The cultivators helping out are young and impressionable. The ones who are helping out were the ones that helped Tigu stand against the shrouded mountain. They saw Jin come, and they saw that he only needed to come, glare, and say some stern words for the shrouded mountain to turn tail and run. They’re not listening to him because kumbaya, they’re listening because they solidly want to remain on the good side of the man that didn’t need to lift a finger against men they already considered super powerful.
Doctor Zero
I think it helps that the people telling them to be nice can liquefy them without breaking a sweat. People's initial enthusiasm for Jin's ideas usually come from a place of pants crapping terror.
Calico C
This was fantastic. Thank you so much for writing this story.
LBNoSc
The story started with rebelling against the brain-dead unapealing standard plots of xianxia (i.e., semi-sociopathic MC with no or very little sense of moral, humor or personality), but it is starting to feel that the story has gone to much in the other direction. In the beginning, the MC fled his sect of bullies (nominally representative of all or most cultivators). Now, it seems that all cultivator sects - with presently only one exception - only needed someone (i.e. MC and his friends) to point out the direction, and all cultivators suddenly found that they had a inherent yearning for singing kumbaya around the camp fire and dropping all pretenses of arrogance against weaker people and 'mortals'. That being said, it is still a a very readable story and the frequency of posting well-written updates is impressing.
shaun
Great chapter
Semzi
My guess is past trauma, she looked weak as was pointed out. And that is a weakness and can be perceived as a threat to the spirit, she quickly realises it and becomes frightened, which turns to anger. Then she realises who spoke the words and moves on. This is just what i perceived it as, and might not be correct so take it with a grain of salt.
Martin
If Xianghua marries Gou Ren, sooner or later she will have similar discussion with Jin like Xiulan had. I am looking forward to Xianghua's POV. It should be definitely hilarious one.
ConradVernerN7
I was more under the impression [Break The Rocks] was just a basic punch but because Jin is realms ahead of Zang Li it was overwhelmingly strong. Probably a call back to him breaking rocks with his fists from the first chapter.
ConradVernerN7
Beautiful chapter, I especially appreciate the symbolism of the forest fire coming into play. Glad Jin finally gave LanLan 90% of the story.
Carl Mason
It occurs to me how awesome it would be for Jin to get his [Break the Rocks] technique co tell down to a point he can use to not only break rocks but also cut and shape stone.
V01D
I love that the reaction to the story is just disbelief about his age!
Rallaster
New favorite chapter!
Georgi Gamzakov
I loved every single second I was reading this chapter. In the end it turned out great. :D
Daniel Gesualdi
It was spot on. Although I can see where you could hate writing this the pacing was exactly what was needed and could not have been easy.
BlueMage_VT
You have mentioned before how much you hate writing dialogue, but you absolutely nailed it!
Adam Albright
Lovely! Thank you!
Vysirez
Another great chapter. I love your writing and characterization.
Emilia Kosteila
But we have to remember that part of Jin’s cultivation and the earth spirit’s (Tianlian is its name if I remember correctly) cultivation are smashed together because even Lu Ri (the cloudy sword sect senior disciple dude) couldn’t tell them apart. So it might factor in to everyone thinking Jin is higher in cultivation than he is.
Jake Lewis
You killed it with this one. Your dialog is really great btw, it always feels so authentic and from the heart
Leander
You may have loathed every second if writing this, but I loved every second of reading it
Kara Nina
I often skip long conversations in novels because they end up as disguised stiff info dumps too often, that or they're filler meant to demonstrate how close people are - or sometimes how much they hate each other. I didn't skip any in this chapter - I really love the way they actually communicate and try to understand each other, with no 'winner' in the conversation. Also, this wasn't just talk - like mom telling kid 'we all love you and I would do anything for you' instead of actually helping her kid solve the problem - but I really feel that this heart to heart helped both of them become stronger and happier.
Josh
Why was the earth spirit angry when Xiulan asked if she was ok?
Joshua
Brilliant chapter. I really hope we get to see the heaven he creates and the reactions people have to it.
Demian Buckle
Thank you for a great chapter.
Pipsqueak233
Fantastic
Joel Bullock
Beautiful chapter
Anzer'ke
Thing is, Xiulan really is right. Even with the flaws in his cultivation, lots of cultivators hit dead ends and fail to reach immortality. It happens at every step along the journey. To reach the stage he has, at the age he has, in the place he has, is ludicrously impressive even in the worst case scenario whereby he can never get any higher and is doomed to die. An unparalleled genius indeed.
Stav Tri
Well, considering the many times she has had to work in jin's fields, learn who jin is, learning his personality prior to his kowtowing towards her as thanks for saving his, "practically" a, daughter, I think a blush would seem appropriate rather than a freakout, like the rest of the characters that don't know jin.
Great chapter and all, but did Jin really kowtow before Xiulan? I really can't imagine him dropping on his knees and pressing his head to the ground - nor Xiulan reacting with just a blush. At the very least, her reaction should be stronger,
Ktoffel Genshin
Thank you for the amazing chapter!
PaulRovinsky
This is a fantastic chapter. I know dialogue drives you nuts, but holy hell you did a fantastic job
Knightfire
To go against all the forms of this type of story but still make it so heroic is amazing. I read this story because of your talent using simple dialogue or sometimes self reflection to encompass grand ideas in a simple package.
Steven Whitfield
Hot diggity amazing! Wonderful Chapter that both finishes and begins a story!
NoAriGuy
Great. Awesome. Amazine!. More?
Hotchmeister
I can understand how it would be hard to write Xiulan’s spiritual recovery at the beginning of the chapter, but you did a great job and the last couple of paragraphs in the chapter really tied it all together. Well done and thank you.
S10NN4CH
Oooo, this chapter moved me. I always enjoy these tidbits about our resident earth spirit, and that dance healing her body and cultivation? That was RIVETING to read. Then that emotional conclusion to Xiulan's character arc, and her official acceptance into Jin's family almost had my crying. I just have to say that you are an amazing writer, and I adore this series.
Jack Daniels
Can agree with your thoughts at the end. Magnificent chap
Nicholas Grey
We need an image showing the wound that filled with gold. Just for… clarity’s… sake.
The Lost Pages
Beautiful chapter. 🥰
I feel your pain bruv but the chapter turned out great 👍🏾
Limbus
Loved this one. It was sweet.
Another fun chapter. Wish they came faster just because they are so fun.
This is what happens when someone gets a funny/sly grin and says: let's stand this thing on its head.
g00b3r guts
Glorious chapter
Cory
I love your work!! These chapters that you don't think have gone well are amazing!!!
Will mILLER
It is in fact, so Jin
Novel Cat
I absolutely LOVED this chapter and Fully appreciate that I get to read it here vs having to wait x days to enjoy your world more lol. 💖😊💖
N0m_N0m
I'd rather have two chapters this good every week than have you run yourself ragged trying for three.
Some person
I still love that this started as a parody and chapters like this just bring the characters to life …
ShadeByTheSea
I do love these chapters X.x I also kinda want to see the elder's reactions.
zoli bassoff
Great chapter
Firefly Fanatic
That hits hard.
ChanceOfFoxin
It really came out fantastic!
Eric Manwill
Amen to that!
Holy Shit, best xanxia I have ever read. This shit is pure gold, don't get discouraged Casualfarmer, you are creating history.
Dallas Meck
This is one of my most loved stories. I will absolutely buy this book in whatever form it comes in. Especially audiobook if possible
Undead Writer
I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT!! Oh my gosh! It was so worth it! I love this dynamic between them. I can’t wait for more. This is so much fun to read. Thanks for the chapter!
Good work. I love this series. I sincerely hope you continue. It has been a joy to read this.
focus2x
It did
Bockus
Man, I truly love this story and I'm thankful it's being written. Evn more so than any other series I'm following, BoC just feels special. I'd buy hardback copies instantly if it was possible.
SoulofaGremlin
Okay, there was a few things I forgot/overlooked in my omake, like Ri Zu and the mortals, and honestly? I think I like this better. Your struggle was well worth it.
Alexander Dupree
Heck yeah it turned out great.
Farklbarker
Farmer give to the story, and the story gives back. Wow! Well done.
J3_Haustkottr
Goddamn, if you loathed writing this chapter, I hope I live to see the day you write one like it that you loved. Because, Holy Shit, that was pure poetry.
Kyle
Xiulan is now my favorite. "The firebreaks, the cracks she had made in her own cultivation to stop the spread of the flames, were overwhelmed. The last thing she saw before everything went dark was Tigu’s face, safe and sound. It was worth it."
No Step On Snek
This put that good happy feeling in my chest
Nick
Thanks for the chapter. It was great!
Karthic
Loved it
Scholar of Endless Knowledge
Your on fire! Chapters are just getting better and better.
Joe
Good chapter my guy, hope you have more fun next time.
William Harvey
Wow... This was absolutely worth the wait.
Eric
I loved every second of reading this chapter.
Trenton Rekdahl
Seriously, what a great chapter. It's probably so exhausting to be constantly working towards a certain mood and these tender moments, but it translates very well. I'm glad I get to read something written by such a critical writer I guess. 😄
TheDivineDemon
Probably from stretching herself for the first time in centuries and helping to give a truly legendary punch.
Empty Shelf
Goes without saying that this was great. One, last moment of catharsis before the Elders return.
MrrC
Hmmmm...the Earth spirit is exhausted...that definitely needs more explanation
jak8714
Oh my gosh, I guessed it! I totally called it back on spacebattles! I mean, I didn't get the description right, but 'Wood to Fire to Earth to Metal to Water to Wood, I totally called that! And yeah, I some help from other people, but still... This was an awesome chapter, and it was really nice to see Xiulan finally and forever settling into her new way. I expect great things from her.
Evan
I loved this entire chapter. But the one thing that stood out for me the most? "Young Master looking almost impressed at the skill born of age." Even among the truly great masters of their age, those of immense cultivation and power...how many of them could do something like lay cobbles, build a house, even properly prepare tea without their Qi making shortcuts for them? For all their talk of a cultivations strong foundation, how may pay attention to the /footing/ for that foundation?
Ibn Nuh
Awesome chapter!
Shivrah
Damn, You got me right in the feels man. Good job this chapter may have fought you but it is one of your best. I think of this amazing story and chapters like this are the ones I point at and say “This, this is the honest essence of this masterpiece.”
Nibil Mathew
Such a good chapter.....Thank you.
Raining here too... Glad that lanlan finally knows his past
Dwayne Parker
A little heartbreak at the end there, huh?
Kyfe
"It was so... Jin," lol. The greatest descriptor of him, yet.
Nicholas Grey
"Young Master looking almost impressed at the skill borne of age." -"born" is correct here. "Borne" = "carried by", "born" = "originating in"
Summercat
Thank you for working through your loathing. This was an excellent chapter.
Imspinnennetz
Probably going to be the epilogue of Book 2. I do not think Gramps knows about Jin leaving the sect yet.
James Squibb
I may have had a tear or two, or is it raining? Thank you so much for the chapter. It is always worth the wait!
Summercat
It was. Jin's qi helped in turning fire to wood via the cycle.
John Brady Anderson
I think the opposite, in that it is the foundation of it. While the name is longer, it is in fact simpler and closer to the beginning of things, the words being a reference to the beginning of civilization and farming itself.
Aaron
It turned out so well. So enjoyable!
Bloodorange17
Better than great
Ben Allen
Which chapter does Gramps find out about Jin leaving the sect. Edit: It's v2c45
John Brady Anderson
Oh, well said and well summed up.
John Brady Anderson
I agree but would perhaps put it as the second? Simply the Farm being fully settled, the first few issues dealt with, a harvest being brought in, all seems to fit a first one. Bi De going out and then the tournament would fit a more outward-focused book.
Matt DiMeo
“This is a spectacular chapter, Casualfarmer,” The Clerk said appreciatively, “Your hardship and toils have been rewarded this year. This is the best Feels Chapter this humble clerk has laid eyes upon!”
SuperiorFreak
Vaguely wish that Jins Qi was utilized at least a little to help Lanlan. I mean, it’s literally growing grass. Its practically what Jin was made for.
Nicholas Grey
Oho, I think Xiulan is under a fundamental misapprehension, and she (and her father!) are going to be in for a bit of a surprise. "Back where she was before she met Jin", she thinks... No, I will bet a bag of Silver-grade rice that the "levels" that got burnt out of her were the levels she earned in her sect, and what she's *left* with are the levels she earned with Jin... The grass burned, yes, but the roots remain. Between pill popping/learning by rote, and fundamental cultivation in direct contact with the Spirit of the Earth, which feels more superficial, and which feels more like *roots*?
Beautiful. Good for the soul.
Logrus
Amazing chapter. Glad I subbed.
Good stuff, thanks
Andrew
Thank you!
DocteurNS
It is great. And now that the emotional climax is mostly out of the way, let's get on with some slapstick as the Elders get their world view overturned so many times in a day that they turn into spinning tops.
Beautiful. Thank you!
Aaron
This was an amazing chapter. Great stuff CF.
BaguaBrady
In their first answer-go game I think, and only found out because she let Jin win
Obran
Best chapter so far
William H
This was awesome and read like the oerfect end to an arc
Aesoir
It was beautiful, thank you.
This chapter is a culmination of the first book. Jin telling the truth to Xiulan, that is, and the insights gained from her experience under his tutelage.
Eleventyseven
Me like.
CptJimmy
Loved it.
Ask-if-I-like-lemons
I didn't even know Xiulan was older lmao. That feels weird.
Teo
This one was worth the wait
GraySquirrelEatToast
This chapter exemplifies what Beware of Chicken is all about for me. We got all of the xianxia tension, build-up, drama, and conflict we'd expect from a tournament arc, only for it to be wonderfully overshadowed by the friendship, love, and trust that are truly important. Thank you for the chapter.
Ben Allen
One of the best
David Bean
Another iconic chapter. Excellent stuff.
LenoraeKB
Great chapter!
Devon
This chapter was great, your effort hasn't gone to waste.
Keifru
Awww yeah, thats the stuff. What a great chappie
Havefeith
Listening to Skillet's "You Ain't Ready" for part of this chapter, and I have to say it fits the middle-ish bit, where Lanlan comes out of her room to face the world after recovering from her ordeal. Give it a try, you might find yourself a bit happier with the end product afterwards. Great chapter, Casual. Looking forward to the next one.
Scott Paris
Perfect
Sean Graham
That was wonderful! What a beautiful conclusion.
Robert Mullins
I didn't get that impression.
Kedar
Lol even her water Qi is boastful!!
Isaac Martinez
LMAO
georppy
Beautiful chapter
N0ct3m
excellent!
Arktem
Probably in my top 5 chapters. Great read
Joseph
Great chapter :)
Enochi
Wow this wasn't what I was expecting but damn if it wasn't awesome.
riley st john
My god you seriously pull out chapters that make me so emotional constantly. I’m always blown away with what you put to paper it’s so amazing.
Ani-mam
Probably my favourite chapter in a long long time. I love it so much
Blahful
Is Xiulan crushing on Jin?
asdo
woot
Argivian
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh this is so amazing!
Noah
Did anyone else notice that Jin’s [Break the Rock] seems like the final form of Gou Ren’s [Break]?
REPOsPuNKy
woot
