La bendición del Oficial del Cielo, vol. 2

天官赐福 [Tiān Guān Cì Fú] #2

by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù, Javier Román García (Translator)

Xie Lian, el voluntarioso pero algo desafortunado Príncipe Heredero de Xianle, que ascendió al reino celestial tres veces para volver a descender otras tantas, está dispuesto a redimirse ante el resto de los inmortales. Para ello, debe llevar a cabo una serie de misiones y resolver misterios que trascienden los tres reinos: el celestial, el mortal y el fantasma.

Pero como en la vida de Xie Lian nada es sencillo, en sus viajes se ha asociado con un joven llamado San Lang que, en realidad... ¡es el rey fantasma Hua Cheng, conocido también como Lluvia de Sangre que Busca a la Flor, una de las Cuatro grandes plagas!

Xie Lian es consciente de que debería alejarse de él, pero Hua Cheng, pese a su terrorífica reputación, se muestra amable y protector con él, y algo en el interior del inmortal parece florecer en compañía del rey fantasma.

Y cuando una nueva misión los lleva directamente al Mercado Fantasma, Xie Lian comprobará que tener de aliado al amo y señor del lugar puede ser una auténtica bendición.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, Queer, Fiction, Historical, China

468 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Associated Names:
* 墨香铜臭 (Chinese)
* Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù
* โม่เซียงถงซิ่ว (Thai)
* 묵향동후 (Korean)
* Мосян Тунсю (Russian)

Reviews

[el · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want this novel buried with me

[Claudia Lomelí · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estoy amando, ya voy a empezar el volumen 3.

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ‘Rolling Dice With Heated Stares And Soft Touches’ Stars! *fans myself again*

My Brief Summary:

Off to the Ghost City we go! Xie Lian is given a task by the heavenly officials, which he is more than happy to go on if it means the chance to possibly see his new/old friend San Lang aka Hua Cheng, who rules over the city and is one of the four calamities and a supreme ghost. The Ghost City (as its name suggests) holds all kinds of ghosts with trouble that may come in between him completing his mission.

Xie Lian has been warned of Hua Cheng, but when the two are together, no one can deny how different Crimson Rain Sought Flower is to our prince than to anyone else. Will Xie Lian be able to complete his mission? What happens when a familiar boy with bandages appears again? What other difficulties will arise? What lies between Hua Cheng’s and Xie Lian’s chemistry and connection?

Thoughts:

Oh my! Our slow burn continues on, and I am obsessed with HuaLian! Just when I thought Hua Cheng would take awhile to come back, he didn’t leave us or Xie Lian waiting for long! Can’t keep these two apart, and I am grateful for it.

Let’s dive into the good stuff.

What we get:
-GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS ART!
-Wacky ghosts
-Sensual gambling (with adorable half eaten buns as a prize for one fine gentleman in particular)
-Oblivious companions
-Interior design conversations (iykyk - just live together!!)
-The reverse Ariana Grande ‘You want it, you got it!’ from Hua Cheng to Xie Lian
-The introduction to a scimitar named Eming
-Low-key High-key innuendos everywhere
-Side character shenanigans
-Fighting scenes
-Shoulder touches/massage
-A heartbreaking and lovely bandaged boy that is basically adopted by Xie Lian and us (readers)
-Moments where those who have a degradation kink might really enjoy :):)
-Tomfoolery everywhere
-Painful scenes
-HuaLian moments too pure for words that are just enough, but never enough!

Characters
>Xie Lian: An angel and a badass rolled into one being! He either doesn’t give an f*ck what others think, will fight his beliefs, is self-sacrificing, or just shooting (unknown to himself) heart-eyes at Hua Cheng. There is no in betweens for me when it comes to him.
>Hua Cheng: The ‘I hate everyone but you’ energy is so strong with him, and I eat up every moment of it. HC is a simp in the purest sense, and I hope you never change! Also I am, respectfully, in love with you.

This story is primarily adventure based, but gets really emotional, funny, dark, mysterious and inspiring! I can’t wait to see what lies in store for our main characters, and for the readers!

P.s. If you can’t find me, it’s because I’m still rolling around laughing on the ground after Xie Lian said he can’t get erect to a random stranger. BYEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Would I recommend this and to who:
Yes!! For those who loveeee a good slow burn!
And you better love it or fear the wrath of us HuaLian simps (primarily maya and anmol will bring the hellfire)!
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
Paperback
How did I discover this:
anmol!! maya, lila and I get to tagalong for the adventure and fall in love with the volumes more and more as we go!
Pace:
Medium
POV:
Xie Lian

Quotes:
”Hua Cheng chuckled lighting” … “Xie Lian’s heart skipped a beat”

“Whether you’re here to see me or not, I’m happy either way.”

“A home has a family. A place where someone lives alone is not a home … if it’s home, then even a small place like Puqi Shrine is a million times better than my Paradise Manor.”

“If you ask, I’ll deliver”

“fight me and you will surely die.”

“Does that mean everytime I roll a two, I can see you?” … “If you want to see me, it won’t matter what you roll. I will appear.”

“The moment Hua Cheng left, Xie Lian immediately sense the void behind him and turned around in a rush, running a few steps after him.”

“Those who are destined to shine, I must let them shine.”

“If one day I ascend, I will surely do all that I said today and become a power to behold!”

Triggers:
Violence, Gore, Blood, Injury, Body Horror, Death, Abuse, Torture, Murder, Grief, Kidnapping, Swearing, War/Battles, Abandonment, Cannibalism, Illness, Bullying, Toxic Relationships, etc.


_______________________________


Here for the “plot” and “story-building” 🤭 yup that's what I'm invested in!

BR with the babes - anmol, maya and lila

[anmol · Rating 5 out of 5]

its hualians world and we're just living in it 🧎🏻‍♀️

also ily han and lila for finally reading this with me i cant wait for us to read the next volumes 🥺 and maya needs a special mention for giving me the motivation to finish this by being slower than me at times <3 jk you know ilyt
_

reread: i still feel im dreaming omggggg am i finally meeting my babies my precious hualian shjsjsjsks 😭😭

br with my loves hanna, maya and lila plslovehualianplslovehualianplslovehualian
_

“But to some, the very existence of a certain person in this world is in itself hope.”

Don't look at me, I'm bawling my eyes out already and I've been told it??? gets??? worse??? The worst mistake I did was to read Arc 2 while listening to "One Flower, One Sword" on loop.

THE LAST THREE CHAPTERS WHAT WERE THEY OHMYGOD MY BABY HUA CHENG HE IS SO PRECIOUS I HATE HATE HATE QI RONG FOR WHAT HE DID TO MY HC

“If you want to see me, it won’t matter what you roll. I will appear.”

THE GAMBLING DEN. THE GAMBLING DEN. THE GAMBLING DEN.

I don't think I ever screamed and giggled and blushed this much before and Hua Cheng was just holding Xie Lian's hands ffs. No but seriously, I ascended during this scene. OHMAHGOD HOW HOT CAN THIS DUDE BE??? And then he had to go and be all whipped with Xie Lian and pretending to teach him the correct posture while just looking for a reason to touch his future husband crush and OML THIS SCENE WAS EVERYTHING.

This book. This fucking book. I cried as much as I laughed while reading this. HuaLian has become my new religion and idfc.

Xie Lian was still so perfect and adorable but who fucking knew he was a fucking savage underneath. The power HuaLian would hold once they get together oof- His backstory had me in tears and ohmg HOW THE FUCK CAN ANYONE HATE ON THIS GEM OF A MAN??

“But if you want to follow me back to Ghost City, you’re very welcome to.”

You should've gone, Xie Lian. Also, the way Hua Cheng's scimitar is as much in love with Xie Lian as its master- aaaahhh so fucking cute. The art? CUTERRRRR

I can talk about these two for hours but I'll move on to the most perfect non-binary icon to ever exist- SHI QINGXUAN I LOVE YOU AND MARRY ME PLS🧎🏻‍♀️

Also, Feng Xin and Mu Qing, please fuck if you haven't already. And if you have, do it again.

[Niusha]

Hualian: *look at each other*
Me, in tears: ~I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP~



______________________
8 volumes … 2023???????
I’ll die waiting this long😐

[Sunshine_Honey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is simultaneously the slowest of slow burns but also ridiculously horny. Like these two clowns are so in love with each other, it's kinda embarrassing. That being said, this is one of my favorite series and it only gets better as you go along.

[Night Lantern · Rating 5 out of 5]

2/2/22
13 more days till we get to see this:


and this:


and especially THIS:


A 13 day wait...


...but we can do it!


:)
12/11/21
We have the cover!





They are so beautiful!!

[maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

But to some, the very existence of a certain person in this world is in itself hope.

happy to announce that hualian has officially joined my list of couples-that-are-literal-soulmates alongside wangxian and manacled dramione 🥹💘

-------

thank you hanna & lila (for your infinite patience with me) and anmol (for always letting me be an insufferable pain in your ass) 💗

-------

BE STILL, MY HUALIAN HEART. SLDJFSLKDDSLK IT FEELS LIKE I'VE WAITED LIFETIMES FOR THIS 😭

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'Chengzhu and his Dianxia' stars

The Ghost City part was perfect. I love every moment of hualian beeing together, especially because they are so cute with each other - Xie Lian so adorably awkward and I know that Hua Cheng is surely panicking inside a little, despite being totally confident and sexy on the outside.




my gifs




And all these scenes having such sexy double meanings is pure perfection 😄

He lowered his head and diligently studied the gesture that Hua Cheng showed him.
"Like this?" he asked.
The smile curving Hua Cheng's lips deepened. "Hm. That's right, just like that."

Gif by inahochi





my gifs

"Do you like it?" Hua Cheng asked.
"I do!" Xie Lian replied.
"Do you like it a lot?" Hua Cheng asked again.
"Very much!" Xie Lian exclaimed.
[...]
"Has gege found any that he particulary fancies?" Hua Cheng spoke up again.
Xie Lian's entire face was bright and glowing, and he was unable to stop singing praises. "Yes! Yes! All of them!"
"Originally, I was thinking gege didn't have any useful weapons on hand, so if there was anything here you fancied you could just take it for yourself," Hua Cheng said. "But since gege likes them all, I'll give them all to you."

The flasback part (actually it's a whole long arc) was also interesting but I missed Hua Cheng, of course 🥺 however, we at least met Hong-er. Poor baby must be protected at all costs 😭😭😭 (I hate Qi Rong, just saying!!!)


my gif



Gif by ohsehuns



Fanart by PUNU

Teenage Tai Zi Dianxia is just so extra! I mean, I expected it (let's be honest, he's still plenty extra ✨) but it's also kind of funny, seeing him so young and being such a diva.


Fanart by CIAN

"Then, Dianxia, let me ask you. What if the heavens really do condemn you? Will you apologize then?"
"If that should happen, then the heavens are wrong. I am right. I will stand against the heavens and defy them until the end."

Xie Lian kind of reminds me of Wei Wuxian in this regard. My boys know they're right and they won't back down. I really admire them for that and it breaks my heart how they were both discarded by people around them because of that.

'When humans ascend, they become gods; when humans fall, they become ghosts.'
...
'But remember: when humans ascend, they are still human... when they fall, they are still human.'

Since it was in the first trailer for TGCF S2 this song always reminds me of gambler's den 🎲🎲




5 'silver butterflies' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'Chengzhu and his Dianxia' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4,5 'flowers and lanterns' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
5 '😭😢🥺' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 'The calm before the storm' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 'Body in abyss, heart in paradise' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
tbr
tbr

[siu · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GAMBLING DEN ARC. FINALLY. FINALYYYYYYY👹👹👹

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

El Volumen 2 de La bendición del oficial del cielo (Tian Guan Ci Fu) es hermoso —y, dato de color, lo estaba leyendo en el momento que cumplí mis 24 años.

El primer libro nos introdujo el mundo, los dioses, la burocracia celestial y esa dinámica espectacular, genial, grandiosa entre Xie Lian y el misterioso hombre de rojo, el Rey Fantasma que derrotó a casi todos los dioses del Cielo solo para probar algo, el gran dueño de la Ciudad Fantasma: Hua Cheng ✨

Este segundo libro expande el corazón de la historia. Pero vamos de a poco.

La primera parte gira alrededor de la misión de Xie Lian en la Ciudad Fantasma: Un lugar donde podés apostar años de vida de tus familiares, la suerte de tus enemigos, partes de tu cuerpo y tu propia alma.

Y ahí, obviamente, está él: Hua Cheng. El hombre cuya sola presencia hace que cualquier dios se paralice del terror… excepto Xie Lian. Dios, el encuentro que tienen en la Ciudad Fantasma es divertidísimo. La tensión. Hua Cheng, que siempre gana, apuesta contra Xie Lian, que siempre pierde, y lo leí sonriendo todo el tiempo. Entre apuestas macabras y criaturas demoníacas, y siendo Hua Cheng quien está a cargo de todo eso, el Rey Fantasma es suave y está perdidamente enamorado... y todos en ese lugar se dieron cuenta, pero se hicieron los boludos.

Ahora, la segunda parte del libro es una especie de gran flashback de lo que ocurre 800 años antes, cuando Xie Lian aún era el príncipe heredero amado por todo Xianle❤️‍🩹. Esta parte directamente me destruyó emocionalmente. Acá vemos quién era Xie Lian antes de haber ascendido y descendido tantas veces, antes de haber visto a su reino ser derrotado, antes de ser odiado por toda la gente que él solo quería proteger. Spoiler: Xie Lian era (y sigue siendo) el ser humano más bueno del mundo entero, un chico que miraba el mundo con tanta BONDAD capaz de darlo todo para salvar a quienes necesitaban ser salvados.

En este pasado de hace 800 años, aparecen Feng Xin y Mu Qing en su versión joven, servidores leales de Xie Lian. Vemos cómo empezó todo, las diferencias de clase, las presiones, las injusticias y el inicio de la rivalidad entre las futuras deidades.

También aparece, POR SUPUESTO, el primo de Xie Lian. No voy a decir quién es porque es algo que descubrimos en la primera parte del libro, pero este ser… todavía en su versión adolescente, es un desastre ambulante, egoísta, cruel y desagradable… y está en el centro del reino de Xianle. Un augurio de mala suerte personificado.

Pero hablemos de lo que realmente importa: Un niño que aparece de la nada, caído del cielo. Un niño que huye de todos, menos de Xie Lian, a quien se aferra con todas sus fuerzas. Un niño que trae la peor suerte del mundo y nadie debería tocarlo si no quieren arriesgarse a una vida de desgracia. Y Xie Lian le salva la vida, lo abraza y lo deja llorar en sus brazos. Todos sabemos quién es ese niño solo porque no podría haber sido otra persona, no? Un chico condenado desde el nacimiento y que mira a Xie Lian como si fuera la mejor persona que existe. Todos lo sabemos, pero no importa: funciona igual. Duele igual. Y es hermoso.

Hua Cheng no idolatra a Xie Lian porque sea un dios (como si). Lo idolatra porque, cuando era un niño, solo, maldecido y repudiado por todos, Xie Lian lo tocó sin miedo, lo salvó y quiso protegerlo de la soledad a la que estaba condenado. Y digo quiso porque todavía no sé lo que pasó después!!!

Este es el súper inicio de todo. Como ya sabíamos, Xie Lian representa el exceso de compasión, tan mal visto en el taoísmo: su tragedia, su caída, su sufrimiento, todo nace de ese mismo impulso que lo hace abrazar a un niño maldito sin dudarlo. Y lo amo por eso.

Este libro es hermoso, triste, tierno, cruel y poético. Me siento emocionalmente comprometida.

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: TGCF is one of the best love stories I've ever read, and getting to relive it is a blessing in and of itself.

Here are some more book illustrations:



Leave the world and come live with me




You wanna see butterflies




I have loved you since I was 5 and you were 17

[literarylesbian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely liked this better than the first.

[灰 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I don’t get this novel engraved on my tombstone, I’m haunting mfs. I MEAN IT!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kocham chińskich gejuw

[Beatrice in Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To some, the very existence of a certain person in this world is in itself hope."

don't talk to me, hualian own my heart and i want to cry

[Sava (Fang Runin’s version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Not five stars because some parts of the story are lacking or odd.

“I won’t forget. I will never forget!”

“Then, who will save me?”

“And if you disrupt the course of the game and scatter the pieces on the board, another hand will certainly appear, which will return the pieces you scattered to their place.”

“When human ascend, they are still human… When they fall, they are still human.”

[Ryofire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great volume in the series! The art looks gorgeous, and I love rereading this. It's funny and cute and all the little character moments are lovely. It's also fun because a lot of people say that Xie Lian is dumb (including MXTX), but honestly this volume really shows that he's quite intelligent. He just doesn't show it off.

I also love seeing how much Feng Xin and Mu Qing care for Xie Lian, in their own ways. To be fair, that's mostly Feng Xin, though even Mu Qing goes out of his way to help Xie Lian by bringing him medicine when he's hurt. But it is nice to see that they still have their bond.

Hua Cheng being so madly in love with Xie Lian is adorable, and Xie Lian really liking him back is wonderful.

Besides the relationships, I really love this for emphasizing young Xie Lian's belief in doing what's right by people, and how he's kind of anarchistic (though, with a sense of naivete; obviously he appreciates being waited on hand and foot, obeyed, and eating nice things and having easy storage for all his weapons). But his heart's in the right place kind of for a very spoiled rich kid.

The story also continues to show how low an opinion Xie Lian has of himself and his "failures", and how that wars with what little pride he has - and he is proud, in his own way. It's very heart-wrenching, particularly when he focuses on helping others rather than proving his own character. He'd rather do what's right than be loved, which is endearing.

There's also really important conversations to be had about agency, consent, and respect: Xie Lian points out to Hua Cheng, how did knowing the truth help? He didn't want Qianqiu to know the truth for valid reasons. And Hua Cheng just came in and wrecked it without asking first. Of course Xie Lian walks it back because he doesn't want to be burdensome and mean, but it's a really neat thing that Xie Lian points out, especially because Hua Cheng listens and, while well-intentioned, acknowledges his mistake.

There's another moment where Hua Cheng emphasizes how he's different from most of the cast in the story: Hua Cheng doesn't want anything from Xie Lian. (I mean obviously he wants Xie Lian to love him and show him affection and sleep with him, but he doesn't personally believe that's possible and has no intention to force Xie Lian into the relationship, or even really court Xie Lian; he's happy to worship from afar, and just help Xie Lian as much as Xie Lian will allow). His father wants him to be a good leader, his mother wants him to visit, Guoshi, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing want him to act more in accordance with his station, Jun Wu expects a lot, Qi Rong wants his idol/for Xie Lian to suffer, etc. Hua Cheng just wants Xie Lian to do what would make Xie Lian happy, absent what others demand of him. Absent even of what Hua Cheng wants of him. "Just focus on what you want to do," Hua Cheng tells him. Hua Cheng is happy if Xie Lian is happy, and knows that a major root of Xie Lian's unhappiness is his willingness to accept too much responsibility and demands from others, especially without help. And I really love that about their relationship.

They still didn't include IPA in the pronunciation section for some reason, which is still bizarre. I imagine part of it was how finished the manuscript was by the time people knew to point out it was an issue, but honestly that should have been something the people making it caught before sending it out, not the responsibility of reviewers to point out. It's still a problem. It needs to be fixed.

Other than that, the book is another enjoyable entry in the series. Look forward to the rest.

[mag_book_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5/5
Było to moje pierwsze zetknięcie z xianxia - chińskim gatunkiem fantasy. Nie wiedziałam czego się spodziewać ale jak to bywa z popularnymi książkami, sama musiałam się przekonać czy jest to coś dla mnie.

No i mam problem bo spodobało mi się i wpadłam w nową mini obsesję

Xie Lian był bóstwem dwa razy i dwa razy spadł z niebios. Teraz, gdy ponownie doznał wstąpienia, nie ma już wyznawców, a jego reputacja wśród śmiertelników jak i innych niebian jest nadszarpnięta. Chcąc zapracować na ich szacunek, realizuje misje bazujące na ratowaniu ludzi przed demonami.
Tylko że jeden z nich - potężny Hua Cheng, nie odstępuje go na krok.

Xian Lian jest bohaterem którego nie sposób nie lubić - pocieszny, o złotym sercu, i ogromnym pechu. Momentami jest niezręczny ale przy tym zabawny, a jego niewinność szczególnie w scenach flirtu z Hua Chengiem jest urocza.
Co do władcy demonów - uwielbiam charyzmatyczne, szare moralnie postacie, które swoją aurą krzyczą, że mogłoby zniszczyć kogoś machnięciem palca ALE dla tej jednej osoby, będą w stanie rozwinąć parasolkę by nie poplamiła jej szaty krwawym deszczem.
Autorka zbudowała coś niesamowitego - powolnie rozwijającą się relacje, gdzie gdy musnęli swoje dłonie, piszczałam z radości. Dawno żaden romans nie wzbudził we mnie takich emocji.

Same misje, były dla mnie ciekawe choć od drugiego tomu, stały się bardziej tłem do spotkań głównych bohaterów oraz rozwoju postaci niż szybkim rozwoju fabuły. Jestem za dużym laikiem by stwierdzić czy są one oparte na prawdziwych mitach ale tworzyły one cudowny klimat oraz potrafiły mnie zaangażować

Styl historii to połączenie horroru i groteski - w czasie walki, rozczłonkowywania przeciwników, dzieją się rzeczy zabawne lub umniejszające drastycznej scenie. To w połączeniu z humorem sytuacyjnym nadawało lekkość historii

Jedyną moją uwagą jest momentami tłumaczenie, któremu wyrywało mnie z decorum świata pojedynczymi wstawkami jak np. „pasztet” w stosunku do nieatrakcyjnej kobiety.

[el · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am so enthralled with the (present day) hualian dynamic that i kept going, “MORE FLASHBACKS?!?!?!?” but then i remembered whose book i was reading…

[Sunny ☀︎ Sunflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
I know what you were doing San Lang. ¬‿¬

[Mika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghost City Arc

Reading through the Ghost City Arc was fun. I was excited to find out what happened next the whole time. The moment inside the Gambling Den felt intimate. Hua Cheng's flirty and teasing attitude was a nice start into this volume. Xie Lian's shyness was sweet too.

[...] Xie Lian lifted his eyes to sneak a peek at the other person and realized that Hua Cheng wasn’t looking at the gambling cup at all. Instead, he was watching him intently with the corners of his mouth curved up. Xie Lian couldn’t help but return that smile [...]

For showing their love to each other I like Hua Cheng's butterflies that watch over Xie Lian the most. For Xie Lian I like the method he uses to calm Hua Cheng down by rubbing his back. He's like a caring mother.

He gently rubbed Hua Cheng’s shoulders a few times, his voice growing soothingly soft. When Xie Lian was younger, whenever he got angry or upset, his parents would always stroke his back like this and comfort him with their gentle voices; thus, he used the same method on Hua Cheng.

The whole undercover spy stuff was making this high-stakes fantasy feel more tense. I even started to wonder what lies behind Hua Cheng's smiling mask he always wears. What is he trying to hide?

I should not comment on the friends you make, but I will still say this: be careful of Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng was always smiling, but Xie Lian knew that his true emotions were always hidden deep within.

This story arc reveals Xie Lian's past further with the focus lying on the conflict between the kingdoms Xianle and Yong'an. The tragedy that resulted from this conflict and the true culprit behind the Gilded Banquet Massacre isn't clear until much later in this story arc. While I enjoyed the mystery around it, the interrogation of Green Ghost Qi Rong went on for too long.

If you want me to fill my heart with hatred like yours, I surely won’t! If you’re going to force me to abandon myself like you did, I refuse! I will never! No matter what you do to me, I will never become like you!!

Flashback Story Arc

The next story arc that got introduced at the end of this volume left me questioning its necessity. The flashbacks have almost no new input to what the reader already knows—it felt too repetitive. It tries to show Xie Lian's past and how he behaved before he ascended to Heaven. The only part that I enjoyed was being able to compare his current self with his past self before he became a God. A new character that seems to be important for this story arc is Honghong-er—a poor and innocent boy with trauma. There is a possibility that one will see more of Hua Cheng's past with this story arc. At least I hope to see more of Hua Cheng's past soon.

Outroduction

I hope that the Flashback Story Arc is not simply info-dumping but giving new input to the past. The Ghost City Arc has lots of backstory concerning Xie Lian, but only glimpses about Hua Cheng's. I'm looking forward to be reading about Hua Cheng backstory next, since he's more mysterious and I believe strongly that his past is more tragic than Xie Lian's.

“You shouldn’t idolize people or think of them as overly perfect,” [...] “If you’re just watching a shadow from afar and never interacting, then sure. But once acquainted and grown close, one day you’ll find that this person isn’t what you imagined, maybe even the complete opposite. When that happens, you’ll be very disappointed.”
[...] “You never know. I don’t care if anyone else is disappointed. But to some, the very existence of a certain person in this world is in itself hope.”

StoryGraph review

[Lyra (Cardan's tail's version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

—🦋 3.25 stars 🦋—

“And just like that, the backs of Xie Liam’s hands were enveloped by Hua Cheng’s palms.”

————about the book————

Age: A
Genres:
Writing Translation: 5/10
Quotes: 6/10
World building: 6/10
Characters: 6/10
Romance: 7/10
My rating: 6.5/10

trigger warnings: Gore, violence, child injury, child abuse (physical), body horror, gaslighting and emotional manipulation, injury detail, blood, death, grief, war, child death, ablism, mentions of suicide, war, torture, cannibalism, etc.0

———my thoughts———

Xie Lian has confirmed that the bewitching youth San Lang is actually Hua Cheng, but he still has trouble matching the terror of his companion’s reputation to the charming young man he knows.
When a distress signal leads Xie Lian into Ghost City, he meets Hua Cheng again.
But before they can catch up, mysteries and secrets must come first...

I don’t really know what to think about this book.
I had the same problems I had with the first book again, but I think I still enjoyed it?
So I don’t know how this review will go, but here we are.
This book was far easier to read than the first.
I think it’s a combination of being used to the translation, and reading it in large chunks.
I’ve said it before, but this series is best consumed by simply sitting and reading for a while.
Just sitting down and reading 100/200 pages.
So you’re in the world, you’re used to it, and nothing disrupts you.
And actually, I think I’m getting used to how it jumps from formal to informal.
I assume it must be something to do with how it’s translated so I can’t really blame the book? I think?
But on the other hand, I love all the little footnotes.
The way they explain the culture, items and phrases!
I almost wish the whole book was like that.
But the thing that kept me reading?
(Anmol, contain your delight)
HULIAN.
I love them sm.
I need MORE. The dice rolling scene had me smiling so much!
But we don’t get enough of them!
Maybe that’s fixed in the next books, but until then I’m left with snippets.
And the flashbacks were...unneeded in my opinion.
The last 100 pages? Just flashbacks.
Not only did it feel unnecessary, but it was also confusing.
I wasn’t sure if we were in the past or present half the time and it irritated me.
But the art! It’s so beautiful! Not only the covers, but the insides too.
So I honestly don’t know what I’m going to think about the rest of the series.
(Because I am going to read at least the next one)

————quotes————

“It seems not even a change of rules can change my luck.”

“A home has a family. A place where someone lives alone is not a home.”

“HE’S HITTING PEOPLE! INCREDIBLE! AMAZING!”

———random extra thoughts———

the art the arttttttttt I love it

Thanks for reading! ❤️

[mery☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

at this point, Heaven Official's Blessing simply owns me, for real. I've just re-read this book, but i want to re-read it again? right now? what is going on?
I'll conclude this extremely eloquent :) review with one of my favourite moments in this volume.

"You shouldn't idolize people or think of them as overly perfect," Xie Lian replied. "If you're just watching a shadow from afar and never interacting, then sure. But once acquainted and grown close, one day you'll find that this person isn't what you imagined, maybe even the complete opposite. When that happens, you'll be very disappointed."

Hua Cheng disagreed respectfully. "You never know. I don't care if anyone else is disappointed. But to some, the very existence of a certain person in this world is in itself hope."

[thedeadlyscimitar · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I don’t usually write this type of review. I typically try to write my reviews with first time readers in mind and therefore tend to avoid spoilers. But since this is a reread and I feel like talking about everything that I love so much about these books, I’m going to go all in on spoilers with this one. Fair warning if you haven’t read this volume yet, it’s probably best to avoid reading this review. There may also be some spoilers for future volumes as well.**

As much as I love the first volume of Heaven Official’s Blessing, I love this second book even more! Book two has some of my personal favorite moments in the entire series. I love the Ghost City Arc and the Gilded Banquet Arc. I’m not quite as crazy about the Pre-Ascension Arc this time around, but there are still some great moments in that arc too!

There are so many beloved scenes in this second book that have become absolutely iconic. The Ghost City Arc has the Gambler’s Den scene where Chengzhu gets hands on in teaching the chronically unlucky and still slightly naive Crown Prince of Xianle the “proper” technique for gambling, much to the confusion of the denizens of Ghost City and the utter delight of all of us Hualian shippers. Then there are the absolutely adorable scenes that take place at Paradise Manor prior to Shi Qingxuan showing up again.

A personal favorite of mine is Xie Lian’s first introduction to Eming. Also, despite the rather unfortunate way things turn out, I love the part where Xie Lian falls onto Hua Cheng’s lap. I simply can’t help picturing the delightful way that Starember drew that scene in the manhua whenever I read it 🤭

Possibly one of my favorite moments in the entire series takes place at the beginning of the next arc, Gilded Banquet Arc. I absolutely LOVE the part where Hua Cheng breaks into the Heavenly Capital to rescue Xie Lian and throws everyone into an uproar! I remember the first time I read this scene. I got so excited that I was literally squealing and kicking my feet while grinning massively like the absolute romantic nutcase that I am. And then Hua Cheng saying: "If you want to see me, it won't matter what you roll. I will appear."🫠❤️

I also really like the Gilded Banquet Arc in general. I feel like this is the first real deep look we get into Xie Lian’s character and the type of person he actually is. It also ties in nicely with his past as the Crown Prince of Xianle, which is explored more thoroughly in the next arc. Just like many other parts of this story, I feel like the Gilded Banquet Arc takes on a whole new dimension when you’re aware of the backstory and context and just what this whole thing really means in terms of Xie Lian’s overall character progression.

Sadly, Jun Wu’s words to Xie Lian following the events in Ghost City, “you worked hard for nothing and pleased no one”, seem to be a common refrain for the unfortunate Crown Prince of Xianle. However, when one is placed in such impossible circumstances, I also feel that Hua Cheng’s statement: “You weren't wrong. No one could've done it better than you,” is equally true. Either way, the one thing that is certain is that Xie Lian’s heart has always been in the right place. He really is just too precious and good for this world!

Obviously, Heaven Official’s Blessing is a story where the past plays a huge role in the present day plot. For that reason, it feels like a totally different experience reading through this story after you’ve already finished it the first time. So many aspects and interactions take on an entirely new meaning once you understand more about the characters, their history and their relationships with one another, as well as any ulterior motives hiding in the shadows. The Gilded Banquet Arc is no exception to this.

This arc introduces us to Qi Rong, an interesting and fairly controversial character. To be honest, Qi Rong is a character that I personally find to be pretty detestable. At the same time, a part of me can’t help occasionally feeling unwillingly amused by his ridiculous and over the top antics. Regardless of how you feel about Qi Rong though, he certainly isn’t boring.

I also really enjoy getting to see Hua Cheng go feral beast mode in defense of Xie Lian, as well as Xie Lian getting protective over Hua Cheng in turn. This arc is definitely a good setup for the Pre-Ascension Arc with Lang Qianqiu acting almost as a mirror for Xie Lian’s younger self, albeit with a much more fiery temper.

The Pre-Ascension Arc is great as well, despite probably being my least favorite arc in this volume. Sadly, I just don’t find parts of it quite as interesting as I did the first time around. My favorite thing about this arc, of course, is getting to see how Xie Lian first met Hua Cheng so long ago. It’s also really interesting to see what the relationship between Xie Lian, Feng Xin and Mu Qing was like back when the kingdom of Xianle was still thriving.

After having read the whole story, I still have very mixed feelings about both Feng Xin and especially Mu Qing. I suppose that they are both fairly realistic characters who each have their major flaws as well as their good points. Both have made some pretty serious mistakes in the past. I also feel that each of them, in their own way, severely failed Xie Lian as friends. I don’t blame Hua Cheng at all for disliking them or for taking every available opportunity to screw with them.

Perhaps the second most interesting part of the Pre-Ascension Arc that is included in this volume is when Xie Lian takes Hong Hong’er up Mount Taicang to the Royal Holy Temple. This is where we learn about Hong Hong’er’s foretold fate of misfortune and the Sign of Solitude under which he was born.

I always wondered whether by getting close to Hong Hong’er, being kind to him and protecting him despite the State Preceptor’s dire warnings and the threat of misfortune clinging to the boy if Xie Lian somehow swapped fates with him. I’m sure that this has been discussed many times in various fandom spaces, however, since I prefer to interact very minimally with fandoms in general, I haven’t really looked at any of those discussions. I have only my own theories and inferences. Either way, I always found this part both extremely interesting and profoundly sad.

This volume ends with Xie Lian’s first ascension and leads into the Pre-War Arc, which is covered in the next book. I know that many people aren’t fond of lengthy flashback sequences, but I personally enjoy them quite a bit. I also think that Mo Xiang Tong Xiu does an excellent job weaving these flashbacks into her stories in a way that makes them deeply interesting and compelling. The same is true of MDZS.

I am very much enjoying my reread of TGCF and I’m looking forward to the next volume. Nothing after the Gilded Banquet Arc has been covered in either the manhua or the donghua. Therefore, I haven’t experienced that part of the story nearly as many times as the events of the first two volumes. I’m really excited to read it all again!

[Booksblabbering || Cait❣️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot better than book one by the end.

Xie Lian now knows San Lang is actually Hua Cheng (which was obvious to readers from he start), yet he can’t reconcile the terror and chaos of Hua Cheng’s reputation with the charming, clever, and protective friend (???) he knows.
A distress signal leads Xie Lian into Ghost City, where he meets Hua Cheng again as he tries to uncovers secrets.

This was better going than book one. The first half was slower as we humbled around Ghost City and had a lot of shouting matches. In the second half, we get to go back to the past and see Xie Lan before he ascends as the beloved Prince.

We get to see more of the squabbling heavenly officials, Feng Xin and Mu Qing, as Xie Lan’s subordinates before ascension (and maybe friends).

It is hard not to like Xie Lan. He is the perfect hero. Kind, soft-hearted, the best at everything.

The writing quality and story improves on page as well perhaps adding to my enjoyment and preference of the latter part.

So, two stars for the start and a high three for the end.

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[Shu Wei Chin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for volume 3 is going to be hell ahh! I love HuaLian so so so much, they each has such depth of character, especially Xie Lian so far, and there are so many questions I neeeeed answered. Plus I love how the world and other characters are developing too, can't wait for more!

Although this probably just means I'll appease myself with the manga for now, just to know WHAT HAPPENS NEXT and I've heard the art is magnificent.

[bea ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved how this volume ended!!! can't wait to reread how everything goes down from here 😄

[Andrea (Marauders version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

reread: NSKWHWKJDJ I love these idiots wayyy too much😂😂❤️

WE NEED MORE HUALIAN!!!!!!!!!

[Hope Redgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

World building expands and emotions deepen.

The banter sparkles, the pain cuts quietly and the connection between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng begins to hum beneath every word.

Beautifully layered. ❤️‍🔥