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Heaven Official's Blessing//TGCF: Episode 9 FULL LENGTH Reaction!

**FRUSTRATING CLIFFHANGER HEADPHONE WARNINGS**

I couldn't wait, so I went into this episode a few days after watching Episode 8...thinking (foolishly) that I would get some resolution and answers in this episode. *maniacal laughter* 

NOPE, instead we get an even greater cliffhanger. Y'all. WHAT?! At this point, I think it's safe to assume that San Lang is Hua Cheng and that he's going to be JUST FINE diving into the pit, but the question is, what will our sweet bean Xie Lian do? There's still SO MANY questions about our Half Moon Pass mystery, and I'm not sure I can hold myself back from watching Episode 10. Forgive me, y'all. 

Link to Reaction: https://share.vidyard.com/watch/tqQKmpJSgsrASu2Ko5adPt?

Thanks for watching with me and for the kind words and support! 

Heaven Official's Blessing//TGCF: Episode 9 FULL LENGTH Reaction!

Comments

That all sounds great!! No rush! :) And *laughs into the void* Episode 10 is SO good and Episode 11....wha....why the CLIFFHANGERS?!?!?!

Romaniablack

The mystery in this series IS already more complicated than MDZS (which makes sense, considering it’s a longer series) but I LOVE IT! And yes, the shortness of these episodes! @_@ A literal “cliffhanger” ending! I am looking forward to going back and noticing things I didn’t before with this show, so that’s exciting! It’s weird – it looks like maybe the tongue of the ground face went into his head or stomach – I’m sure that the novel will give more details, so I’m excited(?) for that, haha! This series is already quite gruesome, so that has me intrigued with what MXTX has in store for us…*nervous laughter* That makes sense that the caravaneer's went to the bathroom and snuck off under Yao’s nose! Thanks; I’ll have to bring that up in a future reaction! And luckily, I’ve watched the next episode, so I’ve figured out it’s not the same person. But please, don’t give me hints or clues or tell me to go back and re-look anything – don’t worry! I know I’m smart enough that I’ll connect the dots…it just might take time. ^^ I just don’t want my surprise when things are revealed that I originally didn’t “get” to be ruined. :) It happened with a future episode, and I was upset about it (not with you or anyone on Patreon, no worries). But YES, Zhao is…suspicious. VERY suspicious. I guess we’ll see where that goes. HAHAHA, yes, at this point, San Lang and Xie Lian have dropped all pretense of trying to even hide that they’re gods or ghosts! >.< And that is an interesting point about SL around XL – he’s clearly devoted to the point of kneeling at his feet in worship, practically, but if he’s HC, he’s one of the most powerful beings in this story, or we’ve been led to think that. Sooooo…lots of mystery and questions that I’m excited to uncover as I read, but yeah, our poor boy in red has slipped up a bit. It’ll be curious to see where that goes to in this! San Lang has lots of conflict in this and the microexpressions he has around XL prove it. Of course, XL is somewhat oblivious, hahaha! I don’t blame him for taking matters into his own hands! :) Thank you so much for the comment and kind words! I LOVE next week’s episode. Can’t wait to talk to you all about it!

Romaniablack

No worries!! I hope you had a great vacation!! :D I cannot IMAGINE the agony of waiting a week between this episode and the next – it’s so cruel and I know that when we get to Season 2, I’m going to be in the same boat as you all, hahahaha! And binging the book! Oooohh! Depending on how long it takes to get to Season 2, that may need to happen for me, too. We shall see! Ahhh, that concept of “falling” is interesting and we have seen it in this series already, so fun times! But also YES, the soft glances and microexpressions (especially from San Lang) are SO. GOOD. It’s probably my favorite thing about their dynamic and the series so far – how much “unsaid” glances and looks there are. Maybe it’s a trend (I don’t know since we haven’t gotten to SVSSS yet), but I found the donghua of MDZS was my least favorite adaptation, too, despite how I loved it! Hm. But yessss, I am SO excited to talk about the next episode. I haven’t been told about the “animation issue;” I’m not too worried about it, but maybe wait until the next episode. Sometimes, people start talking about episodes they think I’ve watched in advance and it can lead to spoilers, so I try to avoid that if possible. But you all know from Discord that I’ve watched Episode 10 at this point. ;) Not sure if I want to know if it’ll put a damper, though, hahaahhaa! BUT SERIOUSLY, I cannot believe we’re almost done with the season! Where did it go?! I’m going to poll people about season 2/volume 2 of the novel, but at least we’ll have a few weeks after this season is over to start Volume 1 and the manhua! :) I’m sooooooo excited to see what all is expanded upon that the donghua has left out; MDZS floored me and I’m sure this will, too! Thank you so much for the comment and kind words!!

Romaniablack

I'll share the videos through Discord when I get back from the doctor's (hopefully the mobile internet we've got will allow it, if not I'll send it at the weekend when I visit my Dad [and have proper internet!]). Can't wait to see your reactions to Episode 10 and 11! 😊

Anime Annie

Thank you so much for the kind words and comment! RIGHT?! UGH, San Lang out here, setting unattainable partner standards! <3

Romaniablack

OMG! I'm always moved to tears at the scene when San Lang jumps into the pit. Great reaction!

Blanca Choco

Thanks again on the help with the translations! That makes a lot of sense! I have been told we'll find out what San Lang said to Xie Lian, so I'll avoid any spoilers on that, but that makes sense with the lip movements -- we'll have to wait and see, eh? That also makes sense with the merchants sneaking off -- how dare they do that under Yao's watch, hahaha! I've watched a little ahead, but I'll have to address that! :) And thank you for the recommendations!! I have a "donghua" list that I've started and I'm definitely adding those titles to it! I really appreciate it! :D

Romaniablack

Thank you SO much! The 10th Doctor is one of my favorites, so I had to support him! :) And ooh…whatever you feel comfortable with! It can be shared on Discord, Patreon messages, through google docs or as a Mega share file – thank YOU for making these for me! Nan Feng looked so good in this episode! I love that fiery background around him in these shots, and Ooohhhh, yeah, his power IS limited…which makes him a scary person to mess with, knowing how he COULD be if they were closer! @.@ I love the concept that San Lang is NOT a mansplainer, hahahaha, and YES, their eye-communication is on another level; I love it! And yesssss, it will take me AGES, but I want to draw Xie Lian and San Lang as pirates now with frills. :) The parallels are THERE! I also love, like you note, that Xie Lian gets on people’s levels when he talks to them – and that’s good to note that he’s had experience talking to children. He really is a precious cinnamon roll deity! San Lang, you are probably one of the strongest beings in this series, and you get blushy with a hand-holding…this man… ^^ That’s a good point about Xie Lian being there 200 years prior; now that I know that once ascended, you basically stay immortal, I’ll talk about that in the next episode or in Ep 11 (which I just watched, bwahahahaha). And yeah, this series has a way of making you say, “NOPE” to certain aspects, haha! These two and their self-sacrificing natures! *sighs dreamily* Haha, and yessss, I have a feeling we’ll find out what is said; all in a matter of time, right? It’s still frustrating! And you all are far from evil, but this cliffhanger sure was! Yeah, I couldn’t wait after watching this episode – I’m sorry you all are waiting a week, but hopefully it’ll be worth it! I can only imagine what watching Season 2 is going to be like….*wrings hands* And YES, the pacing is great, but the episodes FAR too short! T-T Thank you so much for the kind words and comment!

Romaniablack

You aren't lying about the cliffhangers! I haven't been this frustrated at a show's cliffhangers in some time, but that just means I'm enjoying myself, right? :P I love how badass Nan Feng is in this episode -- he's got fire and he's going to USE IT! I hadn't thought about it that way, but yeah! Technically, San Lang's hairdo was done by a god, so it makes sense he keeps it, especially if that god is Xie Lian. :P And yeah, Xie Lian is really not hiding the fact that he's a superhuman deity, is he? :P OMG, now I'm REALLY excited for the novel, but YES, it's like MXTX went all out with this to be as disturbing and violent as she wanted...and we're barely into the story. *nervous chuckle* That "hold my shovel" is GREAT! XD Oooohhhhh, that makes sense with the bathroom break, hahaha! I'm going to have to note that for a future discussion! And thank you for the information about the Ban Yue language! That's so interesting!! And HAAAAA, yeah, I'm sure San Lang is going to be jusssssst fine. The other ghosts? Not so much.

Romaniablack

Thank you for the comments! I'm probably going to save the Season 2 trailer until after I read the first novel and review it and the manhua (by then, I'll be having donghua withdrawals, hahaha) -- thank you for the link! :D

Romaniablack

Oooohhhh, I'm so excited for the rest of the season! AGREED! TOO short of an episode! That is good to know that the Ban Yue language is pretty made up; interesting! And yes, Nan Feng was so badass and Fu Yao has all my curiosity -- I guess we'll find out more abou him later, eh? But seriously, NEXT EPISODE. <3

Romaniablack

That is hilarious -- both that WuXian would be advertising a face cream (because Xiao Zhan), but also that Lan Zhan would be advertising spicy foods. ;) Yeah, the violence in this series is QUITE different than MDZS; not that I'm complaining, but it is a breath of fresh air in a ways! Thank you for the note about the HMP people having a different language! That's good to know! And seriously, San Lang's like, "I love you, but imma half to yeet myself off this cliff now. No worries. I'm good." XD

Romaniablack

@PM, I hadn't thought about that, but she really loves her dramatic cliff(hangers), doesn't she? :P

Romaniablack

Hahahaha, oh, that feeling and heat isn't going away anytime soon with this season, is it? Thank you for supporting my urge to binge this season, though! I've not had the urge to binge with a show like this in a WHILE, which is saying something! :)

Romaniablack

This mystery is just getting good, right? It's a lot more complicated than the first one. This episode is way too short but at the same time...that was a perfect place for a cliffhanger ending. It's funny to watch it again and see a lot of tiny little clues that don't add up to anything useful - yet. I couldn't tell from the small video but the head in the ground's tongue flicked out and went right into that guy's ear - stabbing him in the brain and (maybe?) sucking his brain out. I don't know if the Netflix version shows it, but the original showing of the scene does give you a glimpse of it - gross. That scene is so disgusting - the fact he's been buried there so long he died and didn't realize it, and that it's not weird his tongue has become so long he can use it like a whip. Fu Yao...we last saw him sitting on the rock while a few of the caravaner's snuck off to "go pee" and he just let them go. So I don't think he's necessarily gone, just doing his job of standing guard over the poisoned guy - if some of them want to sneak off, it's not his problem. And they can't resist the chance to maybe loot some nice stuff from the abandoned palace. You might want to look again at the person at the top of the Sinner's Pit. They seem to be tied up there - like a prisoner - rather than "presiding" over the soldier-ghosts as the Imperial Preceptor would be if they are still loyal to her after she betrayed them for power, causing the slaughter of the Banyue people (Ban - yoo - ay). Keep in mind that San Lang is only telling XL and us what he's read - a story (not necessarily "history"). What *was* Zhao thinking? He looked like he was trying to push KeMo into the pit but LOL, nice try, little guy! Down you go! Kind of a pathetic/funny attempt but maybe brave? But also suspicious as hell. And here goes Xie Lian and San Lang both ditching their attempts to seem normal. Xie Lian starts chatting in a dead language, throws out Ruoye - clearly a magic weapon. San Lang finds the fern like nothing, seemed to know the dead guy was in the fierns, spouts all kinds of uncommon knowledge, jumps right into the Pit with a casual, "Be right back, bae," and his crooked ponytail waving. IF San Lang is Hua Cheng (yeah, he most likely is), and IF he's been waiting and searching and hoping to find Xie Lian again...then the reality of being around Xie Lian has to be weird for him. He's clearly devoted, he's acting very cool and trying to impress, but he also gets flustered/shy. Plus, Xie Lian got wounded on his watch and just touching XL briefly to apply the antidote made XL flinch in pain a little. San Lang/HC definitely doesn't want XL to suffer any pain at all, yet he slipped up already a couple of times and XL took some damage. We know by now that it's kind of impossible to stop XL from getting into trouble but San Lang doesn't like it. And IF he's been in love with XL, then touching or being touched has to be extra emotional. They give us a lot of internal and conflicting emotions for San Lang as he's dealing with this current version of XL, who is always so sweet even when he's been hurt, and doesn't blame anyone but himself for everything, and tries to take all the damage rather than letting anyone else do it. Into the Pit goes San Lang, to stop Xie Lian from going (good luck with that!).

Serralinda

I’ve been a bit MIA the past few weeks with commenting cuz I was on vacation. But now that I’m back home, I can get back up to speed, so be prepared to see comments from me again 👀👀👀 Ah this episode. I watched this series as it was airing, so watching these set of remaining episodes were always so agonizing to wait for!!! And I feel like the remaining episodes get shorter and shorter each time. I completely understand deciding the just binge more 😂😂😂 I wasn’t able to control myself either, that’s why I binged the entire book before the first season even finished airing 🤣🤣🤣 Across all three books, it’s an MXTX staple for one of the characters to fall from a high place (i.e. Wei Wuxian dropped into the Burial Mounds). This series in particular has many versions of that. Like the bandaged child falling from the wall when Xie Lian was a prince, and now San Lang falling into the pit (granted he’s more willing than Wei Wuxian was). But it also has a fall from a high place in a metaphorical sense—Xie Lian used to be known as “the Prince who Pleased the Gods” but has since then been banished twice and lost favor among both the gods and mortals. Again, MXTX is so good at It’s almost as if they’re setting him up to fall once again and have some devilishly handsome ghost king ready to catch him 🫢🫢🫢Now, whether I mean that literally or figuratively, that’s for you to find out 😂😂😂 Another thing I love about this donghua version is the subtle micro-expressions and mannerisms of San Lang. Just the little things like in the ox cart scene when Xie Lian catches his wrist when he nearly topples out of the cart, an almost disgruntled twist of his lips. Then afterwards, him twiddling his thumbs nervously when asking if he could stay at the shrine. Then when Xie Lian offers his bamboo hat to him and as he’s tying it, San Lang is looks almost uncomfortable to be “pampered” by Xie Lian. AND ALL THE SOFT GLANCES BETWEEN EACH OTHER SINCE THEN. Then in this episode, after San Lang gives Xie Lian the fern antidote, that quick glance San Lang immediately retracts, as if embarrassed at getting caught sneaking a glance at his belove—ahem, at Xie Lian. It also has a bit of shame in it imo, because he’s probably upset he wasn’t able to protect Xie Lian from getting hurt in the first place. All the little things that’s so subtle and quickly could be overlooked when a glance like that can tell so much about a character. TBH, the donghua may be my least favorite adaptation, but I do really appreciate all it’s brought us in like subtle scenes like this. Ahhhh, next episode is another one of my favorites. It was one of the episodes I was most hyped for in the season, and it really exceeded my expectations. Although, there was an animation issue that they took out of the Netflix version, but I’ll explain about it in my comment next week. I wasn’t sure if you were told about it yet, but then again, I can also just bring it up in the discord cuz it really put a damper on such a good episode. But can’t wait for next week! I can’t believe we are almost already finished with the season. It’s gone by so fast already 😥😥😥 and we’re still waiting on a release date for the second season! I hope they don’t push it back to next year…I don’t think I can’t wait any longer, I’ve already watched the s2 trailer a bunch of times, I would even settle for another trailer if possible!! But anyways, really looking forward to the next reaction! Glad you’re enjoying it so far, and I can’t wait until you get into the novel!! You’d be surprised how much they’ve explained in just the first chapter alone.

Kixkay

All the episodes are pretty short. White Cat Legend episodes are pretty much under 20 minutes, the last episode is 30 minutes long. No Doubt in Us episodes are mostly under 15 minutes long. For reference, Link Click is rated 9.8/10 by 123k people. TGCF is rated 8.9/10 by 167k people on bilibili. Seraph of the end season 1 is 8.6/10 by 14k. Vinland Saga is 9.8/10 by 77k.

FourSunsets

Very few people outside of China know these donghua, so they don't have a big international fanbase like MDZS and TGCF or Link Click. I don't think they'll ever win if put to a poll. However, the animation quality and storytelling is definitely on the same level (white cat legend is even better in my opinion) as MDZS and Link Click! I really hope you will be interested enough to check them out!

FourSunsets

White Cat Legend 大理寺日志 (rated 9.8/10 on bilibili by 115k people) Set in the Tang Dynasty of ancient China, during the rule of Wu Zetian/Wu Zhao, the only female emperor in history. This is a fantasy mystery (very heavy on the mystery and detective work). I can't say anything at all without spoiling something major, but this one is really REALLY worth a watch! It's my favourite donghua of all time!!! Currently, only season 1 is out with 12 episodes. Season 2 is scheduled to come out winter this year. The official release is on bilibili with english subs, but it's region locked. You can watch all the episodes at 1080p for free here https://gogoanime.be/anime/white-cat-legend-JAL4/.

FourSunsets

No Doubt in Us 两不疑 (rated 9.6/10 on bilibili by 33k people) Set in ancient China. The emperor and emperess accidentally switch bodies and now have to deal with each other's lives. A romantic comedy that also has elements of political intrigue and warfare. The emperor is voiced by A'Jie (VA of donghua Wei Wuxian) and the emperor's brother is voiced by Su Shangqing (VA of donghua Jin Ling and Cheng Xiaoshi). All 24 episodes (there are 2 seasons total, the whole story is complete so you don't have to wait for new seasons) are available on youtube with english subs. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBakWosU0sfhn-sWP508yUGD2gS8xRNMD

FourSunsets

Quick question though, would you be interested in checking out other good donghua that are not bl and is not well known to audiences outside of China? I promise they are all high quality animation with VERY intriguing stories!

FourSunsets

When A’Zhao said “I only know how to get into the city”, the correct translation is “I only know the location of the city”. When San Lang said “Half-Moon Kingdom’s King killed two innocent venomous animals”, a more accurate translation is “According to legend, the king of Half-Moon Kingdom killed two innocent venomous creatures. The two venomous creatures harbored resentment (towards the king or humans? The original lines do not specify). Scorpion-tailed snakes are their (the two venomous creatures’) descendants.” Remember in the last episode when the mortals said they needed to loo in a very suspicious manner? I think that’s when they slipped away to the city. When Xie Lian said “ I have no choice. I’ll just jump off”, a more accurate translation is “I have no other choice, let me jump off first” When San Lang jumped into the pit, the Chinese audiences guess that he said “Trust me” based on his mouth movements.

FourSunsets

RIGHT?! Hahaha, Xie Lian sure picks the hard ones to crush on, right? :P Thanks for the comment!

Romaniablack

Poor Xie Lian! What an emotional rollercoaster that poor cinnamon roll is on

Kamryn

No but srsly what is with MXTX and her characters getting yeeted off of death cliffs lol

PM

First up: fabulous t-shirt. Tenth Doctor is my favourite! Secondly: how and when do you want me to send you these two short videos? Nan Feng being so impressive with those fireballs. Especially considering in the previous episode they mentioned how with them being further away from where Feng Xin's temples are, his powers are limited. Xie Lian/San Lang silent communication level 100! I do admit to loving every time they do this. But yes sometimes it takes Xie Lian a little bit to come to an answer. San Lang never wants to just tell Xie Lian things blatantly/give him the answer. And he only speaks up when he feels it is necessary; i.e. there's no mansplaining here! I never actually noticed the similarity between Xie Lian/San Lang and Stede/Blackbeard (my own blonde moment). I may have to use this comparison for my friend who's obsessed with Our Flag Means Death to get them to watch Tian Guan Ci Fu! Little note, Xie Lian kneels down so as when he's chiding Tian Sheng he isn't scolding him from above. Makes me feel so soft. When studying to be a Primary School teacher this was one of the first things we were taught: get down to the level of the child. Especially considering Xie Lian's previous status of Crown Prince of Xianle it's quite the thing for him to lower himself like this. But just shows how precious our cinnamon roll is. Also suggests he has experience talking/dealing with children. Adorable San Lang getting semi-flustered over touching and holding Xie Lian's hand! Your "stranger danger" feelings are definitely in line with Xie Lian's! Xie Lian's so protective. Even of idiots that stupidly don't listen to his words of warning. As to when Xie Lian visited Banyue, it was before Banyue fell and was conquered by the Central Plains. The puppet said it was 200 years ago that Banyue was how Xie Lian remembers it. Your reaction of "Nope!" for the Sinner's Pit made me laugh so much! Just going by the name it's already a big nope, but when you see that it's a large gaping hole it's a definite no way in hell. Xie Lian is the self-sacrificing type, and wishes to protect the mortals in his care. San Lang is self-sacrificing type for his gege! But Xie Lian being so worried for him just gives you *all* the feels. I'm with you on the "TELL US WHAT HE SAID!" whenever a show has a character say something but there's no audio. No spoilers but you will find out what was said. I think we're a little evil in the discord telling you "yeah we don't mind you watching ahead" after Episode 8's end for you to then get this ending! But your reaction was fantastic. It was so hard having to wait an entire week for the next episode as it was airing. I do love the pacing for this donghua. No episode feels like it drags in any place. Though with how things go by it really does make you go "wait that's the episode over??"

Anime Annie

Not gonna lie, from now on, every episode will only end on a cliffhanger more frustrating than another LOL This episode begins with some fire-bending battle and the lady in black seems even more powerful than Nan Feng, the fireball she returns is much bigger than 5 seconds ago when it got thrown towards her. And gods really can't help to be showing off right? Nan Feng, if you are throwing fireballs at the opponents in front of you, why light up an entire building behind you?! just to make this entrance more badass? San Lang will make sure Xie Lian is safely protected, not even dust is allowed onto him! And if he's Hua Cheng and devoted to Xie Lian, that side ponytail is a literal "Heaven Official's Blessing" performed by the God himself with those mighty hands, it's safe to say San Lang will keep it from now on. Xie Lian(lifting a whole stone wall without breaking a single sweat): you ok, Zhao? Both the origin story of the snake and the whole sequence with the face in the mud got largely censored in the show, in the book it's a lot more disturbing and violent. And we can see clearly the mubface's obsession is "to get out of this (as a mortal ) and going home", that's why he denies the fact that he's no longer human even when facing his remains because that's what keeps him in this world. MDZS: putting a baby in the mud and pretending to bury him is fun and heartwarming. HOB: hold my shovel. The merchants appeared with the boy are the ones who claimed earlier that they need a bathroom break together, so very likely Fu Yao's still waiting for their return with the snake-bitten man... The "Banyue language" is not the same as Chinese, it's something created by the production team on their own. Kudo to their efforts. And fans across China has stated it's not a dialect or real foreign language, most likely they made the VA say gibberish LOL San Lang (yeeting himself into the pit): excuse me for a bit Every ghost down there: HELP we are surrounded by one person!

sqqlbh1314

I’m excited for next episode too, haha 😍

Kathy Cheng

HAHAHAHAHA i'm so glad you watched this ahead. But yeah this episode was wayyy too short. Ok, just to be clear, according to a student/friend, the Banyue Language is just a made-up language. Basically just a gibberish version of Chinese. It's not from any dialect or anything. Nan Feng was so badass in that moment😭 Fu Yao isn’t there—for reasons👀 I’m excited for next week! I wanna see how you reacted to that😂😂😂

Ivan is Yda

Hihi, remember to watch the official trailer for season 2 after finish the final episode of season 1 https://youtu.be/MXQOM5aoX-A

Kathy Cheng

Haha The Untamed advertisements were fun even unsubbed! I remember Wei Ying in white advertising some... face cream probably? And then Lan Zhan buying out an entire shop display of spicy instant noodles featuring the donghua Wei Ying on the package. That... people-slurping face was the moment I tacitly understood there will be no toning-down the violence in this donghua. At least for the 1st season. Just a tiny bit less graphic than book but still. I hope other seasons keep up. Half-Moon kingdom soldiers do speak the different tongue from the mainland Chinese, it would do Netflix good to reflect that in their subs as well, from the very first phrase. San Lang goes like "Okay gege no point in persuading you I'll just yeet myself off the cliff without letting you stop me" XD

Anastasia -

Nope, not me cacking at how heated you got as you realized the episode was ending. Just go ahead and binge you know you want too.

WuXian Suibian


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