absolutely nuts how unique this plot is, how hilarious and memorable the characters are, and how every interaction between xie lian and hua cheng makes me want to throw myself against the wall and scream because of how precious they are.

Hua Cheng chuckled lightly from behind the curtains.
Xie Lian's heart skipped a beat.

want to read it? check out this carrd!

i’ve heard so much about this series, but never knew where to start, so i originally watched the donghua — and down the rabbit hole i went. i had to know more after the first season, and so here i am, having finished the first arc/book, emotionally distraught and mentally wrecked, but now completely obsessed.

every chapter is jam-packed with content and the pace never lets up yet also never leaves the reader behind. the weaving of storylines and seemingly innocent events is masterful and always catches me by surprise by how everything is connected, building a beautiful tapestry that has the red string of fate woven in every scene. the amount of “oh my god, it’s all connected” that came out of my mouth is horrible. and this was just the first book.

And thus, the crown prince said the famous words: "Body in abyss, heart in paradise."

xie lian is one of those treasured characters that has been through so much devastating experiences yet still chooses to be kind and gracious. that doesn’t mean he’s a perfect saint — and he knows that — but he always tries to treat others with kindness and respect, and that path to life is an honorable and admirable one. if you haven’t guessed it, he’s one of my new comfort characters.

He himself had been the only one who went to greet every single heavenly official inside the communication array out of excitement the first time he ascended, incomparably earnest and exceedingly thorough in introducing himself from head to toe.

he’s hilarious, lighthearted, diligent, humble, thoughtful yet is the type to want to redirect all of a person’s hatred towards him rather than have that hate directed towards numerous other people. he’s selfless and collects scraps, but still has some pride. he gets lost in his thoughts sometimes, yet makes impulsive choices that could get him possibly hurt. he's the laughingstock of the three realms yet he maintains his dignity and authenticity. he’s such an impressively crafted main character — he’s so human. he’s brilliant, beautiful, and flawed and i love him so much. i would say i would maim anybody that would dare hurt him, but i think hua cheng already got that locked down.

"I promise, you won't find another person more sincere than me in this world," Hua Cheng replied.

i know people say "i only have eyes for you" but hua cheng literally only has eyes for xie lian in every scene — the only exceptions are when hua cheng has to take down every single thing that made a mean glance towards his precious boyfriend. and i've literally only seen hua cheng smiling and laughing whenever he's with xie lian. and it could be the littlest things, like xie lian showing up or xie lian having a half-eaten bun, but it still cracks hua cheng up. you know how adorable that is for somebody that basically scares everybody off and is essentially the leader of hell? get you a lover that's only soft for you. get you a lover that will carry you bridal-style because the floor is dirty from all the blood they shed. also spoiler: what is that ring?? that hua cheng gave xie lian?? is it his ashes???

The one who had come grasped his hand, but the hold wasn't too firm, as if afraid he'd be hurt. He somehow gave the impression of treating him with the utmost care.

i also adore the various side characters that are introduced later on: the boisterous and easily likeable wind master shi qingxuan that's xie lian's new heavenly bff, feng xin who is hilariously terrified of women (his number one fear are women bathhouses), and more!

this is my new obsession. and i am prepared to sink even further as i continue this series. read this!!!! for the sake of the heavenly realm, just do it!!! and with that, i'm off to book two!