Joyful Reunion (Novel) Vol. 2

Joyful Reunion (Novel) #2

by Fei Tian Ye Xiang, Porridge (Illustrator)

SHADOW OF THE ASSASSINIn the wake of the fall of Shangjing, Duan Ling flees the city, setting out on a desperate journey to reunite with his father in the imperial capital of Xichuan. When he arrives, however, nothing is as he hoped. After losing nearly everything--including his life--the despairing Duan Ling is rescued by Wu Du, a down on his luck poison master and assassin.
Terrified of being killed if his true identity is discovered, Duan Ling assumes a false name and scrapes out a meager life in Wu Du's shadow. Yet the more he gets to know the prickly assassin, the more Duan Ling feels his rescuer can be relied on. When Wu Du's master sends the two on a dangerous mission together, Duan Ling must Can this man who saved his life be trusted with it?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Historical, M M Romance, Fiction

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Associated Names:
* 非天夜翔
* Arise Zhang
* Fei Tian Ye Xiang
* เฟยเทียนเย่เสียง (Thai Profile)

Reviews

[Nel · Rating 4 out of 5]

no one:
wu du:


but honestly an improvement on vol 1 for me.

[Kate♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5stars

1/20/2026 update - bumping this up to a full 5 because I literally haven't stopped thinking about them and counting down the days to the next volume (which is today)!!


Dec 2025:
4.5/5stars

Guys I LOOOOOVED this volume. I was a little disappointed with v1 just cause I was a bit bored with so much backstory and following a child MC (which is just something I personally don't love) but this volume??? UG ITS SO GOOD i'm so obsessed with both the MC and ML and their dynamic is so unique and interesting and the slow burn/yearning UG I can't I'm obsessed - how am I supposed to wait for the next volume??? I have the fan translation and... I might be picking that up who knows

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolute 5/5!!🌸 if you've read the fan translation please don't spoil anything in the comments for future volumes, thank you🌸

I'm loving this novel so much! This volume was a real emotional rollercoaster. My heart just breaks for Duan Ling; he goes through so much, and it's one painful trial after another. He desperately needs a break!
Wu Du has to be my favorite character so far. I'm a sucker for complicated and misunderstood fictional men, and he fits the bill perfectly. I just want to give him a hug, too! Wu Du completely has my heart. Like Duan Ling, he has had a rough life, being tossed from one master to another. Although he can be harsh and have a quick temper, I believe he's simply unhappy with how his life has unfolded. He’s so kind and gentlemanly, and his devotion to Duan Ling is truly remarkable. The chemistry between them in this volume is electric. While their relationship started off rocky, they grow to understand one another. They are two lonely and lost souls who have found a mutual trust in each other. I'm sure Duan Ling will reveal his true identity to Wu Du soon, especially now that he's fully realized how much he trusts him.
Happy reading🥰

🌸Spoiler Warning Ahead🌸

It absolutely breaks my heart that Duan Ling doesn't know about his father's death. He endures so much on this journey alone, remembering his and his father’s conviction: , "if you die..."
"I know. If I die, you won't be able to move on."
It's clear that Duan Ling has inherited his father's perseverance.

After six months of traveling, Duan Ling finally makes it to Xichuan. But then Lang Junxia finds him and lies, saying his father is looking for him. What is going on? Lang Junxia poisons Duan Ling and throws him off a cliff! Thankfully, Duan Ling lands in a river and is rescued by Wu Du. The poison leaves him mute, and now he is essentially at Wu Du’s mercy. The whole time I was reading this, I was thinking, "What the hell is happening?" And now Cai Yan is pretending to be the Crown Prince? Why is everyone being so shady?!

"There are some things one must do--even if going through hell, even if you know death is certain"

I can also sense Wu Du jealousy toward Duan Ling's freedom, as he feels trapped. He seems to resent that Duan Ling has the potential to rise in rank and isn't tied down to a master for his own survival. I can't wait to learn more about his background; there's always something deeper going on with complicated and misunderstood characters like him.

And finally, the friendship between Helian Bo and Duan Ling made me tear up—he is a true friend. I swear, if he betrays him, I’m throwing this book again!

[V~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 🌟

By far one of the saddest most satisfying books I've ever read! 🩵🥹
The betrayal, the suffering, the torture, the love, the growth and change. Oh my god! I couldn't put this down. Technically I finished this volume since I finished vol 2 of the Chinese.

So here's to another completion on my shelved.

Spoiler ⚠️
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I have never been so angry in my life, the fact that LJX did that! That CAI YAN DID THAT!!! I was LIVID! I was crying angry tears. I couldn't believe it.
I don't understand LJX whatsoever. He may be pulling an Itachi, but Cai Yan?? TF IS HE DOING!! He gets all pissed and snotty in his mind. YOU'RE NOT EVEN THE PRINCE!! So sit down and stfu. 😡😤

I felt so bad for DL. Let's list off what he went through, shall we?

-He was almost murdered multiple times.
-Almost raped.
-Nearly starved and went hungry for days and days.
-Almost froze to death multiple times.
-Walked thousands of miles in half a year to try to find his dad.
-Was betrayed by his guardian that tried to murder him with poison.
-One of his best friends backstabbed him by taking his identity.
-Was revived and beat up.
-When he heard about his dad's death, he nearly killed himself with poison.

I was so distraught. Wu Du may have saved him, but he did not treat him well at first. Despite that, however. From page one, you could tell Wu Du was gentle inside, a tsundure, and just broken. He began to open up his heart to Duan Ling and couldn't stop thinking about him. He began to enjoy his company and wanted to go home to him.

Duan Ling seeing Wu Du be mistreated and have to count copper pennies to feed himself and Duan Ling, made his heart hurt and he decided to do something about it. He got back up on his feet and is weaseling his way into people's "hearts" that have power and money.

They get sent off on a mission and omg! 🤣 They bicker so so much. They literally are an old married couple! I love them! And by the time they have half completed their mission and ready to take the next steps to complete it, Wu Du sets off back to the capital, promising to come back.
By this time, I know these two are madly in love with each other.

I'm sure vol 2 of the 7seas will end here.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars easy

Although the major arc in this volume wasn’t my favorite, it was still mostly action-packed and full of character development.

I’m a little on the fence about most of these characters and that’s been such an interesting aspect of the book as a whole so far. Everybody and their dad is really just betraying poor Duan Ling left and right, leaving it impossible for us to trust anyone at any time. But even if they’ve betrayed the protagonist, for some of these traitors, I still kinda can’t dislike them? It’s confusing. But I like it.

Fei Tian Ye Xiang’s prose when it comes to setting descriptions is really visual and stunning at times. When Duan Ling is looking out over the plains in awe, it’s easy to imagine being right beside him seeing the same sights. I’m also really enjoying the fight/martial arts scenes as well, and I typically speed read or skip through lengthy fight scenes. But these fights have felt more visceral and again, like I’m right there watching.

Here’s hoping Duan Ling is betrayal-free from here on out! 🫣 although I highly doubt it….

[Queens Love Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Fear not the man who is petty, but the man who is false."



I walked away from this volume more invested than I expected, the kind of invested where you close the book and sit still for a second before moving on. The series keeps climbing my favorites list, and it took real willpower not to jump into an FTL instead of waiting for the official translation. What I enjoyed most is how the story leans on quiet pressure rather than big emotional swings. Grief, survival, and careful steps toward trust shape the core, and the tone stays steady without losing impact. Even the cover fits the mood, clean and striking in a way that matches the writing.

Duan Ling carries the story with a thoughtful, guarded presence. He reads every situation with a calm, sharp instinct shaped by everything he has endured. Wu Du brings a rough spoken, instinct forward energy that plays well against that calm. Their scenes together feel alive with tension, curiosity, and a careful shift toward reliance that never feels rushed. They balance each other in a way that keeps every interaction interesting. Around them, loyalties keep sliding, danger tightens its grip, and each move turns into a test of judgment. Nothing feels simple, and the story is stronger for it.

The writing stays lean and grounded, letting the smallest gestures say more than dialogue. It never overstates emotion, yet it hits hard when it counts. The pacing gives room for introspection without losing forward motion, and the world feels lived in without extra ornament. Readers who enjoy layered character work mixed with political pressure will find this volume easy to sink into. It lands with confidence and leaves a strong aftertaste.

2025.11.18

[Ky ! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duan Ling and Wu Du are everything. Im so obsessed with them.

Another absolute banger by chicken gege

[Rose ✧⁎⁺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what he is to me. He’s just—him. I guess he’s just Wu Du.

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When that brat woke up in the mornings, he would smile and chatter and bustle about, and the world would come alive with him.
And at night, once that brat fell asleep, it was as though Wu Du returned to his own world—a world that wasn’t filled with their conversations—to watch over that closed door until Duan Ling woke again, spoke with him again. Another day would pass, and they would go to bed, and the door would shut once more.”

I’m obsessed with this series. Duan Ling is so easy to love. His inherent leadership qualities make him kind, independent, and strong willed enough to try to save his people even when he doesn’t yet possess the resources.

His bond with Wu Du is slowly becoming my favorite part of the series. They’ve become increasingly codependent, but in a healthy way that stems from slowly building a relationship brick by brick through the monotony of daily life and also through consistently choosing the other amidst hardship. It’s nice that both of them have someone to rely on now considering all they’ve been through.

Also, I’m so excited to know that Skychaser is alive and refuses to let anyone but people from the royal family (and apparently Wu Du) ride him. This will be one of the important pieces that bring down the imposter, Cai Yan.

[mara - hyrulevalkyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favorite Fei Tian novels to date. The ML is one of the most delicious, overprotective, possessive characters I have read in some time. Pls give me more 🤲🏻

[Emily J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish that I had read through this more quickly, knowing what I know now. Following the main character as he grew up & setting the fore and background of the story took alot of time.. & at times, I found it hard to get through. But in this book, once a certain point was reached, I couldn’t put this book down. It truly gripped me. The hinting of queer curiosity sprinkled into the story was fantastic. You could almost feel what each main character was feeling. Both of them confused as to how they cared about each other so very deeply.

I wish I could give it a 4.5, truly. This author also wrote Dinghai Fusheng Records as well as Legends of Exorcism (favorites of mine) I love how even though each story is very similar in its bones, they are all three truly unique & different.

Now that I have truly gotten to the meat of the store, I’m so excited to read the next volume when it comes out!!!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it weird to say that I kept being reminded of The Lord of the Rings while I was reading this? It's a historical Chinese novel, not a British fantasy, but something about the worldbuilding just kept triggering these memories of being ten years old and reading my way through Tolkien's fantasy epic for the first time, and loving every twisting turn and devastating battle and quiet character moment.

Plus Skychaser is just Shadowfax, complete with the ability to run for two straight days without stopping and a human-like understanding of his purpose and loyalties.

It makes me wonder if Tolkien drew any of his intensive worldbuilding - formative to generations of fantasy writers and transformative for the genre - from something like Chinese epics. I've never really thought about that, but it would be interesting to look into it more.

Anyway, I found this book heartbreaking, difficult to put down, and certainly a worthy continuation of the first 5 star volume. I do also think that, despite many criticisms of their choices, Seven Seas has been breaking these off at good, cliffhangery points. (Sometimes literally, because Duan Ling has a real talent for being nearly murdered at an embarrassingly high rate.)

We begin with Duan Ling's escape from the city, as it's in the midst of a full-scale slaughter - including his father, whom he has no idea has also fallen on its streets. All of the women from the brothel die protecting Duan Ling, and he and one of his classmates/friends, Cai Yan, make it to a mountainside village where they think they might be safe.

But the Mongols are too brutal to stop at the city they're already pillaging: they burn this little village to the ground and capture Duan Ling, who begged Cai Yan in those last moments to flee and save himself.

Duan Ling, as the hero of the story, of course escapes through one of his several falling-down-a-cliff episodes, but Cai Yan believes him to be dead, as does Lang Junxia, who arrives too late and searches through the blackened bodies for hours before giving up in despair. All he finds in the rubble is the jade arc that had proved Duan Ling's royalty.

Duan Ling, wounded and starving, spends six months traveling on foot to the royal city, trying to reunite with the father he has no idea has perished. I do still have questions about this whole fiasco: it still seems to me that the city falling at this specific point was largely due to Li Jianhong's machinations and accomplished very little that he would've actually wanted? All it did was cause the death of 200,000 civilians, himself, and nearly his son. How was he expecting to benefit from this battle?

When Duan Ling finally arrives in the city, he sees that the prime minister is still prominently in power, and he no longer has his jade arc for identification, so he's wary of announcing himself too openly. He makes one effort at the palace gates, then hides in the shadows until Lang Junxia hears about the young man with the bone knife asking to see the emperor, and comes out to retrieve him.

And then betrays him by poisoning him and throwing him off a cliff into a river.

Here's one of the big questions that hasn't been answered yet: why?

In the six months wherein Duan Ling was "dead," Lang Junxia had returned to the city with the jade arc and Cai Yan, who took on the role of the crown prince. In order to preserve this ruse, he had to kill the true crown prince when he returned. But I can't understand what his motivations would be.

He did earn accolades and a place in the palace when he brought the rescued "prince" home. Perhaps that was enough for him at the time, since he'd lost everything else anyway. What harm would it do to install someone else in a position that hardly matters to him. It's been difficult to tell what he actually cares about, although he had, for a time, seemed to truly love Duan Ling. Like Duan Ling muses later, he barely knew anything at all about Lang Junxia, and perhaps that was part of the whole problem.

Cai Yan honestly surprised me a lot. I did not see that twist coming, although I think I would read a lot of his scenes differently now. The way he'd always been more drawn to the arc and was attached to Duan Ling more out of obligation than the natural, true friendship of the other boys. But still...killing the person who had essentially saved his life was brutal, and it didn't seem as though he'd spent any time agonizing over the decision to keep himself in power. (His brother, who fell protecting the city to his last breath, would have despised him for this.)

It's also clear that Cai Yan never fully trusted Lang Junxia, since he sent a spy after him to be sure he'd carried out the execution. It's a fair caution: Lang Junxia does lie to him months later and leaves him to pick up some sort of strange protective stance towards Duan Ling (who in fact did not die, yet again!) in his next big adventure. So it's really hard to tell what's going on and what kind of hold Cai Yan had over him.

Since Lang Junxia ends this book with poisoned wounds from the same assassin who'd been responsible for Li Jianhong's death, I'm a bit worried about whether we'll actually get all of these answers, but I'll assume they're coming. Duan Ling still has no idea Lang Junxia followed him out of the city and has been preoccupied with a lot of other major moving parts in the political landscape.

And Wu Du really did step into a pretty big role that I wasn't sure he'd be able to fill.

Unlike Lang Junxia, Wu Du returned to the city in disgrace, nearly being executed for his inability to protect the emperor - so soon after his first master, the traitorous general, had also died. What use is one of the four great assassins if he can't even protect his charges? He's nearly destitute and largely scorned, but the prime minister keeps him around as a tool he finds too promising to discard.

He stumbles across a poisoned, half-drowned youth on the riverbank and, on a whim, brings him back to life with his knowledge of medicines and poisons. And over time, he and Duan Ling grow close, with Duan Ling struggling with his desire to fully trust him. He's still terrified of and traumatized by Lang Junxia's betrayal, so why would another assassin, who has known him for a far shorter time, protect him without stabbing him in the back?

There's a lot of slow, steady growth, with Wu Du constantly surprised and baffled and intrigued by this strange person who seems to be far more than a simple herb-seller's lost son. He even manages to win over the prime minister (and his son) and gets sent on an urgent, nation-saving mission alongside Wu Du.

The other massive flaw in Cai Yan's plan is that there are still a lot of people left alive who know who Duan Ling is. Even the ones who didn't know his true identity had spent time in his house with Lang Junxia or his father. They knew Cai Yan, too, and certainly his full backstory, which would leave no room for him to be a secret prince of another nation. The three princes searching for Duan Ling now are all royalty in their own nations, so while their "foreign" word might hold less weight, that's still a pretty major backing whenever Duan Ling chooses to reveal himself and return to power.

I don't know how long that will take - this is 2/6 volumes so there's a ways to go - but so many of the pieces are already falling into place now. I guess there are still big questions about who the prime minister was planning to use Wu Du's poison on, and if he would support Duan Ling once he found out who he actually was. And there are still other traitorous plots that they're trying to unravel.

I find the plot interesting and very approachable, but my favorite part was probably just Duan Ling's growth. He feels so incredibly princely. He's smart, brave, resourceful, kind, with a good sense of humor but a nobility that sets him apart and makes even strangers notice him. He's not perfect: he literally tries to kill himself once he discovers his father has been dead all along, and Wu Du has to forcibly save his life for the second time. He has a genuine panic attack when Lang Junxia finds out he's still alive. He clings to Wu Du despite not knowing if he'll betray him, too.

But underneath all of that, he's incredibly strong, and he still remains generous and kind in the ways that would make him an excellent emperor. This does seem like an optimistic type of story that will make that the likely future...although it's hard to see how a budding romance with a male assassin would fit into a traditional emperor's expectations. Right now, though, Duan Ling is still pretty oblivious, and Wu Du is flustered and trying to not think about it. He's too busy just trying to constantly save this strange person's life.

[goblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

that? i liked.

[pelium · Rating 5 out of 5]

another slayful reunion, i cried many times here too

[iz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the first volume was perfectly done, but the second one was even better. I loved everything!

In addition, Wu Du is such a cool character. In the first volume, we didn't get many informations about Wu Du. However, in the second volume, he got his “debut” for showing his potential, and he didn't disappoint–even though he was, at the beginning, a bit harsh towards Duan Ling. The cutest thing about Wu Du was how possessive and protective he is about Duan Ling, although he seems like someone who didn't care, but he cares a lot.

(Gladly, I already pre-ordered the third volume! 🤭)

[Niki.reads.rainbow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled a bit with the first half, but I really enjoyed the second half.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was not expecting to love this series as much as I do as I'm not usually super into books that make my cry for 50% of them. But goddamn this has me by the throat. I really like the relationship between the leads and all the political complexities in this. Wu Du and I will be tracking down and burning everyone who ever hurt my good boy Duan Ling if anyone wants to join us

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do like how easily the writing flows in this book. Both MC and Ml are both so practical and the relationship is fun with some cute bits.

[mihaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5] i need cai yan to be dealt with by helian bo and batu specifically bc how dare you??
and i better get wu du grovel before duan ling once he finds out his true identity or we're gonna have a problem

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride. That first half was harsh and painful (and pretty much fury-inspiring), but once they head out on their mission, things start to lighten up. Still lots of danger and action, but a lot more light-hearted and humorous moments, too, so there's a nice tone shift. I also really liked our new character of Mu Qing, though we didn't see too much of him. I hope he ends up being as good an egg as he seems.

[lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danmei is danmei-ing. Wu Du, that was a terrible meet cute but you redeemed yourself! I could honestly care less about Wu Du as a character but TOGETHER they are so funny and cute. I love their bantering and bickering and Duan Ling finally sounds his age lol. He’s too austere and restrained which is a strength in politicking but a brick wall hard to get through in romance. Happy to see this new side of him.

Im not surprised Duan Ling has daddy issues. I’m just surprised they’re manifesting when he’s with his soon-to-be lover. 😭😭 I know Duan Ling is finding that solid safety he felt with his father in Wu Du, but hopefully those projections peter out a little when their romantic relationship becomes established.

Also I did NOT see that plot twist—especially at the beginning! Way to thrust me into the story, and keep me thoroughly entertained and obsessed! I was GAGGED. Cai Yan… how could you?? Lan Junxia was obvious. But CAI YAN?! (Lan Junxia, the whiplash hurts; pick a side so I can STOP having to rethink how I feel about you 🙄).

Duan Ling’s suicide attempt broke my heart 😭😭 you knew the revelation was coming but it didn’t soften the feels—I cried reading through it.

Skychaser. The horse that you are. I hate to admit I completely forgot about him but I’m glad he had the plot armor on and made a comeback. I was tearing up when Wu Du was reflecting Skychaser’s situation/motivation on his way back to Tong Pass. Skychaser realizes his mission isn’t done and is going back to his rightful owner!

FUCK YOU CAI YAN.

Love love love this series. can’t wait for the third novel to come out later this month!!!

[akira · Rating 5 out of 5]

volume 2 of joyful reunion is every bit as good as the first one, and picks up right where we left off there. shangjing has been sacked by the yuan army, and while duan ling wants nothing more than to wait for his father, he is forced to flee for his life.

along the way, he gets separated from his remaining allies, who presumes him to be dead. and so duan ling has to make the very dangerous journey to the royal capital of southern chen, xichuan, unaware of the tragedy and betrayal that awaits him.

oh and what a tragedy it is... I'm not even exaggerating when I say this book had me weeping from the last chapter of volume 1 to about 100 pages into volume 2. very rarely do i feel so heartsore over a character. but this book, and these characters are so special.

poor duan ling, who loses so much, and has to pick himself up piece by piece, while surrounded by danger. he grows so much in this one book, but it doesn't feel abrupt or out-of-character, but rather the natural progression for him to follow. even li jianhong's presence feels like a warm embrace guiding even the hand of destiny to protect his son.

lang junxia is here, confounding and intereting as he is. cai yan, frustrating and pitiable. wu du, loyal and good and just needing someone to have faith in him.

[Magpie6493 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hafsiroieydhdncegsisus that was really good and I cannot talk about anything without spoiling stuff.

For those of you who are hesitant to read this series due to how the first cover made the main pairing look without saying a lot or spoiling anything that Is not the direction that any romance goes. This book is very much worth the read. Although there is an age gap between what I believe from what I've read so far to be the pairing, it doesn't end up unfolding in a way that at least I would call creepy and I'd say that it balances itself out fairly well.

A hundred percent would recommend this series I have not had many Danmei put me so throughly on the edge of my seat like this one.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars. No notes. I NEED THE NEXT VOLUMES NOW.

[Hacen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5