sid_guardian | Entries tagged with !readalong

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 2, chapters 13 & 14:
Weekend of 27 June - vol 2, chapters 15 & 16:
Weekend of 4 July - vol 3, chapters 17 & 18:
Weekend of 11 July - vol 3, chapters 19 & 20:
Weekend of 18 July - vol 3, chapters 21 & 22:
Weekend of 25 July - vol 3, chapters 23 & 24:
Weekend of 1 August - vol 3, chapter 25 & epilogue:
Weekend of 8 August - vol 3, bonus stories - Sage 1 & Sage 2:
Weekend of 15 August - vol 3, bonus stories - The Mountain Spirit:
Weekend of 22 August - vol 3, bonus stories - The Pocket Dimension:

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!)

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 on the schedule post (vol. 1 part 1, vol. 1 part 2, vol. 2), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 15: Zhao Yunlan takes Shen Wei to their still-unfinished new place, and gives him the key. Shen Wei receives bad news from the Netherworld - black clouds have formed in the thirty-third heaven, which hasn't happened for 800 years. Zhao Yunlan suspects that it was caused by Ghost Face, but Shen Wei doesn't explain and leaves for the Netherworld. Zhao Yunlan asks Daqing about Kunlun-jun, but Daqing doesn't remember much. He tells Daqing that Shen Wei is the Soul-Executing Emissary.

Chapter 16: Zhao Yunlan asks Daqing about the Emissary's origin, and Daqing thinks he couldn't have been born from the Netherworld because he's older than the Netherworld. Back at the SID, Zhao Yunlan talks to Sangzan and does research. Information about Kunlun seems to be deliberately erased, so he reads other closely related ancient stories. He thinks that Ghost Face wants to collect the Four Hallowed Artifacts to destroy the Four Pillars that hold up the sky. Chu Shuzhi doesn't regret his crimes and has a fight with Zhao Yunlan about it, until Zhao Yunlan magically binds him to a chair. The Magistrate visits, and asks Zhao Yunlan to go to Kunlun Mountain to stop Ghost Face from acquiring the Merit Brush. He's not fully truthful, and Zhao Yunlan sees right through it. He uses this opportunity to get Chu Shuzhi's merit shackles removed, and agrees to go to Kunlun Mountain, despite a letter from Shen Wei telling him not to agree to anything.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are:
Chapter 15: From about 1/5 into chapter 68 up to the end of that chapter.
Chapter 16: From the start of chapter 69 until about 2/3 into chapter 71.

Excerpts:

( 1) Zhao Yunlan gives Shen Wei the key to their new place )

( 2) Daqing's reaction to Shen Wei being the Soul-Executing Emissary )

( 3) Sangzan's insight helps Zhao Yunlan figure things out )

( 4) Guo Changcheng continues to follow Chu Shuzhi )

( 5) Zhao Yunlan gets Chu Shuzhi's merit shackles removed )

Questions:

What do you like the most about Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei's new place, and would you like to live there? What do you think Chu Shuzhi's neighbors think about him? Is the primordial past/mythology storyline easy for you to follow? Would you hate or enjoy being in a battle of wits with Zhao Yunlan? What's your favorite Chuguo moment and/or your favorite Weilan moment?

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

Hooray the readalong! Cheers to everyone who's hosted a post so far, been part of the discussion, and to those who are lurking, too!

We're nearing the end of volume 2 of the Official Translation, and heading into volume 3. If you've been meaning to catch up or jump in, now is a great time!

Fans of the novel, the drama, or both are very welcome! You don't even 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 volume 2 / start of volume 3

Weekend of 18 April - vol 2, chapters 17 & 18:

trobadora
Weekend of 25 April - vol 2, chapter 19:

facethestrange
Weekend of 2 May - no new post; catch-up time!
Weekend of 9 May - vol 3, chapters 1 & 2:

china_shop
Weekend of 16 May - vol 3, chapters 3 & 4:

trobadora
Weekend of 23 May - vol 3, chapters 5 & 6:

china_shop
Weekend of 30 May - vol 3, chapters 7 & 8:

trobadora
Weekend of 6 June - vol 3, chapters 9 & 10:

facethestrange
Weekend of 13 June - vol 3, chapters 11 & 12:

tehfanglyfish

china_shop

Welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong! Here are last week's chapters, and 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 13: Zhao Yunlan calls Shen Wei "Xiao-Wei" to defuse his fury at the Crows, and they leave the Yao Market. Daqing asks the Crows about his bell. The SID celebrates Lunar New Year's Eve with a party. Zhao Yunlan asks about Shen Wei's name. Chu Shuzhi leaves the SID library in a mood; Daqing tells Guo Changcheng to accompany him home. Zhao Yunlan arranges for Shen Wei to be called in to work so he can present Shen Wei with fait accompli cohabitation, but then he finds the portrait room and sends the movers away. Zhao Yunlan, Shen Wei and Daqing go to see Zhao Yunlan's parents, and Zhao Yunlan comes out to his mother.
Chapter 14: Changcheng follows Chu Shuzhi home; Chu Shuzhi tries to scare him off with cannibalism talk. Changcheng perseveres. Chu Shuzhi advises Changcheng to stop wasting time collecting so many merits; then he disappears. Zhao Yunlan tells Shen Wei he came out. Daqing tells Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei that Lao-Chu's merit shackles were due to be removed but the Netherworld reneged. Shen Wei's knowledge and questions make Daqing suspicious about his identity. Zhao Yunlan sends a message telling Chu Shuzhi to come to the SID.
Phew! That's a lot!

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are:
Vol. 2 Ch. 13: ch. 64-66
Vol. 2 Ch. 14: ch. 67 and about the first fifth or so of ch. 68

Excerpts:
( 1. The SID Lunar New Year's Eve party )
( 2) Zhao Yunlan asks about Shen Wei's name )
( 3) Zhao Yunlan sees the portrait of Kunlun-jun )
( 4) Zhao Yunlan comes out to his mother )
( 5) Chu Shuzhi gives Guo Changcheng some advice )

Questions:
On a scale of 1 to 10, how many feels do you have about the "Xiao-Wei" moment and how hard it mashes Shen Wei in the feels? Do you have a sense of why the Crows are breaking up with the rest of the Yao / helping Ghost Face? Thoughts on Daqing's being the one to send Guo Changcheng to accompany Chu Shuzhi, and generally taking up the mantle of leader in Zhao Yunlan's absence? Would you subscribe to the “Lord Meow Number One in the World” account? Zhao Yunlan's "Surprise! We're living together now!" plan: good idea / bad idea / it only works because it's them idea? On a scale of 1 to 10, how discomfiting is it for Zhao Yunlan to find Shen Wei's portrait room? On a scale of 1 to 10, how discomfiting is it for Shen Wei to meet Zhao Yunlan's mother? (Where is Zhao Yunlan's dad? Surely he should be there!) Zhao Yunlan's coming out speech: any notes? Does Chu Shuzhi really think Guo Changcheng's accumulating merits is a pointless waste of time, or is he just bitter because the Netherworld screwed him?

Poll #32943 SID Lunar New Year's Eve party

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

View Respondents

What's your favourite detail from the SID Lunar New Year's Eve party?

View Answers

Guo Changcheng polishing his work ID with a microfiber cloth
3 (50.0%)

Chu Shuzhi, Lin Jing, Zhu Hong, and Daqing playing mahjong
0 (0.0%)

Daqing's mahjong chips turning into dried fish (and him eating them)
5 (83.3%)

Lao-Li pole-dancing around a giant femur
1 (16.7%)

Sang Zan and Wang Zheng doing their Hanga dance
1 (16.7%)

Shen Wei letting Zhao Yunlan use his thigh as a pillow
3 (50.0%)

other
0 (0.0%)

(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

Whether you've been with us all the way, are just catching up, or are newly joining in - welcome to this week's chapters!

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

This week's chapters:

Chapter 11: Zhao Yunlan goes to the SID while blind, figuring out how to properly use his Heavenly Eye along the way. He establishes some new rules for the SID and begins to research Kunlun. They hear about the Yao Market, which should have a cure for his eyesight.
Chapter 12: Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan are domestic and soft, and Daqing takes Shen Wei's measure. Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan visit the Yao Market and get their cure. Shen Wei claims not to know details about ancient times. The Crows arrive.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are 61-63.

Excerpts:

( 1) Shen Wei's merits )

( 2) What Zhu Hong sees )

( 3) Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan talk about Zhu Hong and are very soft )

( 4) Daqing questions Shen Wei )

( 5) Shen Wei keeps secrets )

Questions:

I have so many feelings about the merits just washing away from Shen Wei - how about you? What do you think about Zhao Yunlan essentially locking down the SID without explanation - and what does his team think about it? Did Zhao Yunlan really not notice Zhu Hong's feelings before? How do you like the Yao Market? (Does it remind you of scenes from historical dramas, too?) And we've got a few things in these chapters with parallels in the drama - any thoughts about those?

(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!)

facethestrange

But first, a reminder that sign-ups are open for the 520 Day Guardian Reverse Exchange! ♡

The 520 Reverse Exchange covers the Guardian novel, drama and RPF. And it's multimedia - see our info/rules/schedule post for the kinds of offers you can make.

As it's a reverse exchange, it has a two-part sign-up process: first you make your offer, and then you choose from everyone else's anonymised offers to make your requests. Part 1 of sign-ups (offers) is open until 11:59pm UTC on Friday 28 March 2025. (What time is that for me?) Only people who’ve signed up with an offer can participate and make requests.

Sign up with your offers here!

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 on the schedule post (vol. 1 part 1, vol. 1 part 2, vol. 2), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 9: Shen Wei goes to the Netherworld to temporarily mend the Great Seal that is falling apart. Daqing visits Sangzan in the library. Daqing's cultivation is too low to read Soul Book, which Zhao Yunlan has learned sorcery from. In West Plum Village, Zhao Yunlan encounters and fights a crow yao, who uses a bell to blind him and force some of Kunlun's memories on him. Ghost Face brings unconscious Zhao Yunlan back to Shen Wei.

Chapter 10: Zhao Yunlan wakes up blind, but adjusts to his blindness very quickly. It turns out that the bell that hurt him used to be Daqing's before it was lost. Zhao Yunlan gains access to his Heavenly Eye, watches Shen Wei with it, and locates his missing soul fire in Shen Wei's pendant. He tries to seduce Shen Wei when a reaper visits his apartment. He hides Shen Wei from the reaper, and then falls asleep in Shen Wei's arms and has a mysterious dream.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are 57 to 60.

Excerpts:

( 1) Daqing is worried about Zhao Yunlan )

( 2) Zhao Yunlan loses the fight to the crow yao )

( 3) Zhao Yunlan adjusts to his blindness )

( 4) Daqing's bell )

( 5) Shen Wei, as seen by Zhao Yunlan's Heavenly Eye )

( 6) Zhao Yunlan's dream )

Questions:

Which of the supernatural imagery is your favorite - the fight with the crow yao, the warm light inside Shen Wei, the Great Seal, something else? Did you enjoy the Daqing and Sangzan interaction, or do you think Sangzan deserves better treatment? Do you think Shen Wei should have known that Zhao Yunlan didn't listen to him and went to West Plum Village? Which contents of Shen Wei's pendant do you prefer - soul fire or a lollipop wrapper?

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.

china_shop

facethestrange

Chapter 5: Zhao Yunlan brings Shen Wei with him to the hospital. Guo Changcheng sees a ghost of a legless man outside the window, which turns out to be a reflection of what happened in the past. Zhao Yunlan explains talismans to Guo Changcheng and uses one to open GCC's third eye. Guo Changcheng accidentally kills a ghost tormenting one of the victims and cures her. The victim is a mundanely terrrible person, and Shen Wei stops Zhao Yunlan from punishing her too much when he erases her memories. The legless ghost is targetting humans who didn't directly wrong him, so SID has the authority to deal with him.

Chapter 6: Despite the team's confusion, Zhao Yunlan wants Shen Wei to stay at the scene. Everyone gets a task and they set out to lure and trap the ghost. Shen Wei volunteers to participate in setting the trap, and knows a lot more about it than anyone expected him to know. Zhao Yunlan admits that Shen Wei is not an ordinary human, but doesn't reveal his identity.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are 51, 52 and 53.

Excerpts:

( 1) The ghost that Guo Changcheng sees )

( 2) Shen Wei explains Guo Changcheng's ability to see reflections of the past )

( 3) Guo Changcheng accidentally cures the victim )

( 4) Zhao Yunlan is very discreet (sarcasm) and also very discreet (no sarcasm) )

( 5) Lin Jing baits Shen Wei, and Shen Wei knows too much )

Questions:

How did you like Zhao Yunlan finally training the newbie, and Guo Changcheng's accidental moment of badassery? Do you approve of Zhao Yunlan punishing the woman? How would you react when you're doing super secret stuff and your boss suddenly brings an apparent outsider to work? And, of course, did these chapters give you any new Weilan feelings? ♡

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: Hi there, I always want 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.

facethestrange

Chapter 3: Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng write a report about their hospital investigation. The concept of karmic lines and merit marks is explained. It turns out that Guo Changcheng can see merit marks, unlike most people, and he has unusually many merits himself. Drunk and heartbroken Zhao Yunlan stumbles into the office and throws up in the bathroom. The SID team supports him (some more than others), and Chu Shuzhi calls Shen Wei to pick Zhao Yunlan up. Shen Wei shows up immediately.

Chapter 4: Zhao Yunlan is embarrassed and pretends to be asleep while Shen Wei takes care of him. Shen Wei steals a kiss and gets kissed back. Zhao Yunlan tells Shen Wei about the house he bought for both of them, and offers his heart the way he already did in the past. Shen Wei accepts, is overwhelmed with emotions and bites his own writst. They do 'literal sleeping together'. In the morning Zhao Yunlan makes some truly creatively flavored noodles, and gets called to go to the hospital - there are more victims.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are 48, 49 and 50.

Excerpts:

( 1) Karmic lines and merit marks explained )

( 2) Chu Shuzhi calls Shen Wei )

( 3) Shen Wei steals a kiss and gets kissed back )

( 4) Zhao Yunlan bought a house for Shen Wei )

( 5) Zhao Yunlan offers his heart, Shen Wei bites his own wrist )

( 6) Zhao Yunlan's noodles! )

Questions:

How do you like everyone's different ways of supporting Zhao Yunlan in his heartbreak? What do you think about Guo Changcheng's merits and view of his own life? And what are all your Weilan feelings? (Or some of them - all is a lot when it comes to these chapters!) And most importantly, would you eat Zhao Yunlan's noodles, and which flavor would be your favorite? :D

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: Hi there, I voraciously want to know what you think about any of this with limited context!

And here is the schedule, and that's where you can sign up to host a post! (This was my first time hosting and it's really fun, FWIW! :))

trobadora

We're on to the second volume of the official translation, and the Merit Brush arc! Whether you've been with us since the start, or are just joining in, welcome aboard!

Here are last week's chapters, aka the end of vol. 1/the Mountain-River Awl arc. You can find all previous discussions on the schedule post (vol. 1 part 1, vol. 1 part 2), or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 1: Guo Changcheng has an uncanny encounter; Sangzan is struggling with learning Mandarin; and Zhao Yunlan steals his team's food. Also, no one has any work ethic at the SID!
Chapter 2: Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng investigate; Shen Wei visits his bedroom and thinks about Zhao Yunlan; the Emissary visits the Netherworld, where the Magistrate is scheming.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC/the fan translation are 46 and 47.

Excerpts:

( 1) Food thief Zhao Yunlan )

( 2) SID work ethics )

( 3) Shen Wei's bedroom )

( 4) Netherworld shenanigans )

Questions:

How do you like the cover art for the second volume? (Larger version on Twitter.) What do you think about Chu Shuzhi's bedside manner? or the way Lin Jing, Zhu Hong and Daqing immediately dodge out of having to work a case? Shen Wei's thoughts about Zhao Yunlan's impending death? What about what's going on in the Netherworld, and the foreshadowing there? What about parallels with 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 (which is also where you can sign up to host a post - please do if you can!)

china_shop

Hi, all! Sign-ups are open for the coming round of the Guardian readalong (the start of volume 2).

Welcome to this week's installment - the end of volume 1! If you’re just joining us or need to catch up, here are last week’s chapters, and you can find previous discussions on the schedule post or via the !readalong tag.

This week we're looking at:

Chapter 27: Return to the city. Drinking with Lang-ge. A drunken Shen Wei kisses Zhao Yunlan violently and slashes his shirt open. When Zhao Yunlan protests, Shen Wei's body shuts down completely. Zhao Yunlan calls an ambulance. Doctors try to resuscitate Shen Wei, and Zhao Yunlan lights talismans. Shen Wei wakes up the next day in the hospital, and Zhao Yunlan calls him "my lord Emissary".
Chapter 28: Shen Wei confirms his identity. Zhao Yunlan is excruciatingly embarrassed about his behaviour over the last six months. Back in Dragon City, the SID team corners Zhao Yunlan into driving Shen Wei home. Zhao Yunlan invites himself in, and they talk about the Hallows and Ghost Face. Zhao Yunlan goes home and asked Daqing about his past incarnations.

ETA: Official translation chapter 27 corresponds to a little after the start of chapter 42 up to the end of chapter 43 in JJWXC, and chapter 28 corresponds with the start of chapter 44 up to the end of chapter 45.

Excerpts
( 1) Lang-ge is honoured by Shen Wei's toast )
( 2) Drunk, Shen Wei pushes Zhao Yunlan against a wall and kisses him )
( 3) Zhao Yunlan puts the brakes on )
( 4) Shen Wei confirms his identity )
( 5) Zhao Yunlan reluctantly offers to drive Shen Wei home )
( 6) Zhao Yunlan leaves Shen Wei's apartment )
( 7) Daqing says he looked for Zhao Yunlan for five hundred years )

Questions
- If you're familiar with the drama, how do you feel about the differences between the novel's identity reveal and the one in the drama? What about other differences in these chapters?
- Which "Zhao Yunlan & team member" moment is your favourite in these chapters? Zhu Hong's wordless understanding and helping Wang Zheng and Sang Zan out of Clarity? Lin Jing giving Zhao Yunlan a terrible neck rub? The conversation with Daqing at the end? Something else?
- If you're reading the official translation, do you have any thoughts about the Appendices: the character and name guide, the terminology, etc?

(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 starting from next weekend (and please do sign up to host a post if you can!)

trobadora

Hooray the readalong! A thousand thanks to everyone who's hosted a post so far, been part of the discussion, and to those who are lurking, too.

We’re about to start on volume 2 of the Official Translation, so if you’ve been meaning to jump in, now is a great time to catch up!

Fans of the novel, the drama, or both are very welcome! You don't even have to be keeping up with the reading – it's fine to just react to the quotes. As you'll have noticed if you've dropped in on 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 Volume 2
Weekend of 21 Feb - chapters 1 & 2:

trobadora
Weekend of 28 Feb - chapters 3 & 4:

facethestrange
Weekend of 7 Mar - chapters 5 & 6:

facethestrange
Weekend of 14 Mar - chapters 7 & 8:

china_shop
Weekend of 21 Mar - chapters 9 & 10:

facethestrange
Weekend of 28 Mar - chapters 11 & 12:

trobadora
Weekend of 4 Apr - chapters 13 & 14:

china_shop
Weekend of 11 Apr - chapters 15 & 16:

facethestrange

trobadora

Hi, welcome to this week's chapters of our Guardian readalong!

Last week's post (chapters 23 & 24) is here, and you can find all previous chapter discussions on the schedule posts (prologue, 1-16, 17-) or via the !readalong tag.

This week's chapters:

Chapter 25: in which Zhao Yunlan and the Emissary discuss destroying the Mountain-River Awl, Zhao Yunlan has questions and the Emissary gives no answers, and a surprise Ghost Face appears;
Chapter 26: in which the Emissary uses Zhao Yunlan's given name, they fight Youchu and Ghost Face, the latter tries to poke at sore spots, Sangzan makes an appearance, and the Mountain-River Awl melts into its true form.

The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are chapters 40-41 plus the very beginning of chapter 42.

Excerpts

( 1) Zhao Yunlan asks questions, and the Emissary doesn't lie )

( 2) Our antagonist makes an appearance )

( 3) Zhao Yunlan has opinions about masks )

( 4) Zhao Yunlan shares his philosophy )

Questions

Ghost Face, aka Gui Mian, aka Mianmian! What do you think of his appearance here? And about his interactions with Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei? And just what, and how much, has Zhao Yunlan guessed about what the Emissary is keeping from him? Why do you think Zhao Yunlan decided to rescue Sangzan, give that he knows nothing about the guy's current frame of mind? What about Zhao Yunlan's philosophy? And this is all pretty different from the drama, but any thoughts on the bits and pieces that did make 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 (and please do sign up to host a post if you can!)

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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
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 15 & 16
trobadora - Guardian Novel Read-along round 4!
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 13 & 14
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 11 & 12
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 9 & 10
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 7 & 8
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 5 & 6
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 3 & 4
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 1 & 2
china_shop - Guardian readalong: chapters 27 & 28
trobadora - Guardian Novel Read-along round 3!
trobadora - Guardian readalong: chapters 25 & 26

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镇魂 | Guardian fandom noticeboard/community

Entries tagged with !readalong

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

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 15 & 16

Guardian Novel Read-along round 4!

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 13 & 14

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 11 & 12

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 9 & 10

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 7 & 8

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 5 & 6

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 3 & 4

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 2, Chapters 1 & 2

Guardian readalong: chapters 27 & 28

Guardian Novel Read-along round 3!

Guardian readalong: chapters 25 & 26

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June 2025

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