sid_guardian | Entries tagged with canon: novel

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 mocks Ghost Face )

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!

facethestrange

2 novel Weilan fics, Zhubai fic, Zhubai art. :)

Found (472 words) by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian - priest
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Shen Wei (Guardian), Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Set During the Hanga Arc, Hypothermia, Confusion, Rescue, Hurt/Comfort, Identity Reveal, alternate identity reveal, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Summary: Maybe none of that happened. Maybe they're both in the hut, or in Dragon City, and Zhao Yunlan is not actually dying at the bottom of some mountain in the middle of nowhere.

Too Hot for Work (559 words) by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian - priest
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Shen Wei (Guardian), Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Hot Weather, Implied/Referenced Sex, Established Relationship, Banter, Zhao Yunlan Being Zhao Yunlan, Shameless Zhao Yunlan
Summary: "Fine, you work and I'll just do this—" Zhao Yunlan continues to unbutton the shirt, and then lies down with his face in Shen Wei's lap, pressing his forehead against Shen Wei's bare stomach. "You're so cold. This is heaven."

I Look Over at You and See Sunshine (894 words) by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, Chinese Actor RPF
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Characters: Bai Yu (Actor), Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: 5+1 Things, Fluff, Tenderness, Banter, Implied Sexual Content, (very non-explicit), Summer
Summary: Five snapshots of summer memories and one present moment.

But Love Is Long by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, Chinese Actor RPF
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Characters: Bai Yu (Actor), Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: Wedding, Wedding Rings, Hand Kisses, Guardian Bingo, Fanart, Drawing
Series: Part 8 of Zhubai ~canon~ but with more kissing, Part 5 of Guardian Bingo 2025
Summary: The wedding photo shoot, but it's not just a photo shoot this time.

facethestrange

2 Weilan drawings, 2 Weilan fics, 1 Zhubai fic. :)

I'm Fine, Xiao Wei by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Shen Wei (Guardian), Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Ye Olde Haixing Era, Catching Hurt Character as They Collapse, Character doesn't realize how badly they're hurt until they collapse, Character who is clearly not fine insists they are fine, Hurt/Comfort, Fanart, Drawing
Summary: Zhao Yunlan gets injured in battle and tries to walk it off until he can't anymore. (He still doesn't think there is a problem, though.)

Renewed Interest by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian - priest, 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Shen Wei (Guardian), Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Accidental arousal while cuddling for comfort, Implied Sexual Content, Awkward Boners, Cuddling & Snuggling, Spooning, Blushing, Fanart, Drawing
Summary: Zhao Yunlan may be exhausted, but he's not this exhausted.

Diplomatic Emergency (1091 words) by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Shen Wei (Guardian), Zhao Yunlan, Guo Changcheng
Additional Tags: Fuck Or Die, Extremely Consensual Fuck or Die, Established Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan, Implied Sexual Content, Fade to Black, POV Alternating, POV Outsider, Humor, Hand-Wavy Dixing Powers (Guardian), hand-wavy post-canon, a lot of hand-waving in general, Guardian Bingo
Summary: "I'm fine, you don't need to worry," Zhao Yunlan replies. "It feels a bit like my skull is exploding, but I'm fine. Oh, and everything is a very curious shade of orange, but I'm sure I can sleep it off."

"Orange? What did you drink last night?"

Tomorrow (376 words) by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Shen Wei (Guardian), Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Ye Olde Haixing Era, Alcohol, Attempted Seduction, Hand Kisses, Drunk Shen Wei (Guardian), Tenderness
Summary: Oh, Xiao Wei, I don't think you should drink this.

That's not something anyone can say to the Black-Cloaked Envoy in the company of his subordinates. So Zhao Yunlan doesn't.

Lie to Me (292 words) by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, Chinese Actor RPF
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Characters: Bai Yu (Actor), Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: Not A Happy Ending, but they love each other a lot, not a happy ending for Weilan either, is this character bleed? it's not NOT character bleed
Summary: "They really wanted it to be true."

Bai Yu knows exactly what Long-ge is talking about — Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan. And, more importantly, not Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan.

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!

facethestrange

Two novelverse fics and Zhubai art. :)

Let It Out (2475 words) by facethestrange
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian - priest
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Shen Wei (Guardian), Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: rough sex turns unexpectedly tender and/or emotional, Biting, Blood Drinking, Crying, Being praised for crying during sex, Praise Kink, Endearments, Anal Sex, Multiple Orgasms, First Time, slightly different take on their canon first time, First Time Bottoming, Canonical Life Force Drain, Porn with Feelings
Summary:
"Oh heavens, Xiao Wei, you look so beautiful right now."

The words slip out before he can stop them, and he's already mentally scolding himself for saying the least helpful thing when he registers Shen Wei's reaction—eyes wide, lips parted, suddenly so entirely unguarded that Zhao Yunlan forgets how to breathe.

Gods Gone Wild (731 words) by facethestrange
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian - priest
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Kunlun/Zhao Yunlan, Kunlun/Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Zhao Yunlan, Kunlun (Guardian)
Additional Tags: Self-cest, Hand Jobs, Naked/Clothed Sex, use of powers during sex, Dream Sex, Voyeurism, Shen Wei is not there but he is watching, this may read like dubcon at the beginning but it turns into very enthusiastic consent very fast, Zhao Yunlan Being Zhao Yunlan
Summary:
Maybe he shouldn't always believe himself, but this opens up so many tantalizing possibilities that he can't help quipping, "If this is a dream, can I just magic away your clothes?"

It's as hot as it is frustrating that Kunlun is wrapped in layers of perfectly arranged fabric while casually doing this to Zhao Yunlan.

"I didn't say it was your dream."

Can't Get Enough of You by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, Chinese Actor RPF
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Characters: Bai Yu (Actor), Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: shoulder kiss, Undressing, despite the tags this is not even a little bit explicit, Tenderness, Guardian Bingo, Fanart, Drawing
Series: Part 7 of Zhubai ~canon~ but with more kissing
Summary:
The door is locked, that's the important part. (The key card ends up on the floor.)

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!

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!

circumference_pie

Hello! A Discord server I’m in is also doing a Guardian readalong, and I rounded up the chapter correspondences from here to help the CN text readers. I thought having it all in one place might be able to help other people, too:

7s = Seven Seas translation
jj = JJWXC version (which one? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

Seven Seas Volume 1
7s prologue-2, jj 1-3
7s 3-4, jj 4-9.
7s 5-6, jj 10-11
7s 7-8, jj 12-14
7s 9-10, jj 15-17上
7s 11-12, jj 17下-20
7s 13-14, jj 21-22
7s 15-16, jj 24-25
7s 17-18, jj 26-28
7s 19-20, jj 29-31
7s 21-22, jj 32-36
7s 23-24, jj 37-39
7s 25-26, jj 40-42上
7s 27-28, jj 42下-45

Seven Seas Volume 2
7s 1-2, jj 46-47
7s 3-4, jj 48-50
7s 5-6, jj 51-53
7s 7-8, jj 54-56
7s 9-10, jj 57-60
7s 11-12, jj 61-63
7s 13-14, jj 65-68上
7s 15-16, jj 68下-71上
7s 17-18, jj 71下-75
7s 19-20, jj 76-78

Seven Seas Volume 3
7s 1-2, jj 79-80
7s 3-4, jj 81-82
7s 5-6, jj 83-84
7s 7-8, jj 85-86
… tbc.

Thank you to cathyw for the first few, and all the post hosts for the rest!

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

facethestrange
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!)

facethestrange

Yeah, it's been 3 days and 4 new works since my last post... :D There's one tiny SID ensemble ficlet, and everything else is Zhubai (2 fics, 1 art).

It's Not Whining, It's Poetry (68 words) by facethestrange
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018), 镇魂 | Guardian - priest
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Da Qing & Special Investigation Division | SID Ensemble (Guardian)
Characters: Da Qing (Guardian), Special Investigation Division | SID Ensemble (Guardian)
Additional Tags: Humor, Haiku, Background Relationships, (all of them), Special Investigation Division | SID Ensemble Shenanigans (Guardian), POV Da Qing (Guardian)
Summary: Da Qing is very, very bored at work. Bored enough to write haiku.

So Much More Delicious (446 words) by facethestrange
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, Chinese Actor RPF
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Characters: Bai Yu (Actor), Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: Non-Explicit Sex, Established Relationship, Fluff, Banter, Tenderness
Summary: Bai Yu's embrace and his soft, sleepy voice are even warmer than the morning sunshine that fills the hotel room, and Zhu Yilong basks in them happily for a moment before replying. "Mhm. You were talking in your sleep."

You Melt Like Sugar (443 words) by facethestrange
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, Chinese Actor RPF
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Characters: Bai Yu (Actor), Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: Implied/Referenced Sex, Established Relationship, Finger Sucking, Lollipops, Banter, Tenderness
Summary: "You and this lollipop— The things it did to me, Long-ge."

They're idly scrolling through fan comments, Long-ge's head on Bai Yu's chest, and a gif of young Shen Wei doing downright obscene things with the candy sends Bai Yu down the memory lane.

"You're the one to talk."

It's (Not) What It Looks Like by facethestrange
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, Chinese Actor RPF
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Characters: Bai Yu (Actor), Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: Kissing, Fanart, Drawing
Series: Part 6 of Zhubai ~canon~ but with more kissing
Summary: This one still that looks like this. :) (Gif context.)

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!

facethestrange

... aka

seasonsofdrabbles author reveals! ♡

These are all 5 of the Guardian fics in the collection. Three of them are mine, and the other two are gifts I got, but they would absolutely be exactly as rec-worthy if they weren't my gifts. :D

Drama:

The Offer (300 words) by facethestrange
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Shen Wei (Guardian), Zhao Yunlan
Additional Tags: Episode Tag, Episode: e014 Zhao Yunlan Is on High Energy, Flirting, First Kiss, Zhao Yunlan Being Zhao Yunlan, Triple Drabble
Summary: Shen Wei is teasing him. It may be unexpected, but it's definitely not unwelcome, and Zhao Yunlan can work with that.

Novel:

Emphatic No (300 words) by facethestrange
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian - priest
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Da Qing & Zhao Yunlan, Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Zhao Yunlan, Da Qing (Guardian)
Additional Tags: Canon-typical shenanigans, Established Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan, Innuendo, Triple Drabble
Summary: Daqing doesn't like the contents of Zhao Yunlan's phone.

blood spell (200 words) by treescape
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian - priest
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan
Characters: Zhao Yunlan, Shen Wei (Guardian)
Additional Tags: Blood, wound licking, Double Drabble, Post-Canon
Summary: Shen Wei tends to one of Zhao Yunlan's wounds.

RPF:

You Like What You See? (300 words) by facethestrange
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, Chinese Actor RPF
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Characters: Bai Yu (Actor), Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: Resolved Mutual Pining, Sexual Tension, Triple Drabble
Summary: He's had dreams like this before, more times than he can count. And that's exactly where his wishful thinking and wayward interpretations belong. The real Long-ge doesn't— Does he?

no finer details than yours (905 words) by MistressKat
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Bai Yu/Zhu Yilong
Additional Tags: Drabble Sequence, Sensuality, Getting Together, Drabble Series/Sequence (Mix & Match)
Summary: Anything is possible when you want it bad enough.

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!

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facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 23 & 24
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 21 & 22
facethestrange - My latest Guardian fanworks
facethestrange - My latest Guardian fanworks
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 19 & 20
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 17 & 18
facethestrange - My latest Guardian fanworks
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 15 & 16
facethestrange - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 9 & 10
circumference_pie - Aggregated Seven Seas-JJWXC chapter correspondences
trobadora - Guardian Novel Read-along round 5!
trobadora - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 7 & 8
facethestrange - My latest Guardian fanworks
china_shop - Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 5 & 6
facethestrange - My latest Guardian fanworks + recs!
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

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镇魂 | Guardian fandom noticeboard/community

Entries tagged with canon: novel

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 23 & 24

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 21 & 22

My latest Guardian fanworks

My latest Guardian fanworks

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 19 & 20

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 17 & 18

My latest Guardian fanworks

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 15 & 16

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 9 & 10

Aggregated Seven Seas-JJWXC chapter correspondences

Guardian Novel Read-along round 5!

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 7 & 8

My latest Guardian fanworks

Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 5 & 6

My latest Guardian fanworks + recs!

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

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July 2025

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