v5c73: Partings

The way I just fist pumped and kicked my feet!!!! LOVE this new edition! I love seeing healthy polyamorous representation!!! I hope more queer couples make an appearance through this wonderful series 💕

Outlaw

Eh, there's already enough arguing in here that I don't feel bad throwing my hat in here 7 months late. (I'm also not caught up - this chapter is where I'm currently at, so I'll be eating my hat if something in here is already addressed in a later chapter - ) I don't particularly mind the poly/throuple/whatever-you-wanna-call-it route in here, on its own. My issue is that all cases of anything queer happening at all have been in the same context. Jin/Meiling/Xiulan and Bi De/Rizu/Yushang are both about an already-established M/F couple bringing in a third F. And on its own that's not bad, but when it's the only queer romance shown or even hinted at? No F/F or M/M couples otherwise. It's not so great. (I thought I saw some Xiulan/Tigu hints in earlier chapters, but those got drowned out with Tigu/Delun later so) That's my two cents.

Emily S.

Has to be. I love those little crossovers.

Matt Grayson

After rereading 3 months later, I still thinks this is a really good chapter. And as time shows us ***spoilers** this threesome had no effect on the story.. just more fun and new experiences to the characters that may enjoy this (for sure not the pigs, and the bull already doing its job with all the milk and cheese they are having)

Idan tal

I also thought immediately: Meimei is reading about Maomao. :D

carebear90

Is mei reading the apothecary diary’s😂😂😂 shes legit the same as the main character in that anime/manga

Zach Cooper

I like the revised mud pit scene a lot (posted to Royal Road) Everyone is horny for each other, respected by each other, and enjoying each other Many things discussed in the Patreon comments are subtly acknowledged and a few problems revised ( Bi De did have a harem before, just not a human form harem)

GryphonKnight

@bioenthusiast First of all, polyamory is *very* different from polygamy, which usually has the focus of the relationship on a single husband shared among many wives. Yes, that is a situation ripe for abuse but that's mostly because the focus is placed on a single person. And also because it's often used as a tool to control the lives of multiple women. Additionally, when relationships like this develop, the one that Yushang, Ri Zu and Bi De are sharing, there is open communication, honesty and directness involved. *Any* relationship can become abusive if the people involved abuse the other party's trust and seek to harm them. I'm sorry about what happened in your community, but I think you may be letting a very personal event cloud your judgement about something that is 1) not hurting you or anyone, and 2) frankly benign as far as nonstandard relationships go. Also, Ri Zu isn't getting pressured into anything. She already knew that Yushang was attracted to Bi De, that was made clear several dozen chapters ago. It's a surprise to her because she didn't realize Yushang saw her that way. Bi De didn't need to stick up for her in this moment because Ri Zu is her own person and can consent.

Adgsi5

Yeah, and monogamy has never led to abuse 🙄 Not like women just gained the right to open a bank account in the 60s or anything.

Rose

I wrote a reply yesterday & the interface ate it. Thanks, though, for the considered reply. May or may not be up to repeating the vanished reply.

Cranky Otter

You clam it is wholesome, I disagree. In every society, civilization, commune, group, etc this always ends the same way; massive abuse. There is a reason this is has been acquired as a taboo and the polygamists Mormons are forced to live far away in the desert. My hometown had a group that parroted what you are saying, but in reality they all got arrested for grooming teenage girls to be 3rd wives for 50 year olds. Though this is different, this is yushang pressuring rizzo into letting her sleep with Bi Di, because if rizzo said no; things would not just go back to the way they were if someone just asked to sleep with your husband/fiancé, yushang foced her to choose between being a cuckold or losing one of her best friends. And Bi Di did not stick up for her.

bioenthusiast

what does this have to do with me or my comment? please remove it and re-post it as its own thing.

Dave Stone

trying to remember, has yin ever expressed any interest in sex? she seems more aroace to me so far than even lu ri, who's at least fine with doing his duty.

Shweta Narayan

so I think Xiulan forming a relationship with Meimei would work well if Meimei and Jin aren't strictly monogamous-- but I feel like it makes sense if it takes longer. Xiulan has the wariness around relationships and also since she only seems interested in Meimei that way, she might be hesitant to do anything that might strain their marriage, right?

Shweta Narayan

funny how three people in a consensual queer relationship would be more pg than two in a cishet one with the same level of fade to black. hmmm I wonder why? could it be the bigotry? ... yyyyep it's the bigotry oh well glad casual farmer doesn't play to it, and I do hope a huge chunk of the base isn't bigots.

Shweta Narayan

yes in that way they did, thank you for highlighting it for me (it really did help me figure what exactly I apparently had a issue with) considering how timid Rizzo can be i have seen to many situations where its a "yes because i guess I have to accept it" vs "Yes because this is what I want too", I have seen to many abusive relationships so i do understand that taints my bias on the situation. I look for that extra step of conversation and confirmation because it allows no misinterpretation and helps me stay in the cozy side of things. CasualFarmer, if you read this please note i think you did a great thing with this chapter DESPITE my gripe over a minor thing. I think the way you have written Big D to follow in Shen Yu's footsteps makes this all the more perfect. Your writing is fantastic and as a avid reader since the first book, your keeping true to my expectations since the beginning. Kep at it you Magnificent Rooster!

Aaron Levenson

How is this random? Yushang has been flirting with Bi De and Ri Zu since basically day one. I'm not a harem guy (see my comments below) and it may have started off as joke-y, but neither Bi De or Ri Zu expressed opposition to Yushang's insinuations. CF has Ri Zu being a little embarrassed by Yushang's flirting, but on MULTIPLE occasions CF has had her clearly not be opposed to it. Go back and re-read the chapters. You may not like it, but it wasn't out of the blue.

Alex Ingraham

I still kinda feel Xiulan is still off men, romantically - developing male friends she can trust has been a lot of progress. I mean - any friends at all are good, but the garbage she had to deal with as a busty tween was toxic a.f. and it took her a long time to not be twitchy around Gou.

Often Irrelephant

It was materials for his formations, so literally pounds of precious metal.

Cranky Otter

I assumed the "pounds of silver" was just money, from all the cash Jin gets from selling rice and syrup.

Adam

There are many many reasons to not like the harem/poly route for Big D and Ri Zu. One of the biggest reasons is it devalues the relationship between Big D and Ri Zu and their feelings for each other. I dont know why you find it difficult to understand where the non harem people are coming from. Yes people are coming out of the word work saying they are going to unsub from this reason, I am considering it as well, It's not surprising that the people who really enjoyed the no-harem aspect in the main cast are disappointed and want to leave now that there is, in fact, a harem/poly situation. It shouldn't be surprising that the people who said they will probably leave if a harem forms in the main cast actually do leave. You say to explain why it only applies to "this triad" It doesnt. It applies to all of the main cast. You say "it cant be casual sex either," I can tell you that it is. I was very uncomfortable when the LM considered soliciting MeiHua, but the fact is he didnt do it. It would have been an entirely different story if he had. Also, people keep claiming "well when Big D slept with Hens and there wasnt a problem". Its an entirly different situation when Big D is coming to grips with his sapience and human values and when he actually has them. Should Rizu be valued at the same level as one of Big Ds previous hens? I am hoping all it is is Jokes when people ship Mei mei and Xiulan, but I dont like the insiuation that they will form a thruple either. I dont know what you find so hard to understand, personally.

C

Want to add thanks for the very lovely Han POV and insight into how time on Fa Ram will inspire his ability to reconstitute his family’s compound and relationship with the sect to move in a kinder direction. Kind of curious where they got pounds of silver - put in an order with The Torrent Rider’s people on their 🏄‍♂️ vacation?

Cranky Otter

Ageed. I try to proselytize about the story by talking about how Jin is the Anti-trope main character (MC) but Bi De is the classic trope MC. That contrast allows readers new to the trope to gauge how not-usual Jin is. I also think Jin HAS discussed some issues of relationships with the spirit beasts in their lessons because they’re way more intentional about consent and the feelings of their spouse than the more standard in-universe characters.

Cranky Otter

Why not, specifically? Do you think Ri Zu and Bi De ought to be inviolate as a couple? Because it’s happening and Yushang is leaving for at least a while instead of sticking around? Because they’re met with acceptance instead of condemnation by their friends? What makes this upsetting? I honestly don’t get it. Further, I’m incredibly taken aback by all the people who are popping out of the woodwork to threaten to walk away for “this isn’t what I signed up for” because they disparage Yushang’s enjoyable night (that may or may not be a long term, if long distance, relationship with 2 people she has shown clear & marked interest in, who have not been averse to her flirting) but are perfectly happy with scenes of stabbing people until their guts fall out, for entertainment, or at least didn’t leave in droves over a tournament arc or a demon fight - 2 super on the nose trope elements that aren’t subversions of the trope. But suddenly the bicurious characters who have not gone around proclaiming monogamy acting on it are a step too far? Further, People have been shipping a Jin/Mei/Xiulan triad that I see as unlikely because Xiulan is their friend and only their friend and the teasing is fun for them because it’s going nowhere. Many people are insisting Lu Ri will suddenly be enthusiastic about a sexual relationship with his proposed fiancé despite no evidence this will be true after explicit confirmation he’s ace, but the characters perving on each other on and off are a Step Too Far? There have been several scenes where the non-Jin characters have been asked to not just explain, but justify, turning down a casual fuck despite them being virginal or close to it and having expressed no previous interest, yet somehow are vocal here to insist on explicit rather than implicit justification and forms signed in triplicate when a non-Jin Character has a not-totally-casual fuck that’s been a possibility from the triad’s first meet. What makes this one wrong? “I just don’t like it” - ok, I’m not asking you to. I’m asking you and all the people who have given the above explanations why all the commented complaints *apply only to this triad* and not the myriad other instances that violate some aspect of trope inversion/parody or “issue of morality” that have not lead to an outcry threatening mass exodus: It can’t be because there’s a romance or y’all would have been out after Jin & MeiMei’s wedding. It can’t be the fade to black sex or the bailout would have been after the wedding night. It can’t be for the casual sex or y’all would’ve bailed at Shen Yu going on a tear or The Lord Magistrate considering soliciting Meihua despite being clearly besotted with his wife, or Yun Ren considering a brothel, stopped only by stronger desire to buy a recording crystal. It can’t be Bi De expressing interest in others after pairing up with Ri Zu because he slept his way across the hens of the Azure hills until meeting Yin & Mintiao, with whom he slept (but only slept). It can’t be Ri Zu being bisexual or readers wouldn’t get such a kick out of shipping Meimei & “her wife, Xiulan” (unless they, like me, see it as an in-joke, not a plan). It can’t be the actual ages of the spirit beasts or people wouldn’t be clamoring for Peppa & Chunky to have kids soon. (They’re the same age or younger than Bi De & Ri Zu, but developmentally they’re presented as young adults, with Tigu is a late teen, because Spirit beasts presumably age to maturity faster.) It can’t be because it’s too on point for the Xianxia trope or people would have bailed at the tournament arc or them joining a sect or initiating a demon battle (rather than just defending Fa Ram). What makes Yushang & Bi De & Ri Zu going “hey, why not?” and *enjoying the heck out of it* some terrible violation of expectations or morality or whathaveyou, _that isn’t a complaint that applies to these many other situations I listed_ that, to my knowledge, did NOT provoke widespread outrage or first time commenters to jump in to complain? If you dislike this enough to complain, a “why” is in order. If that “why” is applicable to other scenes that didn’t prompt dislike then it’s not the reason, it’s an unexamined “it makes me feel icky” and that’s unfair to the characters and the author. TBF: If someone chimes in with “hey, I didn’t like that scene either and was reading on despite that hoping it didn’t happen again” that would constitute a fair & examined take.

Cranky Otter

After reading and rereading the chapter and many comments. CF Thank you for the chapter and the representation. To the ppl who hate most/all harem stories (which is still TBD if this is a harem or just a polyamours triad like it currently seems) please understand just cuz straight monogamy is the most common thing in our world doesn't mean it's the only valid option, both real life and the world of the story. Y'all have had Jin/meling and Pepa/Chunky as straight monogamous married couples for a while, plus many other side characters and future ships yet to sail. Let the queer and nonmonogomous have their moment. Let Rizu be Bisexual (much like her mentor seems) and ler Yushang be Pansexual (when she can literally feel if pom are good ppl, and finds good ppl attractive) I do agree that Yin seems Aro-Ace and shouldn't be added to the throuple. She's perfect as a battle-sexual like Goku, and sould be a platonic bff to the triad just like Xiulan is to the Jin/Mei couple. All opinions and fully trust CFs writing. And as a poly person, I really like the representation and seeing this courtship start with concent, and that the established couple isn't toxically hunting a unicorn but instead being persued by a person who understands they are pushing themselves into an established relationship and the difficulties that may bring. It is very wholesome. And a good subversions of not only the genres tropes but also the real life toxicixy often seen in non-mono dating culture.

Rafiq Raiden

Loved everything about BoC so far, been a reader since it first came out on RR. Keep up the good work. Cant wait for the new arc

TheRaptorOfHermes

I do agree with this "become just as tired and predictable as what you were initially mocking", I never really thought that Beware of Chicken was ever that mocking of the xianxia genre, it was more of a sort of headshake to it and was like here have some nice calm story that would be as compelling as a whole power fantasy, and it was for a long time. I'm more so just tired of how this whole battle and whole arc was just full of basic xianxia conflict rather than the initial nice, chill story I had. I think the earlier arcs were perfect as the conflict was resolved in about 10 chapters at most and the rest was recovery and bonding. This arc however, was a lot and like I said, there is a need for evolution in a story for it to not become stale but for me, this was not my preferred evolution. There is also a lot more xianxia stories out there that I have read that have also had real stakes like this but I'm just a bit tuckered out on that and thought things would be different with this novel. Also I thought that it was going to be Bi De having the crazy conflicts while Jin represented the stable home that he could always come back to but then problems headed directly to the farm which was just a bit much for me. I just thought this novel wouldn't have the whole "I'm the main character so somehow I stumble upon big plots and they lead directly back to me." But like I said, I understand the choices made, just don't like them myself because of how this story started.

Arkex180

Indeed. It was a wild ride, but im glad to see it end. Hopefully the next volume focuses more on the reconstruction of the Azure Hills (I mean to its old glory) and/or Tianlan. I keep wondering when contact will happen with the spirit in the Howling Mountains that realized Tianan isn't dead like 100 chapters back.

Emily Gurnavage

Been rereading on Royal Road and realized that this entire Volume is about this battle.

WyrdWizard

No. It's a comment section... Where people comment there thoughts and feelings on what was posted.

C

I'm sure you can tell that there is an obvious difference between a very very distant side character who is part of the cultivator world where it is fairly common and the main cast. And you can't really claim it "didn't go the harem route" when it just did. Big D and Rizo aren't THE Main Character but they are Main Characters and the story heavily revolves around them too.

C

@C that’s grossly oversimplified. They are animals, but have a much greater capacity to understand what drives human behaviour. Remember Tigu had to spend an extended amount of time learning the rules of being human and learn to tamp down some of the instincts she was born with. The others learned a lot then too even if their transformations came later. Bi De has been interested in several women though he’s often pondered on the fact that Ri Zu is the closest to him. But Jin gave them all some ground rules about respect. So Bi De waited to see what Ri Zu thought, and he didn’t respond to the advances of the female disciples of the SMS because at the time he was deceiving them. What they keep of their animal nature is different for each of them I think, and Tigu has mentioned that it’s easier to ignore those instincts as a human (like not wanting to chase Rizu as a rat) but that doesn’t mean who they were as animals doesn’t bleed into their human selves. Bi De was openly a randy rooster hoping his offspring would have the spark, until he gave up on the other chickens, there’s nothing surprising about him keeping that trait.

D J Meigs

Well Casual Farmer, looks like you kick a hornet’s nest. But I hope that this doesn’t get you too down. You’re a really good writer and I’ve really enjoyed your stuff! Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to encourage you.

EverydayCrucible

Small editing note: I got lost in the paragraph transition here between a list of multiple people that ended with three people and then the next line talking about “two of them.” ….Bi De, Ri Zu, and Yun Ren. // They roamed far and wide over their home, the two of them reminiscing about past times and past battles

ColleenR

Honestly I'm debating doing the same. Really don't want to see the characters I have come to love so much and wholesome found family farm become some kinda orgy sex fest. This already broke my heart a little. I would hate it far more to see Jin and Mei Mei open up their marriage as well. And I don't want to be gas lit by people telling me, oh CF will make it wholesome and meaningful and "just let him cook"

C

YUSHANG HAS TWO HANDS LET'S GOOOO

Joshua Cabebe

Dave Stone

Going to have to push back on that. Jin was hassled by Mei's father to hurry up and marry his daughter, and only after he hit it off with not only her but the rest of their village and further pledged to house feed and clothe her to the best of his abilities. The three meetings thing is kind of leaving out some pretty important nuance when those meetings were as significant as they were. Arguably, they are more than three depending on how you count, but that's just quibbling over detail and not even important. It is beside the point because that all was according to mortal custom. This is a marriage between a rat, a chicken, and a cultivator. There are a whole host of reasons why that might not be proper to mortal sensibilities, and I am not sure going too fast even cracks the top 3, but cultivators do things differently, clearly. But it's not clear from the context just how seriously each of them is taking this. Yushang clearly wants to maintain some kind of closeness to the other two, but what she thinks of marriage and how it meshes with the other two's is just kind of up in the air. Marriage means different things to different people, and without further insight to the characters all we can do is guess and make assumptions. That said: still felt weird. I'm just not convinced that a polycule is what Yushang really wants from this. Feels like she just wants to be close as possible and this was her way to get that. The romantic facet simply isn't apparent to me.

ekwood

Agreed. People are already discussing who's 'next'. Harems eventually swallow any semblence of a plot as the story eventually circles around the harem leader adding more conquests to his pile. I'm sure a lot of his fans will cry "Oh CF wouldn't do that!" Sorry, but you have way too much faith in the guy. He's been fighting the urge to turn the books into soft core harem garbage since day 1, and now he's given into the temptation. The story used to be about a guy who rejected the constant fighting and struggling, and settled for a quiet life. Now the main character has shifted to Bi De, who all about the fighting and power leveling, complete with growing his harem. The Xianxia deconstruction book I used to love has become just another xianxia novel. I feel like I've witnessed the destruction of something beautiful. I've canceled my patreon subscription and merchandise order. I no longer feel like supporting Beware of Chicken or Casualfarmer.

Chaded

Beautifully articulated. I also thought the mud pit was going to be a special thing for Fa Ram.

Thunderhoof

The only thing other than my general support for Yushang and Bi De's harem route I would like to add is the fact that I think that Xiulan had more foreshadowing and would probably have felt better for her to have joined Mei and Jin before Yushang joined Bi De and Rizu. But I understand the issues of timing.

Xahn777

lolol! Big D is a rooster and Rizzo's upbringing was more poly than anything... neither was going to blink at Yushang's proposal; they just didn't think she was serious...but I honestly thought it would be Yin first! And people, please...different strokes for different folks!!

Tasha D. Young

Ah so we should hold them to animal standards and not human. So Rizu should have just as much value as one of Big Ds many hens. Got it.

C

Never commented before but figured I'd throw my hat in the ring too. This was not nearly built up enough for me it felt very random. Especially from Ri Zu. All in all I kinda hated it. Don't even mind some poly stuff, but how it was done here was a big let down for me. Especially how the mud pit stuff is supposed to be kinda special and it was reduced to a booty call.

Estys

was turned off by the yushang thing because i felt like the xiulan thing was much more hinted at and built up and i figured it would happen first if anything. yushang just came off as a flirt the whole time tbh

Adam Moore

Or keep the mud pit but they don't jump in it, Bi De and Ri Zu explaining to Yushang the significance of it and that they are not ready to take that step with her yet but are willing to try something else first.

Isak Mark

As predicted it is a battle field haha. With Yushang taking her shot, I feel it could have been handled better. By Ri Zu showing some interest in women prior(I know there was some in the bathing chapter) and Yushang showing more clear interest since her flirting was centered around everyone else as well. And maybe skip the mud pit?

Isak Mark

I love the discussions of creator and audience. I’ve been working on this idea, that art is not really art until it has an audience. After all a person can create and some NEED to create, but that doesn’t mean it’s shared with others. By sharing it the creator has opened the floor for people to have an opinion on said creation and therefore developing Art/Culture. Now the creator can ignore the audience and stay pure to their vision, but why share it in the first place? Does the creator risk alienating some and not others or for it being something more? And as an audience are we not to give feedback, is that not what showing the art in the first place was all about? In the end maybe Art and culture is all about communication. And communicating what’s important in life. What can be tried and continued, to be tested and see what makes it to the other side. Anyway, I look forward to learning from anyone wanting to engage in this topic!

Steven.Riske

Considering how much she takes after Meiling, my money's on, yes.

Lee McLarnan

Oh, the comments on this chapter are going to be way more entertaining than the chapter itself :D My thoughts: 1. I loved Wa Shi's egg cooking, and Jin making sure he had the correct amount of folds. 2. Yushang's proposal came out of nowhere and then she just leaves?!? Don't you usually spend time with your intended after the proposal or did she mistake the mud pit for something else. I think there could have been a better way of writing this. 3. Pi Pa just allowing them to use hers and Chunky's house is sort of out of character for her, or is it just me? 4. Tigu suddenly challenging Fenxian and Fenxian returning the gesture like nothing happened.

Isak Mark

I’m sure it’s easier to Ri Zu due to the fact they know she isn’t staying with them..

Idan tal

You must have been beside yourself when it was mentioned that the Emperor has a harem and every time Shen Yu visits a brothel. And it's still is a great Xianxia story that "...didn't go the harem route." In case you haven't notice, Bi De is not the main character and the relationship between Bi De, Ri Zu and Yushang is not the main focus of the story.

X4non

It's a hookup, people. They happen, especially with people who face the possibility of death every day. Relax.

Insertnamehereokokipressedokok

>"I was also going to have to take his present out from under the tree and count how many folds I had put in it, to make sure it was accurate." I hardly started and im already laughing, lol.

Emily Gurnavage

Subverting them does require and understanding of them and how they work in the story. Like, the premise needs to be presented so it can be subverted. Because I have read the harem ones, I can tell you this is genuinely a good subversion. Simply not having it sort of defeats the ability to subvert it. Part of the fun, I find, is seeing the xianxia world crash into Jin and crumble under his wholesomeness. Like, the sect arc was subversive in its approach. The "no cultivator BS" slogan is Jin's against the world. Not the story in general, even if it is Jin's story.

Munirah Hutchinson

By that logic all the spirit animals would be fine with it and frankly if Pi Pa and Chun Ke did the same I would be in tears. But yes it’s been shown that Bi De has a more rooster approach to this. Ri Zu was a surprise though. She was possessive of Bi De and I never got the feeling she was that interested in exploring a romantic relationship with Yushang. I’ll wait to see where it goes though.

D J Meigs

Loved the chapter! One thing I appreciated was how this chapter avoids the anime trope of “multiple characters showing interest but nothing ever progresses or ends”. No matter which way it would have gone (RiZu/BiDe saying yes or no) it would have clearly answered if the couple were interested in Yushang. I appreciate that. Which choice the characters make is secondary in my mind. Just like Gou expressing interest in Xialan, even “no” would have been a viable response that could lead to interesting character development. Just my 2 cents but I didn’t see anything out of character and there was foreshadowing that they could be interested. It was a funny scene too. TYFTC!

Road Trips

Poll = Yushang yes

Night

I just assumed he was a Rooster? And its not like his mindset would change that drastically from when he was with all his hens before? Him being ok with a Poly relationship seemed reasonable since...yeah...rooster

david bryan

But is it Ri Zu’s?

D J Meigs

Cranky Otter, no what we’ve seen so far doesn’t fall into that. Honestly I’m curious to read a rendition of the trope that won’t give me the ick. I’ve only read one story that tried to do harem without falling into those problems and they kind of succeeded but… there were a lot of buts. Let’s say it like that. Also while it was telegraphed, I don’t know that it was done very well, Yushang was flirty with a lot of people and I don’t think she clearly singled out Rizzo and Bi De until the last few chapters, not any more than she did Yun Ren or her other friends. Making a sudden decision and acting on it quickly is in her character though. Then there’s Bi De and Ri Zu. It would be in character for him to be fine with this, it’s been somewhat established that as a rooster he has no problem sharing the love, and it’s Jin making a point of teaching them respect and boundaries that has, as far as I can tell stopped him from accepting all more casual advances so far. Most of the more overt ones seemed to come while at the SMS when he was lying about who he was after all. Ri Zu on the other hand has been very possessive of Bi De and I have a hard time seeing her willing to share him, or seeing anyone else in a romantic light herself since this would be polyamory. Frankly it surprised me that she agreed so readily. I am down to see where CF wants to take this though.

D J Meigs

👏👏👏

Angela Roberts

🏆 Concise and succinct. Brava!

Angela Roberts

@Caoimhin, thank you. I have complete faith in CF's ability as a writer and think his track record proves it. I haven't read any of the xianxia harem books bc it seemed like a poor reading decision and based on remarks here, a good decision. That said, BOC was literally my introduction to xianxia and for that and for being a series of quality writing, imagination, and humor, I'm ever grateful. I've read many other xianxia books since, and find that, for me, most aren't worth my time. Whether it's crappy writing (as in unedited, grammatical and sentence structure errors galore), formulaic writing, or used as an excuse to revel in murder. But some, BOC being one of the best to date, really showcase an author's talent. I don't believe all that I've seen from CF has deteriorated or degenerated just bc he's introducing what has long, long been foreshadowed. I'm not even referring to the SMS sect arc. I mean, that the pics posted have long, long portrayed the men and women with more than nod to their sexual attributes. And their looks have been subject to comments from the first book. Why it's a surprise that sexual beings have sex will never cease to amaze me. And that some will be "unconventional" (at least to many early 21st c. western cultures [which is funny itself bc even those cultures had harems but called it by other names]). I digress. Bottom line, I have faith in the author.

Angela Roberts

I did not want to vote, because as ENK said "it is YOUR story" and I enjoy it... I was not surprised or offended... please have your characters live and do their best life!

Cyndis46360

I always thought Bi De was the traditional xianxia protag, too. And I always thought it was going the harem route.

HawkwardEgal

@Noppes the poll very clearly had the options: "Yushang Yes/No; Big D's Harem Yes/No" so I don't know where you are confused here. This was not a poll about polyamory which I am decidedly very meh about, this was a poll *explicitly* about a Harem *explicitly* centered around Big D. Edit: And putting my money where my mouth is I have now unsubscribed from the patreon. Have fun y'all.

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Gonna put my hat into the poly discussion. 1: I really did not see Ri Zu being someone who would be okay with it. 2: I have seen a lot of "soft coercion" in poly circles. People who are not comfortable with it being pressured into it. This kinda came across as that. It's your story, so do what you want, but please prioritize that the characters are true to themselves. (E.g. Meimei roping in Xiulan for an insane night after hearing about Ri Zu having been the first to do a menage a trois, would be in character for her. Conversely, Pi Pa or Chun Ke being anything less than completely devoted to each other and I declare a fatwa)

ENK

‘Cater to the fan’, Yes, but who is the fans? The ones passionate enough to be on Discord, the ones commenting here, the ones on Royal road or eventually Amazon? And like it or not money is involved, does that mean any who have payed gets a say? Difficult choices, I do not envy CF.

Steven.Riske

The poll disappeared but Yushang yes and Big D harem protagonist YES!

FreakShow

First, write whatever you want Next. Some people think Yushang came out of nowhere. Other people think it was foreshadowed by her flirting with big D and Ri Zu. It was and wasn't foreshadowed. She flirted with them, but she flirted with EVERYONE. If it was foreshadowed, so was her getting with Han and Shao Heng. That's why a lot of people took it as a joke and were surprised. I also don't think it built up enough on big d or ri zu's behalf. They went from "stop it you're annoying us" to "yes, let's have a real serious commitment" very quickly I think the mud pit went too far IME harems are always incredibly badly done, fan service with collectable trading card women and author inset men. CF seems to be avoiding this so far but there are a few red flags. Namely how the ones I've already mentioned and how undeveloped Yushang is compared to the others (if she was fully developed no one would complain this came from nowhere) Absolutely write what you want but I think the end of the arc might be the end of my reading. The story is going places I don't want to go.

Callie Kelly

I read incredibly widely. I have polyamarous friends. I've tried it myself I still don't like this

Callie Kelly

Nah, it was deleted. It got contentious.

Callie Kelly

Yes Yushang has been flirty the whole time, but with pretty much the whole friend group. Even using sex appeal when selling pills. Also I’ve known plenty of women who behaved “flirty” with absolutely 0 actual intention of “becoming more”, simply because it was fun for them to get a rise out of people. So no, it wasn’t clear.

Aesoir

Too late for the poll, but FWIW I was really just happy to see explicit queer representation, this didn’t set off any self-insert wish-fulfilment harem BS alarm bells for me.

Lemmata

I dont like harem shit in the story, but i would enjoy the art

Artur Vogt

There's only so far you can go lampooning something before you become just as tired and predictable as what you were initially mocking. At this point the story has transitioned into, this is how you do cultivation stories right. The stakes are real, where what they are fighting for actually matters not being just some disposable backdrop that will be left behind when the story needs to move to a higher power level. The relationships are actual relationships built on trust, feelings, and shared experiences not just just because the woman happens to be the hottest women in the area and the protag needs to finish his checklist.

Ozzy

That's a very good question!

Namorat

Did the poll die? I personally LOVE the Yushang/BiDe/RiZu triad!

ANA SZOT

Agghhhhhhhhhhhhh CF has pretty good timing instincts/craft tho. So if the gushing over the rare, finicky plants growing like weeds will toke several chapters instead of one “it’s the best I’ve ever seen” scene, I can survive the wait. Probably. Depends on the rest of my holiday driving on roads with 80mph speed limits 😬

Cranky Otter

100% agree with D J Meigs. People should have more trust for CF and know by this point that he's not gonna suddenly ruin the story. Just because there's a harem or two it doesn't mean that the quality of the writing is gonna drop.

Caoimhín

The poll is gone for some reason, but I'll give my few cents.. As I wrote earlier I don't care either way, I just want it to be kept away from the main plot.. What I mean by that is that I don't want fan service(which I think this is) to have an actual impact on the plot. Besides that, I think it's fine, and let's be honest highly profitable to cater to the fan service enjoyers. Oh yeah, I read someone mention that BoC is turning into what it's making fun of.. And I do agree with that, however I think that was always gonna happen, it's kinda impossible to parody something without making the story compareable.

Jesper Hansen

I gotta say I'm with Munirah in this, there are people overreacting as if CF was the same as the authors who have written crappy xianxia harems. This situation was developed well and makes sense within the context of the story, the culture, and the world they are in, and it also aligns with each character's own circumstances. Although, Orthos30 is right in that yes, it's one man and bisexual women, and I fully expect for Yin to later be part of it. But I don't see why that would mean the story somehow would decline. The sex life of the characters has never been and never will be the focus of this story, so in no way will the story be ruined by there being a harem in it. We are at the end of the 5th volume of this story, with hundreds of chapters to serve as evidence that this author creates an amazing story. You should be able to have some faith in the author and trust he won't suddenly stop providing us with great chapters just because there's a harem in the story.

Caoimhín

I see what you did there. Kudos.

Cranky Otter

Yes, glad the bee funeral follow up is in progress. CF keeping track of all these minor arcs is what helps make the story special. That said WHY DID BI DE NOT GREET THE SUNRISE, they wer Right There on the eoof watching the sunrise. I kept waiting for the Cockadoodledoo/YoutellemBigD combo.

Cranky Otter

Everyone having sex is Absolutely NOT the “natural conclusion”. Xiulan Is a comrade who Meimei flirts with because she’s pretty & safe, not an actual sexual partner. It’s firmly established that Jin is monogamous and is happy with just Meimei for romance, and Xiulan as the bff.

Cranky Otter

Agreed. It's surprising how so many seem to be jumping and all of a sudden doubting CF's skill to continue writing a wonderful story simply because now there's a harem/polyamory relationship in the story. This story has 5 volumes, 5 WONDERFUL volumes that convinced every single person here to support it because of its quality. Just because in other stories we have seen crappy harems doesn't mean that Bi De having a harem will suddenly ruin this story. I think the author has more than earned our trust in his ability to keep providing high-quality content.

Caoimhín

Right, but we are supporting him because we love the story that he has created, we are not paying him to write what we want him to write. Supporting him through Patreon or buying the books in no way means that any of us can dictate terms to him.

Caoimhín

No, I think it needed to be said. & you said it well. People keep shipping Yin/Bi De but that’s odd (in your head, fine, bit I don’t see ir) but Yin gives off ZERO vibes for Bi de as a romantic partner. Remember: “did you guys have a nice date?” “yes, it would be better with everyone else along tho” & Ri Zu being suspicious of Yin literally sleeping with Bi De meanwhile Yin misses any notion of jealousy and says “yes, I’m comfortable & warm to sleep with, you should join us!”

Cranky Otter

Hmm, I think they already have clear understanding about such things. Jin has educated them on various matters ever since he learned they were Spirit Beasts, though we only have confirmation of math and science, it is implied that he and Meiling had taught them about many other things. Tigu was the only one who seemed to need a conversation about the birds and the bees, and she got that conversation from Meiling, or at least I think that it is implied that she got it through the "lessons about propriety" that Meiling gave her upon turning human, which included how to dress and what to do if someone made advances on her or courted her. Meiling also had a conversation with Vajra about peeping once she knew for sure that Vajra was a Spirit Beast. It's implied Vajra stopped doing that right away after that.

Caoimhín

I was fine with the chapter. It had a clear lead up.

Joker Nijima

I would think the “going full out in a demon battle” would be the place to step out, not the 3 friends have extra fun one night and might again in the future. The violence that I don’t enjoy in fighting stories and think the battle at the demon base was much more trying, as a fan, as it is much more against the flow than a poly advance in a group of beautiful, healthy young people.

Cranky Otter

i think Yin is oblivious wrt Bi De’s attractions and is firmly in mutual disciple/colleage territory there.

Cranky Otter

I think this is a very clear take on the problem of harem stories, but also think this was written as as a mutual fun time that had plenty of foreshadowing but until now people who didn’t want to see it could willfully ignore the hints or dismiss them. I don’t think this scene or these relationships fall into any of the problems you list, at least not yet.

Cranky Otter

Where was the poll? It seems like some have access to it and others do not.

Steven.Riske

I like the idea of Bi De & Ri Zu taking mutual lovers more than thinking of it as Bi De getting a harem. Think of the reasoning/vibe around the Black Fur’s pill furnace hogging the best stuff (pill/harem) for the top 2 vs everyone sharing pot luck who is interested in joining the cookout (triad/FWB/poly).

Cranky Otter

I can’t find the poll, but yes, yes. This triad did NOT come out of nowhere, many people just have extremely monogamous expectations. They should read more widely… I think it was handled well - it’s a triad, not 2 fawning over 1, and affection tested earlier, consent was obtained clearly from both, and they all enjoyed it. Win, win, win. It’s A-ok to have friends with benefits that come and go as long as everyone is on the same page and they clearly are. My favorite part was Washy cooking eggs All The Ways.

Cranky Otter

Wait what, the poll continued? Where was it? I was reading the comments when they pulled it from here.

Steven.Riske

I have no objection with Bi De building a harem, it's kinda expected, especially since he's a more traditional Xianxia protagonist. Given the type of story this is the "fade to black" works well for it and as long as it keeps not being super explicit i think it's fine. I do think Jin needs to have a convo with all the spirit beasts about relationships/ sex/ consent/etc. The birds and the bees if you will. But so far no one has seriously misstepped. Closest would be Vajra peeping in the baths.

PaulRovinsky

"Your story, not mine" largely sums up my thoughts on the poll, but if I had to vote, I'd say Yushang Yes, Big D harem no.

Disciple of Erebos

I’ll just mention the results of the poll was 750 yes to 25 no, so your assumption of a quarter of the audience not liking it is pure fantasy.

Andrew Wong

The joke has always been that Bi De is a classic xianxia protagonist. I would tend to agree that the greater focus on him in recent chapters has been to the story's detriment, but I also think it's a bit disingenuous to frame this as a big change or unexpected development.

Jacob Fox

The Poll seems to have disappeared so I'll put my vote in here for "Big D harem no".

Arondell Hoch

Maybe it’s on the vaunted Discord. (I joke) And your comments, ‘your story not mine’. Are we not paying to be here so this story can be made? I wonder how this will all play out on Amazon.

Steven.Riske

“It really does feel like this story is becoming what it initially was making fun of.” That’s the nail on the head right there.

Orthos30

You said ‘that’s kinda hilarious’. Genuine question. Which part was hilarious?

Steven.Riske

This story has presented a certain face for years, with only harmless jokes to the alternative. Now, 5 books in, it’s changed significantly. Are long-term readers supposed to be ostracized for stating the obvious?

Al Gore

Can't seem to find the "poll" so I'm throwing my 2 cents in here. Casual, it's your story not mine so you as the author can write what you want how you want it. I appreciate you taking your readers thoughts into consideration, but again I feel this is your call not mine.

Old Dog

Can’t vote even tho I have the app so I’ll throw in my 2 cents here. I think that Yushang was pretty predictable as she has been coming out the gate swinging at Bi De and Ri Zu. I’m also fine with them being a harem mainly because they aren’t the focus as much as Jin. I do think it is a bit too much now if xiulan joins Jin and mei since it’s just too much for me at that point. I started this story because of it making fun of the whole xianxia tropes but now in the most recent arcs and chapters, instead of it being farm life with bits of xianxia strewn thru out, it became xianxia with bits of farm life strewn out. I get that stories have to evolve and add new things to stop from getting stale but it really does feel like this story is becoming what it initially was making fun of.

Arkex180

Agreed, she flirted with everyone. There was less reason to take her seriously. I could see why people were caught off guard with it. Now, here’s something not really talked about, does the mud pit represent 1. A booty call, as some have taken it. 2. An intent for a relationship (boy/girlfriend) 3. A proposal to marriage? Because those are two different types of intensity.

Steven.Riske

They would still be the "head" of the harem, in a poly relationship you may not be just involved with one person in a romantic sense, harem would be Bi De taking Yushang and Ri Zu on dates separately etc or even together (flower on both arms yadda yadda), but poly would be that scenario but also Rizu and Yushang going on dates etc together as well, all parties are equally involved in all senses not just in the "you're x's wife/mistress and I'm OK with that because we're friends" instead more "I'm OK with you being in this relationship because *I* want you jump *your* bones AND am OK with you jumping *HIS* bones" (putting it very sexually there instead of romantically because it's easier imagery), does that help explain it some more? Does get more complicated when above 3 people though as not everyone will be involved with everyone there in most cases (most I've heard of personally is 5 people?)

Nathaniel Jacob moore

Seconded.

C

Or we were really enjoying the monogamous relationships and thought it was a great that a xianxia story didn't go the harem route.

C

Agency and focus matter. This isn't Bi De's but Yushang's. The subversion is her interest in both of them. This isn't dude gets a group of chicks in with possibly performative bisexuality acts. It's a young woman shooting her shot with both of her crushes.

Munirah Hutchinson

I'm with you, buddy. What was cool about this was, as the catchphrase says, no cultivator BS. Maybe we are in the minority who were excited for a xianxia story without a Harem, but I know there is a good chuck of us who are disappointed to see it happen in the main cast.

C

95% of poly plots in any lit are one man and a varying number of bisexual women. That’s almost always harem by another name. It’s hard to give the benefit of the doubt in this situation.

Al Gore

Without fail, every harem ends up being gross to read.

Hieu Le

In regards to 2. "Ri Zu’s wide eyes kept staring into Yushang’s, and her gaze flicked over to Bi De for a moment. Bi De expected her to say no. Instead, she nodded." They did check in with each other in the moment.

Munirah Hutchinson

The difference is that you percieve alternative relationship dynamics as lessening And I percieve this as a subversive of the harem trope.

Munirah Hutchinson

Nice to see Meiling can get someone to teach her the ways of properly courting someone so she can finally bag her wife in Xiulan. Now that I tihnk about it though, did Xiulan ever actually get thrown in a mud pit?

Krulla_Chief

I don't mind the trio because it's believable and it doesn't take much focus but i hope It doesn't happen with more characters. It xiulan joins jin and mei or the rabbit joins bi de and ri zu it will be too much.

Laura López

I agree with this point a lot

Aaron Levenson

I have no problems whatsoever with Yushang and that sequence.

PickledTink

I guess we were reading the same story. The difference is that I expected more while you settled.

Al Gore

Were we reading the same story? Shen Yu is a prototypical cultivating master. All of their non-farm buddies come from prototypical cultivator backgrounds. They literally just did a sect arc with Big D and Ri Zu. The breaking from trope is focused around Jin. HE'S the trope breaker because he's the melded and transmigrated soul. Everyone else is literally still in the rest of the world. The joke of the chicken is that He's the one going on the cultivator journey.

Munirah Hutchinson

You have to remember that courtships and relationships in this world work differently than ours. Way back in book one, Jin talked about the fact that he and Mei were getting engaged after only having met three times, but that it wasn't unusual for people in this society and some people never met before the day they got married. I feel like the real reason she jumped into it though, was it was potentially her last chance, now or never. But she is leaving and they are not coming with her. It could be a long time before they see each other again, throwing or someone could die and they never see each other again. It hit me as a little bit rushed until I considered that.

BlueMage Theneras

“This is a Xianxia world” shouldn’t just be an excuse to do whatever. What made Beware of Chicken special is that it bucked these Xianxia trends. If we’re now supposed to accept it as a typical Xianxia story, then what was ever special about it? I’m incredibly dissatisfied and disappointed. I’ve seen over and over that I’m the minority in my opinion, but it doesn’t make my opinion mean less. I used to be proud to recommend this tale as it was such a refreshing take. Now…

Al Gore

I can't seem to open the poll so... Why no Ri Zu Harem yes option :p But more seriously, no, we don't need to see the full consent conversation and, more importantly, it's not realistic for them to have it. This isn't a modern setting where that's expected and they don't have the experience to know they should. Best option: Jin finds out and gives them The Talk, including encouraging that conversation, doesn't need to be a full scene, then trolls Yushang when she comes back around by dragging her into the same conversation while pretending to be more threatening than necessary. Also: out of nowhere? Please, Yushang's been flirting with these two since practically her first appearance, and growing more obviously interested as time goes on.

Scygnus

I am mostly confused where the leap straight to marriage came from. I am not shocked by Bi De and Ri Zu not necessarily shooting her down out of hand, they are an unusual circumstance to begin with and very big hearted to boot. But where does Yushang get the balls to crowbar herself into their relationship? That's presumptuous as fuck, not to mention impulsive and, yes, greedy. Why would she risk what she already has? Why doesn't she stay a close friend until it makes sense to maybe consider this further step? Also, she didn't ask Jin or Xian Sr. for permission first. That's gonna be pretty awkward, at best.

ekwood

Yeah it feels like they were just horsing around, then suddenly this?

Thunderhoof

Ok my guy a couple things 1 hell yea Big D is the xanxia trope master and all the tropes that come with it. 2 give rizzo a say she was first there needs to be a conversation about consent and expectations or at least a nod to one. I love your characters and want them to continue feeling like people who take control of their life's or have full thoughts on things not just "let's share a look... Ok we are good with polyamory" let them have a real talk. 3 give more lead in. The tone was there a little so it was not a left field missile but man make it more apparent that there's more of a spark there. The build for every other relationship has had much more then this. Keep Jin cozy, Keep Big D face slapping, but get that consent conversation in here more explicitly.

Aaron Levenson

That point about one person being the "head" of the harem makes sense to differentiate it from polyamory. But in my (admittedly limited) harem story experience, isn't it a super common harem story trope (especially Isekai harem) for wife #1 to be the one recruiting additional members (to get around many readers' sensibilities)? And for the guy to be "reluctantly" persuaded to add more and more members by the existing members? Idk, might just be the few ones I've read, but most of the "harems" Ive read (that have one central guy who's much more powerful than everyone else) are also centered around consent and all the women being excited about adding more, usually because "he's such a good guy compared to everyone else and deserves all their love".

Seth

That was a bit of my surprise. Felt like she flirted with the old outrider guy and the rest of their group just as much as she did bi de and rizu

Seth

Plus, Bi De is a chicken. To some extent, it’s what he does. If the Crimsom Phoenix Empire descended from a chicken that became a phoenix, like I expect, that’s also the origin of the imperial harem.

Spencer Miller

Woooo! Go Yushang! Finally getting everything she wanted. I admire a character who can go with her gut and life live to the fullest. I’m glad Ri Zu was able to unbend enough share. I’m of course assuming that Bi De was the perfect gentleman for both of them.

ColleenR

I won't lie, I really hope all the hate and the misattribution of polyamory and the harem genre doesn't ruin CF's confidence on writing these relationships in the future. This is a Xianxia world. While our main boy is working against and subverting a lot of the negative tropes of the genre, other people are still living in this expansive world that CF has written for us. Other relationship dynamics existing in said world is not a negative and I appreciate seeing some of how relationships are handled in more conventional cultivator dynamics. It gives the world more depth.

Munirah Hutchinson

So I don't have the Patreon app and can't vote. So I'll throw me to cents in here. (i'm not getting the app ether) I'm OK with a small harem (3 wives like in Islamic cultural) as long as it makes sense. What I mean is does it makes sense culturally. Are other people in harems. Thus making it culturally acceptable. Are the characters people and not trope tsundere number 3. A common problem with big harems. And is everyone OK with a harem. Yushang said “I’m greedy, so I want it all." She doesn't just want Big D. She want Ri Zu too. Hell she's been flirting with both of them the whole time. Both Big D and Ri Zu agree to bring Yushang into there relationship.

mojosilver82

I don't understand the "OMG, the whole thing is ruined" knee-jerk reaction to seeing a relationship between more than 2 informed, consenting peers. It's pretty clear from several of the comments that a lot of people have wholly formed their opinion from watching/reading terrible shounen harem stories or porn.

X4non

Yushang's lovable goofball thing made this seem to come out of nowhere. She looked like she'd been completely friendzoned and was happy with that. I don't otherwise have a problem with the chapter, but I was surprised.

Alex Rahr

Being in a relationship and being sure of that relationship are not the same thing. And I did mean got together at this time (the arc) and in this way (physically). They weren't being teased about being in a relationship but what was happening in it. They're sure of their own dynamic now. Enough to agree to this relationship with Yushang

Munirah Hutchinson

You said in a previous post that you were done, I'm just surprised you're still here, skulking through the comment section, continuing to spread malcontent attitudes. Your inability to acknowledge the fact that the people who are saying "no harem" are inviting toxic replies to themselves by themselves being toxic in the first place. But hey, no one ever sees themselves as the bad guy, right?

BlueMage Theneras

As I mentioned in the inquiry, i feel that the polyamorous relationship is/was fine. My only complaint is there was not enough romantic foreshadowing from her perspective. If there were more “intrusive thoughts” from Yushang that indicated a romantic direction, there would be less whiplash

Aesoir

Oh I agree it won't change them disliking it, but it is important that they can't just essentially hide their true reasoning behind a valid concern, harem tropes have *major* problems, polyamory is more recently accepted and built on the consent of all parties, so still an important distinction.

Nathaniel Jacob moore

I think that’s what bothers me the most. I don’t like harem stories. I don’t read harem stories. I don’t read poly stories, if you want to split hairs, as most poly stories are just harem masquerading as poly. They are pretty much all one guy with a varying number of bisexual women. Nothing is worse than a story turning into a harem story after not presenting as one. It should be present from the start or not at all. Jokes and innuendo are not true representation. I’m gonna give BoC a long-if-not-forever break regardless, but, I’ll just say, if Jin and Xiulan start getting it on, I’ll know for a fact that these books have jumped the shark.

Al Gore

As a few others, just commenting to show support of Yushang. This was very wholesome ❤️

archaeocyathid

I feel that this threesome was unnecessary and takes away from relationship depth more than it gives

Eli Loeb

That's exactly it unnecessary

Eli Loeb

I didn't call it crap or garbage, that was me substituting an expletive. And it was my comfort novel. That's true, I read it multiple times a year.

C

While that’s true I don’t think it matters to the naysayers. They’re most bothered by the absence of monogamy.

D J Meigs

No, I understand it, and as I have said before if it was known well before hand and had been clear I would have been more okay with it. I don't hate harem stories, I am thoroughly enjoying Ave Xia Rem Y and the infinite relm. But, to me, it doesn't fit here.

C

My main problem with Harem stories (and yes this would be more polyamory as some have said but if you’re uncomfortable with one you’re likely uncomfortable with the other) in this genre is that it tends to go one of two ways (neither of which I think CF would take). Either all the young beautiful women are in love with the MC mainly because he’s the MC and it rarely goes deeper than he’s the strongest man around, and while he has a favorite he thinks they’re all wonderful and of course he loves them too because what man wouldn’t love every single accomplished young woman he encounters and they don’t mind the other women much because who else would the others fall for? It’s not like there’s any other worthy man around. Or all the young beautiful women are in love with the MC because he’s the strongest man around, and he’s totally clueless, it’s not like he was trying to be irresistible, until they inevitably tell him “either you choose or we’re a harem now” because they already tried to compete realised it wasn’t working because he’s clueless and since that made none of them give up they might as well share f he doesn’t have a favorite. All of it feels like a horrible man’s fantasy it never feels like anyone is actually in a romantic relationship or even a lustful one, there’s some serious toxic behaviour and taking people for granted in the attitude of all people involved, it does nothing to advance the story or deepen the plot or the characters, if anything they come out of it seeming more shallow, and it’s a weird contrast when the plot itself is actually often deep and complex. It’s one big ick, basically. This kind of thing happens in stories with monogamous relationships too and I dislike them there too even though I’m an avid romance reader. But those are already moot points in this story. Any remaining hang ups would have to do with my own hesitations and levels of discomfort due to cultural norms and beliefs. And to that I’d say fiction is exactly the place to explore and learn about these EXISTING practices in a safe way that doesn’t have to compromise my own opinions or beliefs. The fact is that sometimes a person can be in love with more than one person and personally my choice would be to nurture only one of those loves and let the other fade, hopefully into friendship but more likely into nothing. But fiction is the best place to explore those feelings and decisions I wouldn’t make. It’s not as if this polyamory relationship will suddenly become the main focus of Beware Of Chicken either. I’m not reading this for the romance, although the many layered relationships are a selling point. We don’t see Jin and Mei Ling being in love very often and it will be the same here. If I’m too uncomfortable I’m a big girl and I can skip to the next scene and have my head cannon set them all as BFFs.

D J Meigs

It is his nature!

Lee McLarnan

This isn't an airport, no reason to announce your departure.

seth4bucks

Love it! Hope Xiulan, Meimei, and Jin grow closer too

Caleb Alexander

Im of the option that Yin is most likely to end up with the Torrent rider.

Joshua Morris

Kinda crazy this isn't being taken as a joke, despite the fact it seems so comedic

thatbrodou

This is not harem, this is a poly relationship, the fact that people cannot differentiate the two is worrisome. Harem: All members of 1 gender only in relationship with the "head" of the harem who has the only say in adding members. Poly: all members of one larger relationship with the consent of all members.

Nathaniel Jacob moore

@Anzer'ke & Caoimhín I AM in favor of CF writing how he wants, cause I trust him to do it well (I literally told the anti-harems to chill and that CF could handle the story telling). I was trying to humorously tell off both sides, but I guess that didn't come through... Sorry, I guess my jokes about the horny stick and "ruining our fight-sexual, cuddle bunny" came off wrong.

Alex Ingraham

As someone who started in a long distance relationship and is still with their partner that straight up ain't true lol biggest obstacle found for any LDR is lack of physical intimacy, they're going to be busy but they are not that far away by cultivator standards? A few hours at most? Also fun fact, 10% of marriages are long distance, didn't know that myself but found it interesting.

Nathaniel Jacob moore

Just commenting to show my support for Yushang and the current trajectory of the realtionships here.

Xahn777

I mean he was shown to just not be opposed to the idea and is much more open to it once Ri Zu was included (not as a side note!), it's not instinct but how you grow up, he grew up with many partners so it's no big deal to him, it is to Ri Zu so he respects that because he respects her, she agreed to a thruple and so it happened.

Nathaniel Jacob moore

There's a bunch of people in the comments acting like young masters and mistresses. Demanding they be given what they want, and taking offense and issuing insults when they don't get it. Y'all need to act a little bit more like you're on the side of Fa Ram. Chill out and quit being toxic. This world isn't like ours. The people and culture are very different. If you can't handle that, and can't be mature about a story having elements you don't like, no matter how small they are, maybe you should take some personal leave to go on your own dao.

BlueMage Theneras

Proving the point about defensive harem fans right here

Al Gore

I'm fine with Yushang because she is an actual character. In most harems, the women are barely cardboard cutouts of characters. It's bad. So, I'm not going to vote FOR a harem, but as long as they are all real characters I won't complain either.

Brent

You're still here complaining? I thought you said you were leaving.

BlueMage Theneras

As someone who has been in a non-traditional marriage, dual partners DO make the relationship tougher than when I had a single partner. I will say that the highs are higher though. One of the more important factors to remember isn't just how partner A or partner B will react to a decision. But, how A will react to B's reaction, and vice versa. Another thing, is to be honest with the people we love (parents, siblings, and kids) and not hide anything nor exclaim everything. I could make a whole list, but those are some factors that put some bumps in such a relationship. Such as declaring something, and leaving the next day for what could be weeks or months (Yushang).

sihko gaud

For me I don’t really mind but can see why some people do. I like BOC because it breaks the tropes of a genre I don’t care for. As an asexual aromantic romance stories fall somewhere between boring and annoying and harems even more so. Yushang joining Big D and Rizzo doesn’t bother me though because it’s not the focus. It’s just a minor note in the story that feels like a natural progression between the characters. That being said if Big D continues to pick up harem members the it probably will start to bother me. It’ll all come down to execution and focus. When a story has characters become close, form an emotional bond, and then take things to the next level then great, but when the story becomes about romance then I check out. It feels like if Big D picks up more and more women over time it could easily become far too big of a focus just to justify such complex relationships between them all.

Mitch McNair

Bi De isn't acting on instincts when he agrees to pursue a poly relationship with Ri Zu and Yushang. He was going to scold Yushang about it until he realized she was including Ri Zu. That's rational thought. The fade-to-black left a lot unsaid, but it's not unreasonable to consider that they probably talked about boundaries and other important stuff at some point that night.

Optimum Frog

I was fine with the chapter. Add what ya want. People who dont like it can get over it.

Jeremy Patrick

No harem x 100

Mr Toast

The woman wanted to share their (not his! Their!!) bed for some fun and comfort. She proposed! What is this all about”women are objects” floating around when she is the one chasing them!? And they are each going to live for hundreds if not thousands of years doing their on things, so she is securing herself a loving stable relationship and then go away to fix problems on the other province and maybe come to visit once/twice a year.. give the woman with the proven and justified trust issues some break and let her have her fun.

Idan tal

I dunno this feels more like yushangs harem not like a guys in charge

Noppes

Nah, she gives Bi De a stink eye when he mentioned laying down with a couple of hens.

Thunderhoof

Xiulan already considers Jin's house as more her home than her Sect (the place where she grew up and where all her family and friends from before meeting Jin are) so, Xiulan getting romantically involved with Jin and Mei seems like a natural conclusion. The only thing that has prevented this from already happening is Jin's sense of propriety from Canada, but the more time passes the more it's evident that part of him is losing the battle and coming to terms with accepting Xiulan as a partner. All the teasing, hints, and slow development in that direction is to get readers accustomed to that idea, so that when it happens it will be natural and not something forced or shallow like all those other harem stories out there (which is the reason people came to dislike stories with harems, as they made female characters shallow and irrelevant, but we know that won't happen here)

Caoimhín

Barf.

Chaded

Yeah. I think seeing a third-to-fourth of the fan base voice their displeasure, and how defensive the ones in favor of the harem are being to anyone who dissents, led to taking it down. Just a guess.

Al Gore

You already have the “friendship bond” with Jin, Meimei and Lanlan… the chicken and rat doesn’t have to copy their masters in everything.

Idan tal

@Alex Ingragam In the discord lol. The people defending Yushang are from discord where CF explains everything but not mentioned it in the book.

Thunderhoof

Was the poll removed? In any case: Hard no on harem. Harems are basically "tell me you want women to be property without telling me"

Please enter your name

It's hard to voice your opinion in this story man, people here have fetishes and they'll gang up on you. I'm glad you got to see it up to here though.

Thunderhoof

Yeah to be honest a threesome was entirely unnecessary. Should’ve just had her say they’re now bonded as friends or something. Bi De and Ri Zu work better together in my opinion. It’s not as much of a deal breaker for me but it’s a disappointing story development.

Josh Downey

Yeah, I'm surprised CF developed Yushang into the harem before including Yin, given how she has a deeper connection with Bi De, and has demonstrated affection and interest in him since before Yushang appeared in the story.

Caoimhín

Yeah, Shenhe is more likely to get involved with Nezan rather than with Yushang. Never once has Shenhe looked at Yushang as anything more than someone with great promise for the next generation.

Caoimhín

People aren't trying to "ruin Yin", merely observing where things are heading. Yin has always been interested in Bi De, and has a deeper connection with him than Yushang, so if Yushang managed to get into the harem, then it's highly likely that Yin will too. This has been hinted and pointed at waaaay before Yushang appeared, and intensified ever since they got their human forms.

Caoimhín

That explains the poll that got deleted. Fuck's sake.

Anzer'ke

I mean, I already described my thoughts. The whole point of beware of chicken (to me) has been going against the tropes. I said above that I assumed the hints were all tongue in cheek jokes about how any other story would go. Just thought this author did things differently. Seems that there is more anger from the people in favor of the harem (at those not on board) than from the people voicing their dissenting opinions.

Al Gore

You're trying to frame this as a both sides thing, but the former of those groups are the ones throwing a tantrum and threatening to unsubscribe. Let Casual write what he wants to write.

Anzer'ke

I doubt she will, she comes across as almost asexual, not interested in another partner

Anon

I just don't get how anyone this die hard against polyamory is still reading after the number of signs we've had that the story is going that way. It has not been subtle.

Anzer'ke

@Munirah, Bi De and Ri Zu had feelings for each other since volume 1. Bi De even calls Ri Zu his wife during the wedding episode when Jin explains the concept of marriage. They only started having sex recently, because they were a rat and a rooster before infiltrating the Shrouded Mountain Sect, but they had very much loved each other and been in a relationship this whole time. Yushang had no influence in them being together.

Caoimhín

Bi De officially getting a harem is that big of a deal for you?

Caoimhín

The manga is also excellent - dramatic, comical, and heartbreaking by turns.

KnightRider007

Well Gou Ren and Xinghua are going to give it a try, since she's a sect master and he's likely off to be an architect for the Rebuilding Program. Granted they'd only be a week or so travel apart from each other, rather than a few months.

Matsc

Fun fact, according to CF, the in-universe book is actually written (loosely) about the escapades of Meimei's parents when they were younger, just gender swapped. Meimei is unaware of this.

Matsc

This is a question we NEED the answer to, muy pronto!!

KnightRider007

Shift + Enter in order to break paragraphs. The one thing I'm actually surprised about is that Yushang got into the harem before Yin did.

Caoimhín

But they're weren't even sure of their own relationship until relatively recently and only after meeting Yushang. Her teasing is a part of the reason they got together at this time. She was interested in both of them but rearealized they were interested in each other.

Munirah Hutchinson

She's kinda not though? Up to now she's shown practically zero interest in romance or physical attraction. She wants her friends and family safe, she wants to fight, she wants to swear like a sailor, that's about it. If she ever wants more than that, then things may start to happen.

Matsc

You should see the Discord, a couple loud voices have made it a real mess since last night.

Matsc

I agree; a Harem implies that they’re competing with each other, given the classical version of it. (The various historical mangas, like Apothecary Diaries, do a good job at showing this) A big part of it being a Poly has to do with any new person having to get the approval of all the rest, which makes it harder to join the larger it grows… Given that Bi Di isn’t about to let his Libdo rule him… (in fact, earlier scenes imply he finds people’s reactions to him Being Oblivious amusing!) Also, given how he was Early On, he definitely views ‘having sex’ & ‘being in a relationship’ as not inherently tied to one another.

V01D

I kinda figured he stopped with the hens because it was empty and disappointing… so long as he keeps looking to Ri Zu and they keep to people with emotional connection I’m ok with it 😊

Kat

I don’t know, she wasn’t a serious character. Bi Di / Ri Zu didn’t even take her seriously until she made her intentions known in the mud pit.

Steven.Riske

Yushang has been flirting with both of them basically since her first scene, so, yeah it seemed fine to me?

Matsc

Also, why is everyone calling polyamory a harem. They are al having a relationship with each other and its not even a serious one yet. Yushang only initiated courtship. They've been dancing around each other for months at this time. This isn't harem. And as a polyam person, y'all are the worst for disregarding a character because they like people in a healthy way because it involves more than one person. Would you tell a polyam person they're ridiculous for having a thruple? Also, this is a subversion of the harem trope because they're not starting a harem, but engaging in healthy and reciproreciprocal polyamory

Munirah Hutchinson

I SQUEALED when it happened, and made my hubby read quickly to catch up so we could be excited together for them. If you didn't notice the signs, you weren't paying attention. Also, he's a rooster, they have more than one hen. Finally, why could the old Emperor who was originally bonded with Tianlan have two wives, but Bi De can't?

Meagan White

I think Bi Di with YuShang works more if he looks to Ri Zu’s reaction - like Jin, he is conscientious of his partner, but unlike Jin he doesn’t have a bias towards Polymory. In fact, given early on he didn’t see his interactions with multiple hens as a big deal, it’s that he puts the Emotional Bond first, and is the only reason he would have to turn down YuShang. However, he wouldn’t jump into having with multiple people - with each additional person would have to get the approval of all the rest (meaning that the larger it would get, the harder it would be for anyone new to join); much like how the, sadly dead, RWBY quest ‘catalyst’ handled it. If anything, I think Bi Di having a conversation with Jin, resulting in Jin telling him WHY he is biased towards monogamy, would be a good exploration of the differences between them. With Jin emphasizing it’s about keeping EVERYONE’S feelings in mind. On the note of a Harem - I always enjoy the Trope Subversion of it being the GIRLS who are pushing the additional members, while the guy is doing his best to restrain them.

V01D

I’m not looking to criticize anything, just wondering how it works in a practical sense. It is a datapoint, things work or they don’t. I find these comments and people in general fascinating!

Steven.Riske

So. I love this chapter in large part because of the throuple. And not even because of bi de -- I'd rather no harem cause the trope can be misogynistic, but so long as it doesn't hurt anyone I'd be ok with it. it's whatever. Thing is, if both Meimei/Xiulan AND Yushang/Ri Zu went nowhere after all the flirting, it'd start heading into queerbaiting land and I'm so glad it didn't. [many edits because this interface confuses me. how do we do paragraph breaks?]

Shweta Narayan

Dad of grass gave his blessing but then it was clarified what Xiulan was talking about. That’s when it became teasing. I like the platonic dynamic between Xiulan, Jin, and Mei Mei. I really hope Xiulan finds someone not from the farm to marry. Someone in line with her desire to marry who she wants, that isn’t politically expedient. It would be an excellent opportunity to for her to have developed all the way away from her previous acceptance that her husband would be chosen for her, for the good of the sect.

WonderBread459

this is hardly womanizing. it's just poly. bi de cares so much about how ri zu feels about it. Gramps... wouldn't.

Shweta Narayan

that's kinda hilarious given ethical nonmonogamy is a real thing. And works just fine when people approach it like this.

Shweta Narayan

“So HE did have a bit of a sense of humor after all.” The emphasis in this sentence should be on DID rather than on HE

Blake N.

What I am saying is that the currently existing harem is Yushang’s. Bi De will end up with his own which has long been hinted at (Yin, Ri Zu, Yusahng, and the bee)

Andrew Carter

I think after spending monthly for years that I’m allowed to voice my opinion. I’m still thankful for everything leading up to now. Just feels like it’s time to move on from this story for me. I hope you continue to enjoy it.

Al Gore

You could just leave quietly.

Yunru

I read that as Dad of Grass teasing his daughter. And I agree with K. Jin changing so far as to take a concubine/second wife? No thanks. I love their interactions as brother and sister and would absolutely hate this turning into a throuple.

Fluffy druid

Well, I’m out. Been a subscriber for a long time and really hoped the hints were all a tongue in cheek joke. Oh well- it was fun while it lasted.

Al Gore

TLDR: Apothecary Diaries

Ani-mam

It's called the Apothecary Diaries, it's a light novel that got a manga and that recently got turned into an anime and serves as the inspiration for Meimei's character. Anyone who has read it or seen it will recognize Meimei's style immediately, though she's a bit more down to earth (and has Qi)

Ani-mam

Well said!

Angela Roberts

So, no joke here, but I thought that threesome ship had launched a long time ago. I guess I read into their relationship too much. But, good for them, glad it happened. Felt really natural.

Mangamaven

Ditto.

Angela Roberts

First, look at Ri Zu! I agree with Big D, Yushang won. And, this was a nice goodbye. Kinda sad, kinda hopeful, all knowing future actions will determine their future behavior towards each other.

Angela Roberts

Please share, what's the title?

Angela Roberts

What novel?

Timurelang

(Lady Wu that was some kind of fictional court drama about a woman who was an apothecary—both of them seemed to really like the tale.) That novel is the best~ And so SMS leaves to fix what is broken and such. Godspeed.

Duke of Coffee

Maybe it would be more beneficial for people to say what they actually want out of a story and this story in particular. I’m looking for the wisdom that comes from people interacting with each other. I get that this is a story and a fantasy at that, but the closer an author can get to people acting like real people is a win in my book. As for this story, I’ve enjoyed the optimism and wholesome interactions dispite the horrible situations the characters find themselves in. If characters are kept to a high quality and reality, then I’ll be reading. But if wisdom and functionality is sacrificed for fun in the moment, then I won’t be reading. Fan service is nice but is ultimately shallow compared to an ideal that people can practically put into their lives.

Steven.Riske

I see they are reading the apothecary diaries. Good taste

Giancarlo Hamlin

@Namorat Thanks!

Alex Ingraham

I love when bisexuals get to have a boyfriend and a girlfriend.

Munirah Hutchinson

Yeah, look at Afghanistan right now. Women are being treated as LESS than livestock. So, so awful. But historically, for example, the female Chinese ruler, who's the evil empress and the one whose name was what Lady Wu's mom called her, was a concubine who fought her way up to the throne. She may or may not have been a willing concubine at first, but she used it to her advantage in the end. So even though she started at a disadvantage, she turned it around in the end. An example that came up in this story! So it's part of their cultural backdrop in this xianxia land.

Laura Hemly

Oh yeahhh, given how much Spooks and his master love maple syrup, Spooks is gonna be back and forth a lot lol

Alex Ingraham

I think that everyone is forgetting that Gramps, the notorious womanizer, took Bi Di on as a disciple because Bi Di was so similar. Gramps, the one who wanted others to follow his path to show that it stands on its own merit; including the sleeping around part!

Axavia

Also, we did have a scene where Fenxian reveals that he didn't intend to break Loud Boy's cultivation, it was an accident and he did regret making the mistake. Whether his regret was for the damage itself or how the mistake reflects on his skills as a fighter... Also, I'm fine with Tigu trying to bury the hatchet and I took Fenxian's, "we'll see about that" more as a awkward acceptance of a challenge than threatening. I mean, he was surprised by her coming up to him and offering her hand, so he might of just not had a wittier response in the moment lol.

Alex Ingraham

Great post 👍

Namorat

Totally agree. Personally I prefer the teasing to the actual harem, to be honest, although I don't mind much due to the way it has been handled.

Namorat

He was shut up in the fortress for the time they've SMS people were there healing.

Laura Hemly

@Jason Newborn Uhhh, where's it been hinted that Shenhe is interested in Yushang as more than a disciple?

Alex Ingraham

Couple of things about this dabbling in Harem. There have been a number of hints of Ri Zu being a little bicurious. So the proposed hub and spoke is currently more of a triangle. Second, Yushang is heading off to the distant SMS. This is likely a gift and parting curiosity rather than the establishment of a domestic arrangement. Furthermore, people complain that BoC has no conflict but I'd say its more that the real conflict isn't the mountain shattering punches but the Comedy of Manners stuff tucked around it. Yushang is under the eye of Shenhe. (and Shenhe's subtext has not been subtle.) Will they together be able to find an ethical way to be master and disciple with the possibility of boning-down so eminent?

Jason Newborn

Respectfully disagreeing doesn't usually come with calling something crap, garbage, or claiming it was ruined by one brief scene.

BlueMage Theneras

Not really. Bi De is a rooster, having multiple partners is natural to him. Also, the culture in this world not only has no issue with men having multiple partners, it's even encouraged if a man is strong or wealthy enough. It may not suit YOUR tastes or norms, but this isn't a story set in a modern, Western society.

BlueMage Theneras

People hate what they don't understand, and the things that are culturaly different from what their culture does or approves of. Monogamy and the industry marriage complex has been pushed very hard by Western Abrahamic Religion (even though there are numerous non-monogamous relationships in the Bible\tora\quran) As someone who grew up southern Baptist, and is polyamours this is great and realistic representation of a good non-mono relationship. If it's just a couple swinging with a loved friend before they leave, or she becomes a commet (long distance relationship where they pick up where they left of when they are in town) either way it's beautiful love between consenting adults and no one is cheating cus open honest communication.

Robert Johnathan Perkins

This. The fade to black works well for the story and has been consistent since Jin and Meimei 's wedding

BlueMage Theneras

It's a common in-world thing for powerful men to have multiple wives, so common that Xiulan's own dad already gave his blessing when he misunderstood their relationship. If Xiulan joins Jin and Meimei, I trust that CF would handle it as well as he has handled everything else so far.

BlueMage Theneras

PSA for the Pro- and Anti-harem sides: For anti-harem people: I'm no fan of harems and generally refuse to read stories with them. But, take some solace and remember that a thruple (three person couple) isn't a harem per say and if anyone can manage writing one relatively well, it would be CF. That aside, a few things to consider: 1) Yushang has been flirting with Bi De and Ri Zu since day 1 (and neither, especially Ri Zu, really rejected it). 2) As MANY people are pointing out, Bi De being a chicken ment he was ALWAYS likely to have more than one partner 3) We've seen this coming for a while, so you can't say you're surprised lol and 4) It will become a full harem if it starts looking like a fourth lady will be joining Bi Di's wives... For pro-harem people: 1) Get smacked by the "No Horny Stick". You've finally got your red meat. Enjoy your win and 2) Stop trying to shove more women into the Harem like Yin! Stop trying to ruin our fight-sexual, cuddle bunny! But no, seriously, ya'll are trying to wish-cast that scenario into existence. CF spent a lot of time deliberately building Yushang up to this point and Yin hasn't gotten that treatment (a few instances of admiring Bi De aside). It might happen, it might not, but so far it's all in your harem fantasy addled heads lol 3) Finally, even if you want more women in the harem, why do you want Bi De to get his next one from Fa Ram and so soon? He's going to go off and have adventures and meet new women. You're risking watering down the harem to 2D caricatures that the audience and even author will have trouble keeping track of/caring about...

Alex Ingraham

I don't like harems as a rule, but I agree that Yushang winning is hardly surprising (CF tastefully built it up in a way that it didn't come out of no where); that Bi Di was always likely to have more than one partner; and Ri Zu has always been bi-curious (at least around Yushang). So yeah, there's no reason to be surprised even if you didn't want it to happen.

Alex Ingraham

I want Yin to stay fight-sexual like TFS Goku lol

Alex Ingraham

...MeiMei is reading Apothecary Diaries.

Philip Hunt-Bull

I'm no fan of harems and generally refuse to read stories with them. But, a thruple (three person couple) isn't a harem per say and if anyone can manage writing one relatively well, it would be CF. That being said it will become a full harem if it starts looking like a fourth lady will be joining Bi Di's wives...

Alex Ingraham

Doesn’t that go against part of his story? He talked about not being controlled by his instincts and not mating with the hens. And he’s done that kind of thing on a number of occasions to have a special relationship with Ri Zu.

Steven.Riske

Count me in the group that is okay with things being obliquely hinted at and not being said outright. The fact that it involved Yushang, a character that has annoyed me from the onset, just made it more annoying. p.s. I'm not arguing that it doesn't make sense for a rooster to have a harem. My argument is that once a story goes harem, you will put off a significant group of readers. Ive tried many variations of harem and my brain just loses interest. That's why I recommend you choose the path of not saying it outright. That way each type of reader can 'assume' whatever is most comfortable for them and most likely continue reading.

chump1999

meh, I see the threesome is a big thing for some... I don't really care, as in it doesn't matter to me if it's there or not.. Aslong as it's kept out of the main plot A bit of fan service for the people that enjoy those things never hurt anybody... I think

Jesper Hansen

That would be Thanksgiving in the U.S., Canadian Thanksgiving was 14 October this year :p.

Old Dog

I'm not a huge fan of harems but Bi De is a ROOSTER. He's the roosterest rooster. He's gonna do like a rooster do. I saw this coming since book one and it made sense. Because he's a rooster.

Zachariah Daugherty

It makes sense for Big D though. He used to lay with all the hens and also his instincts have been pushing him to both attract and seek out many other partners even though he has kept his actions under control.

Alan McBrayer

*This* is arguably the greatest purpose of Fa Ram - to serve as an example to *aspire* to. It's good to see that Han has taken it to heart; we can hope the Shrouded Mountain Sect will, as well. . . . And I suspect that line of Forest Sweeper will find themselves headed that way periodically in a more *deliberate* fashion, now that they know the taste and source of the Divine Nectar (TM). :D

Geoffrey Sullivan

I feel Yin's was more adoration than romance since Bi De was the individual who killed sun ken and showed them there was more to life than vengeance.

Alan McBrayer

I don't think she's ever shown any romantic interests in them though? There was the cuddle puddle, but that seemed like it was platonic.

Red Viking

Yushang shoots her shot and scores!

Old Hammer

Or sounding like Rice Krispies when he wakes up (Snap, crackle, pop when he moves).

Old Dog

I don't have a real problem with the yushang development, I just feel like it should have come after yin

Ariel

Well, that felt unnecesarry, but as a one-night stand with a friend, it's alright. I just hope it isn't a sign that it will happen with Xiulan. Their current dynamic is great and contrary to what good portion o the comments appear to think, you don't HAVE TO have sex with your close female friends for the relationship to be complete. Friendship can also be a deep connection. One of the best things in this story is Jin's marriage to Meiling and that he doesn't feel the need to be with more than one woman.

K

Happy surprise for a hectic Saturday morning!

Tasha D. Young

Man, some people in the comments are real prudes. Don't listen to them, the chapter was great.

Yunru

Not as trash as your tastes :P

Yunru

He stayed behind for the scouting of the captured base but joined them for the assault of the remaining located bases

H

I thought we all knew Big D was a harem protagonist. Yushang has been playing both sides smartly and this was the natural conclusion

Moatdog

Good point!

Namorat

I think mentally/spiritually if you add his previous age and “Rou’s” age he said in an earlier chapter that he would be in his 40s? So close enough? 😆

Jessica Emerson

😂 46 does count as well! ^^

Namorat

Thanks for the chapter

Kt-x

B,but I do that .... I am not 50 I swear!

Alibhai

Bi De is the typical Xiânxia protagonist so it is not really surprising, I don't like the harem trope too but fortunately this is not the focus of THIS story.

Raraki Kraken

Good, I'm not the only one who thought of this

Raraki Kraken

I know people are wigging out, but some of the concept art has been at least sexual adjacent (bunny suit), Rizu's expressed fascination with boobs or other women's bodies, she never really shut down Yushang when she flirted with her or Bi De, all three were sober and able to consent, and CF has been teasing a Xiulan, Mei, & Jin triad since Xiulan was introduced. Plus the scene was fade to black. It isn't like CF introduced steamy xxx content into the chapter out of nowhere.

seth4bucks

Mountain Bots! Move Out!

Splutty

Yeah, I hope all of the tension and misunderstandings/jokes about Xiulan being Jin's wife have been setup as hints and not just teasing.

seth4bucks

I thought Shen Yu stayed behind did this get changed

Stonesinew

I kinda don’t get the hate. This wasn’t a typical “Pokémon/girl collection harem” situation, but a couple that had a fun night with a dear friend they won’t see for a while.

Redbeard

I think atoning as an Outer Sect Elder for a century would fit, with oversight to make sure he’s improving as a person. He knew about some of the misdeeds, but like he said acting against the patriarch would’ve been suicidal.

Redbeard

VICTORY FOR YUSHANG! Very sweet, and it seems like a very genuine poly relationship with a very healthy buildup and lots of fun tension and payoff. Awesome stuff!

Leos Void

There was plenty of it over the course of the SMS arc, no? I recall her gradually getting used to Yushang’s “wandering hands” and welcoming them by the end.

Redbeard

I disagree completely with your statement CringeWorthyStudios. Women have been considered lesser in almost all societies in the past, with only a few matriarchal tribes and african queendoms as the exception. While not all have treated women to the degree of livestock, even the examples you give of harem positions (like in China or the middle east) were cases where the woman would have had no say in it. I'm sure some preferred the idea of being married to a rich guy over a poor guy if they couldn't choose freely, but nobles trading their daughters before puberty in order to get some benefits or increase their standing was a thing in pretty much all of those cases I believe. I will also add that cultures which treat women as lessers are still doing very well today, with all the Islamic societies considering women anywhere from lessers to "like livestock". And yes, I stand by that statement.

John Doe

VICTORY FOR YUSHANG!

Ichypa

Wonder how people are going to react when Yin joins Bi De and Ri Zu?

Rebel Rebel

Poor Yin, still waiting for her own mudpit date :( Though that just speaks to more of how great a victory it is for Yushang. She defeated the White Blazing Star!

Anzer'ke

It would be interesting to see a shovel staff show up for Jin maybe from the cloudy sword

Clifton Thrasher

let's hope Bi De''s worship of the moon is enough, so he might manifest briefly from the rays of the moon in the howling fangs with the help of the Mountain Earth spirit.(or his own abilities) while Ri Zu might take possession of the girl's shadow to create a temporal form for herself. lets make this work, people.

Aune

Less real, not unreal. Like kids 3 yo playing the piano, you know they are out there, maybe even seen them, but hard to believe all the same.

Idan tal

Finally a mention of Varja. I kind of missed her in this.

Namorat

This is what I had wrong with it, (Someone introduced not of the main cast joining one of the relationships of the main cast) but I think I unlike others I saw that something like this could be possible. I just didn’t think CF would do so. I also don’t think based on the way he has written previously that Yushang will be done being apart of said relationship. And for some people that’s not okay and will never be okay. I’m choosing to trust CF since they have shown to be a great writer.

Benjamin White

More important: the plot twist is that Jin is fifty! Slapping his legs when getting up? Old Man Jin

Namorat

The strong feelings against the “harem“ thing are interesting to me. The flirting was there for thousand of pages and it was made relatively clear that Yushang was interested in this. Ri Zu seemed curious to begin with and De used to sleep with all the chicken until he decided he can't when they don't have the spark. Like, I don't get not liking this, but acting as if it is a surprise and not the most likely development down the road seems silly to me.

Namorat

I am pretty sure this was casual hinting us stuff, so all the people who are screeching about harems right now would have a little bit lees of a leg to stand on. I am betting that at the middle or the end of the next volume the Xiulan's status quo will start moving so he doesn't want people to explode at him even worse than it's already happening.

Orims

Meimei casually reading Apothecary Diaries

Ani-mam

I doubt he will be executed. Instead he'll either choose or be instructed to use the chance Jin gave him by saving him from the puppet worm to atone for his inaction. Anything else would be a waste. Remember, he was only aware of the first patriarch's treachery and the betrayal of the Han family, both as far as he knew were events three millennia in the past. His sin was a lack of courage to stand up and do what was right with that knowledge out of fear.

PickledTink

I’ll just toss my hat in the ring and say I had no issue with Yushang entering the relationship. I will say there probably should be more lead up of Ri Zu’s bi-curiosity prior to this chapter so it doesnt come as much of a suprise.

Andrew Wong

Eh, depends on which ruler but in general I wouldn’t want to be a concubine in an emperor’s palace, no. As for your earlier question, I noticed you edited it. I assume you were asking when I became canon that Meiling and Xiulan are bi? TL;DR: Confirmed canon in discord and shown in AU. Also hinted at regularly in main story. Not sure if it was ever addressed directly in the main story but it Meiling and Xiulan were a couple in one of the AUs. It was also explicitly confirmed on discord and I think in the comments of v5c46 (might be one to either side) here. Plus, even if you ignore the AU and discord author confirmation, Xiulan and Meiling regularly react to other women’s bodies. Notable scenes are Meiling every time she’s in the bath or does a checkup on Xiulan and Xiulan blushing when Tigu is naked a few times. Obviously not definitive but it’s at least hinted at in the main story.

CringeWorthyStudios

Those historical harems don’t sound great. Do we really want the story to go that direction?

Steven.Riske

As they say, long distance relationships are doomed to fail - and long distance marriages are simply not a thing as far as I'm aware.

John Doe

That’s a massively oversimplified and extremely exaggerated version of reality. While sometimes that *was* true, there have also been female rulers who have had harems too, not to mentioned that for many cultures women being part of a king or emperor’s harem was a prestigious position that was fought over. I don’t dispute that some societies did treat women that badly but extreme oversimplification like that is incredibly harmful to historical and cultural understanding. Cultures that treated women “similar to livestock”, as you said, were very much the minority and often were destroyed because of that fact. Far more common were societies where submissiveness and demure behaviour were considered socially attractive for women so were then taught as the norm by parents when raising their children. Very much not the same thing.

CringeWorthyStudios

Regarding the whole harem thing with the different relationships in this story: To me, the biggest difference is that Bi De and Ri Zu are committed to a life together, and Jin and Meiling are committed to a life together. Both Xiulan and Yushang have made other commitments and can, at most, be considered mistresses to the other couples.

John Doe

Harems are very common throughout history in societies where women are considered and/or treated similar to livestock. Not really a good argument for harems to be a positive thing.

John Doe

Bi De and Ri Zu have had an intimate relationship since they met basically and have been together before they became humans. And suddenly Yushang shows up and is a part of it - but then she leaves to go to "her home" which is not where Bi De and Ri Zu are. To me, it kind of feels like if a character was introduced in the next book and then two books later became a part of Chun Ke and Pi Pa's relationship.

John Doe

I knew the first part but “less real”, seriously? I literally know two people personally who are part of a seperate poly triad or quad and they’re perfectly happy with the others involved last time I checked. Sure, it’s not common but it’s also nowhere near as rare as that implies.

CringeWorthyStudios

People here are aware that in the Middle East, Africa and some parts of Asia (including India and Central Asia) a man can and quite commonly have a few wives, right?? It’s not rare at all.. sure, the “up to 4” is the hard limit for most of them, but you still have cases of more even today. It just that what we have in this story is based on mutual love between all parties which make it more complicated and less real, but as long as it’s kept small (a triangle) and keep developing than, with CF putting the effort, it can be great part of the characters and story development. And Bi De is a roster married to a rat, not exactly common relationship

Idan tal

I don’t think this person is forcing anything… we all have opinions. There’s no problem and no forcing involved in respectfully disagreeing. Chill out :)

Meredith

Hmm, I wouldn't say it's impossible, just *a lot* harder. Especially since, in my opinion, such relationships are even more dependent on good communication than 2-way-ones, and, well, communication seems to be something many people of our time aren't really all that good in. Myself very much included O.o

Angua de Blubb

Super disappointed with Bi Di's relationship. What trash.

NameGame

You said it before, there were several people talking to you about it, and the conclusion was that the fact that you don’t like something that in the story setting is very common (as was historically) is just you being to sensitive to your beliefs. Pls stop forcing it on others.

Idan tal

Historically? Quite a few Chinese emperors had harems, same with Japan, multiple countries in the Middle East, Ancient Egypt and a fair few countries in Africa and Europe. Though it wasn’t actually *called* a harem. That word is specifically adopted from Arabic and means something along the lines of “women’s chambers” and refers to a section of the house where wives, female children and prepubescent male children lived. At least as far as I remember the exact definition. In other regions it was called other things but it’s functionally the same. It was surprisingly common for a male (or even female) ruler to have multiple mistresses, consorts or concubines of varying statuses. Same concept under a different name. The places where it wasn’t as common were those under religions that forbid multiple partners, though it still wasn’t unheard of. If you want specific examples, Gengis Khan is an easy one, or look up just about any Chinese emperor between 900 BCE and 1300 CE.

CringeWorthyStudios

When did that become canon?

Steven.Riske

Definitely got some good warm fuzzies. Feels like things are wrapping up, I'm guessing the heavenly demon will escape and that will be a protracted search and destroy mission for the Cloudy Sword. However, for Fa Ram it feels like we can finally focus back on the Farm and it's goings on. ...at least until the Wu's decide to step on the Landmine that is Jin. And Washy goes on the expedition with the merchant girl. Plus, the storm wings can make an appearance in the story proper now, and the blade of grass might get to meet her mom again. Seeds for the next novels plot have been well sown and honestly, it's good to be home.

jord

Mmm, there’s a reason why only royals ever had harems historically. No one really has enough time to pay attention to more than a few people properly. Therefore, unless they’re powerful enough that the connection and some favour alone is sufficient to keep someone happy, it just doesn’t work. Incidentally, that’s why most fiction harems overlap with power fantasy. The MC being super high level or rich is the main stabilising agent for the relationship. Not necessarily healthy but it is functional.

CringeWorthyStudios

I think spooks will be coming back often to fa ram for the maple syrup. Jin is really going to have his sect be official sooner or later which means more allies. The moose would be a great choice. They could have permission to explore the sea of snow for training and resources that can't be found in azure hills. Maybe they'll find a never melt ice to make a refrigerator.

Denielle Restauro

Harem stories usually stumble into two problems. 1. After MC has ‘collected’ a girl in an episode or story arc, they stop being a person. There’s no time spent on the relationship, no growth, no problems that needs to be overcome, except if she’s main girl and essential to the plot. That’s not how relationships work. 2. In real life, marriages, even to one person is hard, a lot don’t make it. A harem on a practical level would be very hard. Imagine needing to maintain three relationships and trying to have them all feel even! It’ll be interesting to see Yushang’s relationships. Hopefully she won’t feel like a third wheel while she’s rebuilding the SMS and Bi De/Ri Zu are traveling around together.

Steven.Riske

This.

Kreylix

Besides it lowering the value and intimacy and entire relationship of Rizu and Big D? It was unnecessary, and personally, un wanted. I enjoyed that this story was staying away from Harems from the Main cast, I don't like that it's just dropped at the end of volume 5 rather than be clear throughout that harems were the expectation.

C

More competitive than threats I felt.

Justin

Nah, this wasn't tasteful, this was unnecessary. My trust is burned after this chap Honestly.

C

Loved the chapter!

ABTelford

Mmm, not really wrong from a basic trope standpoint but definitely not the correct term. The really key difference between a harem and true polyamory is what the focus is. If the entire relationship is focused around one individual then it’s a harem of some type. Regardless of if some of the others also interact. In comparison, a poly relationship involves all individuals being involved with the others. Jin/Xiulan/Meiling would be properly poly (despite the jokes about it being Meiling’s harem), same with Bi De/Ri Zu/Yushang in this. Oh, and it’s canon that both Xiulan and Meiling are bi, if you didn’t know. That’s kinda important.

CringeWorthyStudios

My knee-jeek reaction was worry. But this was tastefully done and Yushang travelled on. Have trust in CF.

Kairo of Sweden

Thanks for chapter have a happy thanksgiving

ronin

I've always understood it to be (in terms of relationships in stories and defining genres): harem = 1 man, multiple women. reverse harem = 1 woman, multiple men. The depth and complexity of the relationships are just a result of the skill of the author, not a direct consequence of being a 'harem story'. Though I will admit 'harem stories' tend to have the negative association of being unearned male power fantasies, but I wasn't being disparaging towards BOC's writing quality when saying it's now a harem story. Just (to my understanding) the most concise way of describing it for people to understand -- "polyamorous triad" is a mouthful.

Seth

I also took prefer it be Yushangs harem instead of bi De... But technically Bi De did have his younger days with the sparkless chickens

Nicholas Tran

The best punishment for me is for him to fade into nothingness for the story. Just forget about such a insignificant person.

Nicholas Tran

Don't forget about being the youth that has the most potential to help revive the dying sect

Nicholas Tran

Giggity

Hound

Gonna have to check it out now.

Hound

Don't bother there is no point in arguing with some people. Nobody ever changed someone's opinion on the internet.

leopard eye

Booze was involved

Hound

The offer he was given several chapters ago was "Either stay with the sect and stand trial for your deeds, or get your stuff and family and go into permanent exile." If he takes Exile, it's going to be pretty darned difficult to keep advancing as a Sectless, and if he chooses the trial, that could lead to execution, depending on what's brought into evidence. Whichever choice, it's a punishment.

Gray Code

What’s so bad about it?

Sam a Goat

Yushan is the harem protagonis tof the story huh? Coming from bumfuck nowhere, with an speciall skill simmilar to the most broken ability in the setting, the one that belongs to emperors (to differiantate friends and foe). She got her coming of age story, found blood brothers, fought demons and conquered heaven defying beauties for her harem before moving to the next step of her travels. Respect.

Victor Segura

Hope the zhang will get some punishment. though from what I see, its unlikely.

Rynn Kanra

Yeah, not a harem. Be Di *might* end up with a harem but also probably not. And it’s not like it isn’t already likely based on the dynamics. Look at how Jin and Xiulan already interact here. For the culture they’re in, physical interaction between genders like that is already *incredibly* intimate. Sure, Jin is weird but multiple people have commented on the dynamic already. Shen Yu for one, but Xiulan’s dad actually mentioned it too. He might have been partly joking but the fact that it was even mentioned so casually when Jin is such a supposedly powerful master is proof that it’s a noticeable possibility. Also, Xiulan doesn’t know about Jin’s Isekai thing yet. Only Meiling and Vajra know so far. I bet Xiulan will be the next to be told though.

CringeWorthyStudios

Well damn, Bi De just living his best harem protagonist life. Pretty sure he was getting the eye from Yin too when he first got back. Beware of Chicken indeed.

Gafgarion

Yea. Definitely not a fan of the development. Crap. I want to curse I hate this so much. So much for my comfort novel.

C

I loved that one, and recommend it.

Andrew Denton

Check out An Old Man's Journey by Gregory Allanther. It uses virtual reality as the isekai component, but the main character is literally the oldest man in the world who's finally decided to give these weird fantasy games a try in the hopes of spending time with his grandkids. He's pretty clueless, but the game runs with it and he ends up with several unique, OP skills. It's pretty funny.

The butler did it

Maomao IS the inspiration for Meimei, after all.

Mark Greenberg

Dude, it wouldn't be a harem. A harem is where one person is the romantic/erotic center of attention for multiple people, and almost always lacking in sufficient character and relationship development to justify it. JinMeiLan has been cooking, and cooking *well*, for five books. It ain't a harem, it's a polyamorous triad. That doesn't have to be your thing, but don't equate it with stories that just throw in multiple love interests without working for it.

BelligerentGnu

Or just a "I will put up a fight, so don't count on your victory." Fenxian is a skilled fighter after all.

Fluffy druid

Man, I hope the Shrouded Mountain Sect pull through. If only so that they can act as highspeed messengers for Lu Ri's mail system. The SMS would be excellent for delivering brief, high priority messages. A Short Message Service, if you will.

Red Viking

Thanks for bringing Jin back, I was really starting to miss him! I can tell you connect with him deeply as a character and reading his perspective is where I get a majority of the warm fuzzies in this story. He’s such good people! You’ve wrapped up a crazy amount of loose ends in a super short amount of time, and I’m looking forward to hearing how Jin, Gramps, and Nezan heal, since they’re all wounded or set back so badly. I actually worry about them! 🥹 Thank you for all your hard work, it’s more appreciated than you know!

Angel

Mud pit for the win!!! Yeess girlll!!!!

Synova Vitale

Mud Pit! YEAH!

Red Viking

That's fair, though I still think the response of "we'll see about that" feels pretty threatening considering their history.

Seth

He’s mentioned at the end, saying even Zeng bowed low in goodbye. ☺️

Angel

Huh I am trying to remember what happened to the other elder at the farm. The one using electricity to control his body? where did he wander off to?

Deltoren

To a lesser extent. Big D and the rest of the crew have travelled with Yingwen and Fenxian for ~ a month and a bit, fighting life or death battles beside them, and Fenxian literally took a sword for Yun Ren that would have killed him. They're stil a bit "outsider" even then. Tigu, meanwhile is trying relaly hard to bury the hatchet. Shes purpousefully trying to turn an enemy into a friend, just like the people of the Azure Alliance are trying to do.

Casualfarmer

Yeah, the conclusion was just weird.

Thunderhoof

Thank you!!

Jazer Andrew Sotomayor

Oh yeah, definitely makes sense that they'd be allowed to stay and not get attacked, for that reason, but it doesn't seem like enough to suddenly be friends. The rest of the shrouded mountain sect members staying at the farm also personally helped fight demons, and none of them tried to enslave tigu. Seems like they'd be more welcomed than the two who tried to kidnap her.

Seth

At least once beat you to first lol, had my phone on hand when the notification poped up

Bruno Vieira

Yeah, I’m thinking “Vidi, Vici, Veni” in this case…

KnightRider007

A properly built relationship. Rare in fiction, imo

BlueMage Theneras

I think it has more to do with Bi De and Yun Ren vouching for them having directly helped in the fight against the demons.

BlueMage Theneras

Lincoln Park - new divide. https://youtu.be/ysSxxIqKNN0?si=1XeZTvDtRd5iBQlp

Logan

As I said before and will again it is Yushang’s harem

Andrew Carter

Hard disagree, but that's just my personal preference. The joking about it had always been fun, just cause it's another way to poke fun at the standard xianxia tropes. But turning into an ACTUAL harem story 5 books in...not really a fan.

Seth

I think it's more Meiling is 110% down, xiulan is respectful and coming to terms with herself before jumping into anything (green flags~) and Jin has hang ups from his life on Earth and the other 2 know that, once he was convinced the other 2 will most likely have a "finally!" Moment.

Nathaniel Jacob moore

There was a severe lack of three-way kissing at the end of the mudpit scene to show exuberance and commitment to the idea. But other than that, great chapter.

Robert Mullins

That fenxian/tigu goodbye feels sooo weird. "We'll see about that," feels like the appropriate response from a rival turned begrudging friend, NOT from the guy who tried to kidnap and enslave her the last time he "won the fight". Also feels weird that he and yingwen would join the final goodbye/tour of the farm with the rest of the friends who met at the shrouded mountain. I get that they've forgiven them, but forgiveness is one thing and suddenly joining the close circle of friends is something entirely else. Especially since we've never really seen him be contrite over his decisions back then beyond "why did we target someone with such powerful connections?!"

Seth

Oh, my...

Joshua Coffin

Of course Bi De is the one to get the harem first. Victory for Yushang!

Randall Norman Pick

Apothecary Diaries started as a web novel, got serialized, and then spawned the manga and anime adaptations. The novel has an official English translation but if you don’t feel like buying the books there should also be unofficial translations on the net. As for Frieren, it started as a manga before getting an anime adaptation.

Aki_Iokua18

CF is taking a break after the volume ends. A long deserved break.

Lelouch Lamperouge

And now, we need a Linkin Park song as backdrop

amin johari

CF has said that it’s much more likely that reactions to Fa Ram’ll happen in the next (web) book.

Aki_Iokua18

Both, but the anime is really good. Smart and adult.

Kreylix

Beware of the Cock indeed. Thank you for the chapter!

Kasinki

It would be funny cannon If chickens were the descendants of dragon and phoenix. The spirits are just too proud to admit it

Timothy Dana

After this book is over (think 1~2 more chapters left) they’ll be going on a two month break, so new chapters likely in February unless something goes wrong.

Aki_Iokua18

Bi De and Ri Zu were the big winners. I hope they get to see their mistress again

mhaj58

I’ve only seen it as anime unknown if it has a text form 🤔

Kat

And I think this will be another thing that Varja will be amazed about

Kat

Old man from Up tried to lift his house with balloons. Physics objects to that and his house just breaks and crushes him. Next thing he knows he wakes up as the head elder of the punishment department of a sect. Now he gets paid to beat kids with a stick and becomes immortal as a bonus. Dao of Lawn Eviction is truly powerful.

CringeWorthyStudios

Considering this chapter you might have got those in the wrong order. 😅

CringeWorthyStudios

Is it an anime, manga or novel? I’m not really an anime or manga fan but if there’s a text version I’m definitely interested.

CringeWorthyStudios

Question for anyone that knows. What's CF schedule gonna be for the holidays?

mag28

Bi De is the TRUE xianxia protagonist!

taukid

Truly victory for Yushang. God speed and may the heavens favor all who seek to repair what has been broken. I am glad Spooks is able to hang around more; the trifecta needs to stay firm after all. Hockey, Moose, and Maple. So I’m guessing there’s only like one or two more chapters left till your break, yeah? Thank you for all your hard work, and may your next two months be of uninterrupted peace.

Aki_Iokua18

Aww man, so exciting. We're so close to the end of this volume, though, which I guess means if we're lucky we'll have a short idea of what things will be like when they get back.

The GrandMage

This just sharpens my shipping of Mei, Xuilan, & Jin. Stop playing with our hearts by teasing other triads

seth4bucks

Now for Bi De’s next conquest, Zhang Fengfeng (look, she’s a fun character who has a cool dynamic with them, okay?). Jokes aside, I’m glad Yushang joined Bi De and Ri Zu’s thing. The dynamic is great and I honestly would be perfectly fine with more people joining as long as it’s done properly. Heck, I hope this pushes Meiling, Xiulan and Jin to figure out their whole thing that’s going on. They’re already all but in a relationship already but none of the three seem willing to actually bring it up. Xiulan and Jin just pretend nothing is happening while Mei Mei only makes jokes. Thanks for the chapter!

CringeWorthyStudios

Beautiful, yes, the bees need a funeral and a memorial worthy of martyrs

Baqc∞ART

Thanks for the chapter!

Joker Nijima

Wait… I just Isekai’ed the gramps from Up… oops

Sean Ulrich

Love the Apothecary Diaries! Waiting for more.

Kirivina

Victory for Yushang! 😂🤣😂🤣😂

Kirivina

WOOOOOO! You go, Yushang!

Andrew Denton

Lord of the Dao of Destruction!

Sean Ulrich

Xiulan victory soon 🤞

Yeno Memevig

Hahaha victory indeed!

nathrielos

Had a thought. Crotchety old man gets Isekaied to fantasy land… but he just wants to be alone. I’m talking 80+ btw, he gets maybe half of what people are talking about, between fantasy jargon nonsense and his hearing aid failing. His techniques would be op, maybe due to his age interacting with their power system idk. But they’d be “GET OFF MY LAWN” and “WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE…”

Sean Ulrich

Dual cultivation at last!! Yushang is truly favored by the heavens, a flower in each arm

Harish

Don’t think we didn’t notice the reference to The Apothecary Diaries.

Alex

Oh my~ Victory for Yushang indeed!

Lanter

VICTORY!

Dj

Nicely done, Yushang!

Daniel

So the conquering Cloudy Sword Sect and Soaring Heavenly Isle Fairies return in the next chapter to bask in Fa Ram's bounty! HAIL MASTER WORM!

WarStrider72

Yushang come, she saw, she conqured. Victory for Yushang!

Longhaul

Victory for Yushang!

Seiden Kyoukai

Was about to post that. Also highly recommended to this group along with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Kreylix

Victory for Yushang!

Brandon Yarberry

Gasp! The ménage à trois was formed!

WarStrider72

Wow, yushang won

lockx

Thanks!

Trevor Mergen

Question! Since Chunky can become big or small as a boar… can he become chibi as a human??? Tiny chibi chunky would be cute…

Sean Ulrich

Praise Yushang!

Michael W

So the Apothecary Diaries does exist in the BOC universe..... and Meimei's a fan!

WarStrider72

LAST!

Jared Pincus

thx boss.

Bruno Vieira

Tyftc

Seaspike

Thanks for the chapter boss

WarStrider72

First?

Bruno Vieira