sid_guardian | Entries tagged with !readalong

We've reached the end of our Guardian novel readalong, extras and all! A million thanks to everyone who participated in the discussions, and especially everyone who made and hosted posts. *twirls you all*

Of course all the previous posts are still open for comments, and you don't have to read the existing comments to jump into the discussion anywhere, at any time. So don't hesitate! But let's take this week to look back at our readalong:

Volume 1
prologue, chapters 1 & 2 | chapters 3 & 4 | chapters 5 & 6 | chapters 7 & 8 | chapters 9 & 10 | chapters 11 & 12 | chapters 13 & 14 | chapters 15 & 16 | chapters 17 & 18 | chapters 19 & 20 | chapters 21 & 22 | chapters 23 & 24 | chapters 25 & 26 | chapters 27 & 28

Volume 2
chapters 1 & 2 | chapters 3 & 4 | chapters 5 & 6 | chapters 7 & 8 | chapters 9 & 10 | chapters 11 & 12 | chapters 13 & 14 | chapters 15 & 16 | chapters 17 & 18 | chapter 19

Volume 3
chapters 1 & 2 | chapters 3 & 4 | chapters 5 & 6 | chapters 7 & 8 | chapters 9 & 10 | chapters 11 & 12 | chapters 13 & 14 | chapters 15 & 16 | chapters 17 & 18 | chapters 19 & 20 | chapters 21 & 22 | chapters 23 & 24 | chapter 25 & epilogue
Extras: Sage 1 & Sage 2 | The Mountain Spirit | Pocket Dimension

Questions:
Was this the first time you read the novel, or a reread? Did you read the official translation, the fan translation, or a Chinese version (which?) - and do you have any thoughts about the differences between versions? What do you like best about priest's writing?

What were your favourite moments or scenes? What are you most confused by? If you could change one thing about the novel or its worldbuilding, what would it be? What stands out as most different from the drama? Do you have different favourite side characters in the novel vs. the drama?

ETA: Which detail surprised you the most (either because you didn't know, or because you had forgotten)?

(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, or to talk about completely different things!)

(Also, sign-ups are open for the drama slo-mo rewatch and for Guardian Wishlist! Come and join the fun!)

china_shop

Hi, and welcome to the last installment of the Guardian novel readalong!

Here is last week's post about the Shen San extra, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5), or via the !readalong tag.

In this week's extra, Pocket Dimension: Zhao Yunlan shows Shen Wei how to send red envelopes from his new phone, and Shen Wei sends bonuses to the SID team until he runs out of money. Everyone wants to work for the SID under Kunlun-jun, so Shen Wei has devised personalised applications. Mysteriously, more than twice as many applications have been returned as were sent out. Zhu Hong's Fourth Uncle disappears while visiting the South Sea Water Tribe, and Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei go to investigate. They get caught in a vortex full of bubble AUs, each with a connection point to the real world. Zhao Yunlan escapes from eighty-one pocket dimensions and reunites with Shen Wei, who seems traumatised. Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei take a seaside vacation. Shen Wei thinks swimming trunks are inelegant.

Excerpts:

( 1) Shen Wei is possibly even worse at managing money than Zhao Yunlan is )

( 2) Shen Wei gives away all his money as SID bonuses )

( 3) Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan become trapped in bubbles )

( 4) What are the bubbles? )

( 5) Zhao Yunlan enjoys some virtual reality alernate lives with his boo )

Questions:
Did you enjoy this extra? What's your favourite thing about it? Do you have questions about what's happened in the six years between the epilogue and now? On a scale of one to ten, how terrible is Zhao Yunlan's dad? When Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan portal to the South Sea, who does the portalling: Shen Wei, Zhao Yunlan, or both separately? We know Fourth Uncle is still alive, but what happened to him? Do you think the question of the duplicate applications was satisfactorily answered? How do you feel about the bubble AUs?

(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the readalong!)

Finally, I just want to thank everyone who's been part of this readalong, either by hosting, commenting, or reading along! It's been such a pleasure sharing this with you all for the last nearly-ten months. And super special extra thanks to

trobadora for being an awesome co-mod! <3 <3 <3

trobadora

Welcome aboard for this week's extra in our Guardian readalong!

are last week's extras. You can find all previous discussions on the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5), or via the !readalong tag.

Summary: Jianghu wanderer Shen San is injured while saving someone, falls down a cliff, and finds himself in the care of a beautiful ~~immortal~~ yao, who nurses him back to health. He soon finds himself entirely smitten. Returning as promised after taking care of unfinished business, he finds the cottage empty. Three years later, having made a home there, Shen San discovers his yao-xiong has been secretly around all this time. They settle into domesticity, disrupted only by a book of erotica and Shen San falling ill. Before Shen San dies, he promises to come back in his next life and find him again. Afterwards, the newly-named Shen Wei hunts down the original Soul-Guarding Order, which Shen San had given away, and unseals Daqing so Daqing can take care of Kunlun's reincarnations.

The corresponding part in the Chinese version/the fan translation is the "Shen San" extra.

Excerpts:
I could have quoted everything! But I managed to restrain myself. *g*

( 1) Shen San, jianghu wanderer )

( 2) Human, immortal, yao? )

( 3) Shen San has a revelation )

( 4) High literature )

( 5) A promise )

Questions:

What do you think about Shen San? How much is he like Kunlun, or like Zhao Yunlan? Do you think Shen San and his yao-xiong ever managed to make proper use of that book of erotica? *g* How do you feel about the tragedy of it all? Should Wei have resisted harder? Can you make sense of how the parts about the Soul-Guarding Order fit with everything else? Which parts of this extra have parallels in the drama?

(As usual, these are just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like!)

Our schedule - only one more extra to go! Sign up if you'd like to host it!

facethestrange

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong! We're finished with the main text of the novel, but the readalong continues - it's time for the first bonus stories. ♡

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Sage 1: Many SID team shenanigans happen, including but not limited to: They have acquired a Samoyed puppy named Xiaomi who plays with Daqing. They talk about the new office they're moving to, and have some theories why Zhao Yunlan is not at work. No one tells Guo Changcheng that he's the wick, they just confuse him with questions and occasionally pluck his hair to experiment on. Meanwhile, Zhao Yunlan talks to Shennong's mortar about the primordial past and Shen Wei's oath, and explains that some things are meant to be confusing. Shennong's mortar announces that he's leaving Zhao Yunlan's father's body. Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan take a walk together and cause spring flowers to bloom.

Sage 2: The SID moves to their new office, which includes a sunny attic and Zhao Yunlan's vegetable garden, among other things. Everyone loves Shen Wei because his arrival means that Zhao Yunlan finally goes home. Lin Jing invents an invisible listening device. Daqing bickers with people, including Shen Wei. Zhao Yunlan falls asleep trying to learn gardening from a boring book, and cuddles with Shen Wei (while also bickering). Guo Changcheng goes on an arranged date with a girl. Chu Shuzhi accompanies him and listens in on their awkward conversation, and then interrupts the date and drags Guo Changcheng away. They start dating, which is revealed to the rest of the SID by Lin Jing's listening device.

The corresponding chapters:
Sage 1 = fan translation Extra 2
Sage 2 = fan translation Extra 3

Excerpts:

( 1) The SID team speculating about Zhao Yunlan's activities )

( 2) Shennong's mortar leaves, and Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan make flowers bloom )

( 3) The new SID office )

( 4) Daqing 'practices yoga' )

( 5) Chu Shuzhi interrupts Guo Changcheng's date )

Questions:

Favorite SID shenanigans moment? (Or several - there are so many!) Do you think Xiao-Guo should be told that he's the wick? Do you understand what Zhao Yunlan explained about the primordial gods, or are you also a few thousand years too young? Are Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan consciously making flowers bloom, or is it just what happens when nature gods are happy? What is your favorite thing about the new office? Whose garden idea do you like the best, and why is it (not) the slutty eggplant? Any thoughts about the drama adaptation of these chapters, especially Xiao Guo's date?

You can answer as many or as few questions as you like, or just comment without answering any of them at all! And if you see this post and you're not actually reading the novel, I would love to know what you think about any of this with limited context. :D

And here is the schedule, where you can sign up to host a post. (There are only two weeks left!)

china_shop

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong!

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 25: Zhu Hong and Fourth Uncle follow the branch of the Divine Tree down to the Great Seal. The branch plants itself, and it and the Ancient Merit Tree quickly grow upwards, all the way to the Mortal Realm. Aboveground, Zhao Yunlan has become Kunlun-jun, and Shennong's Mortar bows to him and says his work here is done. Zhao Yunlan/Kunlun is calm and says "I know" a lot; he meditates beneath the Soul-Guarding Lamp. On the mountain above the resort, the captured souls spill out and save Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi from falling. Changcheng is engulfed in spiritual flame and starts reciting the Soul-Guarding Order. Shen Wei emerges, ensouled, from the Lamp, and Kunlun catches him and kisses his brow. Kunlun explains Changcheng is the reincarnated wick. The massive, quickly growing tree waters and replenishes the earth.
Epilogue: Zhao Yunlan is working in his office, in an utterly foul mood. The various SID members come in to gawk at him, and he bites all their heads off. The gui have souls now, but have disappeared, but also, they're everywhere? Zhao Yunlan is staying in a hotel. Shen Wei arrives and apologises for the mind-wipe, but Zhao Yunlan passive-aggressively pretends not to know him. Changcheng reveals that Zhao Yunlan never left Shen Wei's hospital bedside. Finally, Shen Wei kneels, Zhao Yunlan sits next to him, and they make up.

The corresponding chapters:
* official translation vol. 3 chapter 25 = fan translation chapter 106
* official translation epilogue = fan translation Extra 1

Excerpts:

( 1) Zhao Yunlan becomes Kunlun-jun )

( 2) The collected souls save Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi )

( 3) Zhao Yunlan 'explains' the fate of the gui )

( 4) Guo Changcheng is literally Zhao Yunlan's better half )

( 5) Shen Wei kneels, and Zhao Yunlan caves )

Questions:
Did you enjoy the ending? What was your favourite part? Least favourite? Do you think Zhao Yunlan's anger is justified? Do you understand what happened to the gui? On a scale of 1 to 10, how much therapy does Shen Wei need? What imagery did you enjoy the most? What are you still most confused about? And do you have any thoughts about how moments in these chapters affected or were remixed in the drama adaptation?

(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the readalong!)

Our schedule for this round -- there are still two slots open, if you want to sign up to host a post!

facethestrange

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong! ♡

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 23: The branch of the Great Divine Tree protects Zhu Hong who stayed behind at the Yanluo Courts. While she's talking about the branch with Fourth Uncle, it grows a third bud. The "youth" who turned out to be a gui throws Chu Shuzhi off the bridge. Guo Changcheng jumps after him, leaving the soul bottles behind.

Chapter 24: During the ritual, lao-Li remembers and confesses that three hundred years ago he stole Daqing's bell to cure his bone cancer. Shen Wei uses the Hallows to reseal the Four Pillars. During the last step (the Soul-Guarding Lamp) Shen Wei erases all of Zhao Yunlan's memories of their relationship, and sacrifices himself.

The corresponding part in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation starts a little less than halfway through chapter 105 and goes up to the end of that chapter.

Excerpts:

( 1) The branch of the Great Divine Tree grows a third bud )

( 2) Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng fall off the bridge )

( 3) Lao-Li's story )

( 4) Shen Wei erases Zhao Yunlan's memories and sacrifices himself )

Questions:

How impressive is Guo Changcheng's courage now? Should Daqing forgive lao-Li? Do you prefer the novel version or the drama version of their backstory? How about the story of Zhu Hong's branch so far? Did Shen Wei's change of heart and self-sacrifice surprise you? How do you feel about what he did?

You can answer as many or as few questions as you like, or just comment without answering any of them at all! And if you see this post and you're not actually reading the novel, I would love to know what you think about any of this with limited context. :D

And here is the schedule, where you can sign up to host a post!

trobadora

Welcome aboard for this week's chapters of our Guardian readalong!

Here are last week's chapters. You can find all previous discussions on the schedule post (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 21: The Yanluo Kings want to use Zhao Yunlan's heart's blood as the Guardian Lantern's wick, but the yao storm the Yanluo Courts under the leadership of Fourth Uncle, and likewise the daoists and assorted other immortals who were present at Kunlun Mountain. Ghost Face and various gui break free from the Wangchuan, and Shen Wei's trap is sprung. Zhao Yunlan half learns, half figures out Shen Wei's plan, and Zhu Hong clarifies Zhao Yunlan's feelings for Shen Wei. Ghost Face blows himself up.
Chapter 22: Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi fight various youchu (including the fake rogue cultivator) with the combined might of fear stick and zombie powers, then escape to the top of the mountain, but end up in trouble there again anyway. Meanwhile, Shen Wei, Zhao Yunlan and Lin Jing run into Daqing, escape from the Netherworld, and find SID and other people waiting for them. Shen Wei plans to re-seal the Four Pillars with the Hallows, and Zhao Yunlan tells Shennong's mortar to take his place and take care of his parents. Everyone comes together to help Shen Wei.

The corresponding part in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation starts a little less than half-way through chapter 102 and goes up to a little less than half-way through chapter 105.

Excerpts:

( 1) Zhu Hong defends Zhao Yunlan against the Yanluo Kings' designs )

( 2) Shen Wei is caught out )

( 3) Zhu Hong and Shen Wei have a rapprochement )

( 4) Speech time for Ghost Face )

( 5) Chu Shuzhi weaponises Guo Changcheng's fear )

( 6) Shen Wei addresses the crowd )

( 7) Zhao Yunlan's request for Shennong's mortar )

Questions:

What do you think of Shen Wei's plans? Or of the way he acts towards Zhao Yunlan? Is it satisfying seeing all the different characters coming together again? Are you following everything that's going on? How annoyed are you that we don't learn how Lin Jing made it to the Yanluo Courts in one piece? Any thoughts about Ghost Face exploding himself, and what the drama made out of that? Which of the things that has a direct parallel in the drama is your favourite bit of adaptation?

(As usual, these are just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like!)

Our schedule - please sign up to host a post if you can!

china_shop

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong!

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 19: At the Great Seal, Lin Jing discusses their predicament with Shen Wei and meditates effectively. At the police station in the mountains, Daqing and Chu Shuzhi meet up with Guo Changcheng. Daqing shifts into human form and tells Changcheng that the souls of the dead are still at the resort; Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi decide to go to find them.
Chapter 20: Zhao Yunlan goes to the court of the Ten Yanluo Kings with Zhu Hong and sasses the Kings. A reaper reports that the Great Seal has broken, and an earthquake shakes the court. Zhao Yunlan demands to see the Reincarnation Cycle. The Qin'guang King shows him the Soul-Guarding Lamp. At the Seal, Shen Wei comes out to Lin Jing as the Emissary, and Lin Jing pulls out the icicle. Shen Wei heals and reveals that he's been manipulating Ghost Face. Meanwhile, Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng search the resort for souls. (Guo Changcheng records a dead courier's last message.) They're joined by a rogue cultivator who tries to make conversation but has a disturbing shadow. A huge youchu bursts out of the ground.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are chapters 100, 101 and a little less than half of 102 (up to "Meanwhile, in the county less than fifty kilometers away, people were still completely clueless.").

Excerpts:

( 1) Lin Jing and Shen Wei strategise )

( 2) Chu Shuzhi explains that the Ghost Face problem is above their paygrade )

( 3) Daqing finds his human body hideous and explains some gui lore )

( 4) Zhao Yunlan is unimpressed with the Ten Kings' Hell Expo and has no more fucks to give )

( 5) Shen Wei is blasé about his chest icicle )

( 6) Chu Shuzhi is softening towards Guo Changcheng, despite himself )

Questions:

How many points does Lin Jing get for a) attempting to communicate with a youchu, b) keeping calm and meditating on, and c) not falling out of the tree when Shen Wei revealed his Emissary identity? Where did the youchu learn human speech? How wounded would Shen Wei have to be to admit that he wasn't fine? Does the SID really only employ people who can hyperfocus, or is hyperfocus a side-effect of the Soul-Guarding Order? What do you think of the descriptions of the different hells? How adorable are Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng? How well are you following what's going on with the Seal and Shen Wei's machinations? And do you have any thoughts about how moments in these chapters affected or were remixed in the drama adaptation?

(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the readalong!)

Our schedule for this round -- please sign up to host a post if you can!

facethestrange

Chapter 17: Guo Changcheng can't get ahold of the rest of the team, and drives alone to the nearest town. An angry crowd is begging the police to find their loved ones who went missing at Spring Harbor Resort. Guo Changcheng manages the crowd and promises them that the SID is already on the case. Zhao Yunlan's sacrifices some of the true Soul-Guarding Order to save Shen Wei. Shen Wei defeats the Chaos shadow that chased them, but Ghost Face stabs him in the heart with an icicle and takes him away, demanding that Zhao Yunlan brings him the Soul-Guarding Lamp in exchange.

Chapter 18: Zhao Yunlan asks the Magistrate to take him to the Reincarnation Cycle in order to awaken Kunlun's spirit. Lin Jing regains the use of his senses and finds himself imprisoned at the Seal, surrounded by youchu. Ghost Face brings Shen Wei there too, and shackles him to the Merit Tree. Shen Wei is in pain, but he mocks Ghost Face and reveals that he's always had the power over the Mountain-River Awl, and that he has tracked Ghost Face and manipulated his actions. Ghost Face attacks him with the icicle again and Shen Wei passes out.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are 98-99.

Excerpts:

( 1) Xiao Guo manages the crowd )

( 2) Zhao Yunlan's burns the Soul-Guarding Order )

( 3) Ghost Face kidnaps Shen Wei )

( 4) Lin Jing talks to the youchu )

( 5) Shen Wei mocks Ghost Face )

Questions:

Are you as surprised by Xiao Guo's bravery and competence as he is? What do you think about Zhao Yunlan's decision to sacrifice the Soul-Guarding Order? What's your favorite comic relief moment? Favorite angsty moment? Any thoughts about the many parallels between these chapters and their drama adaptation?

You can answer as many or as few questions as you like, or just comment without answering any of them at all! And if you see this post and you're not actually reading the novel, I would love to know what you think about any of this with limited context. :D

And here is the schedule, where you can sign up to host a post!

trobadora

Chapter 15: Daqing comes searching for Zhao Yunlan, finds Shen Wei, and is dispatched to buy breakfast. Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei learn that Lin Jing is missing, and receive a delayed message from Lin Jing. Earthquakes from the Netherworld shake the city, and the team heads towards the resort Lin Jing was investigating, which is deserted.
Chapter 16: Zhu Hong reacts badly to being sent off with Xiao-Guo, and takes off after Zhao Yunlan. Zhao Yunlan, Shen Wei et al. investigate the resort and discover everyone's been turned to dust by something escaping from beneath. Zhao Yunlan realises this is a trap - and then gui come climbing out of the ground, and Shen Wei uses his blade ...

The corresponding part in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are chapters 95-97.

Excerpts:

( 1) Daqing buys breakfast )

( 2) Shen Wei, hologram generator )

( 3) Zhao Yunlan vs. Shen Wei vs. modern tech )

( 4) Turned to dust )

( 5) The blade strikes )

Questions:

What's your favourite part in these chapters? Which SID member gets the best moment? What do you think about Shen Wei's carefree fatalism here? And about Zhao Yunlan's treatment of Shen Wei? How well are you following events here? Any thoughts about the parts that made it into the drama?

(As usual, these are just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like!)

Our schedule - please sign up to host a post if you can!

china_shop

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong!

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 13: Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan untangle the truth about the past. Zhao Yunlan recaps the whole saga back to Shen Wei to verify his understanding. Shen Wei recounts his promise to guard the Seal and stay away from Kunlun, and he confesses that he orchestrated all the visions and other events (including Zhao Yunlan seeing him drawing his heart blood) so that Zhao Yunlan would stay with him and they could die (ie, cease to exist) together. Back at the flat, they start making out, then stop to talk about the blood-drinking. They decide to live together like mortals for the next few decades.
Chapter 14: Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi stake out a motorway off-ramp in the freezing cold and search a number of buses to look for a ghost's missing daughter. Chu Shuzhi calls Daqing to ask about Guo Changcheng's flame-coloured merits. Chu Shuzhi slaps a talisman on Changcheng to check he's human. Changcheng finds the missing girl, and Chu Shuzhi arrests the kidnapper.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are chapters 92 to 94.

Excerpts:

( 1) Primordial Wei looked for Kunlun before they met )

( 2) Wei's deal with Shennong )

( 3) Negotiating the blood drinking )

( 4) Chu Shuzhi and Daqing on the phone )

( 5) Changcheng takes being 'killed' surprisingly calmly )

Questions:

Do you understand the primordial past backstory now? Who comes off worst in this real version of events? How do you feel about Shen Wei going to these lengths to deceive Zhao Yunlan and guilt-trip him into staying with him? What does it mean that Zhao Yunlan called Shen Wei his husband, rather than wife? Would you prefer to be on a stakeout with Guo Changcheng or Chu Shuzhi? Do you have any thoughts about how moments in these chapters affected or were remixed in the drama adaptation?

(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the readalong!)

Our schedule for this round -- please sign up to host a post if you can!

tehfanglyfish

Guardian Readalong Banner

Welcome to this week’s readalong post!

To get caught up, you can read last week’s installment, or check out part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, and part 5 (or the !readalong tag) for the rest of the posts for this round.

Chapter 11 Summary: Zhao Yunlan throws Record of Ancient Secrets into the Wangchuan River. He is not fined for littering but considers the consequences of the book’s disappearance and decides to buy it again while in the past. He leaves the book in his old bedroom, narrowly avoiding being caught by his mother. Zhao Yunlan tracks down Shennong to question him, only to have Shen Wei show up before Zhao Yunlan can get the answers he’s looking for. Shen Wei returns the two of them to Zhao Yunlan’s home in the present where they talk, with Zhao Yunlan explaining how he figured out that Shen Wei had planted false memories in the Great Divine Tree. Zhao Yunlan both pushes and reassures Shen Wei, who agrees to tell him the truth.

Chapter 12 Summary: A discussion is taking place at SID headquarters about what Zhao Yunlan might be up to. Daqing realizes that Zhao Yunlan was involved in danger he was trying to shield the rest of the SID staff from and sends Wang Zheng and Sangzan to Zhao Yunlan’s home to look for him, but neither he nor Shen Wei are they were then arrive. Guo Changcheng receives a call from a ghost asking for help finding her daughter. Shen Wei takes Zhao Yunlan to witness the birth of the gui along with when Kunlun first discovered them.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are 89, 90, and 91.

Excerpts:

( Zhao Yunlan Inspects His Old Room )

( Shen Wei Exercises Restraint )

( Zhao Yunlan Is The Best )

( Boss Daqing Has A Moment )

( Guo Changcheng Makes A Promise; Chu Shuzhi Is Surprised )

Questions: What are your thoughts on teenage Zhao Yunlan from the clues we get in Chapter 11? How do you feel about the way Guo Changcheng’s ability to talk to the dead here compares with the drama? What stood out to you the most with Zhao Yunlan gradually learning the truth in these chapters? If you worked at the SID, would you rather have Zhao Yunlan in the office or Daqing stepping in as deputy director on days you went in? What do you think of Shen Wei’s approach to underwater breathing?

Feel free to answer as many or as few questions as you’d like. You’re also welcome to discuss anything else that resonates with you from these chapters.

If you’re interested in hosting an upcoming week, you can find available dates and sign up by visiting the new schedule.

facethestrange

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong! ♡

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 9: In Kunlun's memories, the young King of the Gui gives Kunlun a gift, retrieves his soul fire from the Great Seal, and gets kissed twice. Kunlun tells him to keep the soul fire, gives him the power to rule over mountains and rivers, makes him half-divine, and sets him free from the Great Seal. The King of the Gui doesn't want to let Kunlun die, but his death is inevitable. Zhao Yunlan wakes up from the memories and meets Ghost Face, who makes him doubt what he's learned about Kunlun's past. Shen Wei shows up and stops Ghost Face from talking. Zhao Yunlan mysteriously disappears.

Chapter 10: Zhao Yunlan is transported to a white void where he meets Shennong and suspects him of tampering with the memories in the Great Divine Tree. Zhao Yunlan is sent back to the Mortal Realm, but he lands in the past, in 2002. He secretly follows his father/Shennong's Mortar to Antiques Street and to the Netherworld. His "father" meets the Soul-Executing Emissary and accuses him of not honoring his promise to stay away from Zhao Yunlan. They argue about the Great Seal and what Shen Wei plans to do if it collapses. After watching them, Zhao Yunlan is left with even more questions. He finds that his copy of Record of Ancient Secrets is blank, and decides to buy another copy in 2002 to see if it ends up at the SID in eleven years.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are 87 and 88.

Excerpts:

( 1) The young King of the Gui's gives Kunlun a gift )

( 2) The two kisses )

( 3) Ghost Face airs his grievances and reveals too much )

( 4) Zhao Yunlan ends up in the past )

( 5) Shen Wei's ominous plans )

Questions:

What is your favorite soft (or angsty, or soft and angsty) Weilan moment in the primordial past? Do you sympathize with Ghost Face? How do you feel about the time travel storyline, and how does it compare to the drama version? Would you also immediately buy ice cream if you suddenly ended up in the past? Are you as confused as Zhao Yunlan about what is true and what isn't?

You can answer as many or as few questions as you like, or just comment without answering any of them at all! And if you see this post and you're not actually reading the novel: As always, I would love to know what you think about any of this with limited context. :D

And here is the new schedule, and that's where you can sign up to host a post!

trobadora

Guardian Novel Read-Along banner. Image taken from the cover illustration: tight close-up of Shen Wei in glasses and Zhao Yunlan smoking, staring intently into each other's eyes. Text reads: Novel read-along on sid-guardian.dreamwidth.org. 2 chapters per week, starts 9 November 2024.

Hooray the readalong! Hooray for everyone who's hosted a post so far, been part of the discussion, and for those who are lurking, too! We hope you're enjoying it as much as we are.

We're well into volume 3 of the Official Translation, so this is the home stretch. If you've been toying with the idea of hosting a post, now is the time.

Fans of the novel, the drama, or both are very welcome! You don't have to be keeping up with the reading – it's absolutely fine to just react to the quotes. We want to hear what you think! As you'll have noticed if you've dipped into the discussions so far, we also talk about the drama adaptation and do a lot of compare-and-contrast.

Please consider hosting a post or two, if you're willing and able to! Comment with a date from the schedule below! Posts should ideally be made sometime on the Friday or Saturday, in any time zone.

Schedule for the end of the rest of volume 3

Weekend of 20 June - vol 3, chapters 13 & 14:

china_shop
Weekend of 27 June - vol 3, chapters 15 & 16:

trobadora
Weekend of 4 July - vol 3, chapters 17 & 18:

facethestrange
Weekend of 11 July - vol 3, chapters 19 & 20:

china_shop
Weekend of 18 July - vol 3, chapters 21 & 22:

trobadora
Weekend of 25 July - vol 3, chapters 23 & 24:

facethestrange
Weekend of 1 August - vol 3, chapter 25 & epilogue:

china_shop
Weekend of 8 August - vol 3, bonus stories - Sage 1 & Sage 2:

facethestrange
Weekend of 15 August - vol 3, bonus stories - The Mountain Spirit:

trobadora
Weekend of 22 August - vol 3, bonus stories - Pocket Dimension:

china_shop

trobadora

Welcome aboard for this week's chapters of our Guardian readalong!

Here are last week's chapters. You can find all previous discussions on the schedule post (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 7: Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei argue about their relationship; Zhu Hong defends Zhao Yunlan by blaming Shen Wei, and Zhao Yunlan again tries to let her down gently. He sends Zhu Hong and Daqing back to Dragon City, then heads towards the Great Seal, with the timely help of the extremely convenient water dragon pearl from Zhu Hong's uncle.
Chapter 8: Chu Shuzhi returns to Dragon City after a break, carries Guo Changcheng's bag, and learns what he does in his free time. The entire SID is shocked about Shen Wei being the Emissary. Meanwhile Zhao Yunlan reaches the Ancient Merit Tree, and sees memories from being Kunlun.

The corresponding part in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are chapters 85-86.

Excerpts:

( 1) Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei have a romantic moment, no wait, a confrontation )

( 2) Zhu Hong's accusations )

( 3) Zhao Yunlan's self-assessment )

( 4) Chu Shuzhi's reaction )

( 5) An impudent god and an impudent gui )

Questions:

What is your favourite Weilan bit in this? Your favourite moment in general? Which SID character has the best moment? How do you like Zhao Yunlan's handling of Zhu Hong's feelings here? Do you think Guo Changcheng is doing the same kind of volunteering in the drama? Do you think Zhao Yunlan is being reckless?

(As usual, these are just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like!)

Our current schedule (a new one will go up soon; if you'd like to sign up to host a future post, please comment on the current schedule!)

china_shop

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong - in this post, we're talking about chapters 5 & 6 of volume 3.

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 5: Zhao Yunlan, Zhu Hong, and Daqing discuss the Record of Ancient Secrets, a book found in the SID library. They go to the Netherworld to investigate its provenance, keeping Leaves of Illusion in their mouths to keep from being recognised as living beings. At a bookshop where they're making enquiries, the little-girl proprietor says Zhao Yunlan bought the book.
Chapter 6: The proprietor says the Zhao Yunlan who bought the book 11 years ago looked the same. She warns him to be careful. A double-faced ghost finds them and shouts that they're alive. They get mobbed by ghouls. They fight back, but they're vastly outnumbered. Zhao Yunlan protects Shen Wei's coat. In desperation, Zhao Yunlan sets the city on fire, and they run for the gates only to find them shut. Zhao Yunlan feels something awaken inside him. The Emissary arrives and saves them. Zhao Yunlan hugs him and tells him to come home.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are chapters 83-84.

Excerpts:

( 1) Zhao Yunlan questions the name of his order )

( 2) The Netherworld is dangerous for living beings )

( 3) Zhao Yunlan is a repeat customer at the Netherworld bookshop )

( 4) They're accosted by a two-faced ghost )

( 5) Zhao Yunlan hugs the Emissary )

Questions:

What's your favourite worldbuilding detail about the Netherworld? Should Zhao Yunlan have left Zhu Hong back at the SID? Is Zhao Yunlan only polite to the bookshop proprietor because he wants something, or is he nicer to spirits when they're in their proper place? What is the deal with the travel diary that describes the Huangquan Road?! Do you think Zhao Yunlan carries Leaves of Illusion with him at all times, or did he stock up for the trip? How sad are you that we didn't get a Dixing bookshop in the drama? Any other thoughts about these chapters (and how they were adapted)?

(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the readalong!)

Our schedule for this round -- please sign up to host a post if you can!

trobadora

Welcome aboard for this week's chapters of our Guardian readalong!

Here are last week's chapters (the beginning of vol. 3). You can find all previous discussions on the schedule post (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 3: Zhao Yunlan escapes his father's scolding, keeps falling asleep, and is fed medicine by Shen Wei. Zhu Hong gets a visit from her uncle, who wants her to leave Dragon City. Zhao Yunlan surprises Shen Wei in the kitchen cutting his own chest with a knife, and learns what medicine Shen Wei has been feeding him.
Chapter 4: Zhao Yunlan sleeps at the SID, and the team gossips about it. Shen Wei brings clothes while he's asleep. Zhu Hong refuses to leave Zhao Yunlan's side, gives him a gift from her uncle, and offers to sever ties with her tribe if he wants her to stay.

The corresponding part in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are chapters 81-82.

Excerpts:

( 1) Shen Wei feeds Zhao Yunlan medicine )

( 2) Kitchen scene: Shen Wei is caught )

( 3) Kitchen scene: Shen Wei explains )

( 4) Zhao Yunlan's dream )

( 5) Zhu Hong's confession )

Questions:

Do you like the worldbuilding around borrowing years? What do you think about the kitchen scene, and how it was adapted in the drama? Which is more intense? Which do you like better? Is Fourth Uncle right to make Zhu Hong leave? Do you think Zhao Yunlan actually wants Zhu Hong to stay, even if he won't say it? Does it help with understanding what's going on that Zhao Yunlan is actively trying to puzzle out what's true and what's a lie?

(As usual, these are just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like!)

Our current schedule (which is also where you can sign up to host a post - please do if you can!)

china_shop

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong - in this post, we're starting volume three!

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 1: Guo Changcheng's uncle learns that Changcheng is working at the SID, and he calls Zhao Yunlan to invite him to dinner. Zhao Yunlan's being exhausted doesn't put a damper on his seduction attempts, but a leg cramp does. While Shen Wei massages him, Zhao Yunlan questions what he saw in the Great Divine Tree and questions Shen Wei about it. Shen Wei lets his hair down.
Chapter 2: The Magistrate and one of the Ten Yanluo Kings discuss whether Kunlun has been reawakened; if not, they might have to kill Zhao Yunlan's mortal body. Zhao Yunlan takes Shen Wei to his parents' for a meal; his dad isn't home. Zhao Yunlan tries to buy Shen Wei 5000 flowers and is flirty, then realises how much Shen Wei suffered while waiting for him. They track down Zhao Yunlan's "dad" at a teahouse, and Zhao Yunlan learns that his father is sharing his body with sentient dinnerware. Zhao Yunlan asks Shennong's mortar if it forged his memories in the Great Divine Tree. Zhao Yunlan's real dad appears and is kind of a dick, too. Zhao Yunlan fails to oust Shennong's mortar with a god-banishing talisman.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are chapters 79-80.

Excerpts:

( 1) Guo Changcheng's uncle and aunt find out where he's working )

( 2) Zhao Yunlan tries to be seductive )

( 3) Shen Wei's hair )

( 4) Shen Wei describes their life in the past )

( 5) Zhao Yunlan asks who )

Questions:

Is it reasonable for Guo Changcheng's uncle and aunt to freak out at the news of his job? What's your favourite Weilan moment in these chapters? (There are so many!) Should Shen Wei wear his hair long all the time? How does the Netherworld expect to get away with killing Kunlun-jun's mortal body, given how obsessed the Emissary is with him? How do you feel about jealous!Shen Wei? What was your first reaction to finding out about Shennong's mortar? Any thoughts about how moments in these chapters affected or were remixed in the drama adaptation?

(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the readalong!)

Our schedule for this round -- please sign up to host a post if you can!

facethestrange

Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong - we have reached the end of volume two! ♡

Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapter:

Chapter 19: (The whole chapter consists of Zhao Yunlan's memories of what he experienced in the Great Divine Tree.) Zhao Yunlan finds the Merit Brush, and sees Pangu creating the world. He remembers Kunlun's childhood, which includes raising a black cat yao and making a bell for him. Nüwa creates humans, and Kunlun points out that they are tainted with the three worms, making Nüwa regret her creation. Nüwa and Fuxi create the Great Seal. Great wars are raging. Kunlun agrees to look after the wu and the yao. Kunlun blinds a dragon, making the god Gonggong crash into the Buzhou Mountain and tear a hole in the Great Seal. The gui break free. Kunlun destroys the Pillars of Heaven, earning divine punishment and causing deadly floods. Kunlun meets the young King of the Gui. Nüwa repairs the sky and the Great Seal. Kunlun gives the young King of the Gui his soul fire and his tendon, making him into a god, and asks him to guard the Four Pillars. Kunlun dies and becomes the Soul-Guarding Lamp. Zhao Yunlan wakes up from his vision back in Dragon City.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are 76-78.

Excerpts:

( 1) Kunlun's childhood and his little yao friend )

( 2) Nüwa creates humans )

( 3) Kunlun and the young King of the Gui's first meeting )

( 4) Kunlun's death )

Questions:

Did any of the epic/sweeping scenes or images stay with you, or did you like the more personal moments better? Just how adorable are the young versions of Kunlun, Da Qing and Wei? How do you feel about this creation myth and what it says about humans? What do you think upset Zhao Yunlan the most about these memories? Any thoughts on volume two as a whole, or on the entire story so far?

You can answer as many or as few questions as you like, or just comment without answering any of them at all! And if you see this post and you're not actually reading the novel: As always, I would love to know what you think about any of this with limited context. :D

And here is the schedule, and that's where you can sign up to host a post.

There's no new post next weekend - enjoy the catch-up week! The readalong comes back with volume three on the weekend of May 9. :)

trobadora

Welcome aboard for this week's chapters of our Guardian readalong!

Here are last week's chapters. You can find all previous discussions on the schedule post (vol. 1 part 1, vol. 1 part 2, vol. 2), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 17: Chu Shuzhi is freed of the merit shackles; Zhao Yunlan catches up with the Emissary at Kunlun Mountain and takes everyone to the peak, Daqing transforms into human shape, and Shen Wei and Ghost Face battle, and the Merit Brush makes an appearance.

Chapter 18: Shen Wei returns Daqing home, Zhao Yunlan talks to his father, and Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei have sex for the first time. Zhao Yunlan is unwell in the aftermath.

The corresponding part in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation starts with the last third of chapter 71 and goes up to the end of chapter 75.

Excerpts:

( 1) At the foot of Kunlun Mountain )

( 2) Shen Wei's greed )

( 3) Shen Wei vs. Ghost Face )

( 4) Zhao Yunlan and his father )

( 5) Zhao Yunlan vs. Shen Wei's plans )

Questions:

How did you like the battle between Shen Wei and Ghost Face? How cool is it to see Daqing change shape? What do you think about Zhao Yunlan's relationship with his father? Any thoughts about the parallels in the drama? Do you like how Weilan's first time turned out? How would you have liked it to go, if not like this?

And the big one: I understand exactly nothing of what happens on Kunlun Mountain, or what's going on with Zhao Yunlan afterwards. Help?

(As usual, these are just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like!)

Our schedule (which is also where you can sign up to host a post - please do if you can!)

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Page Summary

trobadora - Guardian Readalong wrap-up
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Bonus Story: Pocket Dimension
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Bonus Stories: The Mountain Spirit
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Bonus Stories: Sage 1 & Sage 2
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapter 25 & Epilogue
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 23 & 24
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 21 & 22
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 19 & 20
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 17 & 18
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 15 & 16
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 13 & 14
tehfanglyfish - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 11 and 12
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 9 & 10
trobadora - Guardian Novel Read-along round 5!
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 7 & 8
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 5 & 6
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 3 & 4
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 1 & 2
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapter 19
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 17 & 18

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镇魂 | Guardian fandom noticeboard/community

Entries tagged with !readalong

Guardian Readalong wrap-up

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Bonus Story: Pocket Dimension

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Bonus Stories: The Mountain Spirit

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Bonus Stories: Sage 1 & Sage 2

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapter 25 & Epilogue

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 23 & 24

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 21 & 22

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 19 & 20

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 17 & 18

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 15 & 16

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 13 & 14

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 11 and 12

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 9 & 10

Guardian Novel Read-along round 5!

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 7 & 8

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 5 & 6

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 3 & 4

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 1 & 2

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapter 19

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 17 & 18

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January 2026

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