[Novel] Heaven Official’s Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 1

It’s never a good idea to browse the internet when you’re sleepy. Sometimes, it results in accidentally buying an entire series without meaning to. Now, I have 7 more books staring at me from my backlog lol. But, at least, I get to read the translated version this time. My brain cells won’t be fried from MTL like last time.

Summary from the back of the book:

A God Fallen… A Ghost Risen

Born the crown prince of a prosperous kingdom, Xie Lian was renowned for his beauty, strength, and purity. His years of dedicated study and noble deeds allowed him to ascend to godhood. But those who rise may also fall, and fall he does — cast from the heavens and banished to the world below.

Eight hundred years after his mortal life, Xie Lian has ascended to godhood for the third time, angering most of the gods in the process. To repay his debts, he is sent to the Mortal Realm to hunt down violent ghosts and troublemaking spirits who prey on the living. Along his travels, he meets the fascinating and brilliant San Lang, a young man with whom he feels an instant connection. Yet San Lang is clearly more than he appears…

What mysteries lie behind that carefree smile?

Tian Guan Ci Fu volume 1 is the most familiar book to me as I’ve seen the season 1 donghua many times. Still, I enjoy reading it.

One of the reasons I enjoy this book is because of Hua Cheng (HC). He has probably the best meet-cute I’ve ever read. He is an enigma. It takes him like, what, 30+ chapters before we see the real him on page. All of his previous “visits” are like teasing, a little cheeky, but all in good fun. It is a nice setup though, as it builds up HC’s character while maintaining all the mystery.

The first volume already paints the sprawling backdrop of the story and the wide range of characters involved in it. I enjoyed reading this more now that it has been translated, obviously, but also because the way the story is narrated feels like I’m listening to gossip. That makes it more fun to read.

I already have an idea of what would happen but it didn’t make the pain of reading taunts thrown at XL any less hurtful.

That cover is lovely too! So gorgeous!

Some lines that struck me:

He had never encountered anything he could not do, nor had he ever met anyone who did not love him. He was the justice of the Mortal Realm, the center of the world.

Xie Lian’s best feature is his compassion. But it’s a double-edged sword as it brought him both glory and ruin.

…Now, please look over at that golden palace. Do you see it?”

Again, Xie Lian looked to where she was pointing and saw amidst the haze of clouds the resplendent golden-glazed roof. “Ah, this time I see it.”

”It’s not right if you see it,” Ling Wen said. “There wasn’t anything there before.”

I love Ling Wen and her dry humor.

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

Isn’t that right?

Series: Heaven Official’s Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu)

Written by: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu (墨香铜臭)

Translation: Suika and Pengie

Cover Art: 日出的小太陽 (tai3_3)

Interior Art: ZeldaCW

Available at: JJWXC (Chinese), Seven Seas Danmei (English)

Volumes (English): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8