★★★★★
A quick warning before I start, I’ve already read this book before. This was my second time reading it, so my review isn’t a first impression.
Before I read this book for the first time, I actually watched the show first. It left me with a desire for more, so I read the books, naturally. I enjoyed the books more than the show, but at least I didn’t have to work as hard to visualize the characters in my head based off their descriptions in the book. I read until volume 6, then I felt like I wasn’t focused on the story enough—and you only read a book series for the first time once in your life—so I went back to volume 1 to do it right. I’m already on volume 3, but that’s not the topic of discussion for today.
So, the book starts out with a prologue that introduces the main character Xie Lian. I honestly love the glimpses of his past that we get throughout the book, because I’m very curious about the kind of person he was and what changed him. The book first paints a picture of his glory, then of his fall. When he ascends for the third time, the heavenly officials are already sick of him. But it’s clear that he still holds a profound amount of power in order to ascend in such a manner that shook all three realms. I appreciate any mentions of his strength, because I feel like Xie Lian’s character gets watered down to this quirky little guy, but he’s much more than that. Moreover, the heavenly officials themselves also underestimate him and sum him up to a mere “scrap god” (whatever that means).
Side note, I’m still quite confused as to what kind of god Xie Lian has ascended as. A martial god, I assume, since that’s what he’s referred to as for the whole series. But he doesn’t have a domain like the other martial gods. And I saw on TikTok (a dubious source, I know) that he ascended as a flower god during his second ascension? Whatever that means, I guess. And now he’s also referred to as a scrap god. So a trash god. It’s quite confusing for me.
But I digress, from the start of the novel, we see how Xie Lian is quite disliked by the other officials—enough to earn him the title of “Heavenly Official Most Hoped to be Banished Down to the Mortal Realm”. (Plus, he’s already 8 million merits in debt). He’s seen as a sign of misfortune, which only makes me more curious about how his reputation witnessed such a radical transformation. From being the darling of the heavens to a god of misfortune. Yet, he endures it all—the snide comments and the mocking whispers. I honestly yearn to have patience like his. But in order for him to have such thick skin, he’s obviously had to go through a lot. My first impression of his character was that it was unrealistic and overly perfect. How could someone have so much patience and confidence to endure this? But I later found out that is not what he seems.
My favorite plotline of the series would have to be the ghost groom situation. But before we get into that, can we talk about the fact that Xie Lian didn’t recognize Feng Xin? (I think it was Feng Xin). But either way, whether it was Feng Xin or Mu Qing, it’s still a blow to their ego to have their old (I don’t wanna say master) friend (?) not recognize them. Especially with their past, which is known to the other officials.
Another side note, I’d love to be in that communication array. The drama always seems interesting. I’d be like those officials who linger in the array all day just to hear drama.
I didn’t really understand the relationship between the Xianle trio (as TikTok likes to call them) until volume 5 or 6. Honestly, Xie Lian’s better than me because I would never forgive them. Not to sound like a narrow-minded imbecile—I get that there’s nuance, and I definitely would have done the same as Mu Qing and Feng Xin in that situation—but it would be a matter of pride. They saw Xie Lian at his lowest, and they left. He definitely has an admirably large heart to forgive them. And I do see their efforts (possibly stemming from guilt) of trying to help him. But the fact that they had to be undercover because they couldn’t put their pride aside and be honest about their lingering feelings for their old friend (who was always good to them, BTW) still rubbed me the wrong way. I still love them, though.
I digress (once again), back to the ghost groom situation. The dynamics of their trio lightened up the story for me, even if they were arguing all the time. Also, when Fu Yao and Nan Feng saw Xie Lian as a bride (LMAO)—I’m gonna leave it at that. It was in this first mission that we really got to see how intelligent, observant, and courageous Xie Lian is. Despite all the monsters they faced, he never faltered. Even when he heard the song of a child warning him, he continued to smile. This man had a mission, and he was not gonna disappoint. My favorite scene is definitely when Xie Lian is left alone in the bridal sedan and Hua Cheng comes to get him. Like it’s their first meeting. Such a special moment. And reading it back after learning their whole story just makes it more significant. Anyway, I just remember thinking that Xie Lian really was quite intelligent. He managed to capture the ghost bride with (almost) no casualties. And OMG, that was our first introduction to Pei Ming. Let’s just say I wasn’t fond of him. I love him now, though—he’s my king, trust.
Next, Xie Lian meets San Lang!! I can’t stress how much I loved that scene at the ox-cart. San Lang’s introduction is just chef’s kiss. Not to offend anyone, but I lowkey find San Lang more handsome and charming than Hua Cheng’s true form. It’s probably because of the boyishness (is that a word?) and playfulness in him. I could go on forever about that scene, but I’ll spare you. Just know that I love it and I love San Lang.
Also, Xie Lian’s Puqi Shrine is so cute! Like, he’s definitely someone I aspire to be like, because he’s so humble and resilient. After all that he’s lost, he still tries again and again, despite people’s view of him as a god. He starts from scratch in a small shrine. Hua Cheng even says it’s more of a home than his Paradise Manor (so cute).
Let me be completely honest, the Banyue Pass mission was not my favorite. Both times I read the book, I just kinda wanted to get it over with. But I still enjoyed it to the extent that I wouldn’t skip it. Banyue is so cute, and I felt bad for Pei Xiu. I felt like he had good intentions, but the execution was… uh, not so good. I do like his relationship with Banyue, in any case. Pei Xiu redemption arc when?
Can we talk about my favorite character, Shi Qingxuan the Wind Master? I love love loveeee him. Genuinely, he’s such a breath of fresh air. But every time they talk about how he and Shi Wudu are so impressive because they’re brothers from the same household who have ascended together, the awareness of how it’s all artificial hits me. Why have I not seen Qingxuan since volume 4 pls. Like, if I finish the series and there’s still no word about him, I’m taking it up with MXTX. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. Let’s enjoy Qingxuan while he’s here </3. I love his honesty and honorableness (ahem). Like he stood up for Banyue and held Pei Xiu accountable, even though few else would do the same. Especially since his brother and Pei Ming are best friends (three tumors honorable mention). And on top of that, he’s the one who stood up for Xie Lian when everyone went against him, and that really cemented my love for him. But that’s a discussion for volume 2’s review.
The end of the novel was so cute. The moments between Xie Lian and San Lang alone are so cute! (I need to stop saying cute, but I can’t help it.) Xie Lian really shocked me when he revealed that he knew of Hua Cheng’s true identity the entire time. He really is smart, because even if I already knew, Xie Lian never gave anything away that told us he also knew. And when he reveals that he knows about Fu Yao and Nan Feng too, it makes me marvel over how smart he is. He’s very observant yet never gives anything away. Plus, when Xie Lian says that Hua Cheng calling him “Your Highness” isn’t mocking like the others, it made my heart melt. Their relationship just feels so pure and exciting to me. AND THE RING WITH HUA CHENG’S ASHES. STOP IT RN. I LOVE THEM.
Overall, I love this book. It’s a perfect introduction to Xie Lian’s story. I enjoy the depth of the characters and how we are never told how to feel about anybody. And above all, I love Xie Lian. I don’t think I’ve managed to express my opinion on him properly during this review, but I’ll remedy that in the next ones to come. The only thing that I didn’t like about volume 1 was the slowness of the Banyue Pass situation—I felt like they dwelled too much on certain details that were unnecessary. But I can’t complain when I’ve read it twice now, right? Volume 1 never disappoints, and I started volume 2 immediately. I just love Heaven Official’s Blessing.
This book isn’t for everyone, but if anyone suspects they might enjoy it, they should watch the show and read the books afterwards. You either like it or you don’t, honestly. LIke if you enjoy it, you do so intensely. Maybe that’s a result of the series having eight books—you’d only read that if you’re really committed to it (or if you have a lot of time on your hands, I guess). I love it, I think anyone who gives it a chance might as well.
To end this review, I’ll leave you with some of my favorite quotes:
“Body in the abyss, heart in paradise.”
“If I like you, you could be a beggar and I’d still like you. If I dislike you, you could be the emperor and I’d still dislike you. Shouldn’t it be like that?”
“I promise, you won’t find another person more sincere than me in this world.”
“Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.”
