Torsten Hewson
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v5c54: For a Moment, Calm
🕑 Added 2024-10-06 01:54:36 +0000 UTC“This is indeed Zang Zeng, Elder of the Shrouded Mountain Sect,” Shenhe confirmed as she looked at the slumbering form before her.
The man looked terrible. His cheeks were sallow and he was covered in sweat.
Shenhe… did not like Zeng. He was a bastard, and he always made sure to remind her that she shared blood with her traitor aunt. He was an arrogant, swaggering braggart. Strong, yes, but wholly unpleasant, especially in regards to Zang Li., yet it looked wrong to see him brought so low.
Her mind was wary as she laid eyes on thirty members of her Sect—all unconscious. The members of her expedition were encamped in another room, where there were some amenities. There was tea and some medicine, at least, and they had been informed that food would be provided, but the hospitable treatment was… slightly off to Shenhe.
“I’ve been keeping them under, just in case—to make sure all the poison is out of their systems. There was too much to do,” the woman—Hong Meiling—said, her voice light.
It was close enough to her own imprisonment that she was very uncomfortable with the words, especially because the woman standing beside Shen Yu bore an unfortunate resemblance to the man who had captured her. Her sharp purple eyes were dissecting them all, and her intent bubbled beneath the surface. It was vast and hard to grasp, fading into the distance.
The only difference was that the men here were in comfortable beds and clearly being looked after instead of cut open.
Shenhe wondered for a moment if this was all an illusion, if she was still laced with poisons and being tortured… but she could not feel anything amiss with her Qi. She was fairly certain this was no illusion.
She could feel Shen Yu’s Qi, and his Qi held only the truth. No illusion could ape the sharpness of an Imperial Realm Cultivator’s intent.
Not that that was entirely better. For all that Lord Shen Yu had thanked them back at the base, she was not certain that she and her subordinates were out of danger just yet.
After everything… there was still the possibility of losing it all.
“Do you know why these men would be here?” Shen Yu asked, turning his eyes onto Shenhe. His voice was light, but he was obviously unhappy about this trespass.
“No, Lord Shen Yu. Last I heard he was still within the Sect, and I was upon the mission the Cloudy Sword Sect gave to us.”
Shen Yu looked briefly amused by her words, but nodded. “You speak the truth, Zang Shenhe… and I did witness your work on the demonic bases. You have my praise for your thoroughness.”
Shenhe bowed at his words, the tension once again falling. “Thank you for your words.”
Shen Yu nodded, then turned his eyes over her shoulder. “What about you, Grandson? Were there any words exchanged during the heat of battle?”
“They were being mind-controlled,” a voice began, and it took everything Shenhe had to keep from jumping. The man had just… appeared to her senses, his Qi so controlled that only when he was right beside her did she feel the vast reservoir of cold earth the man radiated, the mein of a fierce general. “Zang Zeng was trying to resist it as we fought. He would make his muscles spasm to throw off his strikes, and in the end managed to trick it into transforming his body into lightning. It hurt the worm controlling him and disrupted it long enough for him to tell me about the other attacks. Then he asked for me to kill him.”
The words brought instant relief to Shenhe. It was shameful to get mind-controlled. It was a nearly unforgivable weakness… but that Zang Zeng managed to keep his honour intact was the one saving grace. He had asked for death and taken responsibility, as a true cultivator should.
Lord Shen Yu frowned at his words.
“A worm?” he asked.
“This,” Lord Rou replied, producing a vial of glass. Within it was the corpse of a ugly wretched creature, fat and pallid. Dark veins stood out under its skin, and grasping pincers covered its head.
“Puppet Worm…” Lord Shen Yu breathed, his voice tight. “It has been five hundred years since I last laid eyes on such a horror—and that is, by far, the largest specimen I have ever witnessed.” The Old Monster stared at the beast for a moment longer, then he turned back to Zeng, who was still resting.
“What’s wrong?” Lady Meiling asked.
“Mei’er, he does still live, yes? Are his wits intact?” Shen Yu asked.
“As far as I can tell? He responds to stimuli, but I can’t say anything about higher functions,” the woman replied. “Why?”
“Because as far as this old man knows, this is the first time a Puppet Worm has been successfully removed from a host and the host has survived.” Shen Yu turned to Lord Rou, a smile spreading over his features. She could see the pride in the old Master’s eyes. “On the morrow we shall attempt to awaken them and to discover what has happened. For now… for now, this old man needs to sit down.”
“Head back to the house, Gramps, Mei,” Lord Rou intoned. “I’ll get all our guests settled. Miss Shenhe?”
Lord Rou extended his hand so that they could clasp forearms like fellow warriors. It was a gesture of friendship—combined with him calling them guests, it meant they were protected by laws of hospitality. Shenhe could finally let some of the tension drain out of her shoulders.
She clasped his forearm and bowed her head.
“You have my thanks, Lord Rou—for your hospitality, and for your warning about the Demonic Cultivators slinking about the Howling Fang Mountains. Truly, the Cloudy Sword Sect is without equal.”
He smiled at her words, but she could feel a bit of awkwardness in it. Whatever the issue was, he chose not to address it, instead changing the subject. “Here, we can hand these out to your men—they should help.”
The powerful expert handed over a vial. Zang Shenhe stared at the sparking medicine within. It was potent. She could smell seven fragrances, and she could feel the draconic lightning within.
This was medicine Lishu would kill for. Draconic lightning infused medicine?! This was absolutely the most perfect thing for one who studied the Shrouded Mountain Sect’s arts.
“These are for…?” she asked.
“Anyone who needs it. The Lowly Spiritual Herbs are for those less injured,” the expert replied, pulling out some Seven Fragrance Jewel herbs.
Shenhe just stared as they sparkled with iridescent dew, their perfume filling her nose.
He called them “Lowly Spiritual Herbs.” Lowly. These?
Shenhe was very glad they had ascertained that this man was not some imposter when he had first sent his message to them after the Dueling Peaks Tournament. Only a true Master of the Cloudy Sword Sect could say these words and have these kinds of resources.
Shenhe did as he asked and began distributing aid to her disciples.
Those that had lived all looked like the dead. She gave words of comfort and encouragement as she went, her face stoic. She praised their strength, even as it was all she could to keep her face straight.
Her heart wrenched when she once more took count. There were only about half left from her initial expedition force—and even her own personal disciple, Yuquing, was gone. There was no quiet, calm presence that shadowed her steps anymore. There was no woman who doted on her juniors.
Shenhe still remembered the day Yuqing had asked to become Shenhe’s personal disciple—she had been the first person to ever say that they admired her.
It was all hitting her now, finally sinking in. They had won… but their victory had been costly. Far, far too costly. Shenhe turned to the wall, wiped the single tear that escaped her eye away, and let out a breath.
Then, she stood up straight and turned back to the room. Her eyes once more found the form of Lord Rou.
Shenhe only knew stories about the Cloudy Sword Sect. She only heard that they were different, scholars who disdained wealth. Sticks in the mud, the Patriarch had said.
But everyone could agree on the fact that they were different.
The man smiled at one of her disciples, showing him the best way to mash the spiritual herbs into a paste, teaching them without a second thought. His words were warm and kind.
Indeed; he was different. Strange. So strange in his mannerisms. The lessons that the Patriarch had pounded into her head said his actions were naive.
Yet if this expert could act like this, then how could those actions be considered naive?
She pondered this conundrum until two others walked into the fortress—a woman with pink hair and a boar. The boar was loaded down with saddlebags containing enormous clay rice-pots, and the woman was carrying platters of food, meat, and vegetables.
Shenhe’s mouth immediately began to water at the heady, Qi-rich scent.
“Eat and drink all you need; we have plenty more food,” Master Rou said as the food was set down.
The lids of the clay pots were removed, and Shenhe just stared at the heaps of gold-grade rice. The woman began piling bowls high, adding more spiritual herbs to the tops as seasoning, and then serving plump whitefish on top that similarly radiated vitality.
Shenhe waited until all were served before she took her own bowl.
It was the most delicious meal she had ever eaten, so much so she had to hold herself back from impolitely devouring it in a rush .
“I will leave these here for you, if you are still hungry later,” the pink haired servant said… and deposited more bales of gold grade rice on the floor, along with more preserves.
They casually gifted her a fortune—an amount of coin even the Shrouded Mountain Sect would not spend without some consideration.
“Rest and recover. We shall talk again tomorrow,” Master Rou said. “And please, don’t touch the bees. They’re important.”
Shenhe paused at his words, and then spotted a bee in the corner of the room. It was simply sitting there, occasionally buzzing, but otherwise unmoving.
“Of course, Master Rou,” Shenhe agreed, not knowing why, but determined to obey regardless.
She took another reserved, but eager, bite of the delicious meal.
The future might still hold danger, but for now… for one moment blessed by the Heavens, there were no threats, no enemies.
She closed her eyes and savoured each bite.
====================================
It was getting close to evening when I walked back into my home. Our guests were housed, fed, and watered, and Vajra was keeping an eye on them for us. I still didn’t particularly like the fact that they were here, but neither was I going to kick them out. They had apparently helped Big D, Ri Zu, Yun Ren, and Gramps… so they could stay. At least until they were healed.
As for me? I felt like I had gotten run over by a god damn train.
I walked with Peppa back to the house, and both of us paused at the doorway.
The mood was definitely less rowdy, and more solemn, than when Tigu and the rest had come home… but it certainly wasn’t silent.
“Yun Ren always said his brother was a monkey, but I did not think it was so literal!” The woman, Yushang, pointed jokingly at Huo Ten. Gou Ren groaned and rolled his eyes. Her antics got amused laughs from several people and Tigu slung an arm sound Yushang’s shoulder.
The fat guy, Han, was talking with Bowu. I paused at the sight of the kid, then noticed Washy just sprawled along the wall, out cold and not eating. The Dragon must have brought him back to check on his sister.
I had been going to talk to him about the scare he had given the Magistrate, but… well, if he wasn’t even trying to eat anything, he must've been really tired.
The older looking cultivator, Shao Heng, seemed a bit amused at the looks the Torrent Rider and Shaggy Two were giving him, full of respect, as Big D told them some kind of story about the man. He seemed a bit embarrassed.
The moose, Spooks, was talking to Xiulan. She had a bottle of maple syrup out and was ladling it into a bowl for him. He made a really funny sound when he took a drink, a rumbling honk of pleasure that Xiulan giggled at.
Yingwen and Fenxian looked kind of awkward being here, but they weren’t sitting too far off to the side. They were both staring incredulously at Babe while the ox tapped at a cut piece of wood.
Finally, Gramps was sitting on the couch while Meimei and Rizzo worked on him. Rizzo had her hands on the backs of him and Meimei, and a scroll was open in front of them both as Rizzo taught my wife whatever it is that she had learned.
Gramps was just taking it without a word of complaint. The old man simply had a smile on his face as he stared out the window… and at the mountain of corpses we had piled up.
He seemed very satisfied.
The only person who wasn’t in the room was Zhuye—my son was asleep in my and Mei’s room, sparing him the noise.
“How are you holding up, old man?” I asked him as I finally walked in, and Gramps turned to me with a smile.
“I do believe I am doing splendidly,” he stated. “I get to admire the work of your house and be doted on by my granddaughter. Bei Be, fine cuts by the way. I recognise your handiwork on many of those corpses.”
The ox puffed up with pride.
“I’m honestly wondering how to properly dispose of all that,” I said with a grimace. “We have some ideas, at least…”
“I have full faith that you shall come to a satisfactory outcome.” Gramps actually looked and sounded like nothing more than a proud grandpa. “Though there is some business. Grandson, do I have permission to send a message to the Cloudy Sword Sect? There are some things I would have their help with, and it would be best if they came here to do it.”
I thought for a moment, and then nodded.
“Yeah, let's get to the bottom of this. Better out of the way now, then letting it fester.”
The old man nodded.
“Then these Demonic Cultivators shall feel my Sworn Brothers’ wrath,” Gramps said, his voice a promise.
Both of us went silent for a moment. Finally, the old man spoke again.
“By the way, is that Volcano Ginseng growing in your fireplace?” he asked.
“Yeah, Lu Ri gave me a bunch of seeds from Elder Shou. They’re really tasty.”
The old man’s lips twitched.
“Was that all they sent?”
“Nah, the Silver Yin Lotus is taking over the damn bathhouse.”
Gramps snorted. Then he chuckled. Then the old man started roaring with laughter.
“Let us have a bath, Grandson. Then we shall swap our tales.”
That sounded good enough to me. So that's what they did.
We marched out into the sunset, all us boys. Big D, as a rooster, looked out over our home.
His wonderful voice echoed off the hills.
“You tell ‘em, Big D,” I said, and buried my fingers in his feathers.
Things were a long way from being right yet.
But in that moment… that was fine. They’d get there.
===========================
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Sorry about the wait on this. One more chapter. I'm going to be taking this month's break starting monday!
Editors: Aaron “Pastafarian” Sofaer, Plasma Regulators, Massgamer,
Comments
georppy
You tell em big D
Ormus Von Orbulon
If Shou and Yukong tag along with the Sworn Brothers, leaving Chen in charge, I can think of SO MUCH plot potential. The rehabilitating SMS watching an Elder of the CSS in the fields. Yukong going over Xiaoshi's ritual and helping Tianlan recover And ALL of them lose at Hockey!
Old Dog
Try Glorified Rice. Dessert dish served cold. Oh, it is not a rice pudding. https://countryatheartrecipes.com/2018/03/glorified-rice-salad/
John D Jones
@ Angua de Blubb Gramps is like 5000 years old or something. Actual finding something he doesn't know about or is new to him is a rare and joyous experience.
John D Jones
Beyond all the Tianlan/Qi/Cultivator stuff, Jin grew up on a farm in Canada during the 21st century on Earth. He knows a lot of modern farming techniques that he can apply in not-China land.
John D Jones
@ Paul Birchenough Vengeance on who, exactly? When last we left the SMS the Patriarch and the Inquisition were about to get killed by the rest of the sect.
John D Jones
@ Gwyn Nah. The funniest possibility is that he looks at it, goggles and asks "WTF is that thing?"
John D Jones
@ Desert Yeti The fact that Hong Xian, a mortal, can grow usable "Lowly Spiritual Herbs" is probably going to shock the hell out of some of the CSS folks.
Idan tal
Well, they kind of have to do it anyway due to the protection agreement.. so that’s a sure thing as long as some of Meimei family still live there.
Len
wrong chapt oops
D J Meigs
Old Dog’s perfect answer aside, 😂it probably does. There’s a number of desserts that use rice, so sweet rice is good and I don’t see why the distinctive maple syrup type of sweetness wouldn’t make it better. Personally I’ve never been a fan of the texture of rice pudding, but it tastes good, and I do like mango sticky rice. No idea how to make either though.
umbrellaes
It was mentioned that Yushang is big fan of Elder Shenhe. She admires her like her personal disciple did.
Old Dog
Thank you. Good points.
Old Dog
Thank you. Good points.
Alex Ingraham
I don't believe we've been given any specific numbers in that regard.
Alex Ingraham
Ummm, why?
Net
I can't wait.
Cranky Otter
Asking the dish dragon for his wisdom & getting “First you lick the plates clean. It’s important to test all the flavor combinations. Then you do a little scrubby-scrub & the dishes are ready for more food.”
Scholar of Endless Knowledge
Thanks. Best story out there
Desert Yeti
I also think that Jim's going to get some rotating farm hands. The Azure Hills are great for teaching ki control and Fa Ram and Hong Yawou are excellent places to learn humility and how to value those weaker than yourself. It's a place where the CSS can put their philosophies in practice. I think they'll regularly send students and disciples to work. I think the CSS may find real value in the Hills, particularly in how the local sects are starting to change.
Laura Hemly
There are enough different characters recovering from enough different battles that not everyone can be mentioned in every chapter, even in passing, without the chapters turning into lists at this point, I suspect. We have Fa Ram folks, SMS folks, CSS folks, assorted relatives, friends, and disciples, Hong Yaowu people, the Lord Magistrate ... it's a good-sized cast at this point! So CF jumps around a bit, and cliffhangers are often not addressed for another chapter or two, I've noticed, in reading several different web serials. It's just the style.
Laura Hemly
🤣🤣
Aesoir
I do think this may also be more utilitarian in nature, remember they were working on Shen Yu in the scene, and Ri Zu has first hand demonic spike removal knowledge from treating Shenhe. Considering many of the shrouded mountain disciples still has spikes and impurities, it’s immediately applicable knowledge. (No amount of theory can fully prepare people for real scenarios, when it comes to demonic corruption, Ri Zu is the expert)
Aesoir
Also Ri zu has first hand knowledge on the artificial demon recovery procedure, and would have some best practices regarding pit falls in their treatment. (Such as containing or removing uninfected areas of flesh around a spike, since it attempts to grow when removing. For example)
Angela Roberts
I'm feeling sorry for Shenshe. She's got a few more shocks coming her way and while she may feel a bit vindicated, maybe, she's got a lot of mental adjusting to do. Meanwhile, the family scene is just, yes. Downtime. And Ri Zu is teaching Mei and no awkward. I forgot how much Mei likes learning medical knowledge.
Kali Smith
Thank you!!! Very nice
umbrellaes
I assume MeiMei is being taught how properly treat cultivators. Because Lushi thought Ri Zu methods were more mortals like rather than cultivators. So Ri Zu has learned how to address cultivator injures properly and shows her master what she learned.
Truedragon5374
Do we know how many SMS were rescued from the demons? The way it is written, it could be anywhere from 5 to 30. I just want to know how many SMS members Fa Ram is tending to.
umbrellaes
Yushang going to become Elder Shenhe personal disciple 💯
Truedragon5374
Shen Yu to Elder Ge while drinking Fa Ram mead "And then my student turned into a chicken, allowing me to cut the bastard's head off!".
Truedragon5374
Didn't Meiling already add the recipe to the Archives? "OH, you want the recipe? Just go to the public library. " lol
Truedragon5374
When it comes to Chi, I imagine "Dragon" is a Very recognizable flavor.
Truedragon5374
You just know Nezan will love sly taunting the SMS members, especially Xang, knowing the CSS will keep him safe.
Truedragon5374
Jin and Bowu need to invent the printing press so they can mass publish those
Truedragon5374
And the SMS will think it's hidden master training.
Truedragon5374
Not just her aunt. Her whole family line is descended from "the foolish brother." VINDICATION
Truedragon5374
I hope and pray the CSS Herb Elder shows up. Despite his respected position on the council the CSS doesn't seem to out much importance on soirit herb growing. If I remember the Herb Elder went into closed door cultivation (wich can last for years) with only the outer students tending the gardens almost without supervision. I can totally see the Herb elder coming back to watch Jin at planting season.
Truedragon5374
In alot of Cultivator books, powerful spirit herbs don't just require the right environment. They require crazy specific chi conditions. Sometimes literal shrines are build around a small herb garden to draw I exactly the right kinds of ambient chi in exactly the right amounts. I know oC is kind of light on such rules, but the idea that Jin can grow that stuff in his fireplace and bathhouse is like saying he can grow Napa Valley grapes in a window box. It's nuts!
Old Dog
Wonder if any of the SMS members will hit on her?
Old Dog
Wa Shi.
Old Dog
The Hong Yao Wu Maple Leaf's represent!
Old Dog
If they don't know the value, is it really bragging?
Truedragon5374
Does anyone know if maple syrup on white rice tastes good.
Ch W
Thanks for the chapter call-out, Randall. I'll go re-read it. I just realized, now that the General moves we could have him spotted all over the Farm and even traveling around Verdant Hills for more fun.
Old Dog
Be interesting if she assists in the mending of Nezan's core.
Old Dog
The Hong Yao Wu Maple leaves represent! Should be a great game.
Old Dog
Agreed. So many "hidden gem" reactions and responses yet to come.
Old Dog
The response to the Silver Yin Lotus growth should be one for the CSS record books.
Old Dog
As always, thank you for the chapter. A most excellent chapter indeed. As always, another to be savored. Love Shenhe's thoughts and reactions. EDIT: 72 days. 2nd EDIT: Nobody has commented on Mei Mei's intent. And what was Mei Mei being taught?
Gwyn
If Elder Shou visits, I need him to identify The Mystery Yam from book 1.
Weebeedee
Excellent chapter
Trevor Mergen
Thanks!
Gray Code
People being surprised by unexpected giant snowmen has just straight up become part of his mythos.
matthew gilley
I'm pretty excited to see the Cloudy Sword Sect's reaction to this. I'm guessing a massive war cry and somethings unexpected
Aesoir
The only problem in this chapter is that it doesn’t address nezin’s core. Which was the “cliff hanger” from last chapter. Obviously there may be no reason to immediately fix it, but a comment from Jin saying “for now the core seems to be stable, 1 night shouldn’t hurt anything.” Or something like that would probably be good.
Beggar of Freedom
Divines bless your kind heart!
Guber
Great chapter! I had forgot that Jin had super rare herbs growing like invasive ivy around his property. I am looking forwards to hear how the SMS people will react to what was happening at their sect!
Peter Gerganov
Do we know it's his bond with Tianlan that's causing it and not his mastery of the plant tending technique he synthesized from the books in CSS? I recall there was some comment by Lu Ri (I think) that Jin's Art is quite sublime and requires masterful Qi manipulation to do right. There's healing techniques that can tell a practitioner how well the patient's body is doing and what it needs. Maybe his one does similar but for plants
Patanahi
Thanks for the chapter!
Ю Р
They had few "tea parties" during his last visit to CSS, and she has a major crush, though she doesn't show it outwardly.
Just A Dude
Yup.
Paul Birchenough
I've been waiting for 5 chapters for someone to fill Shenhe in about the changes at the Shrouded Mountain, and that she's probably gone from being a pariah to being the sister of the now historically re-evaluated tragic betrayed hero of the sect. I want my righteous anger and vows of vengence, and Nezan being hired as her sneaky instrument of vengence when he gets reincarnated? rebodied? exdeadified? and she goes back to the sect.
Jon Dough
Thank you for the chapter!! I literally reread the story, from volume 1 back to here, since the v5ch53 release. Love the story you're telling. Can't wait for the next chapter and hoping you have an amazing break!!
Namorat
Every chapter is soothing. It's like bathing my soul.
Juli Freixi
Thanks a lot~
Deiskos
>mein of a fierce general mien
Menthewarp
Is Lu Ri's fiancee... canon?
Orims
Don't forget that the bond tells Jin what plants need to grow and when they will be ready to harvest down to hour intervals. He only I showing these plants in these vierd places because they help mimic the specific conditions they need.
Catherine
She could also send the recipe for the mundane version that doesn’t require dragon lightning. Just the regular lightning :)
C0bra$
Thank u for the story
Michael Foat
Cloudy sword witnesses? I'm down
Demian Buckle
Thank you for the Chapter.
Catherine
Ooh it’s still winter. They should teach the shrouded mountain sect ha qi!
Angua de Blubb
Gramps got really excited to see something he didn't have a clue about, it was adorable 🥰
Catherine
Thanks for the chapter. I enjoyed it a lot, especially Shenhe’s pov. It’s always fun seeing Fa Ram from an outsiders perspective. I’d like to see the PoV of the cloudy sword sect elders when they get Shen Yu’s message. That should be fun! :D
Anzer'ke
"“Was that all they sent?” “Nah, the Silver Yin Lotus is taking over the damn bathhouse.” Gramps snorted. Then he chuckled. Then the old man started roaring with laughter." Wait a minute...searching...searching...! That's the same thing that he and Ge shared a cup of the dew from in Vol3! The one that they failed to find together when they were kids. Well damn. I can see why he's laughing at Jin casually growing enough of it for it to take over the bathhouse. If Elder Ge is coming then I cannot wait to see his reaction when Shen Yu invites him to take a bath.
Anzer'ke
Absolutely adore that baffled, 'Lowly?!' reaction. Wonder if Meimei might send along a cask of the good lightning infused stuff for attention of Master Lishu. Her thanks for him taking care of her disciple. Cue more freakout reactions among the SMS. XD
KnightRider007
yah, it's an unusual one. "mien" = "face, persona, projected attitude" "mein" = "noodles"
leopard eye
I so hope it's not just cloudy sword but also one soaring heaven representative elder that takes her two disciples along.
Angel
What a wonderful chapter!! It really pulled on my heart strings and as always I can’t get enough of your story! Your treatment of Shenhe is masterful, showing both her incredible strength and her big, soft heart. With very few words you paint a picture of a woman who has overcome incredible odds to become who and what she is, while somehow retaining her value for life, connection with her people, and loyalty to her sect. I hope we get more of her POV as she unravels and is, essentially, born anew. Thank you, as always, for this incredible story and I hope you’re feeling better!
Idan tal
Thanks for the great chapter! I do believe that the answer to his grandpa should have been some like “there are plenty more around the house, and the silver yin lotus is taking over the bathhouse”. It’s not just these two problematic plants he got.
Angel
@wonderbread459 😂😂😂
Cranky Otter
I appreciate the little snippets of business: Of course the Torrent Rider & Shaggy Two are taken by stories of the Outrider who protected regular people. Shenhe, whose team did the bulk of demon routing losing someone dear. Curious what Babe wrote on the wood - part of a conversation or one of those inspirational plaques? Gramps grinning wildly at a stack of corpses. Xiulan feeding the only one who makes funnier food noises than she does, stuff like that.
Alex Hoaglund
great as always do what you need to do to keep up the quality
Randall Brynsvold
Wait until she meets the dragon.
Aki_Iokua18
Well Washy’s contribution was lightning based, and the SMS’s main scripture’s all about the zappy-zap.
WonderBread459
"Do you have a moment to discuss the teachings of our lords and saviours, The Founders?"
Cranky Otter
I was so worried about the grenhouses during the demon battle. But it seems the demons were focused on the people & spirit beasts, not on their treasures.
Randall Brynsvold
Elder Zeng has to be the Patriarch's descendant. I would guess at least a couple of generations down, since the Patriarch had been in power for a while and Zang Zeng has relatively young sons.
Bi-Dailey
TFTC
Rune Shadow
Yeah they're all happy to be safe but grieving for what they've lost on the way to getting there
Anime Problem
Watching Jin ascend an entire province is going to be hilarious yes but just imagine the comedy of sects trying to stop the paradoxical luck magnet that is Jin from meeting the right and wrong people all the time.
Alex Ingraham
Bittersweet?
Alex Ingraham
B-bbut it's so fun watching them face-plant when running into Jin!
Randall Brynsvold
Don't count Nezan out; he impressed Shenhe and after she gets the straight story from Summer's Sky, she might want to get to know him better. (Of course, after his core fragment is recharged and mended.)
linkhyrule5
Well, it's both I think. The bond is the sort that amplifies your natural talents; Jin was very good at growing stuff, then he pursued a path of cultivation that amped that up to "absurdly supernaturally good at growing stuff." Still basically his core talent, tho~
Randall Brynsvold
As I've said before, I hope that Lu Ri gets back from his demonic cultivator base investigation before the Shroudless Mountain elders leave, so that he may have an opportunity to educate them in the wisdom of the CSS Founders and give them pamphlets.
Randall Brynsvold
She wants to find a reason to visit, and if a delegation from the CSS is invited, she should just invite herself along.
Randall Brynsvold
Yes, he was mostly built before Xiulan, Tigu, Xianghua, and Yin arrived before the solstice, and everyone completed him together the day after they arrived, while Gou Ren was recovering from his night with Xianghua ("v5c5: Hearth and Home", May 11 2024). Immediately the General reached out and became Tianlan's first subordinate.
Peter Gerganov
The CSS has offered Jin to buy high quality herbs from him. Though knowing him, he will just go on and teach some of the CSS disciples when they come to visit without a second thought. From their description as eccentric scholars, I get the sense that at their best (Founders be praised!), the Cloudy Sword are just uber-geeks at heart.
Alex Ingraham
That was F-ing hilarious and I am SO looking forward to Jin and Co. learning about that history 🤣
Cranky Otter
For my Single Tear drinking game, Rangpur lime gin with tonic.
Alex Ingraham
Ummm, why is it the perfect time?
Alex Ingraham
I'm just considering this after reading your comment, but unless CF REALLY wants to add ANOTHER character to keep track of from SMS, then the SMS' reactions will be confined to already named characters (e.g. Shenhe, Han, Yingwen, Fenxian, etc.). And let's be honest, at this point, even people like me (who love re-reading/re-listening to this series) are having trouble keeping track of minor side-characters...
Cranky Otter
Finally someone who knows how special the herbs are sees them blithely being grown on Fa Ram. Interesting that Shenhe can ID the dragon influence on MeiMei’s meds.
Jo
So good! Can’t wait to see the elders of the CSS descend. I’m thinking the medicine CSS elder would be willing to declare Meiling his next successor lol. I also can’t wait to see the next iteration of demonic chi purification technique! I wonder what Shenhe’s reaction will be to meeting Lu Ri- will another fall to senior brothers charms?! Babe is a GOAT
Laura Hemly
Ri Zu knows all the herbs well now after her studies and work with Dr Lishu and the SMS patients.
Kendra
I'm glad your feeling better!
ItWasIDIO!!
But how.. in the bath...a firep- IT IS NOT LOWLY SP- AAAAAHHHHH
Laura Hemly
By the way, CF, you misspelled "mien." It's one of those "I before E" words. 😉
CringeWorthyStudios
Yeah! We’ve still gotta see Jin ascend an entire gods damned province to the divine realm.
Sean Ulrich
Lu Ri is a good egg
CringeWorthyStudios
That was in the spirit realm though.
Lanter
Oooh, actual Cloudy Sword Elders incoming. Time to speed dial some war gods. Lu Ri is going to get all the extra credit points haha. Shenhe is such a great POV, we get to finally see how insane Fa Ram and everyone is from a "normal" person lol.
jeffrey niski
I can't wait for the plant elder from the CSS to come to the farm and just go dumb from seeing how everything is growing.
Laura Hemly
I hope Meiling has found time to change one of her too-small dresses for Peppa. She's much too good a servant to be stuffed into uncomfortably small clothing while helping the CSS folks.
Mark Greenberg
I hope Su Ge comes with them. I'd like more interaction between her and Lu Ri. Maybe seeing another woman hitting on her betrothed will encourage her to let her true feelings show.
Laura Hemly
Babe's cutting practice obviously paid off when he was faced with the demons. He deserves the praise!
Mark Greenberg
She and Elder Zeng and all their disciples still need to see the SMS history lesson and find out the latest about the sect civil war. How will Shenhe react to learning her aunt WASN'T a traitor? Will Zeng react like his son or like his brother (I assume the current, possibly deceased, patriarch is his brother)?
The GrandMage
In some ways, you'd suspect it to be a Pearlescent Flame Bud, since Jin mentions it in the first volume where he contemplates how most would make a pill out of it but maybe those who contemplate it actually ascend. Especially since it takes, like, a thousand years to grow and perhaps only the actual flower part of it's lifecycle is actually known.
Laura Hemly
And as I recall, Shen Yu was the smartass who gave them that ridiculous name. When Shenhe hears Jin calling them that and she reacts with confusion, it must seem to her like he's humble bragging! I also wonder if Lu Ri knows how enthusiastically the various herbs are growing at Fa Ram. Shen Yu hasn't even yet seen the ones growing in the tunnels that Huo Ten dug out! And when Cloudy Mountain folks arrive, they'll be thrilled, I suspect, as they buy every leaf they can!
Rakkis157
Elder Shou: *spits blood*
mag28
Pretty sure tigu stepped out from behind him, the genral, to slash at the guy that teleported away.
Laura Hemly
Thanks so much for creating another wonderful chapter in spite of having to deal with your nasty head cold. I hope that writing these upbeat, warm chapters help you feel as much better as they make us feel happy!!
Dirk Gent Lee
This chapter gave me chills. I love the perspective changes when we see how crazy Jin’s worldview is
Sean Ulrich
Wait. Wait wait. Isn’t this a perfect time for Lu Ri’s fiancé to come visit? As part of the Cloudy Sword Sect’s investigation squad?
Sean Ulrich
Especially since Shen Yu was the one who named them
Randall Brynsvold
They all have to be *awake* before that can happen. It seems that Wa Shi will have some admirers (notably Shenhe) once *he* wakes up. Shenhe seeing the lightning dragon, in the sky or working in Mei's lab: 😳😱🤩
Sean Ulrich
Also seeing a giant sentient snow golem. The General deserves respect.
Randall Brynsvold
CF did say what it was in the Discord channel "the-world-of-boc" last November (11/12/23). Search for "the root is" from any of the Casual's Farm channels and you'll find CF's redacted explanation near the top of the results. (To see what is hidden, copy the text and paste it elsewhere.)
Saaski
The hilarious part is, they wouldn’t even have to ask. Jin will inevitably be trying to fix some of the damage to Fa Rum while they are there. (Unless they don’t stay there for longer than an hour or two) So the chances of the members of Fa Rum, including Jin, just Doing those “secret techniques” in front of them is quite high. 😂
Andrew Denton
😂They'll be beaten by the Inhabitants. 😆
ENK
Nice chapter. It'll be fun to see how the Shrouded Mountain sect members react to it all. First being rescued, then finding out that Bi De and the rest more or less started a civil war within the sect and that the foundation of the sect was a lie. But that might need to wait for them to have been treated a bit more, I'd guess most of them are still quite riddled with demon qi and poisons etc.
jordan coli
It never ceases to amuse me how good Jin is at growing stuff. Given his "Lowly spiritual herbs" were great quality before leaving the sect , this isn't even a side effect of his bond, He is just that good at growing stuff lmao
ENK
a few proofreading things: regards to Zang Li., yet it looked - punctuation mark Better out of the way now, then letting it - than, not then
Valderan
The greenhouse would be an insane novelty and treasure trove to most people I'm sure.
Insertnamehereokokipressedokok
Thanks CF, hope you feel better soon.
Matsc
Nope, still just hanging out in its pot. Not even Gramps had any idea what it was, and Jin didn't want to risk running tests on it to find out.
AntiMugen
As is tradition, the Fa Ram Maple Leafs definitely won't win, they'll be beaten *somehow*.
Guilherme Bezerra
Elder Shenhe is being introduced to the madness of Fa Ram. If there is a sect left when she returns the stories she is going to tell are going to be thought of as pure madness.
Ope 'scuse me
You have no idea how happy I am to hear that! Thank you for creating such feel good story.
Casualfarmer
This is the cool down period and we are approaching the end of this volume. We still have plenty to go with Beware of Chicken.
Logan
I can’t remember, but did we ever figure out what that one plant was that smelled like pepper and kept making Meimei sneeze?
EqualPhysics
I love the way all of the characters are developed, but I’m particularly excited to see the layers around Shenhe peel back. Her path seems to loosely mirror Xiulan’s, with a repressed personality and a rambunctious ancestor. And like Xiulan her nature seems more boisterous and kind. Seeing her come out of that shell would be so satisfying. Good things happening to good people feels good man.
Rake1810
As many others have said I absolutely cannot wait for the Elders to see Fa Ram, Shen Yu with Rou and Lu Ri as well. Thanks for the update and feel better!
Peter Gerganov
I wonder if the mystery root from way back will have a role to play in digesting the demonic corruption
Ope 'scuse me
So these recent chapters all feel like epilogue chapters. I remember that the AU chapters came from CasualFarmer's feelings of running out of steam. Is this the last arc of BoC?
Gangrelking
From Jin’s original commentary about how it was really really finicky to get it growing and with his comment about how it’s now taking over the bathhouse I imagine the issue with it is just keeping its environment stable at a very specific temp and humidity which is why they are legendary treasures in the wild but if Jin gives Shou the requirements they probably won’t be rare treasures anymore at least among the CSS.
Ch W
Thanks for the chapter. Did they finish building the General Who Commands Winter? I know he was helping throughout the battle, but did he park his form in Tianlan's yard after getting her commendation? Just curious if newcomers are gonna see a *bigass snow golem or not
Tony
I can easily imagine, at least one or two trying to get Jin engaged to at least one of their descendants, Jin's ability to basically grow spiritual herbs, the booze, the maple syrup, so many things they would love to preserve and gain access to them.
Tony
I can help but smile at the thought that the people at the FaRam are so used to things being the way they do that don't seem to understand that, a lot of the things they have are considered incredibly valuable treasures by other sects. in a way its like they are low key bragging about it, a rare herbs being grown at the fireplace and the bath, if any of them gets into the greenhouse, they will probably wont believe that they are simply growing some of the rarest herbs and other vegetables, fruits and flowers in the middle of winter with their own Spirit Bees taking care om them.
D375
100% That would be a blast.
Stark Trist
They have the people now for multiple teams.
Stark Trist
Excited to see a hockey tournament arc!
BigBro Bluesman
This was a moment of happiness I needed thank you kind Sir!
Nick
Tftc
Mitch McNair
I forgot that and it is a great touch. No wonder he laughed so hard.
Max E Malekzadeh
A Gramps POV where he knows both how amazing Jin is doing AND the ridiculousness of how he's doing it would be great right about now. Lol
vardic d
I'm waiting for the conversation where they tell Shenhe her sect imploded in a civil war, and oh her ancestor wasn't a traitor. It was her sect that was keeping dirty secrets.
Adam
Also I'd forgotten that Shen Yu left before Jin planted his new spirit herbs everywhere, that was great.
Adam
This was great. Always love seeing regular cultivators react with confusion to the treasures that are just regular things at Fa Ram, and also very glad that people are getting some time to recover here. A little slice of life after the risk of death.
Empty Shelf
"Lowly Spiritual Herbs", that joke only gets finer with age.
Raraki Kraken
Finally!
MockingBird
God it'd be amazing to see some of the cloudy sword sect elders arrive and react to all of this.
Kreylix
My favorite post-battle chapter. Very satisfying.
bioenthusiast
sweet we get to see elder plant man have a stroke about him treating some super cultivator hu-haw like its kudzu.
amin johari
Time to start a new compost mound, Jin my man! Heck, for safety's sake draw the Demonic Qi off and purify it with Lightning, Ice and your Wood Qi. Return the poor things to the Earth. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Rune Shadow
I really enjoyed this chapter, bittersweet but lovely
Hugh Mungus
Imagi!3 If Elder Shenhe(?), the one with the "traitor" aunt, just stayed. Would be cool and interesting to have a master stay with the Farm. I need to see her reaction to the unorthodoxnes of Fa Ram.
Anime Problem
I can't wait for the stop fucking with Jin alliance to form full of sects dedicated to stopping people from bothering the guy who has a grandpa that will end your sect and an army of the Zodiac dedicated to his house and home. Not to mention a wife who'll poison you mildly for fun and the man himself who is described like before a living mountain of power.
Baldanders
Jin continues to surprise his grandpa. And Babe gets some recognition from the master.
Kasinki
Ah, lovely, lovely, lovely! Thank you for the chapter. Truly wonderful. Hope you've recovered well, CF, and if you're not, you better rest some more!!!! Take care, good sir.
ItWasIDIO!!
Man the jaw dropping on the CSS & the further upset on what they "lost" with their f*ck up of corruption when they stop by
WarStrider72
Peppa is ever the ideal servant. Doling out dragon ball sized furikake gohan.
Josh Meneely
Can't wait to see what those herbs do, and how rare they are supposed to be.
Aki_Iokua18
This is a right purty slice o’ laife. Plenty of time to settle down and heal, plus their guests repeatedly being bashed over the head by kindness. As Chunky’d say “Very good things.”
Ryan Miller
Great chapter, you’re making me dread the upcoming break
CringeWorthyStudios
Considering that I remember Shen Yu mentioning that he and Elder Ge went on an entire quest to find a Silver Yin Lotus when they were younger that is amazing. I really want to see a PoV of this from Gramps’ perspective. That’d be neat. Thanks for the chapter!
Devon
We needed this cool down after the craziness of the raid. Hopely Jin can get some farming done before the next batch of demons show up. :)
WarStrider72
Elder Shou whenever someone calls the Seven Fragranve Jewel Herbs as "Lowly Spiritual Herbs": I sense a disturbance in the force.
Ethan Prince
Thanks for the chapter
WarStrider72
thanks for the chapter boss!
WarStrider72
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