Torsten Hewson
patreon
v6c3: Forest and the Trees Part 2
🕑 Added 2025-02-14 07:49:51 +0000 UTCFrom there they continued their tour of the grounds, much to Shou’s delight.
The bathhouse teemed with Spiritual Herbs, like walking into a hidden grotto of surprising quality—similar to the one he had ventured into in Pristine Lotus Vale, where he had first acquired these seeds, near four hundred years ago. Steam filled the air, and mortal plants.
“Of course, we’ll have a bath prepared for you tonight. The herbs do make for a nice experience.”
It had been a long time since Shou had had an actual bath, rather than simply using his Qi to cleanse his body—yet he was looking forward to it.
The fireplace of the main house was resplendent with Volcano Ginseng, the Spiritual Herbs poking up from around the charcoal and filling the room with a pleasant smell. Heat and flame made them grow.
“We actually started these in the glass furnace—they need toxic fumes from volcanic vents for their initial growth period, and we were able to replicate those with the glass we were making, thanks to Miantiao,” Jin continued, nodding to, of all things, a snake. The Spirit Beast bowed politely at the acknowledgement, and then returned to his work with a silver-haired woman, stoking the flames.
The cold storage contained a tangled curtain of Snow-Phoenix Vine, the soft, pale leaves swaying in the underground breeze as Young Jin fanned them rather vigorously.
“Now these ones are annoying. I have to fan them at least once a day—and hard enough that they look like they’re going to rip off the walls! Polar storms are no joke!”
Shou gazed upon each solution, so mortal in its implementation, yet holding treasures of cultivation. Each and every one was ingenious—especially the method he used to infuse Qi into them. This was truly the height of artistry. Shou, at the apex of the Sky Realm and halfway into the Imperial Realm, could only bow his head before the work of a fellow master.
It truly was too bad Shen Yu had found him rather than Shou. The urge to add this talent to his family was nearly overwhelming, and adoption would have been the most expedient course.
There was also marriage. His union with Yukong had of course produced fruit, as the Founders had decreed all true unions should, and though the Great Enemy had claimed their children, their line still continued in two great-great grandchildren still at the Sect. Core Disciples who had known nothing of the rot, thankfully.
Though that held less appeal. Firstly, because that meant he would be kin with Shen Yu. The second reason?
Shou saw the way Jin and his wife looked at each other. It was the same way he looked upon his wife, and Shou desired no woman but Yukong. Adding another woman to that would be difficult at best.
His mind thus consumed, Shou had to admit that he let some of the tour pass by him. He did not think he missed anything too important, but he would speak with Yukong tonight.
They reconvened in the greenhouse—an accurate name indeed—and as the formalities of the introduction to his house were completed and refreshments started being set out by a pink-haired servant. Meanwhile, Jin pressed a scroll into Shou’s hands.
“These are all of my notes on how every Spiritual Herb is grown, including the ones I can’t. They are the ones that need altitude and atmospheric conditions I can’t provide,” Jin said.
Shou took the scroll with the respect it deserved. Shou hadn’t really expected anything from Rou Jin; the seed had been a gift at the end of the day, and an apology from the Sect. The seeds themselves were relatively useful for cultivators, so if the young man had decided to refine them that was perfectly acceptable, too.
That he had grown them was one thing. That he was willing to share the secrets of their growth, rather than just keeping them to himself, was quite another.
Shou made the gesture of respect.
“It may mean little to you, but Rou Jin, you walk in the path of the Founders. Truly, your craft is the equal to my own,” Shou said over his clasped fists. The young man blushed. “The fact that you have figured out one of these is a feat worthy of accolades. But so many of them? And so well? Your methodology in figuring out these secrets is most worthy of respect.”
“Methodology…? That's giving me too much praise. I cheat,” the young man said bluntly. “I just ask them how they’re grown and they tell me, if they’re in the mood.”
Shou’s eyes widened. I just ask them and they tell me.
Cheat? A technique that told one everything a Spiritual Herb needed? That was even more impressive than having a method for figuring it out! It was a technique on par with the abilities of the Divine Sovereign Shennong, the Yan Emperor!
That kind of technique… it was a Heavenly treasure that every man who grew Spiritual Herbs sought.
To fools, being able to ask a plant how it’s grown would seem a limited, useless technique. And to most it would be, because even if one knew how a plant was grown, growing it was another matter entirely.
The cultured soil, the exacting detail, the temperature control formations, and the Qi to nurture the Spiritual Herbs—Shou knew many cultivators who would look at a garden and say, “I’ll either find them or buy them.” Or the more thuggish ones would try to take them, with no scruples in their race for the Heavens.
That, for most, was more efficient.
And even those who would see its value might hesitate to dedicate time to learning it because it would not directly improve them. It was a technique of pure knowledge.
How utterly sublime.
“What a Heavens shaking scripture,” he whispered.
“Something like that,” Jin said with a wry smile.
Shou left it at that. There was a limit to intruding on another’s techniques, especially when he had no proper recompense to begin to make such a request at the moment.
His mind was still reeling as he sat down at the round table… when he paused.
He blinked, his eyes focusing on an unassuming twig poking out of the soil. It had a slightly reddish tint to it, and had a feeling of fiery Qi. If it was just that, Shou would have confidently said it was some variation of the Pearlescent Flamebud—most had no idea what the First Shoot of the Spiritual Herb looked like.
But there was something deeper beneath the fire. Something of wood, something of water…
“...Rou Jin,” Shou asked. “What Spiritual Herb is that?”
Shen Yu, who had been blessedly rather quiet other than the occasional boasting statements Shou had largely tuned out, raised a brow.
“You don’t know either?” the man asked. Ge, Yukong, and Minyan all turned to look at the Herb.
“Hmm,” Ge said, stroking his beard. “It looks similar to some I have seen, but… it is rather strange.”
Minyan, probably the most well-travelled of them besides Shen Yu, spoke next. “It is nothing like I have seen, either.”
All of them turned to Jin.
“All I know is that it's not dangerous, so I’ve just been letting it grow,” he said with a shrug.
It was a Spiritual Herb Shou was unfamiliar with. Excitement blossomed in Shou’s soul.
“You said you have no methodology. May this old man show you his methodology to deduce the nature of a Spiritual Herb without destroying it?”
“As long as it doesn’t hurt it… Please,” the young man said, clearly interested.
Shou rose from his seat, a smile on his face.
=============================
Jin Yukong could only smile with amusement as her husband and Rou Jin got into it. Both of them were immensely passionate about herbology, and the grin on Shou’s face and the light in his eyes was as fetching as it always was.
“Aaand we’ve lost them,” Shen Yu said with a smirk on his face.
“Ah, that's Shou for you,” Ge replied. Both of the men were utterly relaxed, to the point of nearly uncouth uncaring.
Shen Yu only truly acted like this around those he trusted utterly, and Ge was happy to play along. Shou had obviously thrown any sort of propriety to the wind as well. Only Tianzhe Minyan stayed apart—she was obviously still studying Shen Yu and his grandson, but her thoughts were her own, hidden behind her veil.
That her Qi was calm and that she wasn’t glaring holes in Rou Jin said enough, however.
The tour of Rou Jin’s house had been mildly interesting. The most impressive part had been the mortal with his steam-controlling formation—Liu Bowu was his name. His command of the arts without any Qi of his own was commendable, and his observations and implementation of the power of steam, though used for mortal ends, was indeed interesting enough; she would have to experiment, but the formation itself was quite rudimentary.
There was a severe lack of truly fascinating formations to gently poke at—aside from the one she had found underground. The Dragon Veins here were a lot closer to the surface, spreading through the earth in a latticework—one that felt a bit damaged and drained, but considering the attack that had taken place, that was to be expected somewhat.
Its use was opaque to her, however, and the formation was hidden enough that Yukong didn’t risk taking a good look at it, because delving that deep would just be plain rude when the young man had brought her husband such joy.
The young man had thus far been a pleasant enough host, polite, and clearly proud of his home and family.
Most of the servants and Spirit Beasts had retired, leaving only Bi De, the girl who had introduced herself as Rou Tigu, a pink-haired servant, and a boar. The Spirit Beast was clearly completely and utterly docile, his eyes betraying an inner peace that was admirable. He stayed beside the pink-haired servant and attended to her.
“I must apologise on behalf of my husband,” Hong Meiling said—though she clearly didn’t mean the traditional phrase. Indeed, Yukong got the sense Meiling did not particularly like the Cloudy Sword Sect. For what reason… Yukong had a bit of an idea. Instead she was looking at her husband with her own small smile. Yukong definitely knew that feeling. Ge, Ran, and Shen Yu had always found her husband’s all-consuming passion trying at times, but she liked it—mostly because she got exactly the same way about formations. “May I instead offer the honoured guests some refreshments?”
They accepted, finally sitting at the table. How one showed hospitality often revealed interesting things about them. The table they were offered was large and round, perfect for seating many in a circle. That indicated a certain amount of equality—as did the bowls and cushions sized for Spirit Beasts.
Informal and family-oriented. And judging by the way they interacted, the Spirit Beasts were likely not meant to be harvested if they were afforded such things. Instead, they were valued members of the family—a rather rare thing.
“Don’t be so formal, granddaughter,” Shen Yu mock scolded. “They’re your grandfather’s old friends, so Aunt and Uncle should suffice.”
Yukong and Ge both snorted at the sheer level of informality Shen Yu was initiating for them… as well as the skeptical, raised eyebrow of Hong Meiling. She turned to Minyan.
“My Lady, how should this one address you?” she asked politely.
“Hm. You’re clearly the smartest one here. Lady Minyan is acceptable,” the Falcon said, her voice haughty and cold.
Meiling inclined her head. “I’m afraid most of our refreshments are mortal fare—but our honey and ginger tea I’m confident in. Our Vajra produces only the best.”
At that, the bees flitting around the greenhouse paused. The insects had Qi in them, but in very small amounts, so it was a surprise when the small swarm suddenly pulled together, forming a stylized lady who performed a perfect courtly curtsey in mid-air before returning to their duties.
“A hive of Spirit Beasts?” Ge asked. “Shen Yu, your grandson’s home contains surprise after surprise!”
“It's quite the place, no? I’m impressed at what he built so quickly! Him and his pretty wife. She's actually a year younger than he is!” Shen Yu boasted while Meiling poured them all the honey ginger tea that the pink-haired servant had set on the table, giving them face by pouring it herself.
Minyan raised a brow. “Truly?” she asked, her eyes again on Meiling. She took a sip of her tea behind her veil as she studied the woman, clearly more out of politeness than any desire… and then paused, honest surprise filling her eyes. She took another sip and set the cup down. “Hong Meiling, you were correct. This is acceptable tea.”
“It's all Pi Pa’s skill,” the young woman said, and the pink-haired lady bowed.
With that high praise, Yukong picked up her own cup. The smell was warm and inviting—and the drink itself doubly so. It had bite—bite even Yukong could feel, the peppery ginger warming her mouth, only to be soothed immediately by the heady, rich, slightly musky taste of the honey. Yukong’s husband often made her honey ginger tea. His Spirit-Rejuvenating Ginger, grown specifically for her, did have a flavour more pleasing to her palate, but the honey here was something on a level she had not tasted—even from the hives of Spirit Beast bees Shou bought at auction.
…indeed, this was delicious tea.
“The maple candies are Lu Ri’s favourite,” Shen Yu said, and Ge immediately locked on to those, eager to try what “his boy” enjoyed.
The maple candies, too, were delicious.
The food and drink further relaxed the atmosphere, and even cold Minyan was pleased, for she drained her first cup and received a second swiftly.
“Minyan, have you used one of those Demonic Qi siphoning formations?” Shen Yu inquired, leadingly.
“Indeed. Xiao Ge delivered to me many such formations. They were most efficacious at drawing out demonic Qi. You have my thanks, Subtle Scripture—we shall have to talk business later,” Minyan said.
Yukong chuckled internally at Shen Yu’s set up so that he could boast more. Today was proving most amusing. “Your thanks is appreciated… but that formation is not of my design.” Yukong nodded at Meiling. “The young lady, her father, and another named Lin Bao are the true designers of it—after they refined what they found in the Imperial Archives, of all places.”
“Saved my life,” Shen Yu stated seriously. “Without her and Ri Zu… the final technique of my foe would have found its mark.”
“Now I understand your statement about not stealing her away,” Minyan mused. “But the Archives? That foolish initiative actually did something?”
The conversation from there turned to the creation of the technique, Meiling getting a pail of water so she could show Tianzhe Minyan the formation… and get more demonic Qi out of her system.
Yukong listened with half an ear—she knew this tale already. Instead, her attention turned to Bi De, Tigu, Pi Pa, and the boar, who were all sitting politely and quietly, a bit like children patiently enduring their parents’ blathering. The boar noticed her gaze and chuffed, the Spirit Beast offering her a smile.
‘Chun Ke greets friend Yukong!’ the boar said in a deep, but pleasant voice.
Yukong chuckled at the sheer earnestness in the Spirit Beast’s voice. He was quite cute, and like Bi De, civilized.
“How does one such as yourself end up here? Were you this young lady’s pet?” she asked, curious. That seemed to produce the most stable Awakened Spirit Beasts, beloved pets who somehow ignited their Qi.
Both Chun Ke and Pi Pa paused. “Ah, no,” the serving girl said, sounding slightly offended. “He is my husband.”
Yukong’s mind screeched to a halt. Her husband?!
“I beg your pardon?” she managed to ask.
There was a pop of displaced air.
The quite pretty young lady abruptly turned into a pink pig for a moment, before with another pop she was back.
And then, there was a third pop.
The rust red boar suddenly became a towering man, a mountain of muscle and rust red hair, and three deep scars that raked across his face.
The giant man smiled at her with a happy, guileless smile.
“Chun Ke is blessed with pretty wife,” the giant man rumbled.
…there was the second shock of the day.
“You have achieved human form?” Yukong asked. Yukong had seen two human transformations before. They had both been twisted, corrupted looking things, halfway between man and beast.
This? This was flawless.
“Most of us have!” Rou Tigu declared. “I’m a cat!”
“Indeed,” Bi De stated. There was another pop, and the rooster was replaced by a young man with blazing red hair and green eyes. He could have been Jin’s brother—or his son, their facial features extremely similar. And there was more than a passing resemblance to Chun Ke, as well.
…They were all Spirit Beasts?
===========================
==========================
Shou and Yukong are NERDS. Even to the CSS.
Edited by: BargleNawdleZouss, Massgamer,
Comments
Jack Dempsey
#realtalk
RBAWintrow
Indeed, it is a balm for the soul.
David Murphy
Washy wouldn't want one. His alternate form is that of a dragon.
Truedragon5374
Disagree entirely. The only people they informed were thier own members. Sure the put the Crucible Army on alert. But the CSS does what every other sect does, pile every bit of information into thier library and only sharing when it directly benefits them. They didn't share the knowledge of the Dominic Chi Siphoning technique Mieling invented, even with the Soaring Heavens Isle sect whom they just fought a campaign with. Shen Yu, for all his faults, at least sent copies to the Imperial Army so they could trade the veterans of the recent Demon War. Remember when Jin suggested to Xuilan to just give away the lost history of the Azure Hills? It was like someone hit her between the eyes, it never occurred to her to give out something so valuable, even if it wouldbhelp the entire province. Cultivators just don't think about things like that.
Michael Larsen
Well, in defense of the CSS, that is exactly what they do. Remember when they agreed to go to war, they broke out EVERYTHING they had and made sure everyone knew it.
Michael Larsen
This. I’m waiting for Jin to admit that he’s walking the path of Shennong.
WonderBread459
I think Shen Yu wanted to bring the crystal, and Big D, to the emperor personally. From a meta perspective it’s one of the only ways we get “A chicken?” moment with the Emperor so it’ll be worth the wait instead of showing it to the herald now.
Timothy Dana
The worm in the dung heap (Dao god of destruction) hasn’t been mentioned in a while
Mikah Burdette
I’m trying to think who doesn’t have a human form, it’s just noodle, washy, and babe left, if we count the hive body for varja
Truedragon5374
Nah, they will see Tigu taking away the plates after dinner and see a Freaking dragon cleaning the plates in the river room, then popping into fish form to take a nap.
Truedragon5374
Agreed. I have bad days when I just can't enjoy anything. I use audiobooks to push the noise away but on really bad days I just can't enjoy them. So I'll start of BoC and I find my mood improves within the hour.
Bryan
Casualfarmer, I would just like to say, thank you. Thank you for maintaining this story as a slice of life. On a bad day I can just select nearly any chapter at random, read it, and find myself becoming calmer as I read through the absolutely normal trials and tribulations of a man who wants to farm and not become a god. Of his many adopted children who just want to enjoy their hobbies of fighting, making medicine, glassblowing, or just making dinner. I find Big D's attitude towards cultivation to be sane and reasonable... But it's more impressive that you didn't just paint every other cultivator from outside the farm as crazed power hungry lunatics looking to butcher the residents for their beast cores. Thanks for writing an excellent story, excellently.
Michael Beard
Exactly what I was thinking... each one a elemental ginko tree 🌳
Timothy Dana
It would be funnier if the elders were not impressed by Washi
SuperiorFreak
And then Washi does a superhero landing and reveals that he is a Carp Dragon. Minds shall be blown and jaws will be dropped.
Jon Dough
It seriously is! Scratches alot of the fantasy action adventure itches I have, and it's also somehow a romance and slice of life, but NEVER feels too full of itself or forced.
Alex Ingraham
"... Souring Heavens Isles?... And if she was reposted by asking what if what her sect had to offer was not equal in his eyes?" We wouldn't wan't Jin souring on her offer! 😏🤪
Alex Ingraham
I forget which chapter it was explained in, but it was explained that the number of Imperial Realm cultivators in the Crimson Phoenix Empire was literally limited by resources. The CPE literally has a IR waiting list because it can only afford to promote a few while future candidates wait or get replaced by their competition.
Alex Ingraham
Fan-of-BOC meet Withdrawal, Withdrawal this is a fan of BOC. You'll be spending lots of time together... love this series.
Alex Ingraham
I read that nerds in TFS' Piccolo's voice lol
Alex Ingraham
I've read a few, but you're right, they're rare and usually contribute to combat indirectly.
Alex Ingraham
I feel this pain. But, I'm so happy that BOC is so fantastic lol
Timothy Dana
I thought the thunderhoof Spooks was the standing for the horse?
Emily Gurnavage
In most cultivation stories ive read, Ascension is either an automatic instantly done thing or something you instinctively learn how to do and know that you *have* to initiate within "a reasonable time" or the Heavens will force the issue in a less than pleasant manner. Often by stripping your power and leaving you mortal. One way or another, its usually Ascension or losing power. Its often a "balance" thing where the Heavens dont want living Gods to walk the planet for tooooo long. We dont know yet entitely for this story though. Might never even fully come up besides the bit we know from Chunkys experience but that was also a good bit different than usual.
Ivy Maturin
Now the questions are 1 will shou declare jin a master and bring him more seeds for instructions, will gramps become stronger with the power of good food, love, and self satisfaction of having found a awesome family? Will yokong start sending jin animals that would be cool spirit beasts? He's really only missing a horse for the zodiac but id send a goat like lefan a young spirit beasts ram would be awesome.
Rake1810
This is one of my favorite chapters in a long time. This feels like Volume 1 - 2 when Jin stopped being so scared and started enjoying Cultivating
Jon Dough
Well darn. I restarted BOC over the break. AAAAND now I'm caught up -.- as always, such an amazingly fun read!
Arondell Hoch
This is the first time in a Xanxia story that I have seen the concept of an entirely knowledge oriented technique other then perhaps divination. That is a technique that has no obvious or immediate combat oriented use. Though I haven't read all that many xanxia stories.
Geoffrey Sullivan
The regret of being unable to binge is a *constant,* with this story . . . And I *feel* you - I've been *living* with that itch since Shen Yu *first* visited Fa Ram. It's *such* a relief to have payoff, at last! :)
Old Dog
Chocolate Macadamia Nut coffee.
Truedragon5374
Considering it's the whole point of cultivation, it actually rarely happens in Xienxia novels. Sometimes an Ascended cultivator comes back to give guidance to the descendants he left behind, but even that is often done off-screen. Though we know from CF's posts that Chunky was offered Sage-hood in heaven and he turned it down, though he had to make several vows. So I guess they get to choose.
Miles Sumida
This is also part of the plot of Isaac Asimov's foundation.
M e
This is my favorite part of Shen Yu's character. Just how god damn proud he is of Jin, his family, everything he has achieved. Just the pure shit-eating smugness. I enjoyed that Yukong saw through his setup for Meimei and was amused by it.
ShivaMcTimber
TYFTC! I want more needy stuff. I love this surprise after surprise - it releases endorphins in my brain. MORE!!!
Miles Sumida
Yeah! Xiulan's her pet!
Miles Sumida
It's a good thing Shen Yu had his cultivation trimmed back to the sky realm. Otherwise he might have accidentally ascended to heaven out of shear smugness. . . Actually, when a cultivator hits the heavenly realm do they automatically ascend or do they chose when to leave Xianada?
Miles Sumida
Most elders are in the earth realm. The fancier sects, like SMS, have sky realm elders. there are only three Imperial realm cultivators left in the world with Shen Yu and that demon guy demoted and two of those are in this green house. That is if this post is still accurate, since it's not from the story directly it might no longer be true. https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/beware-of-chicken-xianxia.910799/page-1570#post-95903869
Miles Sumida
I am more concerned about when they find out the ones with ears and tails are the natural humans.
Truedragon5374
They already fly, they just ask Wa Shi for help.
NameGame
NERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Thanks for the chapter. Looking forward to seeing how everyone reacts to finding out that there are so many transforming spirit beasts.
Arin Storm
Jin found the root in the unbroken timeline too, and the golden tree was a ginko. And the way the golden tree cultivation was talked about, it was probably metal qi based, rather than fire.
Luis Nunez
in the unbroken AU the HQ of the Azure sect is a huge tree that nurtures qi... is that what the mystery root is? the seedling of that tree?
WolfKnight22
loving the new chapters they are great the only killer is the wait
Ch W
I'm hoping author figures out how to get the Shan couple (Chunky and Pi Pa) to leave with Elder Minyan so that a day when pigs fly comes to Xianxia land.
SarcasticDonkey
Ha Qi for one. Other thing I cloths think of is checking out Gou Ren and Zhuye's bloodlines.
Alan McBrayer
Yeah if you remember from when the Cloudy Sword guys were flying in there was 1 imperial realm cultivator, Ge, 2 Sky realms, the married elders, and a dozen earth realms, the core diciples. I believe Minyan is imperial as well.
Angua de Blubb
I don't know how it would come up in casual conversation, but I would SO much love to see Shou's and the others reaction to Jin getting lessons directly from Shennong through Tianlan's memories (which might not be entirely memories).
Geoffrey Sullivan
And *now* the mass internal blue-screening starts - and some distance away, The Lord Magistrate feels that *another* kindred soul - nay, *many* of them - has become enlightened as to his suffering, these last few years . . . Meanwhile, Shen Yu's soul feels *much* more at ease, as he gets to boast about his family *and* screw with his old friends' minds at the same time, while dining on fine food in the comforts of home; what more could an old man ask for? :D In honesty, though - this is what I waited all through Book 5 for, and it proves that my wait was *NOT* in vain - *love* it, and thank you VERY much for it!
uavgas
Then just in case you want to read it, I will spread the knowledge of a xianxia novel with that sort of setting. Ascending, Do Not Disturb by Yue Xia Die Ying and translated by Dreams of Jianghu is a romance cultivation novel. Link to the translation here: https://dreamsofjianghu.ca/ascending-do-not-disturb/
Silvris
Every active Cultivator hearing this: ------ BSoD ------
Silvris
And going to be floored when told that the reason they look so animalistic is because they happened to awaken Spirit Ancestry, one being suspect of descending from That Monkey...
Isak Mark
Only Ge and Ran if I remember correctly
Arin Storm
Interesting. So it sounds like the fire root might be connected to the qi channeling formations across the province. If that's the case, there might be four other, differently aspected roots, scattered around the province, since the formations channeled five types of qi.
MockingBird
Pure speculation, but I figured they'd back/sponsor Xiulan, given the closeness her and Jin/Mei have. Granted the only reason I thought this, was her grass cultivation, and how it could tie in with Shou's experience with plants.
geogio13
To be fair, it is still good to have the secret archive in case someone is going around to try and get rid of the knowledge. Just as a backup though.
Artur Vogt
W8... not all elders are imperial realm?
Laura Hemly
Next Monday at the earliest, @Truedeagon. Remember, CF is only putting out 1-2 chapters per week this month.
Laura Hemly
Sounds like nirvana!
Laura Hemly
Well, sometimes he's a lot LIKE a big happy puppy...
StarBat
My only regret is that I cannot binge this. ... I'll have to wait till the book ends. Easily my favorite part so far. Showing off to old friends is scratching an itch I didn't know I had.
Truedragon5374
Its Official, Jin is a Xianxia Druid.
Truedragon5374
I swear, the next time i read a story where some ancient king tried to "preserve" vital knowledge by hiding it in a secret archive under a mountain or something I'm going to scream! If there is an instruction sheet on how to kill the evil god sealed in a can somewhere, don't hide it. Teach it in every school in the country. If you have a printing press, a calligraphy school or an abbey full of scribes, then use them!
Truedragon5374
considering Tsuu already released art for it, its going to happen eventually
Truedragon5374
Running Man style apocalypse in galactic TV
jord
"Behold, my final form! Mega Ultra Chicken! " *turns into Trex
Truedragon5374
Just wait for the Sweet Tea tomorrow ;)
Truedragon5374
Well, there is that giant bone buried in the back yard that Hou Ten found...
Truedragon5374
Have you tried eating chocolate While reading this with your coffee?
Truedragon5374
They saw the "Baby dragon" as they flew in. But the reviel of his position will be hilarious
Truedragon5374
They will likely show her Bi De's map with the formation first. But yeah, i anticipateJin will show all of the Elders, Especially the Imperial Herald, the Azure History Crystal.
Truedragon5374
Oh God, i can just see Yukong asking Mieling "So is Jin a puppy or something?"
V01D
As well as Ri Zu, Bei be & Sun Ne.
V01D
The ones that have the most Animalistic traits are the Humans, yes.
Scholar of Endless Knowledge
Love it!
V01D
Or the Master of (plow) cutting!
Truedragon5374
I find it funny how all of these godlike warrior philosophers sneer at the Imperial Archives without ever going in to check them out. Its easy to look at the mountains of human knowledge and assume each one must be the great work of a genius blessed by heaven. But if you look close, they are not monoliths, but great constructions built one brick at a time by millions of hands over thousands of generations, many of whom never even know each other existed, let alone met. Knowledge is different from Secrets. The latter only has power the fewer that know them, the former only grows more powerful (and is less likely to be lost) the wider it is spread.
Truedragon5374
Ok, i have to admit, this was a much better way to reveal the animals. When Pipa told Yukong that the PIG was her husband, I swear you could Hear her brain skipping a gear. Hey, I got a way to get Elder Minyan a bit more invested in all this. Jin is generous and giving but he also knows how to dicker like a merchant to get what he wants. Minyan must be eyeing his plants, and the instructions he gave to Shou, with interest. What if Jin offered her seeds and cuttings from all the spirit plants he has managed to grow, and the instructions for their care, in exchange for cuttings and seeds from the Soaring Heavens Isles? And if Minyan asks what amount of such he would see as fare compensation, Jin replies that he will of course default to her experienced accounting of such things. This would show her much face while also making her put her own honor on the scale, depending on how much she trades back. And if she was reposted by asking what if what her sect had to offer was not equal in his eyes? Jin says, “well if we both give our all, who could argue that the exchange isn't equal?” I think that Jin showing generosity, consideration, and wisdom, while also daring to haggle like a merchant with a Hero of the Empire, would tweak her nose in a way she would respect.
Synova Vitale
The amount of “ o hell no” in the are you her pet. I was about to be like “ hold my earrings”.
WolfKnight22
&AHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Len
washi the sleazie foodie...minyan will have the reaction not yukong imo...
TwoRavens
No bragging required. Jin is just that good.
Duke of Coffee
Heh, their eyes can't pierce Mount Tai if they didn't see Rou Jin Spirit Beast true forms. 😜
TwoRavens
Yukong is going to flip out and I'm going to cackle.
Emily Gurnavage
Despite his great grandchildren's ages, I still can easily picture Shou seeing Zhuye as his "in". He simply has to try his best to further ingratiate himself to Jin while there, *somehow* patch things with Meiling (will take more than 1 visit fo sho), and then become a sort of non related doting grandpa to the kid. Try to become extended family essentially. That way when Zhuye is grown, Shou can attempt to get him as a disciple or something similar. Or barring that, by that time Shou will have realized that being extended family is as good to Jin as being actual family and a marriage/disciple tie isn't as important to forming lasting bonds between their families as he thought.
Samantha Kuhn
Yeah, I have to agree with whoever mentioned that the Elders are going to mistake Gou Ren for a monkey/spirit beast are correct! Poor Gou Ren and Yun Ren! At this point, the Elders will just assume everyone is a spirit beast! And how would Gou reply to the statement, "So, you're a monkey.." and then poor Gou "No, I'm--well, yes, I sorta am--but NOT like that!"
Emily Gurnavage
So Pi Pa CAN still turn back! Yay =) I know someone else brought that up a chapter or two back and then I went and re read everything from the attack to now and couldn't find any mention of her transforming since the first time so I also became worried that she was stuck for some reasons - perhaps Void related fear or damage, idk, but its good to see that she is fine. Im glad the "everyone's a spirit beast" reveal has mostly happened as well, lol. I think this makes just Yin left as the only spirit beast the guests think is human? Although im also a tad surprised that cultivators in the Sky/Imperial realms can't tell them apart from human cultivators. Most stories they can. But its a good thing for this story, tbh.
Anzer'ke
I am endlessly curious how Yukong will react to the crystal now. Ancient formations from the Age of Heroes seem right up her street. Meanwhile her husband seems the exact type to see the potential to plant the seed of a new earth spirit in the Qi Wastes and empower it. Hmmm...
Ibuks5
Akagami no Chun Ke
Len
he'll be the surprise at Dinner....
Lenny_has_arived
I will find it funny if they meet Gou and Yun wondering what kind of spirit beasts they are, only to find out that no, these ones are human
V01D
“was a technique on par with the abilities of the Divine Sovereign Shennong” - LOL, he’s more on point than he realizes!
Voror
Very nice chapter. I enjoy seeing Shou and Yukong nerd out in their own ways though Shou is obviously having the best time. That Jin seems to have an ability tied to Shennong is no surprise. I keep wondering if any of them pick up on his path like Shen Yu did. Not sure what the reaction to them all being spirit animals may be beyond surprise especially since it's been made clear that one's like themselves are quite rare. Hopefully they enjoy a good meal. I'd wonder if little Zhuye will illicit any reactions though there's nothing remarkable about him I guess. If anyone reacts I might expect Minyan to have one if Shen Yu starts bragging about his great grandson too. Though perhaps Zhuye will be Shou and Yukong's way to bridge their families though it sounded like they're own great grandchildren are fully grown.
Aaron Schwartz
They haven’t met the dishwasher yet
Randall Norman Pick
That even the masters can't tell anything from the Qi that the disciples are Spirit Beasts in human form feels like this is going to be important later.
Old Dog
What Angua de Blubb said. Wa Shi was the "young dragon" noted when the elders first arrived.
Old Dog
Like a certain granddaughter of a certain elder....to help Lu Ri of course.
Old Dog
As always, thank you for the chapter. I have missed starting my mornings enjoying your writing with my coffee. Food for the soul. Almost as good as chocolate.
Almer Reyhan
PEAK
Thatguyuknow
Thank you for the update
Gwyn
So he already has "I have to use all my power" mode when he changes from human to Chicken. What are the odds we get a Ultra Instinct Super Saiyan 3 moment where he goes from Chicken ‐> T-Rex?
Gwyn
First off, amazing chapter. 10/10, no notes. Second, a thought just occurred to me. Chickens are descended from dinosaurs. Bloodlines are a huge trope in xianxia/wuxia/cultivator stories. Is there any chance Jin teaches Bi De about his ancient long lost velociraptor/cultivator ancestors?
Andrew Carter
Gah I want to just skip the weekend straight to Monday so I can read the next chapter soooooooooooo gooooooooooooood. Also Chun Ke is best boi
Derek Walker
Divine peach trees got left out 😢
Thomas Brusilovsky
Excellent
Kenneth Darlin
This was great. Thank you
Laura Hemly
Definitely the formation. It's far, FAR beyond anything that has been seen in the Azure Hille in millennia.
vincent20402
I have been anticipating those chapters since Yukong and Shou character were introduce, in volume 3. You have successfully delivered two flawless chapters. I kowtow to your talent and skills. Thank you CasualFarmer
Hound
Can see Yin yelling that as she pops into bun-mode.
nelson corliss
I almost wish I hadn't read the soaring iles AU just so Minyan was more of a mystery for me here. I think reading this with out knowing anything about her would make for the best perspective!
jeffrey niski
So I achieved nirvanic enlightenment around age 1 and I didn't really want to leave my wife so I stuck around. How's your cultivation going?
Guber
These chapters have been amazing! It goes to prove your mastery of world building! You created a world, then made The Farm so strange compared to the rest of the world that I forget how truly strange it is. And then make these perfect collisions that are amazingly enjoyable! Keep up the amazing work!
DeerHeart
"They were all spirit beasts?" Shen Yu leans over her shoulder and whispers. "Always have been."
Beggar of Freedom
Divines bless your kind heart!
Kasinki
Third surprises going to be that super rare vegetable, wonder if there's a fourth? Thank you CF!
Sean Ulrich
You know, I had the same thought yesterday
KnightRider007
Exactly@ :D
Daniel Gesualdi
It's like watching a couple gears jump as they start moving.
Curtis Earl
I'd call it the absolute opposite of BOC. It's a great story. It's the book I recommend along with BOC when people ask me. They're both great. The Audiobooks are amazing as well.
Some guy
I have my theory, but if it is correct, I doubt Shou had enough info to figure out out. My guess is that they'll figure out just enough to start growing it properly.
Some guy
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. Excellent story, but so so dark. Basic premise is "what if the aliens from Hitchhikers Guide strip mined the earth and put the survivors in an rpg-esque death game. Has some good humor in it, but like I said, dark.
M e
I can imagine Yukong being like "Oh, they have tails. Must be spirit beasts with incomplete transformation. Clearly weaker than the others." And being told "No, those are the humans."
Raraki Kraken
What is DCC?
Daniela Capobianco
I speculate with Sunny that the possibility he’s an artificially created (mostly) stable blade spirit would be the most interesting by traditional cultivator standards. Otherwise if he’s not then he’s a blade spirit which wouldn’t be too uncommon for individuals of their caliber.
Just A Dude
"…They were all Spirit Beasts?" Ah, the second stage of the gob-smacking combo has been unveiled. I can hardly wait to see the eventual unveiling of the third.
Arnon Parenti
I bet Vajra transforms with a whole legion armed with spirit spears and bronze chitinous armor already marching directly into the enemy line.
Namorat
Few things in life bring me as much pleasure as a BoC chapter.
ItWasIDIO!!
SURPRISE!!!
Kris Piskorski
I love these chapters! I could read a whole book about them just hanging out
Weebeedee
Am waiting for the sneaky elders to try and foist some younglings on the faram
Kt-x
Thanks for the chapter! 😁
Harish
Where's the rest of the team?
Daniel Jungbluth
So what other interesting things do we have left to throw at them? Results of the root, a closer look at the General, the Train, the Siphoning technique landmass edition...maybe the crystal? Would Su Ni the living plow count as interesting?
M e
Best Valentine's Day present!
Stuffed Duck
"... so I walked up to Heaven and asked politely, friend Heaven said ok ... so I can stay with pretty wife and friends."
Angua de Blubb
The other way around, I think. Wa Shi was a dragon during the greetings :)
Lanter
Yes, be shocked and awed! This Fa Ram still has many surprises! Washy the diswashing carp dragon, Sun Ne the spirit Blade/Plough, Huo Ten from the CLAN of awoken spirit beasts and Gou Ren who is NOT from that clan 🤣 What I liked most was probably how casually they met Shen Yu's attitude, except for Mingyan the tsundere 😆. He was relaxed so Ge was relaxed. He wanted Meiling to treat them like aunts and uncles and they did act like visiting relatives, being nice and polite and openly praising 🤗
BargleNawdleZouss
"Goddammit, Tigu!"
MrrC
Love this.....enjoying seeing the surprise re: spirit beast transformations
BigBro Bluesman
I'm all in on that being the route Of Phoenix tree
mhaj58
Enjoying Shou and Yukong, they’re like Jin and Mei
Bi-Dailey
TFTC
BigBro Bluesman
Man that ending was pure art. Man this story always brings a happy smile to my face ha! Love it!
Joe Silva
I feel like Shen Yu, sitting back and grinning while Fa Ram humble brags
Curtis Earl
I read DCC when I want to hate myself. I read this when I want to feel good. It's so peaceful. I channel this feeling as much as possible in my own life.
Stark Trist
Fantastic chapter. Thank you. Love the feel good moments but also in a setting so that the new characters can really express themselves. It's hard to show hard edges, rigid relationship structures and power dynamics in a scene and you're doing a great job.
Brendan
Can’t wait for them to see the Ren brothers
Rory
"It seems to be a unique herb known as the Red Herring Macguffin!"
Cyrus McEnnis
For the Swarm!
Nemoboi
this is such feel good content <3
H
Next chapter has to be wa shi and baths. Surprise! The dishwasher/bath fish is a dragon XD
Max E Malekzadeh
Your combo of slice of lifexridiculous protagonist bs reveal is flawless as always. Probably my favorite ongoing series because you mix cozy and absurd action so perfectly!
Red Viking
Thanks for the chappie = )
Red Viking
Please, please, please, please! Let one of them ask Chunky how he did it. I nee~d them to.
Seaspike
Interesting? She'll probably shit a brick. She would probably be interested in the monkeys home formation and Dueling Peaks as well.
Gopard
Thanks for the chapter!
Angela Roberts
Ha! So good to see Yukong surprised! Jin and Shou nerding out, just perfect. And Shen Yu at ease. Warm feelings!
Laura Hemly
Wonderful chapter, CF! I can tell I'll need multiple readings to get the maximum enjoyment from it!
Slasher12 .Slasher
Yep they're all gobsmacked, beffudled,scramble-gorged! I love to see it. This was exactly what I was hoping for!😀
John D Jones
We have the answer to the "Can Pi Pa transform back?" question. I love Shen Yu being so pleased about getting the chance to brag about Jin, Mei-mei, Bi De and Fa Ram.
Deathlokke
Are we finally going to learn what that weird root is that Jin's had since the beginning? I can't wait!
Aki_Iokua18
If they feel comfortable showing Yukong the memory crystal, she’ll likely find the province wide formation interesting. Bit of a shame that Shou seems to have missed the divine peaches, but it IS winter and he was distracted. It also must be a shock to the system to realize the number of friendly well adjusted spirit beasts in Fa-Ram outnumber the humans, as well as more than half their number can change to human form after such a short amount of time.
Marian Ch
Jin: Oh, I'm not using this "very impressive technique". I'm cheating with this "far more impressive technique".
Justin
Fun
Katharine Gould
Squee! The other shoe fell! Hurah!
Robert Adams
TFTC! So glad to see Fa Ram getting the surprise and respect it deserves from the old hats.
CringeWorthyStudios
Lmao, at this point they need to play misunderstanding bingo. And hey, Meiling isn’t the only one who gets a marital misunderstanding now! Thanks for the chapter!
Southmonk
Lulz, how would vajra transform
Lynn Freeman
Love it!
Deathburn
"They were all spirit beasts?" "Always have been"
BargleNawdleZouss
It ain't braggin' if it's true.
Katharine Gould
Thanks for the chapter boss!
Baldanders
TFTC Boss
Deathlokke
Thanks for the chapter!
