Torsten Hewson
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v6c7: The Sword and the Falcon
🕑 Added 2025-03-04 05:38:03 +0000 UTCI'm sorry everybody, but this will be another 1 chapter week, and the LAST 1 chapter week before we go back to 3 chapters next week. I am getting worked over by some final editing stuff. Thank you all for your patience, its been a bit of a rough start to this volume for me.
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Minyan stood upon one of the logs that had been impaled into the riverbed outside Rou Jin’s home. The moon was high, and the lights were being extinguished as everyone retired for the night.
Minyan willed the remaining water from her hair, but did not entirely purge herself of outside forces. Instead, she allowed the steam and heat of the bath to linger.
There were few things that could make Minyan feel truly warm—but the bath and the alcohol she had partaken in came very close. Though no dirt could mar her form unless she allowed it, Minyan had baths quite often with her fellow Elders, at least once a year, in the Sacred Fairy Springs. It was an indulgence all of them shared and where they got their most productive conversations done, when they spoke on the future of the Sect. And while the bath here could not in any way compare to the secret treasure of their Sect… it had certainly been acceptable.
Lounging in a heated pool surrounded by Silver Yin Lotuses? That ranked highly. She would have to see about adding the lotuses to the Scared Fairy Springs. The soothing Qi and aroma they emitted was pleasant, and surely something her fellow Elders would appreciate as well.
Yukong and Meiling were similarly acceptable. Both women had simply been quiet, unlike the fools who had started hitting each other with branches.
“How wonderful, that a second moon has appeared in the heavens—and that its majesty eclipses the first.” Speak of Cao Cao, and he shall appear, Minyan thought as she turned to glance beside her. Shen Yu was on the porch of the house, his eyes fixed upon her so that she was silhouetted by the moon. “What must I do to get closer and see this moon more clearly?”
Minyan huffed at the flattery, though she was not displeased by it.
“I believe there is a parable about trying to possess the moon. Look, you are in luck. There I am.” She pointed at the frozen river, the dark ice showing her reflection on it. “Leap, and you shall surely be closer to me.”
“A monkey, you call me, jumping into the river to catch but a reflection?” Shen Yu clutched his chest dramatically, like he had been wounded by her words, but his smile never left his face.
“You had no problem with it less than an hour ago,” Minyan retorted, raising her nose into the air.
“Dear moon, your tongue is barbed! I shall accept the charge of being a monkey, but dear moon, you know me. I might jump into the river one hundred times before I learn…” Shen Yu ascended to the log next to her. “But one day, I shall realise that I must simply jump higher to be next to you.”
Minyan looked at him, at how at ease he was… and how paradoxically stronger he looked at this moment, his shoulders unburdened. Then she raised an eyebrow at him.
“Not your best attempt,” she told him bluntly.
“You did not give me much material to work with!” Shen Yu complained back. “I thought it was a fine recovery!”
Minyan smirked. A blow to his ego was good. The man had been insufferably smug all day.
“A true master would have better words,” she said mercilessly, and Shen Yu wilted, slightly grumbling under his breath. Minyan kept her smile hidden as they lapsed into silence. It was comfortable… And yet, with underlying tension lurking below the surface, as there always was.
Then Minyan broke the silence.
“Did you just come to flirt?” she asked.
Shen Yu shook his head. “No, I’ve come to offer you my house for tonight.”
Minyan raised a brow. “Bold.”
Quite bold, skipping most of the game they played—but then she noticed his smile.
“The Cloudy Sword Sect has taken the guest house, and to give you your privacy, you shall be my honoured guest while I remain with my Grandson. I shall not impose upon you,” his words were phrased oh so innocently. “Unless you wish me too, of course.”
He waggled his eyebrows at her. Minyan couldn’t help the smile.
“I shall consider it. The gentleman may escort me,” she commanded him.
They both leapt from the logs and landed on one of the pathways leading along the river. Shen Yu’s stride was slow, and Minyan matched him as they strolled together through the cold.
“I hope my grandson’s hospitality has been acceptable,” Shen Yu said after a moment.
“Oh? Not like you to be so worried about something like that,” Minyan replied.
Shen Yu raised an eyebrow. “You gave him quite a scare when you first met,” he replied. Ah, so that was what he had been worried about.
“And you know why that happened,” Minyan said, her voice cold.
Shen Yu paused at her retort. He did indeed know why. Her desires, against his oath. He took a breath and looked to say something before he let it out.
“It's been too nice of a night for such arguments,” he said after a second.
For a moment, Minyan considered pushing the issue, but that would be a losing battle.
“You are correct. It has been too nice a night,” Minyan said, dropping the matter. Shen Yu’s eyes widened slightly. “Your Grandson is a fine boy. He has done well for himself, considering something happened at the Cloudy Sword Sect that necessitated their apology.”
Shen Yu allowed her to change the subject. He was obviously pleased by her praise of the boy… and at the same time the mention of the Cloudy Sword Sect made him grimace.
“...over tea,” he said. “And I will be speaking to my dear friend Minyan… not the Elder of Soaring Heaven’s Isle Sect.”
“I swear upon my honour, not a word of this shall leave my lips.”
Shen Yu nodded at her oath.
Their walk stopped before a small house on the edge of the river. Shen Yu opened the door for her.
“My home is yours, Minyan,” Shen Yu declared as they entered.
It was as mortal and as it was rustic. There was not a single thing that said this was the abode of a powerful cultivator. There weren’t even any wards.
But there was calligraphy on the walls. A couple of wall scrolls hung, clearly made by Shen Yu’s hand. His calligraphy, as always, was stunningly beautiful; some were bold, striking single characters. As always, Shen Yu’s work on “sword” was so perfect that the character itself looked like it could cut those that read it.
Others were more humble works. Sow. Reap. Farming terms. They removed their shoes, and Shen Yu set about preparing tea for them.
Minyan glanced at the piece that Shen Yu was currently working on, centered on the table.
Broken, yet Repaired with Gold.
A truly interesting piece, one her fellow Elder, Lili, would want hours to contemplate. The collector of calligraphy had many of Shen Yu’s pieces.
“It's still not right,” Shen Yu said as he saw what had captured her attention. “It needs a different ink, or perhaps a rougher paper.”
Soon, however, the tea was finished brewing and the calligraphy set was put away.
Shen Yu took a deep breath and let it out.
And then he told her what had happened at the Cloudy Sword Sect.
It was a rather short tale, all things considered.
The young man had nearly been beaten to death by a fellow disciple. It happened sometimes, in Soaring Heaven’s Isle Sect. It was more prevalent among the Midships—their cultivation style increased the passion among the women who practised it, and that passion sometimes raged out of control… especially on far flung outposts or ships long away from proper discipline.
The punishment varied. Accidental deaths in sparring were forgivable, if the culprit was truly remorseful. Purposefully killing a fellow disciple? That earned execution by keelhauling.
Minyan looked into her tea cup, a frown on her face.
“You nearly lost him,” she said, her voice low.
“Yes, I nearly lost him. Only Brother Ge stayed my hand.”
“Always so reliable, that one,” Minyan said with a little smile, before her face turned again into a frown. It was a chilling tale. Shen Yu, directing his blade at the Cloudy Sword Sect? That would have ended in disaster for the Empire. “It seems almost unbelievable that that happened in the Cloudy Sword Sect.”
“They thought the same,” Shen Yu sighed, his voice quiet.
It was clearly a story he disliked telling. It was a shame that would stain the honour of the Cloudy Sword Sect for generations if it got out.
“...he's quite resilient, to have endured that and kept going,” Minyan said. “But Shen Yu… you have only known him for… eight years?”
To turn aside eight hundred years of companionship for eight years?
“When I first found him, I was at my lowest. My cultivation was cracking at the seams. It was going to unravel. I was going to break, Minyan.” Shen Yu’s words made the gorge rise in Minyan’s throat. “That child, shoveling in Crimson Crucible City. That child, who was so much like myself… he rekindled me. He gave me something to fight for again.”
The blazing fire in Shen Yu’s eyes nearly scorched her. The eyes of Shen Yu, as he had been so long ago. The Unconquered Blade.
…it appeared she had to be more thankful to Rou Jin.
“It's a good thing you found him, then,” Minyan said, and raised her cup to her lips.
“Yes. Yes it was,” Shen Yu said, before adopting a contemplative pose. “You know, I nearly asked you to take care of him. I think he would have done well on the Isle.”
Tianzhe Minyan, Cultivator of the Imperial Realm, epitome of grace, choked on her tea, spitting it back into her cup.
“What kind of mad fool plan would that be!?” she demanded.
“Oh, I don’t know, I think it would have worked out.”
Minyan snarled at him, rising to her feet. Shen Yu started laughing at her.
He did not, in the end, go back to his grandson’s house that night.
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I'm quite fond of the final joke this chapter.
Edited by: BargleNawdleZouss, Massgamer,
Comments
Alex Ingraham
CF said he'd resume posting three times a week today. So, loosely Mon, Wed and Fri, if something doesn't come up. In which case it'll be out later the following day.
Kerry Baklash
Mondays and Thursday I think
Isak Mark
Does someone know the posting schedule?
Aune
Bei Bei !! The tru inherihtor deciple of Shen Yu
Stuffed Duck
That explains as well why he would have been willing to raise his sword against his sworn brothers and the sect that brought him up for a child he knew just for a fraction of his life: the debt of saving his life.
Beggar of Freedom
Divines bless your kind heart!
Alex Ingraham
@Timothy Dana Last time we saw them interact had Shen Yu trying to offer energy to Tianlan, her refusing it and cursing him out lol. I think he'll have to be totally cured (and Tianlan wake up again) before they develop any relationship.
ABTelford
Yes! Well said! 😊
Duncan Morin
This chapter confirms something that's I've suspected for a long time. Shen Yu was far more broken than anyone realized. EDIT It makes me wonder if he was in that city to just die where he was first lived and just happened to find someone that reminded him of exactly who he was
Timothy Dana
Does that mean he’s spoken to Tianlan at this point? I didn’t realize they had had a conversation
Ligeia
Tianlan, Xiulan, and Jin, at least right now. I suspect there will be others who acquire gold among the Fa Ram family, however, as time passes. And Miantiao may make fractured pottery fused with gold, too, since that was one specialty of his now-destroyed village.
GryphonKnight
The English translation of Mobs omitted the AU chapters (it was very frustrating to see the editors note each time it was omitted) The English publisher is now translating the AU and publishing it as a separate series of books Not sure which option the readers of BoC would prefer (special edition versus separate series of books)
Umut Numanoglu
Well first instance of it was Sacred. I'm fine either way. Hopefully we will 'see" more about it in AU or here.
Alex Ingraham
I read it as Shen Yu's relationship with CSS. True it seems short for his total age, but remember he formally left CSS on good terms. Just... creative differences for lack of a better term lol. So, the old monsters are probably older than 1000 years, but we have Ge remarking that Shen Yu seems happier than he (Ge) has seen him in the last 300 years. I'm going to guess that's around the Shen Bu incident. Which makes Shen Yu's statement in this chapter about finding Jin saving him, also make sense. Shen Yu was supposed to be devastated after killing Bu... I've always assumed that Minyan and Shen Yu's relationship has been on and off again since they were relatively young. Him because he's a playboy and her because, as Jin noted, she's tsundere as F*CK!! But, until we get more background info on Shen Yu meeting his wife to be, we've all got no real data to do more than theorize with lol
Alex Ingraham
As long as I'm allowed to good-naturedly whine about longing for the next chapter, I 100% agree. 😄
Alex Ingraham
Would love a short on the Sacred Fairy Springs becoming the Scared Fairy Springs after the bakas' first and only visit lol
John D Jones
@ Umut Numanoglu Could go either way. Maybe the Storm Wings found it and terrified some poor Xian that was bathing there.
Mazerii
The best sayings apply universally, to everyone in their own way.
linkhyrule5
All of the above. Part of why he's writing it, I'm sure.
Stephen Smith
Thank you for your story it brings me joy and happiness.
Amer
Kind of a running theme my guy
Amer
Obviously it's a little late for this since several volumes are already out. But the light novels for "The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs" has an alternate universe story included as bonus chapters (the MC doesn't get involved with the main characters). So if you ever do reprints and want to make super special editions you could include the AU.
Alex
I personally just read that stuff as “a long fuckin time”. There’s mentions of the elders going into meditation for centuries at a time, which doesn’t seem like a thing a person would do unless a few centuries was trivial in comparison to their entire lifespan. If you actually try to map out how old the old monsters are you’ll probably find out that the math ain’t mathin, so in my opinion it’s better to just say, “yeah, they’re like old as fuck” and leave it at that.
Wumpy
Broken, yet repaired with gold. I do believe it references Tianlan more than most.
Angel
I love when you sprinkle in these little, but oh so important, details! Shen Yu’s vulnerability is a breath of fresh air, and I’m always hungry for more of both their back stories. And thank you for ending it on a giggle. 🤭 Take your time, we’ll be here, appreciating every chapter!
Angel
My read on the situation was that she was clearly referencing her companionship with Shen Yu having been 800 years, and she’s believing that Shen Yu was throwing away all they meant to each other, all those years ‘together’, for a child he barely knows. Because in her mind it’s a betrayal that he chose to adopt a child rather than have one with her. And for the other comment, Minyan was already acquainted with Shen Yu when he met the mother of his son, and has spoken of how repulsive she was, and how unpleasant the few times she’d had to be around Bu were. And how hard it was to watch Shen Yu go through the loss of his son, how it weakened and corrupted him, in a way. So I’m sure Shen Bu was also in those 800 years somewhere. ☺️
Jarrik32
Broken, yet reforged. Are we talking about Jin or Shen Yu?
Umut Numanoglu
Typo: Scared Fairy Springs Should be Sacred Thanks for the chapter.
Christopher Overbeck
If he chapter after this isn't a jump cut to the alt story in media res in the middle of some action scene then you should seriously consider that for the edited version
Old Dog
As always, thank you for the chapter. Still looking forward to when the visitors from Pale Moon Lake City arrive to find the cause of all the crystals shattering. And yes, that final joke is grand.
Splutty
Scared Fairy Springs is a fantastic typo.
Old Dog
Well, Minyan IS considering seeing if the Silver Yin Lotus will grow next to their Sacred Fairy Springs.
forest tate
That and bi de was contemplating showing it to other experts and historians already
Verienn
Thanks for the chapter, and worry not, all good things take time
Nick Slow
Thanks for the chapter!
Matt
It’s ok if you are a bit late to make sure you give us what you are happy with. I liked the last joke, too. We readers just have to remember writing is an art not a science.
WarStrider72
And then in another universe, Jin becomes the young master of an all-female sect
Monkeytoster
It had been stated previously that Shen Yu made that oath himself without any proding or pressure because he was so ashamed and remorseful for Shen Bu. That was also when he said he owed the emporer three favors for what his son did.
Andrew Jones
love the not so subtle references to the other novel cant remember the name but he builds a sky boat and its sick
Guber
This was great! Showing how much Jin has improved Shen Yu's life, and the nice romance... Good stuff!
Kat
That might allow him to travel incognito then? 🤔
Melanie Me
I thought maybe what happens to the land when Demons come would interest them
Cranky Otter
I’m amused by the old Monsters (in love) hanging out on the Anime training poles.
StarkRG
Probably not. The knowledge is historical and really only of interest to people actually from the Azure Hills. The only parts they would likely be interested in are the existence of Tianlan, and the dance-powered Azure Hills formation that empowers her and those she's connected to. Since they want Tianlan's existence kept secret, it's probably best if nobody knows. Maybe they could show them the formation, but keep Tianlan's continued existence out of it.
Idan tal
“To turn aside eight hundred years of companionship for eight years?“ clearly meant about him almost attacking the sect, if Ge hadn’t stopped him.
Halldor Jonsson
Just one chapter this week!?!? Screw you Casualfarmer, how dare you talk so disparagingly to yourself! You create wonderful art that makes me laugh and smile and more often than I like to admit BoC makes me cry. I think it's good to set personal deadlines to motivate yourself to be productive but you don't owe us anything.
Gopard
Thanks for the chapter!
Gopard
I read it more as 800 years of "companionship" meant Minyan Tianzhe... That he is over a thousand years old but has been in this on-off-flirting with her for so long already? But that would assume the whole rogue Son incident would have had to happen before that and that's a bit too long a timeline maybe? Not sure.
Melanie Me
Do you think the Elders will watch the Azure Hills crystal?
Melanie Me
I don't think the Emperor would leave his castle. I remember reading about the formations that make him more powerful than he really is.
Michael Larsen
I suspect that the Emperor asked Shen Yu for his oath out of real wisdom. He likely saw the beginning of the destruction of Shen’s cultivation before even Shen, and demanded the oath in the hope of preserving his friend. If so, it looks like it worked. I can’t wait for Fengyan to come walking humbly up to the farm himself; seeing the family of Fa Ram underestimate a humble guest will be a great juxtaposition to all the times everyone underestimated Jin.
Idan tal
So now we know that Shen Yu is about 800+ years old,but less then 900 as he in relation with the sect for around 800 years. I wonder if that’s apply to the entire group
Justin
Very nice chapter! Hope the edits go well.... No selfish reason at all
Idan tal
Not so sure about Shen Yu, cause he like playing around waaaayyyyy too much to be a married man.
Kt-x
Thanks for the chapter 😁
leopard eye
Don't think tianlans will be involved with it. She's still asleep and Shen Yu didn't have much of a relationship with her. No what I meant was simply happy Shen Yu, healthy Shen Yu.
Alex Ingraham
Loved the chapter! I hope you're able to wrap up everything to your satisfaction.
Lonnie
The AU chapters are nice
Trevor Mergen
Thanks!
Laura Hemly
But every chapter is too short -- or feels that way because I always want more of this wonderful universe! CF has created a thing of beauty, for sure. May he have a long and happy writing career!
V01D
Especially given how he has been interacting with Tinglan, previously.
DrentalBot
“Unless you wish me too, of course.” I think this should be a "to"
Often Irrelephant
I am familiar with the characters - including Minyan's epic level tsundere-tude. Apparently my tongue wasn't pressed firmly enough in my cheek.
Nicolas Symeou
I believe it was the whole his-son-going-evil-and-him-having-to-kill-him thing.
John D Jones
@ Often Irrelephant Shen Yu and Minyan (along with Ge, Yukong and Shou) are hundreds if not thousands of years old. They are the pictures in the dictionary beside the phrase "Seen some shit." Their faint praises (or damns) are worth way more than almost anyone else's ecstatic worship.
THEMIGHTYBOXHEAD
thank you for the chapter. always good to hear the reflections of others and to think shen Yu was nearly undone. what could have caused this? now i want to know that part though i think i already know the answer
James Faulkner
Goddamn the legend of 3 chapter weeks is upon us!!
KDBA
They both already want that. The only thing in the way is Shen Yu's oath.
Ibuks5
I'm on my toes haha
Ibuks5
A nod to the AU 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Kasinki
Ah, a wonderful end for the chapter. Thank you for the hard work CF!
Geoffrey Sullivan
First, I want you to know that I appreciate your efforts even more under what must be a *great* deal of strain - take the time you *need.* As precious as this tale of yours is, *you're* more so; I (and *many* others here, I've no doubt) can be patient. :) Second, this was a *lovely* and soothing chapter to end my day on - old friends, warmth and moonlight are a balm for the soul. Thank you.
leopard eye
And so Sen Yu has his Minyan to snuggle with. Seriously I would not be surprised if when they wake up a good part of the old stinkers cultivation has mended itself.
Road Trips
Tffc. Loved getting to see these two interact more!
Featherweight
Three chapters a week is going to feel down right Extravagant
Often Irrelephant
The grandson and his silver yin bath house aren't bad - praised with faint damns, indeed.
Max E Malekzadeh
Fantastic chapter and I love how smoothly you worked in the reference. It made me laugh without being so jarring that those who haven't read the SHI AU would feel like they're missing something.
Dwayne Parker
It was as mortal and as it was rustic. Stray ‘and’
Zero Wrath
Loved the chapter! A shame that only one chapter will be released this week, but I shall be patient and enjoy the return to 3 next week which also happens to be my week long break!
Aki_Iokua18
A step in a good direction for both of them. A step in a journey requiring trillions. A toast to the final joke of the chapter good sir.
Daniel Mountain
That's an angsty rom-com of another era.
Daniel Mountain
Yes, I'm sure things would've been *completely* peaceful with the Soaring Heavens Isle sect. What could've gone wrong there? Well, we'll never know for sure. Shen Yu's tongue might only be steel, but he still keeps it polished to a silver finish.
Zeromaru2
What an old married couple. Get married already jeeze
stargibilet Scott
Great last addition, the AU definitely had an interesting begining for sure!
BigBro Bluesman
To short I read that in only a couple of minutes....it's my only complaint
shadowSeth
Thanks for the chapter and don't worry about the speed of your releases. The quality of your work is 👌. I'm going through it again on audible.
Calamity
Ah, a wonderful conversation between two old friends being vulnerable with each other. (Chef’s Kiss)
SarcasticDonkey
Shen Yu got game!
BargleNawdleZouss
Shen Yu showing he's a smooth operator. Call him Carlos Sainz!
Andrew Denton
Yes! It's here!
Jon Dough
Needed this today. Thank you for the chapter!!
Jakob
Thanks for the chapter!
