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Night Flowers Shirking from the Light of the Sun
A cultivator insists on repaying her life debt to a demoness.
No one is happy with this development.
• xianxia (ancient fantasy china)
• idiots to lovers
• tall hot and murderface/disaster dumbass
• happy ending
• 18+ for post-story content
No one is happy with this development.
• xianxia (ancient fantasy china)
• idiots to lovers
• tall hot and murderface/disaster dumbass
• happy ending
• 18+ for post-story content
172 pages, Unknown Binding
Published May 5, 2020
12 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 4, 2021
☆ 4 / 5 ☆
This was such a cute read and so fun to get through! It was hilarious and while I still want more of these characters, I felt very satisfied with the length of this story which is quite the feat with my track record with novellas. This is a f/f Xianxia with two loveable idiots and the irrefutably golden dynamic which is stoic badass cultivator / endearingly dumbass walking embodiment of chaos demoness. One day, Xiāo Jié saves Liú Jiānghuá’s life and the cultivator feels like she owes her a life debt and follows the demoness to the capital. Except she doesn’t leave after every one of Xiāo Jié’s to put her life in danger for the debt to be repaid. The plot is overall very uncomplicated but the characters (including secondary ones) are so endearing, it was truly just a joy to read.
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This was such a cute read and so fun to get through! It was hilarious and while I still want more of these characters, I felt very satisfied with the length of this story which is quite the feat with my track record with novellas. This is a f/f Xianxia with two loveable idiots and the irrefutably golden dynamic which is stoic badass cultivator / endearingly dumbass walking embodiment of chaos demoness. One day, Xiāo Jié saves Liú Jiānghuá’s life and the cultivator feels like she owes her a life debt and follows the demoness to the capital. Except she doesn’t leave after every one of Xiāo Jié’s to put her life in danger for the debt to be repaid. The plot is overall very uncomplicated but the characters (including secondary ones) are so endearing, it was truly just a joy to read.
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May 10, 2025
a very quick read, but enjoyable! sadly I don't have much to say about my read of this, but it did give me mdzs vibes
paused
January 22, 2023Just read the author’s notes and they said that Night Flowers Shirking from the Light of the Sun was inspired by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s novel, MDZS but it's lesbian and I’ve never clicked a link so fast just to read this.
This being only a hundred pages should be illegal. Literally shaking crying throwing up right now.
This being only a hundred pages should be illegal. Literally shaking crying throwing up right now.
June 3, 2021
“i’d follow you for the rest of my life, if you’d let me.”
4.5/5
this was the cutest most hilarious shit ever, i can't believe we only have this much?? i want a full length novel about liu jianghua and xiao jie and all their future married shenanigans. so yeah, read this for THE stoic badass cultivator x chaotic dumbass demoness ship. also for all the casual queer rep in the cast.
rep: lesbian mcs + gay, nonbinary, trans, sapphic side characters
November 16, 2020
That was so cute! They're wives!!
August 3, 2020
Rep: Chinese lesbian mcs, gay, trans and nonbinary side characters
June 8, 2022
”I’d follow you for the rest of my life, if you’d let me.”
that ending killed me it has left me deceased but those EXTRAS? HELLLLLOOOO?? liu jianghua really is giving off lan zhan’s “everyday means everyday” vibe 😳 i would be surprised but y’all know how those stoic cultivators be
anygays. they are wives 🥰 i want more of liu jianghua and xiao jie living in marital chaos together
4.5/5 stars
that ending killed me it has left me deceased but those EXTRAS? HELLLLLOOOO?? liu jianghua really is giving off lan zhan’s “everyday means everyday” vibe 😳 i would be surprised but y’all know how those stoic cultivators be
anygays. they are wives 🥰 i want more of liu jianghua and xiao jie living in marital chaos together
4.5/5 stars
January 2, 2022
EDIT: 4.25
4 stars *may change
this was so cute???? love it actually and the author included the most adorable drawings
4 stars *may change
this was so cute???? love it actually and the author included the most adorable drawings
September 13, 2020
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
October 28, 2020
When I saw "Ancient Chinese wlw slashfic" on Twitter, I just had to ask for a copy in exchange for a review. It was too good an opportunity to pass up.
In case the super short summary and AO3-style trope list wasn't enough of a tip-off, the story reads like Ancient Chinese fanfiction. And I mean that in the best way. The writing style is incredibly sarcastic and informal, with liberal uses of exclamation points and ellipse when the delightful disaster sapphic Xiao-Jie is talking. Liu-Jianghua's parts are much more formalized, as befitting her character.
Both XJ and LJH can be called loveable idiots, but it's endearing and easy to see how they go so well together. I also appreciated that they're not the only queer characters. There's mlm rep, ace rep, and multiple trans characters. It's like someone wrote the queerest fanfiction of Avatar the Last Airbender they could think of, but with original characters.
There's a ton of traditional Chinese culture in the story, and the informal fanfic style made it much less daunting than other genres might have, like a high fantasy. I might not have known what "daxia" meant (until I checked the glossary) or what a courtesy name was (had to do some research for that one) but the tol/smol relationship is something most internet story-lovers know well. You may need to check the glossary regularly for the specifics, but LJH being the stoic formality to XJ's haphazard chaos is one your heart will recognize instantly.
In short, this is not a book for "literature" snobs or people that look down on fanfiction. But if you're a chaotic queer kid that's memorized the song "Secret Tunnel" from that one episode of AtLA, this is the book you've been waiting your whole life for.
In case the super short summary and AO3-style trope list wasn't enough of a tip-off, the story reads like Ancient Chinese fanfiction. And I mean that in the best way. The writing style is incredibly sarcastic and informal, with liberal uses of exclamation points and ellipse when the delightful disaster sapphic Xiao-Jie is talking. Liu-Jianghua's parts are much more formalized, as befitting her character.
Both XJ and LJH can be called loveable idiots, but it's endearing and easy to see how they go so well together. I also appreciated that they're not the only queer characters. There's mlm rep, ace rep, and multiple trans characters. It's like someone wrote the queerest fanfiction of Avatar the Last Airbender they could think of, but with original characters.
There's a ton of traditional Chinese culture in the story, and the informal fanfic style made it much less daunting than other genres might have, like a high fantasy. I might not have known what "daxia" meant (until I checked the glossary) or what a courtesy name was (had to do some research for that one) but the tol/smol relationship is something most internet story-lovers know well. You may need to check the glossary regularly for the specifics, but LJH being the stoic formality to XJ's haphazard chaos is one your heart will recognize instantly.
In short, this is not a book for "literature" snobs or people that look down on fanfiction. But if you're a chaotic queer kid that's memorized the song "Secret Tunnel" from that one episode of AtLA, this is the book you've been waiting your whole life for.
August 4, 2020
Really great to see such a lighthearted romp in the xianxia genre! Also with LESBIANS! Main characters are really likable and cute, plot was simple and maybe a little predictable but overall really enjoyable. Also a small cast of fun side characters too. Really witty dialogue and author's voice, pretty much what's not to love here! Wish there was more!
October 3, 2024
3.5/5
This novella-length story inspired by the thought “what if one of those gay cultivation novels like MXTX writes, but lesbians?” And let’s have more authors asking that question, because yes: Less endless pining and more badass sword ladies, please!
"The first few hours pass peacefully. Or as peaceful as it can with Yue Peng's incessant chatter about how Liu Jianghua's vambraces must have been enchanted by a deity awestruck by her skill (they were not), how her sword was probably gifted by the son of the emperor...(it was not)...None of this is enough to distract Liu Jianghua from noticing...the glint of sunlight across metal."
Liu Jinghua is a tall, rather introverted/stoic woman who is trained as a cultivator (aka magic warrior). We meet her and her chatty colleagues trying to deliver a package when they are attacked by bandits. LJH takes out the bandits, but is wounded in the process and ends up being cared for by a demon herbalist, Xiao Jie. XJ is short and red-skinned with antlers and messy hair…and is a bit of a mess herself, getting quite easily flustered, which results in her saying some rather suspicious things. Using the pretext of repaying a life debt, LJH starts following her around, and the story (and romance) progress from there.
"'what kind of friend would I be if I didn't get you a present? It's late, I know - I would've gotten something sooner if I knew you were eloping!'... 'We're not,' [Liu Jianghua] says. 'Not - not friends!?' 'Not eloping,' she clarifies before he can burst into tears... 'Didn't you fall in love after being tenderly nursed back to health?...' Perhaps an overactive imagination is a peril of being a writer. 'No'.”
As with a lot of self-published works, this one is a tad rough around the edges, but the basic story is good and there is a good bit of fun character banter or deadpan narrator commentary. I appreciated that there was an abundance of casual queer rep beyond the main couple, including trans and nonbinary ones. Though I wish we had a little more time to get to know those characters – there’s not a lot of space for them all in less than 200 pages!
""'Xiao Jie.' The atmosphere goes kind of heavy, and Bingbing fixes her in what's not quite a glare. 'I wouldn't be the woman I am today without your help.' Which - that's far too much credit. She would've found a way to live as one even without Xiao Jie around."
Likewise, we don’t really get to know the villain at all, and certainly not his motivation for doing what he’s doing. A bit more length could have allowed him to be properly menacing…though, since this is more a light, fun story rather than a dark angsty one (despite its ‘Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation’ inspiration!) the lack of menace didn’t really impact my enjoyment. Given that this wasn’t published under Chinese censorship laws, I’m not sure why the author chose to stick to the common danmei convention of putting the spicy scene in an epilogue (because there’s no need to make it potentially removeable). But, again, not really a problem, because the scene was pretty good and would naturally come toward the end of the story anyway. The addition of the MS paint doodles of the characters at the end was adorable, and was fun as a low-budget nod to the kinds of art often included in danmei translations.
Overall, would be interested to read future works from this author, especially if she decides to keep filling in the niche of Chinese-inspired lesbian adventure romance! If you want to try it, you can order a copy to be custom printed from Lulu press (https://www.lulu.com/shop/l%C3%AD-x%C... ). Mine cost about $16 with shipping ($10 without) and arrived in a couple of weeks.
This novella-length story inspired by the thought “what if one of those gay cultivation novels like MXTX writes, but lesbians?” And let’s have more authors asking that question, because yes: Less endless pining and more badass sword ladies, please!
"The first few hours pass peacefully. Or as peaceful as it can with Yue Peng's incessant chatter about how Liu Jianghua's vambraces must have been enchanted by a deity awestruck by her skill (they were not), how her sword was probably gifted by the son of the emperor...(it was not)...None of this is enough to distract Liu Jianghua from noticing...the glint of sunlight across metal."
Liu Jinghua is a tall, rather introverted/stoic woman who is trained as a cultivator (aka magic warrior). We meet her and her chatty colleagues trying to deliver a package when they are attacked by bandits. LJH takes out the bandits, but is wounded in the process and ends up being cared for by a demon herbalist, Xiao Jie. XJ is short and red-skinned with antlers and messy hair…and is a bit of a mess herself, getting quite easily flustered, which results in her saying some rather suspicious things. Using the pretext of repaying a life debt, LJH starts following her around, and the story (and romance) progress from there.
"'what kind of friend would I be if I didn't get you a present? It's late, I know - I would've gotten something sooner if I knew you were eloping!'... 'We're not,' [Liu Jianghua] says. 'Not - not friends!?' 'Not eloping,' she clarifies before he can burst into tears... 'Didn't you fall in love after being tenderly nursed back to health?...' Perhaps an overactive imagination is a peril of being a writer. 'No'.”
As with a lot of self-published works, this one is a tad rough around the edges, but the basic story is good and there is a good bit of fun character banter or deadpan narrator commentary. I appreciated that there was an abundance of casual queer rep beyond the main couple, including trans and nonbinary ones. Though I wish we had a little more time to get to know those characters – there’s not a lot of space for them all in less than 200 pages!
""'Xiao Jie.' The atmosphere goes kind of heavy, and Bingbing fixes her in what's not quite a glare. 'I wouldn't be the woman I am today without your help.' Which - that's far too much credit. She would've found a way to live as one even without Xiao Jie around."
Likewise, we don’t really get to know the villain at all, and certainly not his motivation for doing what he’s doing. A bit more length could have allowed him to be properly menacing…though, since this is more a light, fun story rather than a dark angsty one (despite its ‘Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation’ inspiration!) the lack of menace didn’t really impact my enjoyment. Given that this wasn’t published under Chinese censorship laws, I’m not sure why the author chose to stick to the common danmei convention of putting the spicy scene in an epilogue (because there’s no need to make it potentially removeable). But, again, not really a problem, because the scene was pretty good and would naturally come toward the end of the story anyway. The addition of the MS paint doodles of the characters at the end was adorable, and was fun as a low-budget nod to the kinds of art often included in danmei translations.
Overall, would be interested to read future works from this author, especially if she decides to keep filling in the niche of Chinese-inspired lesbian adventure romance! If you want to try it, you can order a copy to be custom printed from Lulu press (https://www.lulu.com/shop/l%C3%AD-x%C... ). Mine cost about $16 with shipping ($10 without) and arrived in a couple of weeks.
November 29, 2021
fun and cute read but i wish it was longer so i could connect to the story and characters more
idiots to lovers and i are like this 🤞
idiots to lovers and i are like this 🤞
August 8, 2020
I recommend this to anyone interested in a lighthearted and funny romance between two wonderfully capable, idiotic women. I have to compliment the worldbuilding too; it isn't often that I'm so charmed by entire casts, but I found myself wanting to learn more about characters that appear for one page! As a newcomer to Chinese fantasy, this was very easy to get through and the glossary in the back made things accessible. Also the author's drawings of the cast and extra comics are delightful. I yelled, I laughed, I hid my face in the book while blushing. It was a fun time!
P.S. my grandma thinks the author is pretty cool
P.S. my grandma thinks the author is pretty cool
November 25, 2020
the sense of humor is immaculate and i should really read more baihe
“Stop making useless portals!”
“Sorry! I’m sorry! I panicked!”
“Come back!”
“I can’t!” Xiāo Jié wails. “It’s too far! I’m too tired!”
And, as much as Liú Jiānghuá would like to believe that this is an extension of Xiāo Jié’s original plan, it’s starting to seem like yet another genuine fit of carelessness. “Jump!”
In the distance, Xiāo Jié dives to avoid another peck. “Too high! Way too high! I’ll break my legs!”
What optimism. From that height, broken legs would be the least of her worries. “I’ll catch you!”
September 30, 2020
This is such a cute and funny story. I absolutely adore Xiāo Jié as a protagonist. She’s hilarious and her inner thoughts just make the story so enjoyable. Liú Yù is more serious of the two but just as amazing. I love how stubborn and steadfast she is. Her decision to stay by Xiāo Jié’s side and repay her life debt is so dramatic and set the perfect premise for this short story. I adore this and I’m so happy I’m finding more baihe stories!!!!
December 23, 2020
this! is! my! jam!
(i knew it would be good when i saw the blessed words 'idiots-to-lovers' but ahh. god bless stupid women in love. that's what i want to see more of in 2021. baihe rights!!!)
5 stars
(i knew it would be good when i saw the blessed words 'idiots-to-lovers' but ahh. god bless stupid women in love. that's what i want to see more of in 2021. baihe rights!!!)
5 stars
February 14, 2021
cute but i felt like everything was super rushed so i didn’t even had time to actually ship the couple :/
November 26, 2024
Funny and cute and adorable and lovely would reread any time
July 31, 2024
cute and fun read! really enjoyed the lighthearted tone of the writing and the quirky cast of characters. but omg. the progression of the romance was sooo abrupt. like in her povs ljh felt apathetic at best towards xj until one day she randomly woke up and decided to be the most loving and affectionate person ever with no pretense? didn’t work for me because i like both of the characters to be interested in each other equally and it felt like xj’s feelings were basically… carrying the romance for the majority of the story.
May 2, 2021
so cute and funny i love them so much
August 13, 2021
WHAT! A! DELIGHT!!!!!!
I LOVE XIAO JIE AND LIU JIANGHUA AND IM IN LOVE WITH THEIR PARTICULAR FLAVOUR OF IDIOTS-IN-LOVE!!!!
literally perfect read 10/10 wld reread wld recommend👌👌👌
I LOVE XIAO JIE AND LIU JIANGHUA AND IM IN LOVE WITH THEIR PARTICULAR FLAVOUR OF IDIOTS-IN-LOVE!!!!
literally perfect read 10/10 wld reread wld recommend👌👌👌
November 24, 2021
3.5 stars (maybe 4? idk)
i relate to xiao jie so much mostly bc im a disaster but also bc im just rlly in love with liu jianghua
i relate to xiao jie so much mostly bc im a disaster but also bc im just rlly in love with liu jianghua
March 17, 2022
AMOOOOOOOOO
January 31, 2023
4.5 !! this was so fun !!! i loved it so much !!!! i need mooooreeee
February 4, 2023
my only complaint is that it’s so Short need like 7000 pages stat
September 12, 2024
silly. author was like: no lesbian mdzs? i'm taking it in my hands then
May 12, 2022
too good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews