#cataclysmicevent

[dim-3kx]

soooo i just finished reading no paths are bound by cataclysmicevent and there is so much i loved about it but for the purpose of this post i will specifically focus on one aspect of it: the myth of the fire master and his soulmate.

i absolutely love the soulmate trope and when this part came up i audibly SQUEALED!! spoilers ahead:

im going to copy paste that section so all of you can understand why it’s one of my favorite parts - i don’t think it’ll sound nearly as good if i paraphrase it (and for context: when HC ascended he was appointed as the fire master)

“See, according to the mortals, there was a volcanic eruption eight centuries ago—and a star that burned so brightly in the aftermath, it could even be seen in the daylight, and it remained that way for several months—” Shi Qingxuan prattles on, and Xie Lian stops her.

“That actually did happen.”

Shi Qingxuan stops, surprised. “...Really?”

here it’s implied that HC was born on the same day this happened!

The drum beats stop again, this time landing on another civil god, with some tale that doesn’t seem particularly worth describing.

After all, Xie Lian’s revaluation is more interesting.

“Yes,” the prince agrees, straining to remember. “It happened when I was...around seven years old. The star burned red in the sky for around three months. It was... beautiful, but strange.”

Later on, it would be called a cursed omen, foretelling the fall of Xianle. Xie Lian only remembers thinking that it was beautiful.

“Well, who knows—maybe there’s some truth to it. The story goes that the Fire Master was an ancient star, looking down on the world each night—until one day, he fell in love with a mortal. One of royal blood.”

The prince smiles faintly, listening close.

“He would watch the mortal each night in his dreams, and the young noble would look up at the stars each night, finding one more beautiful than all the rest. And as time went on, it became more and more painful to be apart.”

It’s a beautiful story. Something like a fairytale, but...

“The Fire Master knew his beloved would ascend as a god one day. So, he waited, and he waited...but when the noble’s day of ascension came, his godhood was stolen from him.”

That’s the thing about fairytales.

“And so, the exalted fire master, bound to the heavens, was torn from his beloved, shackled to the earth below. In his rage, a volcano rocked the earth, spewing flame and ash into the sky. And his star burned brighter and brighter, until...”

He faded away.

Xie Lian frowns, his stomach sinking.

What a miserable story.

But—

“He gave up his godhood, and his star fell, crashing to the earth below.” Xie Lian pauses, his lips parting. “His beloved caught him, cradling the fading god in his arms.” Shi Qingxuan recalls.

“And in exchange for giving up his own life, his beloved rose at last as a god, separating them once more.”

There’s something heartbreaking about the tale—and without thinking, Xie Lian finds himself grasping the chain around his neck, his chest aching with something bittersweet

“According to such tales, his beloved still roams the earth as a martial god now, sustained by one believer—the fallen fire master, who watches over him from the ghost realm below.”

just the. symbolism?? in Shock And Awe o_o i just loved this part soooo much so so so much how do people even think of these things!!!

[glitterlessgold]

I’m NOT an artist but No Paths are Bound by CataclysmicEvent possessed me.  Awesome TGCF fic and they’re writing the entire thing on Twitter.

[myinkart]

Frozen in Time: The Petrified Gorgon Medusa Beneath Layers of Lava, A Thousand Years of Dormant Life

In the mystical realm of ancient myths and forgotten civilizations, lies a tale of the Gorgon Medusa, once a fearsome entity with snakes for hair and a gaze that turned mortals to stone. Millennia ago, a catastrophic event unfolded, and the monstrous beauty found herself trapped beneath the fiery embrace of volcanic lava.

As the molten rivers solidified into layers of petrified rock, Medusa's petrified form became a haunting spectacle frozen in time. The serpentine coils that once writhed with malevolence now lay silent and entwined in a delicate dance beneath the ashen veil. The once vivid eyes, capable of turning anyone who dared to meet their gaze into stone, now stared unblinking into eternity.

Through the ages, the story of the petrified Gorgon became a whispered legend, passed down through generations. Artists and poets sought inspiration from the frozen figure, imagining the untold stories that echoed within the stone. Was she a victim of divine wrath, or a tragic heroine immortalized in her silent agony?

In the present day, as archaeologists unearth the layers of history, they discover the astonishing tableau of the petrified Medusa. The art world buzzes with excitement as the ancient masterpiece emerges, frozen in an eternal struggle between life and the unforgiving forces of nature.

[fincrew]

Policyholders can avoid unexpected circumstances by purchasing an insurance policy. Unfortunately, some people overlook the exclusion clauses within insurance policies until it’s too late, but they are essential parts of the insurance policy. One example of exclusion is driving a car that is not roadworthy, being involved in an accident, or having excessive alcohol in your system. When you purchase an insurance policy, you should know all the exclusions and your obligations as the insured.

What Is An Exclusion In Insurance?

In insurance policies, exclusions are provisions that eliminate coverage for particular occurrences, properties, types of damage, or locations. The policy does not cover a plan that excludes any items or costs, and excluded fees are not included in the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum. Life insurance contracts, for example, have specific clauses and provisions to meet before filing a valid claim. Insurance providers are generally liable for paying claims if the insured dies. For the sake of avoiding adverse selection, insurance providers won’t provide benefits if an insured person commits suicide. Clauses of this nature must be clearly stated on the contract at the beginning of the policy period to inform the policyholder. An exclusion is also a waiting period during which they cannot claim insurance benefits.

The Reasons For Exclusion

Exclusions in insurance policies serve numerous purposes, but they are commonly used to cover risks:

A Cataclysmic Event

Some risks are not insured because they are catastrophic. An example of this is war. If a bomb damages your business property during a war, your commercial property insurance will not cover it. Most property policies exclude war damage.

Covered By Another Policy

Some risks are excluded because they are covered under another type of policy. For example, general liability policies exclude auto liability claims because they are covered under commercial auto policies. In the same way, liability and auto policies do not cover benefits the employer owes under a workers’ compensation law since workers’ compensation insurance must protect them.

Maintenance Issues

Several risks are excluded, including wear and tear, because they are naturally occurring phenomena that can be controlled by the insured through routine maintenance. Both commercial property and auto physical damage policies exclude wear and tear damage. Regular maintenance can also prevent rust, corrosion, and insect infestations.

Against Public Policy

Crimes, violations of laws, and intentionally causing injuries are usually excluded from insurance policies because they violate public policy. In this situation, liability policies do not cover incidents involving the insured’s intentional, harmful actions such as shooting a gun or defrauding someone.

Exclusions And Buybacks

In many exclusions, some exceptions restore a limited amount of coverage. One example is the contractual liability exclusion found in the standard general liability policy, which exempts liability assumed under a contract. The policy provides an exception for liability carried under contractual obligations (a defined term).

As long as you’re willing to pay more, you can remove some exclusions from your policy. General liability policies, for example, do not cover accidents caused by an employee to another employee. In addition, many businesses purchase co-employment insurance to cover claims made by co-workers.

[ladyhavilliard]

“To watch with your own eyes your beloved be trampled and ridiculed, yet be unable to do anything. That's the worst suffering in the world.”

[lakitsuune]

Always 🦋 - Fanart of “No Paths Are Bound” by CataclysmicEvent

[hualian-fic-recs]

Hi!

Do you know any fics set in modern day that aren't AUs? Fics where hualian lived long enough to reach modern era?

I only know of:

what a wonderful world by captainhurricane. T, 33k, no/mild spoilers.

Also No Paths Are Bound by CataclysmicEvent. The last couple chapters are in the modern era

[clouds-soup]

✨Fanfic Recs No One Asked For✨

(all of these are on AO3!!!)

1. I Was Screaming Your Name Through The Radio by ElectricSplatter.

Ship - soukoku

Words - 256k

Band AU

Enemies to Friends to Enemies to Friends to Lovers

2. Where Your Loyalties Lie by writingfromtheshadows

Ship - soukoku

Words- 163k

Political marrige, Yakuza AU

Enemies to lovers

TW for alcoholism and suicide

3. Still, Still, Still by icedlightorast

ship - soukoku

Words - 112k

Musician/Actor AU

TW for suicide and self harm

4. Everything or Nothing by CataclysmicEvent

Ship- soukoku

Words - 263k

College roommate AU, enemies to lovers

TW: medical trauma, hospitals, procedures, terminal illnesses

5. Not One Speck Will Remain by 7280285o

Ship- shin soukoku

Words- 3k

One shot, laundry mat

6. An Excuse to Walk With You by Meower06

Ship - shin soukoku

Words - 2k

One shot, fluff

[soukoku-fic-recs]

High school au masterlist pt1:

Hello everyone!! ╰(*´︶`*)╯

Many people asked for it so here it is: a huge masterlist of soukoku high school fics!!

I found sooo many that I really liked but found it impossible to fit them all in one gigantic post so here we go with part 1! I hope you enjoy it and stay tuned for more!!

Have a great day and let me know wich ones you liked best!!

-f

What’s your name? by CataclysmicEvent: “I said, what's your name?” Dazai snaps to attention to see that Chuuya is staring right at him, and suddenly his mouth feels like sandpaper. Jesus. Who has eyes like that?! “Ozai—” “Huh?”“Dazoo—” “I’m sorry, what?” “Dazai Osamu.” Sometimes--the worst introductions can last a lifetime. (High school AU, slice of life, growing up together.)

Sins Of Staying Together by setosdarkness: Dazai is infamous for saying ‘yes’ to anyone who asks him out. Even if anyone he dates ends up breaking up with him before the week is over. Because he’s a suicide maniac, because he’s a manipulative asshole, because he’s a piss-poor leech who has a staggering ¥1000 to his name, because of a number of reasons. Chuuya’s not curious - okay, he sort of maybe is - but he figures one week of stupidity can’t hurt too much. So he jokingly asks Dazai out. And he starts to regret a lot of things.

A thousand tiny revolution by flyby: When Dazai Osamu shows up to class on the first day of his third year of high school, Chuuya wants nothing to do with him. He's too busy juggling homework and part-time work to have any patience for an annoying waste of bandages, but Dazai has other ideas – and the mystery that surrounds him is about to blow Chuuya's own secrets wide open. Principal Fukuzawa said once that what you do in school can change the course of your life, but Chuuya doesn't think he meant it like this.

The Next Page by Hamliet: Built to keep society's strays off the streets, Bungou Academy proclaims to offer its students and teachers a second chance. If only it really did.

Oh darling it’s alarming to think of us apart (you know you’ve got me in your pocket) by inteludewings: “Okay so if we’re both still single when we’re twenty two,” Dazai’s smile grew even wider. “Let’s marry each other.” By the time Chuuya’s twenty two, he’d probably be in a relationship with someone else, and the possibilities of them even remembering each other were slim to none. And so, Chuuya gave his answer. “Fine, let’s do that.” In short, fifteen year olds Dazai Osamu and Nakahara Chuuya made a stupid promise one day in their school library out of boredom, which leads to the next seven years of their life filled with fighting, burnt notebooks and late night conversations.

The transfer student with a hat by xxalwayssophia: The Armed Student Council find out about and meet their secretary's boyfriend.

Lost All Judgement by todxrxki: “Uh, sorry, but unfortunately I already have a date to the dance.” “Oh, really?” Tachihara says, sounding disappointed. He pauses for a second, clearly processing what Chuuya’s just told him, and then says, “Who is it?”Chuuya certainly hadn’t budgeted for this. Panicking, he tries to think of the people that he knows that are single, and before he knows it, the first name that comes to mind is slipping out of his mouth. “With Dazai.” / After a momentary lapse in judgment, high school student Chuuya ends up having to pretend to date his enemy Dazai to get Tachihara off of his back - and quickly finds it's nowhere as bad as he'd imagined.

Laws of attraction by setosdarkness: Dazai and Chuuya have always been rivals, have always been there at each other’s throats. It’s almost surreal to think that there might come a time when they go their separate ways....But now, that’s a reality that Chuuya has to face, because Dazai’s going to a different university.

Sorry, I have a boyfriend by dangodangomilk: The prettiest girl in class asks Dazai for a favor— fake date her for a week in an idiotic attempt to make her boyfriend jealous. Obviously, Dazai refuses. One, he wants no part in this bullshitery. Two, he has a boyfriend.Things get messy after Dazai declines her request. Luckily for him, he avoids getting plummeted to the ground when his surprisingly protective boyfriend comes to his rescue.

How to love by arkastadt: Chuuya catches his gaze, takes a deep breath, and says, “Have sex with me.” Oh wow, that sounds awfully wrong — “I mean,” he starts again, losing all edge and grace, “I don’t want to have to sex with you — or I do but not like that! — I just want — damn it!” For some reason, he feels like standing, so he jumps up. “I have never been with anybody, and I want to be ready when it comes to it, so just have sex with me, okay, you asshole!”— In which, Chuuya’s tired of failing classes and being a virgin and makes the deal of a lifetime with Dazai.

Exposed ankles in the modern era by setosdarkness: "Nakahara Chuuya-kun, folding up your pants and exposing your ankles for everyone's view is against the school's regulations."

Triangular by setosdarkness: Chuuya and Dazai fight over Atsushi's affections. At least, that's what Chuuya thinks. In reality, it goes like this:chuuya: thinks they're in a love triangle. dazai: thinks they're in a custody battle over their son atsushi: CHAZUKEEEEEE

A change of mind by Lichtstrahl: It's cute seeing Chuuya so possessive of him, he looked like he was ready to bite everyone's head off for looking at Dazai.

You (who gave me the stars) by setosdarkness: Dazai’s pretty sure that Chuuya’s stalking him because he’s in love with him—no matter how much the chibi denies it. That’s why, it’s a complete shock when Chuuya confesses that he actually has been trying to get on Dazai’s good graces so he can ask for help in wooing Dazai’s best friend instead.

Come, I’ll show you around by Lichtstrahl: "What? Are you not having fun, Chibi?" "I'm certain this is not what the teacher meant by showing me around the school." He said with an exasperated sigh. 

Pretty in Pink by flowerinaacup: On Valentine's Day, there’s a new dress code. Wear white if you’re single, red if you’re taken, or pink if you’re crushing on someone. Dazai comes to school in pink bandages.

strawberries and cigarettes by inteludewings: Nakahara Chuuya, one of the most popular kids at his school, always had his eye on the quiet yet mysterious Dazai Osamu who sat at the back of the class. After unexpected circumstances, he finds himself hanging out with him for one long Friday night.Faces were slapped, butts were kicked, feelings were shared, tears were shed, people were arrested and houses were broken into. Not necessarily in that order.

Set alighte, we’re afire love by kiroiimye: "There you go!" Dazai forces a smile onto his face, quickly shoving his quivering hands into the pockets of his tan dress pants. "Now my sheepdog won't completely freeze to death!" Chuuya gingerly brushes his fingers across the jacket buttons before he looks up at Dazai, eyes wide with a soft vulnerability that Dazai rarely sees. "Thanks, shitty mackerel," Chuuya says quietly, and Dazai's heart does a tap-dance of beats. Dazai falls for Chuuya in three steps: first unknowing, then slowly, and then all at once. [Or: The fic where Dazai's been planning the most extravagant, flabbergasting confession to his best friend Chuuya...and subsequently messes everything up with a simple text message.]

eternity (I’d choose you every time) by orphan_account: When Nakahara Chuuya wakes up on September 3rd, at 7:37 AM for the third time, he’s irritated. The first thing he does is check the date. When his phone screen flashes Friday, September 3rd, he groans and burrows back underneath his covers.This cannot be happening. Or, Chuuya gets stuck repeating the same day over and over, Dazai is an asshole, and chaos ensues.

[leanaz]

My entry for NPAB week's domesticity prompt!!

(No Paths Are Bound by Cataclysmicevent)

Xie Lian, Fafa and Shuo enjoying some time together!! 🥰

[yiling-patriarch-kinnie]

This tag from the "no paths are bound" fic by cataclysmicevent on ao3 never fails to get me-

[fauzhee10069]

My thought after skimming NPAB

“No Paths Are Bounds” by CataclysmicEvent could be the most popular TGCF fanfic right now due it being translated into many language. It basically retelling the story of TGCF with some alteration (most notably is Xie Lian being blinded by curse shackle).

To be honest I'm not really into 'retelling story' because basically we just like re-reading stories that already exist. Total chapters are 152 so the story is quite long and I don't have time to devote my time reading it due to my IRL stuffs (as you can see how rarely I post on tumblr lately, right?).

But I found the author's twitter post about some of the breakdown of the story, summaries that were fully discarded or retained-in-background. Then I was intrigued by the author’s portrayal of Shi Wudu.

I also found that the author's most favorite characters are Shi Wudu and Mu Qing (which turns out that we share the same interest) so yeah...

I ended up skimming their name through those 152 chapters.

And here’s my thought…

First, keep in mind that I didn't read the whole thing and just skimmed it, so my thought will be limited to that. Don’t take my words as reference, it would be better if you judge it by reading it yourself.

Plus, this will be heavily subjective and personal.

At least what I want to say first is that this fanfic is worthy enough of being loved by many.

As for Shi Wudu, there is noncon stuff with Jun Wu.

Yeah, this fic contains #junshui but in unhealthy way.

The premise is interesting because often I also have ideas for angsty #junshui content where Jun Wu blackmailed Shi Wudu for his fate switching deed.

The author further made that it was Jun Wu himself who taught Shi Wudu about switching fate.

Despite #junshui, the actual pairing is obviously #peishui. Yeah, I agree with the author that Shi Wudu deserves a happy ending.

Sometimes later it’s implied via Shi Wudu that Jun Wu is also interested to Mu Qing.

Now, I’ll be honest, I like pairing #junqing more than #junshui because I'm invested in PeacefulDiscord’s fanfic about them (yeah, it’s angsty pairing as well with possibility #fengqing in the end and the fanfic is likely got removed as of now due to the author wants to revise it).

Back to NPAB, i feel this part is a bit nonsensical because Mu Qing is the older god than Shi Wudu, he’s been around in Jun Wu’s court more than Shi Wudu. So why would Jun Wu only interested in Mu Qing now?

Of course there is a term that attraction can come later, but I still find it hard to be logically convinced.

There was a moment when Jun Wu appreciated Mu Qing's beauty, but why wasn't that done a long time ago when the latter first ascended?

I think it would be better that #junqing happened before #junshui, or that it didn't happen at all.

Speaking of Mu Qing, apart from being the martial god of southwest, it is very interesting that NPAB Mu Qing is also the god of medicine (medical master).

Medical masters themselves mentioned a little by MXTX in the novel.

It’s free real estate to me, so I'm often excited to create an OC based on that role.

But in NPAB, that role was taken by Mu Qing.

In canon, Mu Qing is obviously not a medical master, there is absolutely no implication that he is a healer.

But in NPAB, that is his role. To be honest, I'm excited, because Mu Qing’s role becomes even more prominent than his canon counterpart.

I particularly love this part:

NPAB Mu Qing is basically Unohana Retsu Yachiru of TGCF and healer Mu Qing became a quite popular fanon in TGCF fandom.

Back on Shi Wudu, the Black Water arc is more complex in NPAB than in canon. Both Shi Wudu and He Xuan were actually victims of Ju Wu's scheme, with the former even got SA’d by the emperor.

I love the fight between He Xuan and Shi Wudu inside Mount Tonglu, the truth was being revealed there and it eventually ended tragically with Shi Wudu’s death however…

Next chapter feels like a joke, probably a mock up chapter with Shi Wudu being transmigrated to modern world and met Shen Yuan who mistook him for a cosplayer.

This part is so random, after riding the angsty with Shi Wudu, he was suddenly in a supposedly comedic situation, WTF??

I thought that Shi Wudu will be permanently stuck in modern world with Shen Yuan, which will be… cringed imo (his character profile is not suitable for comedic situation atm).

But chapters later, I’m glad that he is back into TGCF world, revived by no other than Mei Nianqing.

Let me just pretend that his moment with Shen Yuan is just a dream… or does not exist.

Then, there is also beefleaf…

Which I think is not great idea to give them a lovechild during the course of NPAB’s TGCF.

I’ll be honest here, I have never been a fan of badass pregnant lady troupe.

I mean, no matter how badass you are, no matter how strong or overpowered, imb4, hax, etc you are... when you’re pregnant, you will be a liability in any dangerous situation! Deal with it!

No matter how capable you are, you and your unborn child will remain a matter of concern for the party.

Which automatically translated “a burden”.

I appreciate pregnant mother more who realize their limitations and choose to support the party in a safe place.

That's why I think that a 9 months pregnant The Boss in the middle of the battlefield is ridiculous (Metal Gear reference).

Reading: <fighting> <badass> <danger> “oh the baby!?”  <fighting> <badass> <danger> “oh the baby!?” are getting on my nerves in all my life in enjoying fictions (JUST STAY INSIDE YOUR GODDAMN HOUSE, BITCH!!)

If you really need a representation of badass woman, or badass mother, do it when she's not pregnant.

In fact, badass mother with a child/children (who was already born of course) is still underrepresented than badass preggers.

I prefer beefleaf to have their kid(s) post canon.

Or (tbh), I prefer fengqing who get the children (Nan Feng-Fu Yao twins AU LOL).

Now talking about the OC, NPAB has quite a lot of OC(s) but right now I want to talk about Zhao Beitong first. Evie created her to serve as a mentor figure for Hua Cheng. Her role as the master of mount Tonglu, mother of ghost kings, the genius blacksmith who forged many celestial powerful weapons, the queen of Wuyong & Jun Wu’s wife AND GUOSHI (Tonglu Hudie).

To be honest, as interesting as she is, I’m not a fan of her character.

I found that her role is quite too much, my personal opinion is that she is a bit Sue-ish, despite the author claimed that the OCs are simply meant to be supporting characters to help the plot progression.

I’d rather have her roles get split into two characters. One as Hua Cheng (and He Xuan) mentor and another as queen of Wuyong/Jun Wu’s wife (via flashback/posthumous character).

The mentor could be from one/two of Jun Wu’s deputies who turn into the mountain (make them powerful enough to be able to project human form) while the queen’s story can be told by Mei Nianqing in addition when he told Xie Lian and Hua Cheng about Jun Wu’s past in canon.

Being Jun Wu’s former Guoshi & Hua Cheng’s mentor already put her fighting prowess alone comparable to them.

Which means the like of Pei Ming, fengqing and other martial gods/combatants are apparently inferior to her.

Then I also don’t like the story of her being the executor of the gods in previous heavenly dynasty while Jun Wu orchestrating from behind (as mastermind).

All for the sake of her grief as losing mother.

That is like the effective way to tell the audience how strong & badass your OC by carrying out the massacre while also place her in innocent light (we don’t blame in her, whilst sparing her from responsibility of her action).

You only feel pity to her, regardless what terrible things she is capable to do.

All because of “I’4m A wRoNg3d m0th3r!!!”

Let’s be honest, Zhao Beitong’s motherhood issue got too repetitive in her story to the point where I got (yawn).

Perhaps that’s the problem of story too much tell, another reason where I can appreciate the element of surprise of MXTX's storytelling.

I’m not defending the previous (gen of) gods, as MXTX herself implied that they were corrupt canonically.

But I prefer the canon version where Jun Wu is more barbaric in slaughtering them by his own hand, Jun Wu's narrative as a strong villain is more accomplished well for it demonstrated his strength as well as his cruelty (regardless how corrupt the victims themselves were).

I think it’s fine if you want to put your OC in some light by having her contributed in forging deadly weapons, but I’d rather have Jun Wu did the execution as you already made your OC prominent enough as a blacksmith.

EDIT (27/12/22): Okay, after re-skimming again, the ones who did the heavenly slaughter were both Zhao Beitong and Jun Wu, but still...

I don't know what criteria the author sees of prominent female character, the author created Zhao Beitong as an icon of such.

But personally, characters like Ling Wen and Yushi Huang have been quite woke for me, because even though they are not physically strong as combatants, they are both very competent. MXTX prefers characters who are competent and irreplaceable than just being everything.

At this point, I’d rather have the author to fully utilize Jun Wu’s three other deputies than making over-fully packed OC.

Guru kebanyakan drama, kalo kayak gini kan mending Hua Cheng dikasih guru macam eyang Sinto Gendheng wae -_-

Though, perhaps most of you already think that Zhao Beitong serves her role well as an OC, because her story is in harmony with the narrative written in the NPAB:

The tragic mentor/fallen goddess who aids the protagonists in defeating the villain while also getting her revenge.

But my personal preference is to prefer a character that aren't too excessively tragic/dramatic.

I’m actually aware that NPAB’s elaborated style of narrative is not limited to Zhao Beitong alone, but also to many canon characters.

However, that’s how despite some existing plot holes, I appreciate MXTX’s subtlety in story telling.

At this point, I’ll be more blatantly honest here, I found Zhao Beitong more annoying than NPAB!Shi Qingxuan.

Let’s go back to the positive one, I love how the fic had addressed this mulian’s issue:

And then in NPAB, we have this:

My favorite chapter that moved me was when Mu Qing became MVP in the battle against Bai Wuxiang. Bai Wuxiang then infected Mu Qing with Death Qi, the protagonists’ party almost lost their most reliable healer because of that and then the lake scene with fengqing & hualian.

NPAB have delves into deep emotions with multiple characters even early on than what MXTX had written (particularly, Hua Cheng’s POV).

I like the NPAB version of the final battle more than the canon because the former involves more characters to contribute in fighting Jun Wu and Bai Wuxiang, instead of relying too much on Hua Cheng and Xie Lian alone.

Then, regarding the epilogue (post Jun Wu’s defeat), although it is great to have multiple parties involved in final battle. In the end we will find a typical ending "happily ever after for everyone" yay.

Which is a bit... childish to my taste (sorry).

Especially in the part when it comes time for Shi Wudu to receive a formal punishment for his crime on He Xuan regarding fate switching.

I don't know why I don't like the way it is handled. Like witnessing the court process in our world, but in written form (narration).  Shi Wudu’s reciting all his sin verbally, can’t we just skip this part? (yawn)

At least yeah, he doesn’t get away with his crimes on He Xuan.

And the ending has Pei Ming as the new heavenly emperor which is neat.

So… yeah, that’s my impression of a fraction of the NPAB, I wished I have my time to read the entire story but yeah…

Anyway, apart from the things that I’m not a fan of, this fanfic can’t be called a mediocre in quality. The author is really devoted in writing this story as a form of love for TGCF written by MXTX herself.

Ciao.

[takingasterix]

reading no paths are bound by CataclysmicEvent is the weirdest experience, because you totally start to lose sense of what’s canon and not. for instance, i genuinely forgot that xie lian really did get buried in a coffin for a hundred years. along with “what do you mean Zhao Beitong isn’t a real character?” and “hua cheng didn’t save all those children?” and, perhaps most importantly, “well of course TGCF and MDZS are in the same universe, just hundreds of years apart! don’t you remember how the lan clan’s founding and xie lian’s third ascension were the same event?”

[weiying-lanzhan-fics]

In Love and War by CataclysmicEvent

Loved it! ❤️❤️

Quotes:

Wei Wuxian stumbles along beside him, chains clinking around his wrists.
“I’m about to give you a night you’ll never forget.”
Wei Wuxian smiles.
Unfortunately for Wen Chao, the scent of bloodlust is easily mistaken for arousal. “Oh, I hope so.”

They disappear into the sect leader’s chambers, and they do not emerge for the rest of the night.

When the guards hear screaming, they toast to their lords in congratulations, drinking to their heart’s content.

Wei Wuxian was generous enough to show them the wine cellars.

Sometime before dawn, a black hooded figure slips out of Lotus Pier, taking the last boat from the docks.

And when the sun rises, every Wen soldier who fell asleep within the walls of the Jiang residence has their throat cut, eyes staring blankly at the morning light, unseeing.

When the regiment from outside comes to investigate, they eventually go to the lord’s chambers—

And what they find makes grown men scream out in terror.

Three days later, a boat washes up in Qinghe. It’s operator blood soaked, collapsed from exhaustion and dehydration.

And when he’s brought to the Nie Residence, both of the Jiang children rush to him in relief and terror.

“A’YING!”

It soon becomes clear that the blood isn’t his own—but Jiang Cheng is still furious, shaking him by the collar as the doctors examine him.

“What were you thinking?! Do you think we can afford to lose you?!” Wei Ying struggles to speak, his lips are too sore and dry.

Instead, he points to the wrapped. bundle of bloody rags they found in the boat with him. And when the doctors unwrap it—

They find Wen Chao’s head.

————

His fiancé hasn’t looked at him once.

Not even a glance.

Stubbornly staring straight ahead, to the point where Wei Wuxian can’t see anything other than his jaw line, and the sharp cut of his cheekbone.

...Well, it’s his loss. This is the best Wei Wuxian has ever looked in his life, and he doubts he’ll top this.

But as he glances around him—it becomes even more odd.

None of the Lans are looking at him. Not a single one. Not even the elder reciting the sutras.

In some cases they’re pointedly looking away from him.

Wei Ying looks back at Jiang Cheng—but he seems just as confused.

Even when they’re instructed to stand, bowing to the Lan elders, no one looks at him.

When they bow to the Jiang elders in attendance, Wei Ying is on the receiving end of dozens of confused stares.

And even when they bow to each other—

Lan Wangji does not look.

At least this time Wei Ying is able to get a better look at his face, and as much as he hates to admit it—

His stomach is doing backflips.

The Lans being uncommonly beautiful was no myth. As badly as he would rather call him average, or plain— his heart is in his throat.

————

“...I have to undress you!”

Lan Zhan pauses, looking down at him with one raised eyebrow—he seems to make most of his expressions that way—and Wei Ying grins as convincingly as he can.

“Undress me?”

“That’s how it is in Yunmeng,” he lies. “Your spouse has to undress you. Every time.”

He’s saying this because he half expects his husband to rip his clothes off and push him down onto the bed—

(That was what Wen Chao tried to do, may he rest in pieces.)

And this feels less vulnerable.

Lan Zhan stares at him for a moment, then looks away with a quiet sigh.

“Very well.”

In all honesty, Wei Ying hadn’t expected him to agree so easily.

E, 68k

Summary:

“Well—maybe you’ll get lucky, and Lan Wangji won’t like you at all. Then he might send you home and keep up his part of the deal anyway!”

Nie Huaisang meant it as a joke, but Wei Ying sees potential.

After all: if there’s one thing he’s learned in the months since the engagement, it’s that he is utterly unsuitable for a place like the Cloud Recesses.

All he has to do is act like it.

(...After a century of war, the great sects are looking to make peace by the most common means: marriage. When Wei Wuxian is promised to the Lan Clan, it is thought to be a grave insult.

Things do not turn out the way anyone expects.)

@cataclysmicevie

[eeveelutionlover2000]

The Trifecta of MXTX fanfics

The Chinese writer Mo Xian Tong Xiu has written three novels, which have become very popular over the years. As an avid reader of fanfiction and a fan of her works for several years, here are my top recommendations for MXTX fanfic readers.

Mo Dao Zu Shi (The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation):

Cradle by Dragonesque

-After barely surviving the assassination attempt at QiongQi Path, Wei WuXian and the Wen Sect remnants are left to figure out how to protect themselves and their new lives. Meanwhile, the Jiang siblings and an unharmed Jin ZiXuan try to figure out who's bright idea was that stupid ambush. In Gusu, Lan Wangji panics at the idea of Wei WuXian's near death and tries to figure out whether to insist to stay by the Yiling Patriarch's side or hang back in the Cloud Recesses.

And Wei WuXian struggles with the idea of whether becoming a teacher, teaching demonic cultivation and setting up his own sect might not be a bad idea after all...

Scum Villain Self Saving System:

The Grand Unified Theory of Shěn Qīngqiū by oojaneblonde

-Shěn Qīngqiū new game pluses himself into a happy ending and unlocks some premium content along the way.

Heavenly Official's Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu):

No Paths Are Bound by CataclysmicEvent

-Xie Lian found something in himself that he thought was gone—worn away with every mistake he had made. Faith. His arms opened, and the child was hesitant—but eventually, he fell into them, his body trembling with silent sobs.

"I remember you," he whispered again, voice breaking as Hong-er clung to him.

I remember you. I remember you. I will always, for as long as I live, remember you.

(A re-telling of TGCF where Xie Lian has his cursed shackle placed in his eyes, blinding him. And yet, through all of his struggles; there is always someone watching over him.)

[t0yearnf0r]

my current favourite fics as movie posters

1. No Paths Ae Bound by CataclysmicEvent 

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/34816549)

2. Where the Moon and Water Meet by Vicari_us

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/27995847/chapters/68573802)

3. Homemade by Artsy_Alice

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/27775471)

4. Finders Keepers by Solyn

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/31246925)

5. It’s Just a Light Rain (But the Storm’s Still Comin’) by Westward

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/30228501/chapters/74488923)