Torsten Hewson
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v6c4: The Forest and the Trees Part 3
🕑 Added 2025-02-18 05:53:48 +0000 UTCHong Meiling hummed a tune popular in Hong Yaowu as she handled the wok, the vegetables cooking perfectly. The sizzling of meat, the smell of spices, and the sounds of a kitchen working full bore filled the air. She grabbed a skillet of toasted pine seeds and added them to the mass of fresh vegetables, rice, and wheat berries. Spooks needed a lot of food, and despite his statements that he could go out and forage to give them less work, that would not do.
She finished the bowl—Gou Ren was hosting dinner tonight at his house for most of them, which was better for everyone. The older cultivators didn’t have to watch themselves, and everybody else got to not have to watch themselves either.
It was a moment of relaxation on a day that had been very odd.
Hosting their new guests provided a disconnect for Meiling. Ever since her husband told her of how he left the sect, the image had simply built itself in her mind. The Cloudy Sword Sect was outright wicked in her worst thoughts, conmen who merely tricked others into believing them righteous.
In her thoughts and sometimes in her dreams, the Cloudy Sword Sect was some shadowy, nebulous cabal of cultivators—the only good one among them being Lu Ri.
The Elders especially were strange, formless things, made of darkness. Unthinking, uncaring, and cruel. Secretly condoning evil acts!
The name alone made her angry—a simmering burn in her chest that whispered how best to inflict cruelties on those who had harmed and killed her husband.
And let it never be said that Hong Meiling ever easily forgot a grudge. It was one of the things she disliked about herself. She couldn’t let go, smile, and help people up as easily as Jin could. Even after the barrier around Hong Yaowu lessened some of the burn, she could still feel it whenever she heard the name, a poisonous thought in the back of her head.
She had smelled them long before she saw them. The titanic wellsprings of power that, if she had been any less used to Shen Yu, might have sent her to her knees, retching. Elder Ge smelled like Lu Ri, but more in every way. Lu Ri smelled strange, both there and not, like a cloud, like parchment, and like blade oil. While Lu Ri was a polite set of clouds, looking down upon the world with curiosity, Elder Ge was a swirling mass that would envelop the entire sky—an inevitable fact of life, so utterly present one could almost miss it.
Two of the others had similar smells, scents that tickled the edge of her nose just as they bore full force down on her. One was a titanic tree that was so tall it split the Heavens, and so wide it became impossible to see properly. Its blossoms were miracle medicine and horrific poison, drifting through a misty cloud.
The other was a library. Its smell went on forever, the soft scent of parchment, before transitioning into harsh,, stark, and unforgiving granite, like the face of a mountain, a permanent carving on the world so vast one’s senses couldn’t perceive it.
The final scent was made more intense by how comparatively up front it was. Cold. Cold so deep that the hottest fires would be vanquished, withering and dying until the only thing left was the ice and the quiet—a deceptively peaceful smell… made all the more terrifying by the fact that she could smell underneath the tranquility the storm that could scour the world clean.
The scents had set her on edge, and when they came down from the Heavens, acting like old friends, it had… annoyed her. She was rather thankful that Lady Wu had thoroughly trained her out of acting impulsively, or she might have said or implied something to the… overly familiar Elder Ge. Her teacher was a blessing—because it had taken a very, very long time indeed.
Of course, by the end of the introductions… those formless elders worthy only of her scorn for what their sect had done to Jin, were considerably more human.
Elder Ge crushed her image of him as some shadowy schemer instantly. His apology to Jin just felt so… genuine. There was something about him, like Xiulan when she got all into her “leader mode,” as Jin called it, but a thousand times more. The man looked and felt... noble, for the lack of a better term. Like what a leader should be. The kind of person who could shoulder it all, who you wanted to be the one with the weight of that responsibility, because he would do it justice.
Elder Shou acted a lot like she did around medicinal plants, the man so utterly enthusiastic about Jin’s garden that it was almost endearing. He was an older gentleman, who looked about of age with the Lord Magistrate, with a bald head and a lanky form—but moved with so much vitality he seemed to be but a young man.
Elder Yukong had been content to watch her husband, a slight smile on her face. The intimidating woman looked only slightly older than Meiling, her hair held in a traditional braid. She was quiet and soft spoken, with her eyes full of genuine curiosity, and yet without any sort of judgement. In that, she was just like Elder Shou.
The final one, Tianzhe Minyan of the Soaring Heaven’s Isle Sect, had been cold at first, but after the topic of the Anti-Demonic Qi Formation came to light, the woman had been much more present, instead of just observing. She wore a veil over her lower face, but honestly, the woman’s eyes were enough, piercing things so pale blue they were almost white, and along with her white hair and skin she looked like a walking ice sculpture more than a human.
They had talked for a couple of hours, light conversation while Shen Yu cracked jokes with Ge, and occasionally needled Lady Minyan—yet instead of getting more annoyed like the old man, she seemed to get less so as the time passed. Meiling had found the simmering anger when she looked at them started to fade away… at least a little bit.
Honestly, she was a bit more annoyed at herself, for constructing them into such malevolent beings.
And then it was time to prepare dinner. The cultivators had seemed surprised when both she and Jin went to the kitchen, along with most of the house, leaving Shen Yu alone for a moment with the other cultivators… and Spooks. Elder Ge apparently was going to be escorting the Thunderhoof north with Shen Yu so he could meet Master Forest Sweeper.
Meiling frowned a bit at her dilemma. Some part of her still told her to be wary of them… while another part murmured that it was her clinging too tightly to a grudge… again. She glanced up as Jin went outside to deliver one of the completed dishes to Gou Ren. She already knew Jin’s thoughts, so she turned to the two others who might have a more negative opinion.
“Bi De. Tigu. What do you think of them?” Meiling asked, and they perked up at the question. Both were in human form, and both had been helping Wa Shi… the only one of their number who insisted on being present to make sure their guests were “eating properly”.
Meiling couldn’t help the smile at the thought.
Bi De and Tigu both pondered for a moment, before Bi De spoke.
“When our Master first told us about the sect, he also told us this: ‘We all make our own choices, but in the end, our choices also make us,’” the man said. “They have chosen the path of reconciliation. They have chosen the path of accountability. Whatever their sins in the past, they are making the effort to move past them. I do not know yet how close we shall be to them… but I believe that they shall at least be friends.”
“I think the same,” Tigu said. “And, well, Master says everybody gets one. They had one, and now they’ve stopped.”
Meiling considered their words and let out a breath.
“Thank you. I think I needed to hear that,” she said. “I’m very lucky to have such a wise son and daughter.”
Tigu and Bi De both flushed at the praise, and Meiling embraced them.
Then, it was time for dinner.
It was rather funny to see the looks on all of these old cultivators’ faces when Wa Shi came out with them, his chef hat proudly perched upon his head.
“Behold, the true worth of Fa Ram,” the dragon proudly declared.
======================================
Xiao Ge had been to a great many dinners.
None of them had featured a dragon who served them. It was a young beast, practically a child, and it was by far the weakest dragon Ge had ever encountered—but there was an innocence and earnest passion to his movements.
His hat was… certainly something. Tall and white with many pleats on it, but he wore it like a crown.
And his arrogance was really quite amusing. His pride in the food was so all-encompassing that he could see it was a conscious effort to keep his nose from tilting up in the air, and a smug smile forming on his lips.
Many of the dishes were foreign to Ge’s eyes. He was quite well-travelled, but food culture did change quickly. It was all quite delicious looking.
But in addition to the strange dishes, there were others. More… familiar things.
“...rice noodle rolls?” Minyan asked, raising a brow.
“Yeah, I asked the old man what dishes everyone liked beforehand—he actually gave me some spices for those ones,” Rou Jin said. “Hopefully the taste is right.” Ge saw Yukong looking directly at the dan dan mian, while Shou seemed surprised Shen Yu even knew he liked roasted crispy skin duck. Ge himself noted the char siu pork—a guilty pleasure, when he had been a youth, and when Shen Yu had taken him to that one restaurant in Crimson Crucible City.
“Please, help yourselves.”
And with that, Shen Yu simply started diving in—the meal was among friends, so he stood not on propriety.
Tianzhe Minyan stared at Rou Jin for a moment longer, her expression inscrutable… before she took her first bite. Her eyes widened, nearly imperceptibly.
She took a second bite.
Ge followed her lead and smiled. The char siu pork tasted exactly like he remembered it—though he supposed that was to be expected. Rou Jin was from Crimson Crucible City as well.
The food was good. Great, even, and it was a quite good way to end the day. While it was unfortunate that Jin was not going to be in their halls… the Heavens had smiled on their Sect, and they had smiled on Ge’s friend. While most of the others had been more focused on young Jin’s home… Ge had been considering his friend.
Yet he needn’t have worried. Shen Yu looked content and relaxed in a way Ge hadn’t seen for over three hundred years.
It had been a long time since Ge had seen him this way, and he was satisfied..
Xiao Ge ate without restraint… and then the dragon came back. This time with a barrel, and escorted by more of the Spirit Beast bees. He opened it up, and at once a heady scent poured out.
“Of course, to go with dinner, Boss—er, Master, has decreed we break out our finest vintage,” he declared. “Froom Booze Master Vajra herself. Mead!”
A golden liquid descended into their perfectly clear glass cups—and if it was anything like the honey ginger tea… they were in for quite a treat.
He was correct. The golden liquid was a heady, spicy brew, warming all of their bellies… and giving that little bit of lubrication to their tongues.
“So, Young Jin, I have heard Shen Yu’s side of the tale, but how did you meet Shen Yu?” Ge asked.
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next up: Minyan POV.
Editors: Massgamer, BargleNawdleZouss
Comments
ENK
I know it's too late now, but maybe for the book release version: The visitors really should have mistaken Gou Ren for a spirit animal and went "ah, so not everyone of them manage to do a full humanization". Come on, it's begging to happen.
Often Irrelephant
I have entirely too many gifted trolls in the family - Shen Yu seems like the ultra vexing variety that pays surprisingly close attention. Occasionally they do great kindnesses, but mostly just use their observations to stomp up and down on your last damn nerve. For an encore, they'll ask why you're so touchy, recommend you learn to take a joke, and then show up the next day with your favorite obscure ice cream or beer.
Angel
You’ve done it again…gone and made a character so incredibly human and relatable that almost no one even commented on it! Meiling’s self-awareness (at such a young age, too), combined with being far too hard on herself, is just so damn real. She just met them and after years of anger, loathing, and holding them in a specific part of her brain, she’s barely given herself a few hours to adjust to who they really are and what that means for her and her family. Give yourself some time girl, you’ll figure it out! Thank you for once again bringing transparent, relatable humanity to a character! She’s even more alive inside my mind than she was before, which is quite the feat. 🙏🏻💗🥰
Often Irrelephant
I think Babe has zamboni duty covered - maybe that's how they meet him? Minyan would be an absolute terror if they could get her out there. Maybe if they pack all the kids off to school, lol.
Desert Yeti
I wonder if Minyan might be a hidden master of Ha Qi with her ice powers. Or she gets co opted into Zamboni work...
F0ZYWOLF
I wonder if Xiulan’s mother is with the group
Often Irrelephant
I also assume Shen Yu will goad Ge into hockey - but am also wondering if we'll see any exhibition matches? Or at least training to show off people's skills. But I suppose they could also just play powered hockey.
Buck
I think that he was waiting on the purge of the demonic cultivators in the north to complete in Verdant Hill.
Truedragon5374
When Wa Shi came out with the food, I like to imagine dozens of plate balanced along his back as he floats out of the kitchen, like something out of an old Disney movie. Leaving his claws free to place the food onto the table.
Timothy Dana
Casual should make a cookbook
Kreylix
Funniest part of this new volume so far... It was rather funny to see the looks on all of these old cultivators’ faces when Wa Shi came out with them, his chef hat proudly perched upon his head. “Behold, the true worth of Fa Ram,” the dragon proudly declared."
Harish
Probably was
Harish
Pretty sure the rest of my life would zip by at that point
Beggar of Freedom
Divines bless your kind heart!
Alex Ingraham
I mean... an excessive amount of alcohol and weed could make it FEEL like time is zipping by...
Alex Ingraham
Or that crispy duck... 🤤🤤🤤
Alex Ingraham
TYFTC! Loved the chapter, but it reminded me of the worst part of this series... and that is I know I will never taste the food of Fa Ram! 🤣😭
Alex Ingraham
I don't think the VE is even nearby enough to give us a POV... did he go back already?
Alex Ingraham
Assuming there aren't already maples of some sort already up there, I think Jin would have to, for lack of a better phrase, breed a type of maple that could survive the cold conditions. If they're already up there, he'd just have to teach Spooks what to do.
WonderBread459
Different series but in Kung fu Panda it is said that the dragon warrior could subsist off a single ginkgo leaf and “the power of the universe”, something I assume they took from Xianxia’s cultivators
WonderBread459
In the previous chapter “Most of the servants and Spirit Beasts had retired, leaving only Bi De, the girl who had introduced herself as Rou Tigu, a pink-haired servant, and a boar.”
Alex
I'm not disagreeing with you, but I do want to add that these people don't need to eat if they don't want to. "It was as if [Bi De] was subsisting off air alone, as those in the upper end of the Sky Realm could." - v4c23. I'm sure the typical meal eaten by any of the elders would be exquisite, but I don't think they eat regularly at all, especially since they can and do enter meditation for centuries at a time.
WonderBread459
I can see it now, on one side we’ve got Shen Yu, Jin, Mei mei, and co. on the other Minyan, her midships, and the Dumdums. If Minyan weren’t there to refreeze the lake, it probably wouldn’t last too long.
Dennis
It doesn't seem like he lacks respect for Washi but instead see him as a young excitable being.
Timothy Dana
Definitely hockey match for the ages
James Pierce
I'm just waiting for Minyan's idiots to meet Jin's idiots
Pat Sprehe
Where is Xiulan and the other human cultivators? I think I missed when they left?
Timothy Dana
It think it would be great if Ge learns to respect Washi even if he’s the weakest baby dragon he’s ever seen
Meredith McDaniel
Love everything as always but uhm.. where is Rizzu😅
Buck
On a different note, it would be nice if Jin was able to send some maple tree saplings as a thank you gift to Master Forest Sweeper. Given how much the Thunder Hooves love maple syrup, it can’t help but be well received.
Old Dog
As always, thank you for the chapter. Looking forward to Minyan's POV especially her reactions to when Jin tells of how they met and the replacement of Shen Yu's wine with horse piss.
Old Dog
I must cultivate the dao of patience.....who am I kidding. You are correct.
Synova Vitale
Shen Yu is totally going to play Ha Ki with them and I can’t wait… hehehe
Geoffrey Sullivan
I find Shou's reaction the most amusing - as much as he's been griping about Shen Yu, to have *another* reminder that the Unconquered Blade *does* consider them *friends,* and thus, he *pays attention* to them . . . The habits of centuries are all-but-impossible to break, I suppose, but it's *another* reason/reminder for Shou tolerate "his Shen Yu-ness." :) A lovely light chapter - with the promise of *Minyan's* point of view next? *Thank you!*
Geoffrey Sullivan
It's a common affliction, I find - ESPECIALLY with this story! :)
BlueMage_VT
For now lol. Jin only has a few years under his belt, give him a couple hundred and he'll blow their socks off!
BlueMage_VT
So many good chapters feel that way. It isn't until I scroll back up again I realize it was longer than it felt!
John Sanders
I mean these elders probably eat on this level most of the time so a little surprising that it's this good but this is most likely the level they operate at
Cindermoth
Aye, but we have to remember these are the absolute top cultivators. Fa Ram is excellent, but they'll probably still have had better. Rarer ingredients, cultivators utterly dedicated to cooking, not to mention formations for cooking and etc. The fact they're getting such a response is already very impressive. And we have to remember they're probably also reaaaally good at self control
Duke of Coffee
The Cloudy Sect elders regret not paying attention to the sect while Rou Jin does his best away from them, farming. As they say, you reap what you have sowed. Now it is time for Washy the Dragon Cook to do his food show. 😜
StarBat
I can understand them not being blown away by the food. Being alive that long with memories crystal clear.... And an entire sect worth of resources and connections? They must eat real good on the regular.
BigBro Bluesman
That felt extremely short
WarStrider72
I guess this is as close as we get to a foodgasm from the elders lol
Menthewarp
I'm glad Meimei openly called Tigger and Big D her daughter and son. It means i can finally (after far too long) close my mental book on any hypothetical harem pairings between them and Jin.
Raraki Kraken
TOO SHORT! I NEED MOOORE!!!
Catherine
Is zhuye with them or is he with gou ren?
Bast
Thanks for the chapter! "Froom" -> "From"
Nemoboi
I mean Ri Zu is reportedly a bit socially anxious, I can kind of see her avoiding all the fuss... also Tigu and Bi De have been much more like (close) siblings even since the tournament. They also both really enjoy the "normal" chores like cooking together
Brian P.
It was mentioned the others were having dinner at Gou Ren’s place. Away from the extremely powerful people they need to be on their best behavior around, and whom don’t know them. Bi De is there because he’s Shen Yu’s disciple while Meiling is an Honored Ally or the CSS as well as being Jin’s wife. Tigu, Chunky, Pi Pa and Wa Shi seem to be there for serving and helping where they need to.
Maria Klein
I have to admit I was hoping for a little more reaction to the food. After all they live in the middle of a chi desert, never thought of using spiritual spices for herbs and the cooking was overseen by a dragon. However it’s a good wholesome chapter that I really enjoyed m. Thank you!
John D Jones
I'm pretty sure that Ge already knows about that one. Shou and Yukong probably don't as they've only recently come out of "hundreds of years" of Closed Door Cultivation. Minyan only learned that Shen Yu even had a grandson at the meeting with TLM.
Kt-x
Thanks for the chapter 🙂
Marcaeus
I must have missed something, but why isn't Ri Zu with her hubby to be? This entire time it's mentioned Tigu being with Bi De, which makes some sort of sense to establish their longer relationship with Jin, but Tigu never seemed as close with the First Disciple as Meiling's student, who seems strangely absent.
Sacchito22
I also wouldn't mind the Voice of the Emperor's perspective on things too.
GameJunkie999
I cant wait for Jin to mention the horse piss prank. Watching them react to that is gonna be hilarious
Truedragon5374
I'm almost expecting Vajra to transform into a human just so she can go Queen VS Queen with Minyan.
Stuffed Duck
Only 3 days (hopefully) until Frosty's POV, but then 4 more days until the next one ...
Stuffed Duck
... and then SY would have to let go of his vow, as Jin would need a LOT of aunts and uncles ...
Justin
Thanks for the chapter
Alibhai
It's interesting how Meiling's thoughts mirror those of the readers earlier on in the story. A lot of groundwork was done to help us sympathize and grow fond of the sect.
Vanessa Coe
I always devour them fast then re-read slowly. Also I now have a craving for char siu pork.
Buck
Hearing Minyan’s take on everything should be interesting since she has been the most close-lipped of all the visiting cultivators to date. TFTC!
Will Gossage
I want a picture of Mei talking to and embracing Bi De and Tigu and calling them her son and daughter, that was a wholesome moment and chef kiss for it
John D Jones
I thought it was a reference to the Deamworks logo: https://www.creativebloq.com/news/dreamworks-logo-animation
Clay
This is just so .....satisfying. In the best way.
John D Jones
Probably bits and pieces, but I doubt we're going to get a multi-chapter flashback to the Before and honestly, I wouldn't really want one. Rao Jin of the Before was... a normal guy from Canada who grew up on a farm (and learned both modern and historical agricultural techniques as a hobby) then became a wastewater engineer before probably getting hit by a truck, dying and winding up Xianxia Land.
Timothy Dana
Did shou see the peach of immortality when on tour?
Laura Hemly
Thanks, CF! I read it slowly to get maximum enjoyment out of it -- until I got to the dish Meimei fixed for Spooks. Veggies, gold grade rice, and wheat berries with toasted pine nuts? Yummm! You made me so hungry I nearly stopped reading to get myself something to eat on the spot!
James Faulkner
Tftc!
Homeless One
I am loving every single chapter of this. I am quaffing a mug and slamming it up on the table yelling, ANOTHER!
RJKY
Minyan's gonna skip all courtshisot & formalities, just claim Jin as her grandson so that by transitive property Shen Yu is now ger husband.
Kasinki
Ahhhhh... I love these moments. Thank you for the chapter CF!
Kourtney Viles
I'm looking forward to Minyan's pov, thank you for this chapter.
Nick
Tftc!
MARK MACKNET
Awesome. Just a question: are we going to learn more about the non-magic half of Jins character backstory?
Tijay Arnie
You're 5 chaps too early
Guber
Love the heart warming family mom and children interaction! I could practically picture Meiling pouting at not being able to stay mad. And the real outward flex of the farm being food and drinks is great! Now to wait to see Mimyan's reaction to Jin's origin story!
Almer Reyhan
ARGHHH I READ IT SO SO SLOWLY TO SAVOUR IT, BUT IT ENDED SO FAST :((
Gopard
Thanks for the chapter!
Calamity
Ooh Tsundere POV. This could be interesting.
Harish
Anybody got a time machine that can move us to Thursday RIGHT. BLOODY. NOW?
Dwayne Parker
Nice
leopard eye
I wonder if we'll ever find out who the man fishing on top of the clouds was and what the significance was of Washy straling his bait...
Raymond Howard
ah these chapter are too good and i read them too fast i can't wait for the next chapter!
Daniel Gesualdi
The next up pov note was mean I've been such my to get a look in the ice grams head for ages. How different will she be from the side story? What will she say what will she decide? Will she get the kids to help her attach a ball and chain to Gramps limbs? At least seven to be safe.
Zero Wrath
Thanks for the chapter! Fantastic as always
Slasher12 .Slasher
I'm loving it so far! Keep up the good work!
CringeWorthyStudios
Ah, neat. Mommy Minyan up next. I bet she’s just as tsundere mother internally here as she is in the SHI AU. Thanks for the chapter!
Cheuk Hin Ho
Short yet sweet! I'm lovin' it!
Baldanders
Thanks for the chapter, boss!
Often Irrelephant
Boozemaster FTW - though I kind of assume Mei will be on best behavior and not end up trashed and trading bawdy songs with Ge and Minyan?
Aki_Iokua18
Thanks for all your hard work good sir. It’s wonderful how cozy everything has been.
TwoRavens
Next time: How Jin replaced Gramps' wine with horse piss!
Mad Max
That next up is the worst cliffhanger I e seen in a while.
SarcasticDonkey
The Booze! The Booze!
BuilderofNull
Nice
